Ethiopia prepares logistics master plan to transform the sector

Addis Ababa, January 9, 2024 (FBC) – Ethiopia has developed a master plan for logistics, intending to undergo a transformative process and construct a resilient logistics system.

This was revealed during a half-day validation workshop held today in Addis Ababa on Ethiopia’s Logistics Masterplan Phase I Diagnostic.

During the workshop hosted by the Ethiopian Maritime Authority, Denge Boru, the State Minister of Transport and Logistics, emphasized the pivotal role of logistics as the backbone of all economic sectors. He highlighted the necessity for a continual assessment and enhancement of the sector plan.

Denge recalled about the creation of the National Logistics Strategy (NLS) as a measure to rectify deficiencies and catalyze the transformation of the country’s logistics sector.

Preparing a logistics master plan is one of the basic issues set by the strategy aimed at improving logistical competitiveness.

Moreover, he pointed out that the Masterplan aspires for increased global competitiveness noting the pivotal role being played by the logistics sector to strengthen the country’s economic development.

Ethiopian Maritime Authority, Director General Abdulber Shemsu said the new master plan will help to identify gaps of the sector in terms of infrastructure, warehouse, and digitalization, among others and address them accordingly.

“We finalized data validation from government and non-government institutions. Now we are discussing with stakeholders on the developed master plan and how it will be implemented,” he stated as quoted by ENA.

Ethiopia’s import and export trade logistics are expanding in the global market, he said, adding that it is critical to investing in the development of the sector in terms of digitalization, infrastructure, and institutional capability, among others.

Economist at DT Global, an international consultant, Mark Pearson said on his part logistics is very important for Ethiopia’s import and exports trade.

Therefore, he elaborated that the master plan is vital to the economic wellbeing of the country.

“We can address the concerns and we can address the challenges of the logistics sector and we can then start reducing the costs of production.”

The Ethiopian Logistics Masterplan developed by DT Global, it was learned.