Addis Ababa, June 06, 2025 (ENA)—The United States Ambassador to Ethiopia, Ervin Massinga, has reaffirmed his governments' steadfast commitment to supporting Ethiopia’s ambitious macroeconomic reforms. In an exclusive interview with the Ethiopian News Agency, the ambassador highlighted the trade and investment ties between the two nations. Ethiopia has historically operated under a restrictive economic framework where private sector participation was largely constrained; he commended the Ethiopian government’s bold move toward redefining the status quo. Specifically, the ambassador praised the recent exchange rate reform, noting its pivotal role in propelling Ethiopia’s economy forward. “We have observed a newfound stability in the foreign exchange market —something that had eluded Ethiopia for decades. This shift has enabled the country to transition into a modern, globally integrated market economy, moving away from past restrictive models.” Beyond exchange rate adjustments, the ambassador lauded the sweeping financial sector reforms, emphasizing the need for continued efforts in resource mobilization, tax restructuring, and streamlined import-export management. He further expressed unwavering commitment and deep enthusiasm to expanding trade relations between Ethiopia and the United States of America. Ambassador Massinga underscored the tremendous opportunity to bolster the export of Ethiopian goods — including coffee, teff, tea, flowers, and mineral resources, to the U.S. “I am eager to collaborate with the Ethiopian government and its business community to foster this economic expansion,” he said. According to him, the remarkable example of the enduring collaboration between Ethiopia and the United States is the Ethiopian Airlines. This, he noted, underscores the longstanding partnership between the two nations. Furthermore, the United States is actively exploring opportunities to work with the Ethiopian Airlines in developing its new mega airport in Bishoftu. Commenting on investment relations, Ambassador Massinga recalled Ethiopia’s prominent participation in a recent investment conference in the United States, where it sent one of the largest delegations —matching those of France and Saudi Arabia. This, he affirmed, is a clear indication of the strengthening economic ties between the two countries. Ambassador Massinga in conclusion reiterated the United States' unwavering support for Ethiopia’s commitment to embracing a market-driven economy.

Addis Ababa, June 06, 2025 (ENA)—Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, appeared in a televised interview, emphasized that Ethiopia is experiencing a highly visible and tangible transformation across multiple sectors. In that interview, the Prime Minister gave a brief explanation on the ongoing bold measures of his government to stabilize the cost of living and stimulate the country's economic growth. Explaining the undergoing extensive reforms, the Prime Minister highlighted a mix of significant advancements in multiple sectors and some persistent challenges over the past six years. According to him, the reforms under his leadership have been driven by a shift towards more democratic governance, economic liberalization, social change, and modernization have resulted in unprecedented success stories. PM Abiy also stated that the government has implemented comprehensive economic reforms aimed at addressing these structural imbalances, and that these reforms are already yielding positive outcomes. One of the key achievements, the Premier said, is in the area of exports. While Ethiopia earned only 7.5 billion US Dollars in total export revenues between 1992 and 2006 Ethiopian budget years, the country is now projected to generate over 8 billion US Dollars in export income at the end of the budget year alone. Government’s Ongoing Measures to Stabilize the Cost of Living   Prime Minister Abiy also acknowledged that the inflationary pressures currently facing the country stem from a complex mix of long-standing structural issues, natural and man-made challenges, as well as global economic disruptions. However, he pointed to a significant decline in inflation, from 34 percent to 13.5 percent as a result of persistent reforms that have been carried out including the macroeconomic reform endeavors. For the Premier, this would be a sign of economic recovery in the East African nation The Prime Minister further emphasized that improvements in income levels, poverty reduction, and reductions in GDP arrears are further indications of Ethiopia’s economic stabilization. In addition to economic progress, Prime Minister Abiy stressed that reforms in various sectors are helping to lay the foundation for a more prosperous future. He said these efforts are aimed at reducing the burden of debt and creating a more sustainable economic environment for the next generation. “Ethiopia is recovering from its past ailments and is now on a path to renewal,” the Prime Minister remarked. He urged all stakeholders to remain committed and work collectively to sustain and build upon the progress achieved. “It is the shared responsibility of all citizens and institutions to safeguard and advance the change we have brought about,” he concluded. PM Abiy on Multi-Sectoral Initiatives that Are Fueling Economic & Dev’t Gains In this wide-ranging and long interview, Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed underscored that Ethiopia’s multi-sectoral development approach is delivering measurable results across the nation’s economy and broader development agenda. Abiy elaborated that achieving lasting prosperity is not possible by relying on a single economic sector. Accordingly, the government has adopted a diversified, multi-sectoral strategy to drive sustainable growth and transformation. To this effect, agriculture, industry, mining, tourism, and Information and Communications Technology (ICT) have been prioritized by the government as the key pillars underpinning this strategy, he pointed out. Acknowledging Ethiopia’s substantial potential in each of these areas, the Prime Minister stressed the need for further employing sound policy, adding that the nature of these sectors are extremely imperative in driving integrated development. “This approach is already bearing fruit,” he noted, citing improvements in agricultural productivity, industrial expansion, increased mining exports, growth in the tourism sector, and enhanced utilization of digital technologies. Focusing on the industrial sector as a clear example of progress, the Prime Minister expressed that significant gains have achieved from the sector. He also recalled that industrial production capacity has increased from 48 percent prior to the reforms to 65 percent currently. Moreover, the number of operational industrial parks has grown from three to thirteen, with the majority of facilities now active. “We have revitalized the industrial sector by constructing industrial parks, enabling investor ownership, and establishing free trade zones,” PM Abiy explained. He emphasized that these efforts have produced remarkable outcomes, and projected that the industrial sector will grow by 13 percent in 2024/2025, reinforcing its central role in driving national economic growth. The Prime Minister also underscored the critical importance of the service sector, calling it “the backbone and delivery mechanism” of economic progress. Prime Minister Abiy pointed to ongoing reforms, particularly in the financial sector, aimed at modernizing and streamlining service delivery. By integrating major sectors with supportive fields, we are achieving multiple, interconnected results, the Premier stated, adding, “This holistic approach is accelerating our national development and shaping a prosperous future for Ethiopia.” Ethiopia’s Context-Driven Macroeconomic Reform: Blending Local Realities with Global Lessons Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed spoke about Ethiopia's ongoing macroeconomic reform, describing it is deeply rooted in its unique context, leveraging global lessons and tailored to its specific needs. Abiy explained that Ethiopia's economic reform was founded on self-reflection and a critical assessment of the national economic landscape. He further recalled the government's extensive consultations with both domestic and international stakeholders to identify and address the economy's structural challenges. Elaborating on the importance of global experiences, Prime Minister Abiy stated that Ethiopia has drawn valuable insights from countries that successfully navigated economic crises and reforms. He emphasized that these insights have been adapted to Ethiopia's unique reform journey, underscoring that the reform, while indigenous in design, does not reject external knowledge. Ethiopia's homegrown economic reform doesn't mean we're closed off from learning from others," the Prime Minister emphasized, rejecting claims that the reform was simply copied from other countries as "inappropriate." He also pointed to ongoing negotiations with the International Monetary Fund (IMF), the World Bank, and other creditors regarding Ethiopia’s external debt, noting these discussions prioritize the nation's interests. Prime Minister Abiy reiterated that Ethiopia's macroeconomic reform is a product of its national circumstances, enhanced by international best practices, and scaled to its developmental vision.

Addis Ababa, June 5, 2025 (ENA)— Slovenian President Nataša Pirc Musar and Mayor of Addis Ababa city, Adanech Abiebie launched a modern urban educational beekeeping observatory at Addis Zoo Park in Addis Ababa today. The president also visited the Bosco Children Center in Addis Ababa. Speaking at the occasion, President Nataša Pirc Musar said the pilot project of the beekeeping observatory is an attempt to promote education and cultural heritage. Ethiopia and Slovenia have great love and deep connection with the world of bees, she added, stressing that loving for nature would enable us to live in a much different world. Therefore, there is no better way to build a better world than through projects and partnerships that unite the two nations, she noted. Emphasizing that urban beekeeping is increasingly becoming popular, she revealed the ample experience of Slovenia with urban beehives, reaffirming her country’s commitment to supporting Ethiopia’s effort to boosting honey productivity.   “Modern beekeeping will ensure that Ethiopia’s exceptional honey finds a place in the world. Slovenia is committed to supporting the exchange of expertise and the transfer of technology between our two nations,” the President underscored. President Pirc Musar also expressed her country’s keen interest to bolster relations in other areas of bilateral cooperation. Addis Ababa Mayor Adanech Abiebie on her part said that the urban bee observatory inaugurated today is an important step in the city's broader effort to address environmental challenge, enhance food security and protect bio-diversity.   Moreover, the pilot project reflects the commitment of the Addis Ababa city Administration to build a greener and more self-reliance city, the mayor added, noting that bee keeping contributes directly to the initiative by improving pollination, preserving biodiversity and serving as educational sources for the communities. The effort is fully aligned with Ethiopia’s national strategy on food security and climate change initiatives, she stressed, recognizing the importance of international partnership through sister city agreements and collaborative initiatives that share common priorities. The Mayor appreciated Slovenia for launching the beekeeping observatory.   “We are grateful for your support in launching this observatory. This facility is more than just a site; it is a class room for our students, a destination of conscious tourists and symbol of what global cooperation can achieve at urban level,” the Mayor elaborated.

Addis Ababa, June 5, 2025 (ENA) – Ethiopia and Kenya have agreed to deepen collaboration on infrastructural connectivity, socio-economic development, trade facilitation, and cross-border initiatives to accelerate regional integration and prosperity. In a Joint Communique issued today, following the Horn of Africa Gateway Development Project dialogue held under the auspices of the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD), the two nations outlined shared commitments. According to the communique, the primary objectives include enhancing infrastructure linkages, advancing socio-economic development, facilitating trade, and promoting cross-border cooperation. The dialogue is aligned with IGAD’s Vision 2050 and the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) framework, ensuring coherence between national priorities and regional integration goals, it stated.   Both parties reaffirmed their commitment to cross-border cooperation, peaceful dispute resolution through diplomacy, and strengthening multilateral responses to the infrastructure challenges facing the Horn of Africa. According to the communique, key outcomes of the meeting included the decision to resume deliberations on the River Dawa Basin Development Initiatives under IGAD’s coordination, aiming to revive resource mobilization strategies to harness transboundary water resources for shared economic and social benefits. The discussions were held in a spirit of mutual respect and a shared vision for sustainable peace, connectivity, and inclusive development, it stated, adding, both governments acknowledged the transformative potential of the Horn of Africa Development Initiatives to enhance the movement of goods, people, and digital services across their shared border. As part of the agreement, Ethiopia and Kenya committed to supporting the construction of two bridges across the River Dawa at Rhamu and Suftu, envisioned as vital links that will facilitate not only transport but also community access to health care, education, and markets. Additionally, the two nations pledged to operationalize One-Stop Border Posts at Rhamu and a Trade Facilitation Center at Suftu, which are intended to demonstrate IGAD’s commitment to the implementation of the AfCFTA by reducing border-crossing times, cutting transportation costs, and improving the competitiveness of regional goods in global markets.