Strengthening Ties: Irish Minister’s Official Visit to Ethiopia and Uganda
Ethiomonitor – Addis Ababa
February 18 2026
Irish Minister of State for International Development and Overseas Affairs, Neil Richmond, has begun an official visit to Ethiopia and Uganda, focused on enhancing development and trade relations while boosting economic cooperation in East Africa.
the visit will encompass high-level meetings with senior government officials and site inspections of projects implemented by the Irish development agency, according to the Irish Department of Foreign Affairs,
In Ethiopia, Minister Richmond’s agenda prioritizes health initiatives, gender equality, and refugee protection in the Somali region, with a notable allocation of €50 million to combat child malnutrition.
In Uganda, he will assess programs related to education, vocational training, and climate change adaptation in the Karamoja region. Richmond emphasized that Ethiopia and Uganda are among Africa’s fastest-growing economies, underscoring Ireland’s commitment to transforming historical partnerships into strong economic ties for the future.
