Ethiopia and China have pledged to strengthen cooperation across infrastructure, green industry and the digital economy, underscoring Addis Ababa’s growing importance as one of Africa’s fastest-growing and most strategically significant economies. China’s foreign minister, Wang Yi, met Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed in Addis Ababa on Thursday, marking the first stop of his annual New Year diplomatic tour of Africa. During the talks, both sides committed to advancing what Beijing describes as an “all-weather strategic partnership,” aimed at aligning long-term development priorities.
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Chinese officials said the discussions focused on accelerating trade and economic cooperation, upgrading infrastructure links and expanding collaboration under the Belt and Road Initiative. Ethiopia has emerged as a central partner in the programme, as China seeks deeper engagement with young, rapidly expanding economies across the continent.
With the International Monetary Fund forecasting Ethiopia’s economic growth at 7.2 per cent this year, Chinese leaders have highlighted the country as a model for investment-driven development and regional integration. Wang Yi said China is prepared to better align development strategies with Ethiopia and expressed hope that the country would continue to provide a stable and welcoming environment for Chinese enterprises.
Beyond traditional sectors such as energy, transportation and construction, the two countries agreed to deepen cooperation in newer areas including e-commerce, artificial intelligence and green energy. Officials also signalled plans to expand exchanges in culture, tourism, education, media and policy research, reflecting a broader push to diversify bilateral ties.
For Ethiopia, the renewed engagement reinforces its ambition to position itself as a regional economic hub and an increasingly influential actor in international affairs. Wang Yi noted that China views Ethiopia as playing an important role not only in the Horn of Africa, but also on the global diplomatic stage. The visit comes as China seeks to reinforce partnerships across Africa amid shifting global economic dynamics. After Ethiopia, Wang Yi is scheduled to continue his tour in Somalia, Tanzania and Lesotho before concluding the trip on January 12.
