Economy of Eritrea

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Economy of Eritrea

A view of Asmara

Currency| Eritrean nakfa (ERN)

Fiscal year

| Calendar year

Trade organisations

| AU, COMESA, AfDB
Statistics
GDP|

* $2.22 billion (nominal, 2021)[1]
* $6.88 billion (PPP, 2021)[1]

GDP rank| 156th (nominal) / 156th (PPP)

GDP growth

* 7.6% (16/17) 10.2% (17/18)

*7.9% (18/19e) 7.9% (19/20f)[2]

GDP per capita

* $626 (nominal, 2021)
* $1,910 (PPP, 2021)[1]

GDP by sector

| agriculture (11.7%), industry (29.6%), services (58.7%) (2017 est.)

Inflation (CPI)

| −14.401% (2018)[1]

Population below poverty line

| 50% (2004 est.)

Labour force

| 2.71 million (2017 est.)

Labour force by occupation

| agriculture (80%), services and industry (20%)

Main industries

| beverages, cement, clothing and textiles, food processing, light manufacturing, salt
External
Exports| $635.7 million (2017 est.)

Export goods

| food, livestock, small manufactures, sorghum, textiles

Main export partners

* Italy 30.5%
* Sudan 24%
* Saudi Arabia 8.8%
* China 8.5%
* UK 5.7%
* Egypt 4.8%
* (2008 est.)

Imports| $1.127 billion (2017 est.)

Import goods

| machinery, petroleum products, food, manufactured goods

Main import partners

* Saudi Arabia 15.7%
* Egypt 11.9%
* China 11.1%
* India 8.9%
* Russia 7.2%
* South Africa 6.5%
* Brazil 5.9%
* South Korea 4.3%
* (2008 est.)

Gross external debt

| $1.026 billion (31 December 2012 est.)
Public finances

Government debt

| 131.2% of GDP (2017 est.)

Foreign reserves

| $236.7 million (2017 est.)
Revenues| $2.029 billion (2017 est.)
Expenses| $2.601 billion (2017 est.)

All values, unless otherwise stated, are in US dollars.

The economy of Eritrea has undergone extreme changes after the War of Independence. It experienced considerable growth in recent years, indicated by an improvement in gross domestic product in 2011 of 8.7 percent and in 2012 of 7.5% over 2011,[3] and has a total of $8.090 billion as of 2020. However, worker remittances from abroad are estimated to account for 32 percent of gross domestic product.[4]

Eritrea has an extensive amount of resources such as copper, gold, granite, marble, and potash. As of 2012, 20 mining companies had obtained licenses to prospect and exploit mines.

## Economic history

[edit]

Eritrea's recent economic growth has been characterised by considerable volatility, partly due to its dependence on predominantly rainfed agriculture, which accounts for about one-third of the economy. The sector is also affected by distribution services, which account for about 20 per cent of GDP, and mining, which accounts for another 20 per cent of the economy. Real GDP growth is estimated to have recovered to around 12% in 2018, after an average contraction of -2.7% between 2015 and 2018, caused by frequent droughts and lower mining output.[5]

Reported inflation in Eritrea was negative between 2016 and 2018, following the exchange of currency in circulation in November 2015, which led to a contraction in the money supply. Deflation persisted in 2018, as increased trade with Ethiopia exerted additional downward pressure on prices.[5]

In recent years, Eritrea has pursued a tighter fiscal policy to address persistent deficits that emerged after the intensification of regional instability in 1998. By 2018, the country recorded a fiscal surplus of about 11 % of GDP, mainly due to significant reductions in capital expenditures and the introduction of some revenue-raising measures. However, current fiscal pressures, including recurrent and labour-related expenditures, are expected to increase.[5]

Short-term growth prospects remain challenging due to fiscal constraints and limited opportunities under existing restrictions. The recovery in the agricultural sector is expected to slow. Eritrea continues to face a difficult macroeconomic environment, characterized by an unsustainable debt burden—including arrears to the World Bank—as well as vulnerabilities in the financial and external sectors.[5]

## Gross domestic product (GDP)

[edit]

Eritrea's GDP, estimated at $4.037 billion in 2011, was 8.7 percent above the GDP in 2010.[6] The growth was due to increased agricultural output and the expansion of the mining industry along with increasing gold prices. Breakdowns of the Eritrean economy by sector have not been readily available; however, according to some estimates, in 2011 services accounted for 55 percent of the GDP, industry for 34 percent, and agriculture for the remaining 11 percent.[7] The growth of the GDP, however, is compromised by the ongoing tensions with the country's borders.

## Industries

[edit]

### Agriculture, Forestry, and Fishing

[edit]

See also: Agriculture in Eritrea

In 2004, agriculture employed nearly 80 percent of the population but accounted for only 12.4 percent of gross domestic product (GDP) in Eritrea. The agricultural sector has improved with the use of modern farming equipment and techniques, and dams. Nevertheless, it is compromised by a lack of financial services and investment. Major agricultural products are sorghum, barley, beans, dairy products, lentils, meat, millet, leather, teff, and wheat. The displacement of 1 million Eritreans as a result of the war with Ethiopia, and the widespread presence of land mines have played a role in the declining productivity of the agricultural sector. Almost a quarter of the country's most productive land remains[when?] unoccupied because of the lingering effects of the 1998–2000 war with Ethiopia.[citation needed]

Forestry is not a significant economic activity in Eritrea.[4]

As of 2011, the government encouraged large-scale cultivation of cactus to help alleviate the human suffering and, in the future, increase export revenues. Cactus plants are said to have been introduced in 1839 by a French Catholic missionary who planted the cactus in Digsa, Akrur and Hebo, Southern region. The second generation of cactus plants were introduced by the Italians, who planted them at Arberebu while they were building the Asmara rail lines.[8]

Reliable figures on the extent and value of the fishing industry in Eritrea are difficult to obtain. However, Eritrea's long coastline offers the opportunity for significant expansion of the fishing industry from its current, largely artisanal, stage. Eritrea exports fish and sea cucumbers from the Red Sea to markets in Europe and Asia, and there is hope that the construction of a new, jet-capable airport in Massawa, as well as rehabilitation of the port there, may support increased exports of high-value seafood. In 2002, exports were about 14,000 tons, but the maximum stable yield is thought to be nearly 80,000 tons. A fish processing plant was built in 1998 that now exports 150 tons of frozen fish every month to markets in Britain, Germany, and the Netherlands. Tensions with Yemen over fishing rights in the Red Sea flared up in 1995 and again in 2002, and Eritrea's difficult relations with other nations could hamper further development of the industry.[4]

### Mining and minerals

[edit]

This section needs to be updated. Please help update this article to reflect recent events or newly available information. (May 2023)

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As of 2001, Eritrea's substantial mineral deposits were largely unexplored. According to the Eritrean government, artisanal mining in 1998 collected 573.4 kilograms of gold, however the number of gold reserves was unknown. International observers also have noted Eritrea's potential for quarrying ornamental marble and granite. As of 2001, some 10 mining companies had obtained licenses to prospect for different minerals in Eritrea. The government of Eritrea reportedly was in the process of conducting a geological survey for use by potential investors in the mining sector. The presence of hundreds of thousands of land mines in Eritrea, particularly along the border with Ethiopia, has presented a serious impediment to future development of the mining sector.[4]

In 2011, AngloGold Ashanti moved into Eritrea to explore the Arabian-Nubian Shield for gold through a 50/50 joint venture set up in 2009 with Thani Dubai Mining.[9]

In 2011, the Australian Chalice mining company applied through a 60/40 joint venture for a mining license for 18 years.[10]

Also in 2011, Nevsun Resources completed construction of its Bisha gold mining project. Estimated production was to be 350,000 ounces of gold per year until the gold ore is exhausted, at which point the mine would produce copper and zinc.[11]

As of 2012, nine explorer companies operated in Eritrea from Canada (NGEx Resources), Australia (Chalice Gold Mines, South Boulder Mines, Sunridge Gold Corp), China (Sichuan Road and Bridge Group, Zhong Chang Mining Co, China Africa Huakan Investment Co., Land Energy Group (China) Ltd, Beijing Donia Resources Co.), the UK (London Africa Ltd, Andiamo Exploration Ltd.), the UAE and Barbados.[12]

### Industry and Manufacturing

[edit]

During the period of federation, industrial capacity largely shifted to Ethiopia, leaving the Eritrean industrial sector with outmoded capital equipment. In 2003 industry accounted for 25.3 percent of gross domestic product. Major products include processed food and dairy products, alcoholic beverages, glass, leather goods, marble, textiles, and salt.[4]

### Energy

[edit]

Main article: Energy in Eritrea

Households consume more than 80 percent of total energy production. Electricity production in 2001 was estimated at 220.5 million kilowatt-hours. Consumption for that year was estimated at 205.1-kilowatt hours. An 88-megawatt electricity plant funded by Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, and Abu Dhabi was completed just south of Massawa in 2003, its completion delayed nearly three years by the war with Ethiopia. Annual consumption of petroleum in 2001 was estimated at 370,000 tons. Eritrea has no domestic petroleum production; the Eritrean Petroleum Corporation conducts purchases through international competitive tender. According to the U.S. Department of Commerce, opportunities exist for both on- and offshore oil and natural gas exploration; however, these prospects have yet to come to fruition. The use of Wind energy and solar power have slightly increased, due to the growth of solar power manufacturing companies in the country. The Eritrean government has expressed interest in developing alternative energy sources, including geothermal, solar, and wind power.[4]

Harnet Avenue in Asmara

### Services

[edit]

In 2011, services accounted for 55 percent of gross domestic product. Financial services, the bulk of the services sector, are principally rendered by the National Bank of Eritrea (the nation's central bank), the Commercial Bank of Eritrea, the Housing and Commerce Bank of Eritrea, the Agricultural and Industrial Bank of Eritrea, the Eritrean Investment and Development Bank, and the National Insurance Corporation of Eritrea.[4]

### Tourism

[edit]

Main article: Tourism in Eritrea

Eritrea's lack of access to funds, the presence of large numbers of land mines, and the continued tensions that flare up between Eritrea and Ethiopia have deterred the development of a tourist industry in Eritrea. According to the World Tourism Organization, international tourism receipts in 2002 were only US$73 million.[4]

### Banking and Finance

[edit]

Main article: Banking in Eritrea

According to the International Monetary Fund, commercial banks in Eritrea—all government owned and operated—appear to be in compliance with prudent regulations. Although the commercial banking sector is largely profitable, mostly owing to income from foreign exchange transactions, the sector is burdened by a high proportion of non-performing loans. Core lending activities do not generate sufficient income to cover operating costs at most commercial banks.[4]

## Labor force

[edit]

Agriculture employs about 80 percent of the population in Eritrea, and the remaining 20 percent are employed in industry and services. The GDP per capita at nominal value was $475 in 2011.

## Currency, exchange rate, and inflation

[edit]

The official currency is the Eritrean nakfa (ERN), introduced in November 1997. In early 2005, likely in an effort to increase foreign capital reserves, the Eritrean government decreed that all transactions in Eritrea must be conducted in nakfa. It soon became illegal for individuals to hold and exchange foreign currency. As of January 1, 2005, the government set the foreign exchange rate at US$1=ERN15.[4]

Inflation continues to be a problem in Eritrea, particularly as years of drought push grain prices higher and defense expenditures remain high. The International Monetary Fund estimates that in 2003 (the most recent year for which figures are available) average inflation reached 23 percent.[4]

The Massawa-Asmara Highway, built as part of the Wefri Warsay Yika'alo program.

## Government budget

[edit]

Eritrea does not publish a budget, making its fiscal condition difficult to assess. According to the International Monetary Fund, the overall fiscal deficit in 2003 was 17 percent of gross domestic product (GDP). Government expenditures for that year were estimated to be US$375 million, with revenues of only US$235.7 million. In 2002 the fiscal deficit was 32 percent of GDP. Current expenditures continue to exceed budgeted spending, particularly in defense and other discretionary expenditures. Monetary policy remains subservient to the financing demands of the government, and debt is unsustainably high. This situation is not likely to change until demobilization of the military occurs.[4] According to the CIA World Factbook, the Eritrean Government has revenues of $715.2 million, and outlays of $1.021 billion.[13]

## Foreign economic relations

[edit]

China, India, South Korea, Italy, South Africa, and Germany are aggressively pursuing market opportunities in Eritrea. There is growing interest in U.S. products and services in Eritrea, although U.S. investment in Eritrea is still small.[4]

In 2011, Eritrea imported goods worth US$899.9 million, including machinery, petroleum products, food, and manufactured goods. Eritrea's main suppliers were Brazil, China, Egypt, India, Italy, Germany, Saudi Arabia, and South Africa. In 2011 exports from Eritrea were valued at US$415.4 million, and the bulk were food, livestock, small manufactures, sorghum, and textiles. The major markets for Eritrean goods were China, Egypt, Italy, Saudi Arabia, Sudan, and the UK. More recently, fish, flowers, and salt have joined the list of exports.

Foreign investment is hindered by government regulations that seek to protect domestic industries from foreign competition and by a generally unfavorable investment climate. Major foreign investors in Eritrea include China, South Korea, Italy, South Africa, and Germany, as well as the World Bank.[4]

The government prefers private-sector investment to official aid programs and declines foreign aid; therefore its relations with aid-dispensing nations and international institutions have often been difficult.

On 16 September 2018, Eritrean President Isaias Afwerki and Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed signed a peace agreement in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia between the two countries after a bitter war that lasted 20 years (from 1998 to 2018). The two neighbouring countries ceased hostilities and restored trade and diplomatic ties, and planned joint projects.[14]

## See also

[edit]

* Eritrea portal

* Eritrea
* Banking in Eritrea
* List of companies based in Eritrea
* United Nations Economic Commission for Africa

## References

[edit]

1. ^ a b c d "World Economic Outlook Database, October 2019". IMF.org. International Monetary Fund. Retrieved 2 August 2022.
2. ^ "Global Economic Prospects, June 2019: Heightened Tensions, Subdued Investment. p. 127" (PDF). openknowledge.worldbank.org. World Bank. Retrieved 7 December 2019.
3. ^ [1], International Monetary Fund. Retrieved October 2012.
4. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n Eritrea country profile. Library of Congress Federal Research Division (September 2005). This article incorporates text from this source, which is in the public domain.
5. ^ a b c d "Eritrea Overview". World Bank. 2021-10-07. Retrieved 2025-02-09.
6. ^ "Eritrea: Africa's Economic Success Story - iNewp.com". Archived from the original on 2013-01-29. Retrieved 2012-12-04.
7. ^ "The World Factbook". Retrieved 11 June 2015.
8. ^ Kithinji, Brian (24 August 2021). "Why Eritrea is turning to cactus". Archived from the original on 2021-08-25. Retrieved 25 August 2021.
9. ^ "AngloGold moves into Eritrea". 2011-05-12. Archived from the original on 2020-12-01. Retrieved 2023-05-18.
10. ^ "Chalice takes key step towards gold production with signing of Eritrean Mining Agreement". www.prnewswire.com. 2 Nov 2011. Retrieved 2023-05-18.
11. ^ "Nevsun Resources: Bisha Mine, Bisha Project, Gold Production, Gold Mine Africa, Mining Africa, Copper Mine, Mining Eritrea, Base Metal Properties, High-Grade Gold". Archived from the original on 27 June 2012. Retrieved 11 June 2015.
12. ^ Eritrean Center for Strategic Studies (October 2012). "Mining and Exploration Activities in Eritrea". Retrieved 2023-05-18.
13. ^ The World Factbook|[permanent dead link] CIA - The World Factbook
14. ^ "After making peace, Ethiopia and Eritrea now focus on development". Africa Renewal. 2018-12-07. Retrieved 2024-01-04.

This article incorporates public domain material from The World Factbook. CIA.

## External links

[edit]

* Eritrea latest trade data on ITC Trade Map
* IMF Executive Board Concludes Consultation with Eritrea February 2005

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