Minister Richmond begins visit to Ethiopia and Uganda

Minister Richmond begins visit to Ethiopia and Uganda

• From: Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade

• Published on: 16 February 2026
• Last updated on: 16 February 2026

Minister of State for International Development and Diaspora, Neale Richmond TD, will today (Monday, 16 February) begin a visit to Ethiopia and Uganda to visit communities supported by the work of Irish Aid and meet with Government Ministers to discuss strengthening relations between Ireland and the region.

Minister Richmond will meet with key Ethiopian Government partners as well as visiting programmes supported by Irish Aid in the capital city, Addis Ababa, and in the Somali region in the south of the country. The Minister's engagements will showcase Ireland's longstanding contribution in Ethiopia to poverty reduction, to inclusive health systems, and to promoting gender equality and supporting victims of Sexual and Gender Based Violence.

In Somali region, Minister Richmond will visit the Hanaano programme, Ireland's flagship cross border initiative to combat child wasting funded by Irish Aid as part of Ireland's €50 million commitment under the Global Action Plan on Child Wasting. The Minister will also visit a programme supported by Ireland that provides protection services to vulnerable refugees.

In Uganda, Minister Richmond will meet with Government Ministers and travel to the Karamoja region in the north of the country where Ireland, through Irish Aid supports improving access to quality education, particularly for girls, investment in vocational training and skilling to improve livelihoods, inclusive governance and climate adaptation.

Minister Richmond will meet with the Irish communities in both countries to mark the growing links between Ireland, Ethiopia and Uganda and the contributions of the shared diasporas.

Minister Richmond said: "Ethiopia and Uganda are two of Ireland's longest-standing partners in Africa. Ireland has deep roots in both countries. I look forward to meeting with members of the Irish community who have contributed so much through education, development, business and culture, as well as Ethiopians and Ugandans who have contributed to Ireland and share a deep friendship with our country.

"Through Irish Aid, we invest in education, healthcare and other vital supports aimed at supporting the most vulnerable people and creating more prosperous and stable societies. I look forward to seeing Ireland's impact first hand and meeting with people whose lives are being changed through Ireland's support.

"Ethiopia and Uganda are both among the fastest growing economies in Africa. There is huge potential for Ireland to increase its trading relationship right across the region in the years ahead. In my discussions with Government in both countries I will be emphasising our commitment to working in partnership over the years ahead to strengthen our trading links."