PM Abiy Ahmed: Access to the Sea is Existential for Ethiopia

Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, speaking at the 12th Tana High-Level Forum on Security in Africa in Bahir Dar, declared that securing access to the sea is an existential necessity for Ethiopia’s population of over 130 million. The Prime Minister emphasized that Ethiopia remains committed to pursuing its maritime aspirations through dialogue and mutual benefit rather than conflict.

Furthermore, the Prime Minister highlighted the success of the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD), noting that the project must now translate into tangible results such as reliable energy and industrial growth. He underscored the importance of regional cooperation, pointing out that Ethiopia currently exports electricity to Kenya, Sudan, Djibouti, and Tanzania, and reiterated the role of the African Continental Free Trade Area in fostering economic prosperity.