The fourth meeting of the Ethiopia-Uganda Joint Ministerial Commission (JMC) ended with a historic signing of eight new agreements, marking a major step forward in cooperation between the two East African nations. The deals, covering areas like aviation, trade, energy, and agriculture, were signed in Addis Ababa on April 4, signaling a stronger partnership aimed at boosting economic growth and regional stability.

The Ugandan delegation was led by Foreign Affairs Minister Gen. Odongo Jeje Abubakhar, joined by key ministers responsible for trade, transport, agriculture, and internal affairs. Ethiopia’s team was headed by Foreign Minister Dr. Gedion Timothewos, alongside ministers of trade, transport, and other senior officials. The high-level attendance underscored the importance both countries place on deepening their ties.

In his opening remarks, Dr. Timothewos welcomed the Ugandan delegation and praised the long-standing friendship between the two nations. He stressed that the JMC meeting was an opportunity to review progress and set new goals for mutual benefit. “Our cooperation is not just about bilateral relations but also about addressing regional challenges together,” he said.

He highlighted the need for Ethiopia and Uganda to work closely on critical issues like Nile water management and counterterrorism. Both countries share concerns over security threats in the Horn of Africa and have been active in regional bodies like IGAD (Intergovernmental Authority on Development) to promote peace. Uganda’s Foreign Minister, Gen. Odongo, echoed these sentiments, noting that despite a six-year gap since the last JMC meeting, relations between the two countries have remained strong. “Our ties have stayed alive, vibrant, and productive,” he said, pointing to frequent high-level visits and ongoing collaborations in different sectors.

The most significant outcome of the meeting was the signing of eight Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs), covering a wide range of sectors: The Bilateral Air Services Agreement will improve flight connectivity between the two nations, making travel and trade easier. This is expected to boost tourism and business exchanges. An MoU on Industrial Cooperation aims to strengthen manufacturing ties, with both countries looking to share expertise and attract investment in key industries.

The Energy Sector MoU focuses on power generation and distribution, including potential partnerships in renewable energy projects. Given Ethiopia’s vast hydropower resources and Uganda’s growing energy demands, this deal could pave the way for future electricity trade. Water resource management is another critical area, with an MoU on Water Resource Management ensuring sustainable use of shared water bodies, including the Nile. Both countries rely heavily on the river for agriculture and hydropower, making cooperation essential.

Agriculture, a backbone of both economies, was also a major focus. The MoU on Technical Cooperation in Agriculture, Animal Industry, and Fisheries will promote knowledge sharing, improve farming techniques, and boost food security. Two aviation-related agreements—an MoU on Aviation Training and another on Aircraft Accident Investigation—will enhance safety and skills development in the sector.

Finally, the MoU on Trade Cooperation is expected to reduce barriers and increase the flow of goods between Ethiopia and Uganda. This is particularly important as both countries push for greater intra-African trade under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).

Both ministers emphasized their governments’ determination to turn these agreements into real progress. “We are fully committed to implementing all decisions made here to take our relations to new heights,” said Gen. Odongo. Dr. Timothewos added that follow-up mechanisms would be put in place to ensure the deals translate into tangible benefits for citizens

The agreements go beyond bilateral gains—they also support broader African integration. With Ethiopia and Uganda both members of the East African Community (EAC) and IGAD, stronger ties between them could encourage more regional cooperation. Improved transport links, for example, could facilitate trade across East Africa, while joint efforts in security and water management would help stabilize the region.

The JMC meeting reflects a growing trend of African nations working together to solve common challenges. Rather than relying solely on foreign partnerships, Ethiopia and Uganda are taking charge of their development by pooling resources and expertise.

With the agreements now in place, attention turns to execution. Both countries will need to establish working groups, allocate budgets, and monitor progress to ensure these deals deliver real impact. Challenges such as bureaucratic delays, funding gaps, and infrastructure bottlenecks could slow things down, but the strong political will displayed at the meeting suggests a genuine commitment to success.

For businesses, the new agreements open up opportunities in sectors like agriculture, energy, and aviation. Traders can expect smoother cross-border operations, while investors may find new prospects in joint industrial projects. For ordinary citizens, the benefits could include more jobs, better transport links, and increased access to electricity and water. If implemented well, these deals could significantly improve livelihoods in both countries.

The 4th Ethiopia-Uganda Joint Ministerial Commission has set a new benchmark for bilateral cooperation in Africa. By signing eight major agreements, the two nations have shown that they are serious about working together for mutual growth. The focus now shifts to turning these commitments into real change—ensuring that the promises made in Addis Ababa lead to tangible improvements in trade, security, and development for both Ethiopians and Ugandans.

As African nations continue to push for greater self-reliance and regional integration, partnerships like this one will be crucial. Ethiopia and Uganda have taken a bold step forward—now the real work begins.