Ethiopia and EU Explore Strategic Partnership in Critical Raw Minerals Development

Addis Ababa, November 3, 2026 (FMC) — Ethiopia and the European Union (EU) are exploring opportunities to strengthen strategic cooperation in critical raw minerals, focusing on investment, technology transfer, sustainable resource development and domestic value addition.

The discussions are taking place at a strategic dialogue hosted by the Institute of Foreign Affairs (IFA) in collaboration with the European Union under the theme “Ethiopia–EU Cooperation on Critical Raw Minerals: Opportunities, Challenges and Policy Priorities.”

In his welcoming remarks, IFA Executive Director Dr. Abdiwasa Abdilahi highlighted the longstanding partnership between Ethiopia and the EU, emphasizing the strategic importance of critical minerals for industrial development, economic diversification and technological advancement.

He stressed the need to strengthen cooperation in investment, technology transfer and domestic value addition, noting that combining Ethiopia’s natural resource potential with European expertise, technology and investment could generate tangible benefits for both sides and deepen their economic relations.

Dr. Abdiwasa also highlighted the Ethiopian Government’s growing emphasis on developing the country’s mineral resources, improving the investment environment and increasing the sector’s contribution to the national economy under the leadership of Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed.

Speaking at the opening of the dialogue, Julia Walschebauer, Team Leader for the Green Deal at the EU Delegation to Ethiopia, said partnerships in the critical minerals sector should extend beyond access to natural resources.

She emphasized the importance of building long-term, mutually beneficial partnerships based on investment, value addition, technology and knowledge transfer, skills development, sustainability and responsible sourcing.

The dialogue brings together stakeholders to examine opportunities and challenges in Ethiopia–EU cooperation on critical raw minerals and identify policy priorities for advancing sustainable mineral development and shared economic transformation.