Addis Ababa, 10 September 2025

Ethiopian Railways Corporation and COIPA Italia S.p.A sign a Strategic Cooperation Framework Agreement to modernize Ethiopia’s railways

Ethiopian Railways Corporation (ERC) and COIPA Italia S.p.A., an Italian company active in infrastructure and energy with a strong commitment to sustainable development in Africa, have signed a Strategic Cooperation Framework Agreement aimed at modernizing Ethiopia’s railway network and strengthening bilateral economic ties.

The Official Signing Ceremony took place on 10 September 2025 at the Sky Light Hotel in Addis Ababa, in the presence of leading institutional and industrial representatives.

Participants in the event

• H.E. Dr. Alemu Sime, Minister of Transport and Logistics of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia
• H.E. Dr. Agostino Palese, Ambassador of Italy to Ethiopia
• Eng. Hilina Belachew, CEO of Ethiopian Railways Corporation
• Dr. Vito Favorito Sciamarella, CEO of COIPA Italia S.p.A.
• Avv. Giovanni Diotallevi, General Counsel of COIPA Italia S.p.A.
• Eng. Michele Genova, Executive Vice President Technical of COIPA Italia S.p.A.
• Eng. Dorothee Maria Gräfin Strachwitz, Inros Lackner – Railway Engineering
• Vincenzo D’Agostino, CEO of AvantGarde
• Pietro Ventura, CEO of MEDTEC and Ventura Group

Institutional statements

H.E. Dr. Alemu Sime, Minister of Transport and Logistics, described the agreement as a “win–win relationship for both countries” and expressed gratitude to the Italian government for its long-standing cooperation in Ethiopia’s development.

H.E. Dr. Agostino Palese, Ambassador of Italy to Ethiopia, stated:

“This agreement deepens the mutual relationship between Ethiopia and Italy. It strengthens economic relations and shared prosperity. It is not only a business partnership, but a symbol of Ethiopia–Italy friendship. Modern, efficient, and sustainable rail transport is a key driver of economic transformation and regional integration.”

Eng. Hilina Belachew, CEO of ERC, emphasized:

“This signing represents a fundamental step toward strengthening Ethiopia’s railway infrastructure and integrating the best European engineering expertise.”

Dr. Vito Favorito Sciamarella, CEO of COIPA Italia S.p.A, added:

“This partnership will deliver technology transfer, expertise, and investment opportunities, while at the same time strengthening ERC’s institutional capacity. We are proud to make our experience available to support the sustainable growth of Ethiopia’s transport system, creating value for local communities and new development opportunities.”

Objectives of the agreement

The Framework Agreement sets out a long-term collaboration aimed at:

• Modernizing, maintaining, and expanding the national railway network through the revitalization, modernization, and upgrading of the Awash–Kombolcha railway corridor, including ERC’s Maintenance Workshop.
• Adopting European technological standards for safety, quality, and efficiency.
• Transferring know-how and implementing training programs to build the skills of local staff.
• Revamping and repowering locomotives and supply all rolling stock with sustainable solutions.
• Integrating digital systems and predictive diagnostics (IoT) to increase reliability and efficiency.
• Expanding cooperation at the regional level, positioning Ethiopia as a transport hub for East and Central Africa.

A shared vision

With this agreement, ERC and COIPA Italia S.p.A reaffirm their commitment to building a modern, reliable, and sustainable railway system, capable of contributing to Ethiopia’s economic transformation, supporting regional trade, and consolidating the historic friendship between Ethiopia and Italy.