United Nations in Ethiopia

The Sustainable Development Goals are a call for action by all countries – poor, rich and middle-income – to promote prosperity while protecting the planet. They recognize that ending poverty must go hand-in-hand with strategies that build economic growth and address a range of social needs including education, health, social protection, and job opportunities, while tackling climate change and environmental protection. These are the goals the UN is working on in Ethiopia:

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24 April 2026

Enhancing collective impact of the UN in Ethiopia

The United Nations Country Team (UNCT) in Ethiopia held its strategic meeting to reflect critically on how the UN system operates in support of the development needs of the country. The meeting brought together UNCT members and Programme Management Team (PMT) colleagues from across the system, united by a shared objective to chart a more coherent and impactful way of working together to deliver solutions at scale in support of Ethiopia’s development priorities.In his opening intervention, the Director of the UN Development Coordination Office (DCO) in Africa, Yacoub El Hillo, highlighted the wider global context marked by overlapping crises, geopolitical instability, and increasing pressure on traditional development assistance, placing Ethiopia at the center of the UN’s global reform challenge. “The world is facing multiple overlapping crises, and the United Nations was created for moments exactly like this,” El Hillo stressed. “The real question in Ethiopia is not whether we remain relevant in theory, but whether we can deliver solutions, policy advice, and transformative results in practice.”In his address, the UN Assistant Secretary-General and UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator for Ethiopia, Ozonnia Ojielo, emphasized that Ethiopia’s national priorities - rather than agency mandates or project boundaries - must determine the UN’s mode of engagement.“Ethiopia’s needs should determine how we design our interventions,” he said, “not the boundaries of existing projects or the preferences of individual agencies.” He further underscored the importance of starting with Ethiopia’s major structural challenges and building credible, scalable responses capable of crowding in additional investment.“The UN’s comparative advantage lies in integrated analysis, convening power, technical expertise, and its ability to design and test solutions that others can finance and scale,” Ozonnia added. The meeting candidly acknowledged that while collaboration has improved at the design stage, deeper and more meaningful integration is required to deliver shared and enhanced outcomes. Participants also emphasized the need to reinforce the UN’s collective value proposition by supporting systemic solutions that link sectors, align policies, strengthen institutions, and provide trusted, evidence‑based advice.According to the UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator, achieving this shift requires moving beyond activity‑based cooperation.“We must go beyond activity‑driven coordination toward genuinely integrated initiatives,” he said, “initiatives that are capable of serving as proof of concept for larger national and institutional uptake.” Participants also highlighted the importance of better leveraging the UN’s existing assets, including its knowledge, normative mandate, data, communications capacity, and deep technical expertise across agencies to enhance the UN’s role as a catalyst for transformation in Ethiopia.The discussion held among the senior leadership for the UN in Ethiopia further underscored the importance of accountability, both for results and for changes in behavior. In this regard, the Programme Management Team (PMT) was identified as a key platform for translating strategic decisions into operational reality and ensuring that agreements reached at leadership level are reflected in day‑to‑day practice.The meeting concluded with agreement to translate its strategic direction into a joint declaration and a limited set of investment‑ready, systems‑level initiatives aligned with Ethiopia’s national trajectory and the United Nations Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework.Photos : UNCT Retreat 2026Video: RC/HC remarks in a short clip (UNCT Retreat)Video: UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator’s Engagements - Photo Highlights

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18 March 2026

Agro‑Industrial Parks Transform Ethiopia’s Avocado Value Chain

Once primarily consumed locally with limited economic value, avocado production was constrained by informal markets, low prices, and significant post-harvest losses. Despite strong agro-ecological potential, the country remained largely absent from the rapidly growing global avocado oil market.This began to change with the introduction of the Integrated Agro-Industrial Parks (IAIPs), a flagship initiative of the Government of Ethiopia supported technically by the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO). The IAIP model connects farmers, agro-processors, logistics services, and export markets within a coordinated ecosystem, transforming fragmented subsistence agriculture into a competitive, market-oriented system.At the center of this transformation is the Yirgalem Integrated Agro-Industrial Park (YIAIP) in southern Ethiopia, where avocado was identified as a priority commodity. The establishment of processing companies such as Sunvado Avocado Oil Manufacturing PLC, YBM Avocado Processing, and Golden Organic Avocado Oil Processing Company introduced modern cold-press extraction technologies and international food safety standards. These investments enabled Ethiopia to produce high-quality organic avocado oil for export, particularly to European markets.The growing presence of processors within and around the Yirgalem corridor has created an emerging agro-industrial cluster, linking farmers, cooperatives, and service providers. Today, more than 65,000 smallholder farmers are connected to the avocado value chain through structured supply systems, benefiting from improved market access, transparent pricing, and technical support to enhance productivity and quality.For farmers, the shift has been significant. Instead of relying on informal traders, producers now supply directly to processors under more reliable and predictable market arrangements. This demand-driven system has encouraged farmers to expand production, invest in improved practices, and treat avocado as a viable income-generating crop.The impact at farm level is clearly illustrated by the experience of Wudie Tesfaye, a smallholder farmer supplying the Yirgalem ecosystem:“Before the IAIP system was introduced, I depended on informal markets dominated by brokers who dictated prices. I often transported sacks of avocado long distances only to be offered as little as 60 to 70 birr per sack. Sometimes I had to return home with unsold produce, losing both time and income. Today things are very different. Through our cooperative, we supply avocados directly to collection centers that link us to processing companies. The payment is transparent and immediate. During each harvesting season I deliver about 229 kilograms of avocado per week. With prices ranging between 18 and 40 birr per kilogram, my annual income has grown to more than 310,000 birr. With this income I can support my children’s education and reinvest in my farm. I have already planted 120 improved avocado seedlings so that I can expand production in the coming years.”— Wudie Tesfaye, smallholder farmer supplying the Yirgalem ecosystemThe expansion of avocado processing has created employment opportunities across the value chain, including in factories, logistics, aggregation, and farm-level activities. Many of these jobs are held by women and youth, contributing to more inclusive economic growth in rural communities.At the same time, IAIPs are serving as platforms for innovation. In Yirgalem, private sector-led extension services are complementing traditional public systems by providing tailored, practical training to farmers on improved agricultural practices, pest management, and water-efficient technologies such as drip irrigation. This approach is improving yields, product quality, and market readiness.Nationally, the results are evident. Avocado production has increased significantly, driven by rising industrial demand and improved value chain coordination. Regions such as Sidama and Oromia are emerging as key production hubs supplying the growing processing industry.Beyond the value chain, the IAIP ecosystem also fosters strong partnerships. Through the Programme for Country Partnership (PCP), the initiative brings together government institutions, development partners, and the private sector under a coordinated framework. This collaboration supports infrastructure development, capacity building, investment promotion, and value chain strengthening, ensuring that interventions are aligned and mutually reinforcing.The transformation of Ethiopia’s avocado sector demonstrates how integrated agro-industrial development can generate jobs, increase farmer incomes, promote exports, and strengthen rural livelihoods. By linking agriculture to industry and markets, IAIPs are positioning Ethiopia as an emerging player in the global avocado oil market while advancing inclusive and sustainable economic transformation.

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20 August 2026

International Youth Day Celebrated in Ethiopia: Advancing Inclusive Innovation and Youth Leadership

Young people are playing an increasingly important role in shaping Ethiopia's development through innovation, entrepreneurship, civic engagement, and the use of digital technologies. As the country undergoes rapid digital transformation, new opportunities are emerging for youth to contribute to national development. At the same time, challenges remain, including the need to strengthen digital skills, promote safe and inclusive online spaces, and expand meaningful partnerships that enable young people to participate in decision-making processes and drive positive change in their communities.To mark International Youth Day, approximately 200 participants, including youth organizations, university students, innovators, government representatives, UN agencies, development partners, civil society organizations, and private-sector actors, gathered to celebrate the achievements and potential of Ethiopia's young people. The event aimed to showcase youth-led innovation, strengthen intergenerational dialogue, and generate practical recommendations on how young people can contribute to national development through technology, partnerships, civic engagement, and responsible digital citizenship.In his engagement with the youth, the United Nations Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator (RC/HC) Ozonnia Ojielo (PhD) emphasized the importance of ensuring that innovation is genuinely inclusive. He stressed that digital opportunities must reach all young people, particularly young women, rural youth, internally displaced persons, and persons with disabilities, so that no young Ethiopian is left behind in the country's development journey. The RC/HC highlighted that equitable access to technology and innovation is critical to unlocking the full potential of Ethiopia's youth and achieving sustainable development.Calling on young people to take an active role in shaping their future, the RC/HC encouraged them to lead with confidence and creativity. He urged youth not to wait for permission to innovate, but instead to use their energy, ideas, and problem-solving skills to address challenges within their communities. The UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator expressed confidence in the strength, resilience, and determination of Ethiopia's young generation. Through innovation, collaboration, and strong partnerships, he noted, young people can transform challenges into opportunities and help build a more peaceful, prosperous, inclusive, and sustainable future. Mr. Ojielo also underscored Ethiopia's rich resources and long-standing experience in mobilizing local resources for transformative national initiatives. He emphasized that while external support remains important, greater efforts are needed to harness the country's own resources and create mechanisms that enable young people to become productive, create opportunities, and contribute meaningfully to national development.Representing the Ministry of Women and Social Affairs, Mr. Adinew Abera, Head of the Youth Organization Empowerment Desk, reaffirmed the Government's commitment to empowering Ethiopia's young people and creating an enabling environment for their success. He highlighted ongoing efforts to promote digital innovation, expand opportunities for youth entrepreneurship, and strengthen civic engagement. "At the Ministry of Women and Social Affairs, we are doing our absolute best to build and nurture an empowered generation," he said, emphasizing the Ministry's dedication to ensuring that young people have the support, skills, and opportunities needed to thrive and lead. The celebration concluded with a strong call for continued investment in youth-led innovation, inclusive digital transformation, and multi-stakeholder partnerships that empower young people to realize their full potential. Participants reaffirmed that Ethiopia's youth are not only beneficiaries of development but also key drivers of the country's progress and transformation.

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20 August 2026

A High-Level Panel Highlights Enhanced Access to Livelihoods, Services, and Community Dialogue as Foundations for Durable Solutions and Stability in Ethiopia

The International Organization for Migration (IOM) convened a high-level federal panel discussion in Addis Ababa to advance dialogue on livelihoods, social cohesion, peacebuilding and durable solutions for displacement-affected communities in Ethiopia. The event, titled “From Displacement to Self-Reliance: Economic Inclusion and Social Cohesion as Pathways to Durable Solutions,” brought together the federal government, including the Ethiopian Disaster Risk Management Commission, the Ethiopian Human Rights Commission, the Ministry of Justice, the Ministry of Women and Social Affairs, Government Representatives from Oromia and Somali regional states, United Nations agencies, development partners and durable solutions actors to discuss practical ways to strengthen long-term responses to internal displacement. As Ethiopia continues to advance government-led approaches to internal displacement, the event focused on how access to livelihoods, equitable service delivery and community-based dialogue can help address drivers of displacement, support peaceful coexistence and create the conditions for voluntary, safe and sustainable solutions. In this context, the event highlighted the Government of Ethiopia’s commitment to addressing internal displacement in line with the AU Kampala Convention and the Global Solutions Agenda. It also examined how durable solutions can be advanced through the Humanitarian-Development-Peace Nexus, shifting beyond emergency assistance toward prevention, recovery, and long-term resilience. Participants exchanged views on emerging governance structures, financing frameworks and coordinated interventions that can support displaced populations and host communities, particularly in the Oromia and Somali Regions. The dialogue strengthened commitment to step up collaboration among government, the United Nations, international partners, NGOs, and civil society organizations. It also helped build consensus on priority actions to advance livelihoods and social cohesion, contributing to coordinated, long-term solutions that promote peace, stability and self-reliance for displaced populations and host communities. “Achieving Durable Solutions requires embedding displacement within national planning, budgeting and financing. Addressing internal displacement cannot remain as stand-alone humanitarian initiatives; they must be integrated into broader development strategies and implemented through coordinated, area-based approaches under strong government leadership. This enables all stakeholders to align investments, reduce humanitarian needs and strengthen resilience over the long term,” says Ms. Abibatou Wane, IOM Chief of Mission to Ethiopia. “Our shared responsibility is to move beyond responding to crises and toward delivering solutions that are nationally led, locally owned and enabled through strong partnerships. Individuals and families that are impacted by displacement are not only beneficiaries of assistance: they are partners in recovery, contributors to development and agents of resilience,” she adds. The event was organized within the framework of the joint project “Strengthening Resilience of Disaster Affected Communities through Durable Solutions in Oromia and Somali Regions of Ethiopia,” co-implemented by IOM, the Food and Agricultural Organization (FAO) and UN-Habitat, and co-funded by the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (Sida) and the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC).

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19 August 2026

ILO and partners advance standardized wage framework for Ethiopia’s horticulture sector

The ILO, the Ethiopian Horticulture Producer Exporters Association (EHPEA), and tripartite partners have taken a key step toward establishing a standardized wage framework for Ethiopia’s horticulture sector, following the validation of an assessment of cluster-based wage systems in Addis Ababa.Participants at the validation workshop emphasized that more transparent, predictable and well-governed wage systems can strengthen decent work, support responsible business practices and enhance the competitiveness of Ethiopia’s horticulture sector.The workshop, led by the International Labour Organization through Siraye’s Setting Adequate Wages in Agriculture (SAW-A) project and the ILO Global Centre on Digital Wages for Decent Work, and organized in collaboration with EHPEA, brought together farm managers, worker representatives, regional authorities, national institutions and tripartite partners.The discussion marked a transition from analysis to shared action. Participants reviewed the findings of an assessment of cluster-based wage systems in Ethiopia’s horticulture sector, focusing on wage adequacy, transparency and governance, and explored how these insights can inform practical reforms across the sector.Horticulture remains one of Ethiopia’s leading export industries and a major source of formal wage employment, especially for women. As the sector continues to grow, improving workers’ incomes while maintaining enterprise sustainability is a shared priority for workers, employers and government.Welcoming the participants of the workshop, Khumbula Ndaba, Director of the ILO Country Office for Ethiopia, Djibouti, Somalia, Sudan and South Sudan, underscored the broader economic role of wage systems.“Well-designed wage systems can serve as a powerful instrument for economic transformation, productivity growth and social progress. Fair and predictable wages increase workers’ purchasing power, supporting domestic demand and stimulating local economic activity,” said Ndaba.The assessment examines wage structures across the sector, including base pay, allowances, in-kind benefits, wage payment systems and disparities across regions, contract types and gender. It also identifies opportunities to enhance transparency and efficiency, including through the expansion of digital wage payments.Participants validated the findings, identified remaining gaps and discussed practical measures to strengthen wage adequacy, wage transparency and sector- wide social dialogue.The discussions are expected to inform the development of a standardized wage framework that reflects operational realities, incorporates worker perspectives and supports a competitive and sustainable horticulture sector.Welcoming participants on behalf of the Government of Ethiopia, Tiumegzi Berhe Fikadu, CEO for Industrial Relations and Labour Inspection at the Ministry of Labor and Skill- FDRE, emphasized that sustainable wage systems require credible evidence, sector realities, productivity considerations and strong social dialogue. “Strengthening transparent and credible wage systems is becoming increasingly important for both workers and enterprises.”Speaking on behalf of EHPEA’s Executive Director, Ms Yodit Girma highlighted the progress achieved through constructive dialogue between employers and workers.“The introduction of the cluster-based wage scheme has contributed to improved wage levels across the sector and has also resulted in better industrial harmony between employers and workers,” she said.She reaffirmed EHPEA’s commitment to promoting decent work, constructive social dialogue and a resilient and thriving horticulture industry that benefits both employers and workers.EHPEA has played a leading role in initiating the cluster-based wage approach through negotiations between farm management and trade unions. The approach was designed to support a fair, transparent and structured wage-setting mechanism that responds to the realities of the sector.The workshop also provided an opportunity for stakeholders to assess the feasibility of proposed recommendations and agree on priorities for implementation. Discussions focused on building consensus around wage standardization, strengthening social dialogue and improving wage governance in the sector.The outcomes of the workshop will inform the final assessment report and support the development of a standardized wage framework for Ethiopia’s horticulture sector. The framework is expected to contribute to stronger wage-setting practices, improved transparency and more sustainable industrial relations.Ndaba said a credible framework must combine evidence with ownership.“A credible wage framework is not only about technical evidence. It is also about shared ownership by the people and institutions who will put it into practice. Today’s workshop is an important step in building that consensus.”The workshop forms part of the ILO’s broader support to strengthen wage-setting systems in Ethiopia’s agriculture sector and to promote decent work, social dialogue and sustainable enterprises.

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19 August 2026

A Lifeline for Mothers: Nutrition Support Strengthens Families in Drought-Affected areas in Ethiopia

When lack of rain dried up the pond that sustained Hasho’s vegetable garden in southern Ethiopia, feeding her family became a daily struggle. Pregnant with her second child and worried about her young son’s nutrition, she found a lifeline through WFP nutrition support funded by the Ethiopia Humanitarian Fund, helping her protect her family’s health while rebuilding hope for the future.For Hasho, an expectant mother in Moyale Woreda, Ethiopia's Oromia Region, every day begins with the hope of providing enough for her family.Her household relies on two cows and a camel, whose milk she sells at the local market. The modest income helps her purchase staple foods such as maize and beans. In better years, she also grew various vegetables such as Kale using water from a nearby pond, which provided both food and income.When the ponds dried up, her vegetable garden disappeared.“The interruption of kale cultivation affected us greatly,” Hasho recalls. “The kale supported my family, and the income allowed me to purchase many essential items.”Pregnant with her second child, Hasho struggled to feed her family and worried about her son's nutrition.Without her garden, feeding the family became increasingly difficult. As food supplies dwindled and prices remained high, Hasho worried not only about her own health during pregnancy but also about the wellbeing of her young son.“When a child receives enough food, they remain healthy,” she says. “But when a child does not get enough food, they may lose weight and become vulnerable.”A Lifeline During CrisisHasho’s experience reflects the reality facing many families across parts of Ethiopia, where prolonged dry conditions continue to erode livelihoods and increase the risk of malnutrition among women and children.At a time when her family needed support most, WFP’s lifesaving nutrition assistance funded through the Ethiopia Humanitarian Fund (EHF) reached her community through emergency nutrition services provided at a local health facility.Every two weeks, Hasho received (CSB++), iron-folic acid tablets, and nutrition counselling. Health workers provided guidance on how to prepare nutritious meals, safely store food, maintain good hygiene, and improve her family's diet using locally available foods.The support quickly made a difference.“Since I started using fortified cereal, I have been feeling much healthier,” Hasho says. “I also learned how to prepare it properly and improve my family's nutrition.”

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13 August 2026

Rebuilding schools, restoring learning

Children deserve the best. In the conflict-affected Amhara region, UNICEF, with support from the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), is rehabilitating schools to help children return to safe learning environments. New classroom blocks, boys' and girls' latrines, and girls' safe spaces are giving children the opportunity to learn, grow and thrive.Sitting in her newly rehabilitated classroom at Bistima Primary School, 12-year-old Hania Oumer appreciates the difference it has made to her learning. “It is comfortable to learn in this classroom. It is neat and bright,” she says.As the academic year draws to a close, Hania stands before her classmates leading a mathematics revision session, confidently guiding them through model exam questions.“I love mathematics because of my elder sister. She helps me at home, and I am good at it,” says Hania.Like Hania, Hayat Endirs is thriving in a newly rehabilitated school environment. Studying at Harbu Primary School, many kilometres away from Bistima, she says her new classroom has transformed the way she experiences school.“The new classrooms help us learn better,” says Hayat. She remembers studying in overcrowded mud-built classrooms, a stark contrast to the bright and comfortable spaces where she and her classmates learn today. The conflict in northern Ethiopia left many schools across the Amhara region damaged or occupied as shelters for displaced families, interrupting children's education. With support from the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) and matching funding from the Global Partnership for Education, UNICEF has been rehabilitating schools, restoring classrooms and providing desks so children can safely return to learning.To date, 13 schools across the region have been rehabilitated. New classroom blocks, boys' and girls' latrines, girls' safe spaces and other essential facilities are helping create safer, more inclusive environments where children can learn and thrive.Education is more than a pathway to the future. For children affected by conflict, it restores a sense of normalcy, hope and stability, helping them rebuild their lives one lesson at a time.

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Press Release

23 September 2026

UN Secretary-General statement on Ethiopia

The Secretary-General is gravely concerned by the rapidly deteriorating situation in northern Ethiopia, including the seizure and occupation of the three airports of Mekelle, Axum and Shire, and reports of intensified fighting in and around Tigray and the spread of hostilities into neighboring areas.The Secretary-General calls on all parties to exercise maximum restraint, immediately de-escalate tensions, protect civilians, ensure safe and unhindered access for humanitarian partners to reach those in need, and avoid actions that could lead to a broader and more devastating conflict.The Secretary-General reiterates his support to efforts by the African Union, including the engagement of former President Olusegun Obasanjo, aimed at reducing tensions and reengaging the parties to resume talks in good faith under the framework of the Pretoria Agreement.

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Press Release

27 August 2026

Security Council Press Statement on August 24 Attack Against United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) Peacekeepers

The members of the Security Council expressed their deepest condolences and sympathy to the families and relatives of the victims and extended their full support to the affected troop-contributing countries. They wished a swift and full recovery to those injured.The members of the Security Council recalled resolution 2823 (2026). The members of the Security Council underscored that attacks against UN peacekeepers may constitute war crimes under international law and demanded a full, transparent, and immediate investigation. They insisted that those responsible be identified and brought to justice without delay and warned that impunity for such attacks is unacceptable. The members of the Security Council expressed deep alarm at the persistent intercommunal and armed violence in Jonglei State and its devastating toll on civilians, humanitarian workers, and peacekeepers alike. They demanded that South Sudanese political and community leaders engage in efforts and take immediate and decisive action to end the violence and ensure the protection of all those working to advance peace and security in South Sudan.The members of the Security Council noted the prompt activation of UNMISS’ emergency response procedures, including the deployment of a Quick Reaction Force.The members of the Security Council reaffirmed their unwavering support for UNMISS and its mandate to protect civilians and sustain the peace process in South Sudan. They emphasized that the Government of South Sudan must work with UNMISS, within its mandated capacity, to ensure the safety and security of its peacekeepers and to implement its mandate to protect civilians and to support the peace process in South Sudan.

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Press Release

18 June 2026

Ethiopia Launches Groundbreaking "Makatet Roadmap", Ushering in an Era of Refugee Inclusion

Developed through an intense, nationally driven process involving federal and regional institutions, development partners, UN agencies, civil society and refugee representatives, this comprehensive framework established a unified blueprint for the socio-economic inclusion of refugees while significantly benefiting their gracious host communities. By shifting from temporary humanitarian relief to sustainable, government-led development planning, the roadmap set out to transform existing camp structures into cohesive, self-sustaining human settlements integrated with national service delivery systems.The high-level gathering at the Adwa Museum served as a national platform to present the finalized multisectoral framework and secure collective investment for its operational phase. The framework has officially been launched by Ethiopia's Honorable Speaker of the HPRs Ato Tagesse Chaffo and the UN High Commissioner for Refugees, culminating in a cultural performance refugee youth group.The Director General of Refugees and Returnees Service (RRS) Madam Teyiba Hassen welcomed dignitaries at the ceremony by highlighting the operational shift towards inclusion, noting that the roadmap bridges the gap between the refugee operation and humanitarian landscapes."Today, we moved beyond encampment toward comprehensive town masterplans and integrated, shared services," the DG stated. "The Makatet Roadmap stands as our decisive answer to decades of fragmented assistance, as it’s a model where refugees and host communities grow together under a unified, well-coordinated, government-led system."Ethiopia’s Minister of Finance Mr. Ahmed Shide mentioned the macroeconomic and structural significance of anchoring this framework within domestic delivery systems to maximize resource efficiency."Sustainable economic resilience cannot be built in isolation," the Minister said. "With the launch of the Makatet Roadmap, the Government of Ethiopia transitioned from short-term humanitarian management to an inclusive development model that treats refugees as active contributors to our national growth. " The UN Resident Coordinator to Ethiopia Mr. Ozonia Ojielo underscored the international community's shared commitment to the framework, celebrating it as a triumph of cooperative planning."The UN family stands firmly behind this nationally driven vision," noted the Resident Coordinator. "The Makatet Roadmap is a testament to what can be achieved when government institutions, civil society and international partners unite around a shared goal."The Chairperson of the African Union Commission Mahmoud Ali Youssouf lauded Ethiopia's progressive and commendable leadership on a continental stage."Ethiopia’s visionary approach aligns perfectly with our collective continental aspirations for inclusion, dignity and stability under Agenda 2063," stated the Chairperson. "By creating structural pathways for the social and economic inclusion of displaced populations, this roadmap serves as an inspiring example for the entire African Union, proving that displacement challenges can be transformed into opportunities for regional development and shared prosperity."The High Commissioner for Refugees Mr. Barham Salih welcomed the shift, highlighting the initiative as a global standard for localized development and international responsibility sharing.“Ethiopia has set an important example by demonstrating that refugee protection and national development can—and should—advance hand in hand,” said the High Commissioner. “The Makatet Roadmap serves as a blueprint for translating that vision into practical action, creating greater opportunities for refugees and host communities alike. It is closely aligned with our 50 by 35 vision to reduce aid dependency by expanding opportunities for refugees living in protracted situations to become more self-reliant and access lasting solutions over the next ten years. UNHCR remains committed to standing alongside Ethiopia to mobilize international solidarity and the resources needed to turn these aspirations into reality.”The milestone event culminated with an address by Ethiopia's Honorable Speaker of the House of People’s Representatives Ato Tagesse Chaffo, Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia reaffirming his government's highest political commitment to executing area-based inclusion across all refugee-hosting regions."The Makatet Roadmap is not merely a policy document; it's a binding strategy for inclusion and development," declared Ato Tagesse Chaffo. "The Government of Ethiopia is fully committed to leading this transition. Through area-based planning and robust coordination, we will ensure that our national systems are strong enough to provide protection, opportunity and a better future for both refugees and the generous communities that host them."The Makatet Roadmap has successfully been launched, marking a major milestone in Ethiopia’s efforts to embrace refugees in its national systems. The initiative mixes policies, legal frameworks and area-based plans into a coordinated strategy to foster inclusion, resilience and shared growth in spite of resource constraints. FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT:RRS : Sileshi Demisew, sileshid@rrs.gov.et, +251 912 023 969 UNHCR : Sona Dadi, dadis@unhcr.org, +251 932 459 640

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