Addis Ababa, October 23, 2025 (FMC) – World Bank Managing Director for Operations Anna Bjerde has commended Ethiopia’s impressive progress under its comprehensive reform agenda, citing tangible gains across major economic indicators.
Ethiopian Minister of Finance Ahmed Shide met with Bjerde in Washington to discuss strengthening strategic partnerships on priority development initiatives, ongoing structural reforms, and innovative financing mechanisms that support Ethiopia’s growth trajectory.
Minister Ahmed acknowledged the World Bank’s crucial technical and financial contributions to Ethiopia’s transformation agenda, noting its key role in economic modernization, productivity enhancement, and private sector development efforts aimed at job creation and improved living standards.
He pointed out that the World Bank remains one of Ethiopia’s most reliable partners, with an active portfolio exceeding USD 15 billion across critical sectors. He emphasized that continued engagement from the institution is vital to advancing employment generation, sustainable infrastructure expansion, and human capital development.
Bjerde, for her part, praised the Ethiopian government’s reform performance, highlighting notable achievements in curbing inflation, expanding exports, mobilizing domestic revenues to strengthen fiscal stability, and improving the business environment. She urged the government to sustain strong implementation momentum to consolidate progress and deepen reform outcomes.
The meeting concluded with both sides reaffirming their commitment to closer collaboration. The officials underscored the continued importance of World Bank and International Monetary Fund support in ensuring the successful implementation of Ethiopia’s reform agenda, which aims to drive inclusive growth and sustainable development.