AMN Plus -March 27/2026
A high-level delegation from the United States Trade and Development Agency (USTDA), led by Heather Lanigan, Regional Director for Sub-Saharan Africa, met today with Semereta Sewasew, State Minister of Finance, to discuss strategic cooperation in enhancing private sector engagement and infrastructure development in Ethiopia.
The meeting highlighted Ethiopia’s significant shift from a government-led investment model to an environment focused on private sector growth and trade relations. State Minister Semereta noted that the country’s current IMF program is instrumental in opening previously closed sectors, creating new opportunities for international partnerships.
Director Lanigan identified USTDA as the U.S. government’s “first mover” on infrastructure development in emerging markets. The agency provides critical grant capital for project preparation, including feasibility studies and technical assistance, to improve the “bankability” of large-scale projects. USTDA’s focus areas in Ethiopia align with national priorities, specifically in energy, digital infrastructure, transportation, and critical minerals.
During the discussions, Abebe Gebrehiwot from the Ministry of Finance’s Public-Private Partnership (PPP) department provided an overview of a vibrant pipeline of 36 projects that are currently open for private sector participation. He highlighted several key areas of opportunity. In the energy sector, there are five hydroelectric projects underway, along with promising prospects in solar, wind, and geothermal energy.
The logistics and transport sector is also progressing, with ongoing developments in toll roads and logistics hubs aimed at improving infrastructure and connectivity. Additionally, there is a strong call for unsolicited proposals in the digital economy, focusing on digital infrastructure and innovations to enhance public service delivery. These initiatives reflect the government’s openness to fostering private sector involvement across multiple sectors to support Ethiopia’s development goals.
The Ministry of Finance team provided detailed several landmark reforms designed to attract U.S. companies, including the opening of the banking sector, the allowance of offshore bank accounts for private operators, and the implementation of foreign currency conversion guarantees for PPP projects. Additionally, Ethiopia is modernizing its procurement systems through e-procurement audits to facilitate transparent international bidding.
State Minister Semereta emphasized that with 70% of Ethiopia’s population being youth, the government is “very keen on attracting private sector” investment to create jobs and mobilize revenue. Director Lanigan reaffirmed that USTDA’s goal is to de-risk projects for financiers and ensure U.S. companies have a “level playing field” to compete and bring high-quality technology to the Ethiopian market as to Ministry of Finance Ethiopia.
