More information about Ethiopia is available on the Ethiopia Page and from other Department of State publications and other sources listed at the end of this fact sheet.

U.S.-Ethiopia Relations

The United States and Ethiopia commemorated 120 years of diplomatic relations in 2023 and share mutual interests in promoting peace, stability, and economic development. Ethiopia is Africa’s second most populous country, a longstanding U.S. partner, hosts a number of American citizen residents and visitors, advances mutual goals for regional stability, and represents an attractive market for U.S economic and commercial interests. A sizeable United States-based Ethiopian diaspora underpins dynamic people-to-people relations.

Ethiopia introduced economic and political reforms in 2018 to transition the country toward a private sector-led economy and citizen-empowered liberal democracy. This transition remains a work in progress. Pressures from conflicts across the country, multi-year drought, emerging health threats, large internal and external population movements, and factors stemming from Russia’s invasion of Ukraine inflicted significant human and economic losses and placed strain on public services. The United States is committed to help Ethiopia address challenges and regain momentum for crucial reforms.

Peace and Security

Ethiopia has made strides towards peace, despite internal conflicts that continue to threaten the country’s stability. The November 2, 2022 “Agreement for Lasting Peace through a Permanent Cessation of Hostilities” (COHA – also known as the “Pretoria Agreement”), ended the conflict between the Government of Ethiopia (GOE) and the Tigray People’s Liberation Front. While COHA implementation is ongoing, provisions covering transitional justice; disarmament, demobilization, and reintegration; and internally displaced persons (IDPs) resettlement remain critical for future sustainable peace. The United States was an observer to the Pretoria Agreement, while the African Union played the lead mediation role. As Ethiopia addresses its security crises in Amhara, Oromia, and elsewhere, the United States is committed to supporting political processes that bring peace and stability to its longstanding partner.

Economic Relations

Between 2005 and 2019, Ethiopia had been one of the fastest growing and one of the top ten largest economies in Africa, averaging GDP growth of nearly 10 percent per year. This economic expansion was driven largely by capital accumulation and public infrastructure investments. Ethiopia’s growth rate has since slowed to single digits due to COVID-19, internal conflict, Russia’s illegal invasion of Ukraine, and an acute foreign exchange shortage. Ethiopia and the United States have strong economic ties, with roughly $1.8 billion in two-way trade in goods in 2022. U.S. exports to Ethiopia are dominated by aircraft, aircraft engines, and parts; and Ethiopian exports to the United States feature coffee, garments, and leather and leather products. Ethiopia lost African Growth and Opportunity Act eligibility in January 2022 due to human rights concerns. Major U.S. companies active in the country include Boeing, Corteva, General Electric, Coca Cola, and several U.S.-branded hotels.

Bilateral Assistance

The United States is committed to its partnership with Ethiopia and it’s largest bilateral donor. Since 2020, USAID provided an estimated $3.6 billion in humanitarian assistance in response to conflict and recurring climate shocks. In FY 2022, U.S. bilateral assistance to Ethiopia totaled $1.93 billion, comprised mostly of humanitarian aid. Drought-related assistance supported agriculture; food assistance; nutrition; water, sanitation, and hygiene; protection of vulnerable populations; and health activities. U.S. assistance also supported Ethiopia’s ability to host one of the world’s largest refugee populations. The State Department’s Bureau of Population, Refugees, and Migration provided more than $140 million in protection and multi-sectoral assistance for refugees, IDPs, and conflict victims in FY 2022, and nearly $100 million in FY 2023.

Health Assistance

USAID invests over $154 million annually to strengthen Ethiopia’s national health system and improve the quality of health services across the country. Partnering with the Ministry of Health, health facilities, and universities, USAID contributes to decreasing maternal and child mortality rates; improving infectious disease surveillance and treatment; expanding access to family planning services; and increasing sustainable, affordable health service access. These investments helped to reduce tuberculosis deaths by 35 percent from 2015 to 2020, HIV deaths by more 50 percent from 2010 to 2023, and under five mortality by more than 50 percent from 2005 to 2019.

Over the past 20 years, the U.S. President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) has had a transformative impact in Ethiopia, providing nearly $3 billion to support HIV/AIDS response. PEPFAR investments strengthened the health system through workforce development, improved infrastructure to support HIV services, and supported the establishment of a national Health Information System. Nearly 500,000 people living with HIV in Ethiopia receive PEPFAR-supported treatment at more than 1,000 sites, and HIV deaths declined by more than 50 percent since PEPFAR’s launch. In FY 2024, PEPFAR will invest $112 million in Ethiopia, a $6.8 million increase to support post-conflict recovery activities across the country. This funding also includes support for youth-focused HIV activities.

The U.S. President’s Malaria Initiative (PMI) likewise improved outcomes in Ethiopia, with $544 million devoted to fight malaria since 2008. Since PMI launched in Ethiopia, all-cause mortality rates of children under five have fallen over 50 percent; the program delivered 50 million mosquito nets, more than 9 million rapid diagnostic tests, and 15 million fast acting malaria doses; and sprayed over 12 million homes with insecticide to protect residents from mosquitoes.

Democracy, Governance, Human Rights

Ethiopia’s internal conflicts have complicated the pursuit of peace and stability and created an environment where human rights abuses can proliferate. The November 2022 COHA corresponded with improvements in the human rights situation, but Secretary Blinken determined in March 2023 that all parties to the conflict in northern Ethiopia had committed war crimes. The GOE subsequently launched a nationwide transitional justice process, and an independent, GOE-established National Dialogue Commission has continued efforts to explore root drivers of conflict. In June 2023, the United States lifted human rights-related legal restrictions for development assistance to Ethiopia due to the improving human rights situation. The U.S. Government remains committed to consolidate recent improvements through its bilateral assistance programs. For example, the State Department’s Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights and Labor (DRL) provided around $4.456 million to advance democracy, respect for human rights, and conflict mitigation in Ethiopia.

The Embassy’s Public Diplomacy section conducted a dozen programs for media professionals in FY 2023 on a range of topics including conflict-sensitive editorial policy, investigative journalism, and countering dis/misinformation. These programs reached almost 1,200 reporters, editors, and managers with trainings.

The Department’s Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs anticipates spending approximately $3 million on atrocities response and justice programs in FY 2023.

USAID is advancing democratic reforms, supporting civil society and media capacity, and strengthening judiciary capacity to improve the rule of law. USAID is also supporting human rights accountability and strengthening the capacity of human rights organizations.

Climate and Food Security

With over 20 million people in need of humanitarian assistance in 2023, USAID contributed $474 million in food assistance. USAID is also working with the GOE to reform food aid practices and ensure transparency and accountability in the food aid process.

Ethiopia is one of the target countries for USAID Feed the Future (FTF), the U.S. government’s flagship global hunger and food security initiative. With an annual budget of $46.5 million, FTF

works hand-in-hand with agribusinesses, universities, and other agricultural partners to develop and strengthen resilient, inclusive, and sustainable agricultural and food systems.

USAID is also working with local communities and governments to strengthen disaster preparation, response, and management. By increasing access to early warning systems, climate information, and disaster management plans, households and communities will be better prepared when facing the next natural disaster, health crisis, or other shock.

Education and Youth Empowerment

COVID and conflict decimated Ethiopia’s education system. An estimated 30 percent of children aged 7-14 are out of school and over 8,000 schools have been reported damaged or destroyed due to conflict. USAID is investing $14.5 million annually to bring children back to school and create safe learning environments. USAID is also working with more than 2 million youth in 18 cities to empower them to invest in their own social and economic development.

Bilateral Representation

Principal embassy officials are listed in the Department’s Key Officers List.

Ethiopia maintains an embassy  in the United States at 3506 International Drive, NW, Washington, DC 20008 (tel. 202-364-1200).

More information about Ethiopia is available from the Department of State and other sources, some of which are listed here:

The United States and Ethiopia: A Long-Term Partnership
CIA World Factbook Ethiopia Page 
U.S. Embassy
USAID Ethiopia Page 
History of U.S. Relations With Ethiopia
Office of the U.S. Trade Representative Country Page 
U.S. Census Bureau Foreign Trade Statistics 
Export.gov International Offices Page
Library of Congress Country Studies
Travel Information

U.S. Department of State

The Lessons of 1989: Freedom and Our Future