USAID Commits $90 Million to Boost Urban and Climate-Resilient WASH Initiatives in Ethiopia

ADDIS ABABA — The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) unveiled two major projects today to enhance water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) services in Ethiopia, with a combined investment of 90 million USD over five years.

According to the Ethiopian News Agency (ENA), the Urban WASH project, allocated 45 million USD, is designed to improve WASH services in ten secondary cities across Ethiopia through construction and technical support.

In parallel, the Climate Resilience WASH project, also funded with 45 million USD, aims to extend similar support to underserved rural communities in the Afar, Oromia, South and Central Ethiopia, and Somali Regional States, focusing on areas vulnerable to climate impacts.

Ethiopia’s government has underscored the significance of water and sanitation in its agenda for sustainable economic development, poverty alleviation, and improved health and social outcomes. These priorities and commitments form a cornerstone of the country’s Ten Year Development Plan, which spans from 2021 to 2030.

The launch event saw the presence of several dignitaries, including State Minister of Water and Energy Ambassador Asfaw Dingamo, USAID Ethiopia Mission Director Scott Hocklander, and US Ambassador to Ethiopia Ervin Massinga, alongside other government officials.

The initiative by USAID is expected to bolster Ethiopia’s infrastructure in a sector that is crucial for the well-being of its citizens and the environment, aligning with the nation’s long-term development strategies.