On 9 July 2026, FSD Ethiopia convened its Stakeholder Summit under the theme “From Inception to Enduring Impact,” bringing together government leaders, regulators, development partners, financial institutions and market actors for an afternoon of appreciation, reflection and forward-looking dialogue.

In her welcome remarks, Hikmet Abdella, CEO of FSD Ethiopia, reflected on the organisation’s evolution and expectations for its next chapter:

“The theme, ‘From Inception to Enduring Impact,’ reflects where FSD Ethiopia stands today.”

She also acknowledged the Government of Ethiopia, regulators, financial institutions, implementing partners, members of the Board and the FSD Ethiopia team, giving particular recognition to the UK FCDO and the Gates Foundation for their continued partnership, guidance and support.

Delivering the opening remarks, Admassu Tadesse, Board Chairperson of FSD Ethiopia, emphasised institutional maturity, selectivity and sustained local ownership:

“The next phase should be judged less by how much FSD Ethiopia does and more by what Ethiopian institutions and markets are able to do as a result of its involvement.”

He similarly recognised the contribution of public institutions, development partners, market actors, Board members and staff, noting that FSD Ethiopia’s progress has been built through collective effort, trust and sustained collaboration.

In his high-level address, H.E. Ahmed Shide, Minister of Finance, placed the Summit within Ethiopia’s wider economic reform agenda and stressed enduring impact must ultimately be felt by households, businesses & communities:

“For the Government, enduring impact means building an economy that is stable, productive and competitive.”

He also underscored the importance of extending economic opportunity to women, young people, rural communities, small enterprises and underserved groups.

Reflecting on the UK’s partnership with Ethiopia and FSD Ethiopia, Amanda McLoughlin OBE, Development Director at the British Embassy Addis Ababa, highlighted, that “the foundations are laid, and the next chapter is about bringing them to life.”

She emphasised the need for deeper liquidity, more issuers, a broader range of financial instruments and stronger links between Ethiopia’s long-term savings and investment needs, while ensuring that the benefits reach households and small businesses.

Speaking on behalf of the Gates Foundation, Abebe Abebayehu Chekol, Deputy Director for Program Advocacy and Communications, reflected on Ethiopia’s financial-inclusion journey and importance of moving towards meaningful use of financial services.

He highlighted the role of digital public infrastructure, sustained government leadership and collaboration among regulators, development partners and the private sector in extending economic opportunity, particularly to rural communities and smallholder farmers.