The Embassy of Italy in Addis Ababa signed a 14 million Euros grant financing agreement with selected civil society organizations to foster employment opportunities so as to reduce illegal migration.
The agreement is part of the 20 million Euros Stemming illegal migration in Northern and Central Ethiopia (SINCE) program.
The program aims at reducing illegal migration from Northern and Central Ethiopia by improving the living conditions of vulnerable population including potential migrants and returnees.
The program which is funded by the European Union Trust Fund for Africa will be implemented in Amhara, Oromia, Southern Nations, Nationalities and Peoples’, and Tigray regional states and Addis Ababa, with specific focus on the youth and women.
Italy Ambassador to Ethiopia, Arturo Luzzi said on the signing ceremony that the grant agreement will play an important role to support the efforts of the Ethiopian government towards migration.
With the signature of the agreements, the program has entered its operational phase which will last two years.
Ministry of Finance and Economic Cooperation Bilateral Cooperation Director, KOkeb Workneh on his part said that is striving to end illegal migration by creating favorable conditions.
The new grant agreement will support the country’s effort in curbing illegal migration and foster employment opportunities.
Five Ethiopian, Italian and international civil society organizations will carry out the activities towards fostering employment opportunities.