Côte d’Ivoire and Ethiopia are seeking to strengthen bilateral ties by expanding cooperation in tourism, culture and investment, as Abidjan looks to deepen economic links with major African markets.

The initiative took shape in Abidjan on September 4 and 5, 2026, during two gala dinners organized by the Ethiopian Embassy in Côte d’Ivoire in partnership with Côte d’Ivoire Tourism, the Ministry of Tourism and Leisure and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

The events brought together government officials, tourism professionals and private-sector representatives to showcase Ethiopia’s tourism and cultural assets and explore new opportunities for cooperation.

Ethiopia’s Ambassador to Côte d’Ivoire, Shitaye Minale Tizazu, said the objective was to move beyond traditional diplomatic relations and strengthen economic and commercial exchanges between the two countries.

Tourism is emerging as one of the main areas of cooperation. Ethiopia is seeking to attract more visitors from West Africa while creating stronger links between tourism operators and businesses in the two countries.

The discussions also extended to investment and trade, with the two sides looking at ways to encourage greater private-sector engagement and develop new business opportunities.

A mission of Ivorian tourism professionals to Addis Ababa is expected to provide an opportunity to explore the Ethiopian market more closely and identify potential areas for cooperation.

For Côte d’Ivoire, stronger links with Ethiopia could also help deepen economic exchanges between West and East Africa, while creating new opportunities for companies operating in tourism, services and other sectors.

The initiative comes as both countries seek to expand intra-African trade and investment and strengthen economic ties beyond their traditional partners.

However, available official sources do not confirm the signing of a new strategic intergovernmental agreement between Côte d’Ivoire and Ethiopia during the September 4-5 events. The initiative currently appears focused on strengthening tourism, cultural and economic cooperation and laying the groundwork for further partnerships between Abidjan and Addis Ababa.