Ethiopia is working to improve its standing in global logistics rankings as it prepares to host the 101st FIATA World Congress in October 2027, the Ethiopian Freight Forwarders and Shipping Agents Association said. The country currently ranks 126th out of 160 countries in the World Bank's Global Logistics Performance Index, according to EFFSAA President Dawit Wubeshet, who described the position as low given Ethiopia's population, land area and level of development.
Improving the ranking will require investment in infrastructure and digitalization to enhance customs procedures and overall logistics performance, Dawit said. He noted that changes have already been made in customs, aviation and transportation in recent years, and the association is monitoring a proposal to reassess the country's ranking. An internal EFFSAA assessment places Ethiopia at 90th position, but Dawit said 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 FIATA World Congress will take place in Addis Ababa from October 4 to 8, 2027, and is expected to attract more than 2,000 participants, including logistics professionals, industry leaders, investors and international trade stakeholders. Ethiopian Airlines has signed an agreement to become a Platinum Sponsor of the congress, an announcement made during a press briefing. 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.
The EFFSAA said the congress will provide an opportunity to showcase Ethiopia'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.