a group of people that are standing in the grass

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Ethiopia and UNDP in action

Integrated development solutions driven by country priorities and UNDP’s new Strategic Plan.

The new country programme for July 2025 to June 2030 builds on lessons from the previous programme cycle, Ethiopia’s Sustainable Development Goals acceleration plan, and ongoing reform efforts. It has been shaped through extensive consultations with the Government of Ethiopia, the United Nations country team, civil society organisations, and the private sector to ensure national ownership. Anchored in the UNSDCF (2025-2030) and aligned with the UNDP Strategic Plan, the programme will continue to support implementation of the national Ten-Year Development Plan, with a focus on scale, scope and speed. It is structured around three pillars: (i) democratic governance, sustaining peace, human rights, and the rule of law; (ii) inclusive economic transformation; and (iii) climate resilience and environmental sustainability.

Through a people-centred and adaptive programming approach, the country programme prioritises flexibility, continuous learning and responsiveness to evolving contexts. UNDP will design early warning systems to monitor conflict dynamics and shifting weather patterns, enabling adaptive implementation. A systems-thinking approach will support the transition to a portfolio model that operationalises the interconnectedness of programmes. The programme will be guided by principles of human rights due diligence, enhanced risk awareness and mitigation, conflict sensitivity and social safeguards, to better uphold commitments to empowering women, girls and other at-risk population groups that continue to lag in key socioeconomic indicators.

 

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See how our integrated signature solutions – powered by digitalization, innovation and development financing – are accelerating impact and scale in Ethiopia

 

Democratic Governance and Peacebuilding

The governance pillar of the country programme is designed to support Ethiopia in building a more inclusive, transparent, and accountable nation by strengthening democratic institutions, promoting peace and social cohesion, and advancing justice and human rights. Through five integrated priorities—conflict prevention and reconciliation, electoral integrity, rule of law and accountability, civil service reform, and inclusive leadership—the programme reinforces national efforts to deepen democratic culture, empower women and youth, and modernize public administration.

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Inclusive Economic Transformation

The economic governance pillar of the country programme is designed to address Ethiopia’s complex development challenges by fostering inclusive, resilient, and private sector-led growth. Aligned with joint UN cooperation framework outcomes and national priorities on economic integration, digital transformation, and productivity, the pillar promotes the socioeconomic empowerment of women and youth through five interconnected priorities: improving the economic policy and regulatory environment, expanding access to finance and markets for MSMEs and startups, enhancing employability and entrepreneurship skills, supporting vulnerable groups through integrated economic solutions, and driving innovation and digitalization. Implemented in collaboration with key government institutions, international financial institutions, UN agencies, and both traditional and emerging partners, this pillar aims to unlock Ethiopia’s economic potential and ensure that growth benefits all segments of society.

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Climate Resilience and Environment Sustainability

The climate and environmental governance pillar of the country programme aims to strengthen Ethiopia’s resilience to climate change and promote environmental sustainability as a foundation for inclusive green growth. Aligned with national priorities, the joint UN cooperation framework, and global commitments, the pillar advances five interconnected priorities: enhancing disaster risk management, expanding access to renewable energy, promoting sustainable natural resource use and circular economy practices, increasing access to climate finance, and empowering women and youth in green sectors. Through partnerships with government institutions, UN agencies, financial institutions, and the private sector, the programme supports risk-informed development, fosters innovation and investment in clean energy, and promotes inclusive economic opportunities—particularly in rural and climate-vulnerable communities. These efforts contribute to building climate-resilient communities, improving environmental governance, and accelerating Ethiopia’s transition to a green economy.

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Gender

UNDP recognizes that gender equality is a fundamental human right and a necessary foundation for a peaceful, prosperous, and sustainable world. Gender equality is therefore central to UNDP’s interventions to achieve the 2030 Agenda and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) as well as other commitments agreed upon by the UN Member States.

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