Traffic and

Transportation
Problems in Ethiopia:
Manifestations and the Way out
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Transport is a catalytic force both as an agent vital for economic growth and as an agent
for economic decline where economic resources and conditions as well as human endeavor
are insufficient. Efficient transportation system is one of the factor that unifies the entire
economy and facilitates the development and advancement of the cities. The progress in
operation of transportation techniques and management principles improves the movement
of the load, delivery speed, service quality and operation costs. Proper and transparent
transportation policy underpin and consolidate the overall democratic processes and
transform the society in constructive and productive directions.

The Government of Ethiopia is struggling to improve the infrastructure mainly in the

transportation sectors. It has been implementing the Road Sector Development Program to
strengthen the road, air and water transport networks. Since its execution, the program
augmented the connections of cities, towns and villages and has promoted trade and
business relationships among various regions and societies which in turn support the local
market integration and attract domestic and foreign investment.

However, about a bulk of the total population of the country lives without access to all
weather road networks and the transport system in the cities are characterized by the crowd,
poor quality of service from transport operators, lengthy waiting times both at and between
stations & high exposure to road accidents. In addition, poor organization and management
of available transport systems, low capacity of the existing road network and its inefficient
use, poor planning and controlling procedures, low road traffic awareness and depraved
driver behavior resulted with high accident rates particularly among foot-travelers and
children. Low quality and poor transport policy does not allow effective and efficient
provision of services and inhibit the smooth and effective implementation of the various
policies designed to promote and intensify national development.
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Therefore, in order to address this problems, further clear and brief policies and strategies
which aims to meet broad objectives concerned with enhancing the effectiveness,
efficiency and affordability of the sectors are required with bearing in mind for the
improvement in the quality of life of the citizens. The key policy objectives that intended
to establish an efficient and integrated transport network for the movement of people and
goods should also further focused in identifying the important role of the sector in
Ethiopia’s economic strategy to achieve the remarkable growth and transformation plan of
the country.

Moreover, the government should have to sustain the strive to enhance the efforts to
improve road safety and access to all weather road networks, vehicle examination and
critical inspection of driver licensing procedures and encourage the participation of private
sector in improving its effectiveness. Furthermore, the protection of foot-travelers, in
particular the children, the future of the country, should also being addressed effectively
through the provision of easily accessible walk ways and road crossings. It also important
to host public campaigns to create a vibrant awareness on the way of dipping and reducing
traffic accident and it should be given a considerable attention for the inclusion of traffic
law and rule in the education and training policy implementation strategies’ of the country.