Ethiopia Makes History with First Livestock Export to Djibouti by Rail
Addis Ababa, September 23, 2024 (ENA) – Ethiopia has taken a groundbreaking step in livestock export, launching its first rail shipment of livestock to Djibouti. This historic milestone was announced by the CEO of Ethio-Djibouti Railways, Takele Uma, who shared the news on social media, saying, “Today, we are launching our first livestock export from Adama to Djibouti by rail.”
This innovative approach not only opens up new avenues for Ethiopian exports but also maximizes the efficiency of open wagons that had previously been used exclusively for imports. “By utilizing our rail system, we’re enhancing trade efficiency and adding value to our livestock exports,” Takele highlighted.
Switching to rail transport for livestock marks a significant improvement for the welfare of the animals, as the journey is smoother and faster, reducing the stress on animals and ultimately ensuring better-quality meat. This shift underscores Ethiopia’s commitment to building a sustainable and efficient trade network.
Moreover, this initiative reflects Ethiopia’s vision of strengthening cross-border capital flows and fostering closer trade ties with neighboring nations. This inaugural livestock shipment by rail sets a powerful example of how Ethiopia is prioritizing sustainability and modernizing its trade infrastructure for the future.