ETHIOPIA – The World Bank and the Government of Ethiopia have signed an agreement that will see the Eastern African country receive $80 million grant.

The deal was signed between the Ministry of Finance of Ethiopia and the World Bank on September 23, 2020 and is aimed at supporting the completion of projects started during the second phase of Agricultural Growth Program (AGP II).

The Grant finance supports second phase of the Government’s flagship Agricultural Growth Program that aims at enabling smallholder farmers by creating job opportunities, additional income generation, building value chain to improve their livelihood & nutritional status by accessing market, irrigation and other infrastructures.

It was indicated during the signing that the grant will be used to finance the completion of already started Small-Scale Irrigation Development and Agricultural Marketing and value Chain Development schemes as well.

The Financing Agreement was signed by H.E. Ahmed Shide, Minister, Ministry of Finance and Mr. Ousmane Dione, The World Bank Country Director for Ethiopia, Eritrea, Sudan, and South Sudan, on behalf of the Ethiopian Government and the World Bank, respectively.

“World Bank likes & believes to support agricultural development of the country to enable create job opportunity, income generation, build value chain as the drivers of development”

Ousmane Dione – World Bank Country Director for Ethiopia

The minister said that with the grant, the World Bank is supporting agricultural productivity, enhancing market performance, and facilitating value addition, commercialization of smallholder farmer’s projects.

Mr. Ousmane, The World Bank Country Director for Ethiopia, Eritrea, Sudan and South Sudan, on his part said that, World Bank likes & believes to support agricultural development of the Country to enable create job opportunity, income generation, build value chain as the drivers of development.

Liked this article? Subscribe to DealStreet Africa News, our regular email newsletter with the latest news, deals and insights from Africa’s business, economy and more. SUBSCRIBE HERE