The construction involves over 40 companies in the design and construction stages, and over 20 local manufacturing companies will be involved in maintenance, through the production and supply of spare parts and providing metal engineering and electro-mechanical services (MoFED, 2010). The development of a national railway network will integrate and empower the economic activities of local communities, such as farmers, by providing affordable and efficient transportation. At both local and national levels, it will create the conditions necessary for developing local resources and generating employment, e.g. improved access to market for agricultural products and to social services, which will raise living standards in Ethiopia.