By Shire Abdi - Reporter
Ethiopia, 18 January 2026 More than 1,200 households in Godey City have transitioned from aid dependency to economic self-sufficiency, marking a significant milestone in Ethiopia Somali Region's quest for sustainable urban development, state authorities announced on Saturday.
The families graduated from the second phase of the Urban Productive Safety Net and Jobs Project (UPSNJP), a multi-year initiative aimed at reducing poverty and food insecurity in Ethiopia's urban centres. The program is designed to move vulnerable citizens toward permanent "income stability and economic peace."
According to the Godey City Job Creation and Food Security Agency, the graduating households were selected based on their improved production capacity and newly acquired vocational skills. These metrics indicate they are now capable of maintaining their livelihoods without the need for regular government or humanitarian assistance.
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The UPSNJP, which is active in several regional hubs including the Somali Region’s capital, Jigjiga, focuses on creating long-term jobs rather than short-term relief. In Godey, the graduation ceremony included recognition for families who demonstrated the highest levels of progress in establishing independent income streams.
Regional officials stated that the graduation of the 1,257 families represents a key milestone in the government's strategy to foster urban resilience and sustainable development across the Somali Region.
