Ethiopia and France reaffirmed their historic trade partnership and commitment to strengthening economic cooperation during a bilateral meeting held in Paris on the margins of the EU–Ethiopia Investment Conference.

Ethiopian Minister of Finance, Ahmed Shide, met with French Minister Delegate for Foreign Trade and Economic Attractiveness, Nicolas Forissier, to focus on advancing sustainable and inclusive growth and promoting increased French investment in Ethiopia. The high-level dialogue covered key sectors including industrial development, renewable energy, infrastructure, agro-processing, and digital transformation.

Minister Ahmed conveyed Ethiopia’s appreciation for France’s continued bilateral support, noting its pivotal role as the Chair of Ethiopia’s Official Creditors Committee under the G20 Common Framework for Debt Treatment, and its support through multilateral bodies like the IMF and the World Bank. 

The Minister also updated the French delegation on the significant progress being achieved under Ethiopia’s Homegrown Economic Reform Agenda, which aims to build a resilient and green economy, emphasizing ongoing efforts to enhance the investment climate through transparent policies.

French representatives commended Ethiopia’s reforms and expressed France’s readiness to strengthen cooperation via enhanced trade facilitation and new investment partnerships. 

Minister Ahmed affirmed, “Our government highly values France’s continued engagement and looks forward to deepening economic ties that support Ethiopia’s sustainable development aspirations.” 

Both sides agreed to continue their productive discussions during a forthcoming official visit by the French Minister to Ethiopia in May 2026.