Ethiopia’s Sea Access Pursuit Imperative for Regional Growth, Stability: HPR Member

Addis Ababa, September 21, 2026 (ENA) — Ethiopia’s pursuit of equitable access to the sea is an imperative agenda for the country’s economic growth, national security, regional stability and integration, House of Peoples’ Representatives (HPR) member Ambassador Dina Mufti said.

In an exclusive interview with ENA, Ambassador Dina said Ethiopia’s growing population and economy, coupled with evolving regional security dynamics, have made access to the sea an increasingly important national interest.

He emphasized that Ethiopia is pursuing its quest for sea access through diplomatic means and seeks arrangements based on mutual benefit and respect for the interests and sovereignty of neighboring countries.

According to Dina, Ethiopia’s interest in securing sea access is underpinned by historical, geographic, economic and security considerations.

He noted that Ethiopia historically had access to the sea and used maritime routes for trade for many years, adding that the country’s loss of direct access to the sea has had significant economic and strategic implications.

The ambassador also pointed to Ethiopia’s geographic proximity to the Red Sea as another factor underpinning its interest in securing access.

He noted that some parts of Ethiopia are located relatively close to the Red Sea coastline and argued that the country has historical and legal grounds to pursue equitable access.

Dina further explained that Ethiopia’s rapidly growing population and expanding economy are increasing the volume of international trade, thereby strengthening the need for diversified and reliable access to maritime routes.

He said Ethiopia currently depends heavily on the Port of Djibouti for its maritime trade, noting that reliance on a single port can increase transportation costs, create logistical delays and expose the country’s trade to congestion and other disruptions.

As Ethiopia’s imports and exports continue to expand, the diversification of port access has consequently become increasingly important, he added.

Beyond economic considerations, Dina linked Ethiopia’s sea access agenda to regional peace and security, particularly in the Horn of Africa and the Red Sea region.

He noted that the region continues to face security challenges, while piracy, human trafficking, arms and drug trafficking and other illicit activities pose risks to maritime security and international trade.

According to the lawmaker, Ethiopia could make a meaningful contribution to addressing such challenges by strengthening its engagement in maritime affairs and maintaining the capacity to monitor developments that could affect its national interests and regional security.

Ethiopia needs to be present in maritime areas in order to monitor developments at sea and better address issues that could affect the country, he added.

Dina stressed that Ethiopia’s pursuit of sea access is being advanced through diplomacy and is not intended to undermine the sovereignty or territorial integrity of neighboring countries.

“Ethiopia is not interested in hurting or invading anyone,” Dina said, stressing that the country seeks sea access through a “win-win” approach.

He further said Ethiopia’s economic prosperity and development could generate benefits for neighboring countries as well, given the close economic, social and security interdependence among countries of the Horn of Africa.

Ethiopia’s prosperity, growth and advancement would also be in the interest of neighboring countries, Dina said, underscoring the importance of cooperation and mutually beneficial regional integration.