WASHINGTON, December 14, 2022 - Today, World Bank Group President David Malpass met with Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed of Ethiopia.
President Malpass emphasized to Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed the importance of ending internal conflict and achieving lasting peace. President Malpass stressed the importance of fully implementing the recent peace agreement.
Highlighting the World Bank Group’s focus on people-centered approach to its program in Ethiopia, President Malpass informed Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed of yesterday’s approval by the World Bank Board of Executive Directors of $745 million in grants for health systems and flood management projects, which would bring total WBG commitments to Ethiopia to $2.9 billion over FY22-FY23. President Malpass explained that the implementation of the health project in conflict-affected areas will be conducted through a third-party implementing agency to ensure national coverage. President Malpass and Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed also spoke about Ethiopia’s efforts to expand access to early childhood education and support development of human capital given the large young population.
President Malpass and Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed also discussed government reforms. President Malpass stressed the importance of decisive policy reforms to remove distortions in the exchange rate market, improve SOE management, and foster a business enabling environment for private sector-led growth.
