Addis Ababa - Post Report Question and Answers
Is it easy to make friends with locals here? Are there any prejudices or any ethnic groups who might feel uncomfortable here?
Not sure. Many people of African descent have reported experiencing racism. Ethiopians are fairly reserved but not unfriendly. This is a very, very religious country, and in my opinion, almost fanatical, and there are obviously deep grievances over everything (Oromos vs. Amharas vs. Tigrayans.) Ethnic hatred permeates the country, so we stick to expat circles. There are a lot of very educated and cool Ethiopians, of course, in artistic and academic circles. - Dec 2023
It depends. Most Ethiopians are reserved, and while friendly to non-African foreigners, beneath the surface they are hard to get to know. - Aug 2023
Many people are very kind and helpful. I do feel there is an underlining anti-American feel though. - Aug 2023
No. - Aug 2022
Yes! If you try to make friends/ try to speak even a little Amharic, most people are incredibly kind and hospitable. I have been invited into so many homes. - Jul 2022
No. Rather stay away, be vigilant. - May 2022
I suspect that everyone feels uncomfortable here. - Jun 2021
I wasn't able to break into the local scene. The locals who I met were always asking me for visa help. - Feb 2021
Locals are mostly tied up with their own extensive family networks. We have made good friends in the returnee community though. - Aug 2020
They sure want to be your friend. I am not sure if it's sincere. Kids struggle in the school as the locals tend to keep to themself. But that is typical of most international schools. All expats will feel uncomfortable in Addis as being an expat makes you a target. So be cautions in getting to know locals. Many are kind and nice, others are opportunist. All will ask for a visa. - Feb 2020
Yes, I've made friends with locals here at work and it's been great. Any foreigners stand out here so you just have to be ready to get stared at. - Feb 2019
