Ajay Banga, the new president of the World Bank, will pay an official visit to Ethiopia from July 31 to August 1.
During his visit, Banga is scheduled to meet with Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, Finance Minister Ahmed Shide, and National Bank Governor Mamo Mehretu. He will also meet with African Union Commission Chairman Musa Faki Mahamat to discuss ways to strengthen partnership and cooperation between the World Bank and the African Union.
A key focus of Banga’s visit will be to identify opportunities to create jobs for women and youth in Ethiopia. He is also expected to hold discussions with executives and business leaders in an effort to increase private sector investment in the country.
Banga was elected as the president of the World Bank in April 2023. He previously served as the CEO of Mastercard for 11 years.
Here are some additional details about Banga’s visit:
- He will be accompanied by a delegation of World Bank officials.
- He will visit a number of development projects in Ethiopia, including textile and shoe manufacturing facilities, malt production operations, and women’s small businesses.
- He will deliver a speech at the Ethiopian Development Institute.
Banga’s visit is seen as an important opportunity to strengthen relations between the World Bank and Ethiopia.