Prime Minister Abiy Says Sea Access Existential for Ethiopia

Addis Ababa, October 23, 2026 (ENA) — Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed underscored the strategic importance of sea access for Ethiopia, emphasizing that it is an existential issue tied to the country’s security, sovereignty, and long-term future.

“For a nation of more than 130 million people, access to the sea is existential. Imagine planning for generations ahead, when every road to the world must pass through other countries. This concerns our security, our sovereignty, and the future of our children,” the Prime Minister said.

Addressing the 12th Tana High-Level Forum on Security in Africa in Bahir Dar, under the theme “Pathways to Peace in Africa: Economic Sovereignty and Geopolitical Transformation,” PM Abiy stressed the importance of reliable maritime access to Ethiopia.

 

The Premier asserted that Ethiopia would continue to pursue its aspirations through dialogue and mutual benefit.

“We will continue to persuade through dialogue and mutual benefit. The need for reliable route roads is shared across Africa. Good corridors connect producers to markets and benefit the communities along the way. The African Continental Free Trade Area opens the door to wider trade. When crossing a border is simple and affordable, small traders join the formal economy. And when enforcement works, it disrupts illicit networks that finance violence,” the Premier stated.

 

The Prime Minister also highlighted the role of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) in expanding intra-African trade, noting that simpler and more affordable cross-border movement could help small traders enter the formal economy, while effective enforcement could disrupt illicit networks that finance violence.

Turning to Ethiopia’s development achievements, Abiy praised the determination of Ethiopians in realizing the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD).

PM Abiy stressed that the project must translate into tangible benefits for citizens through reliable electricity, industrial growth, and improved livelihoods.

“The determination of our people built the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam. Now, we owe them results: reliable power, growing industries, better livelihoods,” he said.

 

He further emphasized the importance of sharing development gains with neighboring countries, noting that Ethiopian electricity reaches Kenya, Sudan, Djibouti, and Tanzania.

“A power line that crosses a border is a promise renewed every day,” the Prime Minister underscored, highlighting the potential of regional energy cooperation to strengthen economic integration and shared prosperity.