France and the Development Strategies of Ethiopia and Djibouti

France wants to improve relations with both Ethiopia and Djibouti, two countries willing to diversify their partnerships.

by Sebastien GOULARD

After visiting Mayotte in the aftermath of Cyclone Chido, President Macron made two stops in the Horn of Africa, first in Djibouti on 20 December 2024, and then in Ethiopia on 21 December. The purpose of these visits was, among other reasons, to devise a new French strategy in Africa as French interests in Francophone Africa face increasing challenges, and to emphasize the strategic importance of the Horn of Africa in France’s global exchanges.

France also aimed to strengthen its ties with two nations—Djibouti and Ethiopia—that have each launched ambitious development strategies with a global outlook. For Paris, confirming its participation in these far-reaching plans was a key objective.

France and Djibouti’s Vision 2035

In Djibouti, President Emmanuel Macron celebrated an early Christmas with troops stationed at the French military base. At a time when several African states are requesting the closure of French bases, Djibouti—which also hosts American and Chinese military bases—remains a strategic partner for Paris. Its importance could grow further within France’s African strategy, especially due to tensions in the Red Sea that threaten maritime traffic. Both Djibouti and France recognize the necessity of restoring security in the region.

During this visit, President Macron and his Djiboutian counterpart, Ismaïl Omar Guelleh, renewed the security cooperation agreement between their two nations and discussed new partnerships, including the construction of a second international airport, a cornerstone of Djibouti’s “Vision 2035” strategy. Djibouti has positioned itself as an indispensable partner for global powers in securing maritime trade routes, effectively implementing a winning development strategy.

Adopted in 2014, Djibouti’s Vision 2035 aims to establish the country as a regional hub in the Horn of Africa, with particular emphasis on the Djibouti-Ethiopia axis. This vision includes the development of new transport infrastructure to boost regional integration. The national plan also seeks to diversify the economy and equip the population with new skills. Key projects include a special zone dedicated to new technologies and the development of a logistics hub. One of the strategy’s objectives is to accelerate the country’s energy transition, achieving 100% reliance on renewable energy by 2035.

Ethiopia and Its Ambitious Development Goals

President Macron continued his trip with a stop in Addis Ababa to meet Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed. Together, they visited the National Palace, the former residence of Emperor Haile Selassie, whose restoration France supported.

The French President announced €100 million in funding through the French Development Agency (AFD) for modernization projects and a €80 million loan to renovate Ethiopia’s electricity grid.

For Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, the visit had two key objectives: encouraging French companies to invest in Ethiopia, a dynamic economy that joined the BRICS+ in September 2023, and reaffirming Ethiopia’s goal of securing access to the sea. As a landlocked nation, Ethiopia relies entirely on Djibouti for its maritime trade. In January 2024, Ethiopia signed an agreement with the unrecognized state of Somaliland for access to the sea, much to Somalia’s dismay. By December 2024, under Turkish mediation, Ethiopia and Somalia reached an agreement that preserved their respective sovereignty while envisioning maritime access for Addis Ababa. During his visit, President Macron supported the accord, stating that “access to the sea for Addis Ababa is a legitimate demand.”

Ethiopia, an African Beacon of Prosperity

In 2020, the Ethiopian government launched its 10-year modernization plan, titled “Ethiopia: An African Beacon of Prosperity,” which aims to position the country as one of Africa’s economic engines. This strategy focuses on four priorities: combatting economic and social inequalities as well as adapting to external and environmental threats, in addition to strengthening infrastructure and advancing education and healthcare.

To achieve its goals, Addis Ababa will need support from foreign investors and partners, both within Africa and beyond. While Chinese investors have historically seized opportunities in Ethiopia, the country now seeks to diversify its partnerships. For its part, France aims to increase its presence in non-Francophone Africa.

This marks President Macron’s second visit to Ethiopia, following his first in 2019. There is hope that this renewed engagement will lead to further exchanges in the future with this new African regional power.

Author: Dr. Sebastien Goulard is the founder and editor-in-chief of Global Connectivities.

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