By HAN News Desk
ADDIS ABABA — A dispute has emerged between the Ethiopian Maritime Authority and the Djibouti Ports Authority over approvals related to cargo handling and the transportation of goods, officials said.
The disagreement centers on authorization procedures governing the clearance and movement of Ethiopian cargo, raising concerns among traders and logistics operators who rely heavily on regional port infrastructure.
Meanwhile, Somaliland’s Minister of Finance told a meeting of the Council of Ministers on Wednesday that, in partnership with global ports operator DP World, the government is implementing measures aimed at increasing Ethiopian trade through the Port of Berbera.
The minister said the initiatives focus on simplifying logistics and trade procedures to encourage greater use of Berbera by Ethiopian importers and exporters, positioning the port as an alternative corridor for the landlocked country.
The developments follow an official visit by Somaliland President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi, widely known as Cirro, to Ethiopia. Shortly after the visit, DP World announced plans to link Jebel Ali Port in the United Arab Emirates with Berbera Port.
The initiative is intended to strengthen trade connectivity and position Berbera as a key commercial hub for East Africa. Under the plan, goods offloaded at Berbera are expected to be transported onward to Dire Dawa using the Addis Ababa–Djibouti railway network, further integrating regional trade and logistics systems.
Analysts say the move could reduce Ethiopia’s heavy reliance on Djibouti’s ports while boosting Berbera’s strategic role in the Horn of Africa’s trade routes.
