Ethiopia earned more than $2.48 billion from exports in the first quarter of the current Ethiopian fiscal year, Trade and Regional Integration Minister Kassahun Gofe said. The figure marks a 65% increase from the same period last year and represents 117% of the quarterly target. Key export sectors drove the growth, positioning Ethiopia to meet its $9.4 billion annual goal and advance integration with regional markets under the African Continental Free Trade Area.

The European Investment Bank (EIB) approved $110 million for Ethiopia’s Rural Financial Intermediation Program Phase III. The commitment followed Finance Minister Ahmed Shide’s meetings with EU and EIB officials during the World Bank and IMF Annual Meetings in Washington, D.C. The funding aims to expand rural financial access, support small enterprises, and boost agricultural productivity. Both sides reaffirmed their partnership to promote inclusive growth, private sector development, and sustainable economic transformation.

Ethiopia’s Finance Minister Ahmed Shide met with senior officials from the U.S. International Development Finance Corporation (DFC) in Washington, D.C., to discuss financing options for Ethiopia’s planned international airport project. The talks, held during the IMF-World Bank Annual Meetings, focused on potential U.S. investment, guarantees, and partnerships with private-sector firms. The project aims to expand passenger and cargo capacity, improve logistics efficiency, and support Ethiopia’s aviation and economic infrastructure growth.

Ethio Telecom launched Znexus, a range of affordable, cloud-powered smart devices designed to expand digital access across Ethiopia. CEO Frehiwot Tamiru said the initiative targets affordability gaps that limit internet use. The Znexus lineup includes smart feature phones, tablets, and laptops linked to Ethio Telecom’s TeleCloud platform. The company plans to distribute 3.5 million devices by year-end, supporting its Horizon Strategy for nationwide digital inclusion by 2028.

Ethiopia’s Finance Minister Ahmed Shide met The Rockefeller Foundation’s Senior Vice President for Africa, William Asiko, in Washington, D.C., to discuss sustainable development financing. Held on the sidelines of the 2025 World Bank and IMF Annual Meetings, the talks focused on collaboration in macroeconomic management, climate adaptation, and resilience financing. Asiko confirmed that Ethiopia will join the Foundation’s Acceleration Program to improve access to rapid climate and sustainability financing tools.

The 5th Pakistan-Africa Trade Development Conference and Made in Pakistan Exhibition opened in Addis Ababa to boost business and investment ties. The three-day event, organized by Pakistan’s Commerce Ministry and Trade Development Authority, featured over 100 exporters engaging with African partners. Officials from both countries said the platform will expand trade, promote industrial cooperation, and attract investment in textiles, pharmaceuticals, engineering, and agricultural products across the region.