Ethiopia and JICA review ongoing cooperation and identify new priority areas

Addis Ababa, April 16, 2026 (FMC) — Ethiopia and the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) have reviewed their ongoing development cooperation and identified priority areas for expanded engagement during bilateral talks held on the sidelines of the 2026 Spring Meetings.

Finance Minister Ahmed Shide held discussions with JICA Senior Vice President Naoki Ando, focusing on both the progress of existing collaboration and opportunities to scale up support in key sectors.

Ethiopia acknowledged JICA’s longstanding contribution through financing, technical assistance, and capacity-building programs supporting sectors such as infrastructure, agriculture, health, and education.

The talks also provided an opportunity for Ethiopia to outline the current status of its economic reform efforts, with emphasis on resilience amid global economic pressures and the need to sustain momentum through targeted sectoral support.

Priority areas identified for further cooperation include aviation, energy access, and road infrastructure, seen as critical to supporting economic expansion and connectivity.

The discussions additionally touched on preparations for hosting COP32 in Addis Ababa in November 2027, with Ethiopia encouraging JICA to engage in climate resilience and green development initiatives linked to the event.

JICA reaffirmed its commitment to continuing support for Ethiopia’s development agenda and strengthening cooperation in areas of shared interest.