Outgoing German Ambassador Lauds Ethiopia’s Courageous, Promising Homegrown Economic Reform

Addis Ababa, August 13, 2025 (ENA)—The outgoing German Ambassador to Ethiopia Jens Hanefeld hailed Ethiopia’s ongoing homegrown economic reform as a brave, courageous, and highly encouraging step toward the nation’s development.

President Taye Atske Selassie recently bid farewell to Ambassador Jens Hanefeld expressing gratitude for the efforts he exerted in deepening the bilateral relations of the two countries. 

In an exclusive interview with ENA, Ambassador Hanefeld stated that as the two countries mark 120 years of diplomatic relations, Germany regards itself one of Ethiopia's closest allies in Africa.

“This is a very special year, as we are celebrating 120 years of diplomatic relations between our two countries. Germany has always considered itself to be a very good friend of Ethiopia, and I think we have had bilateral relations which reflect this in many ways. I myself have had the privilege of being ambassador to Ethiopia,” he underscored.

Reflecting on his tenure in Ethiopia, Ambassador Hanefeld noted that the East African nation has been undertaking a far-reaching homegrown economic reform.

Particularly, he commended its ongoing macroeconomic and financial sector reforms.

“Frankly speaking, the economic reforms, the homegrown economic reform, which is still being implemented in Ethiopia, is a very brave, courageous and encouraging development. This is something which we strongly support, not only through our membership in the international financial institutions like the IMF and the World Bank, but also in a bilateral sense,” the ambassador stated.       

  

Currently, Ethiopia has initiated significant economic reforms that have earned global acclamation, particularly from international financial institutions like the IMF and World Bank.

These reform, part of a Homegrown Economic Reform Agenda of the nation, aims to transition Ethiopia towards a more inclusive and private sector-led growth model, it was learned. 

Recognizing Ethiopia as Germany’s largest development partner, Hanefeld elaborated his country’s continued commitment to advancing Ethiopia’s journey toward a prosperous future.

“Ethiopia is the biggest development partner of Germany in the world. And I think this is a highlight of the fact that we are engaged in helping Ethiopia develop towards a future which will serve all of its people in a peaceful and prosperous manner,” the ambassador revealed.

He finally emphasized the importance of the bilateral relationship, its strength and the good prospects for the two countries’ future.