Addis Ababa, Ethiopia – 9 February, 2026 – The Government of Ethiopia and the Development Partners Group (DPG) convened the High-Level Development Forum (HLDF) in Addis Ababa today, reaffirming a shared commitment to inclusive growth, resilience, and sustainable peace through a strengthened, results-driven partnership aligned with national priorities.

The forum gathered senior government officials, ambassadors, development agencies, and international financial institutions at a pivotal moment in Ethiopia’s reform trajectory. Discussions focused on two pillars: Inclusive and Sustainable Development, and the National Dialogue and Peacebuilding Process.

Ethiopia continues to advance structural transformation through macroeconomic and sectoral reforms while pursuing nationwide peacebuilding efforts to secure lasting stability.

“Ethiopia remains firmly committed to inclusive development and lasting peace through full implementation of our reform agenda,” said H.E. Ahmed Shide, Minister of Finance. He highlighted sustained economic performance, with real GDP growth averaging seven percent over the past seven years, guided by the Ten-Year Development Plan and investments in agriculture, manufacturing, infrastructure, digital transformation, human capital, and green growth.

Her Excellency Dr. Fitsum Assefa, Minister of Planning and Development, emphasized that Ethiopia achieved 9.2 percent growth in 2024/25 and is projected to reach 10.2 percent in 2025/26.

“Sustainable development requires resilience, social cohesion, and strong national ownership,” she said, underscoring the importance of predictable and strategic international partnerships during Ethiopia’s transition.

Participants reaffirmed that effective cooperation must align with national priorities, strengthen delivery capacity, and ensure predictable support. The HLDF was recognized as a trusted platform for coordination, transparency, and mutual accountability toward the Sustainable Development Goals.

A dedicated peacebuilding session underscored the central role of inclusive, nationally owned solutions. H.E. Mohammed Edris, Minister of Peace, described the National Dialogue as a national imperative and outlined a peace agenda built on dialogue, DDR, and transitional justice. He highlighted legal reforms that expand civic engagement and protect freedom of expression.

“Partnership in peacebuilding is partnership in Ethiopia’s future,” he stated.

The forum also emphasized the importance of governance reform, rule of law, and civic participation in restoring trust and reinforcing recovery. Participants called for stronger coherence across humanitarian, development, and peace efforts to manage multidimensional risks.

H.E. Dr. Gedion Timothewos, Minister of Foreign Affairs, briefed participants on Ethiopia’s preparations to host COP32 in 2027, describing it as a economic catalyst and strategic opportunity to advance Africa’s climate agenda and mobilize investment in resilience and green development.

The Government reaffirmed its commitment to effective development cooperation and mutual accountability, calling for multi-year predictable support, strengthened reporting, and greater use of country-owned systems.

In closing, both the Government of Ethiopia and development partners renewed their enduring partnership focused on measurable results that improve livelihoods, expand opportunity, and ensure no one is left behind.