Ethiopia’s Future Development Anchored in Abay, Read Sea, Underscores Water Minister
Ethiopia's Minister of Water and Energy, Habtamu Itefa, has emphasized the strategic importance of the Abay River and the Red Sea to the nation's future development. He argues that these water bodies are central to Ethiopia's economic trajectory and regional geopolitical influence.
Why it matters
Control and access to water resources are critical drivers of regional stability and economic growth in the Horn of Africa.
አማርኛ ትግርኛ Afaan Oromoo Af‑Soomaali Qafar Afa English Français عربي Politics Social Economy Sport Technology Environment Feature Videos About Us Ethiopia’s Future Development Anchored in Abay, Read Sea, Underscores Water Minister 🔇Unmute Addis Ababa, August 11, 2026 (ENA) —Ethiopia’s future is inseparable from the Abay River and the Red Sea, with both serving as strategic pillars for national development and regional connectivity, Minister of Water and Energy Habtamu Itefa said.
Speaking to ENA, the minister described the Abay (Blue Nile) and the Red Sea as two water bodies that have shaped Ethiopia’s history, influenced regional power dynamics, and continue to define the country’s economic and strategic trajectory.
“The issue of these two waters should not be viewed simply in terms of whether water exists or not,” Habtamu said.
He added that: “It must be understood in a much broader historical, economic, and geopolitical context.”
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