Ethiopia's comprehensive economic reforms are increasingly attracting the attention of Zimbabwean investors, signaling a new era of strengthened bilateral economic cooperation between the two African nations. Ambassador Rashid Mohammed, Ethiopia's envoy to Zimbabwe, Zambia, and Mauritius, as well as its representative to the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA), highlighted this growing interest in an exclusive interview with the Ethiopian News Agency (ENA).

Ambassador Mohammed emphasized that both Ethiopia and Zimbabwe are making significant strides in enhancing their economic relationship through intensified diplomatic engagement and the expansion of trade relations. He pointed out that Ethiopia's wide-ranging economic reforms, coupled with its investor-friendly policies and an improving business environment, are creating lucrative opportunities for Zimbabwean investors looking to penetrate the Ethiopian market. The two countries are actively collaborating to deepen cooperation across various key sectors, including trade, agriculture, manufacturing, mining, tourism, and technology, with substantial interest emerging from the private sectors of both nations.

Ethiopia's strategic geographical location, serving as a vital gateway to Africa, along with its active participation in regional integration initiatives like COMESA and the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), further bolsters investor confidence and solidifies economic ties between Ethiopia and Zimbabwe. Beyond economic pursuits, the two countries share a profound and enduring friendship, rooted in common political values, the spirit of Pan-Africanism, and a shared dedication to African unity.

A defining chapter in their historic relationship is Ethiopia's unwavering support for Zimbabwe's liberation struggle against British colonial rule from the 1960s to the 1980s. Ambassador Rashid underscored Ethiopia's contribution as a remarkable embodiment of African solidarity and Pan-African cooperation, noting that Ethiopia provided crucial financial assistance and military training to freedom fighters during this anti-colonial period.

Following Zimbabwe's independence in 1980, diplomatic relations were formally established with the opening of embassies in Harare and Addis Ababa, and cooperation was further strengthened through the then Organization of African Unity. This longstanding diplomatic partnership has enabled both nations to collaborate closely on issues of mutual interest and collectively champion African priorities on international stages. Today, Ethiopia and Zimbabwe continue to work together in sectors such as agriculture, tourism, aviation, and fostering people-to-people relations, guided by their shared historical experiences and liberation legacy.

Ambassador Rashid also informed the Ethiopian News Agency that Ethiopian leather manufacturing companies recently showcased their products and forged new trade linkages during the Zimbabwe International Trade Fair. He explained that ongoing efforts to present Ethiopia's economic transformation to Zimbabwean investors and developers are successfully generating new avenues for trade and investment cooperation. Ethiopia's engagement in the African Continental Free Trade Area and its COMESA membership are expected to unlock further economic benefits and regional integration. Furthermore, COMESA played a direct role in supporting Ethiopian producers at the Zimbabwe International Trade Fair by covering their travel and service expenses. Ethiopia has also secured appropriate representation in the COMESA Court of Justice, ensuring its voice in regional judicial matters.

Finally, the ambassador highlighted the pivotal role of Ethiopian Airlines in strengthening both trade and people-to-people connections between the two countries. The airline currently operates an impressive 23 weekly flights to three cities in Zimbabwe, serving as a crucial link that facilitates travel, business, and cultural exchange.