Addis Ababa, April 3, 2026 (ENA) —Ethiopia and China have reached a major milestone in their economic partnership following high-level talks between their finance ministers, marking progress on debt restructuring and new strategic investments. Ethiopia’s Minister of Finance met with Chinese Minister of Finance, with discussions centering on debt restructuring, implementation of ongoing projects, and new financing opportunities for key strategic initiatives, including the development of a new Bushoftu International Airport. The meeting highlighted both countries’ commitment to strengthening their longstanding economic partnership, with both sides expressing confidence that the discussions marked a meaningful step toward mutually beneficial outcomes. A central focus of the talks was the restructuring of Ethiopia’s existing debt stock to improve fiscal sustainability and support renewed economic growth. The two sides reached agreement on debt treatment and reaffirmed their commitment to working within the G20 Common Framework toward finalizing a bilateral agreement. Discussions also addressed the need to accelerate the implementation of ongoing projects under the current portfolio. Both sides emphasized improving disbursement efficiency and maintaining close coordination to ensure timely delivery. In addition, the ministers explored new financing opportunities for priority infrastructure projects, including the Bishoftu International Airport, which is expected to enhance connectivity and strengthen trade links between China, Africa, and global markets. “The consensus reached in this meeting represents a pivotal moment in our bilateral relationship. We are committed to working closely with our Chinese partners to build a sustainable partnership that serves the interests of our two countries,” Finance Minister Ahmed said. The Governor of the National Bank of Ethiopia, Eyob Tekalign, also briefed the ministers on expanding cooperation between the two countries’ central banks, highlighting partnership opportunities aimed at fostering mutual gains. The meeting concluded with both sides agreeing to maintain close technical engagement to finalize the debt agreement, expedite project implementation, and advance financing arrangements for the Bishoftu airport infrastructure project.

Addis Ababa, April 3, 2026 (ENA) —Integrated volunteer services and people centered initiatives carried out in Addis Ababa during the reform period have generated meaningful and measurable benefits for the community, the Community Participation Coordination Commission said. The Commission stated that volunteer programs and community driven projects implemented across the capital over the past years have significantly improved livelihoods and strengthened social cohesion. Volunteerism and humanitarian engagement have emerged as defining features of the reform era, widely seen as concrete expressions of change that nurture solidarity and reinforce long held values of mutual support among citizens. Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed has played a central role in driving these efforts. Since the early days of his administration, his direct involvement in renovating homes for vulnerable residents, organizing food assistance, and leading urban sanitation campaigns has set a strong example and inspired nationwide participation, particularly in Addis Ababa. Over the past eight years, these efforts have grown into a large scale movement in the capital, reaching extensive segments of the population by mobilizing the private sector and harnessing the energy of young people. In an exclusive interview with ENA, Deputy Commissioner Asrat Nigussie said Addis Ababa has recorded notable achievements in volunteerism, especially in humanitarian and social support activities. She noted that annual winter and summer volunteer programs, implemented across fifteen key areas during the reform period, have consistently delivered practical support to residents. These initiatives include housing renovation for elderly and vulnerable citizens, food sharing programs, blood donation campaigns, traffic accident prevention, education and skills training, environmental protection, urban beautification, and active participation in the Green Legacy initiative. The Deputy Commissioner highlighted that significant progress has been made in replacing unsafe and dilapidated shelters with modern housing, bringing lasting improvements to the lives of many residents. According to her, over 45,000 houses have been constructed and handed over to beneficiaries during the reform period alone. She added that the newly built homes meet modern urban living standards and provide safer and more dignified conditions for residents. The food sharing program has supported more than 6.5 million residents through repeated cycles of assistance, she further noted. Asrat also emphasized the critical contribution of the business community, noting that entrepreneurs have played a vital role both through direct support and by mobilizing wider participation. She concluded that the growing culture of volunteerism and social solidarity in Addis Ababa will continue to expand and deepen in the years ahead.

Addis Ababa, April 2, 2026 (ENA) —Over the past eight years, Ethiopia has undergone a far-reaching economic transformation, shifting from a restrictive and state-led model to a more enabling, resilient, diversified, and market-oriented economy, according to a statement from the Office of the Prime Minister marking the eighth anniversary of the reform program. Prior to 2018, economic growth was constrained by structural weaknesses, including limited job creation, narrow export diversification, and heavy dependence on external borrowing. The Agriculture Development-Led Industrialization (ADLI) framework expanded agricultural output but remained insufficiently action-oriented and did not fully utilize Ethiopia's vast agricultural potential or generate adequate rural incomes to drive industrialization. Manufacturing exports stagnated below three billion dollars for many years, while industrial parks often operated as isolated enclaves with weak linkages to the domestic economy. This model also created macroeconomic vulnerabilities. Large infrastructure investments financed through external borrowing failed to generate sufficient foreign exchange, contributing to rising debt pressures. Key sectors such as telecommunications, finance, and mining remained underdeveloped or closed to private participation, constraining innovation, private investment, and overall economic dynamism. Since 2018, Ethiopia has implemented a comprehensive reform agenda to address these challenges, unlock new sources of growth, and correct macroeconomic imbalances. Agricultural Transformation and Food Sovereignty A central pillar of reform has been the transformation of agriculture toward higher productivity, diversification, resilience, and sustainability. Ethiopia has achieved wheat self-sufficiency. By 2024/25, the country emerged as Africa’s largest wheat producer. Crop diversification has accelerated significantly, including rapid expansion in rice, oilseeds, and other industrial crops. Livestock and high-value agriculture have grown rapidly. Annual egg production has reached 9.4 billion, milk production approximately 13 billion litres, and meat production has increased nearly tenfold. These gains reflect improvements in nutrition, food systems, and diversified rural incomes. Structural reforms such as cluster farming—now involving 9.5 million farmers across 12.8 million hectares—have delivered measurable results, including a 29 percent increase in productivity and an 18 percent rise in incomes. Overall agricultural output has increased from 41.7 million tons to around 150 million tons within seven years. This has strengthened the sector’s contribution to economic growth, employment generation in both rural and urban areas, and export performance. Coffee production has doubled to nearly one million tons, generating about 2.65 billion dollars in export earnings in 2024/25. Environmental Protection and Green Growth Through the Green Legacy Initiative, more than 48 billion seedlings have been planted and 12.5 million hectares of land rehabilitated. Forest coverage has increased from 17 percent in 2019 to 23 percent in 2025. These efforts have reduced soil erosion while supporting agricultural productivity and export performance, particularly in coffee. They demonstrate the strong linkage between environmental protection and economic growth. Industrial Policy and Export Orientation Industrial strategy has evolved toward integrated Special Economic Zones that support manufacturing, logistics, and services while strengthening linkages with the domestic economy. The number of investors has grown from 36 in 2018 to over 200 today, with domestic investors accounting for nearly 65 percent. This transition reflects a shift from enclave-style industrialization toward a more integrated, inclusive, and sustainable ecosystem. Export-oriented production from these zones continues to expand, broadening the country's export base. Mining, Import Substitution, and Export Growth The mining sector has emerged as a key pillar of the economy. Previously underutilized, it has been repositioned as a driver of sustainable development and broad-based benefits. Gold production has increased significantly to nearly 39 tons, generating approximately 3.5 billion dollars in export earnings in 2024/25—accounting for more than 45 percent of total exports. Import substitution efforts have also delivered results. Coal imports have been fully replaced by domestic production, and cement production capacity now exceeds 20 million tons annually, supporting self-sufficiency. Digital Transformation and Financial Inclusion Liberalization of the telecommunications sector has driven one of the fastest digital expansions in Africa. Mobile subscriptions have increased from 37.9 million to 87.9 million, significantly expanding access and inclusion. Mobile financial services now serve more than 58 million users, with transactions exceeding 7.5 trillion birr. Financial sector reforms have strengthened macroeconomic stability and improved financial intermediation. Credit allocation has shifted toward the private sector, which now accounts for more than 85 percent of total bank lending. Reforms, including the restructuring of state-owned banks and improved financial sector governance, have enhanced liquidity, asset quality, and sustainability. Fiscal Discipline and Structural Reform A defining feature of recent progress has been strong fiscal discipline. Unlike the pre-2018 period, reforms have reduced reliance on external commercial borrowing. Improvements in state-owned enterprises, better project selection, and restructuring of underperforming sectors have reduced inefficiencies and strengthened public finances. Urban Transformation and Human Capital Development Ethiopia recognizes cities as engines of economic growth and structural transformation. Investments in urban development, infrastructure, and housing, supported by private sector participation, have improved living conditions and expanded economic opportunities. Integrated corridor development has enhanced the liveability, competitiveness, and economic functionality of cities, expanding from Addis Ababa to more than 50 cities nationwide. These efforts have positioned cities as hubs for innovation, tourism, and business. A New Economic Direction Ethiopia is transitioning away from a model heavily reliant on state-led investment toward one anchored in productivity, private sector dynamism, sectoral linkages, and structural transformation. Reforms across agriculture, industry, mining, finance, digitalization, and urban development reflect a practical and results-oriented approach to economic management. While challenges remain, the ongoing transformation is laying the foundation for sustainable and inclusive growth. It underscores the importance of structural reform, fiscal discipline, and effective policy implementation in building a competitive and resilient economy. Over the past eight years, under the leadership of Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, Ethiopia has advanced toward greater self-reliance and a more promising future. Guided by the philosophy of Medemer (synergy), this period has been defined by reform, resilience, and measurable results. As Ethiopia looks ahead, the progress achieved despite significant challenges demonstrates strong potential. The growth trajectory is becoming broader, deeper, more diversified, and more inclusive, with continued momentum aimed at delivering lasting benefits for future generations.

Addis Ababa, April 2, 2026 (ENA) —Ethiopia–China relations remain a model of South–South cooperation grounded in mutual respect and shared development goals, senior officials from the two countries reaffirmed. A high-level Ethiopian delegation led by Minister of Finance, Ahmed Shide held discussions with Miao Deyu, Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs of China, to further strengthen the strategic partnership between the two countries. During the occasion, Minister Ahmed Shide highlighted the strong Ethiopia–China partnership and progress in implementing the outcomes of the Beijing FOCAC 2024.   He also outlined key national infrastructure initiatives, including the Bishoftu International Airport, expected to enhance connectivity between Africa, China, and global markets. Miao Deyu for his part welcomed the delegation and expressed appreciation for Ethiopia’s development achievements and the leadership of Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed. He reaffirmed China’s commitment to supporting Ethiopia’s economic development. Accordingly, the two sides also exchanged views on regional issues and Ethiopia’s role as an anchor for regional integration, stability, and security.   Both sides underscored the importance of continued high-level engagement and reaffirmed that Ethiopia–China relations remain a model of South–South cooperation grounded in mutual respect and shared development goals, ENA learned.