Ethiopia, Nigeria Must Harness Economic and Population Potential for Africa's Dev't, Says DPM Temesgen

Addis Ababa, October 7, 2026 (ENA)— Deputy Prime Minister Temesgen Tiruneh has emphasized that Ethiopia and Nigeria must leverage their combined economic weight and large populations to drive broader development across the African continent.

Writing on his official X page following a bilateral meeting with Nigerian Vice President Kashim Shettima in Addis Ababa, DPM Temesgen emphasized that Africa's two most populous nations share significant potential to influence continental growth. 

Discussions between the two leaders centered on deepening strategic cooperation in key areas, notably food security, nutrition, bilateral investment, and diplomatic relations. 

By exploring avenues to enhance cross-border commercial partnerships and agricultural resilience, the leaders highlighted how collaborative efforts can better contribute to sustainable development and progress across Africa.

 “Today, we held discussions with H.E. Senator Kashim Shettima, Vice President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, on potential areas of bilateral cooperation between Ethiopia and Nigeria,” Temesgen noted. 

Food security and nutrition featured prominently in the discussions, with Ethiopia sharing its experience in implementing the Seqota Declaration, a national initiative aimed at reducing child stunting and transforming food and nutrition systems through coordinated action across sectors.

DPM Temesgen welcomed Nigeria’s decision to send a high level delegation to Ethiopia to learn from the country’s experience and results under the initiative.

“I express my appreciation to Nigeria for sending a high-level delegation to learn from the tangible results achieved through the Seqota Declaration,” he said.

He also commended Vice President Shettima’s efforts to advance nutrition and food security in Nigeria, describing his commitment as “exemplary leadership for our continent.”

The Deputy Prime Minister stressed that stronger cooperation between the two countries could generate broader benefits for Africa, given their large populations and significant economic potential.

“Ethiopia and Nigeria are bound by a strategic partnership. When the two countries’ significant population and economic potential are mobilized in a coordinated manner, they further strengthen the capacity to shape Africa’s future positively,” he said.

The two sides also discussed measures to facilitate travel and strengthen people to people relations. Ethiopia has improved diplomatic and service passport procedures for Nigerian nationals and introduced visa free travel for Nigerian citizens holding diplomatic and service passports.

Investment was another key area of discussion, with Temesgen highlighting the contribution of Nigerian businessman Aliko Dangote to Ethiopia’s economy and development.

He encouraged more Nigerian investors to explore opportunities in Ethiopia and expand business engagement between the two countries.

The discussions reflect efforts by Ethiopia and Nigeria to deepen bilateral relations by expanding cooperation beyond political and diplomatic ties into food security, investment, trade and people to people exchanges.