Addis ababa: Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed on Wednesday officially welcomed French President Emmanuel Macron at the historic National Palace as the French leader began his latest official visit to Ethiopia, signaling the continued strengthening of relations between the two nations.
According to Ethiopian News Agency, the welcoming ceremony at the National Palace was shared by Prime Minister Abiy on social media, highlighting the formal reception of President Macron. The visit underscores France's growing strategic interest in Ethiopia and the wider Horn of Africa region. The leaders later visited the Ethiopia Science Museum, where discussions centered around innovation, technology, and future cooperation opportunities. Prime Minister Abiy described the museum tour as a reflection of both nations' shared commitment to innovation and technological advancement.
In welcoming President Macron on his third official visit to Ethiopia, Prime Minister Abiy emphasized the deepening bilateral ties, stating that France's friendship with Ethiopia 'speaks for itself.' The visit went beyond ceremonial engagements, resulting in tangible diplomatic outcomes. The leaders engaged in substantive bilateral talks at the National Palace, addressing a variety of mutual interests. Key agreements signed included a 54.6 million Euro loan for Ethiopia's Renewable, Integrated, Sustainable Energy and Digitalization Program, supporting the country's green energy transition and digital transformation agenda.
Additional cooperation agreements were exchanged, reinforcing collaboration in sustainable development, energy, and technological modernization. Macron's visit reflects the growing momentum in Ethiopia-France relations across political, economic, cultural, and development sectors.
The historical bond between the two countries dates back to the 19th century with the Treaty of Friendship and Commerce in 1843. Formal diplomatic relations were established in 1897, marked by agreements between Emperor Menelik II and French representative L©once Lagarde. The construction of the Djibouti-Addis Ababa Railway in the same year symbolized early infrastructure partnerships. France established its diplomatic presence in Addis Ababa in 1907, facilitated by land granted by Emperor Menelik II.
Throughout the 20th century, cooperation expanded into various sectors, with notable milestones such as former French President Charles de Gaulle's 1966 visit resulting in a cultural convention. Relations entered a new phase in 2018 with Prime Minister Abiy's leadership, leading to his visit to Paris and Macron's state visit to Ethiopia in 2019, further cementing bilateral engagement through agreements on heritage preservation, security, and infrastructure development.
The diplomatic engagement continued with significant visits and initiatives in subsequent years, including French and German support for Ethiopia's peace process in 2023 and the inauguration of the restored National Palace in 2024, renovated with French assistance. The partnership's strategic importance was further highlighted by Prime Minister Abiy's visit to France and a Europe-Ethiopia investment forum in 2025.
Economic cooperation has become a strong pillar of Ethiopia-France relations, particularly in aerospace, energy, infrastructure, and manufacturing sectors. Bilateral trade reached 812.6 million Euros in 2024, establishing Ethiopia as a major trading partner for France in East Africa. The aviation sector, notably Airbus's supply of aircraft to Ethiopian Airlines, remains significant.
Renewable energy cooperation continues to be critical, with France's support for the Ashegoda Wind Farm exemplifying sustainable development efforts. Cultural ties are equally robust, with Alliance Fran§aise organizations promoting French language education and cultural exchange, and initiatives like the Habesha Creative Lab supporting Ethiopia's creative industries.
President Macron's visit signifies a partnership focusing on innovation, sustainable development, investment, and future opportunities. As Ethiopia pursues economic reform and technological transformation, its partnership with France is poised to play a crucial role in shaping the nation's future.