Addis Ababa, October 2, 2025 (ENA) --- World Bank Vice President Mamta Murthi highlighted Ethiopia's advancements in investing in human capital during a high-level visit to the Sidama Region, commending the Productive Safety Net Program (PSNP) as a significant innovation that enhances agricultural output and ensures food and nutritional security.
She highlighted the significance of assisting disadvantaged families in ascending the "lowest step of the job ladder," reiterating the World Bank's dedication to inclusive and fair economic development.
The group consisted of high-level World Bank officials and State Ministers from the Ministry of Finance, Ministry of Health, and Ministry of Agriculture, along with representatives from the Sidama Regional Government. They collectively assessed advancements in skill development, healthcare service provision, and poverty alleviation programs funded by the World Bank.
The tour started at Hawassa Polytechnic College (HaPTC), a Regional Flagship TVET Institute backed by the World Bank's East Africa Skills for Transformation and Regional Integration Project (EASTRIP).
The team launched two new Learning Factories in the areas of Garment and Textile, featuring state-of-the-art equipment that mimics actual industrial settings. These centers provide students with hands-on, industry-focused education — equipping a labor force capable of supporting Ethiopia's economic development. Institutions backed by EASTRIP have seen high rates of graduate employment and entrepreneurship, showcasing the program's emphasis on practical, market-oriented training.
At the Gebre Kristos Health Center in Shebedino Woreda, the group examined Ethiopia's Primary Health Care (PHC) service provision and the Health Extension Program (HEP).
The facility caters to a wide area and is operated by trained medical personnel offering thorough Maternal, Newborn, and Child Health (MNCH) and vaccination services.
The fully equipped medical facility showcased excellent results, featuring extensive coverage for facility-based deliveries and almost complete vaccination rates.
Delegates praised the commitment of Health Extension Workers (HEWs) and medical professionals, who are essential in providing high-quality, community-focused care and enhancing Ethiopia's primary healthcare system.
The World Bank is currently providing significant support to Ethiopia's healthcare system, with a focus on creating a more robust, fair, and long-lasting health infrastructure.
The delegation ended the visit with a meeting with Meseret Dida, a recipient of the PSNP and a member of the Community Health Insurance program in Shebedino Woreda. As a mother of five, Meseret utilized her grant along with her savings to buy a dairy cow, start a small poultry business, and manage beehives. She is expected to complete the program later this year.
The State Minister of Finance, Semereta Sewasew, highlighted that the PSNP "is more than just a social safety net — it serves as a dynamic platform that generates employment, fosters small enterprises, and enables families to achieve long-term income. Through integrating productive initiatives with health and essential services, the program guarantees that Ethiopia's economic transformation reaches even the most disadvantaged groups."
The visit by the delegation emphasized the advancements and effects of Ethiopia's human capital and social protection initiatives, demonstrating effective projects in training, healthcare, and support for sustainable living, while underlining the need for ongoing cooperation to further these successes.
Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc.
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