Ethiopia Secures Landmark Agreement for Debt Suspension and Eurobond Restructuring













In a significant move to alleviate its economic challenges, Ethiopia has secured an agreement with its bilateral creditors for a temporary suspension of debt services. This development comes as the country prepares to negotiate the restructuring of a $1 billion Eurobond due next year. Facing pressures like double-digit inflation, currency shortages, and increasing debt repayments, Ethiopia’s decision marks a crucial step towards stabilizing its economy, especially after the recent truce in the Tigray conflict.

The interim debt-service suspension, achieved amidst talks with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and under the G20’s Common Framework, is designed to give Ethiopia much-needed financial respite for 2023 and 2024. This arrangement seeks to maximize debt relief during the upcoming IMF program years while preventing a clustering of debt maturities post-program.

This move not only addresses Ethiopia’s immediate financial strains but also impacts its capacity to service other external debts, including the Eurobond. China, a key member of Ethiopia’s official creditors committee, has already agreed to suspend debt payments until July 2024. Ethiopia aims for similar concessions from other creditors, a reflection of the country’s proactive approach to managing its debt burden.

Initially seeking a debt restructure in early 2021 as part of the G20’s response to COVID-19, Ethiopia’s progress was hindered by its civil war. With over $28 billion in external debt as of March, the country’s financial health is a matter of concern. Since 2006, Chinese lenders have extended more than $14 billion in loans to Ethiopia, underscoring the significant role of external funding in its economy.

An international group of bondholders proposed extending the maturity of the 2024 bond to 2029 or 2030, suggesting an amortizing structure to ease the repayment process. This proposal, if accepted, could further aid Ethiopia in managing its debt obligations without overwhelming its financial resources.

For Ethiopia, these developments are more than just financial maneuvers. They represent a strategic effort to stabilize its economy, ensuring long-term sustainability and growth. By addressing its immediate debt challenges, Ethiopia is laying the groundwork for a more resilient and prosperous future, a crucial objective for a country emerging from the shadows of conflict and economic hardship.



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