French President Emmanuel Macron and Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed presided over the signing of a €54.6 million (approximately 3.6 billion Birr) loan agreement at the National Palace today. The agreement, aimed at bolstering bilateral development, serves as a cornerstone of Macron’s official visit to the capital. The funds are expected to support key infrastructure and social sectors, marking a significant step in the financial partnership between Paris and Addis Ababa.
Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed received President Macron at Bole International Airport earlier this morning with a formal welcoming ceremony. This visit marks Macron’s third official trip to Ethiopia, signaling a sustained effort to deepen diplomatic ties and economic cooperation. In a statement shared on social media, Prime Minister Abiy emphasized that the visit reflects the long-standing friendship between the two nations and provides a platform to further solidify their strategic bond.
High-level discussions between the two leaders focused on a broad spectrum of cooperation, including regional peace and security, trade relations, and development partnerships. Beyond the immediate financial agreement, the talks aimed at addressing the volatile security architecture in the Horn of Africa. Both leaders expressed a commitment to collaborative efforts in maintaining stability, which remains a priority for French foreign policy in the region.
The partnership highlights France’s ongoing role as a primary European partner in Ethiopia’s modernization efforts. Historically, French cooperation has been concentrated in heritage preservation—most notably the restoration of the Lalibela churches—as well as renewable energy projects and educational exchanges. This latest loan agreement expands that portfolio, transition from cultural preservation to more direct economic stimulation.
As the visit concludes, observers note that the strengthened ties come at a critical time for Ethiopia’s economic reform agenda. While the loan provides much-needed capital, it also reaffirms France’s influence in East Africa. The two heads of state are expected to continue technical-level dialogues to ensure the effective implementation of the newly signed agreement across the targeted sectors.