Ethiopia, with a population of 107 million, is a hub for outward and inward migration. In addition to being one of the major labour sending countries, it is also the largest refugee hosting country in Africa. The burden this poses for cities is colossal. Addis Ababa, with an estimated 3 million population in the 2007 census, now informally estimates that is now beyond 7 million. The city administration lacks the capacity to support accurate registration of, and provision of services and protection for, migrants and returnees, mostly irregular migrants forcibly returned. Many children, youth, and adolescents end up in precarious situations, living on the streets and exposed to high levels of exploitation and substance abuse. 
Based on a consultative approach with NGOs, other stakeholders, and beneficiaries, the Joint Programme will aim to support the federal government, Addis Ababa city administration and local organizations in providing reintegration support to returning migrants, focusing on the areas of health, housing, social protection, livelihoods and employment. It also seeks to reduce vulnerability among migrants and communities, to trafficking and smuggling. 
There is a strong engagement with the Addis Ababa City Administration, as well as various civil society organizations and other partners. This wholeof-society approach is mirrored by a whole-of-government approach. The Joint Programme is well-aligned with strategic national priorities, is complementary to other ongoing initiatives, and has strong potential for replication in other Ethiopian cities.