Addis Ababa: The World Bank (WB) has reaffirmed its commitment to continue the historic and longest partnership with Ethiopia to strengthen the country’s social protection system. Approached by ENA, World Bank Social Protection and Jobs Practice Manager for East Africa Region, Robert Chase revealed WB has established a long-standing partnership with Ethiopia to improve its social protection system.
According to Ethiopian News Agency, this collaboration between the World Bank and Ethiopia is one of the longest and most celebrated partnerships for social protection globally. Robert Chase, the Manager, highlighted Ethiopia’s commitment to making social protection a core component of its national development strategy, placing it at the heart of public policy.
The World Bank has been instrumental in supporting Ethiopia’s social protection system by implementing various initiatives. These include enhancing financial inclusion, providing skills training, and distributing grants to beneficiaries. Chase praised Ethi
opia’s efforts over the past two decades in establishing a productive social protection framework that not only safeguards people but also provides job opportunities.
Chase emphasized the importance of sharing Ethiopia’s successful model with other countries, particularly its approach to offering job opportunities through public works to improve the well-being of its most vulnerable citizens. He noted that productive public works and economic inclusion are valuable lessons Ethiopia can offer to the global community.
Discussing the role of the World Bank in Ethiopia’s social protection system, Chase stated that the bank aims to develop a system that is flexible and modern while also focusing on job creation for Ethiopian citizens. The World Bank provides significant financing, coordinates with other development partners, and shares lessons learned from various countries to enhance Ethiopia’s social protection strategies.
The World Bank remains committed to supporting the Ethiopian government by aligning wit
h its agenda to create productive jobs. Social protection programs in Ethiopia play a crucial role in mitigating risks at different life stages, contributing to individual security, and fostering social cohesion by bridging the gap between citizens and the government.
Among the productive initiatives undertaken by the Ethiopian government are the rural safety net program, urban safety net, community-based health insurance, school feeding program, and active labor market intervention, as reported by Ethiopian News Agency.