Illegal migration from the Horn of Africa has become a growing focus for UK policy, with rising numbers of people making dangerous journeys across Europe and towards the Channel. Government data shows a changing pattern in small boat arrivals, highlighting the region’s increasing role as a source area for irregular migration.
On 2 February 2026, Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper announced new UK cooperation with Ethiopia and regional partners, setting out measures to tackle illegal migration, strengthen law enforcement partnerships, and support job creation and economic development.
The Foreign Secretary’s visit to Ethiopia marks the launch of a new phase in UK engagement with the Horn of Africa, combining economic partnerships, security cooperation, and humanitarian support to address illegal migration.
The announcement outlines strengthened collaboration with Ethiopian authorities, investment-backed job creation initiatives, and enhanced action against smuggling networks, while reinforcing the UK’s wider Africa Approach and regional diplomatic engagement.
Announcement of New UK Cooperation
The Foreign Secretary outlined a renewed UK approach to working with Ethiopia and neighbouring countries to tackle illegal migration along key routes into Europe and towards the UK. This cooperation forms part of the government’s wider Africa Approach, which aims to build modern partnerships based on shared growth, stability, and opportunity.
The announcement emphasised the need for closer collaboration with source and transit countries, recognising that migration pressures are shaped by economic conditions, security challenges, and the activities of organised criminal networks operating across borders.
Drivers of Migration and Changing Arrival Patterns
Officials highlighted that nationals from Ethiopia, Eritrea, Somalia, and Sudan now account for a growing proportion of small boat arrivals and Mediterranean crossings. This shift has placed the Horn of Africa at the centre of UK and European efforts to address irregular migration.
The government’s approach focuses on reducing the economic and security pressures that push people to leave their homes, while also improving cooperation on returns and information-sharing between authorities.
- Changing migration routes
- Rising role of the Horn of Africa
Economic Partnerships and Job Creation Measures
During the visit, the Foreign Secretary placed job creation at the heart of the UK’s engagement with Ethiopia, highlighting investment-backed initiatives designed to expand opportunities for people to work and build livelihoods at home. She announced the signing of a Joint Development Agreement to advance two energy transmission projects developed by Gridworks, a British International Investment company.
The UK also confirmed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Ethiopian Ministry of Finance on the Ethiopia Investment Advisory Facility II, positioning this partnership as a central pillar of long-term economic cooperation between the two countries.
Investment and Development Commitments
| Energy Projects | Two UK-backed transmission projects in Ethiopia, supported by Gridworks, totalling over $400 million in development. |
| Economic Partnership | Memorandum of Understanding on the Ethiopia Investment Advisory Facility II to strengthen trade and investment cooperation. |
Law Enforcement and Smuggling Network Disruption
The Foreign Secretary set out plans to deepen cooperation with Ethiopian authorities to target brokers and criminal gangs involved in organising illegal migration from the Horn of Africa. This includes support for investigations, improved information-sharing, and joint efforts to disrupt cross-border networks.
The UK also confirmed that Border Security Command funding will help strengthen the capacity of Ethiopian law enforcement agencies, alongside measures to speed up the return of Ethiopian nationals who have no legal right to remain in the UK.
- Information-sharing with Ethiopian authorities
- Support for criminal network investigations
Humanitarian and Regional Support
| Humanitarian Funding | £5 million to address violence against women and girls in conflict-affected areas, reaching approximately 110,000 people. |
| Health and Nutrition | £4 million for UNICEF to provide life-saving assistance to 68,000 children with severe acute malnutrition. |
| Displacement Support | £8 million towards the ICRC appeal to improve access to clean water, food production, and medical services for displaced communities. |
Regional Stability and Diplomatic Engagement
Alongside bilateral discussions, the Foreign Secretary met with representatives from the African Union and regional foreign ministers to discuss conflict prevention and diplomatic efforts across the Horn of Africa. These talks focused on reducing the displacement caused by war and insecurity, which officials identify as a key driver of migration.
The UK reiterated its support for African-led solutions to regional challenges, linking long-term stability with sustainable growth and improved economic prospects for communities across the region.
Stakeholder Comments
Ministerial Comments
Yvette Cooper, Foreign Secretary said;
“We are forging new partnerships with countries across Africa and delivering long term solutions. We are working together to tackle the economic drivers of illegal migration and the criminal gangs who operate globally, profiting from trading in people.”
“That includes new partnerships to improve trade and create thousands of good jobs in Ethiopia so people can find a better life back home instead of making perilous journeys.”
“It also means new law enforcement cooperation between the Ethiopian authorities and the UK National Crime Agency to disrupt and dismantle the criminal networks who exploit vulnerable people and put their lives at risk.”
To Sum Up
The UK’s expanded cooperation with Ethiopia and regional partners sets out a coordinated approach linking migration control with development, security, and humanitarian support.
Through economic investment, law enforcement collaboration, and diplomatic engagement, the government aims to address both the immediate and underlying factors shaping migration from the Horn of Africa. Officials have stated that these partnerships are intended to strengthen stability abroad while contributing to more effective migration management at home.
Sources: Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office and The Rt Hon Yvette Cooper MP.
Prepared by Ivan Alexander Golden, Founder of THX News, an independent news organisation delivering timely insights from global official sources. Combines AI-analysed research with human-edited accuracy and context.
