24/08/2026
Launching the Integrated Business Plan Competition (BPC) in Ethiopia
Today, the International Labour Organization (ILO), through the PROSPECTS Partnership and with the support of the Embassy of the Netherlands in Ethiopia, officially launches the Integrated Business Plan Competition (BPC) in Jigjiga to empower refugee and host community entrepreneurs with the skills, networks and financial support needed to and grow sustainable businesses. The initiative is being implemented in partnership with FC Africa.
The launch builds on the success and lessons learned from previous Business Plan Competitions conducted in Kebribeyah and Jigjiga in the Somali Region. In this second round, the initiative is expanding its reach, with competitions taking place simultaneously across Somali, Benishangul-Gumuz and Amhara regions, in Jigjiga and Kebribeyah, Assosa, and Dabat.
Designed to promote entrepreneurship, decent job creation, financial inclusion and social cohesion, the competition will support aspiring and existing entrepreneurs through business development services, training, mentoring, business plan development and access to seed capital. Special emphasis is placed on creating opportunities for women and youth from refugees and host communities. This will enhance inclusivity and social cohesion for building resilient livelihoods.
Through a competitive selection process, the initiative will equip 3,000 aspiring and existing entrepreneurs with the ILO's Generate Your Business Idea (GYB) training. From this group, 1,500 participants will advance to receive Start Your Business (SYB) training across the three regional hubs. Ultimately, 450 of the most promising business ventures will be awarded seed capital and tailored support to launch or expand their enterprises.
Participants representing regional bureaus expressed their commitment to the successful implementation of the BPC and reaffirmed their dedication to strengthening the existing partnership to achieve shared goals.
By investing in local enterprise development, the ILO and its partners are helping unlock economic opportunities and strengthen self-reliance for both refugees and host communities.
Refugees & Returnees Service - RRS I የሥራና ክህሎት ሚኒስቴር - ኢትዮጵያ / Ministry of Labor and Skills- Ethiopia