Ethiopia has recorded a historic US$32.1 billion in foreign revenue for the 2024/25 fiscal year, up from US$24.7 billion the previous year, according to the National Bank of Ethiopia (NBE). The announcement, made during the Ethiopian Finance Forum in Addis Ababa, signals growing investor confidence and the positive impact of Ethiopia’s sweeping economic reforms.
Finance Minister Ahmed Shide attributed the surge to structural reforms across key sectors including agriculture, manufacturing, tourism, and mining. He noted that fiscal discipline has become a cornerstone of the government’s new financial strategy.
“For the first time, we have ceased borrowing from the National Bank, marking a major milestone in our economic transformation,” Shide stated.
The Ethiopian Finance Forum brought together government officials, economists, and private sector leaders to discuss macroeconomic policy, sustainable development, and regional trade. NBE Governor Mamo Mihretu emphasized that Ethiopia’s progress reflects its long-standing commitment to independence and sovereignty, while also acknowledging lingering challenges like inflation and foreign exchange shortages.
“Under Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed’s leadership, Ethiopia has taken decisive steps to eradicate poverty as a foundation for attaining comprehensive sovereignty,” Mihretu said, citing inflation reduction by 50% as a sign of policy success.
Recent reforms have also enabled the operational launch of Foreign Exchange Bureaus, improving access to foreign currency and easing business transactions.
Looking forward, Ethiopia is intensifying efforts to deepen regional integration and boost private sector engagement. Strategic investments in cross-border infrastructure and digital connectivity are positioning the country as a trade hub in the Horn of Africa.
The government’s pro-growth agenda aims to ensure long-term financial stability, inclusive growth, and expanded private investment—core tenets of Ethiopia’s economic vision for the future.
