ايكوسودان نت التنمية مستقبلنا
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We believe that a genuine partnership between equals is essential for both Italy and Africa.”
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Ethiopia and Italy share “ancient and historic” ties, and today, under the leadership of both governments, this partnership has evolved into a “dynamic and forward-looking” alliance, according to Ethiopia’s ambassador to Italy. Demitu Hambisa Bonsa, who in an interview granted to informed Libyan sources, took stock of relations between the two countries, in light of the recent visit to Addis Ababa by the Prime Minister, Giorgia Meloni, and within the framework of a cooperation destined to grow under the impetus of the Mattei Plan.
“This partnership was further strengthened by Ethiopia’s success in hosting the second Italy-Africa Summit in Addis Ababa on February 13. We believe that a genuine partnership between equals is essential for both Italy and Africa. Given Ethiopia’s central role in continental affairs, we are committed to promoting the objectives of the Mattei Plan and ensuring its benefits are shared throughout the region,” she stated. “Italy remains a strategic partner in Ethiopia’s national development agenda, contributing in various sectors. Strengthening financial and technical cooperation between our two countries is essential,” the diplomat noted.
The ambassador then emphasized the crucial role played by Italian companies. Among these, WeBuild stands out, having built the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD), the mega-infrastructure project inaugurated last September. With an installed capacity of 5.150 megawatts (MW), it is the largest hydroelectric plant in Africa and the seventh largest in the world. “We are deeply grateful for Webuild’s outstanding contribution to this historic achievement. Energy is the backbone of development, and Italy’s commitment to this sector supports not only Ethiopia, but the entire region, improving our ability to supply electricity to neighboring countries. Our cooperation continues through projects such as the Koysha hydroelectric project—also built by Webuild and which, with an installed capacity of 2.160 MW, will be the fourth facility in a cascading dam system on the Omo River, following the Gilgel Gibe I, Gilgel Gibe II, and the Gibe III hydroelectric project—further demonstrating Italy’s long-term commitment to Ethiopia’s infrastructure and energy transformation. There remains significant potential for further Italian investment, particularly in renewable energy,” he added.
Regarding the Mattei Plan, Ambassador Demitu continued, Ethiopia “is honored” to be the project’s first pilot country, an initiative that positions Italy as a strategic bridge between Africa and Europe. Central to Ethiopia’s development strategy is the development of the coffee supply chain, as demonstrated by the Forum on the Italian-Ethiopian Coffee Trade, organized on February 19 in Milan by BonelliErede in collaboration with the Ethiopian Embassy in Italy, the Ethiopian Coffee Association, and Confindustria Assafrica & Mediterraneo. The business meeting presented the Ethiopian coffee sector and encouraged its marketing in Italy. “The event was a great success and facilitated fruitful discussions. Over 120 Ethiopian exporters came with their products to promote their coffee and develop a large market both in Italy and other European countries. Ethiopia boasts high-quality coffee and enormous potential in the sector, which is why we must work together to seize these opportunities,” Demitu noted. The ambassador then confirmed that an Italian business delegation will visit Ethiopia from March 24 to 26 as part of international promotion initiatives dedicated to the infrastructure sector. The mission—organized by the Italian Trade Agency (ITA) and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, with the Italian Embassy in Ethiopia and in collaboration with ANCE, OICE, ANIE, Confindustria Assafrica & Mediterraneo, Finco, and Remtech—envisions the participation of over 40 delegations in the Ethiopian Business Forum, which will be organized by the Ethiopian Investment Commission.
Another sector in which Italy is strongly interested is mining. “Ethiopia has vast potential for natural resources, particularly minerals. We offer Italy many opportunities to invest in this sector. We have begun connecting Italian and Ethiopian companies,” said the ambassador, confirming that the topic will be a central focus of the Business Forum. Another pillar of Ethiopia’s development strategy is the Green Legacy Initiative (GLI), launched by the Ethiopian Prime Minister. Abiy Ahmed in 2019 to combat deforestation, land degradation, and climate change. This initiative, according to the ambassador, “is Ethiopia’s ambitious response to climate change and environmental degradation. Its objectives include combating deforestation, restoring degraded landscapes, and building a climate-resilient green economy. Thanks to mass participation nationwide, Ethiopia has already planted over 50 billion seedlings, demonstrating the country’s strong commitment to environmental protection,” she emphasized.
Ethiopia’s development comes amidst high tensions in the Horn of Africa region and is closely linked to the issue of access to the Red Sea, which has been denied to Addis Ababa since Eritrea’s independence in 1993. “The security of the Red Sea, the Gulf of Aden, and the Indian Ocean is directly linked to Ethiopia’s national security. Ethiopia’s pursuit of reliable, safe, and secure access to the sea has been misrepresented by some. Ethiopia has no intention of using force to secure its internationally recognized legitimate right of access. Allegations suggesting that Ethiopia is seeking pretexts to control the port of Assab (in Eritrea) are unfounded and reflect long-standing propaganda aimed at distorting the Ethiopian position. Ethiopia firmly believes that cooperation, dialogue, and peaceful coexistence are the viable paths for both Ethiopia and Eritrea,” said Ambassador Demitu, who noted that the lack of a clear framework inclusive regional system that incorporates both coastal and non-coastal states is a problem that needs to be solved.
The region faces unprecedented security pressures, including geopolitical competition, proxy dynamics, the growing influence of the Gulf States, the devastating conflict in Sudan, instability in South Sudan, and the growing capabilities of Al Shabaab and the Islamic State in parts of Somalia. Ethiopia maintains that regional issues must be addressed through African-led mechanisms, particularly the African Union and IGAD (Intergovernmental Authority on Development), which are best positioned to manage local conflicts,” said the ambassador, who believed Italy can play a leading mediation role. “Italy, thanks to its deep knowledge of the region and long-standing ties, can play a constructive role in supporting dialogue, promoting cooperation, and helping to bridge existing gaps,” she noted.
Italy has included Ethiopia among the priority countries of the Mattei Plan. In 2025, Italian exports to Africa exceeded €20 billion, €13,7 billion of which went to the Mattei Plan countries, confirming the region’s strategic importance (source: ICE agency). Italy is a strategic partner of Ethiopia, with relations strengthened by agreements in the agri-food, energy, and infrastructure sectors, as well as investments and development cooperation projects. In 2024, Italian imports from Ethiopia reached €108,26 million, showing strong growth (+33,1 percent) compared to the previous year. These growth was driven, in particular, by agricultural, fishery, and forestry products (€56,36 million); clothing (€26,38 million); and textiles (€19,47 million). As for exports, in 2024 they amounted to 168,17 million euros, a slight decrease (-7,4 percent) compared to 2023. The following sectors drove Italian exports to Ethiopia: machinery and equipment (57,16 million euros); electrical and non-electrical household equipment (16,26 million euros); motor vehicles, trailers, and semi-trailers (14,68 million euros).
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