By Mohamed Abdi - Reporter
Ethiopia, 5 January 2026 On Sunday, Jigjiga City held a public ceremony to celebrate 371 who graduated from the World Bank-funded Urban Productive Safety Net and Jobs Project (UPSNJP), achieving self-sufficiency and marking a major milestone in their livelihood.
The event was attended by senior officials of the Jigjiga City administration, representatives from employment and job-creation offices, and community members.
Supported by the World Bank, the project aims to improve the living conditions of low-income households by providing vocational skills training and financial support to help beneficiaries establish small businesses.
Speaking at the ceremony, Jigjiga City Mayor Shafi Ahmed emphasized the importance of the project to the city’s overall development. He noted that the primary goal is to move communities away from reliance on aid and toward becoming productive citizens who actively contribute to local economic growth.
“From today onward, we must become people who work the land or earn a living through the skills and trades we have been taught,” the mayor said.
More from Somalia
The Head of the Jigjiga City Office of Employment Creation and Food Security, Kayse Dayib, explained that the graduating families went through a comprehensive three-year process to improve their livelihoods. The program consisted of two main components: direct wage support and the creation of sustainable employment opportunities. He added that the project has significantly transformed the lives of the beneficiaries.
Overall, the project benefited 371 households, representing a total of 1,421 individuals. Throughout the three-year implementation period, UPSNJP focused on both short-term income support and long-term livelihood development.
At the conclusion of the ceremony, the city administration presented awards to families and individuals who demonstrated exceptional commitment and performance during the project period. These beneficiaries now serve as role models and sources of inspiration for others still participating in the program.
The UPSNJP is one of the largest social protection and job-creation initiatives currently being implemented in the Somali Regional State, with a particular focus on urban poor households and internally displaced persons, aiming to achieve sustainable economic self-reliance.
.jpg&w=3840&q=75)
