The solidarity container has arrived in Ethiopia and begins a new chapter in Jinka
Promoted by the Fundació CIS Ángel Olaran, the solidarity container has arrived in Ethiopia and is begins a new chapter in Jinka. It reached Addis Ababa on Sunday, 30 August 2026, after a long and complex journey that began in February, carrying agricultural machinery, medical and computer equipment, and other materials intended for development cooperation projects.
After months of work and a change of destination made necessary by administrative difficulties, all the material has arrived in good condition in Addis Ababa and is being prepared to continue its journey to southern Ethiopia.
This new chapter follows on from the article “A solidarity container en route to Wukro (Ethiopia) to rebuild Tigray”, in which we explained the origins of the initiative, the loading of the material in Mollerussa and Pamplona, and the objectives initially planned for Wukro and Jinka.
Images of the container being opened in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
The material arrives in good condition in Addis Ababa
Two days after its arrival in the Ethiopian capital, the local teams spent the entire day unloading the container. The best news is that no breakages or damage were found: the machinery, equipment and other materials arrived in good condition after months of transport and waiting.
The following day, customs inspectors began examining each box individually in order to prepare the corresponding report. Once the authorities issue their final clearance, the transfer of the material to Jinka, its new final destination, can be arranged.
Images of the machinery, equipment and materials unloaded from the container
A far more complex journey than expected
When the shipment was prepared, Mekelle was designated as the customs destination so that a significant part of the material could subsequently reach Wukro, in Tigray, where the Foundation has worked for many years. The donation letter, commercial invoice, packing list and all other documentation were processed in accordance with this initial plan.
However, maritime transport was delayed as a result of tensions in the Strait of Hormuz caused by the conflict between the United States and Iran. Once the container reached Djibouti, further administrative and customs obstacles arose in connection with the declared destination in Tigray. These difficulties prevented the import authorisation and duty exemption from being secured with the necessary guarantees and made it impossible to ensure that the material could reach Wukro.
To unblock the process, it was necessary to amend the documentation and change the customs destination from Mekelle to Addis Ababa. This change made it possible to continue the procedures with the Ethiopian Ministry of Finance and to transport the container from Djibouti to the capital.
Why the container will continue to Jinka
Given the impossibility of guaranteeing the entry of the material into Tigray under the current conditions, IPADA (Inclusive Peace and Development Africa) proposed sending the entire shipment to Jinka. Part of the material had been intended for this area from the outset; the change mainly affects the equipment and resources initially planned for Wukro.
The Foundation’s Board of Trustees assessed the situation and approved the change of destination in order to protect the donation and ensure that it would be used for social purposes. Retaining the initial destination would have created a risk that the container might remain immobilised in Addis Ababa indefinitely, incurring further costs and with no guarantee that it could fulfil its intended purpose.
The decision makes it possible to:
- – unblock the import process and complete the customs procedures;
- – ensure that the machinery and equipment are used in development cooperation projects;
- – prevent the material from being held up, deteriorating or generating further costs;
- – strengthen the agricultural, social and rural development projects implemented by IPADA in Jinka.
A responsible decision to preserve the purpose of the donation
The change of destination was neither planned nor straightforward. It was a responsible response to unforeseen circumstances beyond the Foundation’s control. The priority has always been to protect the donated material and ensure that it reaches vulnerable communities and generates a real impact.
To formalise the change, IPADA submitted an official request to the Foundation and provided the necessary technical instructions. The Foundation updated the donation letter, commercial invoice and packing list. IPADA then submitted the revised documentation to the competent authorities to apply for the duty exemption applicable to the donated goods.
Gebre Yntiso, director of IPADA, has coordinated the procedures with the Ethiopian authorities on the ground. The documentation and guarantees submitted made it possible to obtain authorisation to transport the container from Djibouti to Addis Ababa, an essential milestone on the way to its final destination.
Jinka a destination facing significant needs
Jinka is the capital of the South Omo Zone in southern Ethiopia, an area facing significant social and economic needs. IPADA carries out development cooperation projects there in agriculture, food security, rural development and the improvement of livelihoods among the most vulnerable communities.
The agricultural machinery, computer equipment and other materials will help strengthen these initiatives, improve local productive capacity and expand opportunities for beneficiaries. The destination has changed, but the shipment’s essential purpose remains intact: to transform the solidarity received into useful, lasting resources for the Ethiopian population.
The commitment to Wukro and Tigray continues
The fact that this material cannot currently reach Wukro does not alter the CIS Ángel Olaran Foundation’s commitment to the people of Tigray. We continue to support the social and humanitarian projects linked to Abba Melaku and the most vulnerable people in Wukro, and we will continue to seek safe and viable ways to respond to their needs.
The current situation requires us to adapt one specific action, but it does not alter the Foundation’s track record or priorities in Tigray.
The next step the transfer to Jinka
After many months of effort, coordination and uncertainty, the container is now in Ethiopia. The customs inspection must now be completed and transport from Addis Ababa to Jinka arranged. We will provide an update when the container reaches its final destination and the material is put into use in the planned projects.
We are deeply grateful for the trust of the donors, companies, institutions, volunteers and everyone who has made this shipment possible. We also recognise the dedication of IPADA and, in particular, Gebre Yntiso for the work carried out on the ground.
Help us continue turning solidarity into opportunities
Development cooperation projects need continuity, adaptability and resources. With your support, we can continue standing alongside Ethiopia’s most vulnerable communities, both in Wukro and in other parts of the country where the need is urgent.
Make a donation and help us continue turning every contribution into direct support, tools for work and opportunities for the future.
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