World Bank’s MD Acknowledges Ethiopia’s Economy Resilience amid Global Challenges

Addis Ababa, April 28, 2025 (ENA)— Ethiopia’s High-Level Delegation, led by the Finance Minister Ahmed Shide, meets with the World Bank Group’s Managing Director for Operations during the 2025 World Bank-IMF Spring Meetings.

The high-level Ethiopian delegation comprising Minister Ahmed Shide, Mamo Mihretu, Governor of the National Bank of Ethiopia, Teklewold Atnafu, Senior Advisor to the Prime Minister, Dr. Eyob Tekalign, State Minister for Finance, and other members engaged in an in-depth discussion with Anna Bjerde, the World Bank’s Managing Director (MD) for Operations, which focused on the substantial progress achieved in the implementation of Ethiopia’s macroeconomic reforms.

 Additionally, the meeting discussed the World Bank’s assistance package for Ethiopia to support the Government’s development agenda as well as to advance on regional development and integration initiatives, according to the Ministry of Finance.

 

Minister Ahmed expressed appreciation for the World Bank’s technical and financial support toward Ethiopia’s development efforts and ambitious reform agenda, which seeks to unlock the country’s full growth potential through modernization of the economy, boosting productivity, creating new avenues for growth, and enhancing private sector investment to generate jobs and elevate living standards across Ethiopia. 

On her part, Bjerde commended the Ethiopian government's steadfast commitment to a robust reform program and for achieving critical macroeconomic targets despite the ongoing challenges posed by the global environment.

Particularly, she recognized the notable achievements that have been realized thus far, including a substantial decline in inflation, a remarkable increase in exports, particularly in gold, improved revenue mobilization strategies that have improved fiscal resilience, and an overall more favorable business climate. 

 

Furthermore, the MD acknowledged the resilience of Ethiopia’s economy amid the challenging global context, owing to the sound macro management and reform measures undertaken by the Government over the last 9 months. Additionally, the MD encouraged the Government to maintain positive momentum on the implementation of the reform program as well as critical development projects at national and regional levels.

 

The meeting concluded with a reaffirmed mutual commitment to ongoing collaboration, emphasizing the importance of sustained support from all partners for effective implementation of the reform plan and sector projects aimed at accelerating Ethiopia's growth trajectory and sustainable development.