Ethiopia‑China partnership: Shared development prospects

Editor's note: Decision Makers is a global platform for decision makers to share their insights on events shaping today's world. Aziza Geleta is deputy head of mission and chargé d’affaires of the Ethiopian Embassy in China. The article reflects the author's opinions and not necessarily those of CGTN.

Ethiopia and China enjoy a longstanding friendship rooted in mutual respect, equality and shared aspirations for development. In 2025, the two countries celebrated the 55th anniversary of their diplomatic relations. During Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed's official visit to China in October 2023, bilateral ties were elevated to an all-weather strategic partnership, marking a new chapter in our cooperation. Both countries also play important roles in South-South cooperation and multilateral affairs, advocating a more inclusive international order and greater opportunities for developing countries.

Over the decades, our partnership has expanded across infrastructure, manufacturing, agriculture, energy, education, healthcare and technological innovation. Chinese investment has contributed to Ethiopia's economic transformation, while bilateral exchanges have strengthened mutual understanding and created new opportunities for cooperation. This partnership demonstrates how international collaboration can support national development and shared prosperity.

From partnership to practical results

Chinese investment plays an important role in strengthening Ethiopia's productive capacity. The Addis Ababa-Djibouti Railway has improved regional connectivity and reduced travel time between the Ethiopian capital and Ethiopia’s neighboring country Djibouti. Industrial parks, including the Eastern Industrial Zone, support manufacturing and industrial development, with more than 150 companies operating in the zone. Chinese projects have reportedly generated more than 325,400 permanent and temporary jobs in Ethiopia.

Ethiopia currently has 29 industrial parks, most built by Chinese companies, alongside 13 government-owned industrial ones, and one free trade zone. Strategically positioned along major development corridors, these facilities provide investors with access to infrastructure, logistics and integrated services. Through its one-stop-shop arrangements, the Ethiopian Industrial Parks Development Corporation works with relevant government institutions to facilitate investment and business operations.

Cooperation is also opening new opportunities in green development. Ethiopia has announced a ban on imports of gasoline and diesel vehicles to accelerate its green transition. More than 100,000 electric vehicles are now on Ethiopian roads, a large proportion of them imported from China. This emerging cooperation in electric mobility reflects the potential for Chinese technology and investment to support Ethiopia's climate ambitions.

At the "Invest in Ethiopia" High-Level Business Forum held in Addis Ababa in March 2026, a Chinese energy company signed a memorandum of understanding with the Ethiopian Investment Commission involving a proposed investment worth billions of US dollars. Such initiatives underscore the potential to deepen cooperation in renewable energy, manufacturing and technology, subject to the realization of the proposed investment.

Beyond investment, bilateral exchanges in education, professional training, culture and technology remain essential. Greater collaboration among universities, research institutions, businesses and young people can facilitate knowledge-sharing, skills development and innovation. These exchanges can help ensure that the benefits of economic cooperation extend to communities and future generations.

From dialogue to national consensus

Ethiopia has entered a new chapter in its national journey, seeking to consolidate peace, strengthen institutions and accelerate development. The participation of more than 54 million Ethiopians in the recent election represented a significant expression of civic engagement and constitutional participation. The formation of the new government on October 5 provides an opportunity to address national challenges through peaceful and constitutional means.

As Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed stated in his recent inaugural address, Ethiopia can overcome its challenges when its people "move forward together as equals, united as brothers." This message highlights a fundamental principle: Sustainable national progress requires dialogue, mutual understanding and a shared commitment to the national interest.

The National Dialogue Conference process was established to address longstanding differences through consultation. Over 4,000 participants took part in the national conference, representing regional states and city administrations, political parties, religious institutions, civil society, women and youth groups, government bodies and Ethiopians living abroad.

Discussions addressed nation-building, governance, electoral systems, the rule of law, human rights, socioeconomic development and peacebuilding. The process demonstrated the importance of listening to diverse perspectives and identifying common ground. Its lasting value will depend on translating dialogue into practical recommendations, stronger institutions and policies that respond to citizens' aspirations.

Peace as the foundation of development

Ethiopia's commitment to peace extends beyond its borders. As a country at the heart of the Horn of Africa and host to the African Union (AU) headquarters, Ethiopia has an important role in regional diplomacy and cooperation.

The region's long-term prosperity depends on respect for sovereignty, constructive dialogue, economic integration and peaceful relations among neighboring countries. Greater stability can strengthen trade, transport connectivity, food security and cross-border investment.

China's engagement with Africa, including its support for infrastructure development and economic cooperation, provides additional opportunities to advance these shared objectives. Ethiopia and China can work together with the AU, neighboring countries and other partners to promote connectivity, sustainable development and mutually beneficial regional cooperation.

Opening a new chapter of shared prosperity

Ethiopia's economic reforms, youthful population, natural resources and strategic location create new opportunities for Ethiopia-China cooperation in investment, trade, tourism, mining, manufacturing, agriculture, renewable energy and logistics.

The next phase of cooperation can focus on attracting new investment, expanding bilateral trade, promoting tourism, developing mineral resources, transferring technology, advancing artificial intelligence and expanding electric vehicles. Additional opportunities include digital transformation, modern agriculture, industrial development and green energy. Encouraging Chinese enterprises to establish local production, develop supply chains, train Ethiopian workers and partner with domestic businesses can create jobs, strengthen technology transfer and promote sustainable economic growth and shared prosperity.

(If you want to contribute and have specific expertise, please contact us at opinions@cgtn.com. Follow @thouse_opinions on X to discover the latest commentaries in the CGTN Opinion Section.)