• Djibouti offered Ethiopia a 60% equity stake in the Tadjoura Port, according to Finance Minister Ilyas Moussa Dawaleh.
• Ethiopian government declined the proposal, seeking corridor access in addition to the equity stake.
• The statement was made during a press conference in Djibouti.
• In October 2025, Djibouti entered a 30-year concession agreement with Red Sea Gateway Terminal International (RSGTI), a subsidiary of Saudi Arabia’s Jeddah-based Red Sea Gateway Terminal (RSGT), to operate port facilities on the Red Sea.
• Discussions aimed to deepen bilateral cooperation in port and logistics infrastructure.
• The development reflects ongoing negotiations over Ethiopia’s maritime trade access.
• On March 10, DPFZA issued a notice instructing shipping agents not to impose additional surcharges on cargo loaded prior to the onset of the Gulf crisis.

Why it matters?

The proposed 60% stake in Tadjoura Port highlights Djibouti’s willingness to deepen economic integration. Ethiopia’s preference for corridor access underscores its priority for guaranteed and efficient trade routes critical to its import-export activities.

• Ethiopian Investment Holdings (EIH) proposed a fuel depot project in Djibouti to strengthen regional fuel logistics.

• The depot is planned to support Ethiopia’s fuel import supply chain via the Djibouti corridor.

• Ethiopia currently imports 100% of its fuel through Djibouti port infrastructure.

• The project aims to reduce logistics bottlenecks and improve fuel storage capacity.

• It is expected to enhance supply stability and lower distribution risks.

• The proposal aligns with Ethiopia’s strategy to secure energy supply chains and reduce disruptions.

Why it matters?
Fuel is Ethiopia’s largest import bill. Expanding storage and control in Djibouti directly impacts costs, supply reliability, and logistics efficiency for transport, industry, and trade.