The Ethiopian Maritime Training Institute (EMTI) has announced that Ethiopia will soon be recognized as a source nation on the global maritime workforce map. For nearly fifteen years, the academy has trained highly qualified Electro-Technical Officer cadets and has now expanded its programs to include new disciplines and a greater focus on gender diversity.
On March 16, EMTI held a recognition ceremony for seafarers who successfully earned their Certificates of Competency (CoC). As an internationally accredited maritime education and training institution, EMTI adheres to the International Maritime Organization’s Standards of Training, Certification, and Watchkeeping (STCW). The ceremony honored a distinguished group of Chief Engineers, Second Engineers, and Third Engineers, marking a significant milestone for both their careers and Ethiopia’s growing presence in the global maritime industry.
During the event, Francois Joubert, CEO of EMTI, reaffirmed the institute’s commitment to growth through the introduction of new training programs.
“Every segment of the maritime workforce that currently looks to the Philippines, Indonesia, or Eastern Europe will one day look at Ethiopia as a quality alternative—a reliable source from a nation that takes maritime training seriously,” he said.
Joubert also celebrated a historic achievement for the institute: the graduation of its first 27 female cadets from the ETO26 cohort.
Netsanet Mazengia, Managing Director of EMTI, reiterated the institute’s dedication to nurturing the next generation of Ethiopian maritime professionals. She emphasized the importance of the female graduates’ accomplishments and encouraged them to pursue their maritime careers with confidence, determination, and resilience.
“EMTI continues to play a vital role in preparing Ethiopian engineering graduates for careers at sea. Through specialized maritime training aligned with international standards, the institute equips its graduates with the knowledge and skills required to serve aboard vessels operated by the world’s leading shipping companies,” the academy stated.
The institute added that as Ethiopia strengthens its role in the global maritime workforce, EMTI remains committed to developing highly skilled seafarers who will contribute to both the international shipping industry and the country’s maritime ambitions.
Joubert mentioned that some newly certified officers could not attend the ceremony due to their deployment in the Strait of Hormuz.
“In one of the most geopolitically charged waterways on earth—a corridor where commerce and conflict currently share the same narrow lane—our Ethiopian engineers are standing their watches, maintaining their equipment, and fulfilling their duties with professionalism and composure,” he said.
According to EMTI, over 3,000 Ethiopian seafarers have been trained at the academy, with more than 9,000 international maritime certificates issued, and Ethiopia now included on the IMO White List.
With technical oversight provided by professional partners and strategic alignment with the YCF Group, EMTI specializes in training graduate engineers for roles as Engine Watch Officers (EWO) and Electro-Technical Officers (ETO) aboard international merchant vessels.
Since its establishment, EMTI has positioned Ethiopia as a reliable source of skilled maritime professionals, with graduates serving aboard international fleets across Europe, Asia, and the Middle East. To date, the institute has trained over 2,600 cadets, and more than 1,600 Ethiopian seafarers are currently serving on international vessels.
