Ethiopia–Türkiye Relations: A Strategic Partnership Deepening Across Multiple Fronts

Addis Ababa, February 17, 2026 (FMC) – As President of Türkiye, Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, arrives in Addis Ababa today for an official working visit, Ethiopia and Türkiye mark another milestone in their steadily expanding bilateral partnership.

Over the past two decades, relations between the two countries have grown into a comprehensive engagement covering political dialogue, trade and investment, development cooperation, defense collaboration, education, culture, and humanitarian support.

The partnership reflects a shared commitment to mutual benefit, respect for sovereignty, and sustainable cooperation.

 

Historical Foundations and Diplomatic Ties

Ethiopia and Türkiye share historical contacts that stretch back centuries through trade and diplomatic exchanges between the Horn of Africa and the Ottoman Empire. Formal diplomatic relations were established in the late 19th century, making Ethiopia one of the earliest African nations to engage with Türkiye.

Both countries maintain embassies in Addis Ababa and Ankara, and relations have deepened over time through high-level visits and structured consultation mechanisms. President Erdoğan’s visit today continues this tradition of sustained engagement.

 

Expanding Economic and Trade Cooperation

Economic partnership is a cornerstone of Ethiopia–Türkiye relations. Bilateral trade has grown steadily, and Türkiye ranks among the leading foreign investors in Ethiopia. Turkish companies operate across textiles, construction, manufacturing, agro-processing, and industrial parks, creating thousands of jobs and supporting Ethiopia’s industrialization agenda.

Industrial and Infrastructure Collaboration: Turkish firms have been actively involved in infrastructure development, including roads, bridges, industrial parks, and urban development projects. Ethiopian authorities have highlighted the role of Turkish expertise in supporting national development priorities and industrialization goals.

Energy and Power Sector Cooperation: Türkiye has participated in projects related to renewable energy and power infrastructure in Ethiopia. Partnerships include knowledge-sharing and technical assistance in solar, wind, and hydroelectric energy development.

Transportation and Aviation Links: Direct air connections between Istanbul and Addis Ababa have strengthened trade, tourism, and diplomatic travel. Ethiopian Airlines and Turkish Airlines continue to expand routes, enhancing connectivity for passengers and cargo.

Tourism and Cultural Industries: Collaboration extends to tourism promotion and cultural exchanges. Both countries have supported initiatives showcasing their heritage, including museum exhibitions, cultural festivals, and tourism investment forums.

 

Development Cooperation and Humanitarian Support

Development cooperation forms another key pillar of the partnership. Turkish development agencies have contributed to projects in education, healthcare, water, agriculture, and capacity-building initiatives. Cultural and education foundations have promoted exchange programs, and scholarship opportunities allow Ethiopian students to study in Türkiye. These initiatives support Ethiopia’s long-term development goals and human capital growth.

Agriculture and Agro-Processing: Türkiye has provided technical assistance in agriculture and food processing, supporting Ethiopia’s efforts to increase productivity and value-added exports. Training programs, modern equipment provision, and knowledge-sharing contribute to more sustainable agricultural practices.

Science, Technology, and Innovation Initiatives: Collaboration has also included science and technology, with opportunities for joint research, technology transfer, and innovation-driven projects, particularly in industrial production and energy solutions.

 

Peace, Security, and Defense Cooperation

Security and defense collaboration has expanded in recent years, guided by mutual respect and shared interests in regional stability. Both governments cooperate in defense training, technical assistance, and regional security initiatives. Ethiopian authorities emphasize that these partnerships are grounded in national sovereignty and contribute to peace and stability in the Horn of Africa.

 

Multilateral Engagement and Continental Partnership

Ethiopia hosts the headquarters of the African Union, making it a central hub for continental diplomacy. Türkiye has strengthened its engagement with African institutions, and Ethiopia has actively participated in joint initiatives aimed at promoting cooperation and development. Multilateral engagement complements bilateral ties and reinforces shared goals on peace, stability, and sustainable development.

 

Education, Culture, and People-to-People Ties

People-to-people relations continue to grow. Scholarship programs support Ethiopian students in Türkiye, while cultural exchange initiatives foster understanding between the societies. Expanding direct air connectivity further enhances opportunities for tourism, business, and diplomatic interaction. Cultural collaborations include language programs, art and music exchange, and joint educational forums.

 

Charting the Future of Ethiopia–Türkiye Relations

President Erdoğan’s arrival in Addis Ababa highlights the strength and continuity of Ethiopia–Türkiye relations. During the visit, both countries are expected to explore ways to expand trade and investment, enhance industrial cooperation, and deepen strategic dialogue on regional and international issues. For Ethiopia, the engagement presents opportunities for economic growth, job creation, and capacity development, while Türkiye reaffirms its commitment to a constructive partnership in the Horn of Africa.

The potential discussions are anticipated to reinforce the shared vision of a cooperative, mutually beneficial relationship built on respect, solidarity, and sustainable development.