The Addis Ababa Chamber of Commerce and Sectoral Associations (Addis Chamber) and the Ethiopian Shipping and Logistics (ESL) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to enhance their long-standing partnership and boost domestic trade expansion. Signed on June 25, 2026, the agreement establishes a strategic framework designed to streamline cargo movement and strengthen the country’s broader economic infrastructure.
The agreement was formally signed by Addis Chamber President Zahara Mohammed and ESL Chief Executive Officer Engineer Abdulber Shemsu. The signing ceremony took place at the Addis Chamber headquarters, attended by senior executives and board members from both historic institutions.
Under the new framework, both organizations will collaborate to improve import-export efficiency, optimize supply chain logistics, and collectively advocate for the business community. Additionally, the partnership aims to establish a joint platform to address emerging logistical bottlenecks and provide swift, collaborative solutions for local traders.
The partnership leverages ESL’s extensive institutional capacity as a major state-owned enterprise alongside Addis Chamber’s 79-year history as a prominent voice for the private sector. Officials noted that the MoU transitions their traditional membership relationship into a structured, long-term strategic alliance to lower transaction costs for Ethiopian businesses.
Moving forward, the two entities will initiate joint capacity-building programs, trade support services, and investment forums to foster sustainable economic growth. Representatives from both organizations emphasized that modernizing the logistics sector remains a critical component for enhancing Ethiopia’s competitiveness in regional and global markets.