Charting a New Course: Ethiopia and Belgium Launch First-Ever Political Consultation in Addis Ababa 🇪🇹🇧🇪

A significant step toward elevating bilateral ties was taken on October 9, 2025, as Ethiopia and the Kingdom of Belgium held their inaugural Political Consultation in the Ethiopian capital, Addis Ababa. This high-level dialogue marks the beginning of a new chapter, transforming a historical relationship one that traces its origins back to a trade agreement in 1906 into a structured, modern partnership.

A Century-Old Friendship, A Renewed Commitment

State Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Hadera Abera, emphasized the historical depth of the relationship, noting that the inaugural consultation reflects a #RenewedCommitment by both nations. Belgium was one of the first five countries to establish a diplomatic mission in Addis Ababa, and the ties have previously been significant, including academic collaborations and historical military support.

This formal Political Consultation is designed to provide a regular framework for discussions, ensuring the partnership evolves beyond historical friendship and into strategic, mutually beneficial cooperation. By institutionalizing this dialogue, both Addis Ababa and Brussels signal a dedication to consistent engagement on global, continental, and bilateral matters.

Ethiopia’s Economic Reforms: The Investment Opportunity

A primary focus of the consultation was Ethiopia's economic landscape. Ambassador Hadera used the platform to brief the Belgian delegation on the country's ongoing #HomegrownEconomicReformAgenda. These comprehensive reforms are cantered on three main pillars: macro-financial stability, structural reforms, and sectoral reforms.

The objective is to pivot the economy from a public-sector-led model to one driven by the #PrivateSector, creating a more favourable environment for foreign direct investment (FDI). Specific #InvestmentOpportunities are now being heavily promoted to European partners like Belgium, particularly in

• Manufacturing & Industrial Parks: Leveraging infrastructure, tax incentives, and regional logistic
• Agriculture & Agro-Processing: Targeting high-value exports like coffee, oilseeds, and the flourishing horticulture sector (flowers, fruits, and vegetables), where Belgian companies already play a role.
• Energy & Mining: Encouraging participation in renewable energy projects (solar, wind) and the extraction of strategic minerals.
• Digital Transformation: Investing in ICT, telecommunications, and the modernization of public services.

The state minister specifically encouraged Belgian investors to seize these emerging opportunities, which promise high returns for those willing to be early movers in a rapidly transforming economy.

The Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD): A Transformative Regional Anchor

Ambassador Hadera also emphasized the far-reaching regional implications of the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (#GERD). The completion of the GERD is positioned not only as a domestic success story of self-reliance financed entirely by the Ethiopian people but as a massive leap forward for #RegionalIntegration.

With a generating capacity of over 5,000 megawatts, the GERD is set to play a transformative role in:

• Regional Power Boost: Providing vast amounts of clean, reliable #HydroelectricPower for export to neighbouring countries like Kenya, Sudan, and potentially others in the East African Power Pool (EAPP).
• Economic Interdependence: Anchoring Ethiopia as a regional power hub and strengthening economic ties through power purchase agreements (PPAs).
• Climate Resilience: Contributing to clean energy transition efforts across East Africa, supporting industrial growth, and mitigating the reliance on fossil fuels.

By highlighting the GERD, Ethiopia underscores its role as a stabilizing force and a key partner in unlocking the economic potential of the wider region, an important factor for European partners who value regional stability.

The Way Forward: Partnership in a Changing World

The first Ethiopia Belgium Political Consultation successfully laid the foundation for deeper cooperation, blending a long-standing diplomatic history with modern economic and strategic interests. The path forward involves leveraging Belgium's expertise in specialized sectors, particularly in academic cooperation and high-tech manufacturing, while supporting Ethiopia's ambitious drive toward economic liberalization and regional energy leadership.

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