Ethiopia

Ethiopia

Current situation

Given its population and economic power Ethiopia holds an important geopolitical and economic position in the Horn of Africa region. In recent years the industry and services sectors have been developing, although as much as 80% of the population still works in low-productivity agriculture.

In terms of accomplishing the Millennium Development Goals Ethiopia achieved very good results between 2000 and 2015. It succeeded in reducing the percentage of inhabitants living below the national poverty line, decreasing the unemployment rate (although this remains high amongst women), and elementary education is available to all (although not all children do attend school due to various restrictions). The infant mortality rate has fallen by two-thirds, the fight against diseases (HIV/AIDS, malaria, etc.) has continued and the country has considerably improved access to clean drinking water and sanitation facilities in cities.

Despite this progress, however, Ethiopia is still one of the world’s least developed countries. In 2017, according to the Human Development Index, it ranked 173^th out of 189 countries (HDI = 0.463). Particularly inhabitants of rural areas face chronic malnutrition, inadequate education, limited access to water and sanitation and low representation of women in education and decision-making processes.

CzechAid activities

The Czech Republic has been working actively in the country since 2001 with the aim of assisting human, social and economic development there. In 2012 Ethiopia became one of the programme countries for the Czech Republic’s development cooperation, and has also remained in the current 2018–2023 programming period. In geographic terms projects focus primarily on the Southern Nations, Nationalities, and Peoples’ Region (SNNPR).

The current programme of cooperation follows up on previous successes and experience. The first priority area is agriculture and rural development. We focus particularly on supporting small farmers through better farming procedures, the sustainable use of natural resources and the development of economic activities. As regards the sustainable management of natural resources we strive to provide access to drinking water, improve sanitation and ensure the sustainable management of water sources. This includes the completion of the hydrogeological mapping of the whole of Ethiopia. In addition, in the field of inclusive social development we are completing educational projects that will help, for example, to increase the quality of apprentice education in the leather-working sector and to ensure an inclusive approach to education.

Development Cooperation Programmes with Ethiopia:
Programme for the years 2018–2023
Programme for the years 2012–2017