Ethiopia, Africa’s second most populous nation with over 130 million citizens, stands at a critical crossroads in its modern history. Despite being only a few dozen kilometers away from the Red Sea, the country has been landlocked since 1993 following Eritrea’s independence. This geographic paradox being so close to the sea yet cut off from direct access—creates economic, strategic, and political challenges that demand urgent attention, understanding, and cooperation from all stakeholders, especially the Ethiopian and Eritrean peoples.
The paradox of proximity: Just kilometers from the sea, yet cut off
The Ethiopian coastline along the Red Sea once included key ports such as Assab and Massawa. These ports served as Ethiopia’s gateways to international trade for decades, supporting economic growth and regional connectivity. However, when Eritrea became independent, Ethiopia lost its sovereign access to these ports, effectively becoming a landlocked country.
Today, the Ethiopian border lies only about 40 to 60 kilometers from the Red Sea coast near Assab an incredibly short distance by any measure. Yet, despite this proximity, Ethiopia must rely primarily on the Port of Djibouti, located nearly 900 kilometers away from Addis Ababa, to handle almost all its maritime imports and exports. This forced reliance significantly increases the cost, complexity, and vulnerability of Ethiopia’s trade routes.
“Being so close to the sea yet deprived of access is a burden not just on our economy, but on our national pride. It is a wound that must be healed through dialogue and cooperation.” — Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, 2025
Economic consequences: The high price of being landlocked
The challenges of landlocked countries are well documented globally. According to the World Bank, landlocked nations typically face transport costs that are 50% to 100% higher than their coastal neighbors. For Ethiopia, these elevated costs translate into:
- Higher import prices: Increased transportation and logistics expenses raise the cost of essential goods, directly impacting Ethiopian households and businesses.
- Export competitiveness challenges: Ethiopian products face higher costs getting to global markets, reducing their competitiveness and limiting export growth.
- Infrastructure strain: The overreliance on distant ports strains roads and railways, raising maintenance costs and the risk of congestion.
- Political vulnerability: Trade routes crossing multiple countries risk disruption due to diplomatic tensions or regional conflicts.
“Landlocked nations suffer not only from geography but from lost opportunities. Ethiopia’s economic potential can only be fully realized when its access to the sea is assured.” —Dr. Mulugeta Gebrehiwot, Economist, Ethiopian Economic Policy Institute
Strategic importance: Beyond economics
Access to a port on the Red Sea is not just about trade—it is a matter of national security and regional influence.
- Strategic autonomy: Ethiopia’s lack of direct access limits its ability to independently secure vital supply chains, including food, energy, and military equipment.
- Regional influence: Control or reliable access to a port provides geopolitical leverage, allowing Ethiopia to participate more actively in Red Sea security and maritime affairs.
- Resilience: Having multiple port options can buffer Ethiopia from disruptions caused by instability or political disputes.
“Geography is destiny, but destiny can be shaped by cooperation. Ethiopia’s place in the Red Sea security architecture must be recognized if we are to ensure lasting peace.” — Ambassador Fitsum Arega, Ethiopian Diplomat and Former UN Envoy
Historical context: Shared past, complex present
Historically, Ethiopia and Eritrea shared a maritime identity. Ports like Assab were vital hubs for trade, cultural exchange, and regional integration. The loss of Eritrean territory and sovereignty over these ports after Eritrea’s independence changed the dynamics dramatically.
It is essential to recognize Eritrea’s legitimate sovereignty and security concerns over its coastline. Eritrea’s desire to control its maritime space is understandable, especially given the Red Sea’s growing geopolitical importance and regional instability.
However, Ethiopia’s economic survival and growth depend on some form of port access. Over 95% of Ethiopia’s foreign trade passes through seaports. The inability to negotiate port access or develop joint maritime initiatives risks long-term regional instability and economic stagnation.
“We must not let history be a barrier but a bridge. The ports of the Red Sea once connected our peoples. They can do so again, if we choose dialogue over division.”
Professor Alemayehu G. Mariam, Historian, Addis Ababa University
The human impact: Ethiopia’s growing population and development needs
Ethiopia’s population is expected to grow beyond 150 million by 2050, intensifying demands on infrastructure, jobs, and services. The current landlocked status magnifies challenges:
- Urban centers depend on affordable imports of construction materials, food staples, and energy products.
- Export sectors such as agriculture, textiles, and manufacturing require efficient logistics to thrive globally.
- Industrialization and foreign direct investment hinge on predictable and cost-effective trade routes.
Without improved maritime access, these pressures risk becoming bottlenecks that could slow Ethiopia’s development trajectory and exacerbate poverty.
“A nation’s progress is tied to its ability to connect with the world. For Ethiopia, the sea is not just water; it is hope for the future of millions.”
Dr. Tsion Assefa, Demographer and Development Expert
Toward cooperation: A shared future on the Red Sea
The solution lies in dialogue, empathy, and pragmatic cooperation. Neither Ethiopia nor Eritrea can afford prolonged hostility or zero-sum competition over access to the Red Sea. Instead, both countries and their peoples must explore mutually beneficial arrangements that respect Eritrean sovereignty while addressing Ethiopia’s urgent economic needs.
Examples from other regions demonstrate the potential of cooperation:
- Kazakhstan and Azerbaijan have worked together to provide Kazakhstan with access to the Caspian Sea through Azerbaijan’s ports.
- Bolivia continues to seek diplomatic solutions to regain access to the Pacific Ocean after losing its coastline, showing the importance of negotiated settlements.
- Paraguay uses navigable rivers to overcome landlocked challenges, highlighting how innovative partnerships can mitigate geographic disadvantages.
“Peace is not just the absence of conflict-it is the presence of cooperation. Our Red Sea neighbors must work together for a shared destiny.”
Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, Director-General, World Health Organization (WHO)
Conclusion: Bridging the divide for prosperity
Ethiopia’s unique position—landlocked yet just kilometers from the Red Sea—presents both a challenge and an opportunity. Understanding this paradox is key to fostering empathy between Ethiopians and Eritreans.
By acknowledging the historical context, the economic imperatives, and the geopolitical realities, citizens on both sides can better appreciate the need for peaceful, cooperative solutions. The future of the Horn of Africa depends on this cooperation, transforming geographic proximity into a shared pathway for prosperity rather than a source of division.
As Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed urged,
“Our future is tied not only to the land we stand on but to the waters that connect us. Let us build bridges of cooperation on the shores of the Red Sea, for the benefit of all our peoples.”
Editor’s Note: The author can be reached at: drasquaredagile@gmail.com
BY DR. AHMED ABDURAHMAN
THE ETHIOPIAN HERALD FRIDAY 18, July 2025
