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
Maryam Salim
DPG Co-chair | Division Director for Eritrea, Ethiopia, South Sudan, and Sudan, the World Bank
Maryam Salim is the World Bank Division Director for Eritrea, Ethiopia, South Sudan, and Sudan.
Ms. Salim is a Tanzanian national with over twenty-five years of experience at the World Bank in the development field. Under her leadership, the World Bank will build on its strong partnership with the countries in her portfolio to provide them with tailored support to address the multifaceted challenges they are facing. Priorities include supporting efforts to boost economic growth, enhance macroeconomic stability, create jobs, improve social safety nets, education, and health, increase resilience to climate change, ensure water and food security, and improve access to important infrastructure, including digital development.
In this position, Ms. Salim’s priorities will include leading strategic dialogues to shape and implement more effective operational engagements focusing on delivering faster and greater impact for the people of Eritrea, Ethiopia, South Sudan, and Sudan in partnership with development partners and diverse stakeholders.
Prior to this position she was World Bank Country Manager for Cambodia, and has held other positions, including Country Manager for Albania and Advisor in the Office of the Chief Executive Officer and Senior Vice President for Operations. Ms. Salim joined the Bank as a Young Professional in 1998 and holds a Master’s in International Economics and International Relations from the Johns Hopkins University’s Paul H. Nitze School of Advanced Studies and a Juris Doctor from Georgetown University.
Paula Schindeler
DPG Co-chair | Deputy Head of Mission and Head of Cooperation at the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands
Paula Schindeler currently holds the position of Deputy Head of Mission and Head of Cooperation at the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. With an extensive career spanning over 22 years in international relations, economic diplomacy, and development cooperation, Mrs. Schindeler demonstrates broad expertise in advancing bilateral relations and spearheading critical diplomatic initiatives.
Prior to her current posting, Mrs. Schindeler served as Deputy Head of Mission and Head of Cooperation at the Embassy in Dhaka, Bangladesh. In this capacity, she was instrumental in overseeing and implementing development cooperation programmes with a focus on Food and Nutrition Security, Integrated Water Resource Management, and Health, while also leading the transition towards trade-oriented interventions.
In Ethiopia, as co-chair of the Development Partners Group (DPG), Mrs. Schindeler is committed to fostering policy dialogue, ensuring coordination among donors, and aligning international support with the national development agenda and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Mrs. Schindeler holds a Master’s degree in Public Administration from Leiden University. She is recognized for her strategic acumen, practical leadership approach, and unwavering dedication to empowering and supporting her team, thereby contributing to the success of the missions she leads.
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.
