27 March 2026
Italy is strengthening its economic diplomacy in Ethiopia by promoting its public-private model in infrastructure, urban regeneration and design. Through business forums, bilateral meetings and soft power initiatives, Rome is positioning its companies as key partners in Ethiopia’s development and WTO accession path.
What happened: Italy’s Undersecretary for Foreign Affairs Maria Tripodi visited Ethiopia, where she opened the plenary session of the first business forum focused on urban regeneration and infrastructure.
- The event was held alongside Ethiopia’s Finance Minister Ahmed Shide and Addis Ababa Mayor Adanech Abebe.
Why it matters: The visit highlights Italy’s push to expand its economic diplomacy in Africa, positioning its companies and public-private model as partners for development projects in fast-growing markets like Ethiopia.
The details: The forum showcased Italy’s “Sistema Italia” approach, combining government backing with private sector capabilities.
- 25 Italian companies took part, supported by institutions including SACE, Cassa Depositi e Prestiti, Italian Trade Agency and Simest.
- Firms presented technologies and solutions developed in Italy and across Europe in infrastructure and urban renewal.
- Tripodi said Italy offers “cutting-edge solutions” in both sectors, framing them as tools for sustainable development.
Zoom in: Tripodi also served as the only international keynote speaker at the “Invest in Ethiopia High-Level Business Forum 2026,” which gathered business representatives from more than 60 countries.
Behind the scenes: On the sidelines, Tripodi held bilateral meetings with Ethiopian officials:
- With Finance Minister Ahmed Shide, discussions focused on economic diplomacy and investment cooperation.
- Talks with the Vice Minister of Justice addressed legal cooperation projects.
- A meeting with the Vice Minister of Trade and Regional Integration covered trade ties and Ethiopia’s accession process to the World Trade Organization.
The soft power angle: The visit also included an event at “Villa Italia,” the Italian ambassador’s residence, as part of the global “Italian Design Day.”
- More than 100 business leaders and experts attended.
- Italian design ambassador Francesco Galli joined the initiative.
- Tripodi highlighted design and urban regeneration as key tools to strengthen bilateral ties and promote innovation-driven growth.
- “The excellence of design and urban regeneration are levers for sustainable development and innovation with which Italy promotes and strengthens relations with Ethiopia.”
The bottom line: Italy is combining industrial know-how, financial tools and cultural diplomacy to deepen its footprint in Ethiopia—part of a broader strategy to scale up its economic presence across Africa.
(Photo: X, @tripodimaria)