Ethiopia: Israel Foreign Minister Says His Country Wants to Be Part of Ethiopia’s Success

Addis Ababa, — Ethiopia will have a very strong market and economy within a relatively short time and ‘Israel wants to be part of Ethiopia’s Success, Israel’s Foreign Affairs Minister Gideon Moshe Sa’ar said.

Speaking at the Ethiopia-Israel Business Forum held today, the Israeli foreign minister has expressed his nation’s keen desire to participate in Ethiopia’s growth trajectory.

“We believe in Ethiopia, we believe in the current direction of the government promoting economic reforms, opening the markets,” he said.

According to him, it is very easy to see that, within a short time relatively, Ethiopia will have a very strong market and economy.

Sa’ar added that Israel “wants to be a part of your success, of the fulfillment of the Ethiopian dream, as much as we want you to be part of Israel’s success.”

Moreover, he highlighted the strong human bridge between the two countries, stemming from shared heritage, as a significant contributor to economic ties.

On his part, Ethiopia’s Foreign Affairs Minister Gedion Timothewos welcomed the Israeli delegation, emphasizing the forum’s significance.

He said the forum is an important platform for strategic engagement, shared opportunity, and enduring partnership.

“The relationship between Ethiopia and Israel is exceptional, steeped in ancient ties, inspired by shared values, and constantly evolving through modern cooperation,” he underscored.

The minister positioned economic cooperation as a central pillar of Ethiopia’s foreign policy and national transformation strategy.

“This forum signals that economic diplomacy is no longer a supplementary pursuit. It is now the very engine of our foreign policy and the key pillar of national transformation.”

Gedion detailed Ethiopia’s bold and comprehensive economic reform, which is shifting from a state-led model to one driven by the dynamism and creativity of the private sector.

Key reforms include the liberalization of strategic sectors, privatization, expansion of the digital economy, agricultural modernization, and the establishment of a national capital market and a securities exchange.

Highlighting the specific opportunities for Israeli investors, the minister noted that Ethiopia not only offers investment opportunities for Israeli businesses, but is also a strategic gateway to one of Africa’s largest, youngest, and most dynamic markets.

Gedion further pointed out areas such as agriculture and agri-tech where precision agri-irrigation needs vast arable land, water resource management, leveraging Israeli innovations in recycling and desalination as well as renewable energy, where Israel’s expertise aligns with Ethiopia’s priorities.