The Horn of Africa is a region of immense historical, cultural, and geopolitical significance. Home to some of the world’s earliest civilizations, including the Axumite Empire and the Nubian and Meroitic kingdoms, it has long played a critical role in shaping global history. The region is also widely recognized as the cradle of humanity, with archaeological discoveries such as Lucy (Australopithecus afarensis) providing key insights into human evolution. Beyond its historical prominence, the Horn has fostered indigenous governance traditions, such as the Gada system of the Oromo people, which emphasizes collective decision-making and social equality.

Its geostrategic location has made the Horn a focal point for global competition for centuries. Positioned at the intersection of major maritime trade routes, including the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden, the region controls a choke point through which a significant percentage of global oil and goods transit. Its proximity to the Arabian Peninsula, a key energy supplier, further enhances its strategic value.

Historically, the Ottoman Empire and Portugal fought for dominance over Red Sea trade routes in the 16th century, while during the Cold War, the region became an arena for U.S.-Soviet rivalry, with both superpowers backing local regimes to further their global agendas. Today, new players such as Turkey, the UAE, and Saudi Arabia are investing in military bases, ports, and infrastructure projects across the region, competing for influence and resources.

Despite its historical prominence, the Horn of Africa has long suffered from external interference that has shaped its political and economic structures, often to the detriment of local autonomy. Foreign intervention has contributed to prolonged conflicts, economic dependencies, and weakened regional institutions. However, a major shift is now taking place in Ethiopia’s foreign policy, marked by the adoption of the “Horn First” approach—an ambitious strategy that prioritizes regional integration, cooperation, and self-reliance over reliance on global powers.

Ethiopia, one of the world’s oldest civilizations, has often sought external alliances to strengthen its position in the region. From its early interactions with European monarchs in the 16th century to its Cold War alignments with the U.S. and the Soviet Union, Ethiopia has frequently turned outward for support. However, these alliances have historically come at a cost, reinforcing dependency on external actors and fueling instability in the region. The Horn First policy marks a departure from this pattern, signaling a renewed commitment to strengthening regional ties and addressing shared challenges collectively.

At the core of this policy is the belief that the Horn of Africa’s nations share a common destiny and must collaborate to ensure regional stability and prosperity. The region faces numerous transboundary challenges, from water resource management and economic integration to security threats posed by internal conflicts and foreign interventions. Addressing these issues requires a coordinated approach based on mutual understanding, rather than reliance on external powers that often exploit divisions for their own strategic interests.

The Horn First policy seeks to redefine Ethiopia’s role in the region by fostering deeper economic, political, and security cooperation among its neighbors. This includes initiatives for joint infrastructure development, trade agreements, and collective security mechanisms that strengthen the region’s resilience against external pressures. It also involves diplomatic efforts to resolve long-standing disputes, such as border conflicts and competition over natural resources, through regional dialogue rather than external arbitration.

This shift in foreign policy is not merely a strategic necessity but a reflection of a broader historical and cultural reality. The Horn of Africa’s nations have interwoven histories, shared cultural and religious ties, and a common interest in securing long-term stability. By prioritizing regional engagement, Ethiopia is positioning itself as a leading advocate for African-driven solutions to African challenges. If successfully implemented, the Horn First policy could transform the region, reducing dependency on foreign powers and fostering a new era of cooperation and self-reliance.

By Yabsira Yeshiwas, Researcher, Horn Review