Addis Ababa, October 14, 2025 (FMC) – Waleed Al-Bahar, Acting Director General of the Kuwait Fund for Arab Economic Development, commended Ethiopia’s economic vision and early reform achievements during a high-level meeting with Finance Minister Ahmed Shide on the sidelines of the 2025 World Bank and IMF Annual Meetings in Washington, D.C.S.
The discussions focused on strengthening the longstanding partnership between Ethiopia and the Kuwait Fund, with emphasis on ongoing economic reforms, priority development projects, and opportunities to expand the Fund’s engagement.
During the meeting, Mr. Ahmed Shide provided an overview of Ethiopia’s macroeconomic reform efforts, including the debt restructuring process, and highlighted key development priorities.
He stressed the importance of private sector growth and transport infrastructure, particularly the financing of Ethiopia’s new international mega airport, where the Fund’s support remains crucial.
In response, Al-Bahar reaffirmed the Kuwait Fund’s commitment to financing large-scale infrastructure and other strategic projects.
He also highlighted the importance of closer coordination with the Arab Coordination Group to streamline resource mobilization and strengthen collaboration among Arab financial institutions.
Both sides agreed to deepen their partnership and accelerate the Kuwait Fund’s support for high-impact projects, reinforcing Ethiopia’s path toward sustainable economic growth.