Germany commits additional 50 million Euro for cross-country humanitarian responses

At a press conference held at the UN Conference Center today, H.E. Jens Hanefeld, Ambassador of the Federal Republic of Germany to the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia and Permanent Observer to the African Union, together with UN Assistant Secretary-General and UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator for Ethiopia, Dr. Ramiz Alakbarov, reaffirmed their joint and continued commitment to the people of Ethiopia.

The event highlighted Germany’s additional commitment of 50 million EUR in humanitarian assistance, which will support cross-country projects implemented by UNHCR, UNICEF, and UN Women. This funding, officially announced at the end of 2024, will strengthen the humanitarian response also in Ethiopia over the coming years and address critical needs in vulnerable communities.

Dr. Alakbarov expressed gratitude for Germany’s unwavering support and its role as a steady and reliable partner to the UN system in Ethiopia. He emphasized Germany’s commitment to the principles of the Grand Bargain, which aim to improve the effectiveness and efficiency of humanitarian action. By providing unearmarked funding, Germany enables UN agencies to respond flexibly and swiftly to emerging humanitarian crises, ensuring that resources are allocated where they are most needed.

"The United Nations deeply appreciates the steadfast support of the people and Government of Germany in addressing Ethiopia's humanitarian challenges. Germany’s flexible and vital contributions have enabled lifesaving assistance while fostering resilience among vulnerable communities. This partnership exemplifies the power of global solidarity and our shared commitment to dignity, inclusion, and sustainable solutions for those most in need," said Dr. Alakbarov.

In 2024, Germany provided significant financial support to the UN system in Ethiopia, channeling a total of 44 million EUR through several UN agencies. UN OCHA received 14,9 million EUR, prioritizing anticipatory action in drought-affected areas and localization efforts through the Ethiopian Humanitarian Fund (EHF), where Germany remains the largest donor in 2024. UNHCR Ethiopia received 4,1 million EUR as part of a regional initiative to support displaced persons in the East and Horn of Africa and the Great Lakes region. UNICEF Ethiopia was allocated 3,8 million EUR to expand its child protection efforts, especially in response to sexual and gender-based violence. Additionally, UN Women is advancing gender accountability, addressing inequality and gender-based violence in humanitarian crises with German support.

Beyond these initiatives, German funding has also extended to the World Food Programme (19,1 million EUR), IOM (1 million EUR) and WHO (750.000 EUR).

Building on this strong foundation, Germany’s additional 50 million EUR commitment to cross-country projects will further enhance the humanitarian response. This funding will ensure that lifesaving assistance reaches those most in need while fostering resilience and sustainable development. Together, Germany and the UN system in Ethiopia are working to address urgent humanitarian needs while promoting long-term solutions that protect and empower the most vulnerable communities.

For any inquiries you may have, please contact: 

Ms. Sophia Stephan: Press and Culture Section Head, Embassy of the Federal Republic of Germany: Pr-1@addi.diplo.de 

Mr. Fanuel Lakew, Press Assistant: Pr-11@addi.diplo.de 

Mr. Getachew Dibaba, UN Ethiopia, Email: Getachew.Dibaba@un.org 

 Phone: +251-911-125-201

Find us:    German Embassy Addis Ababa on X / German Embassy Addis Ababa on Facebook 

                UN Ethiopia Website / UN Ethiopia on X / UN in Ethiopia on Facebook