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)
