World Bank VP Highlights Ethiopia’s Human Capital Gains during Sidama Region Visit

Addis Ababa, October 2, 2025 (ENA) --- World Bank Vice President Mamta Murthi underscored Ethiopia’s progress in human capital investments during a high-level field visit to the Sidama Region, praising the Productive Safety Net Program (PSNP) as an “immense innovation” that strengthens agricultural productivity and food and nutrition security.

She emphasized the importance of helping vulnerable households move up the “bottom rung of the jobs ladder”, reaffirming the World Bank’s commitment to inclusive and equitable growth.

The delegation included senior World Bank representatives and State Ministers from the Ministry of Finance, Ministry of Health, and Ministry of Agriculture, alongside officials from the Sidama Regional Government. Together, they reviewed progress in skills development, health service delivery, and poverty reduction initiatives supported under the World Bank portfolio.

The visit began at Hawassa Polytechnic College (HaPTC), a Regional Flagship TVET Institute supported by the World Bank’s East Africa Skills for Transformation and Regional Integration Project (EASTRIP).

 

The delegation inaugurated two new Learning Factories in Garment and Textile, equipped with advanced machinery simulating real industry environments. These facilities offer students practical, industry-relevant training — preparing a workforce ready to drive Ethiopia’s economic transformation. EASTRIP-supported institutions have achieved a strong graduate employment and self-employment rate, reflecting the program’s focus on practical, market-aligned training.

At Gebre Kristos Health Center in Shebedino Woreda, the delegation reviewed Ethiopia’s Primary Health Care (PHC) service delivery and the Health Extension Program (HEP).

The center serves a large catchment population and is staffed by skilled health workers providing comprehensive MNCH (Maternal, Newborn and Child Health) and immunization services.

The well-equipped health center demonstrated strong performance, with high facility delivery coverage and near-universal immunization.

Delegates commended the dedication of Health Extension Workers (HEWs) and health professionals, who play a critical role in delivering quality, community-based care and strengthening Ethiopia’s PHC system.

The World Bank currently supports Ethiopia’s health sector with a substantial portfolio, aimed at building a more resilient, equitable, and sustainable health system.

The delegation concluded the visit by meeting Meseret Dida, a PSNP beneficiary and participant in the Community Health Insurance program in Shebedino Woreda. A mother of five, Meseret used her grant, together with savings, to purchase a dairy cow, establish a small poultry business, and manage beehives. She is on track to graduate from the program later this year.

 

State Minister of Finance Semereta Sewasew emphasized that the PSNP “is not just a social safety net — it is a productive platform that creates jobs, supports small businesses, and empowers families to generate sustainable income. By linking productive activities with health and basic services, the program ensures that Ethiopia’s economic reform benefits even the most vulnerable communities.”

The delegation’s visit highlighted the progress and impact of Ethiopia’s human capital and social protection programs, showcasing successful initiatives in skills development, health services, and livelihood support, and reinforcing the importance of continued collaboration to expand these achievements.