Ethiopia Earns $50 Million Annually from Deployed Marines, Aims to Expand Marine Training

ADDIS ABABA — Ethiopia is generating an average of $50 million annually from its marines who are trained and employed in various countries, according to the Ethiopian Maritime Authority. This income stems from the deployment of trained seafarers to international shipping companies, facilitated through public-private partnerships.

According to Ethiopian News Agency, the Director-General of the Ethiopian Maritime Authority, informed the Ethiopian News Agency (ENA) that Ethiopia’s active membership in the International Maritime Organization, a specialized agency of the United Nations, plays a crucial role in qualifying these marines for international service, thus enabling the country to earn valuable foreign currency. The remittances from these marines have significantly contributed to the nation’s foreign earnings, with $36 million recorded in the first eight months of the current Ethiopian fiscal year alone.

Abdulber highlighted the untapped economic potential in the maritime sector and outlined plans to increase the number of qualified marines from 7,500 to 40,000 over the next five years. He also mentioned ongoing efforts to enhance training capabilities, including collaborations with the Ministry of Defense and support for maritime programs at Arba Minch, Adama Science and Technology, and Hawassa universities.

These initiatives are part of Ethiopia’s broader strategy to maximize revenue from its maritime resources and expand its influence in international maritime affairs.