By staff writer Addis Ababa, February 24, 2026 (ENA): When Africa’s leaders converge on a capital and depart speaking not only of diplomacy but of admiration, it signals that something far greater than protocol is at work. Over the past week, as heads of state from across the continent, alongside high-profile diplomats from beyond Africa — gathered in Addis Ababa for high-level engagements, one message resonated clearly and consistently. This was more than a summit season. Addis Ababa is not merely hosting Africa. It is shaping its direction, commanding its narrative, and redefining its place in the global order. A Capital That Commands Admiration Motorcades swept through newly expanded corridors, past illuminated boulevards and landscaped avenues of Addis Ababa, as presidents and prime ministers from across the continent gathered in the diplomatic heart of Africa. Among the most striking public reactions came from the President John Dramani Mahama of Ghana, who, after witnessing the city’s transformation firsthand, took to social media to express admiration, declaring that Addis Ababa: “Is a beautiful city, it truly qualifies as Africa’s capital.” The remark reverberated widely across continental media platforms, symbolizing a broader sentiment shared quietly in diplomatic corridors: Ethiopia’s capital has undergone a transformation that aligns infrastructure with continental ambition. Other African leaders echoed similar sentiments during bilateral discussions, praising the city’s modern transport networks, green spaces, and integrated development corridors. Diplomats described Addis as a living showcase of African possibility, while visiting delegations noted the speed and coherence of the city’s renewal projects. For a city long known primarily as the seat of the African Union, Addis Ababa is now increasingly recognized as a symbol of contemporary African urban renaissance. Diplomacy Reinforced: Ethiopia’s Indispensable Role The presence of multiple heads of state further underscored Ethiopia’s growing geopolitical centrality. The recent visit of President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan of Türkiye marked a defining diplomatic moment. Speaking to journalists aboard his presidential aircraft on his return journey, President Erdoğan emphasized that pursuing Türkiye’s African ambitions without Ethiopia is impossible, affirming that Ankara works with Addis Ababa with a sense of equality and brotherhood. Such a statement from a global actor with expansive African engagement signals a recalibrated diplomatic equation—one in which Ethiopia is not peripheral but pivotal. Likewise, Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni of Italy’s visit reflected Europe’s renewed strategic attention toward Ethiopia as a stabilizing anchor in the Horn of Africa and a gateway to the continent. Analysts note that Ethiopia’s demographic scale, military capability, and strategic location along critical maritime corridors elevate its leverage in regional diplomacy. The language of “partnership of equals” is no longer aspirational. It is operational. The “Addis Miracle”: A Global Social Media Phenomenon While presidents spoke in meeting halls, another conversation erupted online. A video of a presidential convoy gliding through Addis Ababa’s modern avenues triggered a viral storm across X and YouTube. The footage showcased wide expressways, synchronized lighting systems, and skyline vistas that many viewers compared to advanced Asian metropolises. From India to Ghana, from Germany to Türkiye, users expressed astonishment. Some Indian commentators candidly observed that despite their country’s multi-trillion-dollar economy, they struggle to identify a single city matching the seamless modernity captured in Addis. In Ghana, several radio and online programs reportedly dedicated full segments to discussing infrastructure gaps in their own cities after viewers drew comparisons with Addis Ababa. Even European commentators admitted surprise, with some noting that aspects of Addis’s new corridors rival infrastructure found in parts of Europe. Urban development experts attribute this to Ethiopia’s corridor development strategy—integrating transport, green areas, pedestrian pathways, and commercial zones into cohesive urban planning. The result is not superficial beautification but systemic transformation. In the digital age, perception travels faster than policy. This week, perception worked in Ethiopia’s favor. A Sovereign Signal: The 65th Anniversary of the Special Operations Command Beyond diplomacy and infrastructure, Ethiopia projected sovereign resolve during the 65th Anniversary of its Special Operations Command in Hawassa. Presided over by Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, the military commemoration was both ceremonial and strategic. Precision formations, advanced equipment displays, and disciplined drills conveyed readiness and deterrence. The Prime Minister underscored that Ethiopia’s defense posture is anchored in peace-building, declaring that the nation’s preparations are designed to guarantee stability across East Africa and the continent at large. He emphasized Ethiopia’s aspiration to serve as a pillar of regional security, a protector and stabilizing force. Of particular note was the expansion of training capabilities beyond traditional land and mountainous operations to include maritime competencies, an acknowledgment of evolving strategic realities. Analysts observe that a nation of more than 130 million people, with expanding economic ambitions, must think in multidimensional terms about security and access. The message was clear—strength is not a departure from diplomacy; it is its guarantor. Development on the Ground: Irrigation, Industry, and Self-Reliance Meanwhile, Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed continued inspecting transformative projects across the country, including large-scale irrigation initiatives and industrial hubs in the Wollega zones. The Arjo-Didessa irrigation project stands as a cornerstone of Ethiopia’s drive toward food security and agricultural modernization. By expanding irrigated farmland, the project reduces reliance on erratic rainfall and strengthens export potential. Industrial parks and agro-processing centers in development further demonstrate Ethiopia’s commitment to value addition, job creation, and import substitution—critical pillars for long-term economic sovereignty. PM Abiy’s engagements underscore a consistent philosophy: diplomacy elevates a nation’s voice, military strength protects its sovereignty, but economic productivity sustains its future. A Nation Reframed From the admiration of African presidents to viral global discourse on urban transformation; from strategic declarations by global leaders to measurable financial sector confidence; from disciplined military display to expansive irrigation projects, Ethiopia has occupied international headlines with a distinctly positive tone. It is not a single event that defines this moment, but the convergence of many. Ethiopia is no longer merely reacting to regional dynamics. The East African nation is shaping them. It is no longer a peripheral subject of analysis. It is a central actor in continental strategy. On the spotlight it stands, radiant, sovereign, and ascending with unmistakable confidence. From conference diplomacy to corridor development, from regional security to agricultural modernization, Ethiopia has captured both global media attention and digital imagination. Its trajectory, multidimensional and assertive, is redefining how the nation is perceived, and perhaps more importantly, how it perceives itself. In this season of convergence, Ethiopia is not simply present. It is prominent.

By Henok Tadele HAILE Addis Ababa, February 17, 2026 (ENA)—Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan will soon touch down in Addis Ababa, a visit arriving at a moment when both nations are redefining their regional and global roles. The trip represents the renewal of a historic friendship and signals the growing importance of cooperation between two countries whose shared ambitions increasingly intersect across trade, security, and continental influence. The arrival of Türkiye’s Recep Tayyip Erdoğan in Addis Ababa comes with symbolism that reaches far beyond diplomatic protocol. A few years ago, at one of Ethiopia’s most delicate moments, Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed travelled to Türkiye and was received with extraordinary dignity and warmth. The ceremonial welcome, marked by tradition and honor, reflected a relationship built on trust rather than convenience. As President Erdoğan prepares to step onto Ethiopian soil, there is a strong sense of historical balance, as if two long standing partners are continuing a conversation that has lasted generations. Ethiopia has often stood as one of Türkiye’s most reliable and consistent friends in Africa. This visit carries the feeling of reconnecting with a trusted ally whose stability, ambition, and influence continue to grow across the continent. A Friendship Rooted in Deep History The connection between Türkiye and Ethiopia stretches back long before modern diplomacy. Trade and cultural exchanges between the Horn of Africa and Anatolia existed through ancient maritime routes linking the Red Sea to Mediterranean markets. Through centuries, interaction continued during imperial periods and gradually transformed into formal diplomatic relations that have remained remarkably consistent. The transition from historic interaction to formal modern diplomacy began in 1896, when delegations were exchanged between Ottoman Sultan Abdülhamid II and Ethiopian Emperor Menelik II, marking the first structured diplomatic contact between the two states. Relations deepened further with the opening of the Ottoman Consulate in Harar in 1912. The modern diplomatic foundation was firmly established when the Republic of Türkiye opened its first embassy in Sub Saharan Africa in Addis Ababa in 1926, followed by Ethiopia opening its embassy in Ankara in 1933. These milestones laid the institutional groundwork for a relationship that has endured political transitions and continues to expand in scope and strategic importance. Modern ties grew stronger during the twentieth century through embassies, trade cooperation, and development partnerships. Over time, these relations have matured into one of the most stable and dependable partnerships linking Africa and Eurasia. Ethiopia’s Economic Rise and a Future Taking Shape Ethiopia is undergoing one of the fastest economic transformations on the African continent. Massive infrastructure expansion, industrial development, and urban modernization are reshaping the country’s economic landscape at remarkable speed. The country is already among Africa’s largest economies, and current growth momentum suggests a clear path toward becoming the continent’s leading economic powerhouse within the coming decade. Such rapid transformation naturally attracts strategic partners who recognize long term opportunity. Türkiye, with its diversified industrial base and advanced manufacturing capabilities, stands in a strong position to grow alongside Ethiopia’s development journey. Two Nations Creating a Market of Enormous Potential Demographic strength adds another dimension to this partnership. Türkiye’s population of more than eighty five million and Ethiopia’s population exceeding one hundred thirty million create a combined market that offers extraordinary production and consumption capacity. Cooperation between the two nations has the potential to stimulate trade, manufacturing, and technology development that could serve markets across Africa, the Middle East, and Europe. Working through Ethiopia also provides Türkiye a natural gateway into Africa’s rapidly expanding economic networks, especially as continental trade integration continues to accelerate. Aviation and Continental Connectivity Africa’s commercial connectivity still relies heavily on aviation due to limited ground transportation links. Ethiopian Airlines has built one of the most extensive air networks across Africa, connecting major business and political capitals with remarkable efficiency. Ethiopia’s aviation leadership offers Türkiye valuable access to African markets and logistics channels. Cooperation between Addis Ababa and Istanbul as major global aviation hubs creates strong potential for knowledge exchange, joint logistics development, and expanded trade routes linking continents. Infrastructure Dreams and Construction Opportunities Ethiopia’s development strategy over the next decade includes major projects in transportation, energy, and urban housing. New railway corridors, hydroelectric dams, airports, and large scale housing developments are expected to transform both economic productivity and living standards. Turkish construction firms have gained global recognition for technical expertise, speed, and efficiency in delivering complex infrastructure. Expanded cooperation in this sector could open opportunities worth billions of dollars while accelerating Ethiopia’s modernization goals. Turning Ethiopia’s Iron and Steel Vision into Reality Türkiye is recognized as a major global player in iron and steel production, possessing advanced industrial knowledge and strong manufacturing capacity. Ethiopia, meanwhile, holds enormous deposits of iron ore and possesses the raw potential to establish a competitive domestic steel industry. Collaboration between Turkish industrial expertise and Ethiopia’s natural resources could transform Ethiopia’s long standing ambition of building a strong iron and steel sector into a tangible reality. Such development would not only support Ethiopia’s infrastructure boom but also position the country as a regional manufacturing center, creating employment and strengthening industrial independence. Mining, Energy, and Industrial Expansion Beyond iron and steel, Ethiopia holds significant reserves of gold, natural gas, and rare earth minerals that are becoming increasingly valuable in modern technology and renewable energy production. Türkiye’s experience in mining extraction and processing offers strong opportunities for partnership that could unlock Ethiopia’s resource potential while strengthening industrial supply chains for both nations. Investment Confidence and Growing Economic Trust Türkiye has already established itself as one of the most significant foreign investors in Ethiopia. Turkish companies operate across manufacturing, textiles, construction, and service sectors, employing tens of thousands of Ethiopian workers and contributing to industrial growth. Ethiopia’s strong economic expansion and increasing industrial diversification suggest that investment opportunities will continue to grow. Long term cooperation in manufacturing and industry could further deepen economic ties and create mutual prosperity. Security, Maritime Stability, and Regional Balance Ethiopia’s pursuit of reliable maritime access carries implications beyond trade. Strengthened engagement in Red Sea security could contribute to stability along one of the world’s most important maritime trade corridors. Historically, Ethiopia’s naval presence helped maintain stability in parts of the southern Red Sea, and renewed engagement could reinforce regional maritime security. Such stability benefits international shipping, trade safety, and economic reliability, outcomes that align closely with Türkiye’s strategic interests as a major trading nation. Diplomatic Influence and Continental Reach Ethiopia holds unique political importance as host of the African Union, where major continental policies and diplomatic initiatives are shaped. Partnerships with Ethiopia naturally extend influence across Africa’s political and economic landscape, opening broader cooperation opportunities for Türkiye throughout the continent. Türkiye’s position within the G20 further strengthens the strategic weight of this relationship, linking African growth with global economic leadership. A Visit That Signals a Strategic Future President Erdoğan’s visit arrives at a moment when both countries are expanding their regional and global influence. The visit is expected to deepen economic partnerships, strengthen diplomatic coordination, and create new pathways for industrial and technological cooperation. More importantly, it reinforces the idea that relations between Türkiye and Ethiopia are built on reliability, historical trust, and shared ambition. As Ethiopia accelerates its rise and Türkiye expands its global economic presence, cooperation between the two nations carries the promise of reshaping trade, industry, and regional stability. This visit feels less like the beginning of a new chapter and more like the continuation of a long story, one where two nations separated by geography continue to discover how closely their futures can align.