Governor Eyob Tekalign Tolina (PhD) of the National Bank of Ethiopia (NBE) is urging the International Monetary Fund (IMF) to accelerate the realignment of its quotas, stressing that the current structure does not adequately reflect the global economic reality or sufficiently support African nations.

Speaking at the Africa Group III Constituency Meeting held alongside the IMF–World Bank Annual Meetings, Governor Eyob welcomed the agreed-upon 50% increase in IMF quotas, calling it a positive move to bolster the global financial safety net and improve member countries' access to resources.

However, he emphasized that this progress must be "complemented with a timely and equitable quota realignment."

“While we welcome the quota increase and its swift implementation, the urgency of quota realignment cannot be overstated,” Governor Eyob stated. “For many African economies, including Ethiopia, the IMF remains the most reliable layer of the global financial safety net. Continued delays in realignment risk leaving these economies without the support needed to navigate global uncertainties.”

The governor also commended the emerging consensus to protect the quota shares of developing member countries. He further underscored the critical need to address underrepresentation within the existing framework, calling for a prioritized approach.

“Countries that remain significantly underrepresented—such as Ethiopia—should be prioritized in future quota realignments to ensure a fair, balanced, and inclusive international financial system,” he concluded.