ADDIS ABABA – Ethiopia’s transport and logistics sector is set for a significant modernization drive, as the Ministry of Transport and Logistics (MoTL) and Ethiotelecom yesterday launched a landmark partnership.
Under the theme: “Driving Digital Transformation Modernizing Transport, Empowering Every Journey,” this collaboration aims to leverage digital solutions to create a more efficient, secure and user-friendly public transport system across the nation.
In his opening address ,MoTL Minister Alemu Sime(PhD) stated that the initiative builds upon seven years of policy and strategy development. He emphasized that the partnership will focus on key areas including the modernization of cross-border public transport, digital management of traffic penalties, and streamlined fuel marketing coordination.
“This is a way to satisfy people’s transportation needs by providing easy, accessible, and secure services,” Alemu remarked.
A critical aspect of the collaboration will be its contribution to road safety. He highlighted that since driver behavior is a major cause of traffic accidents, “the new partnership agreement would help to gather relevant data through a system aimed at taking corrective measures… in road safety issues.”
He also announced the launch of a digital platform for fuel marketing, designed to promote financial inclusion.
Ethiotelecom CEO Frehiwot Tamiru affirmed her organization’s ongoing efforts in constructing the necessary infrastructure to foster a “Digital Ethiopia.”
She noted the fruitful collaboration with MoTL over past years towards this national goal “Transport and logistics are integral to the daily life of each citizen and impact the social and economy of the whole people,” Frehiwot said.
She expressed confidence that this enhanced cooperation will “play a pivotal role in addressing transport challenges, thereby ensuring a competitive country at the global stage.” Expected outcomes include job creation, time and cost savings for citizens, increased financial inclusion, and an improved ease of doing business.
The launch event was attended by various stakeholders and senior government officials, signaling strong backing for the initiative.
BY MESERET BEHAILU
THE ETHIOPIAN HERALD THURSDAY 15 MAY 2025
