Ethiopia reaffirmed its longstanding partnership with Italy during the OECD Development Co-operation Peer Review of Italy held in Paris under the auspices of the OECD Development Assistance Committee.

The Ethiopian delegation was led by H.E. Semereta Sewasew, State Minister at Ethiopia’s Ministry of Finance, and accompanied by Mahlet Hailu, Ethiopia’s Ambassador to France.

In her remarks, State Minister Semereta highlighted the nearly five-decade partnership, noting Italy’s consistent support across healthcare, water and sanitation, renewable energy, agriculture, infrastructure, and coffee value chain development. Cooperation has strengthened livelihoods, promoted private sector engagement, and contributed to economic and social resilience.

She emphasized that strong political leadership has guided Ethiopia’s ambitious reforms under the Home-Grown Economic Reform Agenda. These reforms have delivered tangible results, including a reduction of the budget deficit , fivefold growth in government revenues, fivefold increase in pro-poor spending, and modernization of public finance systems to enhance transparency and accountability.

Ethiopia and Italy are delivering a €250 million Cooperation Framework for 2026–2028, complementing an active portfolio of USD 550 million in ongoing programs. Cooperation includes budget support, debt swap arrangements, food security, infrastructure, and private sector engagement in telecoms, agriculture, energy, and the upcoming Bishoftu International Airport, strengthening opportunities for inclusive growth and regional integration.
Commenting on the partnership, Stefano Gatti, Director General of Italy’s Directorate General for Development Cooperation (DGCS), said: “Our cooperation with Ethiopia reflects decades of shared commitment, trust, and tangible impact. We look forward to deepening collaboration in inclusive growth, sustainable infrastructure, and climate-resilient development.”

The State Minister expressed optimism for continued collaboration, highlighting opportunities in climate-resilient agriculture, sustainable infrastructure, and regional development, and reaffirmed Ethiopia’s commitment to peacebuilding, social cohesion, and inclusive economic transformation