The Ethiopian government and the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) have reaffirmed their commitment to collaborate on advancing infrastructure projects in Ethiopia.
The pledge was made during discussions in Addis Ababa between Ethiopia’s Finance Minister Ahmed Shide and AIIB President Jin Liqun.
According to a statement from the Ministry of Finance released on Thursday, the talks focused on strengthening development cooperation and aligning priorities for infrastructure growth.
Minister Shide highlighted Ethiopia’s ongoing efforts to accelerate economic growth through long-term development programs, domestic economic reforms, and initiatives aimed at empowering the private sector to drive economic progress.
He praised the AIIB for its pivotal role in supporting large-scale infrastructure projects and presented Ethiopia’s request for funding to develop critical ventures, including the construction of a new airport and renewable energy initiatives.
“The AIIB has demonstrated its value as a key financial institution in supporting transformative infrastructure projects, which are vital for advancing Ethiopia’s development agenda,” Shide said.
The discussions concluded with an agreement to collaborate on major infrastructure initiatives, underscoring the shared commitment of both parties to Ethiopia’s economic growth.
AIIB President Jin Liqun expressed the bank’s readiness to support Ethiopia’s government and citizens.
He emphasized the importance of working alongside institutions like the World Bank, the African Development Bank, and other stakeholders to bolster Ethiopia’s development efforts.
“AIIB is committed to strengthening partnerships and advancing projects that enhance infrastructure and socio-economic outcomes in Ethiopia,” Jin stated.
Headquartered in Beijing, China, the AIIB is a multilateral development bank that began operations in January 2016.
Its mission is to improve socio-economic outcomes across Asia and beyond, and its partnerships increasingly extend to African nations like Ethiopia.
The collaboration between Ethiopia and the AIIB marks a significant step toward advancing the country’s infrastructure goals, which are vital for its economic transformation.
