Ethiopia Access to Seaports boosts regional integration in Horn of Africa: Analyst

Addis Ababa, November 28, 2023 (FBC) – Lawrence Freeman, a political-economic analyst for Africa, stated that Ethiopia’s quest for the Red Sea strengthens regional economic integration in the horn of Africa region.

In an exclusive interview with FBC, Lawrence Freeman, said that Ethiopia’s interest to get access to the Red sea leads to a win-win economic benefit for regional countries, not to conflict.

Apart from their geopolitical significance, sea routes like Red Sea have greater importance to bolster regional integration and facilitate economic growth, the analyst said.

He also explained that Ethiopia’s presence in the Red Sea creates a favorable environment to ensure economic development for all countries in the region, adding that the quest to the sea outlet is reasonable.

He emphasized that the East African countries should recognize Ethiopia’s quest to the sea access in a positive way and work together for its realization.

“It is imperative for all the nations in the Horn and East Africa to understand, it is in their self-interest for Ethiopia, East Africa’s largest and fastest growing economy, to have access to a reliable port. A prosperous Ethiopia benefits the African continent,” the analyst added.