Sweden reiterates its support to Ethiopia’s social protection services
Addis Ababa, February 5, 2025 (FMC) – Ambassador of Sweden to Ethiopia, Hans Henric Lundquist, stated that his country will support Ethiopia’s efforts in advancing social protection services.
The Sweddish ambassador disclosed his country’s intents during his meeting with Ethiopia’s Minister of Women and Social Affairs, Ergoge Tesfaye, in Addis Ababa today.
The discussion aims to discuss new areas of cooperation and ways to work together on the issues of women, children, the elderly, people with disabilities and other vulnerable groups.
During the course of the discussion Ms. Ergoge Tesfaye, stated that her government is working hard to ensure the success of the Urban and Rural Development Safety Net and Jobs Project (PSNP, UPS & JP) to sustainably change the lives of vulnerable citizens.
She revealed that the sixth PSNP program is being prepared as the country is facing various man-made and natural challenges.
To this end, the Ministry is working on a review of the social protection policy, the establishment of a national social protection beneficiary registration system, and strengthening the social structure and coordination mechanism.
The minister acknowledged the Swedish government’s support through the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (SiDA) and UNICEF Ethiopia in strengthening the social protection sector in Ethiopia over the past eight years.
Ms. Ergoge expressed her appreciation and gratitude for the significant contribution Sweden has been making in implementing various development initiatives besides to humanitarian support.
She further stated that Ethiopia and Sweden intend to further strengthen their partnership in diplomacy and development cooperation and to continue the social protection programs that have been launched.
Ambassador Hans Henric Lundquist, for his part, said that Sweden has been providing humanitarian assistance in peacebuilding, entrepreneurship, social protection, and natural and man-made disasters.
Eventually, he confirmed that Sweden will continue to support the Ministry of Women and Social Affairs to make the social protection services it prioritizes more effective.