World Bank Reaffirms Support for Ethiopia’s Reform Agenda Through Flagship Initiatives

Addis Ababa, October 14, 2025 (FMC) – The World Bank has reaffirmed its commitment to supporting Ethiopia’s development through its flagship initiatives, underscoring the importance of sustained partnership in advancing the country’s reform agenda and growth.

On the sidelines of the 2025 World Bank–IMF Annual Meetings in Washington, D.C., Vice President for Eastern and Southern Africa Ndiame Diop held discussions with a high-level Ethiopian delegation led by Finance Minister Mr. Ahmed Shide.

The delegation also included National Bank Governor Eyob Tekalign, Senior Advisor to the Prime Minister Teklewold Atnafu, and other senior officials.

Diop, who recently visited Ethiopia, praised the country’s leadership and coordinated government approach, noting that the country’s comprehensive reform program has achieved critical macroeconomic targets within just one year of its launch.

He emphasized the World Bank’s continued support through its global flagship initiatives, including Mission Energy 300, aimed at expanding access to energy; Mission Agriconnect, designed to enhance smallholder farmers’ productivity, access to finance, and value chain development; and the Local Manufacturing Initiative, focused on boosting local production and generating quality employment for the millions entering Ethiopia’s labor force each year.

For his part, Mr. Ahmed Shide expressed appreciation for the World Bank’s substantial technical and financial support, acknowledging its pivotal role in advancing Ethiopia’s ambitious development agenda.

The Minister provided an update on the implementation of pro-poor reforms and emphasized the importance of continued World Bank support to sustain reform momentum.

He also highlighted the need for scaled-up assistance in critical areas such as agricultural productivity, energy, human capital development, regional integration, and infrastructure.

The meeting concluded with a strong reaffirmation of mutual commitment to continued cooperation, underscoring the importance of sustained support from all partners to ensure the successful implementation of Ethiopia’s reform agenda and development programs—key drivers of the country’s growth and sustainable development.