Cross Cutting Issues

ecbp has defined several social, political and environmental Cross Cutting Issues that underlay all the program’s efforts and its work in the four reform components. They tackle a wide array of problems currently facing Ethiopia. It is by taking these Cross Cutting Issues into account that economic development is linked to social development, guaranteeing a better tomorrow for Ethiopia and a better life for its people.

The Cross Cutting Issues are:

Gender

Gender equality is vital for the sustainability and effectiveness of development policy. Ethiopia still has some way to go to ensure gender equality, as its society is characterized by overwhelming domination of men over women in most political, social and economical aspects. ecbp therefore gives special emphasis to increasing women’s participation in private sector activities and engineering fields.

HIV/AIDS

The rapid increase of HIV/AIDS in Ethiopia has rendered efforts to achieve social and economical progress extremely difficult. AIDS now being recognized as the leading cause of adult mortality in the country, it does not leave any of the ecbp components untouched. The epidemic has to be recognized for the huge threat it poses, and ecbp is committed to this process of mainstreaming.   

Poverty

Ethiopia not only aspires to overcoming poverty but to becomeing a middle-income country by the year 2016. This is why ecbp is putting an emphasis on economic growth with a pro-poor perspective. This means that the poor shall benefit disproportionately from overall economic growth. Private sector development being widely recognized as the main engine for growth and poverty reduction, ecbp aims at increasing the productivity in sectors where the poor earn their livelihood.

Environment

In order to achieve sustainable economic development, environmental protection has to be regarded an integral part of the development process. This is especially true for Ethiopia, an environmentally vulnerable country. ecbp actions in the field of environmental protection address both interests and needs of the population and of industries. They aim at raising public awareness, thereby reducing and eliminating unsustainable patterns of production and consumption.

Good Governance

Good Governance means a favorable political framework for social, ecological and market-oriented economic development as well as efficient public institutions. It plays a central role within ecbp. Important concerns for ecbp are the decentralization of political responsibility to regional and local levels, increased consultation with different groups in society as well as enhanced public debates on policies.