On May 5-6, 2025, the Ethiopia-Israel Business Forum, themed “Strengthening Bilateral Relations through Innovation,” convened in Addis Ababa, marking a transformative milestone in the enduring partnership between Ethiopia and Israel. Spearheaded by Ethiopia’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Gedion Timothewos (PhD), and Israel’s Foreign Minister, Gideon Moshe Sa’ar, the forum galvanized high-level diplomatic and economic collaboration, focusing on trade, agriculture, water management, tourism, technology, and security.
The shared vision of these two Gedions heralded a new era of mutual prosperity, blending ancient historical ties with cutting-edge innovation to forge a robust bilateral alliance that promises to reshape the economic, social, and cultural landscapes of both nations.
The forum opened with a resolute commitment to deepen bilateral ties. Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar declared, “Israel is dedicated to supporting Ethiopia’s remarkable economic ascent. We aim to contribute to the Ethiopian dream while inviting Ethiopia to share in Israel’s journey of innovation and progress.”
Ethiopian Foreign Minister Gedion Timothewos showcased Ethiopia’s vast natural resources, skilled human capital, and bold economic reforms, positioning the nation as a prime destination for global investors. Their discussions pinpointed opportunities in agriculture, technology, trade, tourism, counter-terrorism, and water management, establishing a dynamic framework for future collaboration that aligns with both nations’ aspirations for sustainable development.
On May 5, Sa’ar held strategic talks with Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed (PhD) to explore enhanced cooperation across economic, political, and social domains. This visit built on Gedion Timothewos’s March 2025 trip to Israel, where both ministers addressed bilateral priorities and regional dynamics in the Horn of Africa. At the forum, their pledges underscored a partnership poised to drive innovation, economic prosperity, and regional stability, with a focus on leveraging each nation’s strengths to address global challenges including climate change, food security, and economic inequality.
Roots in History, Branches in Modernity
The Ethiopia-Israel relationship is deeply rooted in history, tracing back to the biblical encounter between the Queen of Sheba and King Solomon in Jerusalem, a narrative that continues to inspire cultural and spiritual connections. Formal diplomatic ties began in 1956 with a consular relationship, followed by the opening of Israel’s embassy in Addis Ababa in 1961. Despite periodic disruptions due to regional and global politics, relations were revitalized in 1989 with the embassy’s reopening, and in 1992, Ethiopia established its embassy in Tel Aviv. High-level engagements have solidified this bond, including the late Ethiopian Prime Minister Meles Zenawi’s 2004 visit to Israel, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s 2017 trip to Ethiopia, and reciprocal visits by Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed and Israeli President Reuven Rivlin in 2018 and 2019. These exchanges have fostered agreements in agriculture, water management, health, defense technology, and education, creating a multifaceted partnership.
The historical presence of Jewish communities in Ethiopia’s Amhara region, particularly around Gondar, has enriched cultural, religious, and social connections, fostering mutual understanding and respect. Israeli Ambassador to Ethiopia, Avraham Neguise (PhD), emphasized this on his recent interview with the Ethiopian Broadcasting Corporation, stating, “Ethiopia and Israel share a profound relationship grounded in historical ties and shared values, evolving into modern cooperation across diverse sectors.” Gedion Timothewos echoed this, describing the partnership as “steeped in ancient times, inspired by shared values, and propelled by contemporary collaboration.” Ambassador Avraham highlighted the role of language, noting that Amharic’s use in Israeli mainstream media facilitates closer communication and cultural exchange, strengthening people-to-people ties and fostering a sense of shared identity.
Agricultural Innovation: Cultivating a Sustainable Future
Since its founding in 1948, Israel has been a global leader in agricultural innovation, transforming arid landscapes into productive farmlands through technologies like drip irrigation, disease-resistant crops, and precision farming. These advancements optimize water and fertilizer use, enhancing both yield quality and quantity while promoting environmental sustainability.
In 2005, Israel’s MASHAV and USAID Smallholder Horticulture Project introduced thousands of Ethiopian farmers to Israeli irrigation technologies and high-yield avocado varieties, revolutionizing horticulture practices. Gedion Timothewos lauded this impact, stating, “Israel’s technical expertise has transformed Ethiopia’s horticulture sector, with avocado exports soaring due to their support, positioning Ethiopia as a key player in global markets.”
At the forum, Gideon Sa’ar reaffirmed Israel’s commitment to supporting Ethiopia’s agricultural sector through knowledge transfer, training programs, and technology sharing, with a focus on enhancing food security and export-oriented farming. Israeli NGOs and agricultural experts have further supported Ethiopian farmers through initiatives focused on sustainable practices, soil management, and crop diversification. The forum highlighted plans to expand this partnership, introducing advanced irrigation systems, greenhouse technologies, and data-driven farming techniques to enhance Ethiopia’s agricultural productivity, resilience, and global competitiveness.
Water Management: Sustaining Growth in Scarcity
Facing chronic water scarcity, with over 60% of its territory classified as desert, Israel has pioneered water management solutions, including drip irrigation and advanced recycling technologies. These systems deliver water directly to plant roots, maximizing efficiency and sustaining agricultural output in challenging environments.
Despite its nickname as the “Water Tower of Africa,” Ethiopia faces significant water constraints, with all its rivers being transboundary and its rugged topography limiting abundant groundwater systems. Through a landmark agreement signed on February 4, 2025, Ethiopia has partnered with Israel to leverage its advanced water management and renewable energy expertise, transforming the agricultural sector. This collaboration has enabled Ethiopia to boost wheat production in water-scarce regions and advance its food security goals, mitigating the challenges of transboundary water resources and limited groundwater availability.
At the forum, Israel pledged continued support through capacity building, technology transfer, and joint projects in water and energy development. Gedion Timothewos highlighted Ethiopia’s renewable energy potential, including contributions to the East African Power Pool, as a key area for collaboration. Gideon Sa’ar emphasized the importance of sustainable water management, stating, “Israel’s innovations can help Ethiopia unlock its agricultural potential, fostering shared prosperity and environmental stewardship.” The forum also explored opportunities for solar-powered irrigation systems and water recycling projects to enhance Ethiopia’s resilience to climate change.
Tourism: A Tapestry of Shared Heritage
The centuries-old religious and cultural bonds between Ethiopia and Israel create vibrant people-to-people connections. Ambassador Nigussie noted that many Ethiopians visit Jerusalem and Golgotha for prayer, while Israelis regard Ethiopia as a second home due to its rich history and heritage. Ethiopia’s UNESCO-listed sites, ancient Christian traditions, and unique cultural heritage attract over five million tourists annually, according to a recent World Bank report. Ongoing reforms, including improved infrastructure, heritage preservation, enhanced security, and digital ticketing systems, are elevating Ethiopia’s tourism sector.
At the forum, Gedion Timothewos invited Israeli tourists to explore Ethiopia’s spiritual landmarks, from Lalibela’s Rock-Hewn Churches to Aksum’s ancient obelisks, emphasizing the sector’s economic potential and cultural significance. Gideon Sa’ar underscored the role of shared heritage, stating, “Our common history is the bedrock of our multifaceted endeavors, driving tourism and economic collaboration.” The forum highlighted plans to promote bilateral tourism through joint marketing campaigns, cultural exchange programs, and streamlined visa processes, leveraging Ethiopian Airlines’ two daily flights between Tel Aviv and Addis Ababa to enhance passenger and cargo connectivity.
Trade and Investment: Ethiopia as Africa’s Gateway
Ethiopia and Israel are forging a robust trade and investment partnership, positioning Ethiopia as Africa’s premier economic gateway by leveraging its strategic location in the Horn of Africa and Israel’s world-class startup and high-tech ecosystem. Ethiopia’s proximity to major shipping routes, burgeoning infrastructure, and access to African markets make it an ideal entry point for global investors, with Israel’s expertise in digital innovation, artificial intelligence, and fintech poised to transform Ethiopia’s digital economy. Ethiopia’s bold investment reforms, transitioning from a state-centered model to an investor-friendly framework, include tax incentives, streamlined regulations, and enhanced security measures, creating a welcoming environment for Israeli businesses seeking to tap into Africa’s growth.
Foreign Minister Gedion Timothewos championed Ethiopia as Africa’s economic gateway, emphasizing its 120 million-strong, youthful population, dynamic market, and skilled workforce as catalysts for regional trade. He highlighted Ethiopia’s leadership in infrastructure, including its role in the East African Power Pool, which ensures regional energy security and attracts investors to a stable hub. “Our reforms and strategic advantages establish Ethiopia as a gateway for sustainable development and regional integration,” he stated, underscoring Ethiopia’s role as a conduit for African market access.
Israel’s Foreign Minister, Gideon Sa’ar, echoed this vision, stating, “Ethiopia’s reforms and strategic location make it a pivotal gateway to Africa’s economic future. We believe in Ethiopia’s government and are confident that it will soon boast a robust market economy.” He praised Ethiopian Airlines’ two daily flights between Tel Aviv and Addis Ababa, which enhance connectivity and position Ethiopia as a logistics hub for African trade. Israeli contributions, in Ethiopia’s mining sector and a new facility converting passenger aircraft into cargo planes, strengthen Ethiopia’s aviation infrastructure, facilitating trade across the continent.
Israel’s Ambassador to Ethiopia, Avraham Neguise, emphasized Israel’s role in bolstering Ethiopian Airlines, a vital component of Ethiopia’s gateway status. He stated, “We are collaborating with Ethiopian Airlines to establish a new facility in Ethiopia that converts passenger aircraft into cargo planes, enhancing logistics and trade capabilities across Africa.” At the Ethio-Israeli Business Forum, a high-level Israeli delegation was briefed on Ethiopia’s investor-friendly reforms and recognized opportunities for successful business ventures here.
Peace and Security: A Unified Stand against Threats
At the forum, Gedion Timothewos and Gideon Sa’ar reaffirmed their shared commitment to peace and security, with a focus on counter-terrorism. Both identified common threats, including Houthi rebels and Al-Shabaab, supported by the Houthis. Gedion Timothewos stated, “We see immense potential to expand cooperation to counter terrorism in the Horn of Africa and Middle East, safeguarding our regions and promoting stability.” Gideon Sa’ar added, “Terrorism is a shared threat to our nations and humanity, demanding robust collaboration.” Their pledge to strengthen security ties includes intelligence sharing, joint training, and coordinated strategies to address regional challenges, enhancing bilateral trust and regional stability.
Technology and Innovation: Empowering the Future
Ethiopia’s push for digitalization and technological advancement aligns seamlessly with Israel’s global leadership in innovation. Israel’s renewable energy expertise, targeting 40% solar electricity by 2030, supports Ethiopia’s climate-resilient goals, such as the Green Legacy Initiative, which aims to plant billions of trees. In education, Ethiopia is reforming its curriculum to emphasize STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics), drawing inspiration from Israel’s tech-driven model. Gideon Sa’ar committed to sharing Israel’s expertise, stating, “Our knowledge and skills can empower Ethiopia’s youth to tackle national challenges creatively.” Gedion Timothewos highlighted the role of technology in fostering a competitive generation, accelerating Ethiopia’s development and global integration.
Israel’s creative solutions to challenges like water scarcity and arable land shortages serve as a model for Ethiopian youth, encouraging innovative approaches to national issues. The forum outlined plans for joint research, technology transfer, startup incubators, and innovation hubs to drive Ethiopia’s digital economy, support entrepreneurship, and address climate change through sustainable technologies.
Economic Transformation: Lessons from Israel’s Resilience
Israel’s transformation from a struggling economy in 1983—marked by political unrest, hyperinflation, and a small population—into a global powerhouse offers valuable lessons for Ethiopia. Through bold reforms, currency stabilization, and a relentless focus on innovation, Israel overcame resource scarcity and regional hostility. Gedion Timothewos emphasized economic diplomacy as “the engine of Ethiopia’s foreign policy,” highlighting reforms that have opened markets, attracted investment, and shifted the economy toward a private sector-driven model. Gideon Sa’ar praised Ethiopia’s progress, noting, “Ethiopia’s reforms position it as a regional economic hub, and we are proud to partner in this journey.”
Ethiopia, with its larger population, abundant natural resources, and strategic location, can emulate Israel’s resilience by prioritizing technology, innovation, and human capital development. The forum’s high-level Israeli delegation, including business leaders, policymakers, and tech innovators, underscored Ethiopia’s appeal as an investment destination, reinforcing the potential for economic collaboration in sectors like fintech, renewable energy, and infrastructure.
Conclusion: A Partnership for the Ages
Under the leadership of Gedion Timothewos and Gideon Sa’ar, the Ethiopia-Israel Business Forum has charted a bold path for collaboration, blending ancient ties with modern ambitions. By harnessing Israel’s technological prowess and Ethiopia’s vast resources, this partnership transforms challenges into opportunities for sustainable growth and regional leadership. From agriculture and water management to tourism, trade, security, and innovation, the Gedions’ vision promises a future of shared prosperity, inspiring both nations to build a legacy of achievement that will resonate for generations.
By Mekeds Taye(PhD)
