ADDIS ABABA, ETHIOPIA – August 14, 2025 - KPMG, a leading global professional services firm, recently met with the Ethiopian Ministry of Finance to address critical challenges and propose innovative solutions for the country's healthcare sector. The Ethiopian delegation was led by H.E. Semereta Sewasew, State Minister of Finance. The discussions featured KPMG's global healthcare leaders led by Dr. Anna van Poucke, Global Head of Healthcare, KPMG International.

H.E. Semereta expressed significant concerns about the healthcare sector's financial sustainability in the country, particularly given global changes and a history of heavy reliance on donor support. It was also noted that the Ministry is actively seeking "innovative tools" and "alternative funding sources" to maintain and advance healthcare programs, especially community health initiatives.

Dr. Anna van Poucke proposed several solutions to support these efforts, including exploring alternative financing mechanisms, such as debt swaps, engaging the private sector, and adopting innovative funding strategies to diversify revenue streams. Additionally, the delegation emphasized the importance of digital transformation by leveraging digital technologies, AI, and telehealth solutions to enhance monitoring, diagnostics, and healthcare accessibility, especially in remote areas. This includes supporting the implementation of Electronic Medical Record (EMR) systems and establishing national data platforms to improve data management and service delivery. KPMG highlighted the need for capacity building through developing programs focused on micro-credentialing and training community health workers at the grassroots level, aiming to increase system capacity and provide culturally appropriate, cost-effective care.

Recognizing the urgent need for a clear health financing strategy in Ethiopia, KPMG proposed organizing a workshop to bring together key stakeholders, including the Ministry of Health leadership. This initiative aims to align on a roadmap for sustainable healthcare financing, drawing on global and regional experiences. The firm also emphasized its ability to help governments tap into emerging funding opportunities, such as those related to climate and health, by framing initiatives in ways that resonate with funders. KPMG also announced plans to establish an official office in Ethiopia within the next six months, aiming to integrate global expertise with local needs.

KPMG is committed to working closely with the Ethiopian government to support its reform efforts and achieve a financially sustainable and equitable healthcare system for its population of over 120 million. KPMG's global healthcare sector comprises 5,000 professionals working in 70 countries, including over 200 clinicians, health economists, and health technologists.