GIZ Ethiopia and Djibouti

Across Ethiopia’s drylands, restored landscapes are creating new pathways for resilience and livelihoods. Through the support from the GIZ-implemented Capacity Development for Strengthened Drought Resilience in the Ethiopian Lowlands (CDSDR III) project, communities in Afar, Somali, Oromia, and South Ethiopia Regional State are transforming degraded dry valleys into productive ecosystems that support both people and nature. More than 4,100 hectares of land are now under improved management, benefiting 2,664 households through grazing and crop production. In areas where rehabilitation efforts began earlier, communities are already witnessing reduced land degradation and improved soil and water conditions. The economic impact is equally encouraging. In Somali Region, some households are generating up to ETB 250,000 per season from onion production, while income-generating activities continue to expand across project areas. Women-led businesses, as well as livelihood opportunities for youth, vulnerable groups, and internally displaced people, are steadily growing. CDSDR III continues to demonstrate that investing in dry valley rehabilitation builds long-term environmental recovery, economic opportunity, and climate resilience. The Capacity Development for Strengthened Drought Resilience in the Ethiopian Lowlands (CDSDR III) project is implemented on behalf of the German Government and co-financed by the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC) Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation #JourneyOfChange #DrylandRehabilitation #ClimateResilience #LandRestoration #SustainableLivelihoods

On 12 May 2026, the SEE-Clean Cooking HTCC Project in Ethiopia officially convened its closing and handover workshop, bringing together partners, stakeholders, and private sector actors to reflect on the project’s achievements, lessons learned, and the way forward for the sector. The event featured remarks from representatives of the Ministry of Water and Energy (MoWE), European Union (EU), the Netherlands Enterprise Agency (RVO), GIZ Ethiopia and Djibouti, and Stichting Nederlandse Vrijwilligers (SNV), alongside presentations highlighting the project’s achievements, enterprise support interventions, research and innovation efforts, and experiences from local entrepreneurs driving change in the clean cooking sector. The workshop also provided a platform for dialogue on sector coordination, sustainability, and future collaboration to sustain the momentum built through the project. As part of the broader “Strengthening the Entrepreneurial Ecosystem for the Clean Cooking Sector” (SEE-CC) initiative, the Higher Tier Cooking Component (HTCC) project has worked to accelerate the transition from lower-tier cooking solutions to modern, higher-tier clean cooking technologies by addressing barriers within the supply chain, improving access to finance, and strengthening the enabling environment. Over the course of its implementation, the project achieved remarkable milestones, including: ✅Creating access to more than 200,000 people ✅Supporting the sale of over 41,000 clean cooking stoves ✅ Introduction of more than 16 distinct technologies, business models, and pricing scheme innovations ✅Contributing to the creation and sustaining of more than 800 jobs across the clean cooking value chain. ✅Facilitating the testing and certification of 26+ new and existing higher-tier cooking technologies Beyond the numbers, the project has helped strengthen market systems, supported private sector growth, promoted innovation, and expanded access to cleaner and more efficient cooking solutions. The project is grateful to all partners, enterprises, institutions, and stakeholders. The progress achieved and partnerships strengthened through the SEE-Clean Cooking Programme provide a solid foundation for advancing a more sustainable, inclusive, and resilient clean cooking sector. The SEE-CC Programme is financed by the European Commission, the Netherlands Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Denmark (DANIDA). It is coordinated by the Netherlands Enterprise Agency (RVO) in partnership with Energising Development (EnDev) and implemented by GIZ Ethiopia and Djibouti and Stichting Nederlandse Vrijwilligers (SNV). Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) European Union Ministerie van Buitenlandse Zaken Netherlands Enterprise Agency (RVO) | Partner in Sustainable Development Energising Development (EnDev) SNV Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Denmark #SEECleanCooking #HTCC #AccessToFinance #EnergyAccess

Strengthening TVT Reform and Digital Transformation in Ethiopia Strengthening Ethiopia’s Technical and Vocational Training (TVT) system requires strong coordination, shared leadership, and sustained partnership. On 19 May 2026, the Steering Committee Meeting of the Ethio-German Sustainable Training and Education Programme (STEP IV) and Digital Ethiopia: Skills and TVET Action (DESTA) brought together key stakeholders to review progress, address challenges, and align priorities for the future of skills development in Ethiopia. Implemented in collaboration with the Ministry of Labor and Skills (MoLS), STEP IV and DESTA, which are co-funded by the European Union, Germany and Finland are supporting reforms that strengthen TVT governance, expand digital and green skills, improve employability, and deepen private sector engagement. Key achievements highlighted during the meeting included: ✅ Official launch of Ethiopia’s new TVT Strategy and implementation support across regions ✅ Establishment of the TVT Coordination Unit at ECCSA to strengthen private sector participation ✅ Delivery of AI, digitalization, and research training for experts in MoLS and TVT institutions ✅ Advancement of plans to strengthen TVT trainers’ digital competencies and explore integration into national competency assessment and recognition systems ✅ Revision of ICT curricula and training materials with integrated green and digital skills ✅ Cooperative training implementation for ICT trainees in collaboration with companies ✅ Development of short-term labour market-oriented training programmes in high-demand sectors ✅ Capacity building to strengthen women’s leadership and gender equality in TVT The meeting also emphasized the importance of stronger coordination, inclusive governance structures, and continued collaboration between government, industry, and development partners to build a future-ready workforce for Ethiopia’s economic transformation. The STEP IV and DESTA are implemented on behalf of Germany, the European Union and Finland. Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH Opetushallitus | Utbildningsstyrelsen | Finnish National Agency for Education Ministry for Foreign Affairs of Finland #JourneyOfChange #TVET #SkillsForYouth #YouthEmpowerment #Entrepreneurship #SkillsDevelopment #DecentWork #InclusiveTVET #DigitalInclusion

Check out these stories from GIZ Ethiopia and Djibouti!

Driving Inclusive TVET and Labour Market Integration for Refugees and IDPs in Ethiopia: 2nd Technical Coordination Platform Meeting Stakeholders from government, development partners, regional bureaus, Refugee Lead Organisations (RLO), the private sector, and implementing partners came together for the 2nd Technical Coordination Platform (TCP) meeting on the inclusion of refugees and IDPs in Ethiopia’s TVET system and labour market, alongside host communities. The meeting provided an important space for coordination, shared learning, and collective commitment to advancing economic inclusion through joint action, policy alignment, and practical implementation among key actors. The GIZ-implemented Qualification and Employment Prospects for Refugees, Internally Displaced People and Host Communities in Ethiopia II (QEP II ) programme supported the establishment of the TCP  and provided technical advisory for the platform. Discussions focused on stocktaking of the joint action plan developed by TCP members, progress made since the launch of the platform, regional experiences, the Makatet Roadmap, and the validation of the Right to Work directive through inter-institutional Standard Operating Procedures. The TCP continues to play a vital role in bringing partners together to translate coordination into concrete opportunities for training, employment, and self-reliance for forcibly displaced persons and host communities. QEP II is implemented on behalf of the German Government and co-funded by the European Union. Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH #JourneyOFChange #partnerships #TVET #Refugeesinclusion #IDPs

During a recent Mozambican presidential delegation visit to #Ethiopia, the GIZ-implemented Sustainable Industrial Clusters (S.I.C. II) project hosted a bilateral exchange focused on the #Cotton Village Initiative model. This model is a regenerative agro-industrial corridor approach building on existing 'brownfield' agricultural systems which can significantly improve the livelihood of hundreds of thousands of farmers in both nations. The discussion prioritized integrating high-quality cotton production aligned with international standards, exploring cotton diversification, and developing infrastructures such as energy, water and logistics. 🐮 By utilizing every part of the cotton plant, the potential of industrial linkage and transformational process brings benefits such as using the cotton husk or gin trash as alternative cattle feed, apart from the production of apparel 🧥 and fabric from the fiber.                            Similarly, oil extracted from cotton seeds can potentially bridge the gap between the demand and supply of edible oil not only in Ethiopia and #Mozambique but also in countries like India where edible oil imports have risen almost 1.5 times in recent years. This is an indication that cotton oil offers a competitive alternative to palm oil and a high export potential. Furthermore, the two countries can unlock the potential of their cotton production by processing the cotton stalks into bioenergy, briquettes, or pellets rather than burning them to pollute the environment. The discussion included members of relevant ministries, institutes and cotton associations. The Sustainable Industrial Clusters (S.I.C. II) project is implemented on behalf of the German and UK Governments. Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH Ministry of Agriculture, Ethiopia #JourneyOfChange #MadeInEthiopia #Sustainablecotton #TextileIndustry #Exchange

Strengthening Private Sector Leadership in Skills Intelligence for Ethiopia’s TVT System Building a demand-driven TVT system starts with understanding labour market needs. Yet across many sectors, the mismatch between industry skill demand and graduate supply continues to challenge productivity, competitiveness, and employment outcomes. To address this, the Ethio-German Sustainable Training and Education Programme provided training on Private Sector-Led Skills Intelligence Systems for Business Membership Organisations (national chambers and sectoral associations), employer federations and corporate level companies in Addis Ababa. The training explored how labour market information, skills need assessments, rapid skills anticipation, and sector skill barometers can help industries identify current and future workforce needs. Participants discussed how Business Member Organizations (BMOs) and employers can move beyond being training beneficiaries to becoming active drivers of skills development. Sessions highlighted the importance of industry engagement in defining occupational standards, shaping curricula, forecasting emerging skills, and strengthening workplace learning. Participants also explored how sector skill barometers can support evidence-based advocacy, public-private dialogue, and more responsive TVT planning. Effective skill forecasting systems require strong collaboration between government, industry, and training institutions. Empowering the private sector to lead skills intelligence is essential to building a competitive and future-ready workforce in Ethiopia. The Ethio-German Sustainable Training and Education Programme is implemented on behalf of the German Government and co-financed by the European Union. Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH Ministry of Labor and Skill- FDRE #JourneyOfChange #TVET #SkillsDevelopment #DecentWork #InclusiveTVET #PublicSectorReform

Through the Community Initiative Fund (COIN-Fund), local organizations across the Horn of Africa are leading community-based efforts to prevent Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) and other forms of gender-based violence. In this series, we want to highlight the impact these initiatives are creating together with communities: from shifting harmful social norms to strengthening local leadership and protecting the rights of girls and women. Our first story comes from Andada Kebele in Ethiopia’s Afar Region, where community members have publicly declared their commitment to abandon Female Genital Mutilation (FGM), marking a major milestone in protecting the rights, health, and future of girls and women. The declaration reflects months of dialogue, awareness raising, and community engagement led by Wakalisa Development Association in partnership with the GIZ-implemented Improving the Prevention of FGM in the Horn of Africa project through the COIN-Fund initiative. Women, youth, community leaders, health workers, and local authorities all played an active role in shaping this process. Through open discussions and collective reflection, the community developed a shared commitment to promote the well-being and protection of future generations. As part of this effort, an FGM committee was established to support continued awareness raising, prevention, and community follow-up. This milestone demonstrates how locally led initiatives and community ownership can contribute to sustainable change. The Improving the Prevention of FGM in the Horn of Africa project in Ethiopia is implemented on behalf of the German Government Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH #EndFGM #GirlsRights #WomenEmpowerment #CommunityAction #ProtectGirls #HumanRights #EndViolenceAgainstWomen 

📅24 - 25 April 2026                                                             Strengthening the effective role of the judiciary in protecting human rights in Ethiopia requires continuous engagement with emerging legal and human rights issues, as well as alignment between policy, practice, and institutional mandates ⚖️ In this context, a two-day training program opened by the President of the High Court, co-organised by the GIZ-implemented Support to Transitional Justice project in Ethiopia in collaboration with the Ethiopian Human Rights Commission (EHRC) and the Federal High Court, brought together 50 judges and key justice sector actors to deepen understanding and enhance practical application of essential legal frameworks 🤝 The training began with presenting the core concepts, principles and mechanisms of transitional justice, alongside reflections on the ongoing process in Ethiopia and the role of EHRC. These sessions provided a foundation for understanding how accountability, reconciliation, and institutional trust can be strengthened within the legal system 📘 Discussions on FDRE policy directions further highlighted the importance of aligning judicial functions with national reform priorities. Participants also examined public interest litigation, exploring progress, challenges, and the role of judges in advancing access to justice and protecting fundamental rights ⚖️ The program concluded with discussions on the role of the judiciary and the need for strengthened cooperation frameworks among institutions, reinforcing the importance of coordinated efforts in upholding the rule of law and advancing human rights in Ethiopia 🌍 The Support to Transitional Justice project in Ethiopia is implemented on behalf of the German Government. Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH #TransitionalJustice #HumanRights #Judiciary #Accountability #RuleOfLaw #LegalReform

🌍 African Diaspora Stakeholders’ Forum 2026 – A Milestone for Continental Development & Integration 🇪🇹✨ Held in Addis Ababa from 30 April – 1 May 2026, the African Diaspora Stakeholders’ Forum brought together 120+ high-level participants from governments, AU institutions, IGAD, development partners, diaspora organizations, private sector actors and researchers to reimagine the role of the African diaspora in development. 🤝🌐 The Forum was co-organised by the Ethiopian Diaspora Service (EDS), the Institute of Foreign Affairs (IFA) and the GIZ-implemented programmes Shaping Development-Oriented Migration (MEG), Better Migration Management (BMM), and WiDU-Africa, implemented on behalf of the German Government, with BMM additionally commissioned by the European Union. The Citizens and Diaspora Organizations Directorate (AU-CIDO) and Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) also contributed to shaping and co-designing key thematic discussions of the forum. It set a bold agenda: shifting diaspora engagement from remittances to a strategic development partnership. 🚀💡  Key highlights included: 📌 Strong political commitment from African countries to strengthen diaspora engagement frameworks 📌 AU-CIDO’s call to move “from goodwill to measurable outcomes” aligned with Agenda 2063 📌 Recognition of diaspora contributions beyond remittances: innovation, investment, skills transfer, entrepreneurship & diplomacy 📌 Growing emphasis on digital transformation (diaspora databases, investment platforms, virtual engagement tools) 💻 📌 Urgent need to address trust gaps, coordination challenges, and institutional capacity limitations 👩🏽🤝👨🏾 Inclusion took center stage, with strong advocacy for youth empowerment, women-led diaspora initiatives, and intergenerational collaboration as drivers of innovation and social impact. 🌱 📊 Research presentations reinforced the importance of evidence-based policymaking and robust diaspora data systems, while field visits showcased real-world impact—from diaspora-led healthcare excellence 🏥 to green energy innovation ♻️ powered by waste-to-fuel solutions. 🔑 Key takeaway: The African diaspora is not just a financial contributor—it is a strategic force for transformation, integration, and innovation across the continent. 🌍💡 However, the Forum also underscored a critical gap: moving from policy ambition to effective implementation through stronger coordination, transparency, and regional cooperation. 🤝 Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) European Union Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH #JourneyOfChange #diasporaengagement #strategicpartnership #inclusion #transformation