About the DPG in Ethiopia
The Development Partners Group (DPG) is a collective of 35 bilateral and multilateral entities providing Official Development Assistance and committed to the advancement of development in Ethiopia. The primary aim of the DPG is to stimulate policy dialogue amongst its members and between these and the Government of Ethiopia and synchronize development partners’ efforts to advance implementation of national development priorities and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
The Development Partners Group (DPG) was formed in 2001 to foster and facilitate engagement and policy dialogue among development partners and with the Government of Ethiopia (GoE) and other stakeholders. It aims at promoting effective development cooperation, including through regular high-level fora, annual review meetings of the national development plan, an Effective Development Cooperation Taskforce (EDCTF), as well as regular sector working group, Executive Committee (ExCom) and Heads of Agency meetings.
The DPG in Ethiopia is a robust platform that fosters collaboration, dialogue, and mutual support among Ethiopian government and its development partners. It plays a pivotal role in aligning development efforts with national priorities, promoting transparency, and ensuring the effective use of resources for the benefit of the Ethiopian people.
Established in 2001, the DPG was initially known as the Development Assistance Group (DAG) and was designed to focus on policy dialogue, as well as coordinate and harmonize the support of development partners to the government’s national development plan and the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs).
To address recurring aid cooperation challenges, the Government of Ethiopia (GoE) and development partners have established a formal dialogue architecture at both policy and technical levels. This includes the High-Level Forum (HLF) and Joint Working Groups (JWGs). These platforms, such as the High-Level Development Forum (HLDF), High Level Business Forum (HLBF) and Joint Working Groups, facilitate crucial dialogue and work towards the common goal of sustainable development in Ethiopia.
DPG Co-chairs
Dr. Léandre Bassole
DPG Co-chair | Deputy Director General, East African, African Development Bank Group
Dr. Léandre Bassole, is the Deputy Director General for the East Africa Region at the African Development Bank Group since June 2024. He is a seasoned economic development specialist with strong experience in high – level policy dialogue and provision of advisory services, leading on the design and delivery of country programs and strategies. As a result – oriented professional, Léandre brings to the role more than 19 years of experience in delivering impactful operations and programs in many African countries (west, center, east, and south), ranging from middle income to fragile states countries. In this role, Léandre drives and ensures the operational efficiency, effectiveness and overall health of the Bank’s portfolio across the region to achieve significant developmental impacts. He spearheads regional business development and investment, driving resource mobilization across the countries in the region and significantly growing the business of the Bank.
Léandre was Country Manager in Guinea, from September 2017 to May 2024, where he has coordinated and led policy reforms high – level dialogue with government Authorities and Development Partners with a focus on the country economic development strategies preparation and implementation and timely program delivery as well as project design and Co-financing issues, Regional integration; Domestic resources mobilization; Public sector reforms; Private sector development reforms; Public financial management; Governance, and Strategic partnerships. His broad background and extensive operational experience have led to increase the level of the Bank’s engagement in Guinea from USD 240 Million in 2017 to USD 728 Million in 2023 and positioned the Bank as the partner of choice to support high development impact operations.
Léandre joined the African Development Bank in 2009 as a Young Professional (2009 – 2012), then as Senior Macroeconomist (2012 – 2017) covering seven countries (Cabo Verde, Comoros, Mali, Burundi, Madagascar, Senegal, and Rwanda) where he designed and implemented a wide range of policy reforms and institutional support operations in different sectors (Governance, Agriculture, Industry, Mining, Transport, Infrastructures, Energy, Health and Education, and Climate Change).
Outside AfDB, Léandre has worked as Researcher and Development Impact specialist in various academic and international institutions, including the French National Center of Scientific Research (CNRS) and the World Bank Group where he was a core team member working on the World Development Report 2008 on “Agriculture for Development”.
Léandre is a holder of a Ph.D. in Development Economics (2008), a Research Master’s degree in development economics (2003), a Professional Master’s Degree in Project Analysis and Appraisal (2003), and a Bachelor’s degree in economics (2002), all from the University of Auvergne (Center for Studies and Research on International Development – CERDI). He is further accredited with Executive Education Certificate in Strategy Execution, Organizational Leadership, and Leadership Principles all from the Harvard Business School.
Ashley Mulroney
DPG Co-chair | Canadian International Development Agency
Ashley Mulroney is Minister-Counsellor and Executive Director of Canada’s international assistance program to Ethiopia, one of Canada’s largest programs. She is currently serving as Co-chair of the Development Partners’ Group in Ethiopia. She arrived in Addis Ababa in August 2023. Ms. Mulroney has worked for Global Affairs Canada, and its predecessor, the Canadian International Development Agency for over 20 yearsMs. Mulroney has served overseas in Ukraine, South Africa, Kenya and Russia.
She led Canada’s international assistance to Ukraine from 2019-2023, including Canada’s response to Russia’s full scale invasion. Prior to Ukraine, Ms. Mulroney worked in Development Policy at Global Affairs and led the implementation of Canada’s new Feminist International Assistance Policy, including the publication of thematic papers on each of Canada’s six Action Areas.
As a seasoned leader with a wealth of experience in international development and diplomacy, Ms. Mulroney brings a unique blend of strategic vision, operational acumen, and compassionate leadership to the table. With a Master’s degree from Harvard University and a Bachelor’s degree from Smith College, complemented by extensive fieldwork and language proficiency in French, Russian and Ukrainian, she has cultivated a deep understanding of complex geopolitical landscapes. Ms. Mulroney is a dynamic leader driven by a passion for fostering positive change on both local and global scales.
Beyond her professional endeavors, she is deeply committed to community service, serving as Treasurer and Board member for organizations dedicated to advancing gender equality and education in international settings.
Originally from Vancouver, Canada, Ms. Mulroney is accompanied in Addis Ababa by her husband and her three children.
Semereta Sewasew Aweke
DPG Co-chair | State Minister of Finance for Economic Cooperation, Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia
Semereta Sewasew Aweke serves as the State Minister of Finance for Economic Cooperation for Ethiopia, bringing nearly 25 years of experience in international relations, economic development, and strategic leadership. In this capacity, she manages a diverse portfolio of development programs supported by major international partners, including the World Bank, African Development Bank, and United Nations.
As a key government liaison to the Development Partners Group (DPG), Semereta has played a vital role in fostering strong relationships with bilateral and multilateral donors. She has successfully aligned international investments with Ethiopia’s national development objectives, driving critical reforms in sectors such as energy, health, education, and governance. Her leadership has also extended to crisis management, where she has led efforts to secure funding for economic recovery and to implement sustainable development programs, particularly in the areas of food security and climate resilience.
Semereta is recognized for her commitment to gender equality, social inclusion, and financial transparency. She has been instrumental in mobilizing resources and advancing Ethiopia’s alignment with the UN Sustainable Development Goals. Her work in disaster risk financing and public financial management reflects her focus on creating resilient and inclusive economic systems, benefiting both Ethiopia and the broader Horn of Africa region.
Before assuming her current role, Semereta held senior leadership positions within the Ministry of Finance, including Director of Public Affairs and Senior Communications Advisor. She has also represented Ethiopia in diplomatic engagements across Asia, Australasia, and the Middle East. Semereta holds a Master’s degree in Journalism and Communication and a Bachelor’s degree in Political Science and International Relations from Addis Ababa University.
Through her involvement on various boards and working groups, Semereta continues to champion collaboration between governments, civil society, and international partners, ensuring that Ethiopia’s development strategies remain inclusive, sustainable, and responsive to both national and regional priorities.
