Addis Ababa, March 4, 2026 – Ethiopia and the African Development Bank (AfDB) will deepen their strategic partnership across a range of topics, including infrastructure, reform and climate change priorities.
The two leaders reaffirmed their growing development alliance and pledged to deepen collaboration across infrastructure, macroeconomic reform, energy and climate change priorities as the country moves forward with structural transformation.
According to the Ministry of Finance, Deputy Minister of Finance Semereta Sewasewu welcomed a high-level delegation from the African Development Bank, led by newly appointed Executive Director Kafrine Ronald Justine, to review the bank’s extensive engagement in Ethiopia and align on forward-looking strategic priorities.
According to the ministry’s social media posts, the discussion highlighted that AfDB remains one of Ethiopia’s key multilateral development partners, with a diverse portfolio that includes infrastructure, energy, agriculture, private sector development, climate action, and economic reform support.
Mr. Semereta stressed that Ethiopia’s ongoing macroeconomic and structural reforms are building a stronger foundation for sustainable and inclusive growth.
He noted that the Bank’s budget support operations have played an important role in strengthening fiscal stability, advancing policy reforms, and maintaining reform momentum during a delicate economic transition.
“Beyond lending, the Bank’s involvement demonstrates strong confidence in Ethiopia’s reform trajectory and long-term development vision,” he said.
Infrastructure development remains at the heart of the partnership. Among the key initiatives is the Bishoftu Airport Mega Project, which is envisioned as an innovative continental aviation hub designed to expand logistics capacity and strengthen regional connectivity.
“The Bishoftu Airport project is not just an Ethiopian initiative, it is Africa’s flagship project,” said Semereta, underscoring its importance for regional integration, trade facilitation and Africa’s global competitiveness.
In addition to aviation, AfDB continues to support strategic transport corridors, urban infrastructure, and water and sanitation systems, which are pillars of economic transformation.
Energy accounts for the largest share of the Bank’s efforts in Ethiopia, reflecting the country’s priorities to expand electricity generation, strengthen the grid, and accelerate renewable energy development.
This support is in line with Ethiopia’s ambitions to position itself as a regional clean energy hub, while promoting green growth and climate resilience.
The talks also addressed cooperation in climate finance and preparations related to COP32, highlighting Ethiopia’s role in promoting low-carbon infrastructure and sustainable development.
Both sides emphasized the importance of increasing private sector involvement as Ethiopia moves towards a more competitive private sector-led growth model.
The Bank’s support for financial sector reforms, privatization efforts, and small and medium-sized business development mobilizes investment and helps create new economic opportunities.
The discussion focused specifically on agricultural transformation, with a particular focus on the poultry value chain.
This sector has great potential for job creation, food security, import substitution and increasing rural incomes while supporting the expansion of the agricultural industry.
Mr. Semereta welcomed the successful replenishment of the African Development Fund, the AfDB Group’s concessional window, noting that it strengthens the Bank’s ability to provide innovative investments to low-income countries, including Ethiopia.
He said the replenishment reflects continued global confidence in the Bank’s development mission and ensures predictable financing for priority areas.
Executive Director Kafrine Ronald Justin praised Ethiopia’s steady reform progress and expressed satisfaction with the performance and impact of the Bank’s portfolio in the country.
He reaffirmed AfDB’s commitment to supporting Ethiopia’s sustainable structural transformation.
The meeting concluded with both parties reiterating their shared determination to accelerate implementation, strengthen strategic collaboration, and ensure that the AfDB-Ethiopia partnership continues to drive inclusive growth, regional integration, and long-term prosperity.
