Zambia and Ethiopia Strengthen Defence Ties Through New MoU
Zambia and Ethiopia have reinforced their longstanding bilateral relations with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on Defence Cooperation, aimed at enhancing collaboration in military training, education, intelligence exchange and defence-industry development.
The agreement was signed in Addis Ababa by Zambia’s Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Defence, Mr Maambo Haamaundu, and Ethiopia’s State Minister of Defence, Ms Marta Liwiji. Both officials described the MoU as a milestone reflecting shared commitments to peace, stability and mutual development.
Mr Haamaundu highlighted that the MoU extends beyond strengthening ties between the two nations, noting that it will inform national development policies and provide insights into emerging defence challenges. “Such shared knowledge will assist us in building a more robust and effective defence framework,” he said, reaffirming Zambia’s dedication to collaborative regional security initiatives.
Ms Liwiji described the agreement as a continuation of the flourishing partnership between Zambia and Ethiopia, dating back to the establishment of the Zambian Embassy in Addis Ababa in 1965. She emphasised the potential for expanded military cooperation, including peace support training and development of defence industries.
“This agreement will further strengthen collaboration between our Defence Forces and I am confident in its successful implementation,” she remarked.
The signing ceremony was witnessed by Commander Zambia Army Lieutenant General Geoffrey Choongo Zyeele, Deputy Ambassador at the Zambian Embassy in Addis Ababa Mr Tom Michelo, senior Zambia Defence Force officers, and senior members of the Ethiopian Defence Force.
Speaking after the ceremony, Lt Gen Zyeele hailed the MoU as a strategic milestone, highlighting its benefits in security and deterrence, resource efficiency, interoperability, diplomatic relations, access to advanced technology, crisis response, counterterrorism, professional development, and global influence. “We are pursuing this initiative as part of our commitment to modernisation,” he said.
The signing coincided with the 17th Ordinary Meeting of the African Chiefs of Defence Staff and Heads of Safety and Security Services under the African Union (AU). Lt Gen Zyeele commended the AU Peace and Security Council for advancing continental peace through initiatives such as the African Standby Force, the “Silencing the Guns” campaign, and operationalisation of the AU Peace Fund.
However, he cautioned that financial constraints, fragmented decision-making, and logistical gaps continue to pose challenges.
He urged member states to recommit to the African Standby Force, expedite adoption of the draft MoU between the AU and Regional Economic Communities, honour contributions to the AU Peace Fund, and explore innovative financing mechanisms to improve collective security readiness and responsiveness.
