Ethiopia Adds 138,000 Refugees to Fayda System as Inclusion Expands

Mintesinot Nigussie

Ethiopia has enrolled more than 138,000 refugees in its national Fayda digital identity system, widening access to essential services and strengthening efforts to bring displaced populations into formal administrative and economic frameworks. The rollout is part of a broader push to integrate refugees into national systems, enabling access to banking services, mobile SIM registration, healthcare, education and formal employment pathways.

The country hosts about 1.12 million refugees and asylum seekers, mainly from South Sudan, Somalia, Eritrea and Sudan. Ethiopia remains the second-largest refugee-hosting nation in Africa after Uganda, with continued arrivals driven by insecurity in neighbouring countries.

The expansion of the Fayda system is intended to streamline access to public and private services and reduce reliance on fragmented documentation systems. It also aligns with Ethiopia’s broader refugee inclusion agenda.

However, implementation continues to face financial constraints. The 2026 Country Refugee Response Plan estimates that 577.8 million US dollars is required to support 1.68 million people, including refugees, returnees and host communities. The plan warns that funding gaps have already led to reductions in food assistance.

Businesses in banking, telecommunications, healthcare and formal employment sectors are expected to benefit from the expanded access to identification for refugees, as it facilitates smoother service delivery and economic participation.

Overall, the enrolment of more than 138,000 refugees into the Fayda system marks a significant step in Ethiopia’s refugee inclusion efforts and highlights the country’s role as a major host nation in Africa.