Comprehensive Cooperation Positions Ethiopia–China Relations as a Strategic Regional Pillar — GCS
Addis Ababa, January 9, 2026 (FMC) — Comprehensive cooperation continues to define Ethiopia–China relations and positions the partnership as a strategic pillar in the region, the Government Communication Service (GCS) said, highlighting growing economic engagement, expanding investment and strengthening strategic ties between the two countries.
In a statement issued following the arrival of China’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Wang Yi, for a two-day official working visit to Ethiopia, the GCS noted that Ethiopia–China trade turnover has exceeded 13 billion US dollars, underscoring China’s role as one of Ethiopia’s major economic partners.
According to the statement, economic cooperation between Ethiopia and China has steadily expanded, significantly boosting trade and investment flows. Ethiopia’s imports from China also increased during the first half of the year, reaching 1.57 billion US dollars in March alone, a 22 percent rise compared to the previous year.
Chinese foreign direct investment has likewise remained strong, particularly in manufacturing, road construction and building projects. Expanding infrastructure development and financing — especially in railways, industrial parks and power generation — has further reinforced the economic partnership.
The GCS emphasized that economic cooperation remains central to Ethiopia–China relations, recalling that the Ethiopia–China Economic and Trade Forum held in Addis Ababa in February 2025 further strengthened collaboration in investment, trade and supply chains.
Ethiopia’s accession to BRICS+ this year has also broadened opportunities for modernization and access to global markets, including China, the statement added.
The expanding bilateral economic partnership is of strategic significance to both countries. It provides Ethiopia with access to capital, technology and markets essential to advancing its digital vision, while positioning Ethiopia as a key gateway to Africa for China. The relationship is also aligned with China’s long-term development cooperation framework under the Belt and Road Initiative.
In this context, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi arrived in Addis Ababa on January 8 as part of his 2026 Chinese New Year diplomatic tour to Africa, continuing a 36-year tradition in which China’s foreign ministers begin their first overseas mission of the year on the continent.
His current tour includes Ethiopia, Somalia, Tanzania and Lesotho, reflecting China’s sustained interest in the Horn of Africa and the broader continent, while reinforcing Ethiopia–China relations as a cornerstone of Africa–Asia cooperation.
During the visit, Ethiopia and China discussed strengthening cooperation in economy, trade, infrastructure, energy and transportation, as well as emerging areas including e-commerce, digital economy, artificial intelligence and green energy development.
Overall, Wang Yi’s visit is expected to further consolidate the strategic economic partnership between Ethiopia and China and support the effective implementation of commitments made at the Forum on China–Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) held in Beijing.