Djibouti has reportedly offered Ethiopia access to the Port of Tajura to facilitate trade and boost economic cooperation between the two neighboring countries.
This move comes as Ethiopia continues to seek alternative access to sea routes to support its growing economy, given its landlocked status.
Ethiopia already signed a seaport access deal with Somaliland early this year.
Its deal with Somaliland has proved controversial with Somalia accusing Ethiopia of breaching its sovereignty and territorial integrity.
The Port of Tajura, located on the Gulf of Aden, is on the north of Djibouti and roughly 100km from the border with Ethiopia. It presents a strategic opportunity for Ethiopia to diversify its trade routes and reduce its dependency on the Port of Djibouti, which currently handles the majority of Ethiopia’s imports and exports.
Enhanced access to this port could benefit Ethiopia by lowering transportation costs and providing a more efficient trade route for goods, which is crucial for its economic development and regional trade aspirations.
If Ethiopia accepts this offer, it would have a 100 percent control and management of the Port of Tajura.
This offer by Djibouti aligns with its strategy to position itself as a key trade and logistics hub in the Horn of Africa.
Both nations have a long history of cooperation, and such initiatives are likely to strengthen bilateral ties further and promote regional integration.