Ethiopia Advances Strategic Partnerships with Key International Financial Institutions

Addis Ababa, Ethiopia – February 15, 2026 (FMC) – Ethiopia reinforced its strategic partnerships with leading international financial institutions during high-level meetings held on the margins of the African Union Summit in Addis Ababa.

The country’s Finance Minister Mr. Ahmed Shide met with senior leadership of the African Development Bank (AfDB), the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), and the Arab Bank for Economic Development in Africa (BADEA) to advance cooperation in support of Ethiopia’s reform agenda, priority investment programs, and climate resilience.

In discussions with Abdullah Almusaibeeh, President of BADEA, the two sides reviewed financing opportunities for major infrastructure projects, including the Bishoftu International Airport and the Koysha Hydropower Project. They also explored expanded collaboration in road development, trade finance, and co-financing arrangements with other development partners, as well as potential support for climate-related infrastructure aligned with Ethiopia’s preparations to host COP32.

During a separate meeting with Kevin Kariuki, Vice President of the African Development Bank, Minister Shide provided an update on recent reforms and priorities in the energy sector, emphasizing the importance of scaling up AfDB support under Mission 300.

Discussions also covered enhanced collaboration on clean energy and climate investments to strengthen Ethiopia’s readiness for COP32. Kariuki reaffirmed the Bank’s commitment to accelerating key projects aimed at diversifying Ethiopia’s energy mix and strengthening regional integration.

In his meeting with Gerardine Mukeshimana, Vice President of IFAD, Minister Shide highlighted progress in climate-smart agriculture, increased private sector engagement in agriculture, and the launch of the new Farmer-Led Irrigation Development program.

Both sides discussed aligning agricultural and climate resilience initiatives with Ethiopia’s COP32 agenda. IFAD reiterated its enhanced support to scale up agricultural development initiatives, promote climate-resilient practices, and de-risk investments, Ethiopia’s Finance Ministry told Fana Digital.

The high-level engagements reaffirmed mutual confidence in Ethiopia’s partnerships with AfDB, IFAD, and BADEA, underscoring a shared commitment to delivering tangible results that contribute to sustainable and inclusive development, while supporting Ethiopia’s leadership role in advancing the global climate agenda.