The Jobs Creation Commission, in partnership with the Mastercard Foundation, has launched a 5-year project, Enabling Ethiopia, to support job creation in Ethiopia through driving innovation, policy reform, inclusiveness and advocacy. The Mastercard Foundation has committed USD 11.8 million to the project.
The Enabling Ethiopia project is designed to implement key components of the country’s Plan of Action for Job Creation (PAJC- 2020-2025). Launched in October 2019, the PAJC identifies holistic interventions required to create 14 million jobs by 2025 through a vibrant private sector and coordinated government support. Creating an entrepreneurial ecosystem, cultivating the necessary human capital, adopting pro-job macro policies, and supporting inclusive innovations are just some of the major focus areas of this long-term plan.
Speaking on the focus of the project; the Enabling Ethiopia is a significant development in driving forward the implementation of the PAJC interventions through creating jobs and economic opportunities for about 50,000 women and young people over the next five years. The project aims to support the adoption of job-rich macro policies and the implementation of innovative job creation programs. This will be achieved by building the capacity of implementing entities and supporting the introduction of a labour market information system and resource optimization tools.
In addition, Enabling Ethiopia will also target the expansion of economic opportunities for disadvantaged segments of the populations such as street youth, employed but unpaid rural women, displaced people, and people with disabilities. Furthermore, while the project will build the skills of young people to prepare them for the world of work, it will also support 200 aspiring entrepreneurs to realize their dreams.
“Enabling Ethiopia, as the name indicates, is a good opportunity for various segments of our society, who are less served but have high potential to create jobs and generate income when given an enabling environment. This project will greatly support the implementation of the government’s Plan of Action for jobs creation by unlocking new opportunities and removing barriers for entrepreneurs, enterprises and the private sector at large. Innovation, collaboration and excellence are central to achieving this initiative, which will strive to create opportunities for women and support young people to secure dignified and fulfilling jobs,” said Jobs Creation Commission Commissioner, Dr. Ephrem Tekle.
The project will be implemented under the leadership of the Jobs Creation Commission and in collaboration with Federal and regional government, job creation and enterprise development bodies, financing institutions and private sector actors. The Commission will partner with government entities and a range of implementing agencies to ensure impact and measurable results.
“The project is well aligned with the Mastercard Foundation’s Young Africa Works initiative to enable 10 million young women and men to access dignified and fulfilling work by 2030. Our partnership with the Jobs Creation Commission will support the creation of an environment where young people in Ethiopia can thrive and where their leadership and contributions matter,” said Alemayehu Konde Koira, Country Head, Ethiopia, at the Mastercard Foundation.
