The Ethiopian Transport Employers Federation has announced that the process of importing 5,000 Russian-made trucks is in its final stage, aiming to modernize the country’s transportation sector and enhance regional trade connectivity.
Berhane Zeru, president of the Federation, told DW Amharic that the initiative will improve cross-country transport services, supporting trade and market integration. The trucks, sourced from Russia, will be assembled at Bazra Ethiopia’s plant in Kombolcha, northern Ethiopia.
According to Zeru, the decision to procure the vehicles considered Ethiopia’s terrain, fuel efficiency, and environmental impact. The fleet will include freight, tanker, and passenger transport vehicles.
While the cost of the trucks was not disclosed, the Federation is working with the Commercial Bank of Ethiopia to secure financing. Discussions for the purchase have been ongoing for over a year and a half.
Established in 2018, the Ethiopian Transport Employers Federation comprises 31 associations representing freight, tanker, passenger, and taxi transport services. The Federation was previously in dispute with the government over unpaid service fees related to transport operations during Ethiopia’s northern conflict.
