By HAN News Desk
ANKARA — Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan is scheduled to travel to Ethiopia’s capital, Addis Ababa, on Tuesday for high-level talks with Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, as Ankara seeks to deepen political, economic and strategic ties in the Horn of Africa.
The two leaders are expected to discuss bilateral relations, regional security developments and expanding economic cooperation between their countries. Officials familiar with the visit said several agreements and memorandums of understanding are likely to be signed, covering sectors such as trade, investment, defense cooperation, infrastructure development, education and energy.
The visit forms part of a broader diplomatic tour underscoring Turkey’s expanding engagement across Africa and the Gulf region. In recent years, Ankara has significantly increased its diplomatic footprint on the continent, opening new embassies, expanding trade missions and strengthening military and development partnerships.
Ethiopia plays a central role in Turkey’s Africa policy due to its strategic location in the Horn of Africa and its political influence within continental institutions. Addis Ababa hosts the headquarters of the African Union, making it a key diplomatic center.
Bilateral relations between Turkey and Ethiopia have steadily grown over the past decade. Ethiopia has become the largest recipient of Turkish foreign direct investment in Africa, with investments exceeding $2.5 billion, according to official data. Turkish companies operate in textiles, construction, manufacturing, agriculture and energy, and employ tens of thousands of Ethiopian workers.
Trade between the two countries has also expanded, with both governments aiming to further increase bilateral trade volumes in the coming years. Turkish development agencies and humanitarian organizations are active in Ethiopia, particularly in areas affected by drought and internal displacement.
Regional security issues are also expected to feature prominently in the discussions. The Horn of Africa has faced recurring instability, including internal conflicts, border tensions and humanitarian crises. Analysts say Turkey has positioned itself as a diplomatic and economic partner seeking to balance development assistance with strategic cooperation.
While neither side has publicly detailed the full agenda of the meeting, officials describe the visit as part of a long-term strategy to consolidate Turkey’s influence in East Africa and reinforce its role as a key partner for Ethiopia’s economic growth and regional diplomacy.
