HPR Speaker Stresses Need for Building Human Capital to Realize Ethiopia’s Growth, Prosperity

Addis Ababa, October 2, 2025 (ENA) – House of People’s Representatives (HPR) Speaker Tagesse Chafo has emphasized the need for advancing in human Capital to realize Ethiopia’s growth and prosperity.

The Ethiopia Human Capital Forum 2025, co-hosted by the Government of Ethiopia and the World Bank Group, officially opened today at the Adwa Memorial Hall in Addis Ababa.

The two-day forum, under the theme “Building Skills, Fueling Jobs, Driving Development”, has brought together government leaders, international development partners, policymakers, and experts to deliberate on innovative strategies for advancing Ethiopia’s human capital development.

 

Opening the forum, HPR Speaker Tagesse Chafo said human capital is essential to sustain a nation’s growth and prosperity.

He emphasized that the greatest wealth of any nation is not its natural resources or physical infrastructure, but the "knowledge, health, creativity, and potential of its people".

In this regard, endeavors that have been carried out in Ethiopia in education, health, nutrition, and social protection are achieving tangible results, he added.

In particular, Bounty of the Basket, Made in Ethiopia, and Green Legacy, among other national development programs, have yielded tangible results by strengthening human capital and ensuring benefits.

The Speaker stressed the need for strengthening cooperation to sustain the achievements made in the social and economic spheres due to the priority given to human capital.

Ethiopia is committed to continuing to work in collaboration with continental and international development partners to strengthen the nation’s human capital, Tagesse pointed out.

On his part, Finance Minister Ahmed Shide noted that human capital is a main tool to ensure prosperity by eradicating poverty.

 

Accordingly, Ethiopia has been carrying out effective activities that enhance human capital in education, health, and social sectors.

The Minister added that Ethiopia will strengthen its cooperation with the World Bank and other development partners to further enhance its endeavors in building human capital.

He stated that hosting the event at the historic Adwa Memorial Hall—a place that embodies the spirit of determination, unity, and victory—underscores the commitment to winning the fight against poverty and inequality through "investing in our people".

Ahmed affirmed that Ethiopia's population is its greatest strength and hope, and that the future prosperity of Ethiopia hinges on how effectively the nation equips its young people with the skills and opportunities they need.

The Minister of Finance confirmed the government’s commitment, stating: “Investing in human capital is investing in Ethiopia’s future. Our focus on skills development will help drive job creation and inclusive prosperity”.

World Bank Division Director for Ethiopia, Eritrea, Sudan, and South Sudan, Maryam Salim, stressed the foundational necessity of these investments: “No country can achieve sustainable growth and create jobs without investing in its human capital”.

 

She highlighted that Ethiopia’s gains in expanding school enrollment, health coverage, and social protection show that “strategic investments are already creating opportunities for millions of families”.

Diop further stressed the need for inclusive development in education, health and social protection spheres to enhance human capital.

The World Bank official further affirmed the Bank’s readiness to consolidate its support to Ethiopia’s ongoing initiatives.

The two-day event provides a platform for participants to explore Ethiopia’s achievements and challenges, exchange evidence, and share best practices.

The Forum continues tomorrow with sessions focused on evidence, collaboration, and actionable pathways to strengthen human capital and unlock Ethiopia's potential.