The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) on Wednesday launched a new five-year programme, which envisions capacity building for democratic institutions in the east African nation.The multi-stakeholder and multi-year programme is estimated to cost $40 million, with the first phase of the programme requiring $5 million from UNDP.

Speaking at the launching ceremony, Ahunna Eziakonwa, the UNDP resident representative, said the programme is expected to support the government to promote an all-inclusive and sustainable development agenda by strengthening public institutions, mechanisms and processes that facilitate and promote transparency, accountability, rule of law and access of justice, as well as wider civic participation.

Ethiopia’s State Minister of Finance and Economic Cooperation, Admasu Nebebe, said the programme is aligned to the Sustainable Development Goals and responds to the government’s priorities and expressed commitments to advance reforms.



According to the minister, the programme will have pivotal role in enhancing institutional capacities, strengthening good governance and deepening democratic participation in line with the country’s constitution and international rights conventions Ethiopia has ratified.