US, Ethiopia launch new $2.2 billion phase of the productive safety net program

The United States joined the Government of Ethiopia and development partners to launch the next five-year phase of the Productive Safety Net Program (PSNP). The PSNP is the Government of Ethiopia’s multi-billion-dollar food security, public works, and social safety net program for millions in need across Ethiopia.
The PSNP was first established with U.S. support in 2005. As the largest donor, USAID’s contribution accounts for over $550 million.
The launch represents a total additional $2.2 billion investment by the government and Ethiopia’s international partners in PSNP. Over the next five years, the PSNP will reach up to nine million people each year as it provides food assistance and services that will lift vulnerable families out of poverty.
Minister of Finance Ahmed Shide and Minister of Agriculture Oumer Hussein launched the new, fifth phase of PSNP with heads of agencies from the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), World Bank, UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office, World Food Program, UNICEF, Irish Aid, and the Netherlands at a ceremony in Addis Ababa.