Addis Ababa, November 3, 2025 (FMC) — Ethiopia and France reaffirmed their economic partnership during a bilateral meeting on the sidelines of the EU–Ethiopia Investment Conference in Paris, focusing on boosting trade and investment between the two countries.
Ethiopia’s Minister of Finance, Ahmed Shide, met with France’s Minister Delegate for Foreign Trade and Economic Attractiveness, Nicolas Forissier, to discuss expanding bilateral economic cooperation and promoting greater French investment in Ethiopia.
The discussion highlighted areas of shared interest, including industrial development, renewable energy, infrastructure, agro-processing, and digital transformation. Both sides emphasized their longstanding partnership and mutual commitment to advancing sustainable and inclusive growth.
Shide commended France’s continued support for Ethiopia’s development initiatives, including its leadership as Chair of Ethiopia’s Official Creditors Committee under the G20 Common Framework for Debt Treatment. He also noted France’s assistance through multilateral institutions such as the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank.
The minister briefed the French delegation on progress achieved under Ethiopia’s Homegrown Economic Reform Agenda, aimed at building a resilient, competitive, and green economy. He highlighted the government’s ongoing efforts to improve the investment climate and encourage international participation through transparent policies and institutional reforms.
Representatives from the French Ministry of Foreign Trade welcomed Ethiopia’s reform efforts and reaffirmed France’s readiness to strengthen cooperation through trade facilitation, private sector engagement, and investment partnerships.
Both sides agreed to continue their dialogue during the French minister’s official visit to Ethiopia in May 2026.
The meeting took place within the context of the EU–Ethiopia Investment Conference, a high-level forum designed to reinforce strategic partnerships and mobilize quality investment to support Ethiopia’s economic transformation.