Ethiopian Railways Corporation and COIPA Italia S.P.A. Sign Strategic Cooperation Framework Agreement
Ethiopian Railways Corporation (ERC) and COIPA Italia S.p.A., an Italian infrastructure and energy company focused on sustainable development in Africa, signed a Strategic Cooperation Framework Agreement to modernise Ethiopia’s railways and strengthen bilateral economic ties.
Italian Ambassador Agostino Palese (PhD) said the agreement “deepens the mutual relationship between Ethiopia and Italy. This agreement improves economic relations and shared prosperity. It is not only a business partnership, but a symbol of Ethiopia–Italy friendship.” He added that modern, efficient, and sustainable rail transport is “a key driver of economic transformation and regional integration.”
Ethiopia's Transport and Logistics Minister Alemu Sime (PhD) described the agreement as a “win–win relationship for both countries” and expressed gratitude to the Italian government for its long-standing development cooperation.
Ethiopian Railways Corporation CEO, Hlina Belachew (Eng) noted COIPA Italia’s commitment to succeed in Ethiopia’s railway vision and expressed confidence that the framework would be implemented into concrete projects and lasting results.
The Chief Executive Officer of COIPA Italia, Vito Favorito Sciamarella (PhD), said the partnership would bring technology transfer, expertise, and investment opportunities while building long-term institutional capacity within ERC. The Italian company has been involved in developing Ethiopia’s railway infrastructure, logistics hubs, and other transport projects, aiming to modernise the sector and support regional integration.
The partnership specialised in infrastructure and energy to work together for sustainable development with:
- Inros Lackner – an internationally renowned railway engineering company and a globally recognised player in the railway sector.
- MEDTEC – a company specialised in the maintenance of railway tracks and assembly, construction and maintenance of rolling stock.
- AvantGarde – a company dedicated to rolling stock maintenance.
