Addis Ababa, August 12, 2026 (ENA) —Ethiopia has been selected to host the upcoming African Mayoral Leadership Initiative (AMALI) Leadership Forum this October in Addis Ababa and Bishoftu. The announcement follows high-level discussions between Chaltu Sani, Ethiopia's Minister of Urban and Infrastructure, and Jennifer Comalie, Executive Director of AMALI. The two leaders met to discuss the forum’s overall significance, long-term impact, and the ongoing sustainability of the initiative. Minister Chaltu noted that over the past four years, the initiative has played a pivotal role in strengthening leadership capacity and driving transformative change across Ethiopian cities. The initiative has primarily contributed to strengthening mayoral leadership and creating a lasting legacy, advancing urban digitalization and data management, and helping cities enhance domestic revenue mobilization and build greater self-reliance, she noted. The minister further expressed that the ministry is working with a strong focus and commitment to ensure the success of the upcoming forum. The forum will bring together mayors and city leaders from across Africa. Addis Ababa previously hosted the AMALI City Leadership Reunion on October 5 and 6, 2023. AMALI seeks to accelerate the transformation of African cities by providing tailored leadership support, fostering peer learning and strengthening the capacity of city leaders to address urban challenges.

By Yordanos D. August 12, 2026 (ENA) Ethiopia is approaching one of the most defining moments in its modern political history. After decades marked by political polarization, recurring conflicts, constitutional disagreements and competing national narratives, the country is embarking on one of its most ambitious efforts to address fundamental political and social questions through dialogue rather than confrontation. The ongoing Ethiopian National Dialogue represents an attempt to create a nationally owned platform where citizens from diverse political, ethnic, religious and social backgrounds can openly discuss issues that have shaped the country’s political landscape and collectively seek solutions based on consensus, mutual understanding and peaceful engagement. Beyond being a political consultation process, the National Dialogue carries broader significance for Ethiopia’s future. It is expected to provide an opportunity to rebuild public trust, strengthen democratic institutions, promote reconciliation and establish a culture where disagreements are managed through dialogue, compromise and constitutional mechanisms rather than through conflict. The importance of the process lies not only in the issues it addresses but also in the approach it introduces. In a country where political disagreements have often resulted in instability and violence, the National Dialogue seeks to create a new framework for resolving differences through inclusive participation and shared responsibility.   Inception The Ethiopian National Dialogue Commission (ENDC) doesn’t emerge out of the blue. There was a long-lasting question among the entire public, many described it as “National Consensus”. However, attention was not given to it before the government change that took in the 2018. Being recognizant of such demands and other critical issues that have been leading Ethiopians to conflict, the government decided to let Ethiopians to come together round a table and discuss major national challenges and resolve them for good. As a result, the Ethiopian National Dialogue commission (ENDC) was established under Proclamation No. 1265/2021 as an independent and impartial federal institution accountable to the House of Peoples’ Representatives. The establishment of the Commission followed years of political uncertainty, armed conflicts, constitutional disputes and disagreements among political actors and communities over fundamental questions related to Ethiopia’s identity, governance system, federal arrangement, historical interpretation and state building process. For decades, these unresolved questions have influenced political competition and contributed to recurring tensions across the country. Different groups have developed competing perspectives on issues such as national identity, political representation, administrative structures and the relationship between the federal government and regional states. Recognizing that these complex issues could not be sustainably addressed through political competition, security measures or isolated reforms, the Ethiopian Parliament established the National Dialogue Commission to facilitate a comprehensive national conversation aimed at identifying common ground and building consensus. The Commission operates based on principles of inclusivity, transparency, impartiality, credibility, mutual respect, democracy, national interest, rule of law and recognition of Ethiopia’s indigenous traditions of conflict resolution. Its mandate includes identifying the root causes of national disagreements, collecting agenda items from citizens, organizing consultations at different administrative levels, facilitating discussions among stakeholders, documenting recommendations and supporting the implementation of agreed outcomes.   Consultation Process and Progress One of the defining characteristics of Ethiopia’s National Dialogue is its emphasis on broad public participation. Unlike political initiatives that have historically been limited to government institutions or political elites, the process has been designed to involve communities across the country and provide space for diverse voices. The agenda collection process has reached communities from the woreda level to regional and federal platforms, allowing citizens to identify issues they consider central to Ethiopia’s future. Ethiopians living abroad have also been included through diaspora consultations aimed at ensuring that perspectives from outside the country contribute to the national conversation. The process has sought participation from a wide range of social groups, including political parties, civil society organizations, religious institutions, women and youth associations, professional groups, universities, business communities, media organizations, traditional leaders, elders, persons with disabilities and internally displaced people. To support this extensive consultation process, the Commission has trained thousands of facilitators and collaborators responsible for organizing discussions, gathering public concerns and supporting participant selection. The emphasis on inclusion reflects the understanding that the credibility of the National Dialogue depends on whether citizens across different regions and social backgrounds believe their concerns are represented. Special attention has been given to communities that have historically experienced limited participation in national decision making, including rural populations, pastoralist communities, women, youth and conflict affected groups. Following extensive consultations across the country, the National Dialogue process is entering a decisive phase through the planned National Dialogue Conference. The conference represents the central stage where representatives from different sectors of Ethiopian society will engage in structured discussions on issues identified through previous consultations.   The conference has brought together thousands of participants representing regional states, federal institutions, political organizations, civil society groups, religious institutions, professional associations, youth, women, elders and members of the Ethiopian diaspora. The scale of participation reflects the ambition of the process. Rather than being a negotiation among political elites, the conference seeks to become a national platform where diverse groups can deliberate on issues affecting the country’s political future. Participants are now discussing major areas of national concern, including state building and national identity, constitutional and federal arrangements, rule of law and human rights, peacebuilding and reconciliation, socioeconomic development and good governance. The structure of the conference is designed to encourage meaningful discussion rather than simple political debate. Participants will engage through smaller discussion forums before moving into broader sessions where ideas and recommendations can be consolidated. This approach is intended to allow participants to examine complex issues carefully, identify areas of agreement and disagreement, and develop recommendations based on collective deliberation. The Commission has indicated that recommendations emerging from the conference will undergo further review before being incorporated into its final report. These recommendations could provide guidance for future policy reforms, legislative measures and possible constitutional adjustments. An important feature of the process is the principle that all participants will engage as equals. Government officials, political representatives, academics, military officers, religious leaders, business figures, traditional elders and ordinary citizens are expected to participate without institutional privilege. This approach is intended to encourage open discussion and create an environment where different perspectives can be expressed freely. Addressing Criticval National Questions At the heart of the National Dialogue are some of Ethiopia’s most complex and long-standing questions. The country’s history, identity, political structure and governance system have been interpreted differently by various groups. These competing perspectives have shaped political movements and contributed to tensions over issues such as federalism, national identity, resource distribution and representation. The National Dialogue provides an opportunity to address these issues through peaceful discussion rather than through political confrontation. Participants are expected to explore questions related to constitutional reform, democratic governance, electoral systems, institutional accountability, protection of rights and mechanisms for resolving disputes peacefully. The objective of the dialogue is not necessarily to eliminate all disagreements, as differences are natural in a diverse society. Instead, the goal is to establish a shared framework where disagreements can be managed through democratic institutions and peaceful processes. Peacebuilding Via National Reconciliation Peacebuilding remains one of the most important expectations surrounding the National Dialogue. Years of conflict have resulted in loss of life, displacement, economic disruption and deep social divisions in different parts of Ethiopia. These experiences have created a need for mechanisms that can address grievances, rebuild trust and promote reconciliation among communities. The National Dialogue could contribute to peace by creating opportunities for groups with different experiences and perspectives to engage directly and seek common understanding. The process is also expected to complement transitional justice efforts by supporting discussions around accountability, truth seeking, reconciliation, reparations, institutional reform and national healing. A successful dialogue could help reduce political polarization by encouraging competing groups to pursue solutions through negotiation and democratic engagement rather than violence. Strengthening Democracy Another major expectation of the National Dialogue is the strengthening of Ethiopia’s democratic institutions. Democracy depends not only on elections but also on the ability of institutions to manage disagreements, protect rights and ensure that citizens have confidence in the political system.   If the dialogue produces widely accepted recommendations, it could contribute to stronger institutions, improved accountability and greater public trust in government structures. The process could also support efforts to strengthen institutions such as the judiciary, electoral bodies and law enforcement agencies, which play essential roles in ensuring political stability and protecting citizens’ rights. Through inclusive participation and consensus building, the National Dialogue has the potential to create conditions for more peaceful political competition and stronger democratic governance. Economic Opportunities through Political Stability Political stability remains one of the most important foundations for Ethiopia’s economic transformation. If the National Dialogue succeeds in reducing uncertainty and strengthening peace, it could improve investor confidence, encourage economic activity and create better conditions for reconstruction and development in conflict affected areas. Resources previously directed toward managing conflicts could increasingly support national priorities such as education, healthcare, infrastructure development, agricultural modernization, industrial growth and employment creation. A more stable political environment would strengthen Ethiopia’s ability to attract investment, expand trade and improve its position as one of Africa’s major emerging economies. The experience demonstrates that peace and development are deeply connected. Sustainable economic progress requires political stability, strong institutions and public confidence. Regional, Continental Significance The importance of Ethiopia’s National Dialogue extends beyond the country’s borders. As the diplomatic center of Africa and the host of major continental institutions, Ethiopia plays a significant role in regional peace, security and economic cooperation. A more peaceful and stable Ethiopia would contribute to broader stability in the Horn of Africa by supporting regional trade, infrastructure connectivity, migration management and diplomatic cooperation. The process could also provide valuable lessons for other African countries facing political divisions, constitutional disputes and post conflict challenges. If successful, Ethiopia’s experience could demonstrate the potential of nationally owned dialogue processes as tools for resolving complex political challenges and strengthening democratic transitions.   A Defining Moment for Ethiopia In a nutshell, the Ethiopian National Dialogue represents one of the country’s most comprehensive efforts to address political, constitutional and social disagreements through peaceful consultation. Its success will depend not only on the discussions themselves but also on whether recommendations are translated into meaningful reforms and whether stakeholders remain committed to implementing agreed outcomes. If broad consensus is achieved and reforms are carried forward, the dialogue could become a historic turning point for Ethiopia, creating stronger institutions, deeper reconciliation and a more inclusive political environment. For Ethiopia, the process represents an opportunity to move beyond cycles of confrontation and establish a culture of dialogue, compromise and shared responsibility. For Africa, it could become an important example of how inclusive national consultation can contribute to peace, democratic renewal and sustainable development. Ultimately, the National Dialogue is not only about resolving today’s disagreements. It is about determining whether Ethiopia can transform its diversity and differences into a foundation for cooperation, stability and a shared national future.

Addis Ababa, August 12, 2026 (ENA) —Four working groups participating in Ethiopia’s ongoing national dialogue have reached consensus on recommendations developed through deliberations on four agenda pillars, the Ethiopian National Dialogue Commission (ENDC) announced. The working groups, each comprising 500 participants, have been deliberating on eight agenda areas identified by the ENDC Council. The national dialogue conference, which began on July 15, 2026, is being conducted through separate working groups, with each 500-member group assigned to deliberate on one of the eight agenda pillars. According to a social media post by the Commission, the working group deliberating on Religious Affairs and the group discussing Peacebuilding reached consensus on their respective compiled recommendations on August 11. The participants confirmed their agreement by signing the minutes prepared after their deliberations. On the same day, two other working groups also reached consensus on their recommendations. The first group, which deliberated on Structure and Form of Government, agreed on its compiled recommendations and signed the relevant minutes. The working group deliberating on Anti-Corruption and Good Governance likewise reached consensus on its recommendations and signed the prepared minutes. The Commission said participants deliberating on the remaining agenda areas are expected to consolidate their recommendations and reach agreement through the same process in the coming days. The ongoing deliberations constitute a key stage in the national dialogue process, as participants from the respective working groups examine issues identified for discussion, consolidate their views, and formulate recommendations through an organized deliberative process. The recommendations emerging from the working groups are expected to form part of the outcomes of the national dialogue process as the Commission proceeds with deliberations on the remaining agenda areas.

Addis Ababa, August 12, 2026 (ENA) —Nearly 30 African countries have visited the MESOB, a digital and physical one-stop public service platform that integrates multiple federal and regional government agencies under a single roof experience, Zerihun Abebe, African Affairs Director-General at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said. According to the Director-General, MESOB is one of the experiences Ethiopia is sharing with African partners as part of its Pan-African approach.   Ethiopia developed the platform while also drawing lessons from African countries, including Kenya and Rwanda, he added. “We are giving back to Africa what we have developed. We are simply sharing our experience and also telling them that this is something driven by Africans. This is from Africa and for Africans,” the Director-General said. African resident ambassadors who visited the MESOB platform yesterday have praised the one-stop government service center, describing it as an experience that could be emulated by other African countries. Visiting a center at the MESOB headquarters, they were able to see Ethiopia’s approach to providing government services through integrated physical, mobile and digital platforms. In an exclusive interview with ENA, Rwanda's Ambassador Charles Karamba said MESOB provides convenient and accessible services to citizens and demonstrates the importance of governments using technology to improve public service delivery.   “What is special about MESOB Center is that it comes to provide very good and easy services to Ethiopian people,” the Ambassador said. He noted that the center’s service model could help reduce corruption by minimizing unnecessary contact between service providers and citizens. “Corruption is a cancer and corruption delays development,” the Ambassador said, adding that reducing direct contact between service providers and citizens seeking services can help reduce opportunities for corruption.   Ambassador Karamba also stated that MESOB provides convenient and accessible services to citizens and demonstrates the importance of governments using technology to improve public service delivery. Further noting MESOB’s physical, mobile and digital service channels for making it possible to reach citizens who may not be able to visit the center in person, the Rwandan ambassador called for greater technology and knowledge sharing among African countries. For his part, Namibia’s Ambassador Mbapeua Muvangua described MESOB as an impressive model that Namibia could learn from.   “I am very much impressed. It is something to emulate,” he said. He recalled that a Namibian delegation visited Ethiopia last year for benchmarking and said the country could invite Ethiopian experts to support the establishment of a service center tailored to Namibia’s population. Ambassador Muvangua said the speed of service delivery, particularly passport services, was among the aspects that impressed him most. “The technology that you use, we need to learn a lot from you and really be able to implement with your assistance,” he added. Ambassador Muvangua stressed the importance of sharing technical knowledge among African countries, saying countries could learn from others that have advanced in particular areas.

Addis Ababa, August 11, 2026 (ENA) —Residents of Addis Ababa have expressed their hopes that the Ethiopian National Dialogue Conference will build a consensus that strengthens unity and accelerates economic growth. Ethiopia's historic National Dialogue commenced on July 15, 2026 with 4,000 representatives engaged in participatory dialogue to reach consensus on eight major agenda pillars. The residents told ENA that they believe the dialogue process is a crucial pathway to achieving lasting peace by fostering consensus among Ethiopians. They stated having great expectations that the process will create a shared understanding to solidify national unity, establish sustainable peace, and enhance economic growth. A resident of the capital, Robel Birhanu, told ENA that national dialogue is a viable and civilized approach to building consensus among citizens. Coming together under one roof to deliberate on national challenges is an essential step toward forming consensus on fundamental issues, he underscored. According to Robel, this will contribute significantly to driving stable development efforts that build the country's economic potential by fostering political agreement. He expressed hope that the National Dialogue Conference will generate positive proposals that build consensus, reinforce unity, and bolster economic growth. The other resident, Haile Alemayehu, said citizens coming together to initiate dialogue and build consensus on shared issues is a major achievement in itself. Haile further voiced his conviction that following this historic platform, Ethiopia will build a consensus that accelerates economic growth and realize its potential as a leading nation in Africa. For his part, Yadeta Gudeta shared his belief that the inclusive nature of the conference gives him hope that it will build common understanding among citizens and further strengthen unity. Another resident, Almaz Tamirat, described the conference as a shared platform laying a foundation for an Ethiopia where strong mutual understanding prevails among its people. Similarly, Aschalew Berga noted that the Ethiopian National Dialogue Conference is a vital platform for building agreement on key national issues. Finally, Geremew Debebe expressed his trust that the outcomes of the national dialogue will build a consensus that ensures lasting peace and accelerates economic growth for all Ethiopians.

Addis Ababa, August 11, 2026 (ENA) —House of People’s Representatives (HPR) Foreign Relations and Peace Affairs Standing Committee members and a Saudi Arabia tour operators delegation have held discussion today. During the meeting, the Standing Committee Chairperson Dima Nogo said Ethiopia and Saudi Arabia share long-standing historical ties across various spheres, adding that the relation between the two countries in tourism has also been growing due to the special attention given to the sector by the Ethiopian government.   Highlighting that tourist destinations are being developed to higher standards and that necessary infrastructure is being put in place for visitor convenience, he said the country will work with focus to further expand the sector and elevate the bilateral relationship to a higher level. For his part, member of the Saudi delegation team and a social media expert, Ali Dawud, said that Ethiopia and Saudi Arabia enjoy close historical relations and expressed commitment to working jointly to enhance cooperation in tourism. He added that the visit confirmed Ethiopia's dedicated effort toward developing the sector.   Similarly, Alid Ali, a delegation member and manager at Djibouti Airlines, noted observing Ethiopia's focused initiatives to advance tourism, citing the rapid development of recreational parks in Addis Ababa and other tourist sites as prime examples. A member of the group and founder of Trust Travel, Lina Mohammed, said efforts are being made to strengthen ties in tourism, stating that the team will work attentively to promote Ethiopia's tourist attractions and historical heritages globally.

Addis Ababa, August 11, 2026 (ENA) —Ethiopia’s future is inseparable from the Abay River and the Red Sea, with both serving as strategic pillars for national development and regional connectivity, Minister of Water and Energy Habtamu Itefa said. Speaking to ENA, the minister described the Abay (Blue Nile) and the Red Sea as two water bodies that have shaped Ethiopia’s history, influenced regional power dynamics, and continue to define the country’s economic and strategic trajectory. “The issue of these two waters should not be viewed simply in terms of whether water exists or not,” Habtamu said. He added that: “It must be understood in a much broader historical, economic, and geopolitical context.” Ethiopia is a major contributor to the Abay Basin, with about 86 percent of the Blue Nile’s flow originating in the Ethiopian highlands.   At the same time, the country has intensified diplomatic efforts to secure peaceful and mutually beneficial access to the Red Sea, a move that has increasingly gained regional and international momuntem. The minister said the wellbeing and future prosperity of Ethiopia’s more than 130 million people are closely linked to both the Abay and the Red Sea. The two water bodies are strategic assets with implications that extend beyond Ethiopia’s borders, he noted. Habtamu recalled that, for decades, Ethiopia was prevented from fully developing and utilizing the Abay River amid external political pressures. “Ethiopians have paid a heavy price because of these two waters,” he said, referring to historical constraints that limited the country’s development aspirations. He described the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) as a transformative national project that has fundamentally changed Ethiopia’s position. The dam, he said, has enabled the country to realize a long-held national aspiration while strengthening energy security and regional economic integration. GERD is now generating around 5.15 gigawatts of electricity, allowing Ethiopia to meet growing domestic demand and expand electricity exports to neighboring countries. This makes the country a key driver of regional power interconnection. On the Red Sea, the minister said Ethiopia’s current approach is based on diplomacy, peaceful engagement, and the principle of mutual benefit. He argued that the country’s pursuit of sea access should not be viewed as a short-term political agenda but as a strategic national objective that spans generations.   “The Red Sea issue is not the work of a government or a political party,” Habtamu said. He underscored that: “It is a long-term, intergenerational undertaking.” He added that improved Ethiopian access to the Red Sea could contribute not only to the country’s economic transformation but also to regional stability, maritime security, and reduced geopolitical competition in one of the world’s most strategically significant waterways. Amid East Africa’s shifting geopolitics, Habtamu said the Abay and Red Sea are interconnected strategic assets vital to Ethiopia’s growth and regional cooperation.

Addis Ababa, August 11, 2026 (ENA) —Ethiopia is moving in the right direction by advancing Africa’s integration and strengthening climate action through its Green Legacy Initiative, Zambian Ambassador Albert Muchanga said. Speaking to ENA, the Ambassador said Ethiopia’s efforts toward regional and continental integration are commendable, pointing to the nation’s historical role as the seat of the Organization of African Unity, now the African Union, and its ongoing participation in African and regional economic arrangements. He noted that Ethiopia is actively involved in frameworks linked to Africa’s common market, including its engagement with IGAD and cooperation with southern African states. Moreover, the nation is party to the agreement that established the African Continental Free Trade Area and trading with other African Union member states, the Ambassador added. Its engagement also aligns with Africa’s coordination efforts like making the AU a permanent member of the G20 and speaking with one voice. Ambassador Muchanga further commended the country's Green Legacy Initiative, describing it as essential to making the country very green and bringing about environmental recovery. "The initiative is exemplary in advancing climate action," he said, adding that the nation’s environmental efforts are also visible in development around urban areas, which are becoming clearer and greener. The Ambassador called on environmental ministers from across the continent to exchange national experiences and help develop continental guidance for sustainability. Commenting about Ethio-Zambia relations, he highlighted the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA) as well as joint institutional linkages such as the leather industry institute in Ethiopia. Besides, Ambassador Muchanga said opportunities remain strong in areas including aviation, training, trade, and investment.