European Union and Ethiopia Sign Annual Action Programme 2024, Allocating EUR 240 million (32.3 Billion Birr) to Strengthen Partnership and Promote Sustainable Development – Delegation of the European Union to the International Organisations in Vienna (Press Release) 

 03.04.2025  

Addis Ababa

 Press and information team of the Delegation to ETHIOPIA

EU Ethiopia AMP Signing Ceremony

© Signing Ceremony

(3 April 2025, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia) — The European Union (EU) and the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia have today announced the signing of the Annual Action Programme (AAP) 2024, marking a pivotal moment in the EU-Ethiopia partnership. This agreement reaffirms their mutual commitment to sustainable development, peace, and prosperity in Ethiopia.

The signing ceremony, held in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, at the presence of all the European Union Member States’ Ambassadors was presided over by the Minister of Finance H.E. Ahmed Shide and Ambassador of the European Union H.E. Sofie From-Emmesberger. The AAP 2024 was signed following extensive consultations and a shared vision for Ethiopia’s development trajectory.

Under this agreement, the EU will provide significant financial and technical support, for a total amount of EUR 240 Million (32.3 Billion Birr) to enhance Ethiopia’s development across several critical areas:

  1. Strengthening Democratic Institutions, Transitional Justice, Gender Equality and Social Cohesion in Ethiopia: The action aims to support peace, stabilization, and recovery from recent conflicts by strengthening Ethiopian institutions for more resilience and inclusivity, enhancing capacity of civil society sector, support in implementation of effective democratic reforms, and fostering sustainable development. 
  2. Post-Conflict Restoration of Basic Health Services, Medical and Psycho-Social Support to Gender-Based Violence Survivors and Conflict-Affected Communities in Ethiopia: This action  supports the resumption of essential health and Mental Health and Psychosocial Support (MHPSS) service provision for conflict affected population, through rehabilitation of Aba’ala (Afar) and Adwa (Tigray) hospitals and provision of holistic support to GBV victims.
  3. Support to Sustainable and Integrated Responses to Forced Displacement and Labour Migration in Ethiopia: The action seeks to provide Durable Solutions for displaced individuals (IDPs and refugees) through an integrated approach, enhancing their economic opportunities, and granting their access to essential services. It also contributes to better legal migration paths for Ethiopians seeking employment abroad.
  4. Green Business Development for Sustainable Agro-Food Systems in Ethiopia: Initiatives under this action will contribute to the competitiveness of the Ethiopian agribusiness sector by creating jobs and income for smallholder farmers, and unlocking opportunities for private investments and exports to the EU in the horticulture and coffee value chains.
  5. Support to Digital Transformation in Ethiopia through Digital Skills Development in TVET: The action strengthens EU-Ethiopia digital cooperation, aiming to narrow the digital divide and advance a human-centric digital transformation in Ethiopia’s key sectors. This action will increase the quality and relevance of the TVET system, while linking it to concrete employment opportunities in Ethiopia’s digital economy, clean energy transition, agricultural value chains and the health sector.   
  6. Enabling Private Sector in Key Value Chains in Ethiopia: The Action is promoting a strong participation of private sector in key value chains by strengthening and further capacitating the tax and customs administrations, the Business Membership Organizations, and the nascent capital markets. 

Ambassador of the European Union to Ethiopia, H.E. Sofie From-Emmesberger, stated:

“In line with the mandate granted by the Council of the European Union in 2023, this agreement symbolizes our growing and enduring partnership with Ethiopia and our commitment to supporting its economic and social growth in our reciprocal interest. The AAP 2024 reflects our shared values and vision for a peaceful, prosperous, and sustainable future.”

Ethiopia’s Minister of Finance, Ahmed Shide, remarked “The Government of Ethiopia deeply appreciates the EU’s comprehensive support, which aims to enhance private sector investment in agribusiness, modernize tax and customs systems, promote digital skills in TVET, restore vital health services, strengthen democratic institutions, and provide durable solutions for displaced persons. This significant round of EU support promises to reinforce and rejuvenate our longstanding partnership.” 

The AAP 2024 aligns seamlessly with Ethiopia’s reform agenda and the EU’s global commitment to sustainable development. The program highlights collaboration, innovation, and the mutual exchange of expertise to achieve meaningful results for both parties. 

The EU and Ethiopia take pride in their historical partnership and look forward to implementing the AAP 2024 as a vital contribution to Ethiopia’s inclusive and sustainable growth. 

EU Delegation to Ethiopia

Solomon Kebede

Press and Information Officer

Phone: +251 911 684 101

Email solomon.kebede@eeas.europa.eu 

Website: https://www.eeas.europa.eu/delegations/ethiopia_en?s=98 

Ethiopian Ministry of Finance
Email: gkebedey@mofed.gov.et 

Phone: +251 911 100 781