Ethiopia, a nation of over 120 million people, is one of the fastest-growing economies in Africa. Yet, it remains landlocked, a condition that has stifled its potential and left it dependent on neighboring countries for access to the sea. This reality is not just a geographical inconvenience but a historical injustice rooted in political miscalculations. Ethiopia’s loss of direct sea access is a story of missed opportunities and errors that continue to haunt the nation. However, reclaiming this access is not only vital for Ethiopia’s future but could also serve as a unifying force for East Africa.
Historically, Ethiopia enjoyed direct access to the Red Sea through ports like Massawa and Assab, which were integral to its trade and sovereignty. However, the colonial era and subsequent political decisions eroded this access. The Eritrean War of Independence, which lasted for three decades, culminated in Eritrea’s secession in 1991. This separation, while granting Eritrea its independence, left Ethiopia landlocked—a decision many now view as a historic error.
Ethiopian politicians at the time failed to negotiate terms that would guarantee continued access to the Red Sea ports. The loss of Massawa and Assab was a devastating blow, forcing Ethiopia to rely on Djibouti for 95% of its trade. This dependency has come at a high cost, with port fees and logistical challenges eating into Ethiopia’s economic growth. The lack of direct sea access has also limited Ethiopia’s ability to project influence in the Horn of Africa, a region where maritime power is crucial.
However, the quest for direct sea access is not just about Ethiopia’s economic survival; it is also about regional unity. East Africa is a diverse and dynamic region, but it has often been divided by political and economic rivalries. Ethiopia’s access to the sea could serve as a catalyst for greater integration. By developing shared port infrastructure and trade routes, Ethiopia and its neighbors could foster economic interdependence, reducing tensions and promoting cooperation. For instance, a partnership with Eritrea to revitalize the port of Assab could transform the Red Sea into a hub of regional trade, benefiting both nations and beyond.
Ethiopia’s access to the sea could also strengthen the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) by enhancing connectivity between landlocked and coastal nations. It could also pave the way for joint investments in infrastructure, such as railways and highways, linking East Africa’s economies and creating a unified market. This vision aligns with Ethiopia’s historical role as a unifier in the region, a nation that has long championed Pan-Africanism and collective progress.
Ethiopia’s quest for direct sea access is a matter of justice, economic necessity, and regional unity. The errors of the past must not define the future. By reclaiming its access to the sea, Ethiopia can unlock its potential and play a pivotal role in uniting East Africa. The sea is not just a gateway to the world; it is a bridge to a brighter, more connected future for all.
As Ethiopia’s population surges toward 150 million and its economy seeks to ascend to middle-income status by 2030, the urgency to reclaim direct sea access has become a cornerstone of its national strategy. This essay argues that Ethiopia’s pursuit is justified by economic necessity, strategic security, and historical legitimacy, and explores pathways to achieve this goal while navigating complex regional dynamics.
Landlocked countries face inherent economic disadvantages, paying up to 50% more in transport costs than coastal neighbors. For Ethiopia, which relies on Djibouti for 95% of its trade, these costs are crippling. Annual port fees exceed $1.5 billion, draining resources needed for infrastructure and social programs. The Addis Ababa-Djibouti corridor, handling 90% of Ethiopia’s imports and exports, is frequently congested, causing delays that ripple through supply chains. With trade volumes projected to double by 2030, reliance on a single port poses unsustainable risks.
Ethiopia’s ambition to become a light manufacturing hub—exemplified by its $1.2 billion textile export target—hinges on efficient global market access. Sea access would slash logistics costs, attract foreign investment, and unlock blue economy sectors like fisheries and offshore energy. The World Bank estimates that reducing transit delays by one day could increase exports by 7%. For a nation where 70% of the population is under 30, job creation through enhanced trade is not just economic policy—it is a social imperative.
Ethiopia’s security architecture is incomplete without a naval presence. And its absence from the sea could also negatively affect the entire region and beyond as the area is strategically important for global trade. The re-establishment of its navy in 2018 underscores this realization.