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 DPs 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. Ramiz Alakbarov
DPG Co-chair | UNCT Ethiopia
Dr. Ramiz Alakbarov has 28 years of experience in executive leadership, strategic planning, policymaking, development programming and management, and humanitarian response.
Before his current role as the Resident Coordinator for Ethiopia, he served as the Deputy Special Representative for Afghanistan with the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA), where he also held the positions of UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator.
Within the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), Dr. Alakbarov has held several key positions, including Deputy Executive Director for Management and UN Reforms (ad interim), Director of the Policy and Strategy Division in New York, Country Representative in Haiti, Deputy Regional Director of the Regional Office for Arab States, and Head of the Office in South Sudan. He has also supported country programmes in Arab States, Eastern Europe, and Central Asia in various roles, including as Programme Officer covering Sudan, Somalia, and Iraq and as Humanitarian Response Officer for Operations in Afghanistan, Palestine, and the Great Lakes Region.
Earlier in his career, from 1992 to 1995, Dr. Alakbarov served as an Assistant Professor at Azerbaijan Medical University and practiced as a physician. His vast experience and diverse roles demonstrate his commitment to humanitarian work and his ability to lead in challenging environments.
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.
