Ethiopia, Netherlands Forge Deeper Partnership on Human-Centered Development

Addis Ababa, September 17, 2025 (ENA) -- Ethiopia and the Netherlands are entering a new chapter in their long-standing relationship, shifting from traditional aid and knowledge-sharing toward a model grounded in human-centered development.

This renewed partnership places greater emphasis on trade, investment, and job creation as the engines of sustainable growth.

At a high-level joint meeting, State Minister of Finance, Semereta Sewasew underscored that the partnership will increasingly rely on innovative approaches, particularly blended finance, to ensure that social development and corporate investment reinforce one another.

She further emphasized that, despite current challenges, Ethiopia continues to be an attractive destination for investors as it pursues broad economic reforms.

The discussions also highlighted Ethiopia’s national priorities, which include stabilizing the macroeconomy, strengthening private sector participation, and advancing key sectors such as food systems, health, water, and sanitation.

 

Presentations from the Ethiopian delegation underlined the country’s integrated development approach and pointed to new areas of collaboration.

On their part, the Dutch delegation, comprising senior officials and policy advisors from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, stressed their commitment to strengthening policy integration and enhancing the coherence of Dutch-supported programs.

Ambassador Christine Pirenne reiterated the importance of aligning shared priorities, particularly in agriculture and smallholder support, as the Netherlands Country Team prepares its upcoming multi-annual strategy.

 

Ethiopia, meanwhile, presented a compelling case for mutually beneficial cooperation by showcasing opportunities in agribusiness, logistics, and clean energy, while also highlighting its role in promoting regional stability, the ambassador said, adding special attention was directed toward inviting Dutch private sector investment in green industries and export-driven growth sectors.

Both governments reaffirmed their dedication to policy coherence and practical integration, thereby laying the groundwork for a refreshed cooperation framework, one that is sustainable, inclusive, and firmly centered on people-oriented development.