Ethiopia’s Minister of Finance, Ahmed Shide, and Ethiopian Airlines Group CEO Mesfin Tasew met with Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) President Zou Jiayi on Wednesday during her first official visit to Ethiopia since assuming office.

The discussions focused on expanding AIIB’s support for Ethiopia’s development priorities, including potential financing for the planned Bishoftu International Airport, as well as cooperation in the energy sector and climate-related projects.

The sides also explored concessional financing and partnerships with other multilateral development banks to mobilize additional resources for major infrastructure and development projects.

Minister Ahmed briefed President Zou on the progress of Ethiopia’s economic reform agenda and highlighted major infrastructure achievements, including the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD). He also outlined potential areas where AIIB could support Ethiopia’s development priorities.

President Zou recognized Ethiopia’s role as a regional anchor, particularly in advancing regional power integration, and reaffirmed AIIB’s commitment to supporting the country’s infrastructure agenda.

Both sides agreed to deepen cooperation and advance their shared commitment to sustainable and inclusive infrastructure development.