Sheraton Addis Hotel
Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

As in many developing countries around the world, Ethiopia is faced with the challenge of generating employment for a rapidly-growing and youthful population, especially in rural areas. A recent report by the World Bank Group’s Independent Evaluation Group points to increasing evidence that the rural non-farm economy is critical to sustainable and inclusive job creation, income diversification, and increased resilience. Though the rural non-farm economy in Ethiopia remains small in regional comparison, recent studies highlight the importance of this sector for job creation and rural transformation going forward, particularly in light of demographic trends and urbanization.

The World Bank Group, together with the Government of Ethiopia, has organized this forum to share global expertise with policymakers and practitioners engaged in rural job creation in Ethiopia and throughout the region.

The workshop will provide participants with the opportunity to:

• Gain insights on what works to grow the rural non-farm economy from the World Bank Group’s experience.
• Learn lessons from leading experts on successful structural transformations globally.
• Discuss private sector opportunities for job creation in the rural non-farm economy.
• Hear from key ministries within the Government of Ethiopia about their rural job creation strategy and other related initiatives.

SCHEDULE