Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, 27 May 2025 – The Ethiopian Freight Forwarders and Shipping Agents Association (EFFSAA) and the British International Freight Association (BIFA) have formalised a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in Addis Ababa, marking a significant step towards modernising Ethiopia’s logistics sector. This milestone forms part of the Horn of Africa Corridor Efficiency Enhancement Project, funded by the UK International Development programme and implemented by TradeMark Africa (TMA). The initiative strives to enhance trade efficiency, strengthen governance, and boost business competitiveness across the Horn of Africa.
The MoU establishes a roadmap for ongoing cooperation between EFFSAA and BIFA, aiming to leverage UK logistics expertise through collaboration and knowledge transfer. The partnership is designed to provide strategic guidance to enhance Ethiopia’s logistics sector efficiency, support EFFSAA in becoming a well-governed and effective association, and offer technical, commercial, and capacity-building support to its members.
The agreement aligns with Ethiopia’s national logistics reform agenda and supports the regional trade integration goals under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). It also complements preparations for Ethiopia to host the FIATA 2027 World Congress, providing a platform to showcase the country’s logistics transformation to a global audience.
Steve Parker, Director General of BIFA, and Dawit Woubishet, Chairperson of EFFSAA, formalised the agreement during a signing ceremony in Addis Ababa. TMA, represented by its Ethiopia Country Director Ewnetu Taye, will play a facilitative role in aligning the partnership with Ethiopia’s national logistics reforms and regional trade goals under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
Steve Parker, Director General of BIFA, said: “This agreement represents a shared commitment to advancing Ethiopia’s logistics capabilities. By combining UK expertise with EFFSAA’s local insight, we will strengthen professional standards, foster innovation, and create a competitive environment that supports Ethiopia’s ambition to become a trade hub for the Horn of Africa.”
Dawit Woubishet highlighted the transformative potential of the partnership, stating: “EFFSAA and its members are ready to embrace this opportunity to build capacity, improve services, and contribute to a modern, efficient logistics sector. Our focus is not only on technical improvements but also on creating a dynamic business environment that drives sustainable growth.’’
Ewnetu Taye expressed his enthusiasm for the partnership, adding: “This collaboration is a landmark milestone for Ethiopia’s logistics reform efforts. It will deliver outcomes that benefit businesses, generate employment, and strengthen Ethiopia’s trade competitiveness in line with regional integration goals and TMA’s strategic priorities.”
As part of the collaboration, BIFA will also support Ethiopia in hosting the FIATA 2027 World Congress, offering a platform to showcase the country’s logistics transformation to a global audience.
The MoU sets a clear framework for action, with mechanisms for progress reviews and feedback.
