Addis ababa: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim's three-day visit to Ethiopia ended on a high note, marked by productive discussions on potential areas of collaboration that are mutually beneficial. Malaysia reopened its mission in Addis Ababa on Sept 23, 2025, after a 42-year lapse, reaffirming its intention to strengthen bilateral relations. Equally notable was the warm and cordial atmosphere that defined the interactions between Anwar and his counterpart Dr Abiy Ahmed Ali.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Anwar highlighted the current trade dynamics, stating, "Although the level of trade and investment between us is not sizeable at the moment, we are committed to increasing this," during an exit press conference with Malaysian media. Ethiopia was ranked as Malaysia's 26th largest trading partner on the African continent in 2024, with bilateral trade valued at RM625.6 million. Malaysian exports rose by 50 percent against the previous year to RM579.9 million.
Malaysia's exports to Ethiopia primarily consist of electrical and electronic products; palm oil and palm oil-based agricultural products; chemical and chemical products; and textiles, apparel, and footwear. Imports from Ethiopia include agricultural products, transport equipment, and metalliferous ores and metal scrap, with the trade balance favoring Malaysia.
Anwar, who also serves as the Finance Minister, emphasized Ethiopia's strategic importance in the African market due to its location. The 55-member African Union, headquartered in Addis Ababa since July 2002, plays a crucial role in fostering international cooperation and promoting the continent's growth and economic development, representing Africa's voice on the global stage.
"Ethiopia has a strong influence in Africa because it has a population of 130 million and its economy is growing quite rapidly," Anwar noted. He further discussed the role of the private sector in Ethiopia's economy, stating it is essential and supported by the government to expedite trade processes and build confidence. This is evident from the significant Malaysian private sector representation in Ethiopia.
During the Ethiopia-Malaysia High Level of Business Forum, Anwar reiterated both governments' commitment to facilitating and expediting economic cooperation. The forum saw participation from 54 Ethiopian companies, including 22 from the manufacturing sector and 29 from the services sector, alongside three government agencies. Approximately 200 business representatives, including over 70 from Malaysia, attended the forum.
Anwar commended Ethiopia's openness during the forum, acknowledging its historical significance in receiving early Muslim migrants, a spirit that remains pertinent in fostering trade and investment cooperation today. He emphasized that economic cooperation transcends numbers and contracts, serving as a vehicle for expanding trust, empathy, and shared benefits.
Besides a bilateral meeting with Abiy Ahmed, Anwar also met Ethiopian President Taye Atske-Selassie and African Union Commission chairperson Mahamoud Ali Youssouf from Djibouti. Anwar was welcomed with an official ceremony at the National Palace, a historical landmark in Addis Ababa.
Accompanied by Investment, Trade and Industry Minister Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Aziz, Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Federal Territories) Datuk Seri Zaliha Mustafa, Malaysian government officials, and a business delegation, Anwar's visit to Ethiopia marked the first for a Malaysian Prime Minister. This visit reciprocated Abiy Ahmed's visit to Malaysia in October last year.
The Prime Minister's three-nation African tour will continue with a working visit to Johannesburg, South Africa, for the G20 Leaders' Summit, followed by a visit to Nairobi, Kenya, before returning to Malaysia.