Ethiopia to Build Africa’s First Railway Academy

Addis Ababa – Ethiopia is going to build Africa’s first railway academy that provides sufficient qualified manpower for the big railway projects to be built during the Second GTP period.

Economic Affairs Special Advisor to the Prime Minister, Dr. Arkebe Equbay said agreement was reached with the Chinese Government for the construction of the training center.

More than 250 million Yuan or over 800 million birr aid is secured from the Government of China, he added.

He said the Mojo-Hawassa railway line will be built launched at the beginning of this GTP period along with the Mojo Industrial Park under construction.

Preparation is also underway to construct the railway line that links Tadjourah Port with Bahir Dar Town via Asaita-Weldiya during the stated period, according to the special advisor.

Sebeta-Addis Ababa-Jimma and Bedele, and Hawassa-Shashamane-Arbaminch lines are also part of the second GTP railway projects, it was indicated.

The special advisor stated that contractors for the mega projects are being sought and Chinese companies that have proved themselves in executing railway projects successfully are also invited to take part in the bid.

Dr. Arkebe noted that the country needs a training institute that enables to provide qualified personnel for the big railway projects it would undertake.

He said Ethiopia has so far been sending students to get training aboard, and the railway academy would save hard currency and empower citizens.

According to him, the railway academy will also serve as a center for other African countries.

Source: ENA