Ethiopia seeks better logistics ranking ahead of 2027 FIATA Congress

Ethiopia is seeking to improve its logistics performance and international competitiveness as it prepares to host the 101st FIATA World Congress in October 2027, according to the Ethiopian Freight Forwarders and Shipping Agents Association (EFFSAA).

Ethiopia ranks 126th out of 160 countries in the World Bank’s Global Logistics Performance Index, EFFSAA President Dawit Wubeshet said, describing the position as low given the country’s population, land area and level of development.

Dawit said investment in infrastructure and digitalization is needed to improve customs procedures and overall logistics performance. He noted that changes have been made in customs, aviation and transportation in recent years, adding that the association is monitoring a proposal to reassess the country’s ranking.

An assessment conducted by EFFSAA places Ethiopia at 90th, Dawit said, but added that further improvements are needed for the country to rank among the top 60. The association said logistics performance is assessed against five main criteria.

The call for improvements comes as Ethiopia prepares to host the FIATA World Congress in Addis Ababa from October 4 to 8, 2027. The event is expected to attract more than 2,000 participants, including logistics professionals, industry leaders, investors and international trade stakeholders.

As part of the preparations, Ethiopian Airlines has signed a sponsorship agreement with EFFSAA to become a Platinum Sponsor of the congress. The agreement was announced during a press briefing and is expected to support efforts to promote Ethiopia’s logistics industry and strengthen its position in global trade and supply chains.

The FIATA Talking Stick was formally handed over from Italy to Ethiopia during the organization’s World Congress in Milan, marking the transition to Ethiopia as the next host country.

EFFSAA said the congress will offer an opportunity to showcase the country’s logistics capabilities, attract investment, strengthen international business partnerships and promote African trade and regional integration. The association called on the government, private sector, development partners and other stakeholders to support the event.

Established in 1998, EFFSAA has about 110 members representing freight forwarders and shipping agents.