From a new railway network to Africa’s largest eco-industrial park, Carl Palmer hears why the continent’s economic future is looking bright
Written by Carl Palmer
Thursday, October 27, 2016
TRENDSETTER: The Ethio-Dijbouti railway paves the way for improved trade and passenger journeys
WHEN THE Ethio-Djibouti railway service was officially launched, it set a new standard for railway journeys in Africa.
It is Africa’s first electric railway, constructed by the China Railway Group and the China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation.
It replaces the old Ethio-Djibouti railway line which was just 90cms wide. It will run both passenger and goods trains and will facilitate imports and exports from Djibouti to Addis and the rest of the country through a network of developments, some of which are planned and in some cases already underway.
VISION
More importantly, the new railway will contribute a great deal to Ethiopia’s growing economy, reportedly one of the fastest-growing in Africa.
A journey that would normally take two to three days by truck will now take about 12 hours, substantially reducing the cost of transportation as well as the cost of goods.
Add to this the Ethiopian government’s launch of Africa’s largest eco-industrial park earlier this year, built southeast of Addis Ababa with the creation of up to 60,000 jobs, and you can see why His Excellency, Dr Hailemichael Aberra Afework, Ethiopia Ambassador to London, has reasons to be cheerful.
Speaking exclusively to The Voice His Excellency said: “When I talk about Africa, I’m not talking about any particular area, but Africa as a continent because all of us have this vision for 2023 – an Africa united. Therefore, it is only right to see the vision and think of Africa as a whole.
“Ten years ago not many people would have liked Africa as it then was. Now, after Asia, many other investors are coming to Africa. Times are changing in Africa and Africa is rising in many, many ways.
“Whether regarding trading and investments, education, and health, they’re coming together, as are improved relations between African countries. It’s amazing to see the changes taking place in Africa right now. The future is bright for Africa.”
GOOD TO TALK: His Excellency Ambassador Dr Hailemichael Aberra Afework, Ethiopian Ambassador to the UK is interviewed by The Voice’s Carl Palmer during the recent Africa on the Square event in Trafalgar Square
Referring back to the dark days of famine and drought that moved the world to action, His Excellency said: “Do you remember what Bob Geldof and his friends, the celebrities, Band Aid and what they all did? Now Bob Geldof himself is investing in Ethiopia in the wine industry. So you see all sorts of changes that are taking place.
“We have the railway developed in Djibouti and Addis has the light railway system. Investors are coming to Ethiopia and poverty has been reduced to below 20 per cent.
“Also, education, health and the social infrastructure are growing and improving.
“In fact, the economy is one of the fastest-growing economies not only in Africa but I think the world at the moment. The UK is also changing, its neighbours are changing, so there’s quite a lot of cross cooperation we share.
“This leaves Ethiopia heading towards economic integration – regionally at first – then with the rest of the continent.”
His Excellency added: “I am confident that all of this can be sustained because there is no other way in a globalised world.
“Africa should learn and change, and feed its people, educate and maintain the health of its people. We are in a world where there is a lot of competition, so I have no doubt whatsoever that Africa will keep on managing it businesses and managing it very well.”
Asked about the Africa on the Square event he attended in Trafalgar Square, His Excellency said: “I see so many people from different backgrounds and races, and I think the way it brings people together is good for Africa and good for the United Kingdom.
“I’d like to say that we’ll definitely participate in the future in this event.
“I’d like to say thank you to The Voice because you’re part of what is a very important way of bringing people together. A marvellous job.”