• Ethiopia and Burundi sign MoUs across key sectors including defense and energy

• Agreements aim to translate political ties into concrete projects

• Partnership builds on renewed diplomatic engagement since 2021

Ethiopia and Burundi have signed a series of memorandums of understanding aimed at strengthening bilateral cooperation across multiple sectors.

The agreements were signed on April 9 following a meeting between Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed and Burundian President Évariste Ndayishimiye.

They cover areas including defense, health, education, water and energy, as well as tourism. The deals are intended to “lay the foundation for our collective journey toward prosperity by synergizing the vast potential of the two nations,” Abiy Ahmed said.

Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed and President Évariste Ndayishimiye of Burundi presided over the signing of different MOUs between the two nations. The comprehensive set of agreements, including Memoranda of Understanding on defence, health, education, water and energy, agriculture,… pic.twitter.com/IrnpA1Fko2

— Office of the Prime Minister - Ethiopia (@PMEthiopia) April 9, 2026

Relations between Addis Ababa and Bujumbura have gained momentum since 2021, notably after the official visit of then-Ethiopian President Sahle-Work Zewde to Burundi. That visit marked a turning point, leading to closer political dialogue and the gradual establishment of cooperation frameworks.

Since then, exchanges between the two countries have increased, although concrete economic outcomes have remained limited.

The newly signed agreements are expected to help move from political commitments to operational projects, as both governments seek to deepen their partnership.

Ingrid Haffiny