Ethiopia will send 50 000 people to work in the UAE, Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed has confirmed as the Gulf nation looks to expand its influence in the Horn of Africa. ‘Ethiopia is planning short-term measures to reduce unemployment in Ethiopia and to cope with the increasing job demands of our people,’ Abiy told Parliament. In terms of the deal, the workers would be sent to UAE over the next year, and discussions are under way to send up to 200 000 nationals over the next three years. He said the workers would receive training in various sectors, including transport and nursing. A report on the EWN site notes that the UAE has recently pressed for closer ties with countries in the Horn of Africa, helping to mediate, along with Saudi Arabia, a historic peace accord between former enemies Ethiopia and Eritrea last year.