Urban poverty dynamics in Ethiopia | Highlights

This briefing highlights selected findings from a DEEP paper, published in May 2025, investigating the dynamics of urban poverty in Ethiopia. While most poverty research in Ethiopia has traditionally
focused on rural areas, this study shifts attention to urban settings, where rapid urbanisation, rising living costs and recent economic disruption —such as COVID 19 and inflation— have reshaped poverty risks.

A nuanced understanding of poverty dynamics and the specific challenges faced by those who are living in poverty – sometimes in spite of being in paid work – could help inform more targeted, equitable and sustainable interventions in the country’s rapidly urbanising landscape.

For the full study and detailed methodology, please see: https://doi.org/10.55158/DEEPWP31