15/09/2026
Ethiopia's BRICS Success Through the Lens of Medemer Diplomacy
Ethiopia is pursuing a sophisticated foreign policy approach that blends its long-standing diplomatic legacy with contemporary global transformations, prioritizes its national interests, and expands partnerships with diverse global powers.
A prominent milestone of this approach is Ethiopia’s accession to the BRICS alliance. However, this success extends far beyond mere membership; the core diplomatic achievement lies in Ethiopia’s ability to advance its national agenda and secure a shared consensus within the platform.
The formulation and steering of this diplomatic direction have been decisively led by Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed (PhD).
Driven by the Prime Minister’s direct and visionary leadership, Ethiopia expressed its interest in joining the BRICS group. Its application was accepted at the 15th BRICS Summit held in South Africa in August 2023, and the country officially joined the alliance in January 2024. Today, Ethiopia stands proudly as one of the 11 member states, playing a significant role within the framework.
In line with the Prime Minister's vision that Ethiopia should forge mutually beneficial relations with diverse international cooperation platforms rather than aligning with a single power bloc in a shifting global order, the nation is actively expanding its international cooperation and influence. Its BRICS membership directly stems from this strategic orientation.
Ethiopia’s entry into BRICS represents a strategic paradigm shift rooted in its long-term national interests, recognizing the immense economic, political, and diplomatic benefits the membership offers.
Beyond conventional diplomatic efforts, the Prime Minister’s high-level summit diplomacy and direct engagement with the leaders of China, Russia, India, and other BRICS member states played a vital role in conveying Ethiopia’s historic contributions to the world.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ethiopia
