The Ethiopian Ministry of Labor and Skills has announced significant progress in its ambitious job creation initiative aimed at employing millions of citizens.
In an exclusive interview with Addis Ken, State Minister of Labor and Skills Solomon Soka revealed that the government is actively working on various projects designed to create job opportunities both domestically and abroad.
According to the state minister, the initiative, which was launched in 2017 E.C., is part of Ethiopia’s broader investment plans and mid-term development strategies.
The government aims to create 4.2 million jobs for citizens within the country and an additional 700,000 positions for Ethiopians living overseas.
This comprehensive approach highlights the government's commitment to addressing unemployment and enhancing economic stability.
As of now, the Ministry's evaluation of its performance over the past eleven months indicates that it has successfully created over 452,000 remote jobs abroad, while domestically, it has generated approximately 3.8 million jobs out of a target of 3.9 million.
This achievement underscores the government's dedication to fulfilling its job creation promise despite the challenges posed by the ongoing global economic climate.
"We are working day and night to achieve this goal," Solomon stated, emphasizing the urgency and importance of these efforts in improving the livelihoods of Ethiopian citizens. The ministry's focus on creating remote job opportunities reflects a strategic response to changing employment trends, particularly in light of the COVID-19 pandemic, which has accelerated the shift toward remote work.
In addition to the government's initiatives, the Ethiopian Chamber of Commerce and Sectoral Association Council is also playing a crucial role in supporting job creation efforts.
Abebayehu Girma, Vice President of the council, highlighted that they are actively working to expand and strengthen the capacity of employees across various sectors.
By enhancing workforce skills and competencies, the council aims to better equip citizens for the evolving job market.
Abebayehu noted that the council has been responsive to inquiries regarding job opportunities for citizens, indicating a proactive approach to connecting job seekers with potential employers. This collaboration between government entities and private sector organizations is essential for maximizing job creation efforts and ensuring sustainable economic growth, according to the Vice President.
The job creation initiative comes at a critical time for Ethiopia, as the nation grapples with high unemployment rates and economic challenges exacerbated by external factors. By prioritizing job creation and workforce development, the government aims to foster a more resilient economy that can withstand future shocks.
As Ethiopia continues to implement its ambitious plans, stakeholders remain hopeful that these efforts will lead to meaningful change in the lives of millions. The commitment from both government and private sectors signals a united front in tackling unemployment and promoting economic prosperity.
To sum up, Ethiopia's strategic approach to job creation reflects a comprehensive understanding of the current economic landscape, they indicated.
It was noted that with ongoing efforts from the Ministry of Labor and Skills and support from various sectors, there is optimism that the nation will achieve its ambitious goals, ultimately improving the quality of life for its citizens.