Ethiopia, UNECA Deepen Partnership to Advance Sustainable Health Financing Reforms

Addis Ababa, July 29, 2026 (ENA) —Ethiopia and the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA) have agreed to strengthen collaboration under the Transforming Health Financing in Africa Initiative (THFAI), with Ethiopia joining as one of the initiative’s four early-adopter countries to advance sustainable and innovative health financing reforms.

The initiative aims to help African countries build resilient health systems by strengthening domestic resource mobilization, supporting policy and structural reforms, and promoting innovative financing mechanisms that expand investment in the health sector while ensuring fiscal and debt sustainability.

 

During a meeting with UNECA Executive Secretary Claver Gatete, Ethiopia’s Minister of Finance Ahmed Shide welcomed the initiative, describing it as timely and aligned with the government’s efforts to enhance domestic health financing, improve resource efficiency, and explore innovative financing options for social services.

According to the ministry’s post on social media , the two sides emphasized the need to view health financing as a strategic investment in human capital, productivity, and long-term economic growth rather than merely as social expenditure.

“Ethiopia welcomes the opportunity to become one of the initiative’s early-adopter countries. This timely initiative aligns with our efforts to strengthen domestic health financing, attract private sector investment, improve value for money, and mobilize innovative financing while safeguarding fiscal and debt sustainability,” Ahmed Shide said.

 

Through the initiative, Ethiopia will receive technical and analytical support, including a comprehensive assessment of macroeconomic and fiscal factors affecting health financing. The findings are expected to guide evidence-based policies and strategies aimed at improving sustainable health investment and identifying practical financing solutions.

Ahmed reaffirmed Ethiopia’s commitment to working closely with the Ministry of Health, UNECA, and other relevant stakeholders to implement the initiative and share the country’s experiences with other African nations.

Gatete commended Ethiopia’s commitment and highlighted the importance of developing innovative and sustainable health financing approaches to support Africa’s development goals.

 

The two sides agreed to establish a joint technical team to oversee implementation, coordinate analytical work and policy dialogue, and support efforts to strengthen health sector financing while positioning Ethiopia’s experience as a potential model for other African countries.