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The Sustainable Development Goals 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:
Story
12 March 2026
From Challenge to Change: A Mother’s Story in Tigray
In the quiet town of Maichew, a story of resilience and hope has emerged from the shadows of conflict. One woman’s determination to rebuild her life after the Tigray conflict is a testament to the strength of the human spirit and the power of timely support.At just 35 years old, Embetu Alem, a mother of three, faced unimaginable hardship. The 2020 Tigray conflict not only claimed her husband’s life but also forced her to flee her home in Korem with her children. After years of displacement, she returned to Korem following the Pretoria Agreement that restored peace, only to find her home destroyed and all her belongings gone. With no assets or means to earn a livelihood, she was left to navigate a harsh new reality.But her story did not end there. Thanks to the tailored resource support provided by the International Organization for Migration (IOM), working with their local partner, the Organization for Social Service, Health and Development (OSSHD), and funded by UN CERF, a new chapter began.Through an Area-Based Approach (ABA), the project provided her with vital assistance that became the cornerstone of her recovery. She was given access to a communal kitchen where she could bake injera – a traditional Ethiopian flatbread – and received basic household items to stabilize her living conditions. Perhaps most importantly, she was connected to local markets where she could sell her products and begin earning an income again.With newfound hope and determination, she began to rebuild her life. Today, she earns approximately 300 Ethiopian Birr (ETB) - approximately USD 2 (two) - per day from selling her injera. This income has brought stability, food security, and dignity back to her family. Her children now have access to education, and she is taking steps toward rebuilding their home.This mother’s renewed livelihood not only benefits her family but also contributes to the broader recovery of her community. Her story highlights the critical importance of dignity-centered interventions for vulnerable returnees, particularly women-headed households who face unique challenges in post-conflict situations.“The support I received gave me the strength to start again,” she shared with a soft smile. “It’s not just about money—it’s about hope for my children’s future and being able to stand on my own feet.”Her journey serves as an inspiring example of how targeted programmes, that highlight the power of collaboration, can empower individuals to overcome adversity and rebuild their lives. The approach taken by this project offers a model for sustainable livelihood restoration in conflict-affected areas, showing that with the right support, even the most vulnerable can thrive.IOM Ethiopia is making strides in supporting displaced populations and host communities through its Area-Based Approach (ABA) under the Camp Coordination and Camp Management (CCCM) programme. Focusing on areas beyond formal camps, such as the Tigray and Somali regions, the initiative utilizes Community Resource Centers (CRCs) and outreach efforts to deliver vital services. By fostering collaboration with government bodies and partners, the programme ensures comprehensive, multi-sectoral support tailored to the needs of these communities.As she kneads dough in the communal kitchen each morning, this resilient mother is not just baking flatbread; she is shaping a brighter future—for herself, for her children, and for her community. Her story reminds us all that even in the face of devastation, hope can rise like the dough under her skilled hands.
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Story
10 March 2026
Men stopping FGM at the doorstep
Twenty-two-year-old Abdi Abegaz, who is a member of the anti-FGM committee in the Dubancho Kebele in the Hadiya Zone of the Central Ethiopia Region, relates a personal encounter in stopping Female Genital Mutilation. The daughter of Abdi’s close neighbour fell seriously ill, and her parents, adhering to an age-old misconception, became convinced that the only cure was to subject her to FGM."When the news reached me, they were on their way to bring a traditional doctor to perform the procedure," Abdi recalls. "I knew I had to act quickly."Abdi intervened directly, pleading the girl's case with her relatives and standing firm against her parents' initial plans. Using the persuasive evidence he gained from the training supported by UNFPA as one of the interventions of the Global Joint Programme on Eliminating Female Genital Mutilation (FGM), he convinced them that their daughter's illness required medical care, not the performance of a harmful cut practice. He successfully persuaded the family to take her to a health facility, where she received a proper diagnosis and was fully treated.But Abdi’s intervention didn't stop there. Understanding that lasting change requires a shift in belief, he ensured the girl and her parents joined the anti-FGM program committee. "I made sure they understood why the practice is dangerous, so they would never consider it again, for her or for any other girl," Abdi says.The Global Joint Programme on the Elimination of FGM focuses on community awareness and behavior change, with a strong emphasis on collaboration with religious and community leaders as well as the engagement of men and boys to challenge and transform entrenched social norms putting women and girls in harm’s way. In the Dubancho Kebele of the Hadiya Zone, the fight against FGM evolved from conversation to a highly organized, community-wide protection system. Men and boys like Abdi, who were trained by the UNFPA-supported interventions of the joint program,e have become vigilant guardians, conducting regular Community Conversations backed by evidence and closely tied to the authority of religious leaders and communal groups.Their work is methodical: they go door-to-door, using clear information about the severe health consequences of FGM, such as childbirth complications, to dispel myths. They also champion girls' education as a vital alternative to harmful practices. This dual approach has not only raised awareness but has actively created a safer environment where girls can thrive.Abdi’s story is not an isolated incident. He is one of many young men in the Dubancho Kebele who are now empowered and organized, going door-to-door not just to educate, but to actively identify, intervene, and protect. Their work, supported by a robust program and community structures, has resulted in a growing consensus that a girl's well-being and education are the community's highest priorities.Through this dedicated network of male advocates, Dubancho is building a new norm where every girl is seen as someone to protect, not to cut.ncho is building a new norm where every girl is seen as someone to protect, not to cut.
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Story
10 March 2026
Refugees and local communities in Ethiopia's Somali region support each other as funding cuts reduce aid levels
On a dusty afternoon in Kebribeyah, Somali region in eastern Ethiopia, a blue water truck edges down the road, stacked with water barrels and bundles of warm clothing. The logo is hand‑painted, the fuel paid for by small donations. There is no grant number to report, no international banner to hang—just neighbors helping neighbors. This is Hiil‑Shacab, a community organization led by refugees and host community youth, sharing their limited resources amid dwindling humaniatrian assistance."We started Hiil‑Shacab because no one else was there for the most vulnerable—refugees and locals alike. We decided to help those in need," said Hiil‑Shacab's Chairman, Abdulahi Mohamed Omer.Humanitarian funding is constrained, and in Kebribeyah that shortfall is tangible: fewer distributions, reduced outreach, and longer queues of people waiting to be assisted. In those gaps, community organizations are holding the line. Hiil‑Shacab was established in 2019, founded by refugee and host‑community graduates determined to relieve social burdens on the most vulnerable including the elderly, out-of-school children and poor families observing fasting periods during Ramadan. For the last three years, the organization has been mainly funded by diaspora communities, member contributions and local appeals. With the funding received, the organization has delivered clean water, month-long food packages, educational materials, as well as sanitation and awareness campaigns on migration, health, and safety."Community organizations invest 100% of resources here. If they get even modest support and training, their work will bear fruit," said Mohamed Hussien Nur, Refugee Central Committee Chairman, Kebribeyah Refugees.These actions make a tangible difference in people’s lives. A mother can now observie her fasting obligations without selling her only cooking pot; a young man returns to class because his new bag and uniform remove the social stigma of poverty; an elderly man sleeps warmer than the night before. They are also community systems at work—built on trust, proximity, and participation."There are other community organizations like Hiil‑Shacab, and some run by refugee women. Their activities and impact are felt. They have worked for years, assisting vulnerable refugees and local poor families. If they get resources, they all use in supporting the community," said Nur.Both leaders pointed to the need for predictable funding and adequate training in project management, financial systems, and skills that elevate local delivery. These priorities align with UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency's Grant Agreement pathway for community organizations and the Refugee‑Led Innovation Fund, which offers up to USD 45,000 over 24 months, along with organizational strengthening and peer support."Local groups are far more effective as they are closest to the people in most need, and can rally up support quicker. Support and training would let them do even more, for everyone," said Nur."Our vision is for refugees and host communities to live peacefully together, supporting each other, with their needs met and support to become more self reliant," added Omer.In a significant milestone, Hiil-Shacab recently secured its first formal partnership with UNHCR to support a community-led maternal health and social cohesion campaign in Kebribeyah. UNHCR’s localization approach recognizes and seeks to directly fund and build capacity for local actors, including community organizations supporting forcibly displaced people and their hosts.“Advancing UNHCR's localization strategy within the Somali region calls for considerable investment in organizations run by refugees and local communities. These groups are essential as frontline responders. By giving refugees more say in decision-making and implementation, we can improve accountability, enhance protection, and promote long-term stability, especially given the current financial constraints”, Abdullahi Sheik Barrie with UNHCR in Jijiga.In the second half of 2026, Hiil-Shacab will organize health awareness sessions, door-to-door outreach, and joint clean-up activities, aiming to improve and strengthen relations between refugees and host communities. This achievement marks a new chapter for Hiil-Shacab—proof that local leadership, when trusted and resourced, can deliver impactful, inclusive solutions
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Story
05 March 2026
From Domestic Worker to Business Owner
“After the training, I found the strength and confidence to start a business again. Now with the training I acquired, I made a market plan, researched where to open it, what my loss and profit would be, and a plan for the next five years. I believe with this, I’ll succeed.”Yehualashet Dadi, a 39-year-old divorced woman with a 17-year-old child, found herself at a crossroads in life. Despite her desire to continue her education after stopping at 12th grade, she faced significant financial and personal obstacles. Although her former husband forbade her from travelling to the Gulf for work, and without the grades or money for college, Yehualashet's options seemed limited. However, her resilience and determination would eventually guide her to new opportunities. Over the span of 13 years, Yehualashet worked in various Gulf countries, including Lebanon, Dubai, as well as Saudi Arabia.Initially, she joined the Ethiopian Defence Force in an attempt to earn money, but severe illness forced her to leave after meeting her first husband. Determined to fund her education, she decided to migrate to Beirut, Lebanon, to work as a domestic employee. Her plan was to save money for her education, but upon returning to Ethiopia, she discovered that her husband had squandered her savings and remarried.“This unprecedented situation hurt me deeply, and since I didn’t have a home or money anymore, the only option I had was re-migrating to Beirut,” Yehualashet shared, recalling the painful period in her life.Despite the setbacks, Yehualashet's persistence led her back to Beirut, where she worked for another two years. The workload and constant illness forced her to return to Ethiopia, where she opened a small restaurant. Lacking proper management knowledge, the restaurant failed, leading her to Dubai for two years and then to Saudi Arabia for seven years. Her experience in Saudi Arabia was particularly harsh, working long hours under intense conditions. Eventually, she escaped and worked as a runaway domestic worker for six years.“During the daytime, there were many family friends coming by the house, and twice per week, they used to slaughter a sheep, and I was the only one preparing everything,” Yehualashet recalled. “The workload was unbearable, and I was constantly stressed.”After returning to Ethiopia, Yehualashet heard about the Start and Improve Your Business (SIYB) training program organised by the Better Regional Migration Management (BRMM) Programme and WISE. Encouraged by a family member, she enrolled in the 15-day training, which proved to be a turning point.“I found the 15 days of training at WISE extremely useful. I always wanted to acquire this kind of training even if I had to pay for it. However, I received this training and was even paid for it. It was something I always planned for,” Yehualashet said.The training equipped her with essential business skills, including planning, market research, and financial management. It taught her the importance of perseverance, starting small, and not expecting immediate profits.With renewed confidence, Yehualashet started a small business selling breakfast, coffee, and lunch, targeting daily labourers. She is now planning to expand to a more lucrative area, using the skills and knowledge gained from the SIYB training.“After the training, I found the strength and confidence to start a business again. Now with the training I acquired, I made a market plan, researched where to open it, what my loss and profit would be, and a plan for the next five years. I believe with this, I’ll succeed,” Yehualashet asserted.Yehualashet’s journey highlights the importance of proper training and support for aspiring entrepreneurs. She now saves diligently and understands the importance of taking loans wisely to stay motivated and ensure business success.“The training let me know that I can work in my own country and improve myself. It persuaded me to save what I have and even lend money based on my savings without collateral. As long as you have the mindset and work hard, you can change,” she shared.Her determination to succeed, despite numerous challenges, serves as an inspiration to many in her community and beyond.BY Yonas Zewdie
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Story
05 March 2026
Every Kilometre Echoes a Heartbeat: Following Aziza's Path from Ethiopia to Yemen and Back.
0 km – Harari: Dreaming Beyond the HorizonIn Hararghe, eastern Ethiopia, Aziza Mohammed once stood at the edge of adulthood, weighing her dreams against her fears. Ten years ago, she was a young woman imagining a future beyond the horizon, one where she could support her parents and change the course of her family’s life. Saudi Arabia represented opportunity, but it was also wrapped in fear. She had heard the stories of deaths along the way, of betrayals, of women harmed during the journey. The fear stayed with her, but it did not stop her from undertaking the journey.“I left Ethiopia 10 years ago,” she recalls. “I was planning to go to Saudi Arabia… even though I was afraid of the journey.”120 km – Jijiga: The First Step in SecretRoughly 120 kilometres from Hararge, Aziza reached Jijiga. She left home quietly, without her family’s blessing, accompanied by seven childhood friends from her neighbourhood. Like so many others, they were all driven by a single aim, to seek greener pasture. From Jijiga, passing through Tog Wachale, Aziza crossed borders with hope in her heart and fear pressing heavily on her chest.300 km – Hargeisa: A Road of ChoicesAfter nearly 300 kilometres of travel, Aziza arrived in Hargeisa, in Somaliland. It was here that the journey first revealed how unpredictable life on the move can be. One by one, her seven companions went their separate ways, each following a different path. Aziza continued alone.900 km – Bosaso: The Crossing PointNearly 900 kilometres from where she started, Aziza reached Bosaso, in northern Somalia. At this crossroads she made one of the hardest decisions of her life; to continue the journey. Alone now, she crossed the sea to Yemen.“When I got off the boat, I was all alone,” she says quietly.1,600 km – Sana’a: A New Life BeginsAziza arrived in Sana’a. There, she found work with a Yemeni woman and, in time, got married and quit the work. Soon after, she welcomed her first child. For a brief moment, life seemed to slow down, as if giving her a chance to breathe. But her husband travelled to Saudi Arabia in search of work and never came back.“My husband went to Saudi for work but then he was imprisoned. And then he died.”Once again, Aziza found herself alone, now with a child depending entirely on her.Still in Sana’a: A Growing Family in Hard TimesWhile still in Sana’a, Aziza discovered she was pregnant again.“When my husband was in Saudi, I found out I was pregnant again and continued working. I gave birth using the money my husband had saved for me. A month after giving birth, I started working and raised my children alone.”Aziza worked until the very end of her pregnancy and returned to work less than a month after giving birth as rest was a luxury she could not afford. Every day without income meant a day her children might go without a meal.Still in Sana’a: The Wake-Up CallEventually, reality became impossible to ignore. The future Aziza had imagined was slipping further away.“My children need education, and I didn’t want them to be illiterate. Everything had also become very expensive there”, she says. “You work hard, but the money doesn’t buy anything, it’s hand-to-mouth living. There is nothing you can save.”“I couldn’t stay anymore and could not return by my own means” she adds.It was then that Aziza heard about the International Organization for Migration’s voluntary return support in Sana’a. She registered and followed up persistently, holding on to the hope of returning home. In time, the support came.380 km – IOM Transit Centre, Addis Ababa: A Temporary RestAfter a journey of roughly 3,300 kilometres and ten years, Aziza arrived at IOM’s transit centre in Addis Ababa. It was not an end point, but a turning point and a place where journeys change direction without judgement. In the centre, Aziza received essential support for herself and her children, including medical care, temporary shelter, food, clothing, and onward transport support. She was also assisted in obtaining a national ID, a vital step toward reclaiming her civic identity and rebuilding her life.“It wasn’t just help,” she says. “It was dignity.”Home Again – A Future ReimaginedAs Aziza prepared to continue onward to her hometown and reunite with the family she had not seen in ten years, she says: “I’m happy to be back in my country.Aziza’s story is a reminder that every kilometre in a migrant’s life carries a heartbeat, a decision, and hope.The IOM Transit Centre in Addis Ababa offers vital support for Ethiopian migrants returning from Djibouti, Sudan, Malawi, Yemen, and other locations along major migration routes. At the centre, they receive temporary accommodation, food, health and psychosocial support, and onward transportation to their places of origin. In 2025 alone, 4,560 people were assisted in the transit centre. This crucial support is made possible through the generous contributions of the European Union, the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (Sida), the Cooperation on Migration and Partnerships to Achieve Sustainable Solutions (COMPASS) initiative supported by the Government of the Netherlands, and through frameworks like the Migrant Response Plan (MRP).
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Press Release
01 February 2026
Statement attributable to the Spokesperson for the Secretary General – on Ethiopia
The Secretary‑General is closely following developments in the Tigray region of Ethiopia, where renewed tensions and reported clashes have contributed to a worsening security environment. He is deeply concerned about the potential impact on civilians and the risk of a return to a wider conflict in a region still working to rebuild and recover.The Secretary‑General calls on all parties to exercise restraint and to resolve differences through peaceful dialogue and measures aimed at rebuilding trust. He urges the full implementation of the Permanent Cessation of Hostilities Agreement and underscores the importance of safeguarding the gains made since 2022. The Secretary‑General reiterates the Organization’s readiness to work with the African Union and regional partners to help consolidate peace in the Tigray region. Farhan Haq, Deputy Spokesperson for the Secretary-General
New York, 31 January 2026
New York, 31 January 2026
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Press Release
12 January 2026
UN Welcomes Japan’s US$10.5 Million Contribution to Humanitarian and Development Efforts in Ethiopia
The United Nations welcomes a generous contribution of US$10.5 million (approximately ETB 1.62 billion) from the Government of Japan to support critical humanitarian response, recovery and sustainable development in Ethiopia.The contribution will be mainly channelled through UN agencies to address urgent needs arising from climate shocks and displacement, while also strengthening resilience, livelihoods and essential services for vulnerable communities. The assistance reflects Japan’s continued commitment to peace, human security and sustainable development in Ethiopia. Through this support, the UN will advance Ethiopia’s national priorities toward sustainable, people-centered development in line with the United Nations Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (UNSDCF) and Ethiopia’s Ten-Year Development Plan. “I thank the Government and people of Japan for their unwavering generosity and steadfast commitment to Ethiopia. Their support is crucial in addressing urgent humanitarian needs and helping communities build resilience in the face of persistent challenges,” said, Dr. Aboubacar Kampo, UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator a.i. in Ethiopia. “Japan’s enduring commitment underscores the power of collaboration, demonstrating that innovative, people-centered solutions can create lasting change and advance Ethiopia’s path toward recovery, stability, and inclusive development,” said Dr. Kampo.The new funding package consists of two components: a Classic Package focused on humanitarian assistance, resilience and the Humanitarian–Development–Peace (HDP) Nexus, and a TICAD Package that advances innovative, co-creative development solutions aligned with the Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD) process.The Classic Package, amounting to US$5.14 million, prioritizes life-saving humanitarian response, climate change resilience and recovery efforts in line with Ethiopia’s Resilient Recovery and Reconstruction Framework (3RF). In collaboration with ILO, UNFPA, UNICEF, the CBPF, ICRC and IFPRI, the package will support conflict-affected populations, internally displaced persons and host communities, while reconstructing and strengthening livelihoods, food security and protection for women and girls. The TICAD Package, valued at US$5.4 million, supports co-creative and innovative projects that bring together UN agencies and Japanese private-sector partners to boost Ethiopia’s development and resilience. FAO, UNDP, UNESCO-IICBA, UNFPA, UNHCR, UNIDO and WHO will implement this package, leveraging Japanese technology and expertise in areas such as digital health, agriculture, education, livelihoods and digital inclusion for refugees and host communities. The collaboration fosters mutually beneficial partnerships between Japan, Ethiopia and the United Nations.For media inquiries, contact:
Getachew Dibaba, Communications Officer, UN Ethiopia
Email: Getachew.Dibaba@un.org Phone: +251-911-12-52-01
Getachew Dibaba, Communications Officer, UN Ethiopia
Email: Getachew.Dibaba@un.org Phone: +251-911-12-52-01
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Press Release
08 January 2026
Statement attributable to the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General – on US decision on withdrawal from UN entities
As we have consistently underscored, assessed contributions to the United Nations regular budget and peacekeeping budget, as approved by the General Assembly, are a legal obligation under the UN Charter for all Member States, including the United States.All United Nations entities will go on with the implementation of their mandates as given by Member States. The United Nations has a responsibility to deliver for those who depend on us. We will continue to carry out our mandates with determination.Stéphane Dujarric, Spokesman for the Secretary-GeneralNew York, 8 January 2026*****Office of the Spokesperson for the Secretary-GeneralUnited Nations
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Press Release
22 December 2025
Restored Health and Water Services for Conflict-Affected Communities in Raya Alamata Woreda
Today, UNOPS has officially handed over rehabilitated health and WASH facilities to the community and local authorities in Raya Alamata Woreda, marking the successful completion of a critical recovery project for conflict-affected communities in Garjela and Tao kebeles.Funded by the Central Emergency Response Fund (CERF), this US$1 million project was implemented over 12 months, supporting more than 30,000 people with access to lifesaving health services and 1,462 individuals with improved access to safe water and sanitation.“This project represents a significant step in supporting the recovery and resilience of vulnerable populations in Alamata Woreda,” said Sonja Varga, UNOPS, Head of Program. “By restoring these essential services, we are helping to lay the foundation for healthier and more stable communities,” she added. The project was developed following a detailed needs assessment conducted in September 2024, which identified severe damage to infrastructure in the targeted kebeles due to conflict. The assessment highlighted looted and damaged health posts, destroyed water pumps, and compromised WASH facilities, creating urgent humanitarian needs.“CERF enables rapid, life-saving action that supports both immediate recovery and longer-term resilience in conflict-affected communities,” said Rosalind Crowther, Head of the Humanitarian Financing Unit, OCHA Ethiopia.Key outputs and impacts of the project include:1. Restored Essential Healthcare Access: The full rehabilitation and operationalization of two critical health facilities, the Gerjella Health Center and Tao Health Post has successfully restored reliable access to life-saving healthcare services for thousands of community members, removing a significant barrier to well-being.2. Ensuring Clean Water for Enhanced Public Health: The rehabilitation of institutional Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) facilities at both health centers now ensures a dependable supply of potable water for medical staff and patients, directly elevating hygiene standards and reducing the incidence of waterborne diseases.3. Expanded Community Water Security: Rehabilitation of a key WASH facility in Tao Humo Kebele has re-established reliable, safe access to clean water for local households, strengthening daily life and improving the community’s overall resilience.4. Elevated Diagnostic and Treatment Capabilities: The provision of essential medical equipment to the rehabilitated health facilities has directly upgraded local diagnostic accuracy and treatment quality, ensuring community members receive higher-standard care without needing to travel long distances.5. Empowered Health Service Providers: By supplying new office furniture and critical IT equipment, the project has enhanced the operational capacity and professional environment for healthcare workers, enabling more efficient and effective service delivery.6. Accelerated Local Economic Recovery: Through its Cash for Work component, the project injected immediate capital into the local economy, providing vital income to participating community members while achieving essential infrastructure rehabilitations a dual benefit that spurred local recovery.7. Fostered Sustainable Community Ownership: The direct involvement of local residents in restoring their own health services has cultivated a strong sense of community ownership and responsibility for the rehabilitated facilities, a crucial factor in ensuring their long-term use and maintenance.The handover includes capacity-building support for the community structures, health facility professionals and WASH committees, local government administration offices for Health and Water, which will now be responsible for the ongoing management and maintenance of the facilities to ensure long-term sustainability.The project was implemented in close coordination with local community structures, stakeholders and aligned with broader recovery efforts.[ENDS]Notes to the editors:Press contact details:Meron Aberra, Communication Specialist, UNOPS, +251 911-221-060, Email: merons@unops.org About CERFEstablished 20 years ago, the Central Emergency Response Fund (CERF) is the United Nations’ global emergency fund managed by UN-OCHA. It provides rapid and equitable humanitarian assistance to people affected by armed conflict, natural disasters, and other emergencies. CERF allocates funding through two main windows: the Rapid Response window, which supports sudden-onset and escalating emergencies, and the Underfunded Emergencies window, which addresses critical funding gaps in protracted crises. Ethiopia has been among the top recipients of CERF funding globally since 2020, reflecting the complexity and persistence of humanitarian needs. About UNOPSUNOPS offers practical solutions across peace and security, humanitarian and development operations. We help the United Nations, governments, and other partners to manage projects and deliver sustainable infrastructure and procurement globally. Read more: www.unops.org/ethiopia
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Press Release
24 November 2025
UNOPS and Ethiopia Sign US$8.1 Million Agreement to Enhance Rural Connectivity with New Fleet
UNOPS and the Government of Ethiopia, through its Ministry of Urban and Infrastructure (MoUI), have signed an $8.1 million agreement to procure a significant fleet of earth-moving vehicles, marking a critical step forward for the Rural Connectivity for Food Security Program.The agreement, supported by funding from the World Bank, will see UNOPS procure and deliver 88 purpose-built vehicles, including motor graders, vibratory rollers, wheel loaders, and dump trucks. This modern machinery is essential for building and maintaining rural roads, which are vital for connecting agricultural communities to markets, services, and opportunities.“By enhancing rural connectivity, we are directly contributing to increased food security and economic resilience for communities,” said Ms. Worknesh Mekonnen, Director of UNOPS Horn of Africa Multi-Country Office and representative to the African Union.The project will facilitate the construction of all-weather roads, helping to reduce transportation costs, decrease post-harvest losses for farmers, and improve access to healthcare and education. The initiative is a key component of the government’s broader strategy to strengthen the nation’s agricultural sector and rural economy.Procurement and delivery of the vehicles will be managed by UNOPS, leveraging its expertise in international public procurement. The project is scheduled for completion by November 2026. Notes to the editors: Press contact details:Meron Aberra, Communication Officer UNOPS, Tel:+251 911221060, Email: merons@unops.org About UNOPSUNOPS offers practical solutions across peace and security, humanitarian and development operations. We help the United Nations, governments, and other partners to manage projects and deliver sustainable infrastructure and procurement globally. Read more: www.unops.org/ethiopia
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29 April 2025
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29 April 2025
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