Addis Ababa, July 15, 2026 (FMC) — Ethiopia has officially assumed the Chairmanship of the Organization of African, Caribbean and Pacific States (OACPS), beginning a new leadership role in guiding the 79-member organization’s agenda on sustainable development, economic cooperation and stronger global partnerships.
The chairmanship was assumed during the OACPS Council of Ministers Meeting held from July 15–16, 2026, in Brussels, Belgium, bringing together ministers and senior government representatives from member states, the OACPS Secretariat and development partners to discuss key policy, strategic and institutional priorities shaping the future of the organization.
Following the formal handover, State Minister of Finance Semereta Sewasew, who serves as President of the OACPS Council of Ministers, began Ethiopia’s tenure through a series of high-level bilateral engagements with OACPS leadership and member states to discuss Ethiopia’s priorities and strengthen strategic cooperation.
Ethiopia reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening solidarity among OACPS members and enhancing the organization as a dynamic platform for economic cooperation, sustainable development and a stronger collective voice in global affairs.
Semereta highlighted Ethiopia’s vision for a results-oriented chairmanship focused on promoting practical solutions, expanding economic opportunities, mobilizing sustainable financing, deepening partnerships and improving the lives of people across OACPS member countries.
During a meeting with OACPS Secretary-General Moussa Saleh Batraki, discussions focused on Ethiopia’s chairmanship priorities, strengthening the effectiveness and visibility of the organization, and enhancing cooperation with international partners. Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to working closely throughout Ethiopia’s tenure to advance the strategic objectives of the OACPS.
Semereta also held discussions with The Gambia’s Minister of Finance and Economic Affairs Seedy Keita, representing the outgoing Chair of the OACPS Council of Ministers. The meeting provided an opportunity to ensure a smooth transition, exchange experiences from The Gambia’s tenure and identify areas where Ethiopia can build on previous achievements.
The Ministry of Finance said Ethiopia’s priorities during its chairmanship include mobilizing innovative and sustainable financing for development, strengthening South–South and triangular cooperation, promoting trade and investment, advancing climate action and access to climate finance, accelerating digital transformation, enhancing food and energy security, and promoting skilled labour mobility through mutually beneficial migration partnerships.
Ethiopia also underscored the importance of reforms to the global financial architecture to ensure more equitable access to development finance for developing countries. The chairmanship will advocate for increased concessional and climate finance, greater use of guarantees and blended finance to unlock private investment, stronger domestic resource mobilization and improved public financial management.
The country further emphasized the importance of revitalizing the OACPS–European Union partnership as a strategic platform for advancing shared priorities, including sustainable financing, climate resilience, trade and investment, skills development and digital transformation.