Ethiopia–U.S. Strategic Engagement Grows: From Security Cooperation to Economic Opportunity

Kenya, January 28 2206 - Ethiopia’s hosting of a high-level U.S. delegation led by U.S. Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau and U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM) Commander General Dagvin R.M. Anderson has underscored a renewed strategic partnership that spans security cooperation, counterterrorism, defence modernisation and economic engagement.

The visit, which coincided with the 90th anniversary celebrations of the Ethiopian Air Force in late January 2026, points to expanding U.S. interest in Ethiopia’s role in regional stability, defence capability building, and economic cooperation.

During military talks in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia and the United States pledged to intensify joint counterterrorism efforts as part of a broader effort to safeguard “their respective national interests,” according to Ethiopia’s Minister of Defence, Engineer Aisha Mohammed.

She said the two nations have “committed to elevating their growing diplomatic and military ties into a high-level strategic partnership,” reflecting a mutual understanding to collaborate more closely on regional peace and security.

General Anderson, whose visit took place during the Ethiopian Air Force anniversary activities, described the engagement as “a meaningful opportunity to reflect on historical ties while cementing future cooperation.”

While the immediate focus of the talks was continued defence cooperation, the meeting in Addis also carries economic and commercial significance:

1. Boosting Ethiopia’s Strategic Profile for Investment:Senior U.S. officials, including Landau, are reported to be promoting U.S. commercial engagement with both the Ethiopian government and private sector during their regional tour. According to the U.S. Department of State, the itinerary explicitly includes discussions aimed at expanding economic cooperation, signalling that security ties are being paired with a push for business partnerships and investment opportunities in Ethiopia’s growing market.
2. Defence Modernisation and Local Industry Growth:The discussions occur as Ethiopia demonstrates an ongoing expansion of military capabilities, including modernisation initiatives such as procurement of new technologies and partnerships with international defence suppliers. Ethiopia’s drive to double the size of its Air Force and transition toward more advanced aircraft by 2030 highlights potential opportunities for technology transfers, specialised services, and defence sector investment that can have spillover effects into engineering, maintenance, training and related services in the domestic economy.
3. Counterterrorism as a Catalyst for Stability and Trade:Joint counterterrorism cooperation reinforces regional stability, a key condition for economic growth, trade expansion, and investor confidence.

Stronger security collaboration with the U.S. and other partners can help reduce risks in sectors such as infrastructure development, transport corridors, energy projects, and regional logistics, all areas where Ethiopia is seeking foreign investment and participation.

Ethiopia’s relationship with the United States is deep, stretching back more than a century.

In previous engagements, Ethiopian officials and U.S. counterparts have emphasised cooperation in areas beyond defence, including economic development, health, education, agriculture and science.

In remarks from a past bilateral event, Ethiopia’s Ambassador to the U.S. noted that the two countries’ historic ties have been characterised by “a shared commitment to economic development, prosperity, national and regional stability and promotion of democracy and human rights,” adding that collaboration has benefited both sides over decades.