News item | 19-12-2025 | 15:44
The Netherlands is investing €5 million in a new border management project in Ethiopia. In this way, the Netherlands contributes to combating illegal migration, such as preventing human trafficking and human smuggling. In addition, border management promotes security and stability in Ethiopia and in the region.
The project focuses on opening a new checkpoint at Dewele, one of the busiest and most strategic border crossings between Ethiopia and Djibouti. Ethiopia lies at the crossroads of three major migration routes (to the east, south and north) and the country’s borders are crucial junctions for both mobility and trade. The project will run for the next 4 years and will be implemented by the International Organization for Migration and the Ethiopian Immigration and Citizenship Service.
Furthermore, this program will support Ethiopia in implementing a Passenger Information System (API) in the field of border control and in improving border management during health crises. The €5 million comes from the budget of the Ministry of Asylum and Migration.
State Secretary De Vries of Foreign Trade and Development Aid during her three-day visit to Ethiopia: ‘It is good that the Netherlands and Ethiopia can further strengthen migration cooperation by working together on the important theme of border management for both Ethiopia and the Netherlands.’
The Netherlands and Ethiopia work well and closely together, including in the areas of trade, migration and security. In Ethiopia, the Netherlands is already active in supporting refugee reception (via PROSPECTS) and the reintegration of Ethiopians returning to their home country (via COMPASS).