Ethiopia has asserted its role in shaping Africa’s economic and health future at the World Economic Forum in Davos, with Finance Minister Ahmed Shide Mohammed leading a high-level delegation to the annual meeting.

Ahmed, appearing under the summit’s theme of “The Spirit of Dialogue,” told international delegates that the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) holds transformative potential for creating inclusive employment for the continent's youth.

During a high-level session on Monday titled “Africa’s Job Engine,” the Minister emphasized Ethiopia’s Homegrown Economic Reform Program 2.0. He noted that the program focuses on agri-food value chains, small and medium enterprises, light manufacturing, and industrial parks. He further underscored the Jobs-First AfCFTA Production Compact for 2026 as a vital framework to expand employment and empower youth and women entrepreneurs.

The delegation also addressed the future of global medical systems in a panel regarding the "New Global Health Architecture." Ahmed called for a fair, predictable, and country-led global health financing system, citing Ethiopia’s use of the SDG Performance Fund and co-financing compacts as successful models.

The Minister reaffirmed Ethiopia’s commitment to the Lusaka Agenda and the principle of “One Plan, One Budget, One Report,” while advocating for equity, solidarity, and shared responsibility in global health.

As the forum continues in Davos-Klosters, the Ethiopian delegation is maintaining its schedule of multilateral and bilateral engagements to address global economic and social challenges.