Where
Ethiopia (Addis Ababa and Arsi, Oromia Region)
Partners
The project is led by CEFA – European Committee for Training and Agriculture Onlus, in partnership with AIDOS, the ISMU Foundation – Foundation for Multiethnicity Initiatives and Studies ETS, and the Ethiopian partner WISE – Organization for Women in Self Employment.
Background
With over 126 million inhabitants, Ethiopia is the second most populous country in Africa. 44% of the population is under the age of 14, and women represent 49.8% of the total (World Bank, April 2024). This youthful and gender-balanced demographic offers a significant opportunity for the country’s socio-economic transformation. However, persistent gender inequalities undermine this potential and pose a considerable challenge to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
In urban areas such as Addis Ababa, these disparities are particularly evident: unemployment among young women reaches 28.6%, nearly three times higher than young men (10.8%, FDRE Statistics Survey). Social norms and institutional barriers further restrict women’s full participation in the economy and in decision-making processes, both at the household and community levels.
A growing number of young people, especially women, resort to irregular migration to urban centres or abroad, exposing themselves to exploitation, trafficking, and human rights violations. Ethiopia’s 10-Year Development Plan (2020/21–2029/30) highlights the urgency of addressing these issues, emphasizing gender equality and social inclusion.
Objectives
General Objective: To promote access to education, decent employment, stable income sources, food security, and sustainable agricultural practices for women, youth, and small-scale producers in Ethiopia, by analysing and mitigating the causes of irregular migration.
Specific Objectives: Promote sustainable alternatives to irregular migration by: i) Creating opportunities for training, employment, job placement, and micro-entrepreneurship for women and youth in Addis Ababa and the rural districts of Arsi in Oromia; ii) Facilitating access to knowledge, agricultural inputs, and productive resources, and improving food security and income conditions for small-scale farmers in rural Arsi; iii) Disseminating knowledge and information about the dynamics and risks associated with irregular migration.
Beneficiaries
Women, men, and young people seeking employment; women who are active or ready to start a business; women in vulnerable situations (at risk of migration or returnees); and youth completing their studies.
AIDOS Activities
AIDOS coordinates the urban component of the project in Addis Ababa, providing technical assistance to the local partner and to government-run Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) centres. Its approach is gender-responsive and integrated, aiming to foster entrepreneurship, transfer professional skills, promote human rights, and ensure equal access to employment. AIDOS also supports the digitalization and institutional development of Credit and Saving Cooperatives (SACCO).
Expected Results
- Strengthened opportunities for women and youth to access employment and launch entrepreneurial activities through improved skills, resources, and tools, and through the enhancement of training centres and SACCOs, with an integrated gender-sensitive approach.
- Improved understanding of migration dynamics and their impact, especially on women and vulnerable groups, and increased community awareness for informed and safe decision-making to prevent irregular migration risks.
Duration
36 months: 1/2/25 – 31/1/28
Cost of the project
Total cost: €1,620,000
AIDOS budget: €750,000
Who is financing
Italian Ministry of Interior – DLCI. Contribution from project partners: €162,000