Ethiopia has signed a landmark agreement with the World Bank, securing a combined USD96.367 million (ETB12.5 billion) in grant and loan funding to advance the country’s education sector. The agreement, aimed at enhancing access to education and improving the quality of learning, was formalized by Finance Minister Ahmed Shide and Mariam Salim, the World Bank’s Director for East Africa.

Under the terms of the deal, USD50 million will be provided as a loan by the International Development Association (IDA), while USD46.367 million will come from the Global Education Partnership Fund. These funds are set to strengthen Ethiopia’s educational framework, particularly in pre-primary and primary education.

Key areas of focus include the capacity building of teachers for grades 1 through 6, the provision of pre-service teacher training aligned with the new curriculum, and support for school leaders, especially female leaders. Additionally, the project aims to create a digitally enabled education system, enhancing learning opportunities across the country.