GIZ Ethiopia and Djibouti

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

Last Friday, the 3rd Regional Forum of the Global Programme “Sustainable Agricultural Systems and Policies (AgSys)” concluded in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. Over three days, representatives from government institutions, civil society, the private sector, and GIZ explored pathways towards more sustainable agrifood systems at national, regional, and global levels, with a focus on more inclusive and effective governance. The highlight of the meeting was the exchange with the Africa Union (AU) Commission, Department of Agriculture, Rural Development, Blue Economy and Sustainable Environment (DARBE) on the African Agricultural Development Programme (CAADP), the African Union’s flagship programme for agricultural transformation, during a visit to the AU headquarters. The forum also featured inspiring contributions on finance for transformation and agroecology, and Ethiopia’s approach towards governance for transformation of agrifood systems. These discussions highlighted the importance of collaboration, adaptability, and inclusive processes as key enablers for transformation. Overall, the forum showed that advancing agrifood systems transformation calls for sustained ambition, collective action, and shared learning. A sincere thank you goes to our GIZ colleagues working in Ethiopia and with the AU for hosting this year’s forum to STRATEGIES!,for facilitating the discussions, and to CEFE International for ensuring the smooth organisation of the event. Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH #AgrifoodSystems #AgriculturalTransformation #CAADP #PolicyDialogue #InclusiveGovernance 

Youth at the forefront of transitional Justice: Building capacities for Ethiopia’s peaceful Future 📅 6 – 8 April 2026, Addis Ababa The GIZ-implemented Support to Transitional Justice in Ethiopia (S2TJ) project, in collaboration with the Ethiopian Youth Council and the African Union Transitional Justice Department, organised a co-creation workshop alongside a three-day pilot training on the role of youth in transitional justice. The training brought together around 30 representatives from youth groups and civil society to: • Co-create a capacity-building manual on youth engagement in transitional justice • Share insights and practical experiences from Ethiopia and across Africa • Strengthen understanding of transitional justice principles, mechanisms, and best practices A key feature of the programme was the co-creation process, which enabled young participants to actively contribute their perspectives, ensuring the manual reflects real needs and lived experiences 📚 Through the training sessions, participants enhanced their knowledge and capacity to engage meaningfully in Ethiopia’s transitional justice efforts, while strengthening the role of youth as important contributors to inclusive and sustainable peacebuilding 🕊️ A second round of the pilot training will be conducted in May to further refine and improve the manual. That can then be used by all interested organisations in building capacities and knowledge for young people to meaningfully engage in the transitional justice process. 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 Ethiopian Youth Council African Union Impunity Watch #TransitionalJustice #YouthEmpowerment #Peacebuilding #YouthLeadership #Governance #CapacityBuilding #InclusiveDevelopment

On April 30, 2026, the MCHU Incubator held a startup showcase featuring innovative Ethiopian solutions designed to improve accessibility, mobility, communication, and livelihoods for people with disabilities (PWDs), highlighting the power of inclusive entrepreneurship and innovation. Implemented by Iceaddis in collaboration with the GIZ-implemented Private Sector Development in Ethiopia (PSD-E) project, the programme supported 6 promising startups through an intensive 12-week incubation journey. Over the program, founders received tailored support in prototype refinement, commercialization, product-market fit, access to finance, investment readiness, and resource optimization. The showcased innovations included: ✅Adapted & smart electric wheelchairs ✅Adaptive industrial sewing machines ✅Bamboo-based sustainable prosthetic limbs ✅Certified sign language translation services ✅Smart mobility devices for deafblind users The Demo Day marked the culmination of this journey, opening doors to the next growth stage through networking, investment opportunities, and strategic partnerships. The event brought together key stakeholders, including representatives from Entrepreneurship Development Institute (EDI), Ministry of Innovation and Technology (MInT), ecosystem actors, disability-focused NGOs, potential investors, and private sector partners. Beyond a showcase, the MCHU Incubator is shaping up as a critical inclusion-driven platform building solutions that directly address challenges faced by people with disabilities while contributing to broader economic and social impact. The Private Sector Development in Ethiopia (PSD-E) project is implemented on behalf of the German Government. Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH Ethiopian Ministry of Industry(የኢፌዴሪ ኢንዱስትሪ ሚኒስቴር) Ministry of Innovation And Technology- Ethiopia #PWD #Inclusion #Startups #Demoday #Innovation #Accessibility #SocialImpact

A game changer for domestic election observation in Ethiopia Last week, the GIZ-implemented Support to Good Governance (S2GG) Programme marked the completion of the development of a state-of-the-art digital platform that modernizes domestic election observation in Ethiopia. The official handover to the CECOE | Coalition of Ethiopian Civil Society Organizations for Elections concluded a two-year journey from the initial concept to a fully operational online workspace and mobile application. Civil society organizations play a vital role in promoting transparent and credible electoral processes by deploying observers who monitor elections before, during, and after polling. The Digital Election Observation Workspace (DEOW) offers an innovative and user-friendly solution for the digital management of election observation in Ethiopia. It enables CECOE and its member organizations to carry out their observation activities in a more timely and efficient manner, thus also facilitating the deployment of a larger number of observers. Key features of the DEOW include easier recruitment and management of observers, automatic generation of observation checklists and certificates, as well as streamlined communication through broadcast and notification messages. The training on the system took place from 27 to 29 April 2026 and concluded with an official ceremony during which GIZ and the developer Technology Wisdom formally transferred the DEOW to CECOE. The S2GG programme is implemented on behalf of the German Government. Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH #JourneyOfChange #socialtransformation #goodgovernance #election #digitalsolutions

'Makatet' Validation – Framework for Refugee Inclusion Ethiopia is advancing sustainable solutions for refugees through the validation of the Makatet Roadmap – Ethiopia’s strategic framework for refugee inclusion. The validation workshop brought together about 250 representatives from government, partners, and refugee communities to strengthen a shared approach grounded in the Humanitarian–Development–Peace (HDP) Nexus—linking immediate support with long-term development and stability. A key priority is meaningful refugee engagement, ensuring refugees actively contribute to shaping and implementing solutions. Germany, under the Refugee Inclusion Accelerator (RISE) project, proudly supports this process through multiple channels, working with partners to strengthen coordination, foster innovation, enhance capacities, and turn commitments into action. A strong step towards inclusive, sustainable solutions for refugees and host communities! The Refugee Inclusion Accelerator(RISE) 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 #Makatet #RefugeeInclusion #HDPNexus #GermanySupports