Experience and in-depth analysis show that a nation’s journey toward prosperity is measured not only by its internal capacity but also by its diplomatic prowess in attracting global capital and technology.
At the G20 Leaders’ Summit in South Africa, Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed (PhD) conducted 15 consecutive strategic bilateral discussions, which served as a clear testament to Ethiopia’s commitment and capability to position itself as a major global player.
This event signifies that Ethiopia’s foreign relations strategy has shifted from seeking cooperation to shaping the agenda.
The Confidence of Global Financial Institutions,
The core focus of the discussions was to sustain Ethiopia’s economic reform agenda, implement the Green Prosperity initiative, and expand diversified partnerships.
The meetings held with leaders from the World Bank and the IMF confirmed the high level of international confidence in Ethiopia’s reform trajectory.
This created a strong political backing for crucial decisions regarding Ethiopia’s debt management and capital flow.
The discussions focused development priorities on health, energy sources, and climate protection, ensuring Ethiopia’s Green Prosperity agenda receives global financial support.
African Development Bank (AfDB) The talks with the new President, Dr. Sidi Ould Tah, reached an understanding that the bank would intensify its crucial role in Ethiopia’s development projects.
The Prime Minister’s discussions with European leaders (including the German Chancellor, French President, UK Prime Minister, President of Finland, and the EU President) indicate a significant expansion of Ethiopia’s diplomatic horizon.
These talks transcended traditional aid relationships, focusing instead on political dialogue, economic investment, and sectoral cooperation.
This supports Ethiopia’s effort to increase its influence on global political decisions.
Strategic Partnership with the Middle East and Asia-Pacific,
The meetings with leaders from the Middle East (Abu Dhabi) and Asia-Pacific (India, Vietnam, South Korea, Indonesia) demonstrate the success of Ethiopia’s diversified partnership strategy.
Cooperation with Asian nations is primarily centered on investment, technology transfer, agricultural modernization, and food sovereignty.
This enables Ethiopia to align its modern economic growth needs with global best practices.
Türkiye’s Role Discussions with President Erdoğan showed that the existing links in the economy, culture, and new joint projects are being strengthened.
Climate Leadership and the African Voice,
The dialogue on climate protection with the Prime Minister of Norway and other European leaders reinforced Ethiopia’s commitment to its Green Prosperity goals, allowing it to solidify its leadership position in Africa.
The discussion with South African President Cyril Ramaphosa further validated Ethiopia’s leadership role in representing and advancing Africa’s overall interests at the G20.
These 15 sequential strategic discussions at the G20 demonstrate Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed’s (PhD) practical commitment to positioning Ethiopia as an influential nation on the global stage, bolstering its economic reform path, and ensuring the attainment of prosperity.
This was a display of prudent and effective diplomacy aimed at securing Ethiopia’s journey toward growth with international backing.
“Peer Partnership”
The visit of Singapore’s Prime Minister Lawrence Wong to Addis Ababa and his shared insights under the theme “Nation Building, Connecting Worlds” has ushered the relationship between the two nations into a new chapter.
The Prime Minister’s designation of the Ethiopia-Singapore relationship as a “Peer Partnership”rather than a “developed country and developing country” dynamic carries significant diplomatic weight.
Prime Minister Wong highlighted Singapore’s status as a small island nation struggling with nature, juxtaposed with Ethiopia as a large country with “ancient civilization, diverse identity, and immense potential,” underscoring that the relationship is based on mutual benefit and respect, not size.
This approach demonstrates that Ethiopia’s geopolitical weight and economic potential are being recognized by global leaders. The term “Peer Partnership” further highlights Ethiopia’s leadership role in East Africa.
In explaining Singapore’s success, Prime Minister Wong emphasized leadership methodology and long-term planning.
As the Prime Minister stated in his written remarks, Singapore “transitioned from resource scarcity to intellectual and technological supremacy through strong institutional leadership and long-term planning.”
This relationship enables Ethiopia, in its journey towards prosperity, to draw practical experience from Singapore in areas such as skill development, urban administration, and digital transformation.
The visit has a strategic objective of strengthening not only bilateral ties but also regional and continental connectivity.
Singapore’s decision to open an embassy in Addis Ababa (the first in East Africa) shows its strategic interest in strengthening its ties with Africa, recognizing Ethiopia as the seat of the African Union.
Ethiopia’s role as the host of the 32nd World Climate Change Conference (COP32), and Singapore’s readiness to share its experience in this regard, confirms the global recognition of Ethiopia’s leadership in green development.
Prime Minister Wong stated that his country is ready to work with Ethiopia on various issues, including trade, investment, and other diverse matters.
Ethiopia will gain experience in Singapore’s logistics and financial technology to realize its vision of connecting the world, leveraging its geographical location.
Singapore, in turn, gains an opportunity to expand its products and services into the African market by using Ethiopia as “The Gateway to Africa.”
Prime Minister Wong’s visit signifies that Ethiopia’s diversified diplomacy and robust economic reform are bearing fruit. The principle of Peer Partnership elevates diplomatic prestige, while strategic cooperation accelerates Ethiopia’s journey toward prosperity.
The Public Responsibility Behind the “Peer Partnership”
As a concluding thought, when Singapore’s Prime Minister Lawrence Wong describes the Ethiopia-Singapore relationship as a “Peer Partnership,” this goes beyond diplomatic tact; it places a huge responsibility upon us.
Singapore recognizes our ancient civilization, but more importantly, it recognizes our capacity to grow by leveraging our diverse identity, the seriousness of our reform commitment, and the maturity of our long-term planning.
True “Peer Status” is built not just on leaders’ agreements but on citizens’ work ethic and competence. Singapore succeeded by establishing institutional leadership and strong accountability.
My Message: We, as a nation, will utilize Singapore’s experience “to be able” only when each of us assumes responsibility in our respective professional fields. This Peer Partnership is not just recognition achieved on the world stage; it is a public call to action.
✍️ By Mohammed Siraj, Journalist and Social Science Researcher with over 20 years of experience