Ethiopia-Brazil Partnership Reaches New Heights with Major Trade Forum

Addis Ababa, February 6, 2026 (ENA)—Ethiopia-Brazil partnership is reaching unprecedented heights, marked by the largest-ever Ethiopia-Brazil Trade and Investment Forum held in Addis Ababa today.

Addressing the Ethiopia-Brazil Economic Cooperation Forum, Ethiopia’s Minister of Trade and Regional Integration Kassahun Gofe highlighted the forum’s significance in deepening the historic ties between the two nations—a pivotal moment in their bilateral relations.

“This is a moment to reflect on our shared past, assess our dynamic present, and envision an ambitious future for trade and economic cooperation,” he said.

“Today, our partnership is firmly anchored in the principles of South-South cooperation,” he further elaborated.

Kassahun praised the remarkable economic progress achieved by both countries in recent years.

He also described Ethiopia as one of Africa’s fastest-growing economies, attributing its success to a committed reform agenda and strategic focus on sustainable development through targeted investment sectors.

“Collaboration between Ethiopia and Brazil moves beyond symbolism,” he said, noting that the forum provides a vital platform to strengthen business partnerships.

The minister also commended Brazil’s support in Ethiopia’s historic accession to the World Trade Organization, adding, “After more than two decades of delays, we are now in the decisive phase of this journey.”

Highlighting the reforms underpinning Ethiopia’s growth, the minister cited the liberalization of key sectors, including finance and telecommunications.

He further emphasized the transformative potential of the Africa Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), which promises a unified market of 1.4 billion people, offering a pathway to a more inclusive and sustainable development future for Africa.

“I strongly encourage Brazilian investors to recognize and harness this unprecedented opportunity, using Ethiopia as a strategic gateway to access the vast African market,” Kassahun said.

For his part, Ambassador Alex Giacomelli, Director of Trade Promotion, Investment, and Agriculture at Brazil’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, underscored that the forum reflects a top priority of Brazilian foreign policy: deepening economic and political ties with Africa.

“Ethiopia, as the second most populous nation in Africa, one of the world’s fastest-growing economies, and home to the African Union headquarters, has established itself as a regional hub for innovation, logistics, and international diplomacy,” he said.

Ambassador Giacomelli added that Brazil and Ethiopia share key priorities, including sustainable growth, poverty reduction, and a strong commitment to multilateralism.