Minister of Finance Meets CEOs of Bayer Global, Africa50 to Forge Collaboration

Addis Ababa, October 21, 2025 (ENA) -Ethiopia’s Minister of Finance Ahmed Shide met with Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Bayer AG, Bill Anderson and CEO of Africa50, Alain Ebobissé to discuss on ways of strengthening collaboration and partnership with Ethiopia.

The Minister of Finance and Chief CEO of Bayer AG discussed on potential partnership and investment opportunities in Ethiopia’s rapidly expanding pharmaceutical sector.

During the discussion, Ahmed highlighted Ethiopia’s strong economic fundamentals and competitive advantages, noting that the country is among the fastest-growing economies and populations in Africa, according to Ministry of Finance.

He also emphasized the government’s commitment to fostering a supportive investment environment that encourages international partnerships in high-impact sectors such as pharmaceuticals.

The meeting also covered areas of collaboration to strengthen local production of essential medicines.

Minister Ahmed underscored Ethiopia’s strategic location and logistical advantages — including Ethiopian Airlines’ extensive cargo network and Addis Ababa’s role as host of the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) — which position Ethiopia as an ideal hub for regional pharmaceutical manufacturing and distribution.

He further outlined the government’s investment incentives, including the Kilinto Industrial Park dedicated to pharmaceutical manufacturing, substantial tax exemptions, and a robust regulatory framework that ensures quality and investor confidence.

CEO of Bayer AG Anderson on his part commended the Ethiopian government’s vision and readiness for collaboration and expressed Bayer’s interest in further exploring potential investment opportunities to support Ethiopia’s efforts in expanding access to essential medicines and strengthening its pharmaceutical capacity.

In similar development, the Minister of Finance with CEO of Africa50 to discuss collaboration on high-impact infrastructure development

Minister Ahmed emphasized that infrastructure development remains a top national priority and the critical need to secure adequate financing to deliver impactful projects. He underscored the importance of innovative and blended financing solutions to bridge this gap.

Ahmed emphasized that infrastructure development remains a top national priority and the critical need to secure adequate financing to deliver impactful projects. He underscored the importance of innovative and blended financing solutions to bridge this gap.

Mentioning the energy sector, the Minister highlighted the potential of green energy investments and regional initiatives such as Mission 300, which aim to expand access to sustainable power and drive economic transformation across Africa.

For his part, Ebobissé reaffirmed Africa50’s commitment to working closely with the Government of Ethiopia to structure and implement impactful infrastructure projects that accelerate the country’s growth and enhance regional connectivity.