This archive report was first published on 10 July 2019.
Published on July 10, 2019, Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed unveiled plans to send 50,000 workers to the United Arab Emirates, marking a significant step towards reducing unemployment and boosting the country's skilled workforce.
According to Abiy, the move is part of a short-term program aimed at addressing the increasing job demands of Ethiopians. The program involves sending skilled labor to foreign countries, with the UAE being the first destination.
Under the agreement, 50,000 workers will be sent to the UAE in the 2019/2020 fiscal year, with discussions underway to send 200,000 over the next three years. The workers will receive training in various sectors, including driving and nursing, and will earn higher wages.
Abiy emphasized that the program is designed to boost the capacity of Ethiopian workers and aid the country's economy, which is Africa's fastest-growing. The UAE has recently pressed for closer ties with countries in the Horn of Africa, and this move is seen as a significant step towards strengthening ties between the two nations.
The UAE has pledged to invest $3 billion in aid and investment in Ethiopia, and this move is expected to further boost economic cooperation between the two countries.
