Ethiopia Remains One of Africa’s Most Dynamic Economies, Says Brazilian Ambassador

Addis Ababa, February 6, 2026 (ENA)—Ethiopia continues to stand out as one of Africa’s most dynamic and promising economies, driven by bold reforms and expanding international partnerships, Brazilian Ambassador to Ethiopia Jandyr Ferreira dos Santos said. 

Addressing the largest ever Brazil-Ethiopia Economic Cooperation Forum in Addis Ababa, Ambassador Jandyr emphasized that Ethiopia’s reform agenda has positioned the country as an attractive destination for investment and strategic cooperation.

He noted that bilateral relations between Brazil and Ethiopia have reached a new level of political density and strategic trust in recent years.

According to the ambassador, this progress is clearly reflected in the historic visit by the leaders of the two countries, which he described as sending a powerful signal of mutual confidence and a shared vision for deeper South-South cooperation.

Highlighting Brazil’s economic profile, the ambassador also elaborated the country is among the world’s leading emerging economies, with a diversified structure that includes a globally competitive agricultural sector, a solid industrial base and a dynamic service economy.

Brazilian agriculture, he added, plays a critical role in global food security through major exports such as soybeans, sugar, meat and a wide range of value-added products.

He also underscored Brazil’s position as the world’s largest coffee producer and exporter, noting that this creates natural opportunities for cooperation and knowledge exchange with Ethiopia, the birthplace of coffee itself.

Beyond agriculture, the ambassador pointed to Brazil’s strong capabilities in automotive production, manufacturing, machinery, mining, steel and aerospace, including Embraer, one of the world’s leading aircraft manufacturers.

Turning to Ethiopia, Ambassador Jandyr said the government of Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed has undertaken bold and commendable reforms aimed at liberalizing markets, strengthening macroeconomic stability, modernizing the financial sector and attracting both domestic and foreign investment.

He added that these reforms are reshaping the country’s economic landscape, supported by a rapidly growing population.

“Ethiopia offers a strong labor force, a fast-expanding consumer market and significant opportunities in agro processing, logistics and infrastructure,” he said.

He also highlighted the recent signing of the Brazilian market access protocol as an important milestone in supporting Ethiopia’s accession to the World Trade Organization.

Ethiopia, he noted, is now at an advanced stage of WTO accession, with completion expected in 2026.

Director General for European and American Affairs at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Meles Alem, on his part commended the long-standing commitment of both countries to sustainable development.

“Our cooperation has been a testament of South–South partnership, and today we stand ready to elevate it to unprecedented heights,” Ambassador Meles said.

He added that Ethiopia is on a transformative journey, with comprehensive reforms opening space for strategic partnerships across sectors ranging from agro processing and renewable energy to manufacturing, mining and technology.

“The potential for cooperation is immense. It’s up to us to tap that potential. We are here to facilitate, to inform and to support your investment desires,” he said.