Ethiopia Advocates for Country-Led Global Health Financing

Addis Ababa, January 25, 2026 (ENA)—Ethiopia’s Finance Minister Finance Ahmed Shide stressed the need for establishing a fair, predictable, and country-led global health financing system. A high-level Ethiopian delegation led by Minister Ahmed is participating in the World Economic Forum (WEF) Annual Meeting 2026, yaking place in Davos–Klosters, Switzerland, from 19 to 23 January under the theme: “The Spirit of Dialogue.” Addressing the high-level session “Africa’s Job Engine,” Minister Ahmed Shide highlighted the transformative potential of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) in creating inclusive employment opportunities for Africa’s rapidly growing youth population. He underscored Ethiopia’s Homegrown Economic Reform Program 2.0, which prioritizes agri-food value chains, small and medium enterprises, light manufacturing, industrial parks, and service sectors linked to urbanization. The Minister further emphasized the importance of the Jobs-First AfCFTA Production Compact for 2026, describing it as a strategic framework to expand employment, strengthen regional value chains, and empower youth and women entrepreneurs across the continent. Earlier, on 19 January, Minister Ahmed participated in the panel discussion “The Re-shaping of the New Global Health Architecture,” where he called for a fair, predictable, and country-led global health financing system. In its press release sent to ENA, the Ministry of Fance He shared Ethiopia’s experience with innovative financing mechanisms, including pooled funding through the SDG Performance Fund, co-financing compacts, and investments in local pharmaceutical manufacturing. Reaffirming Ethiopia’s commitment to the Lusaka Agenda, the Minister advocated for the principle of “One Plan, One Budget, One Report,” stressing the need for equity, solidarity, and shared responsibility in strengthening global health systems.