Ethiopia’s Landmark Participation at the G20 Summit: A New Era for African Development
Addis Ababa, November 23, 2025 – Ethiopia has achieved significant milestones in advancing its national development agenda and enhancing global partnerships, as articulated by Finance Minister Ahmed Shide following the historic G20 Summit, the first of its kind hosted in Africa.
Ethiopia at the G20 Summit: Key Contributions
Ethiopia’s Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed led a high-level delegation, engaging in numerous bilateral and multilateral discussions that underscored the nation’s pivotal role in the African landscape. The summit served as a platform to advocate for sustainable development and international cooperation while amplifying Africa’s economic priorities.
Championing African Aspirations
During the summit, Ethiopia emphasized its development strategy, echoing the aspirations of various African nations. The discussions revolved around sustainable growth, highlighting the importance of continued support from global financial institutions. Minister Ahmed specifically pointed out the role of the Global Fund in bolstering Ethiopia’s access to grant programs, asserting that Ethiopia stands as a major beneficiary committed to the success of these initiatives.
Showcasing a Model Health System
Ethiopia’s comprehensive health system was showcased as a prime example of effective utilization of international assistance. This not only reinforced Ethiopia’s commitment to health and development but also set a benchmark for other African nations aiming for similar goals.
High-Level Discussions and Economic Reform
The summit featured important dialogues between Prime Minister Abiy and South African President Cyril Ramaphosa. Their conversations focused on enhancing continental cooperation, promoting South African investments in Ethiopia, and aligning developmental goals across the region. Recognizing Addis Ababa as a model for urban development in Africa was a significant highlight of these talks.
Inclusive Global Economic Cooperation
In his address, Prime Minister Abiy called for inclusive global economic cooperation. He delineated priorities for both Ethiopia and the continent at large, including technology integration, climate action initiatives, and the pursuit of sustainable development goals. His emphasis on Africa’s growing influence in shaping global policy agendas resonated throughout the summit.
Strengthening Global Partnerships
Ethiopia’s interactions with international partners during the summit proved to be fruitful. The International Monetary Fund (IMF) recognized the nation’s ongoing macroeconomic reforms and reaffirmed its commitment to supporting Ethiopia’s future climate and development initiatives.
Financial Backing from Major Institutions
Similarly, the World Bank expressed readiness to expand support through programmatic and financial backing, including key investments like the Bishoftu Mega Airport project. The African Development Bank (AfDB) recognized Ethiopia as a model for development on the continent, reinforcing Ethiopia’s pivotal role in African growth.
Continued Collaboration on Strategic Projects
The new AfDB President extended gratitude to Prime Minister Abiy while promising sustained collaboration on strategic projects, particularly financing initiatives such as the Bishoftu Mega Airport.
A Historic Summit for Africa
The G20 Summit marks a milestone for Africa, with Ethiopia championing the continent’s priorities and pushing for sustainable development. Ethiopia’s involvement not only strengthens its role in global discourse but also sets the stage for future growth and cooperation among African nations.
By engaging actively in the G20 Summit, Ethiopia has showcased its determination to lead the charge for progressive change in Africa, building strategic partnerships with international stakeholders for a brighter, sustainable future.
