The UK government has announced new cooperation measures with countries in the Horn of Africa aimed at tackling illegal migration and strengthening returns, during a visit to Ethiopia by the Foreign Secretary. The plans focus on building closer partnerships with both source and transit countries to address the root causes of migration, disrupt smuggling networks, and create more opportunities locally.
The visit comes as migration patterns have shifted in recent years, with a growing proportion of small-boat arrivals in the UK and across the Mediterranean coming from the Horn of Africa. Around 30% of small-boat arrivals to the UK over the past two years are reported to be nationals from Ethiopia, Eritrea, Somalia, and Sudan.
On her first visit to Africa in the role, Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper outlined a strategy that combines job creation, investment, law-enforcement cooperation, and faster returns of individuals with no legal right to remain in the UK. The government says stronger international partnerships are essential to tackling organised people-smuggling networks and reducing dangerous migration routes.
A key part of the plan involves increasing economic opportunities in Ethiopia through UK-backed investment and development partnerships. The Foreign Secretary is expected to meet representatives from Safaricom, a telecoms company supported by a British consortium including British International Investment. The initiative aims to support job creation and economic growth so more people can find work locally rather than attempting risky journeys abroad.
During the visit, the UK and Ethiopia will also move forward with energy transmission projects worth more than $400 million, backed by British investment. These projects are intended to strengthen long-term economic cooperation and support sustainable growth. The UK will also sign agreements related to investment support and development funding, reinforcing its role as a major economic partner to Ethiopia and positioning both countries for future collaboration, including ahead of COP32 in 2027.
In addition to economic measures, the UK is expanding law-enforcement cooperation with Ethiopian authorities to tackle criminal smuggling gangs. This includes funding and support through the UK’s Border Security Command to help improve investigations, intelligence sharing, and disruption of organised migration networks operating across the region and into Europe. The UK also plans to accelerate the return of Ethiopian nationals who do not have the right to remain in the UK.
The Foreign Secretary will also hold discussions with the African Union and regional leaders about conflict prevention and stability in the Horn of Africa. Ongoing conflicts and displacement across the region have contributed to migration pressures, and the UK says improving regional stability is a key part of reducing irregular migration.
The initiatives form part of the government’s broader “Africa Approach,” which aims to build modern partnerships across the continent focused on trade, investment, security, and growth. Alongside migration cooperation, the UK announced additional humanitarian support during the visit, including funding for programs addressing violence against women and girls, severe child malnutrition, and access to clean water and medical care in conflict-affected areas.
Officials say the strategy reflects a shift toward long-term international cooperation to tackle migration drivers, disrupt smuggling operations, and support safe and lawful migration systems.
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News Source: Gov.uk