April 17, 2026 (Bishoftu, Ethiopia): The Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) in collaboration with the government of Ethiopia’s Refugees Returnees Service (RRS), convened a 3-day National Consultation Workshop on Policy Awareness and Operationalisation of Refugee Right to Work in Ethiopia. This workshop aimed at addressing barriers to refugees’ right to work and meaningful private sector engagement, as well as sensitizing regional bureaus and private employers on Directive No. 1019/2024.
The main objective of the workshop was to build consensus and develop actionable strategies that enable the effective implementation of refugee economic rights, specifically focusing on the operationalization of Article 26 (Right to Work), which formally grants refugees the right to engage in formal employment and establish businesses, and Directive No. 1019/2024 which specifies a regulatory framework on how to implement these rights and clarifies administrative processes for work permits and business licenses.
Speaking on behalf of the IGAD Secretariat, Mr. Abebaw Bihonegn, IGAD Head of Mission to the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia, emphasized that IGAD works closely with member states and has adopted various declarations and policy frameworks to drive reforms aimed at resolving forced displacement. He said the workshop is implemented within the World Bank funded Regional Policy Dialogue on Development Response to Forced Displacement (RPD-DRFD) in the Horn of Africa Project. The RPD-DRFD project strengthens regional responses to displacement, promotes harmonized policies, supports cross-border cooperation, and builds capacity in IGAD member states.
Mr. Abebaw reiterated that the implementation of these progressive laws and policies have revealed several gaps that need to be addressed to strengthen refugee access to economic opportunities. “IGAD is committed to continue working closely with the Government of Ethiopia and our partners to support evidence-based policymaking, regional cooperation, socio‑economic inclusion, and durable solutions for refugees,” He added.
In her opening remarks, Mrs. Teyba Hassen, the Director General RRS, highlighted that the refugee Proclamation No. 1110/2019, together with Directive No. 1019/2024, stands among the most progressive instruments in Africa. She alluded to the fact that these laws enshrined the right of refugees to work, to establish businesses, and to access financial services. Rights that are not symbolic but transformative. “We invite you to see refugee inclusion not as charity, but as a sound business strategy—a return on investment that strengthens local economies,” she stressed.
The workshop was supported by the IGAD Secretariat in partnership with the World Bank Group. The workshop brought together technical experts, sector specialists, private sector, refugee representatives and senior officials from Federal Ministries and Regional Bureaus with decision-making authority.
Consequently, the workshop resulted in providing the Bishoftu Outcome Document: a concrete action plan with defined institutional responsibilities and measurable Key performance indicators that will be Ethiopia’s collective roadmap to ensure the “Right to Work” for refugees and host communities alike.
Ethiopia’s shift toward refugee self-reliance marks a significant departure from traditional humanitarian models. The country has transitioned from a policy of containment to one of active socio-economic contribution.
