Ethiopia has secured its first bilateral debt restructuring agreement under the G20 Common Framework, striking a deal with France that unlocks fresh financing and marks a key milestone in the country’s long-running efforts to resolve its sovereign debt crisis. The deal makes France the first member of the Official Creditor Committee (OCC) to finalise a bilateral restructuring agreement with Ethiopia under the G20 Common Framework, a process the Horn of Africa nation entered in early 2021 as debt pressures mounted. Total investment commitments under the Ethiopia–France partnership now exceed $717 million (€600 million), including more than $356 million (€300 million) earmarked for the energy sector to expand and modernise electricity infrastructure. Debt progressBeyond official creditors, Ethiopia is also making progress in negotiations with private bondholders after a prolonged stalemate. With one bilateral deal now secured, attention is turning to whether Ethiopia can maintain momentum with other official creditors — and translate progress on debt into durable economic recovery.

Source: Ethiopian News February 12, 2026 15:35 UTC