Ethiopian Shipping and Logistics Services Enterprise Returns to Profit as Revenue Reaches ETB 157.2 Billion
The Ethiopian Shipping and Logistics Services Enterprise (ESLSE) returned to profitability in the 2025/26 fiscal year, reporting a pre-tax profit of ETB 28.2 billion after posting an ETB 12.4 billion loss a year earlier, as higher cargo volumes, stronger logistics operations, and institutional reforms boosted financial performance.
The state-owned logistics operator generated ETB 157.2 billion in revenue during the fiscal year ended June 30, surpassing its annual target of ETB 144.9 billion and marking a 27% increase from ETB 123.8 billion recorded in the previous fiscal year.
Cargo throughput also rose sharply, with the enterprise transporting 7.04 million metric tons of cargo through its integrated logistics network, compared with 5.54 million metric tons a year earlier. The total included 5 million metric tons of non-containerized cargo and 2 million metric tons of containerized cargo, of which 1.1 million metric tons were transported by the enterprise’s own vessels.
ESLSE also generated USD 551.5 million in foreign exchange earnings during the fiscal year while maintaining uninterrupted logistics services despite congestion at the Port of Djibouti linked to instability in the Middle East.
Chief Executive Officer Engineer Abdulber Shemsu attributed the turnaround to operational reforms and improved efficiency across the enterprise.
“We have pursued a rigorous programme to restore this enterprise to profitability. The outcomes affirm our strategic direction,” he said.
The enterprise remains a critical pillar of Ethiopia’s international trade, handling shipping, freight forwarding, port clearance, and inland logistics services. With more than 95% of Ethiopia’s external trade moving through Djibouti, logistics efficiency remains central to the country’s import and export performance.
One of the year’s notable developments was the resumption of fuel transportation after a 20-year hiatus, with fuel accounting for 1.7% of total cargo handled. The enterprise said the move strengthens Ethiopia’s control over strategic energy logistics while reducing reliance on foreign tanker operators.
Fertilizer distribution also expanded during the year, reaching nearly 2 million metric tons, equivalent to 94% of the annual target. While road transport continued to dominate deliveries, the enterprise increased the use of the Ethio-Djibouti Railway, supporting its long-term objective of shifting a larger share of freight from roads to rail.
Multimodal logistics continued to play a growing role, with 94% of inbound container cargo processed through the multimodal transport system, highlighting the enterprise’s efforts to improve cargo movement and supply chain efficiency.
To support exporters, ESLSE supplied 34,000 containers during the fiscal year, up from 27,000 the previous year. The enterprise plans to expand its container fleet significantly as part of its long-term strategy to strengthen Ethiopia’s logistics capacity.
Looking ahead, ESLSE has set ambitious targets under its strategic plan, aiming to increase annual revenue to ETB 350 billion by 2030, expand operational capacity through the acquisition of additional shipping containers, and position itself as Africa’s preferred multimodal shipping and logistics service provider.
Despite the strong turnaround, the enterprise acknowledged that foreign exchange shortages and ageing logistics equipment remain key operational challenges as it continues expanding its services.
FY2025/26 Performance at a Glance
| Metric | Performance |
| Revenue | ETB 157.2 billion |
| Pre-tax Profit | ETB 28.2 billion |
| Forex Earnings | USD 551.5 million |
| Cargo Throughput | 7.04 million MT |
| Non-container Cargo | 5.0 million MT |
| Container Cargo | 2.0 million MT |
| Cargo Carried by ESLSE Fleet | 1.1 million MT |
| Multimodal Container Share | 94% |
| Fertilizer Delivered | Nearly 2 million MT |
| Containers Supplied to Exporters | 34,000 |
| Revenue Target by 2030 | ETB 350 billion |
Then, immediately below it, include a small Year-on-Year Highlights box:
Year-on-Year Highlights
| Indicator | FY2024/25 | FY2025/26 | Change |
| Revenue | ETB 123.8 bn | ETB 157.2 bn | +27% |
| Cargo Throughput | 5.54m MT | 7.04m MT | +27% |
| Pre-tax Profit | ETB -12.4 bn | ETB 28.2 bn | Returned to profit |
| Fertilizer Transport | 1.6m MT | 2.0m MT | +25% |
| Containers Supplied | 27,000 | 34,000 | +26% |