Ethiopia, Global Financial Institutions Discuss Strengthening Investment and Financing Partnerships

Addis Ababa., October 20, 2025 (FMC) – Ethiopia and leading global financial institutions have explored new partnerships to deepen cooperation in investment, financing, and advisory services.

On the sidelines of the 2025 Annual Meetings of the World Bank Group and International Monetary Fund (IMF), Ethiopia’s Minister of Finance, Ahmed Shide, held high-level discussions with senior executives from Citi and JPMorgan, including Jay Varkey, Senior Vice President for Public Sector Banking at Citi, and Olivier Eweck, Managing Director at JPMorgan.

The talks focused on expanding collaboration through innovative financing mechanisms to support Ethiopia’s economic reform agenda, infrastructure development, and sustainable investment initiatives.

Minister Ahmed highlighted Ethiopia’s commitment to macroeconomic stability, homegrown economic reforms, and efforts to attract quality private investment and broaden access to international capital markets.

He also briefed the institutions on the country’s progress in debt sustainability, foreign exchange market reforms, and implementation of the 10-Year Development Plan, which emphasizes private sector–led growth and green, inclusive development.

He stressed the importance of international financial institutions and private partners in mobilizing innovative financing to accelerate Ethiopia’s economic transformation and strengthen resilience.

Executives from Citi and JPMorgan reaffirmed their interest in deepening engagement with Ethiopia, expressing readiness to explore blended finance mechanisms that align with the country’s development priorities.

They also discussed potential areas of cooperation including the new international airport, digital transformation, renewable energy, capital market development, and financial instruments aimed at improving access to affordable long-term financing.

Both institutions further indicated willingness to provide technical and advisory support on capital market development and financing structures designed to enhance investor confidence and economic resilience.

The parties agreed to maintain high-level and technical consultations to identify concrete areas of collaboration that will further strengthen Ethiopia’s integration into the global financial system.