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07 May 2025, 09:06

ቁጭ ብላችሁ ገበጣ ስትጫወቱ ለምትውሉት ዝንባም ሻቦዎች ብዙ የስራ ዕድል ተፈጠረላችኋ!

Ethiopians Know Little About Egypt’s Plan to Monitor Ethiopian Imports and Exports.

The Silent Infiltration: Egypt’s Expanding Influence Over Ethiopia’s Trade

Most Ethiopians have no idea that Egypt is inching closer to monitoring their country’s imports and exports—and when they do realize it, it might be too late. Egypt has made a strategic move by securing a logistics and port connectivity deal with Djibouti, Ethiopia’s main maritime gateway.
With over 95% of Ethiopia’s trade passing through Djibouti, Egypt’s presence there isn’t just about boosting its own trade—it’s about gaining leverage over Ethiopia’s economic lifeline. And yet, Ethiopia’s foreign ministry remains largely silent.

Egypt’s Expanding Footprint: A Chess Game in the Horn of Africa
To understand how Egypt is surrounding Ethiopia, take a look at Egypt’s regional moves over the past week alone:
January 23, 2025 – Egypt-Somalia Strategic Partnership

Egypt tightens ties with Somalia, including potential military cooperation.

January 28, 2025 – Egypt-Djibouti Logistics Agreement

Egypt secures a logistics hub and port management deal, strengthening its control over Ethiopia’s trade routes.

January 29, 2025 – Kenyan President in Cairo

Egypt expands security & defense ties with Kenya, strengthening influence in East Africa.

January 29, 2025 – South Sudan Delegation Visits Egypt

Cairo is pushing Juba to reconsider its position on the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD).

Sudan’s Full AU Membership Push

Egypt is advocating for Sudan’s reinstatement in the African Union, ensuring another ally in Nile negotiations.

Meanwhile, Ethiopia’s foreign ministry remains disengaged, failing to counterbalance Egypt’s calculated moves.

Egypt-Djibouti Port Connectivity Deal: The Hard Facts

In November 2024, Egypt’s state-owned Holding Company for Maritime and Land Transport (HCMLT) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Djibouti Ports and Free Zones Authority (DPFZA).

Key Points of the Agreement:
Port Development & Connectivity

Linking Egyptian ports to Djibouti’s ports to modernize facilities & streamline trade corridors.

Logistics Zone

Egypt gains control over a 1-million-square-meter logistics hub inside Djibouti.

Investment & Infrastructure

Egypt-backed firms to build roads, energy plants, & additional port facilities.
Sources confirm that Egypt has already financed a solar power plant in Djibouti.

Djibouti retains sovereignty, but it has granted Egypt 100% management of key port corridors (per bnnbloomberg.ca), essentially allowing Egypt operational influence over Ethiopia’s trade route.

Why This Should Worry Ethiopia
Ethiopia’s Over-Reliance on Djibouti

95% of Ethiopia’s imports & exports flow through Djibouti.
Ethiopia pays nearly $1 billion annually in port fees.
Any change in port management or inspections could disrupt trade, leading to higher costs.

Egypt’s Diplomatic Leverage

Egypt could pressure Djibouti into altering trade policies to Ethiopia’s disadvantage.
Ethiopia’s supply route could become a vulnerability in GERD negotiations.

The Risk of Trade Monitoring

Egypt now has direct access to shipment data, trade flow analytics, and cargo movements.
If a shipment contains sensitive equipment—turbines, arms, key industrial machinery—Egypt could detect and report it.
Trade delays, inspections, or increased tariffs could become diplomatic pressure tools.


Egypt’s Bigger Strategic Goals in the Horn of Africa

Surrounding Ethiopia Diplomatically

Egypt is cultivating alliances with Sudan, Somalia, Djibouti, Kenya, and South Sudan.
The goal? Diplomatically isolate Ethiopia and undermine its influence.

Controlling the Red Sea Corridor

Bab-el-Mandeb is a vital choke point for international trade.
Egypt’s growing presence in Djibouti strengthens its influence over this corridor, giving it leverage over Ethiopia.

Economic Expansion

Egypt is working to double its exports to Africa by 2025 (per allafrica.com).
The Djibouti logistics zone gives Egypt direct access to Ethiopian, Somali, and South Sudanese markets.


Monitoring Ethiopia’s Trade: Paranoia or Reality?

Some might say, “Egypt monitoring Ethiopia’s trade is a conspiracy theory.” But the facts suggest otherwise:
Port Operations & Data Sharing

Egypt now has logistics oversight—meaning access to shipping manifests and cargo details.
Sensitive cargo (industrial supplies, energy equipment, etc.) can be flagged.

Diplomatic Pressure Tactics

In times of tension, Djibouti could face pressure to delay Ethiopian shipments.
Small policy changes in port fees or trade routes could disrupt Ethiopian commerce.

Security & Intelligence Gathering

Djibouti is home to multiple foreign military bases (U.S., China, France, etc.).
Egypt’s presence adds another layer of intelligence monitoring in Ethiopia’s primary trade hub.

This isn’t paranoia. Egypt is securing real operational influence in Ethiopia’s only port corridor.

Final Question: Where Is Ethiopia’s Foreign Ministry?
While Egypt actively builds alliances, Ethiopia’s diplomatic response is practically non-existent:
No visible efforts to counterbalance Egypt’s influence in Djibouti.
No proactive alliances matching Egypt’s aggressive regional engagement.

This isn’t about panic—it’s about awareness.