During the Cold War, the German Democratic Republic (GDR) was a key player in sub-Saharan Africa. Focusing on its role in the Ethiopian polytechnical education reform effort between 1977 and 1989, this study explores the extent of educational policy transfer as well as the nature and magnitude of influence during the implementation of that transfer. Based on secondary sources and in-depth interviews with former educational officials, curriculum experts, and educators in teacher training institutes and colleges, the study examines the power relations between the two cooperation partners at systemic, institutional and individual levels of interaction. Finally, the study identifies issues that provide insights for improving the historical and theoretical literature on Cold War educational policy transfers.