H.E. Dr. Eyob Tekalign (PhD), Governor of the National Bank of Ethiopia, held a high-level meeting with Mr. Leslie Maasdorp, Chief Executive Officer of British International Investment (BII), for a substantive exchange on Ethiopia’s ongoing economic transformation and expanded investment opportunities.
The discussion centered on Ethiopia’s far-reaching economic reforms, with particular focus on the financial sector. Mr. Maasdorp commended the courageous reform measures undertaken by the NBE, acknowledging the tangible results already achieved, including price stability, financial deepening, foreign exchange liberalization and the opening of the banking sector to greater competition. Both parties engaged in an in-depth dialogue on the current trajectory of banking and financial sector reform in Ethiopia, reflecting the shared recognition of the sector’s pivotal role in sustaining growth.
BII outlined its strategic priority sectors in Ethiopia under its new strategy, which includes financial services, financial inclusion, sustainable financing, and infrastructure, particularly in the energy space — all of which Governor Eyob attested are squarely aligned with Ethiopia’s national economic reform agenda. Furthermore, the Governor warmly welcomed BII’s growing presence in Ethiopia, applauding the recent increase in investment allocations to its Ethiopian portfolio and encouraging continued and deepened engagement. He reaffirmed the NBE’s unwavering commitment to sustaining reform momentum and its ongoing efforts and collaboration with key stakeholders to navigate both regional and global economic headwinds.
