STORY: The World Bank has agreed a $300 million grant with Ethiopia.

That's according to the Horn of Africa country's finance ministry, which said the funds would be used to help with reconstruction and recovery in conflict-hit areas.

Fighting erupted in the northern Tigray region in November 2020 and spilled over into neighboring Afar and Amhara last year.

Though there are still sporadic reports of fighting, the war has eased since a unilateral ceasefire by the federal government in March.

Ethiopia's finance ministry said in a statement late on Monday (May 17) the World Bank grant would be used to for activities designed to support basic services - education, health, and water supply in particular.

It added that a special effort would be made to assist survivors of gender-based violence in conflict zones.

Areas in Tigray, Amhara and Afar are targeted to receive funds, the government said, as well as the regions of Oromia and Benishangul-Gumuz.

Violence in Oromia and Benishangul-Gumuz, which are home to several ethnic groups, is separate from the war in Tigray.

The government said it would sign up with third-party organizations to execute the project in high-conflict areas.