Keypoints:
- Ministers meet at IMF–World Bank talks
- Focus on trade, investment, infrastructure growth
- Joint team to map new cooperation roadmap
ETHIOPIA and Qatar have agreed to expand their economic and development cooperation following a high-level meeting on the sidelines of the 2025 World Bank Group and International Monetary Fund Annual Meetings in Washington, DC
Ethiopia’s Minister of Finance, Ahmed Shide, met with Qatar’s Minister of Finance, Ali bin Ahmed Al Kuwari, and the Director-General of the Qatar Fund for Development, Fahad Hamad Al-Sulaiti, to discuss a strategic roadmap for bilateral partnership. The talks centred on enhancing collaboration in infrastructure, private investment, and development assistance.
‘Ethiopia highly values Qatar partnership’
Minister Shide reaffirmed Ethiopia’s commitment to strengthening its relationship with Qatar, describing the Gulf nation as a vital partner in supporting Ethiopia’s growth ambitions.
‘Ethiopia highly values its partnership with the State of Qatar,’ he said. ‘There is significant potential to enhance collaboration, and our government remains committed to facilitating Qatari investments in key sectors such as manufacturing, agriculture, tourism, and services.’
He highlighted the country’s ongoing economic reforms and improving investment climate, noting that Ethiopia is working to attract long-term, sustainable partnerships that can boost industrialisation and job creation.
Qatar praises Ethiopia’s reform agenda
Qatar’s Minister of Finance, Ali bin Ahmed Al Kuwari, praised Ethiopia’s reform efforts and reaffirmed Doha’s interest in deepening bilateral relations.
He said Qatar was keen to explore new investment opportunities in Africa’s second most populous nation, noting Ethiopia’s strong economic potential.
‘We see great potential in Ethiopia’s economic diversification and reform drive,’ Al Kuwari said. ‘Qatar looks forward to developing impactful trade and investment projects that benefit both our nations.’
Qatar Fund for Development pledges support
Fahad Hamad Al-Sulaiti, Director-General of the Qatar Fund for Development, expressed readiness to support initiatives that promote inclusive growth, trade, and sustainable development between the two countries.
He said the Fund would prioritise projects that empower local communities and strengthen economic resilience through targeted financing and technical assistance.
Joint technical team to draft roadmap
Both sides agreed to establish a joint technical team to identify specific investment projects and create a detailed roadmap for long-term cooperation.
The move marks a significant step in Ethiopia’s wider strategy to deepen partnerships with Gulf nations, attracting capital and expertise to accelerate infrastructure and industrial growth.
The agreement also reflects Qatar’s continued push to expand its development footprint in Africa through strategic investments and financial cooperation.
