Abiy Ahmed in Malaysia: Ethiopia looks to Asia to boost economic ambitions

In search of new economic allies, Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed is multiplying gestures of cooperation with Malaysia. In a context where world powers are jostling to establish themselves in Africa, Ethiopia is displaying a strategy of diversifying its partnerships towards Asia. Between promises of investments and development of trade corridors, this official visit to Malaysia is anything but insignificant.

Abiy Ahmed, between China and the West: towards a third economic way?

On October 26, 2024, Abiy Ahmed begins an official visit to Malaysia, realizing an ambition for Asian openness. Why Malaysia? A choice that seems far from random. This country, with its dynamic growth and cutting-edge technology industries, could offer Ethiopia an alternative model, far from the excessive influence of Beijing and the restrictive conditions often associated with Western aid.

The visit, which marks a turning point in Ethiopian economic diplomacy, demonstrates Abiy Ahmed’s interest in a pragmatic diversification of international partners. For years, Ethiopia has relied on massive Chinese investments for its infrastructure, such as the famous Addis-Djibouti railway project financed by Beijing. However, the growing economic dependence on China is starting to raise concerns in Addis Ababa, which is now seeking to avoid the pitfalls of excessive debt. Malaysia could thus embody a more balanced option, where technological cooperation, industrial know-how and private financing coexist without imposing overly restrictive geopolitical agendas.

Malaysia, too, has everything to gain from this new friendship. In its quest for influence in Africa, Kuala Lumpur has the opportunity to strengthen its image on the continent. For Abiy Ahmed, it is about consolidating a sustainable and independent growth path, anchored in a long-term strategy. On the sidelines of the bilateral meetings, agreements on innovation, digital technology and green industries were discussed, highlighting a shared vision around cutting-edge technologies.

An economic partnership focused on trade and green innovation

Ethiopia and Malaysia appear to place particular emphasis on green industries, a response to the climate challenge that resonates with Africa's energy transition. While the continent is often caught between immediate development needs and ecological injunctions, Abiy Ahmed is positioning himself on a ridge line. He aims to combine Ethiopia's economic growth with concrete environmental commitments, particularly through renewable energy projects, a sector in which Malaysia has solid expertise.

Beyond green energy, cooperation between the two nations could also extend to the digital and telecommunications sectors. Malaysia, a pioneer in the development of “Smart Cities” and technological solutions adapted to the constraints of developing countries, could offer concrete solutions to Addis Ababa’s urban challenges. By drawing inspiration from Asian models of smart cities, Abiy Ahmed hopes to transform Addis Ababa into a modern capital, better equipped to meet the needs of a rapidly growing population.

With the opening of trade corridors between Southeast Asia and the Horn of Africa, this economic rapprochement could go well beyond simple exchanges. Discussions on credit lines and aid for the development of Ethiopian infrastructure, particularly ports, have been initiated, further strengthening the potential of this cooperation.

Diversification and challenges: an ambitious bet for Ethiopia

By diversifying its economic partners, Ethiopia is seeking to free itself from sometimes burdensome Chinese tutelage, while remaining away from Western interference. But this strategy is not without risks. Malaysia, although dynamic, is a middle power in Asia and its investment capacities do not rival those of the Chinese or Western behemoths. However, Kuala Lumpur's flexible and collaborative approach offers an attractive alternative for Addis Ababa.

Abiy Ahmed therefore seems to be banking on a gradual rise in power, where targeted alliances could allow Ethiopia to establish itself as a leading regional player, without sacrificing its economic sovereignty. Critics of the Ethiopian opposition were quick to point out the risks of an "Asian tropism", fearing that the diversification of partners would in reality mask a new form of dependence.

But for Abiy Ahmed, it is an economic survival strategy. In a context of increased competition for African resources, Ethiopia must exploit every opportunity to strengthen its position. By turning to Asia, he hopes to place his country in a less restrictive development model, more respectful of local particularities, and above all more adapted to his ambitions.