Ethiopia is rapidly stepping up preparations to host the 102nd International Federation of Freight Forwarders Associations (FIATA) World Congress in 2027, with the formation of joint organizing committees now near completion to ensure the seamless execution of the global event.
The groundwork was laid on January 2026, following the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Ethiopian Freight Forwarders and Shipping Agents Association (EFFSAA) and FIATA.
Signed by EFFSAA President Dawit Woubishet and FIATA Director General Stéphane Graber—in the presence of Minister of Transport and Logistics Alemu Sime and State Minister Denge Boru—the agreement paved the way for Addis Ababa to host the flagship international logistics forum.
Reinforcing progress, FIATA Director General Stéphane Graber and event representative André visited Ethiopia in early September 2026 to conduct a second phase of audits and evaluations. The assessment successfully covered the selection of venue hotels, conference facilities, event organizers, as well as sites for gala dinners and cultural programming.
The upcoming congress will feature over 40 panel discussions, each incorporating at least one Ethiopian expert to foster knowledge transfer, local capacity building, and international networking. Organizers also highlighted a dedicated panel focused on climate action, strategically linked to the upcoming COP climate summit scheduled just one month after the congress.
With one year remaining until the event, task forces comprising representatives from government agencies, the private sector, and logistics operators are expected to officially launch operations within the coming weeks.
Furthermore, an Ethiopian delegation will attend FIATA’s centenary celebration in Milan, Italy, on October 6 to promote Addis Ababa and kick off global outreach for the 2027 World Congress.
