Ethiopia launches “LeMengede” mobile app to empower and protect migrant workers

The Ministry of Labour and Skills (MoLS), in collaboration with the International Labour Organization (ILO) under the Better Regional Migration Management (BRMM) Programme, officially launched the LeMengede (ለመንገዴ) mobile application at a ceremony held at the Hyatt Regency Hotel in Addis Ababa on 21 August 2025. The app is designed to provide Ethiopian migrant workers with reliable access to essential information and support services throughout the migration process.

Developed with technical support from the ILO and funding from the UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO), the LeMengede app offers multilingual guidance on safe migration, rights awareness, complaint-handling mechanisms, and an emergency SOS feature. It serves as a practical digital companion for migrant workers, before departure, while abroad, and upon return. The launch brought together representatives from government institutions, social partners, international organizations, diplomatic missions, civil society organizations, and returned migrant workers. Discussions highlighted ongoing national efforts to strengthen protection for Ethiopian migrant workers, particularly women employed in highly vulnerable and less regulated sectors abroad.

Speaking during the event, Ms. Nebiha Mohammed emphasized the government’s commitment to addressing the root causes of irregular migration and enhancing protection mechanisms for Ethiopian migrant workers. She commended the strong collaboration with the ILO and partners in developing the app, describing it as a “critical leap forward in bridging information gaps and reinforcing worker protections.”

The event’s highlight was a panel discussion featuring representatives from the government, the private sector, and returned migrant workers. Panellists discussed how digital solutions such as the LeMengede app can enhance migration governance, improve transparency in recruitment, and strengthen worker protection. They underscored the importance of integrating such tools into pre-departure training, aligning them with fair recruitment standards, and drawing on regional best practices to improve effectiveness. The value of practical, accessible information for migrant workers and the need to ensure that digital platforms remain responsive to their lived realities.

The event concluded with a strong call for continued collaboration to expand awareness and ensure effective integration of the LeMengede app into Ethiopia’s migration governance framework. Participants encouraged stakeholders to intensify outreach and promote the app widely so it can reach and serve the migrant workers who need it most.