What did Mark Suzman learn in Ethiopia?

In May, I spent a week visiting partners, grantees, and colleagues in Ethiopia. It’s hard to believe that my last trip to the country was in 2018. The world has changed so much since then, and perhaps even more so in Ethiopia.

In the first two decades of this century, Ethiopia made remarkable progress toward its health and development goals, including improvements in maternal and newborn health, vaccination rates, agricultural productivity, and financial inclusion. Since then, communities there have been dealt some major challenges—including COVID-19, drought, floods, and a major conflict—which have disrupted hard-won gains in health and development.

But, as I saw first-hand, one thing has not changed: Ethiopia’s incredible potential for progress. Getting back on track will require resilience and creativity, two things Ethiopians have in abundance.

Here are a few photos from my trip and the stories behind them:

Twelve years of partnership in Ethiopia

I started my trip with an energizing visit to the foundation’s Ethiopia office in Addis Ababa, the first office we opened on the continent 12 years ago. Here I am with my colleagues there, who are true exemplars of how our foundation aims to work with local partners. Throughout the trip, I heard from grantees, partners, senior members of government, and the wider donor community about just how unique and trusted our relationships are in Ethiopia.

I met with the staff to learn what was top of mind for them, including what we mean when we say “Impact First,” how we balance urgency and patience, and how our regional and country offices can have even greater impact. 

Hearing directly from community members

My next stop was in the Bensa district of the Sidama Region. There I met with workers from Ethiopia’s health extension program, which provides critical family planning, prenatal, postnatal, and immunization services to families in the community.

From there, I visited with a group of young women to learn more about the Adolescents 360 Smart Start program, which was developed to engage young couples in financial planning, including information on spacing pregnancies for greater financial stability.

Here I am ending my day at Bensa Ware Comprehensive Health Post, where I heard from health workers who are providing incredible care to mothers and newborns, including encouraging “kangaroo mother care.”

Leaders working for gender equality

Back in Addis, I sat down with inspiring leaders including Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, the president of the Oromia regional government, leaders from the National Bank of Ethiopia and the National ID Program, and key ministers who are focused on gender equality in Ethiopia’s agricultural sector.

I also had the chance to meet with and listen to critical allies, including representatives of the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa, to share goals and opportunities for supporting African finance ministers in developing strong, unified messages about what is needed to drive human potential across the continent.

Learning from our partners

Another highlight of the trip was hosting more than 200 local partners and grantees at a reception to thank them for the critical work they’re doing. It was a great opportunity to bring our them together and express my gratitude for their collaboration, expertise, and commitment to our shared goals. I also introduced them to Dr. Paulin Basinga, my longtime colleague and the foundation’s newly appointed Africa director.

I learned so much on this trip about how we and our remarkable partners can work together to accelerate Ethiopia’s progress in health, agriculture, gender equality, and financial inclusion. Thank you to our partners and colleagues for a warm reception, and I look forward to returning to Ethiopia in the future!

Until next time, Ethiopia!