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The Jobs Creation Commission, in partnership with the Mastercard Foundation, has launched a 5-year project to support job creation in Ethiopia. The project, Enabling Ethiopia, will create jobs through driving innovation, policy reform, inclusiveness, and advocacy. The Mastercard Foundation has committed USD 11.8 million to the project.
The Enabling Ethiopia project will 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. The PAJC plans to make this happen through having a vibrant private sector and coordinated government support. Some of the major focus of the PAJC include creating an entrepreneurial ecosystem, cultivating the necessary human capital, and adopting pro-job macro policies. It would also be supporting inclusive innovations.
More about Enabling Ethiopia
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 to implement entities and supporting the introduction of a labour market information system and resource optimization tools.
Related: Mastercard Foundation Commits to help SMEs Respond to Covid-19 in Ethiopia
Enabling Ethiopia will also target the expansion of economic opportunities for disadvantaged segments of the populations such as street youth. Similarly, the expansion of these economic opportunities will benefit 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.
Jobs Creation Commission’s take on the Project
Jobs Creation Commission Commissioner, Dr Ephrem Tekle said: “Enabling Ethiopia, as the name indicates, is a good opportunity for various segments of our society. It will benefit those who are less served but have the potential to create jobs and generate income when given an enabling environment. This project will greatly support the implementation of the government’s PAJC plans by unlocking new opportunities and removing barriers for entrepreneurs, enterprises and the private sector at large. Innovation, collaboration and excellence are particularly central to achieving this initiative”.
The project will be implemented under the leadership of the Jobs Creation Commission in collaboration with Federal and regional government. Job creation and enterprise development bodies, financing institutions and private sector actors will also be included during its implementation. The Commission will also partner with government entities and a range of implementing agencies to ensure impact and measurable results.
