Ethiopia, EIB Global Deepen Strategic Partnership to Mobilize Investment, Accelerate Economic Transformation

Addis Ababa, October 29, 2026 (ENA)— Ethiopia and European Investment Bank (EIB) Global vowed to deepen strategic partnership to mobilize investment and accelerate economic transformation, according to Ministry of Finance.

State Minister of Finance, Tiguist Fisseha met with an EIB Global delegation led by Andrew McDowell, Director General, and Christophe Litt, Head of the Financial Inclusion Division.

Discussions were focused on aligning EIB’s financing, technical expertise, and European partnerships with Ethiopia’s national priorities and long-term growth ambitions.

The two sided reaffirmed their strategic partnership to mobilize investment, expand private sector financing, advance green finance, and accelerate strategic infrastructure development and regional integration in support of Ethiopia’s economic transformation.

Talks advance 190 million Euro in financing for rural finance and energy, alongside discussions on Bishoftu International Airport.

Accordingly, 110 million Euro for rural finance that EIB financing approved for the Third Rural Financial Intermediation Program (RUFIP III), expanding access to finance and supporting rural enterprises.

Some 80 million Euro for energy and digitalization that both sides agreed to accelerate the signing and effectiveness of the Renewable, Integrated and Sustainable Energy and Digitalization (RISED) Project to modernize Ethiopia’s electricity transmission system and advance the energy transition.

Discussions explored financing opportunities for the strategic airport project, Bishoftu International Airport, which will strengthen Ethiopia’s aviation capacity and regional connectivity.

The two sides also explored opportunities to scale up private investment in energy through public-private partnerships, complementing Ethiopia’s hydropower, wind, and solar investments.

State Minister Tiguist outlined progress under the second phase of Ethiopia’s Homegrown Economic Reform Agenda, emphasizing macroeconomic stability, economic diversification, financial sector modernization, a competitive investment environment, and private sector-led growth.

She highlighted Ethiopia’s priorities of mobilizing long-term investment, expanding access to finance, accelerating digital transformation, modernizing agriculture, strengthening domestic manufacturing, and creating productive jobs for its growing youth population.

She underscored opportunities to deepen cooperation with EIB Global in three areas: mobilizing private capital, expanding financing for small and medium-sized enterprises, and directing investment toward productive, export-oriented sectors.

She also emphasized developing Ethiopia’s green finance ecosystem and capital markets, including laying the groundwork for future green bond issuances.

The discussions also highlighted the European Union’s Global Gateway strategy as a platform to mobilize European investment in strategic infrastructure and strengthen regional economic integration.

State Minister Tiguist noted Ethiopia’s ambition to serve as a regional hub for trade, logistics, energy connectivity, and industrial development.

She emphasized opportunities in cross-border transport, regional energy interconnections, and trade facilitation to strengthen economic links across the Horn of Africa.

On Bishoftu International Airport, both sides recognized the project’s strategic potential to expand aviation capacity, strengthen regional connectivity, and position Ethiopia as a gateway for trade, investment, and wider regional economic integration.

On his part, EIB Global Commitment Director General McDowell reaffirmed EIB Global’s commitment to supporting Ethiopia’s development priorities.

He emphasized the Bank’s expertise in regional integration, energy, transport, and digital connectivity, as well as opportunities for technical cooperation and co-financing with European and multilateral partners.

Both sides committed to deepening the partnership and mobilizing investment and expertise in support of Ethiopia’s economic transformation, private sector growth, sustainable infrastructure, and regional integration.