Ethiopia and France Reaffirm Strategic Partnership Amid Transformative Reforms

Addis Ababa, November 26, 2026 (FMC) – Ethiopia and France have reaffirmed their historic and expanding partnership during a meeting between Adem Farah, Deputy President and General Secretary of the Ethiopia’s ruling Prosperity Party, and Alexis Lamek, French Ambassador to Ethiopia and Representative to the African Union, along with his delegation at the Party Headquarters.

The discussions highlighted the depth, longevity, and dynamism of Ethio–France relations, which officially began in 1897 and continue to evolve across political, economic, and cultural dimensions.

Both sides reviewed the multifaceted character of the partnership, rooted in geostrategic cooperation, infrastructural collaboration, cultural exchanges, and institutional development.

Ethiopia and France have historically worked together to strengthen regional connectivity, most notably through the Ethio–Djibouti railway, an early symbol of their economic alliance. Cultural diplomacy also featured prominently, with institutions such as the Alliance Éthio-Française, Lycée Guébré-Mariem, and Notre Dame School representing enduring people-to-people ties and France’s commitment to Ethiopia’s educational and cultural landscape.

The meeting also focused on Ethiopia’s recent transformative reforms. Adem Farah briefed the ambassador on political, economic, social, and diplomatic initiatives under the Prosperity Party, including expanded political openness, strengthened institutions, and the empowerment of women and youth. Opposition leaders now hold seven ministerial posts, civic organizations have grown by over 200 percent, and nearly half of Cabinet and parliamentary positions are now held by women.

Major institutional developments were highlighted, including the enhanced National Election Board of Ethiopia preparing for credible 7th General Elections and the National Dialogue Commission leading the country’s first comprehensive national dialogue. National efforts to harmonize diversity and unity under the mottos “Unity in Diversity” and “Building the Grand National Narrative” were also emphasized.

Ambassador Lamek commended the pace and scale of Ethiopia’s transformation, citing visible improvements in institutional efficiency, infrastructure, and urban development, including the transformation of Addis Ababa in the past eighteen months.

He described the Prosperity Party as a key driver of political reform, economic revitalization, and proactive international engagement.

The briefing also covered ongoing preparations by the Prosperity Party to ensure a fair electoral process while competing effectively in the upcoming national election.

In response, the ambassador pledged France’s continued support for Ethiopia’s democratization, institutional strengthening, cultural exchanges, party diplomacy, and pursuit of sustainable sea access.

The meeting concluded with a shared commitment to expand collaboration through follow-up engagements, exchange programs, and new initiatives across multiple sectors. The discussions underscored the historic friendship between Ethiopia and France and a mutual determination to deepen strategic cooperation.