Ethiopia’s Urban Development Safety Net Program Empowers Citizens for Productive Future

Addis Ababa, August 20, 2025 (ENA) – Ethiopia’s Urban Development Safety Net Program is helping citizens move from dependency to economic productivity, Ministry of Urban and Infrastructure announced.  

The Ministry allocated 24 billion Birr for the program in the coming 2018 Ethiopian fiscal year, as part of a national effort to reduce urban poverty and unemployment.

Since its launch, the program has supported low-income individuals in various cities by providing financial and capacity-building assistance.

Fanta Dejen, State Minister of  Urban and Infrastructure Ministry, told ENA that the program is currently being implemented in 87 cities across the country.

He stated that the initiative not only provides immediate benefits but also empowers participants to generate sustainable income.

“This year alone, 1.7 million citizens are expected to benefit from the 24 billion birr allocated,” Fanta said. “We’re seeing encouraging results as more participants transition from dependency to self-reliance.”

He also emphasized that the program allows able citizens to secure food and income by engaging in local development activities.

Temesegen Mulualem, Safety Net Program and Project Coordinator for Addis Ababa City Administration, noted that the program has a transformative effect beyond short-term support. “It’s helping beneficiaries improve their livelihoods by enabling them to generate their own income,” he said.

 

One such beneficiary, Belynesh Alemayehu, shared her success story. Together with her friends, she began a poultry farming business with the support of the program.

 

 “The training we received in work ethics and saving habits has helped us grow our income,” she said.

Other participants also echoed similar sentiments, highlighting how the Safety Net Program has enabled them to become self-sufficient and economically active.