Ethiopia has once again underscored its determination to secure access to the sea, with senior officials arguing that the country’s long-term economic growth, security and national survival depend on obtaining a reliable maritime corridor.
As Africa’s second-most populous nation, with more than 130 million people, Ethiopia has consistently maintained that remaining landlocked places significant constraints on its economic development and strategic interests.
Ethiopian leaders argue that the country’s dependence on foreign ports creates vulnerabilities that cannot be sustained indefinitely.
Speaking to the state-run Ethiopian News Agency (ENA), Education Minister Berhanu Nega described access to the sea as a matter of national survival and security.
He said Ethiopia seeks a peaceful and cooperative arrangement that would allow it to benefit from maritime access while working constructively with neighboring countries.
“More than 130 million people cannot remain without access to the sea. Our security depends on it. We need to benefit from the sea peacefully and cooperatively together with the countries of the region. If an agreement is not reached, future generations will not simply accept remaining landlocked. Our survival is linked to the sea,” Berhanu said.
The minister’s remarks reflect a broader position repeatedly advanced by Ethiopian officials, who argue that the country’s growing population and expanding economy require direct and reliable access to maritime trade routes.
Ethiopia currently channels more than 90 percent of its imports and exports through ports in neighboring countries, particularly Djibouti, making its economy heavily dependent on external trade corridors.
Ethiopian policymakers have long argued that this dependence increases transportation costs, exposes the country to supply-chain disruptions and limits its strategic flexibility.
Military and diplomatic officials have also suggested that greater access to maritime infrastructure is necessary to strengthen national security and reduce reliance on routes controlled by other states.
Berhanu further stated that Ethiopia’s loss of direct access to the sea was a historical mistake and argued that the issue extends beyond any single government or political generation.
According to the minister, the pursuit of maritime access remains a long-term national objective that future generations are likely to continue pursuing if a negotiated solution is not achieved.
Despite the strong rhetoric, Ethiopian officials continue to emphasize that they are seeking a peaceful and mutually beneficial arrangement with neighboring countries.
Addis Ababa has repeatedly stated that dialogue, regional cooperation and negotiated agreements remain its preferred approach to addressing the issue.
The debate over Ethiopia’s maritime ambitions remains one of the most sensitive geopolitical issues in the Horn of Africa.
Somalia has consistently stressed that any discussion related to maritime access must respect Somalia’s sovereignty, territorial integrity and internationally recognized borders.
As regional governments and international partners continue to encourage dialogue, Ethiopia’s leadership maintains that securing dependable access to the sea is not merely an economic objective but a strategic necessity that will shape the country’s future for decades to come.