Addis Ababa, Ethiopia (26 March) – The Government of Ethiopia officially launched today two key strategic documents promoting safe migration and strengthening migration governance in the country; the National Communication Strategy to Prevent Irregular Migration and Promote Regular Pathways (2025-2029) and the Joint Strategic Plan (2025-2029) between the International Organization for Migration (IOM) and the Ministry of Women and Social Affairs (MoWSA).

The event brought together government officials and policymakers, representatives from MoWSA, IOM, the diplomatic community, including embassies and development partners, international and local NGOs, community leaders, and media representatives. The launch provided a platform to disseminate these strategies for broader appropriation, strengthening stakeholder commitment and emphasizing the roles of various actors in their implementation.

National Communication Strategy to Prevent Irregular Migration and Promote Regular Pathways (2025-2029)

The National Communication Strategy serves as a guiding framework for government institutions, civil society organizations, international partners, and the media to harmonize messaging and raise awareness of the risks of irregular migration. By ensuring clear and accessible information about regular migration pathways and local opportunities, the strategy empowers individuals to make informed migration decisions. The Communication Strategy was developed with technical support from IOM and funding from the Netherlands through the COMPASS programme (Cooperation on Migration and Partnership for Sustainable Solutions).

Joint Strategic Plan (2025-2029): Strengthening Migration Governance

The Joint Strategic Plan (2025-2029) between IOM and MoWSA operationalizes the strategic partnership between the Government of Ethiopia and IOM on migration issues. It outlines concrete actions to enhance migration governance and protect vulnerable populations. The plan emphasizes a coordinated, multi-stakeholder approach to migration governance and promotes collaboration between government institutions, international partners, and civil society. The plan also serves as an important resource mobilization tool, outlining Ethiopia's priorities in migration governance, protection, and peacebuilding while advancing sustainable development initiatives.

“The Ministry of Women and Social Affairs recognizes and appreciates the support from the international community, the media, government partners, and the community at large in the effort to prevent irregular migration from Ethiopia. The Ministry calls upon all stakeholders to strengthen efforts to stop the suffering of Ethiopian migrants by providing timely information and expanding employment," says H.E. Ergogie Tesfaye (Ph.D), Minister of Women and Social Affairs. “We firmly believe that our strategic approach will harmonize messages, effectively and efficiently utilize resources, and ultimately achieve a greater impact,” she added.

“The launch of these strategic documents marks a milestone in Ethiopia’s migration governance journey, reaffirming our collective commitment to unlocking the potential of migration, expanding regular pathways, and reducing irregular migration,” says Ms. Abibatou Wane, IOM Ethiopia Chief of Mission.

Ethiopia is a major country of origin, transit, and destination for migrants in the Horn of Africa. While migration has historically been a livelihood strategy, irregular migration remains a significant challenge. Economic hardship, climate change, and conflict continue to drive migration, with many Ethiopians seeking opportunities in the Middle East, Europe, and neighboring African countries. However, many migrants embark on irregular migration routes, facing severe risks en route, including trafficking in persons, exploitation, and abuse.

To address these challenges, Ethiopia works closely with partners like IOM to enhance migration governance, improve public awareness, and develop legal frameworks that support safe and regular migration pathways.

The launch event was organized with financial support from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Netherlands, through the COMPASS programme, as well as from the European Union (EU) and the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) through the Better Migration Management Programme. 

For more information, please contact Aïssatou Sy, IOM Ethiopia Media and Communications Officer, at aisy@iom.int