Sida's work in Ethiopia
Sida’s development cooperation with Ethiopia contributes to strengthening respect for human rights, increasing the country’s resilience to climate change and creating the preconditions for people to improve their standard of living. In light of the ongoing conflict between Tigranian security forces and the federal army and other pro-government forces, Sida has a close dialogue with our partner organisations about their ability to carry out their work.
Sida’s support in Ethiopia 2021
Progress has been made
Poverty has declined
Poverty has declined from 46% in 1995 to 24% in 2015/16, according to the World bank.1 Ethiopia has one of Africa’s most rapidly growing economies.2
Small steps towards democracy
The country has taken several strides towards more democratic government, including a 2019 change to electoral legislation that facilitates free and democratic elections in which the political opposition can participate. During 2020 and 2021 the democracy has partly gone in the wrong direction.
Halved maternal mortality
Maternal mortality has more than halved since 20003 and access to prenatal care has increased.
Challenges remain
Deep inequality
Ethiopia remains one of the poorest countries on earth and inequality is rife. The country was ranked 173rd out of 189 countries in the 2019 UNDP Human Development Index.4
Deficient democracy
All the elections thus far held in Ethiopia have been disputed and criticised. Discrimination and violence based on gender and sexual orientation are common and child labour remains a problem.
The pandemic leads to unemployment
Unemployment has risen due to COVID-19, particularly among women and young people.5
Two types of aid in Ethiopia
In Ethiopia, Sida implements development cooperation to contribute to long-term development of the country. We also provide humanitarian assistance to save lives and alleviate suffering in emergency situations.
Updated: April 1, 2022