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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30 September 2026

164 women leaders graduate from Presidential Leadership Programme II

164 women leaders across Ethiopia graduated from the second phase of the Presidential Leadership Programme for Women Leaders (PLP II) in Addis Ababa, marking a transition from leadership learning to practical action.The graduation brought the alumni together for refresher training, reflection and networking, while providing an opportunity to review progress on personal and organizational action plans developed during the programme.The participants’ stories of transformation show that the programme’s impact extends well beyond the training room. Alumni report greater confidence, stronger emotional intelligence and strategic decision-making skills, as well as a deeper commitment to creating opportunities for other women. They have established mentorship and women’s support initiatives, expanded leadership training in their communities, strengthened workplace support for mothers, advanced women’s participation in traditionally male-dominated sectors, and transformed institutional challenges into practical solutions.Initiated by H.E. former President Sahle-Work Zewde, Ethiopia’s first woman President, the programme has produced more than 345 alumni across its two phases with support from the Gates Foundation.To learn more about the programme’s impact, read the below Stories of Transformation, featuring women leaders who share how the training has shaped their leadership journeys and inspired change in their workplaces, communities and beyond.

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29 September 2026

Women and Girls Friendly Spaces Transform the Lives of Conflict-Affected Women and Girls

UN Women, in partnership with the Afar Community Initiative Sustainable Development Association (ACISDA) and local government stakeholders, established a culturally appropriate Women and Girls Friendly Space (WGFS) at Chifra Hospital, Afar Region to strengthen the prevention of and response to violence against women and girls, including conflict-related sexual violence. Designed to reflect traditional Afar homes, the facility provides a safe, confidential, and survivor-centered environment where women and girls can access psychosocial support, protection services, peer networks, and information on their rights.The WGFS offers individual and group counseling, peer support, awareness-raising sessions, and referral services, helping increase resilience, awareness, and help-seeking behavior among conflict-affected women and girls. To support economic empowerment, the center also facilitates income-generating activities such as traditional jewelry making, handicrafts, and milk collection materials.Over the past 10 months, more than 660 women and girls have accessed counseling, skills development opportunities, and essential support services. The project further strengthened women's economic resilience through Village Savings and Loan Associations (VSLAs), enabling women to save regularly, access small loans, and rebuild their livelihoods.In addition, the initiative strengthened local coordination mechanisms, enhanced the capacity of essential service providers, equipped One-Stop Centers with critical medical supplies, and supported media professionals and traditional leaders to implemented interventions on violence against women and girls (VAWG) prevention, advocacy, and positive social norm change. Supported by the Gates Foundation, the project contributes to improved survivor-centered services, stronger referral systems, enhanced wellbeing and resilience of conflict-affected women and girls, and strengthened GBV evidence generation to inform policy and programming.

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17 September 2026

From Dependence To Dignity: Netsanet Business Group Rebuilds Lives In Tigray

Eastern Tigray, Ethiopia - In Kokob Tsibah ward (kebele), where the hills of Eastern Tigray rise quietly against the horizon, a small patch of grazing land has become the centre of an unexpected revival. Every morning, thirteen men and women gather there, some with herding sticks, others with notebooks, tending to a growing flock of goats and sheep that now represents far more than livestock. For the members of the Netsanet Business Group, this shared enterprise is a lifeline, a turning point, and a declaration that recovery is possible.Among them is Yirga Teka, a soft‑spoken committee member whose life, not long ago, felt suspended between uncertainty and dependence. Before joining the group, he had no land, no income, and no way to support his wife and child. “I relied entirely on my parents,” he recalls. “I couldn’t even provide basic needs for my family, and it affected my confidence.”The years of conflict had pushed eight members of the group from their homes, stripping away livelihoods and stability. But when Yirga was selected for livelihood support under the Individual Measure 3 (IM3) project, implemented by IOM with funding from the European Union and the German Government, something shifted. “When I heard about the opportunity, I felt hopeful. I believed that if I worked hard, I could finally support my family independently.”That hope became structure. After receiving business skills training, the group drafted a business plan, elected committees, and opened a shared bank account to ensure transparency. With their first round of support, they purchased seventy‑eight goats and sheep. Soon, the grazing land filled with signs of renewal: thirty newborn animals, twenty more pregnant, and steady income from selling fattened livestock during peak market seasons.Members rotate responsibilities, feeding, watering, monitoring, and guiding the animals across the land provided by local authorities. The work is communal, but the impact is deeply personal.He once considered leaving his community in search of work, joining the many young people who migrate out of desperation. But today, he stands firmly rooted. “I received support from IOM that helped me start my own livelihood activity. I’m earning an income and supporting my family with dignity. This opportunity has given me hope and confidence for the future.”With a second round of support, the group expanded into ox fattening, another step toward stability and resilience. Their weekly meetings have become spaces of planning, accountability, and encouragement. Women and men share decisions equally, strengthening cohesion and trust.What began as a modest initiative has grown into a symbol of recovery. The Netsanet Business Group is not just raising livestock; they are rebuilding lives, restoring confidence, and proving that collective effort can turn hardship into possibility.“We are no longer just surviving; we are building a better future for our families,” Yirga says, his voice steady with pride.The group now dreams bigger - oxen trading, poultry production, milk businesses. Their plans stretch beyond today’s grazing fields, toward a future shaped by their own hands.By Tsadkan Kahsay , Senior Project Associate (Livelihoods), IOM Ethiopia

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16 September 2026

A youth-led poultry cooperative gives entrepreneurs in Ethiopia a pathway to decent work

It all began almost ten years ago in Lemi Kura Sub-City near Ethiopia’s capital, Addis Ababa, when Tolera Alemu and nine other young entrepreneurs came together around a shared ambition: to create their own employment opportunities and build a business that could grow with them jointly and through cooperation.Like many youth-led initiatives, they faced the challenge of accessing working capital. Each entrepreneur contributed ETB 50,000, approximately US $320, for a total of ETB 500,000, or US $3200, to launch a poultry cooperative. Organizing collectively, they were able to mobilize resources and that’s how “Tolera, Yakob and Friends Poultry Farm Cooperative” was born.Their cooperative then connected with International Labour Organization (ILO)-supported Live for Generation, an organization promoting youth participation, leadership, and decision-making in social, economic, and civic life. Live for Generation gave them additional capital, which they used to buy feed for their animals and vaccines to protect them from disease."Access to additional finance came at the right time for our growth," said Tolera, the 32-year-old leader of the cooperative and father of one. "The support moved us forward."Tolera Alemu, leader of Tolera, Yakob and Friends Poultry Farm Cooperative, says he appreciated mentorship and financial assistance from the ILO.With improved cash flow, the “Tolera, Yakob and Friends Poultry Farm Cooperative” adopted a business model focused on purchasing newly born chicks, rearing them for a month and then reselling them. In its first production cycle, the cooperative purchased 1,200 chicks and earned a net profit of ETB 50,000 (approximately US$300), which the group reinvested by purchasing an additional 100 chicks.The cooperative also expanded into egg production."We have a vision to grow together and supply quality products to our customers," explained Tolera.Building capacity, confidence and collective actionAlongside financing, members say follow-up and mentorship from the ILO-led initiative helped them stabilize operations and plan for growth.Cooperative members work in shifts. They rotate responsibilities for feeding, watering, sanitation and temperature control, and they make key business decisions collectively and democratically, sharing risks, responsibilities and returns.For 24-year-old Biftu Debia, an accounting student who was unemployed before joining, the initiative has brought economic and personal transformation.Biftu Debia, a member of the youth-led poultry cooperative realized the benefits of working through cooperation."The support came at the time when we needed it most," Biftu said. "They motivated us to believe in our capacity and to think about expanding this business to reach more customers."The experience also changed Biftu's view of cooperative work. "In the past, I had heard it is hard to work as a group. I did not have a positive idea about cooperative formation," she said. "But that attitude has changed now that I see it working practically. I understand that it is possible to work together peacefully and grow together."In the long term, the “Tolera, Yakob and Friends Poultry Farm Cooperative” plans to expand production, increase its income and diversify its activities. Members also hope that as the business grows, it will contribute to the local economy by creating more employment opportunities for young people in the community.By Zelalem Alemenew Desta

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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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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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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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