KEYIR NEWS - In a significant step toward enhancing trade and logistics ties, Ethiopia and the United Kingdom have engaged in high-level discussions aimed at developing Ethiopia’s logistics sector through institutional cooperation.
A recent meeting between Ambassador Biruk Mekonnen and Steve Parker, Director General of the British International Freight Association (BIFA), has laid the groundwork for a deeper partnership.
Held in the UK, the meeting explored key areas of mutual interest in trade facilitation, freight forwarding, and logistics management. Parker, who leads BIFA, an organisation representing over 700 member companies in the British logistics industry, emphasised the UK’s readiness to share its expertise and experience with Ethiopian counterparts.
A core outcome of the dialogue was the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed between BIFA and the Ethiopian Freight Forwarding and Shipping Agents Association (EFFSAA). The agreement is expected to serve as a catalyst for capacity building, technical exchange, and standards development within Ethiopia’s growing logistics sector.
“This partnership reflects our mutual commitment to strengthening trade connectivity and logistical efficiency between our two countries,” said Ambassador Biruk following the meeting.
The UK, known for its highly developed logistics and freight infrastructure, has long supported initiatives aimed at improving global supply chains. Ethiopia, meanwhile, continues to prioritise logistics sector reform as a pillar of its economic transformation agenda under the Ten-Year Development Plan.
Under the new partnership, Ethiopian freight forwarders will have the opportunity to access UK-based training, technical assistance, and possibly digital solutions to streamline customs clearance, warehousing, and multimodal transport systems.
Parker highlighted that the partnership would not only enhance professionalism and service delivery within Ethiopia’s logistics ecosystem, but also open avenues for Ethiopian businesses to better integrate into global value chains.
EFFSAA, representing the private freight sector, is expected to play a pivotal role in translating the partnership into tangible outcomes. Its collaboration with BIFA could support the development of improved freight handling practices, increased transparency, and compliance with international standards.
Officials also noted the alignment between this initiative and Ethiopia’s ongoing efforts to establish an efficient, reliable, and globally competitive logistics framework. The country has already begun expanding dry ports, modernising customs procedures, and digitising logistics services to improve trade competitiveness.
The meeting and subsequent agreement reaffirm the long-standing diplomatic and economic ties between Ethiopia and the United Kingdom. Both parties expressed their continued commitment to identifying further areas of collaboration that benefit businesses and consumers in both countries.
The partnership is expected to result in practical, on-the-ground improvements and to serve as a model for how strategic international cooperation can be leveraged to boost trade infrastructure in developing economies.