Ethiopia and France have celebrated over a century of robust diplomatic ties, fostering collaboration across various sectors. Their partnership encompasses trade, education, culture, and development, reflecting a shared commitment to mutual growth.
France has played a pivotal role in Ethiopia’s infrastructure projects, while Ethiopian culture has enriched France’s multicultural landscape. Recent initiatives further strengthen this bond, promoting investment and sustainable development.
Both nations are committed to tackling global challenges such as climate change and security, enhancing their strategic cooperation. As they look to the future, Ethiopia and France continue to build on their historical relationship, paving the way for enduring prosperity.
Over the years, the relationship between France and Ethiopia has grown into a strong and growing partnership. This development has been made possible by the active involvement of the leaders from both countries. Also, the partnership not only benefits both nations but also promotes cooperation in addressing global challenges, enhancing mutual understanding, and creating opportunities for future collaboration.
For this reason, Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed of Ethiopia was received by French President Emmanuel Macron at the Elyse Palace for bilateral talks during which both sides reviewed the progress in implementing the agreements reached during President Macron’s visit to Ethiopia in December 2024, emphasizing a commitment to further collaboration across multiple sectors.
While the two countries have long enjoyed strong ties and cooperation in areas such as defense and security, cultural preservation, and education, yesterday’s discussions further explored opportunities to enhance economic collaboration.
Since 2019, France and Ethiopia have significantly deepened their bilateral relations, marked by high-level visits, strategic agreements, and collaborative initiatives across various sectors, according to Office of the Prime Minister.
Both Prime Minister Abiy and President Macron have made several reciprocal visits, underscoring their commitment to fostering bilateral relations.
Notably, in October 2018, Prime Minister Abiy traveled to France, laying the groundwork for future agreements that would enhance defense and cultural cooperation. This visit was crucial for establishing a framework that would later facilitate significant projects, including the restoration of Ethiopia’s historic sites.
The following year, in March 2019, President Macron made his inaugural official visit to Ethiopia. During this tour, France and Ethiopia signed multiple cooperation agreements, which notably included plans for the restoration of the Rock Hewn Churches of Lalibela and the National Palace. Macron’s visit to Lalibela ahead of the restoration work illustrated France’s commitment to preserving Ethiopia’s rich cultural heritage.
Moreover, this commitment strengthens the country’s efforts, working diligently to accelerate the creation of a vibrant tourism hub that enhances its demand on both the continent and the global stage.
In February 2023, Prime Minister Abiy’s return to France was focused on strengthening trade and investment ties. The discussions highlighted Ethiopia’s aspiration for secure and lasting sea access, alongside the importance of regional stability in the Horn of Africa. These conversations are vital as Ethiopia seeks to enhance its economic landscape and assert itself as a key player in the region.
During President Macron’s following visit to Ethiopia in December 2024, he reaffirmed France’s dedication to supporting Ethiopia’s economic reforms and debt restructuring initiatives.
Macron emphasized the urgency of resolving these issues swiftly to promote economic stability and growth within Ethiopia. This ongoing dialogue reflects the mutual respect and commitment to partnership that both nations have cultivated over time.
Furthermore, on May 22, 2025, Prime Minister Abiy continued his efforts to enhance international engagement by touring various industries in Paris. His visits underscore the critical role of knowledge exchange in accelerating Ethiopia’s digital transformation and positioning the country as a future hub for innovation and technology in Africa.
The Office of the Prime Minister highlighted that Abiy’s focus has been particularly directed toward technology and artificial intelligence during his stay of France.
In his time, Prime Minister Abiy toured Station F, a renowned private sector business incubator for tech startups and the world’s largest startup facility. Although Ethiopia’s startup ecosystem is still developing, it showcases immense potential fueled by a young, tech knowledge population and increasing digital connectivity.
The government’s initiatives, such as the “Digital Ethiopia 2025” strategy, aim to create a conducive environment for startups, particularly in sectors like fintech, agri tech, and e-commerce.
In addition to the digital strategy, a comprehensive legislative framework known as the ‘Startup Proclamation’ has been introduced to establish supportive legal and institutional mechanisms for startups.
This framework addresses critical challenges, including limited access to finance and regulatory barriers, fostering an environment conducive to innovation.
The Prime Minister’s agenda also included a visit to the Nokia France headquarters in Paris, a focal point for research and development in advanced technologies such as 5G and 6G, cyber security, artificial intelligence, and optical networking.
His tour provided valuable insights into fiber sensing and power-saving technologies, which are essential for Ethiopia’s infrastructure development and cross-sectorial collaboration, it was learnt.
Additionally, the Prime Minister visited Thales Research & Technology France, a multidisciplinary research center pivotal to Thales Group’s global research efforts. The center focuses on advanced fields such as aerospace, defense, and artificial intelligence, aligning with Ethiopia’s aspirations to advance its technological landscape.
These visits collectively underscore the significance of international engagement and knowledge exchange in fostering Ethiopia’s digital transformation. It does also reaffirm the country’s ambition to become a central hub for innovation and technology in Africa.
In a further demonstration of his diplomatic commitment, Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed also visited Rome, Italy, to bolster cooperation between the two countries.
This visit focused on mutual economic interests, regional security goals, and cultural ties. By strengthening these connections, both nations aim to collaborate more effectively and address common challenges.
During his visit, Prime Minister Abiy met with Pietro Salini, the CEO of Webuild Group, in Rome to talk about the progress of major national projects they are building together.
In a social media post, Abiy highlighted that the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD), a source of pride for Ethiopia and Africa, is close to completion, and the accelerated progress of Koysha Dam, Salini’s partnership has been vital in facilitating achieve theses goals.
He mentioned that they discussed key project milestones, ways to speed up delivery, and the importance of sustainability and innovation in their work. their partnership shows a shared commitment to creating projects that stimulate economic growth and support long term development in the country, he said.
Through these diplomatic endeavors, the PM is not only enhancing Ethiopia’s international profile but also reinforcing the importance of cooperation and understanding among nations.
As Ethiopia continues to navigate complex regional and global landscapes, the partnerships forged with countries like France and Italy will play a crucial role in its journey toward sustainable development and stability.
BY FIKADU BELAY
THE ETHIOPIAN HERALD TUESDAY 27 MAY 2025
