As the nation aims for economic growth and sustainable development, the pursuit of sea access has become a critical issue. Recent initiatives underscore Ethiopia’s determination to tackle these challenges, promote regional cooperation, and improve its development scenarios.
Since Eritrea secession away from Ethiopia in 1993, Ethiopia has been a landlocked state, a development that has made a profound impact on its economic status. Without direct access to the ocean, Ethiopia has relied on neighboring countries for ports. This has been a significant constraint to trade, inhibiting the country’s growth potential and its possibilities for economic development.
The detriments of being landlocked are numerous. Without a secure port, Ethiopia pays more for shipping and logistics complications, which can deter foreign investment and complicate exports.
As a result, the country’s economic growth has not assumed the anticipated proportions following secession. The reliance on bordering ports has also left Ethiopia vulnerable to geopolitical risks and political instability in these countries.
In response to these challenges, Ethiopia has committed to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), which aim to reduce poverty levels and ensure food security across the country as well as East Africa.
In this regard, the country has been proactively seeking maritime access in recent years by diplomatic means. It has attempted to build better relations with the surrounding countries, primarily Djibouti, where the main port of Ethiopian commerce is located. Through cooperative arrangements and new trade routes, Ethiopia hopes to overcome the detriments of being landlocked.
By securing a direct route to the sea, Ethiopia could facilitate trade, attract foreign investment, and enhance its competitiveness in the global market. This access would not only streamline the import and export processes but also create job opportunities, thereby alleviating poverty and fostering economic growth.
The development of ports and related facilities would necessitate investment in infrastructure, which could lead to improvements in transportation, communication, and energy supply across the country. These advancements are critical for fostering a more integrated and modern economy.
However, achieving this ambitious goal requires the collective effort of every Ethiopian. Citizens must engage in dialogue about the importance of sea access and advocate for policies that support this initiative. Public awareness campaigns can play a crucial role in educating the population about the benefits of maritime access and the steps needed to achieve it.
In an interview with EBC, Prime Minister of Ethiopia, Abiy Ahmed (PhD) stated that the country will continue to strengthen efforts for sea access legally and through dialogue until this goal is met.
He expressed that regret the way Ethiopia lost a port. The country has not had a port over the past three decades, Abiy said, underscoring the idea that Ethiopia needs to have access to the sea is not a recent agenda.
As a landlocked country, Ethiopia has endured challenges to a great extent, he said.
Against the international frameworks on world landlocked countries, glaring injustices have been committed against Ethiopia; and this issue requires swift solution, the PM underscored.
Recall that Abiy in his briefings to the House of People’s Representatives on October 2024 said that Ethiopia needs seaport on the Red Sea in a peaceful manner. According to his explanations on access to the sea, the PM revealed Ethiopia’s firm position on access to the sea.
The government’s unwavering position on access to sea is clear, with a growing economy of 120 million people and surrounded by waters–Ethiopia deserves access to the sea peacefully. Ethiopia’s quest for access of sea is fair and legitimate, the Prime Minister underlined.
In his part, speaking during the 34th regular session of the House of People’s Representatives, the Foreign Affairs Minister Gedion Timothewos highlighted the progress made in bringing to the fore Ethiopia’s long-standing quest for access to the sea.
He addressed wide ranging questions from citizen-centered diplomacy, to regional cooperation, and transnational security challenges during the session. In his response, the minster noted that Ethiopia’s foreign policy is rooted in a principled strategy that prioritizes neighboring countries.
According to him, Ethiopia is actively collaborating with its neighbors in key areas such as infrastructure development, trade and investment as well as peace and security.
Ethiopia’s diplomatic effort to gain access to sea has gained traction internationally, bolstered by the country’s role in promoting regional economic integration and stability in the Horn of Africa, a contribution that is increasingly acknowledged in global forums.
The foreign minister stressed that Ethiopia’s quest for access to sea would be pursued until fruition based on international laws and the principle of give and take.
According to Business Leaders, Ethiopia spends between 1.5 billion and 2 billion USD annually on port fees, reinforcing the urgent need for direct sea access to boost trade efficiency and economic growth.
Approached by the Ethiopian Press Agency (EPA), business leaders also stressed that Ethiopia’s expanding economy and growing population make sea port access a critical national priority.
Engineer Jebel Jemal, active in construction and real estate, stated that Ethiopia’s loss of sea access three decades ago has weakened its global trade position. “Sustaining 130 million people without a sea port is a major challenge,” he emphasized, adding that high trade volumes necessitate direct maritime access.
Highlighting Ethiopia’s high birth rate, Jebel warned that future population growth could intensify economic pressures. He stressed that maritime transport remains more cost-effective than air freight, urging global stakeholders to support Ethiopia’s sea access pursuit.
Businessman Tesfaye Gebrekidan, active in automotive trade, underscored the economic toll of lacking a port. “It has severely impacted Ethiopia’s trade efficiency,” he said, advocating continued diplomatic efforts to secure access.
Tesfaye emphasized that resolving the issue now is crucial for future generations, calling for clear international communication on Ethiopia’s economic challenges and persistent diplomatic negotiations.
Aluminum importer Aregawi Gebre agreed, stating that dwelling on past losses is unproductive. He urged comprehensive diplomatic strategies based on mutual benefit, citing examples of other nations discreetly securing access.
Ethiopia must approach the matter strategically and calmly, Aregawi stated, expressing confidence that productive negotiations with coastal nations could yield significant results.
Furthermore, Ethiopia is exploring opportunities to diversify its access to maritime routes. By fostering discussion with other neighboring countries, Ethiopia aims to create a robust network of trade routes that can withstand regional disruptions and enhance its economic resilience.
The country’s quest for sea access is not just a political or economic ambition; it is a vital strategy for sustainable development. Through uniting in support of this initiative, every citizen can contribute to a brighter future for the nation, ensuring that the benefits of sea access reach all corners of Ethiopian society.
As the country moves forward, the commitment to this endeavor will shape its destiny and secure a prosperous future for generations to come.
BY FIKDU BELAY
THE ETHIOPIAN HERALD TUESDAY 10 JUNE 2025
