Strategic Shift in the Horn of Africa: Ethiopia’s Access to the Somaliland Port of Berbera

The recent agreement between Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed and Somaliland President Muse Bihi Abdi, granting Ethiopia access to the Somaliland port of Berbera, marks a turning point in Ethiopia’s strategic logistics and supply chain dynamics. The agreement is more than just a logistical relief; it symbolises a significant geopolitical realignment in the Horn of Africa. Ethiopia’s landlocked status has long been a bottleneck to the country’s economic expansion, hindering trade effectiveness and regional influence. By securing a maritime connection to the Gulf of Aden, Ethiopia is not only improving its economic opportunities, but also forging a stronger political alliance with Somaliland, which could lead to a rebalancing of regional power structures. The port of Berbera, a key hub connecting Africa to the busy Red Sea and Suez Canal sea lanes, will become a hub for the continent’s trade with Europe and beyond. Ethiopia’s economic growth to date, which has been due to a lack of direct access to the sea, will be transformed by this agreement as it paves the way for expanded trade opportunities and a more robust Ethiopian logistics network. <a href="https://medium.com/@thomasarnosander/strategic-shift-in-the-horn-of-africa-ethiopias-access-to-the-somaliland-port-of-berbera-a39f4b495463">Website</a>