Our History
Take a trip down memory lane
Join us as we recount Ethiopost’s amazing journey that dates back more than a century.
Our History
Take a trip down memory lane
Join us as we recount Ethiopost’s amazing journey that dates back more than a century.
1894, The establishment
The introduction of the Postal Service backdated to 1894, the 9th of March, by Imperial Edict, five years after his installation as the King of Ethiopia. Ethiopost was established almost two decades after the birth of UPU (1875).
This day marks the historic occasion of the start of the Djibouti-Addis Railway construction. Hence,135,000 sets, a set of seven stamps were issued (the Menelik Issue), in 1894, 24th of November depicting Emperor Menelik (1844-1913), and three depicting the heraldic lion.
This day marks the historic occasion of the start of the Djibouti-Addis Railway construction. Hence,135,000 sets, a set of seven stamps were issued (the Menelik Issue), in 1894, 24th of November depicting Emperor Menelik (1844-1913), and three depicting the heraldic lion.
1895 - First use of the stamps
The earliest recorded date of use of the stamps is the 29th of January, 1895.
Ethiopost joined the UPU on 1st November 1908. Before Ethiopost’s membership to UPU, the stamps issued were valid only for local mail and Djibouti. Mails for international purposes needed to be franked by other UPU member countries. For this same purpose, French Post offices operated in Ethiopia, in Addis Ababa, Harar, and Dire Dawa.
Ethiopost joined the UPU on 1st November 1908. Before Ethiopost’s membership to UPU, the stamps issued were valid only for local mail and Djibouti. Mails for international purposes needed to be franked by other UPU member countries. For this same purpose, French Post offices operated in Ethiopia, in Addis Ababa, Harar, and Dire Dawa.
1908 - Ethiopia Joins the UPU
On November 1st, Ethiopia became a member of the Universal Postal Union. This connected the country's postal system to a global network. Membership allowed for international mail exchange and cooperation. It was a key step in modernizing Ethiopia's postal operations.
1919 - UPU Membership Stamp
A set of stamps was issued in 1919 to commemorate the Ethiopian Postal Service's membership in the UPU. The stamps served as a lasting tribute to this milestone in the country's postal history. They highlighted Ethiopia's growing connection to the global postal network.
1953 - Separated entity
In 1953, Ethiopian post and telecom became separated into two distinct entities. This separation allowed each sector to develop its own focus and services. It marked an important step in shaping the postal service's independent identity.
1966 - Independent entity
The first Postal Proclamation, Postal Proclamation No. 240/1966, was issued by Emperor Haile Selassie. This proclamation formally established Ethiopost as an independent entity. It marked a significant milestone in giving the postal service its own legal standing and identity.
1969 - Head-office building
Construction of the head-office building was completed in 1969. Its design was deliberately planned to make postal operations smooth and agile. The building became a central hub supporting the efficiency of the postal service's daily work.
1976 - Postal Museum
The Postal Museum officially opened its doors to visitors at the head office in 1976. It offered a space to showcase the history and heritage of Ethiopia's postal service. The museum became a lasting resource for preserving and sharing that legacy with the public.
1980 — Member of Pan African Postal Union
Ethiopost became a founding member of the Pan African Postal Union in 1980. This membership strengthened ties between postal services across the African continent. It positioned Ethiopost as an active participant in regional postal cooperation and development.
1986 — Bus and Logistics Service
The organization expanded its operations to include bus transport and logistics. This move diversified services beyond traditional mail delivery. It allowed the postal service to support broader transportation needs across the country. The addition strengthened its role in national infrastructure.
1987 — Financial & Retail Services
Financial and retail services were introduced to meet growing customer demand. This expansion allowed customers to access banking-like services through postal branches. It reflected a shift toward becoming a multi-service organization. The move helped reach underserved communities across Ethiopia.
1988 — Express Mail Service (EMS)
Express Mail Service, known as EMS, was launched this year. It provided faster and more reliable delivery for urgent mail and parcels. This service set a new standard for speed and customer satisfaction. EMS remains a core offering to this day.
2009 - State Owned Enterprise
Ethiopost was established as a State Owned Enterprise by regulation number 165/2009 under the public enterprises holding and administration agency.
2018 - Hosted UPU Congress
Ethiopost hosted the UPU's Extraordinary Congress in Addis Ababa in 2018. The event brought together postal representatives for important discussions and decisions. The congress was widely regarded as a success, reflecting well on Ethiopia's role in the global postal community.
2017 — Passport & Visa Delivery
The organization began offering passport and visa delivery services. This made it easier for citizens to receive essential travel documents. Customers no longer needed to visit government offices in person for delivery. The service improved convenience and access nationwide.
2022 — E-commerce Service
An e-commerce platform was launched to support online buying and selling. This allowed the organization to enter the growing digital marketplace. It connected local businesses and customers through a trusted delivery network. The service marked a major step into digital transformation.
2023 —UPU regional Champion
Ethiopost was recognized as the UPU Regional Champion in 2023. This honor reflected its strong performance and leadership within the region's postal community. It highlighted the organization's continued commitment to excellence and innovation in postal services.
2023 —Distinguished Achievement Award
Ethiopost was honored with a Distinguished Achievement Award in recognition of its outstanding contributions to the postal sector. The award reflected the organization's dedication to service excellence and innovation. It stood as a testament to years of hard work and continued growth within the industry.
2024 — Digital Financial Service & NID Card
Digital financial services were launched to support secure, cashless transactions. At the same time, the organization began printing and distributing National ID cards. This positioned the postal service as a key player in Ethiopia's digital transformation. Both services expanded the organization's role in citizens' daily lives.
2025 — EMS Performance & Customer Care Awards
The organization received the EMS Performance Silver Award this year. It was also honored with the EMS Customer Care Award. These recognitions reflected years of dedication to service quality. They highlighted the organization's continued excellence in customer satisfaction.
