IMF Deputy Managing Director Meets Senior Ethiopian Officials.

— International Monetary Fund (IMF) Deputy Managing Director Nigel Clark, currently on an official visit to Ethiopia, met with senior government officials to discuss the country’s reform agenda and prospects for future cooperation.

Clark arrived in Addis Ababa on December 3. On December 4, he and his delegation held talks with Minister of Finance Ahmed Shide, National Bank of Ethiopia Governor Eyob Tekalgn (PhD), and Minister of Planning and Development Fitsum Assefa (PhD).

According to the Ministry of Finance, discussions centered on Ethiopia’s ongoing economic reforms, the IMF’s support for these initiatives, and opportunities for deeper collaboration.

During the meeting, Finance Minister Ahmed Shide outlined recent developments in Ethiopia’s Economic reform program and reaffirmed the government’s commitment to consolidating and sustaining progress. He stressed Ethiopia’s determination to maintain a strong partnership with the IMF.

Clark praised the “significant progress” achieved under Ethiopia’s domestic reform agenda, noting that many of the difficult measures are beginning to yield tangible results. He acknowledged the effort, coordination, and determination required to advance fiscal, monetary, and structural reforms simultaneously, and encouraged Ethiopia to stay the course.

The IMF deputy chief is expected to continue consultations with senior officials and visit major development projects during his stay, the Ministry of Finance announced.

Meanwhile, economic analysts caution that Ethiopia faces widening inequality. They argue that political power has translated into exclusive economic privileges, with the inclusive prosperity promised in 2018 giving way to a system that benefits a select few while marginalizing millions.

It is also recalled that the World Bank released its Poverty and Equity Report in September, projecting Ethiopia’s poverty rate could rise to 43 percent by 2025. The report warns that the country is backsliding after two decades of economic progress.