• Ethiopia and Oman signed a memorandum of understanding on January 5, 2026, during their first-ever political consultation in Addis Ababa.
• The two countries agreed to expand cooperation in trade, investment, finance, security, and multilateral affairs.
• Oman signaled growing interest in Africa as it expands partnerships following recent agreements with Morocco and Algeria.

Ethiopia and the Sultanate of Oman signed a memorandum of understanding on Monday, January 5, 2026, to deepen bilateral relations. The two sides concluded the agreement during their first political consultation, held in Addis Ababa.

The consultation focused on strengthening political and socio-economic cooperation. The discussions reviewed bilateral relations and explored expanded collaboration in trade, investment, regional security, and multilateral affairs.

Le sous-secrétaire du ministère des Affaires étrangères du Sultanat d’Oman, Cheikh Khalifa bin Ali Al Harthy, est arrivé à Addis-Abeba pour une visite officielle. pic.twitter.com/TPxmeMlwZQ

— Ministère des Affaires étrangères de l'Éthiopie (@MFAEthiopiaFR) January 4, 2026

Both sides also highlighted opportunities to increase investment flows, promote tourism, deepen people-to-people exchanges, and raise the number of official and business visits.

Ethiopian Foreign Minister Hadera Abera Admassu highlighted the economic reforms underway in Ethiopia and the investment opportunities they create. He called for stronger Omani engagement in agriculture, energy, manufacturing, and agro-industry, while urging enhanced trade promotion and closer cooperation between private-sector actors.

Oman’s Undersecretary at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Sheikh Khalifa bin Ali Al Harthy, expressed Oman’s interest in expanding cooperation in banking and finance, pharmaceuticals, education, culture, legal migration, tourism, and heritage management.

The talks also addressed regional peace and security, with both countries exchanging views on developments in the Horn of Africa and the Gulf region.

The agreement builds on intensified bilateral discussions in recent years. Ethiopia and Oman established diplomatic relations in 1995, although ties remained limited until the opening of embassies in 2017.

The MoU marks a significant step in consolidating relations as Oman continues to expand its partnerships across Africa.

In April 2025, Oman signed several agreements with Morocco. In May, it also concluded a memorandum of understanding with Algeria to establish a joint investment fund.

This article was initially published in French by Ingrid Haffiny (intern)

Adapted in English by Ange Jason Quenum