Ethiopia, France Deepen Ties as PM Abiy and Macron Seal Energy and Tech Deals

Addis Ababa, May 13, 2026 —Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed and French President Emmanuel Macron held substantive bilateral discussions at the National Palace in Addis Ababa today, focusing on a wide range of issues of mutual interest between Ethiopia and France.

The leaders also oversaw the exchange of key cooperation agreements between the two countries, marking a significant step in strengthening bilateral ties in the areas of sustainable development, energy, and digital transformation.

 

Among the agreements exchanged was a €54.6 million loan for the Renewable, Integrated, Sustainable Energy and Digitalization Program, aimed at supporting Ethiopia’s green energy transition and digital development agenda.

In addition, the two sides exchanged a new Framework and Roadmap for the 150MW Geothermal Public–Private Partnership (PPP), designed to advance Ethiopia’s renewable energy expansion and attract private sector investment in geothermal power development.

 

Prime Minister Abiy, in a social media post, noted that the discussions and agreements reflect the growing partnership between Ethiopia and France and their shared commitment to sustainable growth and cooperation.

The talks underscore deepening Ethiopia–France relations, particularly in strategic sectors such as energy, infrastructure, and technology.