ADDIS ABABA, Ethiopia — April 9, 2026 — Heads of regional bureaus from across Ethiopia convened in Addis Ababa for consultations on the Country Partnership Framework (CPF) for 2027–2036. The CPF will guide the World Bank's engagement in Ethiopia over the next decade, aligning with the Ten-Year Development Plan (2021–2030) and the Homegrown Economic Reform Agenda (HGER 2.0). Discussions focused on macroeconomic stability, improving competitiveness, and unlocking the productive potential of Ethiopia, alongside the expansion of sustainable infrastructure to support economic activity and effective service delivery.

H.E. Semereta Sewasew, State Minister of Finance, emphasized that the consultations come at a pivotal moment as Ethiopia sustains strong economic momentum while focusing on job creation for its rapidly growing youth population.

Madalo Minofu, Country Manager for the International Finance Corporation (IFC), noted that achieving the CPF’s goal of large-scale job creation depends on effective regional implementation. She pointed out that regions are instrumental in shaping the business environment, including access to land,

infrastructure, and services, which are key to attracting private investment. Key sectors such as agribusiness, manufacturing, pharmaceuticals, and housing offer opportunities for growth and employment through strengthened regional action.
Participants shared priorities and challenges from their respective regions, and the State Minister acknowledged the feedback from regions.