This visit follows a successful replenishment of the International Development Association (IDA) which will allow the Bank and its partners to expand and deepen their support to Africa, building on last year’s record 5.7 billion USD commitment to Africa by IDA and another 1.6 billion USD by the International Finance Corporation (IFC), the Bank Group’s private sector arm.

During his visit to Ethiopia, Zoellick will participate in the 10th Ordinary Assembly of the African Union (AU) as the first World Bank President to speak at a Summit of African heads of state and governments.

The AU and the World Bank are increasingly working together on a number of issues including regional integration, governance, post-conflict countries, and engaging the African Diaspora in the development of the continent.

Zoellick’s presence at the AU Summit will be an opportunity to further strengthen the relations between the two institutions.

He will also meet with African heads of state and the heads of other international institutions in Addis Ababa to discuss the Millennium Development Goals, agricultural development, and the impact of increased food prices on the poor.

Before arriving in Ethiopia, Zoellick will visit Mauritania and Liberia.

After attending the AU Summit in Addis, Zoellick will travel to Mozambique where he will meet with President Armando Guebuza, as well as representatives from government, the private sector, and civil society.

He will visit Sofala province and Maputo, and will have a chance to see the flood-affected areas of the Zambezi and Púngue rivers.

The President will also visit the Mozal aluminum plant and Temane gas distribution point for the city, both of which have been supported by the IFC and MIGA.

T-11: 35-11:47 A.M

E:4:11

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