Ethiopia Strengthens Migration Governance with National Communication Strategy on Safe Migration
Ethiopian participants to a community-based reintegration project | Alexander Bee/IOM
Addis Ababa, Ethiopia (26 March) – The Government of Ethiopia has launched its National Communication Strategy to Prevent Irregular Migration and Promote Regular Pathways (2025-2029), reaffirming its dedication to safe migration and improved migration governance.
Developed with technical support from the International Organization for Migration (IOM) and funded by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Netherlands through the COMPASS programme, the strategy provides a coordinated framework to enhance public awareness and support informed migration choices.
Enhancing Awareness and Access to Regular Pathways
Ethiopia is a key country of origin, transit, and destination for migrants in the Horn of Africa. While migration has long been a livelihood strategy, irregular migration poses significant risks, exposing migrants to exploitation, trafficking, and abuse. Economic hardship, climate change, and conflict continue to drive migration, often leading individuals to embark on dangerous, irregular routes.
The new strategy aims to address these challenges by providing clear, accessible information about safe migration options, ethical recruitment practices, and reintegration support. By harmonizing messaging across government institutions, civil society, and international partners, it seeks to ensure that individuals have the necessary knowledge to make informed decisions about migration.
“The Ministry calls upon all stakeholders to strengthen efforts to stop the suffering of Ethiopian migrants by providing timely information and expanding employment,” said H.E. Ergogie Tesfaye (Ph.D.), Minister of Women and Social Affairs. “We firmly believe that our strategic approach will harmonize messages, optimize resources, and achieve greater impact.”
H.E. Christine Pirenne, Ambassador of the Netherlands to Ethiopia, underscored the importance of tailored communication strategies and community-based approaches, noting that "the COMPASS programme seeks to strengthen migrant protection, enhance migration governance, and support reintegration efforts. The National Communication Strategy integrates these principles to empower individuals and create sustainable migration solutions."
As Ethiopia continues its efforts to enhance migration governance, the National Communication Strategy represents a crucial step toward a safer and more informed migration landscape.
For more information, please contact compass@iom.int.