Ethiopia’s financial sector reforms and economic initiatives are designed to tangibly transform citizens' lives by unlocking the nation’s vast potential, Deputy Prime Minister Temesgen Tiruneh stated as he officially opened the 2026 Ethiopia Finance Forum today at the Adwa Victory Memorial.

Addressing attendees at the forum, the Deputy Prime Minister emphasized that the true measure of the country’s ongoing, wide-ranging economic and financial reforms lies not in foreign reports or statistical figures, but in the concrete improvements brought to the daily lives of the public. At the very core of the reform agenda, he noted, is ensuring that financial services reach farmers, youth, women entrepreneurs, small and medium enterprises, and communities outside major urban centers.

Highlighting that financial inclusion is a national economic strategy rather than an act of charity, Temesgen outlined key priorities under the Third National Financial Inclusion Strategy. These include expanding financial access, scaling up housing finance, developing capital markets, and leveraging digital infrastructure to accelerate job creation.

DPM Temesgen expressed confidence that Ethiopia will navigate its temporary challenges not by backing down, but by steadfastly strengthening institutional capacity and executing robust reforms. He reaffirmed that efforts to build an inclusive economic system, one that fosters broad opportunities for citizens and secures sustainable prosperity through strengthened public-private partnerships, will continue with renewed momentum.