ADDIS ABABA - Ethiopia’s macroeconomic reform agenda and prospects for expanding United States investment featured prominently in talks between Finance Minister Ahmed Shide and U.S. Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau in Addis Ababa this week.
The meeting, attended by Planning & Development Minister Fitsum Assefa and National Bank Governor Eyob Tekalign, focused on progress under Ethiopia’s reform programme, which has included exchange rate adjustments, fiscal consolidation and efforts to improve the investment climate. Ethiopian officials said the measures are beginning to stabilise the economy and open more competitive opportunities across priority sectors.
Ahmed highlighted the role of bilateral and multilateral partnerships in supporting the reform agenda, expressing appreciation for recent U.S. commitments to Ethiopia’s health sector and continued engagement through international financial institutions.
Discussions also extended to large-scale infrastructure development, including Ethiopia’s planned New International Airport Project. The finance minister underscored the project’s importance for trade facilitation, regional connectivity and long-term economic growth, while encouraging participation by U.S. financial institutions and contractors.
Landau welcomed the progress reported under the reform programme and signalled Washington’s interest in expanding U.S. private sector engagement in Ethiopia. He reaffirmed the United States’ commitment to strengthening economic cooperation with Ethiopia.
Both sides said they aim to deepen bilateral ties, with a particular focus on private investment and sustainable economic development.
