World Bank reaffirmed continued commitment to supporting Ethiopia’s development agenda through sustained technical and financial assistance, leveraging various financing instruments.

Ethiopia’s Minister of Finance, Ahmed Shide, held discussions today with Wencai Zhang, Managing Director and Chief Administrative Officer of the World Bank.

During the meeting, the Minister briefed Zhang on the Government’s ongoing macroeconomic reform program aimed at facilitating the transition to a private-sector-led economy, diversifying economic growth, advancing the digital economy and tourism, and promoting regional integration through the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) and enhanced regional connectivity.

The Minister expressed his appreciation for the World Bank’s substantial support across critical sectors, underscoring its important role in advancing Ethiopia’s reform and development priorities.

The two sides reviewed the progress of the strategic partnership between Ethiopia and the World Bank, with particular emphasis on ongoing budget support operations and project financing aligned with national development objectives.

Wencai Zhang commended the Government of Ethiopia for the bold progress made in implementing macroeconomic reforms, including advances in debt restructuring.

He reaffirmed the World Bank’s continued commitment to supporting Ethiopia’s development agenda through sustained technical and financial assistance, leveraging various financing instruments, including the Growth and Regional Opportunities Window, in addition to country allocations.