Ethiopia and World Bank deepen partnership to accelerate sustainable growth and reforms

Addis Ababa, April 28, 2025 (FMC) – On the margins of the 2025 World Bank-IMF Spring Meetings, Ethiopia’s high-level delegation, led by Finance Minister Ahmed Shide, met with Mrs. Anna Bjerde, the World Bank’s Managing Director for Operations, to discuss the continued success of Ethiopia’s economic reforms and the path forward for sustainable growth.

The discussions underscored the strengthened partnership between Ethiopia and the World Bank, aimed at driving the country’s development agenda and fostering regional integration.

Minister Ahmed Shide, along with National Bank of Ethiopia Governor Mamo Mihretu, Senior Advisor to the Prime Minister Teklewold Atnafu, and State Minister for Finance Eyob Tekalign, highlighted the progress made in Ethiopia’s reform efforts.

These reforms, focused on modernizing the economy, enhancing fiscal stability, and promoting private sector growth, have led to notable improvements in economic resilience, despite global challenges.

Mrs. Bjerde lauded the Ethiopian government’s commitment to its reform program, noting significant achievements such as a substantial decline in inflation, a strong rise in exports—particularly in gold—and improvements in revenue mobilization.

She praised Ethiopia’s effective fiscal management and its ability to meet key macroeconomic targets, which have contributed to a more favorable business environment.

The meeting also addressed the World Bank’s ongoing support for Ethiopia’s development projects, with a focus on ensuring that the country’s reform agenda continues to advance.

Both parties expressed a shared commitment to deepening their partnership, emphasizing the importance of sustained support for Ethiopia’s long-term development goals. Mrs. Bjerde encouraged Ethiopia to maintain its momentum on key reform initiatives and to continue prioritizing projects that will boost economic growth and enhance regional connectivity.

Mr. Ahmed expressed appreciation for the World Bank’s technical and financial assistance, which has been instrumental in advancing Ethiopia’s development goals. He reaffirmed Ethiopia’s determination to unlock its full growth potential by improving productivity, creating jobs, and elevating living standards across the nation.

The meeting concluded with a renewed commitment to further collaboration, reinforcing the critical role that continued World Bank support will play in Ethiopia’s efforts to accelerate sustainable growth and achieve its development aspirations.