This archive report was first published on 8 July 2019.
On July 8, 2019, Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed announced plans to address unemployment in Ethiopia by sending skilled workers abroad.
As part of these efforts, 50,000 workers would be sent to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) in the 2019/2020 fiscal year, with discussions underway to send 200,000 over the next three years.
The workers would receive training in various sectors, including driving and nursing, and earn higher wages, according to Abiy.
Abiy stated, "Ethiopia is planning short-term measures to reduce unemployment in Ethiopia and to cope with the increasing job demands of our people."
He added that the UAE has recently pressed for closer ties with countries in the Horn of Africa, and that discussions are underway about similar agreements with Japan and European nations.
