Empowering Refugees Through Skills Development in Ethiopia

In Ethiopia’s Somali Regional State, a revolution in skills training is enhancing the lives of refugees and host communities. Despite experiencing significant barriers to formal employment, targeted initiatives are enabling these individuals to acquire practical skills that lead to sustainable income and economic stability, thanks to the support of the International Labour Organization (ILO).

Addressing Employment Challenges with Market-Driven Training

Located in Kebribeyah, a settlement known for its limited access to formal training, the ILO is spearheading skills programs under the PROSPECTS Partnership, funded by the Netherlands. This initiative focuses on tailoring training to meet local labor market needs, moving beyond generic certifications to emphasize employability.

A Success Story: Abdi’s Journey

One inspiring beneficiary from this program is Abdi Hussien Tahir, a 32-year-old refugee who has lived in the Kebribeyah settlement. Despite holding a diploma in General Metal Fabrication from Jigjiga Polytechnic College, Abdi struggled to find stable employment, relying on volunteer work that provided minimal financial support.

To fill the gap between training and employability, the ILO facilitated a three-month Building Electrical Installation course at the Jigjiga Polytechnic College Kebribeyah Satellite Centre. This program mixed classroom learning, hands-on practice, and real-world exposure with a local business. The impact was immediate for Abdi—demand for his new trade was high, and the practical training created a clear route to income.

Upon graduation, Abdi was recognized as a top performer and received a starter kit of professional tools, including essential items like a multimeter and pliers. This tool support, facilitated by the ILO, allowed him to commence work right away.

Strategic Interventions for Local Development

The establishment of the Kebribeyah Satellite Centre illustrates a vital strategy. By positioning training facilities within refugee-hosting regions, the program effectively mitigates costs and logistical barriers. Gizeshwork Tadesse, the National Skill Development Officer, emphasized that the center aims to equip youth with skills relevant to the job market, fostering economic inclusion in areas where opportunities are scarce.

For Abdi, the location of the training center proved crucial. He was able to focus entirely on his education, free from the financial and social pressures associated with traveling to Jigjiga town.

Impact on Abdi’s Community

Today, Abdi runs a successful electrical installation and household repair service, serving both refugee and host communities. He earns approximately 8,000 Birr (around 55 USD) monthly, significantly enhancing his family’s quality of life. His wife works in a government office, and together, they’re raising two children.

Abdi is determined to further expand his business, aspiring to take on larger construction projects as demand increases.

A Vision for Economic Stability

The ILO’s PROSPECTS programme is instrumental in improving access to decent work for both forcibly displaced individuals and their host communities by aligning skills training with labor market demands. Stephen Opio, Chief Technical Advisor for ILO PROSPECTS in Ethiopia and Sudan, asserts that Abdi’s story exemplifies how inclusive, well-structured training can unlock personal potential and fortify local economies.

Across Africa, where displacement, youth unemployment, and informal employment intersect, the insights gained from such models are invaluable. They illustrate that treating refugees as economic participants—rather than mere recipients of aid—can turn skills into vital tools for resilience. For regions grappling with conflict and recovery, investing in tangible livelihoods is not solely a humanitarian obligation but a long-term development strategy that strengthens communities.

By promoting access to training that leads to employment, the ILO is redefining futures for countless refugees and their host communities across the continent.

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• Decent Work for Refugees: What’s the Path Forward?
• Vocational Training Initiatives in Africa: A Near-term Solution

These efforts reflect a commitment to fostering economic resilience among some of the most vulnerable populations in Ethiopia and beyond. The future of these communities hinges on comprehensive, market-driven training that empowers individuals to thrive, transforming challenges into opportunities.