Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed Visits Vietnam Marking a New Era of Ethiopia–Vietnam Partnership
Ethiopia–Vietnam Trade and Investment Forum Held in Hanoi
Prime Minister Abiy Announces New Leadership for Tigray’s Transitional Period
Ethiopia’s National Security Council Reviews Reforms, Security, and Global Influence
The 5th Ethio-Algeria Joint Ministerial Commission (JMC) Meeting Held in Addis Ababa
Ethio–Greek Business and Investment Forum Held in Athens
NEWS IN BRIEF
Ethiopia
Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, together with First Lady Zinash Tayachew and a high-level delegation, is paying a historic three-day official visit to the Socialist Republic of Vietnam from April 15 to 17, at the invitation of Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh. Among the senior officials accompanying the Prime Minister is Foreign Minister Gedion Timothewos. This landmark visit marks Ethiopia’s first high-level official engagement with Vietnam since the two countries established diplomatic ties in 1976, heralding a new chapter of comprehensive partnership and cooperation. (See article)
The Ethiopia–Vietnam Trade and Investment Forum was held successfully in Hanoi on Tuesday (April 15), on the sidelines of Prime Minister Abiy’s official visit. The event brought together senior officials, business leaders, and key stakeholders from both countries to explore practical ways to strengthen bilateral trade, investment, and economic cooperation. (See article)
Prime Minister Abiy also received the torch and officially assumed the responsibility of hosting the Fifth P4G Summit in 2027 on Thursday (April 17). He embraced the opportunity with determination and a strong commitment to build on the inspiring legacy of Viet Nam, Colombia, Denmark, and the Republic of Korea.
A change occurred in the Tigray region with the appointment of Lieutenant General Tadesse Werede as the new Interim Chief Administrator on Tuesday (April 8). This transition follows the conclusion of Getachew Reda’s tenure, who served as the region’s interim leader. The handover ceremony, held in Addis Ababa, was attended by several high-ranking officials from Ethiopia and international organizations. (See article)
The National Security Council (NSC) conducted a comprehensive assessment during its meeting on Wednesday (April 9). Presided over by Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, the council addressed the complex national, regional, and global dynamics impacting Ethiopia and provided directions. (See article)
A high-level Ethiopian delegation, led by Ambassador Redwan Hussien, Director General of the National Intelligence and Security Services, and comprising State Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Hadera Abera, participated in a conference held in London on Monday (April 14). The conference focused on humanitarian aid, achieving a ceasefire, and addressing Sudan’s conflict through political means.
On Tuesday (April 15), Chief of Staff of the Ethiopian National Defense Forces, Field Marshal Birhanu Jula, was on a working visit to Rwanda. He held discussions with General Mubarak Muganga, Rwanda’s Army Chief of Staff, on bilateral talks between the defense forces of the two nations. The two parties signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) on the guidelines for implementing and advancing the previous MoU. During his visit, Field Marshal Birhanu also met with Rwanda’s President, Paul Kagame.
Minister of Foreign Affairs, Gedion Timothewos, held talks with his Belarusian counterpart, Foreign Minister Maxim Ryzhenkov, on Monday (April 14). The two sides noted that the meeting between Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed and Belarusian President Aleksandr Lukashenko, on the sidelines of the BRICS summit in Kazan on October 23, 2024, was a significant step in strengthening bilateral relations between the two countries.
The 5th session of the Ethiopia-Algeria Joint Ministerial Commission (JMC) was held in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, from April 12–13. The Ethiopian delegation was led by Gedion Timothewos, Minister of Foreign Affairs, while the Algerian side was headed by Ahmed Attaf, Minister of State, Minister of Foreign Affairs, National Community Abroad, and African Affairs. The JMC, aimed at strengthening the historical and strategic partnership between the two nations, was preceded by discussions among senior government officials and experts. The agenda adopted for the session facilitated in-depth discussions across various sectors, including political, economic, social, and cultural issues. (See article)
The Permanent Representative of Ethiopia to the African Union (AU) and the UNECA, Ambassador Hirut Zemene, reaffirmed Ethiopia’s commitment to work closely with all elected AU officials for the effective discharge of their responsibilities on Tuesday (April 15). Ambassador Hirut stated this during the 24th Extraordinary Session of the Executive Council of the African Union held in Addis Ababa.
During a press briefing held on Thursday, April 17, the Spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Nebiat Getachew, outlined the diplomatic activities carried out over the past nine months and highlighted the outcomes achieved. He also shared insights on current national, regional, and global issues.
The Ethio-Greece Business and Investment Forum was held in Athens, Greece, on Monday (April 7). The event brought together key stakeholders from the Hellenic Republic Chamber of Commerce, members of the Ethiopian and Greek business communities, and representatives from both public and private organizations. More than 70 participants attended, including higher Ethiopian officials, representatives from the Ethiopian Embassy in Rome and the Ministries of Foreign Affairs of both nations, and business community members from Ethiopia and Greece. (See article)
A three-day exhibition opened on Wednesday (April 16) in India with 25 Ethiopian companies showcasing their products at the Ethio-India Business Expo 2025 in New Delhi. The exhibition aims at knowledge exchange, enhancing bilateral trade and innovation, and fostering sustainable economic growth between the two nations.
The 3rd African Welding Federation Annual Assembly and International Conference kicked off on Monday (April 14) in Addis Ababa. The three-day conference, held at the Adwa Memorial Museum, is focused on the theme “Empowering Africa: Strengthening Welding Capacity for Regional Integration and Global Competitiveness.”
Ethiopian Airlines won the ‘Outstanding Food Service by a Carrier – Africa’ award at the 2025 PAX Readership Awards and the ‘Cabin Concept of the Year 2025’ award at the Onboard Hospitality Awards, with both events taking place in Hamburg, Germany, on Monday (April 14).
Djibouti
President Ismaïl Omar Guelleh received the President of the Somali Senate, Abdi Hachi Abdillahi, at the Palace of the Republic on Sunday (April 13) during a three-day official visit focused on enhancing Djibouti-Somalia relations.
During his farewell visit to Djibouti this week, State Minister for Foreign Affairs and former Ethiopian Ambassador to Djibouti, Berhanu Tsegaye, met with Prime Minister Abdoulkader Kamil Mohamed, Foreign Minister Abdulkadir Hussein Omar, and Minister of Infrastructure and Equipment Hassan Humad Ibrahim to discuss strengthening bilateral ties.
Djibouti’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Abdoulkader Houssein Omar, participated in the 24th Extraordinary Session of the African Union Executive Council held in Addis Ababa on Tuesday (April 15).
Somalia
At the 4th Antalya Diplomacy Forum (ADF2025) on Saturday (April 12), President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud met with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan to discuss strengthening the already close relations between Somalia and Türkiye.
Sudan
On Saturday (April 12), Sudanese leader Abdel Fattah al-Burhan held bilateral talks with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and other leaders in Antalya, on the sidelines of the Antalya Diplomacy Forum, where regional and global challenges were addressed.
Africa and the African Union
The United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA), in collaboration with the African Union Commission (AUC), the African Development Bank and other agencies of the United Nations, convened the eleventh session of the Africa Regional Forum on Sustainable Development at the Speke Resort and Conference Centre in the Ugandan capital, Kampala, from April 9-11. (See article)
The African Union’s Executive Council convened its 24th Extraordinary Session on Tuesday (April 15) at the AU Headquarters in Addis Ababa. The session aimed to elect and appoint one member each to the Peace and Security Council, the African Union Commission on International Law (AUCIL), and the African Space Council (AfSC). Additionally, the Council deliberated on the draft report concerning the election of two Commissioners: the Commissioner for Economic Development, Tourism, Trade, Industry, and Mining (ETTIM), and the Commissioner for Education, Science, Technology, and Innovation (ESTI). The meeting was attended by Ministers of Foreign Affairs and heads of delegations from AU Member States, as well as officials from AU organs and offices.
On Tuesday (April 16), African Union Commission Chairperson Mahmoud Ali Youssouf met with Mohamed Yeslem Beissat, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic, and Abdoulkader Houssein Omar, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Djibouti, to discuss strengthening African unity and cooperation. On Monday (April 14), he also received the Ministers of Foreign Affairs of Equatorial Guinea, Simeon Oyono Esono Angue; Algeria, Ahmed Attaf; and Burundi, Albert Shingiro, for discussions on regional stability, AU reforms, and continental priorities.
Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed Visits Vietnam Marking a New Era of Ethiopia–Vietnam Partnership
Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, together with First Lady Zinash Tayachew and a high-level delegation, is paying a historic three-day official visit to the Socialist Republic of Vietnam from April 15 to 17, at the invitation of Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh. Among the senior officials accompanying the Prime Minister is Foreign Minister Gedion Timothewos. This landmark visit marks Ethiopia’s first high-level official engagement with Vietnam since the two countries established diplomatic ties in 1976, heralding a new chapter of comprehensive partnership and cooperation.
Upon arrival at Hanoi’s Noi Bai International Airport, PM Abiy and his delegation received a warm welcome from Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Nguyen Minh Hang and Vietnamese Ambassador to Ethiopia Vu Thanh Huyen—signaling the high importance Vietnam attaches to this visit and the growing bilateral ties.
On Tuesday (April 15), PM Abiy was accorded full state honors at the Presidential Palace, where he and Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh inspected the guard of honor and held bilateral talks. The official welcoming ceremony was a symbolic reaffirmation of mutual respect, long-standing friendship, and the strategic significance both nations attach to deepening cooperation in the face of global challenges and opportunities.
During the extensive talks, the two leaders discussed wide-ranging areas of cooperation, reaffirming their shared vision to strengthen political trust and institutional collaboration. The two nations, representing a combined population of over 230 million, are among the fastest-growing economies in their respective regions. Recognizing this potential, the leaders agreed to create enabling legal and institutional frameworks for trade and investment and partnerships in cybersecurity and the fight against high-tech crime.
The talks highlighted priority sectors for economic cooperation, notably agriculture, infrastructure, education, mining, health, digital transformation, telecommunications, industrial manufacturing, and tourism. Ethiopia welcomed Vietnam’s emerging interest in investing in its dynamic economy and recognized the potential of Vietnamese enterprises to play a catalytic role in Ethiopia’s development.
Prime Minister Abiy also participated in a joint photo exhibition showcasing the historic journey of Ethiopia-Vietnam ties, organized by the Vietnam News Agency, underscoring the importance of cultural diplomacy and people-to-people connection.
Crucially, the two prime ministers witnessed the signing of landmark agreements, including a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on Trade Cooperation between Ethiopia’s Ministry of Trade and Regional Integration and Vietnam’s Ministry of Industry and Trade, and an MoU on Education Cooperation between both countries’ ministries of education. These agreements serve as foundational frameworks for expanding sectoral collaboration in trade and human capital development.
The Vietnam Chamber of Commerce and Industry and the Ethiopian Chamber of Commerce and Sectoral Associations also discussed forging cooperation through signing an MOU, signaling growing interest from both business communities in forging commercial partnerships.
In a pivotal development, Vietnam officially granted approval for Ethiopian Airlines to launch the first direct air route between Addis Ababa and Hanoi. The establishment of this route represents a transformational step toward enhancing economic, cultural, and people-to-people connectivity between Ethiopia and Southeast Asia.
Beyond economic ties, the two sides reaffirmed their commitment to multilateralism and their shared principles on regional peace and stability. The leaders emphasized the importance of peaceful resolution of disputes. They agreed to continue supporting each other in international fora, including the United Nations and the Non-Aligned Movement.
Prime Minister Abiy extended a formal invitation to Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh to visit Ethiopia, which was accepted with pleasure. The two countries also pledged to explore the establishment of permanent diplomatic missions in each other’s capitals to institutionalize bilateral cooperation and improve consular services.
The delegation also met with General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam, To Lam. Prime Minister Abiy underscored Ethiopia’s interest in learning from Vietnam’s remarkable post-war recovery and development model. Both leaders emphasized the importance of party-to-party cooperation as the political bedrock of bilateral ties and agreed to expand ideological, institutional, and capacity-building exchanges between the Prosperity Party and the Communist Party of Vietnam.
General Secretary To Lam lauded Ethiopia’s rapid socio-economic transformation under Prime Minister Abiy’s leadership and welcomed the upcoming direct air link as a tangible initiative to bridge the two regions. Prime Minister Abiy reaffirmed Ethiopia’s admiration for Vietnam’s independence, resilience, and developmental success, and expressed the country’s keenness to draw practical lessons from Vietnam’s experience in agricultural modernization, industrial development, and environmental management.
As a committed champion of green growth, Prime Minister Abiy also delivered Ethiopia’s opening remarks at the 4th Partnership for Green Growth and the Global Goals 2030 (P4G) Summit held on Wednesday (April 16) in Hanoi. His remarks highlighted Ethiopia’s leadership on climate resilience, sustainable development, and green industrialization—core pillars of the country’s Green Legacy Initiative.
This historic visit—coinciding with preparations for the 50th anniversary of Ethiopia–Vietnam diplomatic relations in 2026—sets a powerful precedent for South-South solidarity, strategic economic alignment, and enhanced people-to-people ties between two countries with rich histories, bold reform agendas, and shared aspirations for inclusive, sustainable development.
Ethiopia–Vietnam Trade and Investment Forum Held in Hanoi
The Ethiopia–Vietnam Trade and Investment Forum was held successfully in Hanoi on Tuesday (April 15), on the sidelines of Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed’s official visit. The event brought together senior officials, business leaders, and key stakeholders from both countries to explore practical ways to strengthen bilateral trade, investment, and economic cooperation.
In his opening address, Ambassador Negus Kebede, Director-General for Middle Eastern, Asian, and Pacific Affairs at Ethiopia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, described the event as “a historic milestone in the bilateral relations between our two countries.” He emphasized the shared attributes of Ethiopia and Vietnam—resilient, reform-oriented economies with youthful populations and strategic regional positions—as a solid foundation for an enduring economic partnership.
“This roundtable is more than a dialogue—it is a bridge to opportunity,” said Ambassador Negus, highlighting key sectors with strong potential for cooperation. He also stressed Ethiopia’s transformation into an attractive investment destination through the implementation of its bold Homegrown Economic Reform Agenda and 10-Year Development Plan.
Citing successful Ethiopian-Vietnamese ventures, Ambassador Negus spotlighted MKDSS—a joint venture between Ethiopia’s Neuronet PLC and Vietnam’s MK Group specializing in digital security authentication—and TOYO Solar’s growing presence in Ethiopia’s renewable energy sector. These ventures were presented as clear demonstrations of the synergy between Vietnamese innovation and Ethiopian market potential.
A virtual presentation by Habtamu Simachew , Senior Legal Advisor at the Ethiopian Investment Commission (EIC), offered a comprehensive overview of Ethiopia’s evolving investment landscape. He highlighted the country’s vast natural resources, youthful and cost-competitive labor force, growing access to regional and global markets, and the government’s ongoing sectoral reforms. Habtamu emphasized Ethiopia’s strategic advantages, including preferential trade access through COMESA, the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), and other international initiatives. He also pointed to the country’s modern industrial infrastructure—comprising industrial parks, integrated agro-industrial clusters, and Special Economic Zones—as key enablers for investment. Furthermore, he underscored Ethiopia’s leadership in renewable energy, positioning it as an emerging hub for green industrial development.
Speaking on behalf of Vietnam’s private sector, Nguyen Quang Vinh, Vice President of the Vietnam Chamber of Commerce and Industry (VCCI), noted that Vietnam’s annual trade volume reached USD 786 billion, with a GDP of USD 476 billion. He pointed to Ethiopia’s rapid economic growth and reform momentum as a significant opportunity for Vietnamese enterprises. Vinh urged private companies to capitalize on the growing diplomatic ties and political will between the two nations. VCCI, he noted, represents over 200 industry associations with a total membership exceeding 200,000 enterprises.
Kenenisa Lemi, Secretary-General of the Ethiopian Chamber of Commerce and Sectoral Associations (ECCSA), underscored ECCSA’s strategic mission to promote trade and investment and foster a vibrant, business-friendly environment in Ethiopia. He affirmed ECCSA’s commitment to strengthening cooperation with government entities, the private sector, and development partners to elevate Ethiopia’s economic profile globally, including in Vietnam.
Officials from Vietnam’s Ministry of Industry and Trade expressed growing interest in engaging with African economies, particularly in building resilient value chains and diversifying international markets.
The forum also hosted business-to-business and government-to-business sessions, providing a dynamic platform for Ethiopian and Vietnamese companies to explore joint ventures, technology transfer opportunities, and supply chain integration. Over 40 Vietnamese enterprises participated in the forum.
Special recognition was given to MKDSS and TOYO Solar as successful case studies of bilateral cooperation and as symbols of the robust and enabling policy environment Ethiopia offers to foreign investors.
Participants agreed on the importance of sustaining momentum through the creation of joint implementation mechanisms, regular institutional dialogue between chambers of commerce, and high-level business exchanges.
The Ethiopia–Vietnam Trade and Investment Forum signaled the beginning of a new chapter in the partnership between two dynamic, rapidly developing economies. It reaffirmed both countries’ shared vision for economic transformation, sustainable development, and strengthened South–South cooperation.
The forum concluded with optimism and a shared commitment to further enhancing trade and investment ties, emphasizing Ethiopia’s macroeconomic reforms and infrastructure development and Vietnam’s readiness to collaborate in agriculture, energy, textiles, ICT, education, and green growth sectors.
Prime Minister Abiy Announces New Leadership for Tigray’s Transitional Period
A change occurred in the Tigray region with the appointment of Lieutenant General Tadesse Werede as the new Interim Chief Administrator on Tuesday (April 8). This transition follows the conclusion of Getachew Reda’s tenure, who served as the region’s interim leader. The handover ceremony, held in Addis Ababa, was attended by several high-ranking officials from Ethiopia and international organizations.
Among those present were Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, who emphasized the federal government’s unwavering commitment to supporting Tigray’s peace, stability, and development. Deputy Prime Minister Temesgen Tiruneh and African Union Commission Chairperson Mahmoud Ali Youssouf also attended the ceremony, along with representatives from various international organizations and diplomatic missions.
Tadesse Werede, in his new role, was tasked with overseeing a wide range of responsibilities critical to the region’s recovery and progress. The “Inclusive Interim Administration of the Tigray Region Mission Implementation Agreement Document” was signed during the ceremony, outlining eight key responsibilities for the new administration. These include facilitating the return of internally displaced persons (IDPs), demobilizing armed forces, ensuring the rule of law, restoring public services, adhering to the principles of the constitution and respect for national sovereignty, ensuring political inclusion, laying the groundwork for participation in national dialogue, and promoting social cohesion.
The Ethiopian government has been closely monitoring developments in Tigray, offering support and resources to ensure the success of the transitional administration. This includes facilitating the safe return of displaced persons, supporting the demobilization process, and providing assistance for the restoration of essential services.
Getachew Reda, the former Interim Chief Administrator, served the region following the signing of the Pretoria Peace Agreement in November 2022. He was appointed to the role on March 23, 2023, by Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed. He officially stepped down as interim president on April 10, 2025, marking the end of his two-year tenure, and was appointed by Prime Minister Abiy as his advisor on East African affairs on April 11, 2025.
Ethiopia’s National Security Council Reviews Reforms, Security, and Global Influence
The National Security Council (NSC) conducted a comprehensive assessment during its meeting on Wednesday (April 9). Presided over by Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, the council addressed the complex national, regional, and global dynamics impacting Ethiopia and provided directions.
In its statement released following the conclusion of the meeting, the council emphasized Ethiopia’s promising journey toward prosperity, which involves addressing longstanding political, economic, social, and diplomatic fractures through government reforms and initiatives. It also stated that these efforts have begun to yield positive results, including increasing significance of the country in international forums and achievements in safeguarding national interests.
During the meeting, it was underscored that the ongoing political and economic reforms, along with the people’s determination to resist cooperation with perpetrators and government’s commitment to peacefully resolving conflicts, significantly contribute to national peace.
The NSC acknowledged the positive results achieved in the Tigray region, where infrastructure has been restored and government services facilitating economic and social activities have resumed following the Pretoria Peace Agreement. In addition, it highlighted that the situation in the Amhara and Oromia regions has shown progress due to government’s efforts to enhance law enforcement and encourage peaceful conflict resolution.
The council observed that there are issues requiring particular attention regarding the current situation in the Horn of Africa region, the global political and economic dynamics, and the level of prosperity that Ethiopia intended to reach. There was a clear assessment of certain factions that pose threats to national stability through force, illegal trade, and destabilizing propaganda. It also identified these actors as counterproductive to diplomatic efforts, hindering government work and promoting public discontent through misinformation.
In addition to national security issues, the NSC also conducted a thorough assessment of the impacts of regional and global dynamics, including the effects of global economic situations and tensions, illicit activities, current destabilization of international trade routes, increasing cyber-attacks, and the establishment of new international alliances.
Noting that political maturity, economic growth, and social stability enhance a country’s peace and security situation, the Council highlighted the need for a united effort among relevant stakeholders to ensure the effective implementation of national reform plans and the continued execution of ongoing development initiatives. It also stressed the importance of implementing all mechanisms, including traditional practices, to enhance ongoing efforts to peacefully resolve conflicts in various parts of the country.
The importance of supporting the parties that prefer peaceful methods and strengthening law enforcement against those who resort to violence was noted during the meeting. The NSC urged consolidated efforts from relevant federal and regional bodies to effectively implement the directions provided by the council in this regard.
Acknowledging Ethiopia’s expanding global influence gained through its diplomatic efforts, the council stressed that maintaining this momentum and advocating for Ethiopia’s rights, including access to the sea through peaceful, diplomatic, and legal channels, are crucial.
The National Security Council underscored that Ethiopia’s strong commitment to the stability of the Horn of Africa significantly contributes to maintaining sustainable peace and development in the region, emphasizing the right path that Ethiopia needs to follow to enhance its regional role.
On the occasion, the council expressed its gratitude to the international community for its contributions in supporting Ethiopia’s peace and development initiatives and for recognizing the progress being realized. It also urged the international community to continue providing consolidated and comprehensive support to Ethiopia, given its significant role in maintaining regional and global peace and security.
The National Security Council concluded its statement by asserting that Ethiopia’s prosperity is inevitable and reaffirming its readiness to ensure peace, security, and stability in the country.
The 5th Ethio-Algeria Joint Ministerial Commission (JMC) Meeting Held in Addis Ababa
The 5th session of the Ethiopia-Algeria Joint Ministerial Commission (JMC) was held in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, from April 12–13. The Ethiopian delegation was led by Gedion Timothewos, Minister of Foreign Affairs, while the Algerian side was headed by Ahmed Attaf, Minister of State, Minister of Foreign Affairs, National Community Abroad, and African Affairs. The JMC, aimed at strengthening the historical and strategic partnership between the two nations, was preceded by discussions among senior government officials and experts. The agenda adopted for the session facilitated in-depth discussions across various sectors, including political, economic, social, and cultural issues.
During the political discussions, the JMC highlighted the deep-rooted historical ties between Ethiopia and Algeria, founded on mutual trust and a shared vision for Pan-Africanism. The session reviewed the implementation of decisions from the previous JMC meeting, with a focus on bilateral, regional, and international cooperation, while also exploring new avenues for collaboration. Both parties acknowledged the successful implementation of past agreements and recognized the need for regular meetings and political consultations, as stipulated in the decisions of the Fourth Joint Ministerial Commission held in 2017. it also recognized the strategic partnership agreement signed on June 30, 2013, and emphasized the importance of high-level visits in further strengthening bilateral relations.
The two sides reiterated their commitment to addressing pressing regional, continental, and international challenges, stressing the importance of enhancing their partnership. They discussed the current situation in East and North Africa, underscoring the need for African-led initiatives to ensure peace and stability in these regions. The parties also highlighted the need to strengthen cooperation on multilateral platforms to address issues such as peace and security, recurring conflicts, counter-terrorism, illegal human trafficking, and the impacts of climate change. They reaffirmed their support for the African Union’s Agenda 2063 and emphasized the need for a unified African voice in global forums.
On economic cooperation, the JMC underscored the importance of enhancing trade and investment ties. They noted the recent visit of a high-level Algerian delegation led by Mohamed Arkab, Minister of State for Energy, Mines, and Renewable Energies, which aimed to boost economic relations, particularly in the energy sector. Both parties expressed interest in developing renewable energy projects and strengthening electricity networks in partnership. They agreed to activate mechanisms for trade exhibitions and joint business forums to promote economic cooperation and welcomed the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Ethiopian Chamber of Commerce and the Algerian Chamber of Commerce to foster business connections. They also recognized the potential for collaboration in agriculture and fisheries, with plans to organize expert meetings to explore joint projects.
In the realm of social and cultural cooperation, the JMC acknowledged the importance of collaboration in higher education and scientific research. Both parties agreed to facilitate student exchanges, joint scientific projects, and cooperation in artificial intelligence research. A new Cultural Cooperation Program for 2025–2027 was signed, aimed at promoting cultural exchanges and enhancing people-to-people ties.
The session concluded with the signing of nine MoUs, two declarations of intent, and two executive programs covering a wide range of sectors including agriculture, culture and art, sports, investment promotion, academic exchange, entrepreneurship, the pharmaceutical industry, energy and mining, and space sciences. These agreements are expected to pave the way for enhanced cooperation across multiple areas.
Both delegations expressed appreciation for the cordial atmosphere and constructive discussions. They committed to holding the sixth session of the JMC in 2027 in Algeria, further solidifying the partnership between Ethiopia and Algeria.
The outcomes of the 5th JMC reflect a shared vision for deeper cooperation, aiming to enhance stability, economic growth, and cultural exchange between the two sisterly nations. As Ethiopia and Algeria continue to strengthen their ties, their commitment to mutual support and collaborative development remains a cornerstone of their bilateral relationship.
Ethiopia Takes Part in the Eleventh Session of the Africa Regional Forum on Sustainable Development (ARFSD11) in Kampala, Uganda
The United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA), in collaboration with the African Union Commission (AUC), the African Development Bank and other agencies of the United Nations, convened the eleventh session of the Africa Regional Forum on Sustainable Development at the Speke Resort and Conference Centre in the Ugandan capital, Kampala, from April 9-11. The forum was themed “Driving job creation and economic growth through sustainable, inclusive, science-based and evidence-based solutions for implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and Agenda 2063: The Africa We Want, of the African Union.”
A high-level Ethiopian delegation headed by Youth and Sports Affairs Advisor to Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, Kejela Merdassa, took part in the three-day gathering that brought together several African leaders, including former Prime Minister of Ethiopia and Board Chair of Sustainably Growing Africa’s Food Systems (AGRA), Hailemariam Dessalegn.
Speaking at a panel discussion as part of the Forum, Hailemariam stated that Africa is left behind in fulfilling its mandate in realizing key targets in the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development of the United Nations. He noted, “The figures are very clear, but we wanted to understand why this is happening.”
The lack of delivery capacity within African nations and the erosion of the international financing model as outlined in the Addis Ababa Action Agenda are the fundamental challenges in effecting results with regard to the SDGs, he added. In this regard, he urged, Africa must stop depending on promises of external aid that have consistently failed to materialize. To quote,
“The notion was that SDGs would be financed—especially in developing countries, mostly in Africa—through Official Development Assistance (ODA). That basis has already been eroded. It doesn’t exist. The 0.7 percent GDP commitment by developed nations to finance the SDGs has never materialized, and hopefully, it will not.”
Considering the current situation and the road ahead, the former prime minister urged African countries to shift their focus towards building domestic capacity to drive sustainable development. He stressed, “We need to focus on our domestic capacity,” indisputably putting out a clarion call for a new era of self-reliance, regional cooperation, and local innovation.
The Forum was attended by several participants, comprising ministers and high-level representatives, members of the ECA, intergovernmental bodies, United Nations bodies and specialized agencies, other international organizations, major groups and other stakeholders.
Ethio-Greece Business and Investment Forum Held in Athens
The Ethio-Greece Business and Investment Forum was held in Athens, Greece, on Monday (April 7). The event brought together key stakeholders from the Hellenic Republic Chamber of Commerce, members of the Ethiopian and Greek business communities, and representatives from both public and private organizations. More than 70 participants attended, including higher Ethiopian officials, representatives from the Ethiopian Embassy in Rome and the Ministries of Foreign Affairs of both nations, and business community members from Ethiopia and Greece.
In his opening remarks, Assefa Abiyu, Deputy Head of Mission at the FDRE Embassy in Rome, highlighted Ethiopia’s wide range of trade and investment opportunities. He stressed the improved investment climate and encouraged Greek private companies to invest in Ethiopia and to purchase Ethiopian commodities. In line with this, Workaferahu Aklilu, representative of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia, emphasized the favorable conditions created by Ethiopia’s homegrown macroeconomic reform for foreign investors. She also underscored the potential for strengthening trade and investment ties between Ethiopia and Greece.
Dagato Kumbe, Deputy Commissioner of the Ethiopian Investment Commission, delivered a presentation at the forum that highlighted diverse investment opportunities, particularly in priority sectors such as agriculture and agro-processing, construction, manufacturing, transport and logistics, energy, mining, ICT, and tourism. He also outlined the legal framework, procedures, and incentives designed by the Ethiopian government to facilitate and encourage foreign direct investment.
Ethiopia’s Honorary Consul in Greece, Georgois Bikas, in his remarks, stated that the forum presents a valuable opportunity to strengthen existing economic cooperation between the two countries and to foster networking between the Ethiopian and Greek business communities.
In this connection, the representative from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Hellenic Republic, Nikolao Christodoulidis, also highlighted Ethiopia’s recent economic growth, which creates vast opportunities for Greek businesses to invest, particularly in agro-processing, pharmaceuticals, healthcare, innovation, technology, and manufacturing, in alignment with Greece’s priority areas. He also noted that interested Greek companies can utilize project financing through the EU pilot project under the Africa-EU Transformation Package, as well as bilateral cooperation mechanisms between the two nations.
The President of the Athens Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Ioannis Bratokos, and the President of the Hellenic Development Bank of Investment, Charis Labropoulos, both elaborated in their keynote speeches that the priority areas for investment and incentives provided by the Ethiopian side are more complementary to Greece’s investment sector, which creates vast opportunities to attract foreign direct investment for both sides.
The event was concluded with productive B2B discussions and preliminary agreements between Ethiopian and Greek companies, further promoting Ethiopia’s trade and investment potential.
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