Addis Ababa, February 9, 2026 (FMC) — Ethiopia and the Development Partners Group (DPG) on Sunday reaffirmed their commitment to inclusive growth, resilience, and sustainable peace, pledging to strengthen a results-oriented partnership aligned with national priorities.
The commitment was underscored during the High-Level Development Forum (HLDF), convened in Addis Ababa and attended by senior government officials, ambassadors, representatives of development agencies, and international financial institutions.
Discussions at the forum focused on two main pillars: inclusive and sustainable development, and the national dialogue and peacebuilding process. The meeting came at what participants described as a pivotal stage in Ethiopia’s reform trajectory.
Ethiopia is continuing structural transformation through macroeconomic and sectoral reforms while advancing nationwide peacebuilding efforts aimed at securing lasting stability.
Finance Minister Ahmed Shide said Ethiopia remains committed to inclusive development and sustainable peace through the full implementation of its reform agenda. He cited sustained economic performance, noting that real GDP growth has averaged seven percent over the past seven years, driven by the Ten-Year Development Plan and investments in agriculture, manufacturing, infrastructure, digital transformation, human capital, and green growth.
Planning and Development Minister Fitsum Assefa said Ethiopia recorded economic growth of 9.2 percent in the 2024/25 fiscal year and is projected to reach 10.2 percent in 2025/26.
She said sustainable development requires resilience, social cohesion, and strong national ownership, stressing the importance of predictable and strategic international partnerships during Ethiopia’s ongoing transition.
Participants at the forum reaffirmed that effective development cooperation should be aligned with national priorities, strengthen implementation capacity, and ensure predictable support. The HLDF was described as a trusted platform for coordination, transparency, and mutual accountability in advancing the Sustainable Development Goals.
A dedicated session on peacebuilding highlighted the importance of inclusive and nationally owned solutions. Peace Minister Mohammed Edris described the National Dialogue as a national imperative and outlined a peace agenda centered on dialogue, disarmament, demobilization and reintegration (DDR), and transitional justice. He also pointed to legal reforms aimed at expanding civic engagement and protecting freedom of expression.
“Partnership in peacebuilding is partnership in Ethiopia’s future,” he said.
The forum further emphasized the role of governance reform, the rule of law, and civic participation in restoring trust and supporting recovery. Participants called for stronger coherence among humanitarian, development, and peace initiatives to address multidimensional risks.
Foreign Affairs Minister Gedion Timothewos briefed participants on Ethiopia’s preparations to host COP32 in 2027, describing the summit as an economic catalyst and a strategic opportunity to advance Africa’s climate agenda and mobilize investment in resilience and green development.
The government reiterated its commitment to effective development cooperation and mutual accountability, calling for multi-year predictable support, improved reporting mechanisms, and greater use of country-owned systems.
At the conclusion of the forum, Ethiopia and its development partners renewed their partnership, pledging to focus on measurable results aimed at improving livelihoods, expanding opportunities, and ensuring no one is left behind.