By our staff reporter
The European Union has allocated a support package of 2.7 billion birr over a period of three years to Ethiopia. The program, funded with 43.5 million euros, aims to assist communities affected by conflict and natural disasters in the Afar, Amhara, Benshangul, Gumuz, and Tigray regions.
The European Union, in collaboration with partner institutions, has launched a three-year program to provide assistance to individuals displaced by conflict and natural disasters in various parts of Ethiopia. The European Union will contribute 40 million euros to the program, while the remaining funds will be provided by partner institutions.
The program will primarily focus on enhancing the livelihoods of displaced people in the Afar, Amhara, Benshangul Gumuz, and Tigray regions. It will include vocational training, the provision of financial services to communities, and the creation of employment opportunities.
The International Organization for Migration, GIZ, the Italian Agency for Development Cooperation (AICS), the United Nations High Commission for Refugees, and the Danish and Ethiopian Red Cross will collaborate in implementing the program.
The Disaster Risk Management Commission and the United Nations Humanitarian Coordinator in Ethiopia issued a joint statement, stating that over four million people in the country require assistance due to conflict, war, and climate change.
The program will prioritize areas most affected by conflict, with high concentrations of internally displaced persons (IDPs) or returnees, and those in urgent need of access to basic services and livelihoods.
Roland Kobia, Ambassador of the European Union to Ethiopia, stated, “As a major international partner for Ethiopia, the EU remains committed to providing development support to all regions of Ethiopia during times of need. This program is a timely contribution to complement humanitarian aid and ensure that humanitarian, development, and peace efforts reinforce one another.”
The program aims to improve livelihoods through skills training and vocational education in agriculture and other sectors. It will also facilitate access to financial services and employment opportunities. Additionally, the program will support sustainable water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) services, including infrastructure rehabilitation/construction, effective management and maintenance of WASH facilities, capacity building, and improved hygiene and sanitation practices.
