Ethiopia will receive 10.5 billion U.S. dollars in support over the coming years if long-running negotiations with the International Monetary Fund and World Bank are successful, Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed said on Thursday.
In December, East Africa’s most populous country, struggling with high inflation and chronic foreign currency shortages, became the third on the continent in as many years to default on its debt.
“We have been having a wide range of talks, negotiations, and discussions with the IMF and World Bank. Because we were a bit tough with them and they were also tough with us, the (talks) took five years,” Abiy told lawmakers.
“Now with the support of some friendly countries, it seems like many of our ideas have been accepted. If this succeeds and we are able to agree on the reforms, Ethiopia will get 10.5 billion U.S. dollars in the coming years,” he said.
Abiy added that there were some reforms the government was unwilling to undertake right away, without elaborating.
“There are some areas we think should be reformed now, and there are things we think should stay as it is. If all these suggestions get accepted and we agree, there is an opportunity ahead of us. This reform agenda will play a huge impact in alleviating the debt burden,” the prime minister said.
