Ethiopian High Level Delegation Discusses Economic Reform Progress, Continued Partnership with IMF Leadership

Addis Ababa, October 23, 2025 (ENA) – The Minister of Finance Ahmed Shide expressed appreciation for the IMF’s continued support to Ethiopia, emphasizing the government’s determination to strengthen fiscal management, enhance domestic resource mobilization, and accelerate key structural reforms.

The high-level Ethiopian delegation in Washington led by Finance Minister Ahmed Shide held discussions with Kristalina Georgieva, Managing Director of the International Monetary Fund (IMF), and senior management of the IMF’s Africa Department on Ethiopia’s ongoing economic reforms and future cooperation.

Ethiopia's delegation comprised Governor of the National Bank of Ethiopia, Eyob Tekalign, Ambassador of Ethiopia to the United States Binalf Andualem, Senior Advisor to the Prime Minister Teklewold Atnafu and other senior officials.

 
“We are implementing bold reforms aimed at macroeconomic stability, job creation, and improving the livelihoods of our citizens. The IMF’s technical and financial support continues to be instrumental in advancing these objectives,” the Finance Minister Ahmed emphasized.

According a press release sent to ENA Ethiopia highly values its long-standing partnership with the IMF.

He briefed the Managing Director on Ethiopia’s positive economic outlook and the government’s increased social spending as part of broader social protection measures within the reform framework.

Highlighting the progress and success of Ethiopia’s reform efforts, Minister Ahmed outlined several key factors underpinning the achievements.

Ethiopia’s success stems from strong ownership and commitment at the highest levels of government, inclusive approach to decision-making and implementation across all layers of government bureaucracy, he elaborated.

He added that the achievements are also made from careful sequencing and thorough preparation of reform measures, effective communication and protection mechanisms for the most vulnerable segments of the population as well as strong and sustained support from development partners, notably the IMF, the World Bank, and the Official Creditors Committee.

The Minister underscored Ethiopia’s strong interest in accessing the Resilience and Sustainability Facility (RSF) to further advance its climate agenda, citing the country’s exemplary reforms and national programs in climate resilience and green growth.

Governor Eyob Tekalign provided an update on the ongoing debt treatment discussions with bilateral and commercial creditors, noting the encouraging progress achieved thus far and emphasizing the importance of continued IMF support in this process.

The meeting concluded with both sides pledging to further strengthen cooperation and to jointly assess progress and opportunities for enhancement during the forthcoming Fourth Program Review, scheduled to commence at the end of October.

The Managing Director of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) Georgieva on her part hailed Ethiopia’s robust implementation of the IMF-supported reform program and acknowledged the notable achievements to date.

Ethiopia’s achievement includes strong economic growth, declining inflation, and continued progress in opening up the economy, she added.

She reaffirmed IMF’s commitment to supporting Ethiopia’s economic transformation and debt sustainability efforts, in close collaboration with key development partners.

She also encouraged the government to sustain reform momentum and deepen private sector participation to unlock Ethiopia’s full economic potential.