In a significant move to strengthen their influence and tackle industry challenges, the Association of Independent Freight Forwarders (RTA) and the Djibouti Freight Forwarders Association (ATD) have agreed to merge into a single, unified lobbying body.
This decision was made following a meeting with Aboubaker Omar Hadi, Chairman of the Djibouti Ports and Free Zones Authority (DPFZA), which oversees state-owned logistics and related businesses.
Sources close to the matter confirmed the merger, stating that the two associations finalized their resolution during a meeting on Wednesday, February 5.
The DPFZA announced that Chairman Hadi met with Mahamed Ahmed Elmi, President of RTA, and Robleh Mohamed Barreh, President of ATD, to discuss the consolidation, with both parties agreeing to merge their associations during the meeting.
Industry experts believe this merger will have a transformative impact on the logistics sector, not only in Djibouti but also in Ethiopia, which heavily relies on Djibouti for its import and export activities.
The unified organization is expected to provide a stronger voice for the industry, enabling it to collectively address challenges and lobby the government more effectively.
“The latest move will directly impact logistics activity in Ethiopia, which mainly depends on Djibouti for its import-export business,” said sources familiar with the situation.
They further noted that the majority of members from both associations work closely with their counterparts in Ethiopia, enhancing the merger’s regional significance.
Supporters of the merger emphasized that the unified body will empower the industry to tackle issues with a single, powerful voice.
“They can address their problems jointly and will lobby the government with a unified, strong approach,” commented insiders who supported the plan.
The consolidation of these two prominent logistics associations marks a pivotal moment for the industry in the Horn of Africa, promising to enhance collaboration, streamline operations, and strengthen the region’s position as a key logistics hub.
