Ethiopia’s Quest for Sea Access Grounded in Nat’l Interest, Survival: Scholars

Addis Ababa, March 19, 2026 (ENA) — Ethiopia’s pursuit for access to the sea is rooted in the national interest and survival of the country, scholars at Wolaita Sodo University said.

Grounded in history, geography, and international realities, Ethiopia’s effort to secure port access is a long-standing diplomatic priority.

The issue remains a generational quest as the second-most populous African country should not be denied maritime access or pushed away from the sea.

The scholars emphasized that ownership of seaport is a matter of national interest and survival for Ethiopia that requires a united effort.

Speaking to ENA, Wolaita Sodo University lecturer and researcher, Almaz Balta, said framing this as a forward-looking issue is appropriate because Ethiopia’s continued existence would be jeopardized without access to seaport.

She said Ethiopia needs reliable access to the sea — both entry and exit — because of its growing population, rapidly expanding economy, and its role in facilitating regional connectivity.

Accordingly, the scholar argued that the case for port ownership rests on sound and convincing grounds; and must be pursued relentlessly until a suitable solution is found.

Ownership of a seaport, she added, is a matter of national interest and survival; and should remain a united, nonpartisan priority for the country.

Almaz called on scholars to take the lead by publishing rigorously researched articles and studies to inform public debate.

For her part, Deneku Abere, a lecturer and researcher in the Department of Language and Literature noted that Ethiopia’s development yields significant benefits not only for itself but for neighboring countries as well.

For that reason, she said, a seaport is essential to forge stronger regional ties.

Given Ethiopia’s population, its proximity to the Red Sea, and its historical and geographic context, access to a seaport remains an enduring strategic question, the lecturer elaborated.

The scholar underscored that ownership of a seaport is a matter of national interest and survival that must be unanimously pursued.