The Government of Ethiopia today convened the inaugural meeting of the Makatet (Inclusion) National Steering Committee, marking an important step toward implementation of the national refugee inclusion roadmap.

Chaired by State Minister of Finance, Semereta Sewasew  and attended by  Teyiba Hassen, Director General of the Refugees and Returnees Service (RRS), the meeting brought together senior federal and regional representatives, including Mustafa Mohammed, President of the Somali Region, representatives of the Addis Ababa City Administration, and development and humanitarian partners.

Launched two months ago, the Makatet Roadmap provides a national framework to strengthen refugee inclusion, self-reliance and the resilience of host communities. It focuses on strengthening access to social services, livelihoods, economic opportunities and other essential areas of development.

Opening the meeting, Semereta Sewasew highlighted Ethiopia’s longstanding commitment to supporting refugees and the importance of a coordinated national approach.

“Makatet provides an opportunity to strengthen coordination and ensure that our efforts support both refugees and the communities that host them.”

Secretary of the National Steering Committee Teyiba Hassen emphasized the Committee’s role in strengthening coordination among relevant institutions and supporting effective implementation of the roadmap.

The Committee agreed to establish federal and regional Secretariat offices to support implementation and area-based planning, taking into account the specific priorities of refugee-hosting regions.

UNHCR Representative Aisatu N'diaye welcomed the establishment of the Committee and highlighted its importance in strengthening coordination, accountability and results.

The meeting concluded with the approval of the Terms of Reference of the National Steering Committee and the adoption of the 2026 implementation priorities, providing a clear framework for coordinated action during the remainder of the year.

The Makatet Roadmap reflects Ethiopia’s commitment under the Global Compact on Refugees and provides a platform for government institutions and partners to work together toward stronger refugee inclusion and more resilient host communities.

The establishment of the National Steering Committee marks an important step in translating the roadmap into coordinated action and delivering tangible results for refugees and host communities across Ethiopia.