Ethiopia and The Rockefeller Foundation: A Partnership for Sustainable Development
Addis Ababa, October 20, 2025 – Ethiopia’s Minister of Finance, Ahmed Shide, engaged in a significant bilateral meeting with William Asiko, Senior Vice President for Africa at The Rockefeller Foundation. The discussion centered on enhancing collaborative efforts in sustainable development financing. This important dialogue took place during the 2025 World Bank Group and International Monetary Fund (IMF) Annual Meetings held in Washington, D.C.
Strengthening Global Partnerships
During their meeting, Minister Shide expressed gratitude to The Rockefeller Foundation for its global commitment to advancing climate initiatives and development strategies. This partnership aligns with Ethiopia’s 10-Year Development Plan, which emphasizes the need for long-term, affordable financing to achieve ambitious developmental goals.
Key Areas for Collaboration
The Minister highlighted essential areas for collaboration with The Rockefeller Foundation, including:
- Building Institutional Capacity: Enhancing macroeconomic management.
- Enhancing Resilience Financing: Supporting Ethiopia’s efforts to better respond to challenges.
- Scaling Up Climate Adaptation Initiatives: Facilitating modern and sustainable practices in agriculture and other sectors.
Commitment to Support
William Asiko assured Minister Shide of The Rockefeller Foundation’s continued support for Ethiopia, announcing that the nation would be included in the Foundation’s highly-regarded Acceleration Program. This program offers tailored technical assistance, empowering countries to access rapid financing mechanisms, such as the IMF’s Resilience and Sustainability Trust (RST).
Catalyzing Sustainable Development
Both parties concurred on the importance of building catalytic partnerships that seamlessly blend public policy reform with private sector innovation. Focus areas will include:
- Sustainable Agriculture: Promoting farming practices that conserve resources and enhance food security.
- Renewable Energy: Investing in cleaner energy solutions to address climate change.
- Data-Driven Development Planning: Utilizing data analytics for informed decision-making and resource allocation.
A Vision for the Future
The potential partnership between Ethiopia and The Rockefeller Foundation marks a significant step in addressing climate challenges and fostering sustainable development. By leveraging financial resources and innovative ideas, both entities aim to create a more resilient and prosperous future for Ethiopia. This collaboration echoes the broader goals of sustainable development worldwide, encouraging similar initiatives that prioritize environmental protection and economic growth.
For more information on Ethiopia’s development strategies and The Rockefeller Foundation’s initiatives, you can explore resources on Ethiopia’s 10-Year Development Plan and The Rockefeller Foundation’s efforts.
