By Emily Sims
Addis Ababa– The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has lauded Ethiopia for its “robust reform program” and the significant progress made in achieving key macroeconomic targets, despite a challenging global economic environment. The commendation came during a meeting between an Ethiopian delegation, led by Finance Minister Ahmed Shide and Governor of the National Bank of Ethiopia, Mamo Mihretu, and IMF Deputy Managing Director Nigel Clarke in Washington D.C. during the 2025 Spring Meetings of the IMF and World Bank.
The meeting focused on evaluating the implementation of Ethiopia’s macroeconomic reform program and reviewing the findings of the IMF’s third program review mission, which took place in Ethiopia earlier this month. Discussions centered on the positive strides made in various sectors, including a notable drop in inflation, a substantial increase in exports, improved revenue mobilization, and a steadily improving business climate.
Finance Minister Shide expressed his gratitude for the IMF’s technical and financial support, highlighting its crucial role in advancing Ethiopia’s reform agenda. He emphasized the government’s commitment to unlocking the country’s full economic potential through modernization, opening up the economy, fostering private sector investment, and creating new growth opportunities to improve living standards and generate jobs.
IMF Deputy Managing Director Clarke acknowledged the Ethiopian government’s dedication and progress. He specifically pointed to the tangible improvements in key macroeconomic indicators as evidence of the program’s success, especially considering the headwinds faced by the global economy.
The meeting concluded with both parties reaffirming their commitment to close collaboration and sustained support from the IMF. This ongoing partnership aims to facilitate the swift implementation of the reform plan, ultimately accelerating Ethiopia’s growth and contributing to its sustainable development goals. The IMF’s continued backing signifies a vote of confidence in Ethiopia’s economic trajectory and its commitment to building a more prosperous future.
