Russia and Ethiopia in talks to expand trade cooperation

Ethiopia’s Ministry of Trade and Regional Economy has announced that it has begun talks aimed at strengthening trade cooperation with Russia.

The discussions, which started on Monday, September 29, 2025, are intended to facilitate the exchange of key goods such as coffee, maize, and other products between the two countries.

Minister Kassahun Gofe told the media during a press briefing in Addis Ababa that the initiative seeks to eliminate intermediaries or brokers and promote direct trade with Russia.

He said, “This program does not involve any other country except Russia. It is designed to support direct trade in key commodities through a platform co-managed by myself and my Russian counterpart, without any third party involved.”

He went on to explain that Ethiopia recently signed trade agreements with six countries, including Russia, the United States, China, Turkey, Argentina, and Thailand, as part of its efforts to join the World Trade Organization (WTO).

The Minister noted that these agreements will provide Ethiopian exporters with reliable access to international markets while also strengthening the country’s position in global trade negotiations.

He further mentioned that, although still in the planning phase, Ethiopia is committed to deepening its trade and investment relations with BRICS member states.

He added, “We are working to ensure that cooperation with BRICS countries in trade and investment takes on a concrete and effective form.”

Trade between Ethiopia and Russia has grown significantly in recent years, reaching $191.2 million in the first half of 2025, which is double the figure recorded during the same period in 2024.

Ethiopia’s exports to Russia are dominated by coffee, while its imports from Russia include fertilizers, wheat, and agricultural machinery.