By Benadeta Mwaura - Reporter
Ethiopia, May 07, 2026 - Ethiopia and Azerbaijan are stepping up efforts to strengthen economic cooperation following high-level bilateral talks aimed at unlocking trade and investment opportunities between the two countries.
Ethiopia’s Trade and Regional Integration Minister Kassahun Gofe revealed that he held discussions with Elnur Aliyev, Azerbaijan’s First Deputy Minister of Economy, focusing on expanding commercial ties and boosting trade volumes.
The meeting builds on growing diplomatic momentum sparked by Abiy Ahmed’s official visit to Baku in February 2026, which officials say marked a turning point in relations between the two nations.
During the talks, both sides reviewed the current state of bilateral trade and acknowledged that existing volumes remain significantly below their economic potential. The discussions centred on identifying new areas of collaboration and removing barriers to trade.
Kassahun pointed to Ethiopia’s ongoing macroeconomic reforms as a key driver of future growth, noting that the changes are helping create a more liberalised and investment-friendly environment.
He emphasised that these reforms are opening up new opportunities for foreign investors, including those from Azerbaijan, to tap into Ethiopia’s expanding economy.
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He further highlighted Ethiopia’s strategic positioning within Africa, particularly its role in the African Continental Free Trade Area framework.
According to the minister, stronger trade ties with Ethiopia could offer Azerbaijan a gateway to broader continental markets, leveraging Africa’s push toward economic integration.
On his part, Aliyev reaffirmed Azerbaijan’s commitment to deepening economic engagement with Ethiopia, expressing interest in exploring new sectors for cooperation and expanding trade flows between the two countries.
The renewed engagement signals a growing trend of non-traditional partnerships between African and Eurasian economies, as countries seek to diversify trade relationships beyond traditional markets.
While concrete investment figures and timelines are yet to be announced, the talks underscore a shared ambition to translate diplomatic goodwill into tangible economic outcomes, positioning both Ethiopia and Azerbaijan for closer cooperation in trade, investment, and regional integration.