Transport & Communication

Connecting Eritrea: Advancements in Transportation and Communication Systems

Transportation

During the pre-independence era, transportation services were restricted to only 26 destinations connecting the capital. However, with the importation of vehicles and the establishment of various infrastructural networks, transportation services have steadily expanded, now encompassing a total of 294 destinations.

Following Eritrea’s independence in 1991, the government inherited a severely degraded national infrastructure. Roads linking different regions had deteriorated into ditches due to prolonged conflict. The condition of the roads was so poor that the current journey of two hours and thirty minutes between Asmara and Massawa previously took over seven hours. Moreover, the vehicles in operation were outdated and urgently needed replacement.

The past three decades have ushered in a transformative period for the transportation system. New strategic roads have been constructed, and existing roads have been renovated and expanded. To alleviate the challenges of transporting people and goods, the government imported over 700 buses, while the private sector contributed approximately 1,400 buses. Additionally, around 900 taxis were imported to enhance transportation efficiency within the Central region. To address similar challenges in other regions, more than 600 twelve-seater taxis have also been introduced.

In 1991, a total of 257 aging buses facilitated the daily transportation of approximately 6,000 individuals. In contrast, the newly imported 2,100 buses in the post-independence period now accommodate the daily transportation of over 62,000 individuals. Currently, over 85% of Eritrea’s population enjoys convenient access to public transport nationwide.

One of the government’s primary objectives within the transportation sector is to ensure cost-effective services. To realize this goal, the government continues to invest in road construction and the provision of public transport to remote areas. Initiatives have been implemented to enable Harat Transportation Company to offer services in Amalayt, Habero, Asmat, Awgaro, and Shetreb in the Gash-Barak and Anseba regions, as well as along the Tio-Aime, Idi-Afambo, and Beilul routes in the Southern Red Sea region. The long-term strategy includes the importation of vehicles specifically designed to navigate uneven and dilapidated terrains, thereby reaching previously inaccessible areas.

Additionally, the annual inspection of vehicles and trucks significantly contributes to safety, resulting in a decline in traffic accidents and the associated loss of lives and property. With an ever-increasing population, there is a growing demand for transportation services. Much work remains to be done, and the government is exerting extensive efforts to address these needs. The continued importation of new buses will help meet the increasing demands of passengers, while areas that were once difficult to reach are now benefiting from transportation services.

Simultaneously, the Eritrean Railway—an engineering marvel—has been partially restored. It offers a nostalgic journey between Massawa and Asmara that showcases stunning landscapes and engineering feats. While it primarily serves as a tourist attraction, the railway also operates as a significant transport line for cargo and passengers, a legacy of Italian colonization.

Eritrea, with its strategic location along the Red Sea, has long been a key player in maritime activities within the region. Despite facing various challenges, the country has endeavored to develop its shipping and ship repair capabilities to enhance economic prospects and meet the demands of its import-export activities. The primary ports in Eritrea, Massawa, and Assab play crucial roles in the nation’s maritime operations. Massawa, often referred to as the "Pearl of the Red Sea," serves as the main gateway for Eritrea’s international trade.

Over the past 30 years, more than 60 million USD has been invested in the renovation and expansion of the ports, which have been almost entirely rebuilt. New cranes have been installed, significantly improving marine transport services.

Ship repair services in Eritrea, primarily available in Massawa, cater to both local and international vessels. The ship repair facilities have been developed to offer a wide range of services, from minor repairs to more extensive refurbishments and maintenance work.

The government has initiated major projects to enhance marine transport. Plans are in place to upgrade the ports to accommodate larger vessels and create a competitive marine transport sector at the regional level.

Despite the challenges, Eritrea’s strategic geographic position presents significant opportunities for the expansion and development of its maritime sector. With targeted investment and a focus on regional cooperation, Eritrea could enhance its standing as a key maritime hub in the Horn of Africa, contributing to the country’s economic development and facilitating regional trade.

Aviation Services

Airline services have also demonstrated remarkable progress. Asmara International Airport, which was primarily used as a military base during the pre-independence period, was in disrepair. Renovating the airport to meet civil aviation standards became a primary focus in the post-independence era. Assab Airport was also renovated, and Sawa Airport was constructed, along with airstrips in Teseney, Barentu, and Mahmiment.

Currently, several airlines, including EgyptAir, Turkish Airlines, Fly Dubai, Flynas, and Emirates, provide services in Eritrea. The operational airlines deliver satisfactory service to travelers.

Communication

The Eritrean Telecommunications Services Corporation (EriTel) is the primary provider of telecommunication services, offering mobile, internet, and landline services. Post-independence, various initiatives have been undertaken in three phases to enhance communication services in Eritrea.

The first phase began in 1991 when there was no viable communication service across the country, and Assab lacked any service. The most pressing issue was the inability to make international calls, which were only feasible through microwave stations installed in Ethiopia—this connection was severed during the independence period.

The major task was to establish an infrastructure for international calls. A transitional station was set up in May 1992, and a standard international switch was installed between 1993 and 1995. An underground landline serving 4,000 users in Massawa and 4,000 in Keren was established. The international switch facilitated not only international calls but also improved local calling throughout the country.

Internet service commenced in 2000, initially offering a limited bandwidth of 512 kb/sec for downlink and 256 kb/sec for uplink, which was insufficient for client services. The second phase, spanning 2001 to 2010, saw an investment of over 30 million USD, increasing the bandwidth to 49 Mb/sec, with 40 Mb for downlink and the remainder for uplink. Through steady development, internet service expanded to 300 Mb/sec between 2011 and 2016.

The third phase, from 2011 to 2017, introduced additional switches for mobile service and international calls to improve connectivity. EriTel ensured that all towers had a reliable electricity supply, with 42% powered by solar energy. Due to a lack of electricity in Barentu and a limited supply in Adi-Keyih, EriTel took the initiative to install solar energy systems in these areas.

All core network centers in Asmara, Mendefera, Massawa, Assab, Keren, and Teseney are equipped with standby generators, which were implemented during the third phase. Currently, 90% of Eritrea enjoys telecommunications coverage.

The progress achieved in telecommunications reflects the country’s policy and economic capacity and aligns with the vision of ensuring equitable and efficient communication services nationwide. Thus, communications are becoming more accessible and modern to meet the needs of the Eritrean people and government.

Conversely, radio and television broadcasting in Eritrea is dominated by Eri-TV, the national television broadcaster, which offers programs in multiple languages, reflecting the country’s ethnic diversity.

Modern media was first introduced in Eritrea more than a century and a half ago by European missionaries in 1866. It continued until Ethiopia's illegal annexation, which left the media infrastructure in ruins. Today, Eritrean media is among the most developed in Africa and accessible globally.

The media landscape comprises a printing press, various radio channels, two television channels, and an online presence. Eri-TV and the two radio channels (Dimtsi Hafash and Radio Zara) cover nearly every corner of the country and broadcast via three satellites to reach most parts of Western and Eastern Europe, the Middle East, the Far East, North America, Australia, and some areas of Asia. Channel II and Radio Sawa target various local audiences.

Eritrean media outlets disseminate messages of truth, peace, and development to both national and international audiences. They preserve history, contribute to national unity and social harmony, serve as a voice for the voiceless, and prepare the population for their role in national development.

Overall, communication and transportation in Eritrea are evolving sectors significantly influenced by the country’s political and economic landscape. Improvements in these areas are crucial for enhancing national development, regional integration, and global connectivity.