MIGNEX Case Study Brief
Migration and development dynamics in Kombolcha, Ethiopia
Industrial growth and international investment led to rapid urbanisation in Kombolcha, yet there are few good jobs. Migration abroad for livelihood opportunities is common, though most would prefer to stay in Ethiopia.
Key takeaways
Rural-urban in-migration is on the rise, some 40% of young adults living in Kombolcha are internal migrants.
There are clear gender patterns for out-migration. International out-migration has been prominent among young women, who move to Gulf countries for paid domestic work.
The majority of young adults (80%) expect to stay in Kombolcha over the next five years, around one quarter (24%) would prefer to leave.
