On May 10th, a grand ceremony was held in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, to commemorate the 6th anniversary of the Ethiopia-Djibouti Railway.
The event marked the successful completion of six years of operation and maintenance services provided by China, while also signifying a new chapter in the trilateral cooperation between China, Ethiopia, and Djibouti for the railway's future development.
The Ethiopia-Djibouti Railway, the first overseas full industry chain railway project undertaken by a Chinese company, stretches approximately 752.7 kilometers from Addis Ababa to the Port of Djibouti. As Africa's first electrified transnational railway, it has opened a vital transportation corridor connecting landlocked Ethiopia to the sea, greatly enhancing interconnectivity and economic growth for both nations.
Constructed and operated by CCECC, the railway has achieved remarkable milestones since commencing commercial operations on January 1, 2018. Over the past six years, it has operated 2,500 passenger trains carrying 680,000 travelers, and 7,700 freight trains transporting 9.5 million tons of goods, generating a freight turnover of 7 billion ton-kilometers.
Through this project, China has successfully transferred its advanced railway operation, maintenance, and management expertise to Africa, fostering a professional localized workforce. By the end of 2023, the railway employed over 3,000 local professionals, with all positions, from train drivers and maintenance staff to dispatchers, passenger and freight service personnel, and management roles, being held by local talents.
Complementary infrastructure projects, such as the Doraleh Multipurpose Port and the Djibouti Container Terminal, have been implemented to support the railway's sustainable development. These initiatives have effectively driven industrialization and urbanization along the railway corridor, playing a pivotal role in propelling economic growth throughout the Horn of Africa and the broader African continent.
As a landmark large-scale project of the 'Belt and Road' initiative and a symbol of China-Africa cooperation, the Ethiopia-Djibouti Railway will continue its journey towards becoming 'Africa's Best Railway.' Through its operation, it will further enhance the reputation and prestige of China's 'Going Out' policy.
China Railway Construction Corporation Limited ('CRCC') was solely established by China Railway Construction Corporation on November 5th, 2007 in Beijing, and is now a mega size construction corporation under the administration of the State-owned Assets Supervision and Administration Commission of the State Council of China (SASAC).
Contact:
Tel: 8610-51888114
Fax: 8610--68217382
Email: webmaster@crcc.cn
CHINA RAILWAY CONSTRUCTION CORPORATION LIMITED 
