At dawn each day, a vibrant exchange unfolds along the 752-km Addis Ababa-Djibouti Railway as young professionals from the Chinese mainland work alongside Ethiopian peers to keep Africa’s first electrified transboundary rail system running smoothly. Since its 2018 launch, this $4 billion infrastructure project has become a lifeline for trade and connectivity – carrying 90% of Ethiopia’s import-export goods – while reshaping opportunities for a new generation.
Skills Without Borders
Over 2,000 Ethiopian technicians have received training from Chinese counterparts in rail operations, electrical engineering, and safety protocols through immersive mentorship programs. 'This knowledge transfer helps us build local expertise that outlasts the tracks themselves,' said Dawit Gebremichael, a 28-year-old signal systems engineer.
The Ripple Effect
The collaboration extends beyond infrastructure: 15% of Ethiopian staff now hold leadership roles, while cross-cultural teams have launched community initiatives addressing digital literacy and vocational training in rural areas along the route. Analysts note the railway has boosted regional GDP growth by 1.2% annually since operations began.
As sunrise gilds the Ethiopian highlands, these young bridge-builders prove that shared expertise can create pathways to progress – one connection at a time.
Reference(s):
Contribution of China's youth to Addis Ababa-Djibouti Railway
cgtn.com
