The multi-modal transport sector will soon be open to private companies after authorities finalise a bill they hope will introduce liberalisation, thereby opening a long-closed industry to the private sector.

Experts at the Logistics Transformation Office under the Ministry of Transport have drafted the bill, according to people familiar with the progress. This follows after Dagmawit Moges, minister of Transport, invited private domestic and foreign investors two weeks ago into the sector as part of the administration's 10-year blueprint for economic growth.

Freight forwarding and shipping, domestic air transport, cross-country public transport, and urban mass transport are among the areas she urged leaders of the private sector to consider for prospective investment. The multi-modal transport sector has been closed as the sole operator was the state-owned Ethiopian Shipping & Logistics Service Enterprise (ESLSE), which was established in 1964.

Experts assert that the state's monopoly has inhibited the sector from growing as the Enterprise does not operate in a competitive environment in the pricing and quality of services. The ESLSE has often been criticised for setting exaggerated price charges, taking advantage of a captive market.

The draft bill primarily details the licensing and quality assurance process for new entrants.

The administration wants to see the number of private investors entering the sector limited to five, with possible revision upon the analysis of performance, according to people who have seen the first draft. However, the transport sector's 10-Year Perspective Plan states that Ethiopia will have six private multi-modal transport operators in a decade. Businesses incorporated as share companies, private limited corporations, joint ventures between local and foreign investors, and state enterprises will be allowed to enter the sector.

The Ministry will announce open and competitive bidding after the directive goes through the legislative process.

To be selected, prospective companies are required to have a minimum paid-up capital of 350 million Br, of which 10pc must be liquid and the rest in the form of assets. Selected companies are expected to have 30 cross-country trucks with a carrying capacity of 380 quintals and elect a board of directors whose members each have at least five years of experience in areas relevant to the logistics industry.