Diplomacy

What BRICS's Triple Endorsement Is Worth to Ethiopia

Institute of Foreign Affairs · last week · Read the Full Story on Institute of Foreign Affairs
What BRICS's Triple Endorsement Is Worth to Ethiopia
AI SUMMARY

The 18th BRICS Summit provided Ethiopia with diplomatic backing for its WTO accession, COP32 presidency, and ICAO Council candidacy, requiring strategic translation into concrete institutional outcomes.

  • The 18th BRICS Summit in New Delhi on 12–13 September 2026 issued a declaration expressing strong support for Ethiopia’s WTO accession, ICAO Council candidacy, and COP32 hosting role.
  • Ethiopia applied for WTO membership in 2003, with its seventh Working Party meeting held on 22–23 April 2026.
  • The UNFCCC accepted Ethiopia's offer to host COP32 in Addis Ababa from 8 to 19 November 2027.
  • The 2016 amendment expanding the ICAO Council entered into force in June 2026, with additional seats to be addressed at the 43rd ICAO Assembly on 19–20 November 2026 where Ethiopia is the sole African candidate.
  • Bilateral trade between China and Ethiopia reached $3.55 billion in 2024, consisting of $3.14 billion in exports and $410 million in imports.
  • The New Development Bank lists Ethiopia as a prospective member pending the deposition of its instrument of accession.