In Addis Ababa, the Ethio-Djibouti Railway transitioned to joint management by Ethiopia and Djibouti. For the past six years, the Chinese Railway Construction Corporation (CRCC) co-managed the line as part of China's Belt and Road Initiative.

This 750-kilometer electrified railway, Africa's first, began operations in 2018, linking Addis Ababa to Djibouti's port. At the ceremony, keys were exchanged, marking the official handover. Dignitaries from all three nations attended, including Ethiopia's House Speaker Tagesse Chafo.

Djibouti's Transport Minister Hassan Hamad emphasized the railway's potential to drive growth and regional integration. Ethio-Djibouti Railway's Executive Director Abdi Zanbadi envisioned future networks connecting the region, fostering cultural exchange. He highlighted the railway's broader impact, transforming trade, attracting investment, and creating jobs. CRCC's Executive Director General Peng Danyang commended the project's success, noting increased transport volume and successful staff training initiatives.

Source: Ethiopian News Agency