(Ecofin Agency) - Ethiopia will benefit from $400 million in funding from the World Bank to strengthen social safety nets and job creation. This was announced by the institution in a September 30 press release.

The new grant, provided through the International Development Association (IDA), will support the government's efforts to improve the incomes of the urban poor and promote the inclusion of disadvantaged urban youth in the labor market. It aligns with the Urban Productive Safety Nets and Jobs Project (UPSNJP).

The money will be used to implement public work activities, provide short-term income support, and support communities' medium-term livelihoods and financial independence. The funding will also help provide direct cash transfers to the elderly, the disabled, and pregnant women, and deliver specialized social services to street children and the homeless.

“To tackle the issue of urban unemployment, especially amongst the youth, the project will support an apprenticeship program to help them get valuable work experience as a pathway to regular employment. The project will also help strengthen employment and intermediation services through policy development and investments in the infrastructure of the Public Employment Services,” World Bank said.

A total of 816,000 Ethiopians in 83 cities across the country are expected to benefit from the UPSNJP program.

Moutiou Adjibi Nourou