Addis Ababa, Ethiopia – Ethiopia and Italy have signed a landmark €4.1 million agreement to strengthen healthcare services in Shire and Gondar hospitals, reaffirming their longstanding partnership in resilience, recovery, and development.

The agreement was signed by Ethiopia’s Minister of Finance, Ahmed Shide, and the Italian Ambassador to Ethiopia, Agostino Palese.

Speaking at the ceremony, Minister Ahmed Shide stressed the significance of the project, particularly for the Tigray and Amhara regions that have suffered conflict, displacement, and disruption of public services.

“With an investment of €4.1 million, this project will restore essential healthcare for more than 15 million people, ensuring mothers give birth safely, children receive lifesaving care, and displaced people regain dignity,” he said.

Ahmed Shide also highlighted the broader scope of Ethiopia–Italy cooperation, noting that Italy has long been a steadfast ally. Beyond health, the partnership extends to agriculture, renewable energy, education, culture, and post-conflict recovery.

Under the new Ethio–Italian Cooperation Framework totaling €250 million — with €210 million in soft loans and €40 million in grants — both countries are expanding access to essential services, creating jobs, and investing in sustainable growth.