Addis Ababa, Sept. 18, 2025 — Ethiopia must intensify diplomatic efforts to end its landlocked status if it hopes to sustain long-term economic growth, a leading political scientist has said.
Brook Hailu, professor of Political Science and International Relations at Addis Ababa University, stressed that the country’s rapidly expanding population is adding urgency to the issue.
“Ethiopia, now nearing 128 million people and growing by about 2.75 million annually, is expected to reach 150 million within 15 to 20 years. It is going to struggle to cope,” he warned.
Ethiopia, without direct sea access since Eritrea’s independence in 1993, has long faced high costs for imports and exports. Officials have repeatedly highlighted the challenge as a barrier to trade and growth.
According to Prof. Brook, the government is pursuing options such as contracts, leases, and land exchange agreements with neighboring states to secure a seaport. He noted that Ethiopia has also offered to share stakes in strategic companies, including Ethiopian Airlines, to deepen regional partnerships.
“Through regional cooperation and national resolve, Ethiopia can open a new chapter of prosperity,” Brook said, urging peaceful negotiations rather than confrontation.
