Addis Ababa, October 17, 2025 (FMC) – The European Investment Bank (EIB) has pledged USD 110 million to Ethiopia to expand rural finance and advance the country’s development agenda.
The announcement came during high-level meetings between Ethiopia’s Minister of Finance and senior officials from the EIB and the European Union Commission on the sidelines of the World Bank and IMF Annual Meetings in Washington, D.C.
In discussions with Thouraya Triki, Director for International Partnerships at the EIB, the minister commended the bank’s continued support for Ethiopia’s development priorities, including small and medium enterprise (SME) finance, water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH), and women’s entrepreneurship development.
The minister also outlined priority areas for future EIB support, highlighting the Rural Inclusive and Sustainable Economic Development (RISED) Initiative and financing for the manufacturing sector.
The EIB confirmed it will provide the funds through the third phase of the Rural Financial Intermediation Program (RUFIP III), a flagship initiative designed to expand access to finance in rural areas, enhance financial inclusion, and support Ethiopia’s broader agricultural transformation efforts.
Earlier, the minister met with Marjeta Jäger, Deputy Director-General of the EU Directorate-General for International Partnerships, where they discussed strengthening cooperation on strategic regional infrastructure corridors, supporting ongoing reform programs, and aligning EU engagement with Ethiopia’s key development priorities.
The engagement underscores the shared commitment of the Government of Ethiopia and European institutions to deepen partnerships that foster sustainable and inclusive development, boost private sector growth, and accelerate Ethiopia’s economic transformation.