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Antón Leis, Director of the Spanish Agency for International Development Cooperation (AECID), recently visited Ethiopia to reaffirm Spain’s strong commitment to fostering sustainable development in the country. His visit underscored Spain’s dedication to supporting initiatives that enhance resilience, climate adaptation, gender equality, and humanitarian efforts, contributing to Ethiopia's broader development agenda.
Strengthening resilience and empowering communities
Ayuda en Acción Ethiopia, with financial support from AECID, is implementing transformative programs aimed at building resilience, promoting climate adaptation, facilitating anticipatory action, and providing digital solutions for agro-pastoralist communities. Additionally, the organization focuses on empowering women economically, ensuring they have access to resources and opportunities for sustainable livelihoods. These efforts have already reached thousands of beneficiaries across different regions, significantly improving their living conditions and future prospects.
Beyond its collaboration with Ayuda en Acción, AECID is actively working with other sectors and organizations in Ethiopia to drive long-term development. Spanish Cooperation is investing in critical areas such as healthcare, gender equality, climate resilience, and humanitarian programs. These efforts include support for the health sector, poverty alleviation, education, and youth empowerment, addressing both immediate needs and structural challenges.
High-level meetings and strategic partnerships
During his visit, Antón Leis has held high-level meetings with key Ethiopian stakeholders. He met with representatives from the Ministry of Women and Social Affairs to strengthen ongoing collaborations and explore new opportunities for joint initiatives. Additionally, he held a conversation with the President of the Somali Region, emphasizing the importance of regional cooperation in tackling socio-economic challenges.
Dounia Sadaoui, Ayuda en Acción’s Country Director in Ethiopia, played a crucial role in highlighting the organization’s strategic focus. She emphasized the importance of localization, the triple nexus approach (linking humanitarian aid, development, and peacebuilding), gender inclusion, and innovation as fundamental pillars of Spanish NGOs’ contributions in the region. These principles guide Ayuda en Acción’s efforts to create sustainable impact and drive positive change in Ethiopian communities.
Commitment to humanitarian support and refugee resilience
As part of the visit, the delegation also met with regional leaders and refugee officials to reinforce ongoing resilience-building efforts and support displaced populations. The meetings centered on enhancing humanitarian interventions, strengthening community-based solutions, and ensuring that vulnerable groups receive the necessary assistance to rebuild their lives.
