Addis Ababa, December 2025 – In a significant move to address migration and social inclusion, the Ministry of Women and Social Affairs (MoWSA), Scopus Training and Consultancy PLC, and Community Care Initiatives (CCI) have formalized a collaborative partnership. The three parties signed a tripartite Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on December 10, 2025, committing to joint efforts in research, training, and capacity building aimed at empowering women and youth migrants across Ethiopia.

The agreement was signed by State Minister w/ro Huluya on behalf of MoWSA and Dr. Binyam representing Scopus Consulting.

A Collaborative Framework for Empowerment

The newly signed MoU establishes a structured framework for the three entities to pool resources and expertise. The core objective is to design and implement new initiatives that support vulnerable groups, with a stated focus on preventing irregular migration and enhancing the contribution of regular migration to national development.

This partnership aligns with the Ethiopian government's broader strategy to improve migration governance. Just months before this agreement, MoWSA signed a separate five-year cooperation agreement with the International Organization for Migration (IOM). That plan focuses on preventing irregular migration, protecting vulnerable migrants, and strengthening migration data management—goals that closely mirror the themes of this new tripartite collaboration.

Key Areas of Cooperation

The agreement between MoWSA, Scopus, and CCI will channel efforts into several critical areas. These initiatives are designed to create tangible support systems for women and youth.

Research and Data-Driven Action

A cornerstone of the partnership is a commitment to joint research.This focus on data is a strategic priority for MoWSA. In July, the ministry led the signing of a multi-ministry data-sharing protocol specifically to improve information management on migrant returnees, underscoring the government's belief that robust data is essential for effective reintegration programs. The new collaboration with Scopus and CCI will likely build on this foundation, generating insights to directly inform policy and program design.

Capacity Building and Training

The agreement emphasizes comprehensive training and capacity development.This component aims to strengthen the skills of both service providers and the beneficiaries themselves, ensuring that support programs are effective and sustainable.

Designing New Nationwide Initiatives

The partners have committed to co-designing new initiatives to be rolled out across the country.While specific projects are yet to be detailed, this component promises to translate research and capacity building into direct action and services for communities.

Statements of Commitment

While official statements from the December 10 signing ceremony are not yet widely published, the ministry's recent public comments highlight its consistent vision. At a previous migration-related event, Minister of Women and Social Affairs, Dr. Ergoge Tesfaye, emphasized a commitment to human rights principles and the importance of collaboration, stating that strong partnerships "strengthen our ability to support migrant returnees effectively".

This tripartite MoU with Scopus and CCI represents a practical step in enacting that philosophy by engaging directly with private and community-based organizations.

Building on a Foundation of Partnerships

For MoWSA, this agreement is part of an active strategy of forging strategic alliances to amplify its impact. The ministry has recently entered into similar MoUs with other organizations, including a partnership with ChildFund Ethiopia to implement a digital Child Protection Information Management System. These collaborations indicate a clear institutional approach to tackling complex social challenges through coordinated, multi-stakeholder action.

The Path Forward

The signing of this tripartite MoU marks the beginning of a structured partnership. The coming months will be crucial as the three organizations establish working groups, define specific project scopes, and mobilize resources. The success of this collaboration will be measured by its ability to create practical, scalable solutions that improve the lives and prospects of women and youth migrants, contributing to more resilient and inclusive communities in Ethiopia.