• One of the world’s poorest countries: 1 in 3 live below the poverty line
• 2nd most populous country in Africa, with 83 million people
• 85% live in rural areas

Ethiopia boasts the fifth fastest-growing economy in the world, but is still one of its poorest countries. In recent years, high food prices and double-digit inflation have worsened conditions for the country’s poor, especially in rural areas. Almost half the population is undernourished. Agriculture plays a vital role in Ethiopia’s economy, employing more than 80% of the population – mostly small farmers. Many supplement their income with textile production and weaving. With the right tools and support, Ethiopian producers can take advantage of this rapid growth to enhance their productivity and improve their livelihoods. A new MEDA project is helping 10,000 families link to better markets and climb out of poverty.

Origins: MEDA was first involved in Ethiopia between 1965 and 1983 through investments and small business loans. Following a short-term consultancy that began in 2008, MEDA returned to Ethiopia for longer-term programming, opening a project office in 2010.

MEDA's first project in Ethiopia, EDGET (Ethiopians Driving Growth Entrepreneurship and Trade) started in 2010 and works to assist entrepreneurs in the rice and textile sectors using a value chain approach, and linking participants with access to appropriate financial services. As part of a larger initiative with World Vision, MEDA also is offering opportunities similar to an earlier youth project in Egypt. EFACE (Ethiopians Fighting Against Child Exploitation) targets child laborers in two critical economic sectors – the textile industry and agriculture – both where MEDA has already developed relationships through EDGET.