World Bank Hails Women's Entrepreneurship Development Project, WEDP as a Model for Other Nations

The World Bank has lauded WEDP, Women Entrepreneurship Development Project as successful and one of the most impactful initiatives in the country, with its experience now being shared with other nations.

During a visit to a manufacturing shed in Arbaminch on May 30, 2025, Ms. Maryam Salim, the World Bank Country Director for Ethiopia, Eritrea, Sudan, and South Sudan, emphasized that the project serves as a prime example for other countries. She also highlighted the highly successful partnership with the Entrepreneurship Development Institute (EDI). .

Ms. Salim pointed out that a key achievement of WEDP is its sustainability, as it continues to thrive even beyond the World Bank's initial funding. The Country Director had the opportunity to meet with Genet Kasu, a beneficiary of the WEDP. Genet, who produces Injera and other food products, has seen remarkable growth, expanding her business to three different shops, employing 29 staff members, diversifying her product range, and increasing her capital to 11 million Birr. "Women are the future of this country. If you invest in women, you invest in society, and that's what we have seen in Genet," Ms. Salim stated, visibly impressed by Genet's achievements. "She opened shops, employed women who were on the streets, giving back to society, and she is supporting the economy." Ms. Salim also noted that while small enterprises in Ethiopia often face challenges in accessing loans due to a lack of tangible security, WEDP has enabled beneficiaries like Genet to become eligible for loans based on their credit record, character, and cash flow.

The World Bank country staff's visit included a detailed presentation showcasing the performance of the EDI-WEDP Arbaminch city project beneficiaries, beneficiary profile, challenge and conclusion has been presented, providing an in-depth understanding of its successes. This was followed by a site visit where the team engaged in insightful discussions with project beneficiaries, concluding with feedback sessions.