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
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
UPU Membership
1919
A set of stamps was issued in commemoration of the membership of the Ethiopian Postal Service to UPU.
1953
Post and telecom became separated as two different entities.
1966
The first Postal Proclamation (Postal Proclamation No 240/1966) by Emperor H/Selassie.
1966
Ethiopian Post established as independent entity
1969
Head-office building construction completed, the design is deliberated in making the postal operation smooth and agile.
1976
The Postal Museum opened for visitors at the head office.
1980
Ethiopost is a founding member of Pan African Postal Union.
2009
Ethiopost was established as a State Owned Enterprise by regulation number 165/2009 under the public enterprises holding and administration agency.
2018
Ethiopost hosted UPU’s Extraordinary congress in Addis Ababa. The congress was successful.
