ADDIS ABABA, Sept 24 (AGCNewsNet) - Ethiopia has launched its first-ever livestock shipment by train to neighbouring Djibouti, marking a milestone in the country's transportation sector. Takele Uma, CEO of the Ethio-Djibouti Standard Gauge Railway Share Company (EDR), made the announcement on Monday, emphasising the railway's expanding role in trade and transportation between the two countries.

The new livestock transportation service will diversify and maximize the 752-km railway’s capacity, enhancing Ethiopia’s export potential to international markets, and improving the shipment of imported goods to central Ethiopia via the Red Sea nation of Djibouti.

“This initiative will optimize the use of our open wagons, previously limited to imports, while improving the quality of exported meat by reducing transport stress on the animals. This underscores Ethiopia’s commitment to efficient and sustainable trade,” said Takele.

Ethiopia, Africa’s second most populous nation with around 120 million people, is home to the continent’s largest livestock population, boasting 70.3 million cattle, 95.4 million sheep and goats, and 8.1 million camels, according to recent World Bank data.

The Ethio-Djibouti railway, which passes through Adama in central Ethiopia, is also expected to alleviate traffic congestion by shifting more freight to the rail network.

The introduction of livestock transportation via rail marks a significant step forward in Ethiopia's efforts to enhance its export infrastructure while contributing to the country's growing economy.