Ethiopia Launches New Joint Country Programs for 2025–2030
Addis Ababa, October 27, 2025 (ENA) – In a significant step toward enhancing Ethiopia’s development landscape, the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), in partnership with the Ministry of Finance, have officially launched their joint Country Programs for the period 2025–2030.
Event Highlights
The launch event took place at the Skylight Hotel in Addis Ababa, attracting senior government officials, UN representatives, development partners, the diplomatic community, civil society members, and stakeholders from the private sector.
State Minister of Finance Semereta Sewasew emphasized the critical role that UNDP and UNFPA have played in advancing Ethiopia’s development agenda. She expressed gratitude for the steadfast partnership, stating, “Your steadfast partnership has played a vital role in advancing our national priorities and contributing to our development agenda.”
Focus Areas of the Joint Programs
Highlighting the history of cooperation, Semereta acknowledged the agencies’ contributions in governance, economic resilience, health initiatives, and promoting gender equality. The programs are designed to align closely with Ethiopia’s Ten-Year Development Plan and the Homegrown Economic Reform agenda, aiming for greater impact through enhanced synergy among UN agencies.
“This joint launch is both a celebration of our partnership and a reaffirmation of our shared responsibility to deliver for the people of Ethiopia,” Semereta affirmed.
UNFPA Country Representative Koffi Kouame remarked, “Today’s event signifies more than the initiation of two new programs. It embodies a renewed partnership—built on collaboration, shared outcomes, and synergy to advance human development in Ethiopia.”
Investment Focus
The UNFPA’s initiatives will prioritize sexual and reproductive health, women’s empowerment, and nurturing youth potential. These efforts are rooted in global objectives aimed at eliminating preventable maternal deaths, fulfilling the unmet need for family planning, and eradicating gender-based violence and harmful practices.
The 10th Country Programme, with a budget of $140.04 million, aims to benefit over 21 million women and young people across ten regions and one city administration.
On the other hand, the UNDP’s new Country Programme, valued at $279.3 million, will build upon substantial milestones in national dialogue and provide assistance in core areas such as electoral support.
Innovations and Future Goals
UNDP Resident Representative Samuel Doe emphasized that the program aims to leverage innovation and artificial intelligence to promote effective solutions in climate action, governance, and job creation—particularly for youth and women.
The event encapsulated the commitment of both agencies to bolster Ethiopia’s sustainable development goals via coordinated actions, innovation, and inclusive growth, illustrating a promising future for developmental efforts across the nation.
For more information about sustainable development and UN initiatives in Ethiopia, visit the UNDP website and the UNFPA website.
This development marks an important chapter in Ethiopia’s efforts to drive economic prosperity and social equity, benefiting millions of citizens in the upcoming years.
