Ethiopia and World Bank review reform progress and expand strategic development cooperation

Addis Ababa, January 26, 2026 (FMC) — Ethiopia’s Minister of Finance, Ahmed Shide, held discussions today with Wencai Zhang, Managing Director and Chief Administrative Officer of the World Bank, here in Addis Ababa, focusing on the country’s ongoing macroeconomic reforms and development partnership.

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

The Minister expressed appreciation for the World Bank’s extensive support across key sectors, underscoring the institution’s role in advancing Ethiopia’s reform agenda and national development priorities.

Both sides reviewed the status of the Ethiopia–World Bank strategic partnership, with particular focus on ongoing budget support operations and project financing aligned with the country’s development objectives.

Mr. Zhang commended the Government of Ethiopia for the progress achieved in implementing macroeconomic reforms, including steps taken in debt restructuring.

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