Ethiopia's Free Scholarships Enhance Regional Integration

Addis Ababa, October 17, 2025 (ENA) -- Ethiopia's free scholarship program is contributing to enhancing regional integration, according to beneficiaries from neighboring countries.

Scholarship recipients, specifically medical students from neighboring nations, stated that the medical education they received will be instrumental in improving the healthcare systems of their home countries.

Furthermore, they believe this educational initiative will play a significant role in strengthening regional cooperation and integration among the countries involved.

Ethiopia has been a key provider of specialty and sub-specialty medical scholarships to doctors from neighboring nations, including South Sudan, Somalia, and Rwanda.

Currently, more than 430 medical doctors from these countries are pursuing their education at 19 different universities across Ethiopia.

So far, 105 beneficiaries have successfully graduated from the program. Recipients of the scholarships consistently report that they have gained a high-quality education that will significantly enhance their medical skills.

Dr. Nixon Anthony, a South Sudanese doctor specializing in pediatric surgery at Addis Ababa University's College of Health Sciences, highlighted the program's crucial impact.

 

Dr. Anthony noted that this educational opportunity will be vital in strengthening the health system not only in South Sudan but also across the wider East African region.

He further affirmed that the advanced knowledge he is acquiring will significantly advance his medical career back home.

Scholarship beneficiaries consistently praise the quality of education and the program's broader impact on regional ties.

Dr. Muhir Frank, a neurosurgery student from Rwanda, commended the quality of his training. He noted that the college is equipped with the necessary medical resources and qualified instructors to provide adequate knowledge.

 

According to Dr. Frank, this specialized training will enable him to offer better healthcare services to citizens in his home country.

Dr. Sisto Dominic, a first-year student in the Orthopedic and Trauma Surgery training program from South Sudan, explained that medical students are increasingly choosing Ethiopia to upgrade their knowledge and skills.

 

He believes this scholarship opportunity will also play a significant role in enhancing the relationship between Ethiopia and South Sudan.

Aseged Samuel, Lead Executive Officer for Human Resource Development at the Ministry of Health, stated that the free scholarship program has been a success over the last six years.

 

He emphasized that the initiative will contribute to improving medical knowledge and creating better health systems for countries across the region.