Addis Ababa, July 29, 2026 (FMC) — Ethiopia has joined the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA)-led Transforming Health Financing in Africa Initiative (THFAI) as one of four early-adopter countries, marking a new step in efforts to advance sustainable and innovative health financing reforms.
The initiative, led by UNECA, aims to support African countries in strengthening health financing through domestic resource mobilization, policy reforms and innovative financing mechanisms.
During a meeting with UNECA Executive Secretary Claver Gatete, Finance Minister Ahmed Shide welcomed Ethiopia’s participation in the initiative, saying it aligns with the country’s efforts to strengthen domestic resource mobilization and explore innovative financing solutions for social services.
Ahmed emphasized the importance of viewing health financing as an investment in human capital, productivity and economic growth rather than solely as social spending.
He said Ethiopia’s engagement in the initiative would support efforts to strengthen domestic health financing, attract private sector investment, improve value for money and mobilize innovative financing while maintaining fiscal and debt sustainability.
Through the initiative, Ethiopia will receive technical and analytical support, including a comprehensive assessment of macroeconomic and fiscal factors affecting health financing. The findings are expected to help inform evidence-based policies and strategies while identifying practical approaches to strengthen sustainable health financing and investment.
Ahmed reaffirmed Ethiopia’s readiness to work closely with the Ministry of Health, UNECA and other relevant stakeholders to advance the initiative and share the country’s experiences with other African nations.
Gatete commended Ethiopia’s commitment and underscored the importance of innovative and sustainable health financing solutions in advancing Africa’s development agenda.
The two sides agreed to establish a joint technical team to oversee implementation, guide analytical work and policy dialogue, and strengthen coordination to improve health sector financing. The initiative will also seek to position Ethiopia’s experience as a model for other African countries pursuing sustainable health financing reforms.