• Announces 12 mln Euros investment in Ethiopia
ADDIS ABABA– Marking a significant milestone in its 43-year journey, Menschen für Menschen has unveiled a new corporate logo, signifying a modern, forward-looking approach while reaffirming its commitment to human equality.
The rebranding announcement coincided with the organization’s declaration of a substantial 12 million Euros investment plan for integrated development projects across Ethiopia in the 2025 fiscal year.
Menschen für Menschen Country Director Yilma Taye emphasized that the new logo embodies the organization’s dedication to serving the people of Ethiopia with renewed energy and relevance. The rebranded identity will be implemented globally starting in 2025.
“Our new logo symbolizes our enduring commitment to Ethiopia and reflects our evolving approach to humanitarian and development work,” Yilma stated during a press briefing.
Alongside the rebranding, the organization announced a significant financial commitment aimed at strengthening its development initiatives. The 12 million Euros budget, sourced from donors in Germany, Austria, and Belgium, will prioritize education, clean water infrastructure, environmental protection, and health services.
According to Yilma, over 60% of the allocated funds will be directed towards improving education and access to clean drinking water—critical needs in rural communities. Environmental protection and sustainable land use programs will receive 11% of the budget, while health and human resource development will account for 12%.
“We are expanding our outreach and social service sectors, ensuring that sufficient funds are allocated to these vital areas,” Yilma affirmed.
The organization has also designed a five-year strategic plan for rural development, which commenced with the current European budget year. This plan includes launching a new integrated rural development project in the Gofa zone of the Southern Ethiopian State and the “Seed for Peace” environmental protection and agricultural development project in the bordering woredas of Tigray, Amhara, and Afar states.
“We are actively identifying underserved areas and responding to community needs through extensive project studies,” Yilma noted.
As part of its commitment to education, the organization has recently completed the construction of 15 schools in the Somali, Southern Ethiopia, Oromia, and Amhara states, which have now been handed over to the public and government. This initiative supports the national plan to improve education quality. Additionally, drinking water projects in seven rural towns, valued at over 240 million Birr, are now operational, addressing the urgent need for clean water.
Since its inception, Menschen für Menschen has built and handed over 475 schools, enabling more than half a million students to access education annually. The organization has also established three referral hospitals, 17 health centers, 37 clinics, and 49 health posts.
“We extend our heartfelt gratitude to the Ethiopian government and various ministries for their support and recognition of our work, as well as for facilitating our operations in Ethiopia. We also deeply appreciate our donors,” Yilma concluded.
Founded 43 years ago by Karlheinz Böhm during Ethiopia’s famine crisis, Menschen für Menschen remains dedicated solely to Ethiopia, continuing its mission to drive sustainable development and improve lives across the nation.
BY EYUEL KIFLU
THE ETHIOPIAN HERALD THURSDAY 27 MARCH 2025
