The Managing Director of the International Monetary Fund (IMF), Kristalina Georgieva, will undertake a two-day official visit to Ethiopia on February 8 and 9, 2025. This visit marks her first trip to the country since assuming the role of Managing Director in 2019 and highlights the IMF’s ongoing commitment to supporting Ethiopia’s economic development and reform agenda.

During her visit, Georgieva is scheduled to hold high-level discussions with Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed and other senior government officials. The talks will focus on Ethiopia’s economic outlook, including growth prospects, fiscal and monetary policies, and the implementation of structural reforms aimed at addressing macroeconomic challenges. The discussions are expected to cover the country’s efforts to stabilize its economy, manage debt, and attract foreign investment amid a complex global economic environment.

In addition to meetings with government leaders, the Managing Director will engage with representatives from Ethiopia’s private sector. These interactions aim to provide insights into the business environment, identify barriers to growth, and explore opportunities for private sector-led development. The dialogue will also emphasize the importance of fostering a conducive environment for entrepreneurship, innovation, and job creation, which are critical for Ethiopia’s long-term economic resilience.

As part of her itinerary, Georgieva will visit social and development projects to assess the impact of ongoing initiatives and understand the challenges faced by local communities. These site visits will offer her a firsthand perspective on Ethiopia’s progress in areas such as poverty reduction, infrastructure development, and human capital investment. The IMF has been a key partner in supporting Ethiopia’s development goals, and the visit will provide an opportunity to evaluate the effectiveness of current programs and identify areas for further collaboration.

The visit comes at a pivotal time for Ethiopia, as the country continues to navigate economic challenges, including inflationary pressures, foreign exchange shortages, and the aftermath of regional conflicts. The IMF has been actively involved in providing policy advice and financial assistance to Ethiopia, including through the Extended Credit Facility (ECF) and Extended Fund Facility (EFF) arrangements. Georgieva’s visit is expected to reinforce the IMF’s support for Ethiopia’s reform efforts and its commitment to fostering inclusive and sustainable growth.

In a statement, the IMF emphasized that the visit underscores its dedication to strengthening partnerships with member countries and promoting policies that ensure economic stability, resilience, and shared prosperity. The discussions during the visit are expected to contribute to a deeper understanding of Ethiopia’s economic priorities and the challenges it faces, while also exploring avenues for enhanced cooperation between the IMF and the Ethiopian government.

Georgieva’s trip to Ethiopia is part of a broader effort by the IMF to engage with member countries and address global economic challenges, including rising debt levels, climate change, and geopolitical uncertainties. By fostering dialogue and collaboration, the IMF aims to support countries in building robust economies that can withstand external shocks and deliver long-term benefits for their populations.