Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed on Monday announced the government will send 50,000 people to work in the United Arab Emirates as the Gulf country aims to expand its influence in the Horn of Africa, reported Business Day.
While addressing the Parliament in the capital Addis Ababa, the prime minister said his government is taking steps to reduce unemployment in the country.
“Ethiopia is planning short-term measures to reduce unemployment in Ethiopia and to cope with the increasing job demands of our people,” Abiy said. “One of these short-term programs is sending our skilled labor to foreign countries.”
The announcement is in line with Abiy’s plan to open his country to foreign investment since assuming office last year. He added that around 50,000 workers would be sent to UAE in the 2019-2020 fiscal year as part of the government’s plan. He also said that discussions were being held to send 200,000 over the next three years.
Abiy said the workers would receive training in various sectors, including driving and nursing, and earn higher wages and boost their capacity. He said discussions are going on with Japan and European nations about similar agreements. He added that a young skilled workforce with good training will help to boost Africa’s fastest-growing economy.
The UAE recently called out for closer ties with countries in the Horn of Africa, helping to mediate a historic peace accord between former enemies Ethiopia and Eritrea in 2018. The UAE and Saudi Arabia are hoping to bring peace in the region, in a sign of the growing importance the Gulf nations put on eastern Africa as they battle Iran-backed Huthi rebels in Yemen.
Last year, the UAE pledged to invest $3bn in aid and investment in Ethiopia.
In related news, the Ethiopian government on Monday lifted power rationing for homes and reduced load-shedding times for industries after water levels at hydroelectric dams increased.
