UK announces £22.9M support to drive stability and growth in Ethiopia

Addis Ababa, October 10, 2024 (FBC) – In an official statement released today, the government of the United Kingdom has announced a package of £22.9 million financial support to Ethiopia for its peace and development undertakings.

The statement mentioned that the latest UK funding announced today [10 October] will promote greater stability and will boost exports in the textile and garments sector, Ethiopia’s largest manufacturing export.

It was indicated that the programme aims to support over 3 million conflict-affected people in northern Ethiopia to boost food security efforts and empower women and girls in the area.

For this peacebuilding effort, the UK government revealed that it is set to provide £16 million to help 75,000 ex-combatants in the Tigray region return them to civilian life with cash, medical and mental health support.

Announcing the two-year programme in Tigray region, the UK Minister for Africa, Lord Collins, will meet with individuals affected by conflict and drought, it was indicated.

Rebuilding communities devastated by the conflict, the UK also stated that it will accelerate economic recovery. The Minister will visit a factory that has just re-started exporting garments to the UK, and will announce £6.9 million of three-year support for Ethiopia’s textiles and garments sector.

The UK government noted that funding will be provided for several regions in Ethiopia including Tigray, and aims to improve working conditions for 7,000 female workers and increase exports by 20% over three years.

Regarding the latest package of support to Ethiopia, the UK Minister for Africa, Lord Collins said: “Peace and Stability are the foundations of growth – that’s why we are providing vital support that will help ex-combatants in northern Ethiopia take their first steps back into civilian livelihoods.”

During the visit, the Minister will see how UK aid has positively impacted nutrition services, meet with mothers and health workers, and will speak with women and girls impacted by the conflict.

It was further indicated that the Minister has plans to meet with the Ethiopian government, including Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, to discuss economic cooperation, internal conflict, regional security, and the humanitarian situation in the country.