Meet the Dutch ambassador in Addis Ababa

Christine Pirenne

Dutch ambassador designate in Addis Ababa

Christine Pirenne has been ambassador designate of the Kingdom of the Netherlands to Ethiopia since 2024. 

See the curriculum vitae of ambassador designate Pirenne on rijksoverheid.nl (in Dutch)

Christine Pirenne has been the Dutch ambassador to Ethiopia since 2024. For her, the country is a unique place and a land of contrasts. ‘There are major opportunities here for cooperation with the Netherlands. Our knowledge and expertise are a good fit for Ethiopia’s needs.’ 
'Ethiopians are open to working with Dutch people because they know from experience that we have something to offer.'

You were appointed ambassador to Ethiopia in 2024. What struck you about the country, and the people and their way of life? And how do you see things now?

Ambassador Pirenne visiting a centre training refugees and host communities to be beauticians.

‘Ethiopia is a fascinating country, and I’ve had experiences here that I've never had anywhere else. It’s a place that's full of contrasts. The capital is changing rapidly. New buildings are going up one after the other, and green spaces with coffee bars have sprung up along the riverside. But right next door there are neighbourhoods with unpaved roads and informal housing that people have built themselves. You see the contrasts as you walk around. One minute you're walking among people in tailor-made suits and designer clothes, the next it's people dressed in simple cloths and who have to beg in order to make ends meet.

Internationally, Ethiopia's image is one of a proud country that is capable of making a real name for itself in the global arena. It has joined BRICS and launched major economic reforms, and is working on securing direct access to seaports. Moreover, Addis Ababa is home to the headquarters of the African Union, a cooperative association of 55 African members working together towards further integration on the continent. Still, despite its ambitions, poverty is still a major problem in Ethiopia, where 80% of the population work in agriculture and 55% of children under the age of five are malnourished.’

You were appointed ambassador to Ethiopia in 2024. What struck you about the country, and the people and their way of life? And how do you see things now?

What are the main areas of cooperation between the Netherlands and Ethiopia?

A visit to a Dutch plant cutting exporter.

‘With a population of around 130 million and a strategic position on the Horn of Africa, Ethiopia plays a crucial role in regional security and stability. It’s close to important trade routes through the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden and shares borders with six other countries. Recently, though, internal conflict has threatened its status as a stabilising factor in the region, which is why the Netherlands is focusing on promoting security and stability in the country.

Ethiopia is also an important country with regard to regional migration. The country hosts nearly a million refugees, mostly from neighbouring countries. At the same time, Ethiopia's own internal conflicts are estimated to have displaced around three million people. The Netherlands works with Ethiopia to protect refugees and displaced persons and improve their access to the labour market. One way we do this is by providing vocational education, which improves people's chances of finding work locally. 

Furthermore, around 100 Dutch companies are active in Ethiopia, mainly in the floral, dairy, fruit and vegetable sectors. Near Lake Ziway, a major Dutch flower grower employs about 13,000 people to produce flowers for the Dutch and international markets. The Netherlands contributes to a sustainable business climate in Ethiopia by actively engaging with its authorities when problems arise.’

What has the embassy done lately that’s made you proud?

Ambassador Pirenne visiting a clinic that offers basic healthcare in close cooperation with the government.

‘As ambassador, I can see that our long history as both development partner and, primarily, trading partner sets me apart from my counterparts from other countries. Ethiopians are open to working with Dutch people because they know from experience that we have something to offer. Dutch entrepreneurs are professional, involved and not focused on making a quick profit. The contributions that the Netherlands makes in the areas of food security, nutrition, water and health have made an impact, and there are plenty of opportunities for further cooperation. 

A good example of a business that’s taking a long-term approach is a Dutch dairy company that works with Ethiopian dairy farmers. The company buys local milk to make products like yoghurt and cheese. Through its food security programme, the Netherlands helps small-scale dairy farmers increase production and improve the quality of their milk. Where possible, the Dutch dairy company buys this milk and produces yoghurt and cheese that is sold in local supermarkets.’

How do you relax after a day at work?

‘I enjoy sports. The embassy offers two CrossFit sessions every week and I go as often as I can. There’s also a big park near the city, and when I have time I walk my dog there on Sundays - it's 3,000 feet above sea level. But I also like to lie in my hammock with a book or a podcast, and once a week I call my children.’