UK to extend 2.5 billion birr donation for poverty reduction endeavors
Addis Ababa, May 8 (WIC) - The UK Department for International Development (DFID) said that it would extend 2.5 billion birr development assistance over the next year to help Ethiopia achieve Millennium Development Goals (MDGs).
Head of DFID in Ethiopia, Paul Ackroyd said at a press conference held yesterday that Ethiopia has seen impressive progress since 2000.
“Economic growth has exceeded 10 percent for the last fours years, poverty levels reduced from 46 to 39 percent between 1995/6 and 2004/5,” he added.
The country, however, needs additional fund from donors so as to meet the MDGs, he said adding that his country is fully committed towards this end.
During the past four years DFID’s programs in Ethiopia have been supporting efforts towards the building up of democracy, promote long-term growth and improve education, health, agriculture, water and sanitation services in the country.
The department has provided support to various development projects in the country by providing 2.7 billion birr over the past two years, it was pointed out.
UK Ambassador to Ethiopia, Norman Ling said on the occasion that “the UK is committed to poverty reduction in Ethiopia.”
The assistance to be given to Ethiopia is greater than any development assistance UK is providing to any other African country, the Ambassador indicated.
