The Ethiopian Freight Forwarders and Shipping Agents Association (EFFSAA) has unveiled its new leadership lineup, signaling a fresh direction for the influential logistics advocacy group for the coming years. In a significant reshuffle during its latest general assembly, the association saw the replacement of five out of its seven board members, including the departure of its past president, Elizabeth Getahun, who served her full term.
Dawit Woubishet, who has been the association’s vice president for nearly three years, steps up as the new president of EFFSAA, a decision warmly received within the community. Bringing a wealth of experience from his tenure as a board member and CEO of Pave Logistics and Trading PLC, Anteneh Alemu will serve as the vice president, enhancing the leadership team’s expertise.
Dawit, a seasoned veteran in the freight forwarding sector for nearly thirty years, also holds prominent roles on the international stage, including leadership positions within the FIATA Airfreight Institute and as an extended board member of the International Federation of Freight Forwarders Associations (IFCC). His broad involvement extends to various international and Ethiopian professional and social groups, particularly as head of the FIATA Consultative Council (IFCC), which collaborates closely with airline and forwarder representatives to advise the IATA.
His business, Tradepath International, has been pivotal in managing the ground transportation logistics for perishable goods, notably in the floral industry, and has represented around 13 airline companies. Additionally, his ventures into the global courier and e-commerce spheres through the Aramex franchise underscore his commitment to advancing Ethiopia’s logistics sector.
During his term, Dawit aims to cultivate a cadre of competitive professionals within the logistics industry to meet global standards. He emphasizes the importance of continuous advocacy for enhanced logistics platforms, collaboration with the government on utilizing regional ports efficiently, and leveraging the African Continental Free Trade Area to Ethiopia’s benefit.
Moreover, Dawit highlighted EFFSAA’s ambitious proposal to host the prestigious FIATA congress in 2027, a significant event that would bring together approximately 2,000 industry experts from around the globe and mark a notable achievement for Africa, having hosted it only twice in FIATA’s century-long history.
The assembly also introduced new board members, including Mesfin Tefera of Abay Logistics Plc, Emebet Tafesse from Erkab Transit and Consultancy Services Plc, Tesfaye Gelan of TM Multimodal Logistics Plc, Goitom Asfaw from AGL Logistics Ethiopia, and Aklilu Sahlemariam of Cruise Logistics Plc, all set to contribute to the association’s future successes.
