Addis Ababa, July 15, 2026 (FMC) — Ethiopia has called for stronger European engagement in trade, investment and sustainable economic transformation during talks between State Minister of Finance Semereta Sewasew and European Commissioner for International Partnerships Jozef Síkela in Brussels.
The discussions focused on expanding the Ethiopia–European Union strategic partnership through increased cooperation in trade, investment, development finance and private sector engagement.
Semereta expressed Ethiopia’s appreciation for the recent EU budget support agreement, describing it as a reflection of continued confidence in Ethiopia’s reform agenda and shared commitment to macroeconomic stability and sustainable growth.
She highlighted Ethiopia’s efforts to strengthen economic governance and public financial management systems while emphasizing the country’s interest in attracting European investment in priority areas, including renewable energy, manufacturing, agro-processing, logistics, digital transformation and industrial development.
The two sides discussed aligning Ethiopia’s investment priorities with the EU’s Global Gateway strategy through blended finance, guarantees and partnerships with European companies and financial institutions.
Semereta also highlighted the strategic importance of the Bishoftu International Airport project, Ethiopia’s coffee sector, and stronger cooperation on the EU Deforestation Regulation to promote sustainable and value-added coffee supply chains.
She further underscored Ethiopia’s OACPS Chairmanship as an opportunity to advance stronger Africa–EU cooperation and briefed Commissioner Síkela on Ethiopia’s preparations for COP32, inviting EU partnership in climate finance, green investment and climate-resilient development.
Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to deepening the Ethiopia–EU partnership and translating shared priorities into concrete initiatives that promote investment, innovation and sustainable growth.