Ireland’s Relationship with Ethiopia
Ireland and Ethiopia have a longstanding history of partnership and cooperation.
Diplomatic relations began in 1994, and our shared history has helped to form a strong bond between our two nations.
The story of Ireland and Ethiopia’s connections has long captured the hearts and minds of the Irish people, through the adventures of Dervla Murphy and the philanthropy of Bob Geldof. Today, our relationship is characterised by an enduring partnership, and a shared commitment to peace.
Development and beyond
Ireland’s relationship with Ethiopia was initially grounded in development and aid work. Our Embassy in Addis Ababa was one of Ireland’s first Development Cooperation Offices overseas.
Today, Ireland and Ethiopia work together as partners to contribute towards equitable economic, social and environmental development in the world. Ethiopia, nonetheless, continues to be the largest development programme of Irish Aid worldwide, a testament to Ireland’s commitment to the country.
Our development aid in Ethiopia focuses on five priority areas: gender equality; governance; food; social protection; and humanitarian action. Over the years, we have seen the results of these investments helping government to improve the lives of people at the local level.
In July 2024, the Tánaiste officially launched Hanaano, Irish Aid’s flagship initiative aimed combatting child wasting in Ethiopia, Kenya, and Somalia. Ireland is a country that knows all too well the horrors of hunger from its own history and is proud to contribute to the efforts of its eradication in the modern day.
Generations of strong links
People-to-people connections
Ethiopia has a fast-growing, young, vibrant and diverse population. Through the Ireland Fellows Programme, many young Ethiopians have travelled to Ireland on scholarships to complete their Master’s degrees. These young people return home to Ethiopia to contribute to the sustainable development of their country.
A small but vibrant Irish diaspora lives in Ethiopia. Many work in the international community, either in the agencies of the United Nations present in Addis Ababa or in Irish non-governmental organisations working across the country.
Their commitment to service in Ethiopia is a testament to the innate values of the Irish people and their deep-rooted desire to strive for a better world.