The Diplomat published on 14 February 2024 a report titled "The China-Built Addis-Djibouti Railway Gains Steam" by Istvan Tarrosy and Zoltan Voros, both at University of Pecs.
The Ethiopia-Djibouti railway opened in 2018 and was largely operated by Chinese nationals. It is now operated by the Ethio-Djibouti Standard Gauge Railway Share Company. It still employs about 80 Chinese who provide technical assistance. Several trunk lines were not built for lack of funding and the trains run at less than half their planed speed because of unreliable electrical power and several security problems. While freight traffic is growing, it remains far below projected levels.
