Economy

Ethiopia Urban Safety Net Expansion Rollout Hits $250M

BirrMetrics · 4 days ago · Read the Full Story on BirrMetrics
Ethiopia Urban Safety Net Expansion Rollout Hits $250M
AI SUMMARY

Ethiopia is preparing to roll out the third phase of its urban safety net programme across 88 cities, backed by a $250 million World Bank financing agreement to support three million vulnerable people.

  • Ethiopia is rolling out the third additional financing phase of its urban safety-net programme across 88 cities.
  • The new phase is backed by a 250 million US dollars financing agreement signed with the World Bank in January.
  • The Ministry of Urban and Infrastructure met with municipal officials in Hawassa on September 21, 2026, to review financial performance and budget allocations.
  • The programme aims to reach a cumulative total of approximately three million people, including public works participants, cash transfer recipients, apprentices, refugees, and host communities.
  • World Bank figures show the programme previously reached 2.4 million people, providing employment to 1.1 million residents and business grants to 334,481 individuals.
  • Total commitments for the initiative have reached nearly 1 billion US dollars, following an initial 2020 approval with a 400 million US dollars World Bank grant and 150 million US dollars in government funding.
  • Programme components include labour-intensive public works, direct assistance for non-able-bodied residents, apprenticeships, technical training, and startup grants.
  • Hawassa Deputy Mayor Chernet Filate reported that the city achieved high fund utilisation in creating temporary income opportunities and delivering infrastructure.