Ethiopia is seeking to mobilize $5 billion to finance its latest development cooperation framework with the United Nations, spanning 2025 to 2030.
The new Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (UNSDCF), officially signed on June 20, 2025, between the Ethiopian government and the UN, carries a total budget of $6.5 billion.
According to Finance Minister Semereta Sewasew, “This framework agreement reaffirms our enduring partnership with the United Nations.” So far, $1.5 billion of the required funding has already been secured.
Designed to align with Ethiopia’s national development priorities, the UNSDCF aims to accelerate progress toward the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by addressing critical challenges while strengthening the country’s resilience to climate change and economic shocks.
Among its central goals are promoting inclusive and sustainable growth through resilient food systems and enhanced livelihoods.
Despite registering a strong economic growth rate of 8.1% in 2023/24, Ethiopia continues to confront significant economic and social obstacles.
The country’s Human Development Index remains at 0.38, with a per capita income of just $1,020.
Since 2018, approximately 91% of Ethiopian households have been impacted by a series of crises, including droughts, ongoing conflicts, locust invasions, the COVID-19 pandemic, and the Tigray war.
The partnership between Ethiopia and the United Nations is grounded in long-standing strategic cooperation that supports sustainable development, peace, and stability.
In 2018, the UN allocated $10 million to improve living conditions for the country’s most vulnerable populations, underscoring this enduring collaboration, according to Ecofin Agency.
Image Credit: Xinhua
