By Abdullahi Salad - Reporter
ADDIS ABABA, Sept. 2, 2026 — Ethiopia is stepping up efforts to integrate refugees into host communities and expand their access to economic and development opportunities, Deputy Prime Minister Temesgen Tiruneh said, highlighting an approach that combines protection of refugee rights with greater social and economic participation.
In a social media post, Temesgen said Ethiopia hosts more than 1.1 million refugees from various countries. He said the country’s responsibilities extend beyond providing protection to strengthening relations between refugees and host communities and expanding access to development opportunities, according to a Sept. 1 report by Fana Media Corporation.
The deputy prime minister particularly highlighted the provision of digital identification as a key measure to help refugees access essential services and participate more fully in social and economic activities.
Temesgen made the remarks following a visit to the headquarters of the Refugees and Returnees Service, where he reviewed institutional reforms implemented using the agency’s own capabilities and resources.
More from Ethiopia
He said the reforms had improved service delivery, workplace culture and institutional capacity through joint efforts by the agency’s leadership, staff and refugee communities at its headquarters, offices across eight regions and 25 refugee sites.
Temesgen also highlighted income-generating activities being implemented under the “Bounty of the Basket” initiative, including livestock rearing, vegetable and fruit production, poultry farming and beekeeping.
“Transformation built on our own capacity strengthens institutions, and strong institutions, in turn, strengthen the nation,” Temesgen said.
The deputy prime minister praised the progress made by the Refugees and Returnees Service and called for stronger efforts to improve services for refugees, with greater emphasis on delivering tangible results.
Discover more Ethiopia updates