Strengthening Ethiopia’s Border Governance with the MIDAS Phase II Project
On December 4, 2025, a significant step forward in enhancing Ethiopia’s border governance was announced in Addis Ababa. The International Organization for Migration (IOM) Immigration and the Ethiopian Citizenship Service (ICS) jointly launched the second phase of the Migration Information and Data Analysis System (MIDAS) project. This initiative aims to improve the management of borders while addressing the complexities of migration in a globalized world.
Overview of the MIDAS Phase II Project
The MIDAS Phase II project is set to run from October 15, 2025, to September 30, 2027. This ambitious initiative, implemented by IOM in partnership with the Ethiopian Citizenship Service, seeks to expand and enhance migration infrastructure. Core components include capacity building and aligning migration management frameworks with international best practices. This is a continuation of efforts initiated in the first phase, which focused on vital improvements over an 18-month period.
The Vision Behind MIDAS
In her remarks during the launch, ICS Director-General Selamawit Dawit emphasized Ethiopia’s commitment to modernizing its border management through innovative methods and strong partnerships. She pointed out that the accomplishments of MIDAS Phase I highlighted a collective effort in improving traveler information systems, enhancing capacity to prevent irregular migration, and facilitating legitimate migration practices.
Impacts on National Security and Development Goals
The success of the MIDAS project is not only about improving border control but also tied closely to national security and socio-economic development. The advancements made under MIDAS Phase I have significantly bolstered national security systems. According to Selamawit Dawit, these improvements also align seamlessly with Ethiopia’s broader social development objectives, reflecting a significant trend towards modern governance and accountability in immigration services.
Reform Agenda of the Immigration and Citizenship Service
The modernization efforts outlined in the MIDAS project closely link to the ongoing reform agenda of the ICS. Under this framework, the ICS has taken substantial strides to improve immigration services, focusing on operational efficiency and enhanced digital service delivery. These initiatives aim to create a more accountable, customer-friendly service that meets the needs of a diverse set of stakeholders in the migration landscape.
Collaborative Efforts with International Partners
As an illustration of international collaborative spirit, IOM Chief of Mission to Ethiopia, Abibatou Wane-Fall, remarked on the project’s reflection of the Ethiopian government’s priorities. She stressed the project’s significance in energizing and strengthening border management systems, enhancing protections for vulnerable migrants, and bolstering the institutional capacity of agencies involved in migration management.
Support from International Stakeholders
Adding to the momentum, Switzerland’s Ambassador to Ethiopia, Riccarda Chanda, highlighted the importance of the MIDAS Phase II project in enriching Ethiopia’s border management capabilities. He acknowledged his government’s support, expressing confidence in the project’s potential for fostering a self-reliant migration management system. This endorsement from international stakeholders underscores the value of cooperation in addressing the global challenges of migration.
A Step Towards Sustainable Solutions
The MIDAS Phase II project stands as a testament to Ethiopia’s commitment to addressing migration challenges through innovative approaches and partnerships. By focusing on infrastructure enhancement and capacity building, Ethiopia aims to create a more robust and adaptive border management system. As the world becomes increasingly interconnected, such projects are essential for ensuring that migration is managed humanely and efficiently while upholding the rights and protections of all involved.
