Ethiopia and Italy Convene in Rome to Deepen Economic Partnership and Macroeconomic Stability Initiatives

Finance Minister Ahmed Shide meets Italian officials in Rome to discuss macroeconomic reforms, private investment, and regional stability in the Horn of Africa.

By: AXL Media

Published: Mar 16, 2026, 10:42 AM EDT

Source: The information in this article was sourced from the Ethiopian News Agency

Strategic Bilateral Engagement in Rome

A high-level Ethiopian delegation, under the leadership of Minister of Finance Ahmed Shide, has arrived in Rome to participate in a series of strategic discussions aimed at revitalizing the economic relationship between Ethiopia and Italy. The visit, confirmed by the Ministry of Finance, is designed to broaden the scope of bilateral collaboration and solidify a shared vision for developmental cooperation. A pivotal moment of the visit occurred today when Minister Ahmed Shide met with Edmondo Cirielli, Italy’s Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, to address key areas of mutual interest including regional integration and sustainable economic growth.

Spotlight on Ethiopia’s Macroeconomic Reforms

During the diplomatic session, Minister Ahmed Shide provided an extensive briefing on the current status of Ethiopia’s macroeconomic reform program. He highlighted the government's systematic efforts to stabilize the national economy, enhance the overall investment climate, and ensure that future growth remains both inclusive and sustainable. The Minister extended his appreciation to the Italian government for its consistent support across various development sectors, noting that Italy remains a vital partner as Ethiopia navigates its structural economic transitions.

Italy’s High-Level Political Commitment

Deputy Minister Cirielli reaffirmed Italy’s support for Ethiopia at the highest levels of government, specifically citing the commitment of Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni. He acknowledged Ethiopia’s significant role as a stabilizing anchor in the Horn of Africa and commended the nation’s leadership for maintaining strong economic growth despite regional challenges. Cirielli emphasized that Italy intends to maintain its political and financial momentum in supporting Ethiopia’s development priorities through both direct cooperation initiatives and the promotion of private sector engagement.