Morocco and Ethiopia strengthen military cooperation as part of Rabat's African strategy

1. Start of military cooperation between Morocco and Ethiopia
   • Committee's areas of work: training and intelligence
2. High-ranking officials present in Addis Ababa
3. Rabat's African strategy and benefits for Ethiopia
4. More than a decade of rapprochement and bilateral trade
5. Challenges in turning agreements into results

Start of military cooperation between Morocco and Ethiopia

Relations between Morocco and Ethiopia continue to progress following the first meeting of the bilateral joint military committee. This meeting, which took place in mid-January in Addis Ababa, is key, as it marks the beginning of the implementation of the military cooperation agreements signed in May 2025.

This event, in addition to being the first step, is a reaffirmation of Rabat's strategy in Africa, which the Moroccan government is pursuing through the construction of bilateral alliances in the field of defence and security.

Committee's areas of work: training and intelligence

Against this backdrop, the committee discussed the implementation of joint collaboration channels, focusing on troop training, increased coordination between intelligence services and armed forces, and information exchange.

The meeting symbolises the strength of the ties between the two countries, both politically and diplomatically as well as militarily. However, without the presence of the highest-ranking military officials from both states, it would not have been possible. Although the meeting took place in January, diplomatic sources confirmed that talks between Moroccans and Ethiopians began months ago. The pursuit of the same objectives, stability in the Horn of Africa region, has been key.

High-ranking officials present in Addis Ababa

The first meeting of the joint military committee was attended by senior officers from both armies. On the Ethiopian side, Major General Teshome Gemechu, Director General of External Relations and Military Cooperation of the Ethiopian National Defence Force (ENDF), was present and highlighted the progress made in bilateral cooperation.

On the Moroccan side, Brigadier General Abdelkahar Atmane, Director of the Directorate of Logistics of the Royal Moroccan Armed Forces, was in attendance.

Rabat's African strategy and benefits for Ethiopia

For Rabat, strengthening relations with Ethiopia is part of a strategy that encompasses the entire African continent. Likewise, the recent importance of the eastern region of the continent, where the headquarters of the largest African institution (the African Union) is located, makes the area a key point for the development of stability in Africa.

However, from Ethiopia's point of view, joining Morocco gives it access to its military experience and future participation in military manoeuvres, such as African Lion, the most important on the continent. In addition, Ethiopia could become part of the security network that Morocco is establishing on the continent, with the same objective of achieving stability, but also so that Africa can develop its own military industry.

More than a decade of rapprochement and bilateral trade

This military rapprochement is the culmination of more than a decade of diplomatic efforts. Trade, agricultural and raw materials agreements have been key to Morocco and Ethiopia becoming defence partners in 2026. Since then, exports between the two countries have reached $22.5 million, or around €20 million, according to foreign trade data provided by Ethiopia.

These figures have been made possible by Ethiopia's decision to operate under the rules of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).

Challenges in turning agreements into results

What we are seeing now is only the beginning of the journey. The activation of this committee is a major step towards making our cooperation more orderly and truly effective.

However, the real challenge for Morocco and Ethiopia will be to turn these agreements into reality. All this is compounded by the fact that the region is mired in conflict and violence, and a fierce struggle to see who has the most influence and control in the Horn of Africa.