Addis Ababa, June 24, 2015 - Senior officials from the Ministry of Planning and Development engaged in discussions with an independent evaluation team from the World Bank to assess the bank's programs in Ethiopia. The team's evaluation spans the period from 2012 to 2022 and aims to interact with various sectors to gain a comprehensive understanding.

With the evaluation process underway, the team will closely examine the bank's development cooperation efforts in Ethiopia, collaborating with relevant government bodies. Key areas of focus include climate change initiatives and endeavors to enhance private sector engagement. By thoroughly evaluating these efforts, the team seeks to identify areas for further development cooperation, paving the way for future plans.

During the discussions, Her Excellency Dr. Fitsum Assefa, Minister of Planning and Development, and His Excellency Dr. Nemera Gebeyehu, Minister of State, held in-depth conversations on the bank's involvement in Ethiopia's development cooperation. Together, they explored opportunities to align the bank's priorities with Ethiopia's development needs.

As the evaluation team members continue their engagements with various stakeholders, they are expected to draw from the past decade's experiences and consider Ethiopia's future development areas. This will enable the design of a new development cooperation framework, ensuring the bank's programs effectively support Ethiopia's growth trajectory.

The discussions between the Ministry of Planning and Development and the World Bank evaluation team mark a significant step towards evaluating and refining the bank's programs in Ethiopia. This collaborative effort aims to foster fruitful partnerships, address priority areas, and advance sustainable development for the benefit of the Ethiopian people.