Addis Ababa:Ethiopia and the World Bank have agreed to enhance their strategic partnership to promote private sector-led growth, create jobs, and bolster the country's economic resilience.
According to Ethiopian News Agency, Finance Minister Ahmed Shide and National Bank of Ethiopia Governor Eyob Tekalign engaged in discussions with World Bank officials, including Managing Director of Operations Anna Bjerde and Regional Vice President for Eastern and Southern Africa Ndiam© Diop.
The discussions highlighted Ethiopia's ongoing economic reform agenda, aimed at improving domestic revenue mobilization, enhancing the business environment, and expanding opportunities for private sector development. Minister Shide expressed gratitude for the World Bank's continued support, including budget support operations.
World Bank Managing Director Anna Bjerde acknowledged Ethiopia's progress in its reform efforts and reiterated the World Bank's commitment to supporting the country's development goals. The discussions focused on strengthening the partnership under the new Country Partnership Framework, emphasizing a shift toward a private sector-led economy.
The two sides agreed to expand cooperation in areas such as Mission 300, the AgriConnect Compact, the E-Mobility Program, and the Water Forward Initiative. They also explored ways to increase Ethiopia's access to additional financing to enhance resilience against climate-related and external shocks.
Both parties stressed the importance of improving implementation efficiency and accelerating development outcomes through the Development Ready Initiative, aiming to deliver timely and tangible benefits to the Ethiopian people. The discussions reinforced the shared commitment to advancing Ethiopia's economic transformation and fostering sustainable and inclusive growth.
