Washington: Ethiopia’s Finance Minister recently engaged in discussions with U.S. Treasury and State Department officials on the sidelines of the 2025 World Bank Group and International Monetary Fund (IMF) Annual Meetings. These discussions centered around Ethiopia’s ongoing economic reforms and the nation’s efforts to strengthen economic ties with the United States.
According to Ethiopian News Agency, Finance Minister Ahmed provided an update on Ethiopia’s progress in implementing its Homegrown Economic Reform agenda. He emphasized the government’s commitment to enhancing transparency, governance, and improving the business and investment climate. Key areas of mutual interest discussed included continued U.S. support for Ethiopia’s economic reforms through multilateral development banks and the IMF, as well as opportunities to deepen trade and investment ties between the two nations.
U.S. officials acknowledged Ethiopia’s reform efforts and expressed their readiness to support the country’s economic transformation through technical assistance, private sector engagement, and collaboration with international financial institutions. Both parties agreed to maintain close dialogue and cooperation to advance shared economic priorities and promote sustainable growth.
Separately, Finance Minister Ahmed met with Martina Polasek, Secretary-General of the World Bank Group International Centre for Settlement of Investment Disputes (ICSID), to discuss Ethiopia’s accession and ratification process for ICSID membership. This meeting aimed to enhance investor confidence and promote a transparent, rules-based investment environment in Ethiopia.
During the discussion, the Minister reiterated the government’s dedication to creating an investor-friendly business climate, noting that ICSID membership would enhance legal certainty for investors and further integrate Ethiopia into the global investment community. Polasek welcomed Ethiopia’s interest in joining ICSID and offered technical support and guidance throughout the membership process, highlighting that this move would underscore Ethiopia’s commitment to international best practices in investment protection and dispute resolution.
Both sides agreed to maintain close engagement to advance the membership process and promote investor confidence as part of Ethiopia’s broader economic reform and investment facilitation efforts.