East Africa: Ethiopia’s Eastward Gaze – More Than Symbolism

Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed’s (PhD) historic four-day state visit to Vietnam has marked a major turning point in the 50-year diplomatic relationship between the two nations. Long-standing but underutilized ties were thrust into the spotlight, signaling Ethiopia’s strategic pivot toward Asia’s emerging economic powerhouses.

The visit–widely covered by major Vietnamese media outlets–served as a powerful symbol of Ethiopia’s evolving foreign policy, one that seeks diversified partnerships beyond traditional Western and regional alliances. With Vietnam hailed as one of Asia’s most impressive development success stories, Ethiopia is keen to tap into this transformative experience as it pursues its own ambitious reform agenda.

While Ethiopia and Vietnam have enjoyed formal diplomatic relations since 1975, high-level engagements have been rare. Prime Minister Abiy’s visit, therefore, carries symbolic and practical significance, underlining Addis Ababa’s intent to forge deeper ties with rapidly developing economies in the Global South.

Vietnam’s enthusiastic reception of the Ethiopian delegation–with extensive coverage from outlets like Vietnam News and a series of high-profile engagements–reflects a mutual recognition of strategic opportunity. From official state talks to symbolic cultural exchanges, every moment of the visit was a testament to a shared vision for the future.

Several key agreements were signed during the visit, focusing on trade, investment, manufacturing, food security, and technology transfer. According to Foreign Minister Gedion Timothewos (PhD), these pacts represent “a gateway to a new era” in bilateral ties.

“This engagement opens the door for mutual learning,” he stated. “Vietnam’s economic journey–from war-torn and impoverished to a thriving, middle-income nation–offers critical lessons for Ethiopia as we accelerate our own reforms.”

Vietnam’s Doi Moi reforms, launched in the 1980s, reshaped its economy by opening markets, attracting foreign investment, and promoting export-led growth. The country’s transition–despite a late start–has been one of the most effective models of poverty alleviation and industrial transformation in the Global South.

Ethiopia is now looking to replicate elements of Vietnam’s success, especially in agriculture, manufacturing, and urban planning. With food security at the top of Ethiopia’s domestic agenda, Vietnam’s advanced rice production systems and agro-industrial models offer compelling templates for Ethiopia’s agricultural reforms.

Press Secretary Billene Seyoum noted that Ethiopia is also opening key sectors to foreign investors, including mining, agro-processing, and light manufacturing–areas where Vietnamese businesses are well-positioned to contribute.