Addis Ababa, November 11, 2026 (ENA)— Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed called for predictable climate finance that reaches vulnerable communities before disasters strike. The Prime Minister further urged the international community to translate climate commitments into timely, accessible and affordable support. Addressing the opening of the 31st United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP31) in Türkiye’s Mediterranean city of Antalya, PM Abiy underscored that climate action is not merely an environmental concern for Ethiopia but a fundamental part of its economic policy and development strategy. “In Ethiopia, climate action is economic policy,” he said, highlighting how recurring El Niño-related droughts and floods threaten agricultural production, displace families and prolong recovery, even after rainfall returns and floodwaters recede.   He stressed that Ethiopia is strengthening community-level preparedness and working with local governments to anticipate climate risks and protect livelihoods before disasters occur. Highlighting the country's broader climate vulnerability, the Premier noted that more than 90 percent of Ethiopia's electricity comes from hydropower, making rainfall patterns critical not only to domestic energy security but also to electricity supplies to neighboring countries. He also warned that rising temperatures and changing rainfall patterns threaten the forests and agricultural landscapes that sustain Ethiopia's globally renowned Arabica coffee. The Prime Minister said Ethiopia's homegrown philosophy of Medemer guides its climate response by bringing communities, institutions and resources together around shared development objectives. Under the Green Legacy Initiative, millions of Ethiopians participate in annual tree-planting campaigns, with more than 56 billion seedlings planted to date, contributing to land restoration, forest expansion, job creation and improved livelihoods. “Planting is now a family habit,” he said, describing the initiative as a growing culture of environmental stewardship and responsibility toward future generations.   Ethiopia is also extending its environmental efforts into urban areas through flood protection measures, river rehabilitation and the development of green public spaces, including parks and walkways along riverbanks. On the energy front, PM Abiy highlighted the country's investments in wind, solar and geothermal power, alongside plans to explore nuclear energy, as part of a long-term strategy to diversify electricity sources and reduce economic vulnerability during dry seasons. He further emphasized the growing role of technology in climate resilience, noting that Ethiopia is using satellite data to monitor environmental conditions and artificial intelligence to improve weather forecasting and provide farmers with earlier warnings of extreme weather events. The country's Fayda digital identification (ID) system is also helping strengthen the delivery of support to vulnerable households. However, the Prime Minister stressed that early warnings must be backed by financing that enables communities to take timely protective measures. “Funding should be agreed in advance. It can then move at the speed of our forecasters, while there is still time to save lives,” he said. Turning to the global climate financing gap, Abiy called for stronger coordination between climate, development, trade and financial institutions, arguing that commitments made in international climate negotiations must be reflected in actual financing decisions. He noted that developing countries spend nearly one trillion US dollars annually on public debt interest, significantly constraining their capacity to invest in climate resilience, infrastructure and essential social services.   Referring to the financing discussions in Sevilla, he stressed that high borrowing costs undermine developing countries' ability to respond to climate challenges, calling for multilateral financial institutions to make financing more affordable. The Prime Minister also urged faster emissions reductions, warning that the growing cost of responding to climate-related damage leaves fewer resources available for education, healthcare and opportunities for young people. Highlighting Ethiopia's contribution to the global energy transition, he said the country has banned imports of petrol- and diesel-powered vehicles as it accelerates the shift toward electric mobility. He called on countries with the greatest historical responsibility for emissions and the financial capacity to act to lead with deeper emissions reductions during this decade. Looking ahead to Ethiopia's COP32 Presidency, Prime Minister Abiy said early action and predictable climate financing would be central to the country's priorities, particularly ensuring that resources are released when early warnings are issued and reach the most climate-vulnerable communities first. He urged countries to make their climate finance pledges clear and measurable, setting out three essential commitments: how much funding will be provided, when it will be delivered and under what terms. Such clarity, he said, would enable governments to plan their budgets, investors to make commitments and communities to prepare for climate risks.   Ethiopia, he added, will work closely with the COP31 Presidency to ensure a successful outcome in Türkiye and looks forward to welcoming the international community to Addis Ababa for COP32 in 2027. Concluding his remarks, the Prime Minister invoked the vulnerability of farmers to increasingly unpredictable weather patterns, delivering a powerful appeal for timely international solidarity. “Our farmers once trusted the seasons to arrive on time. Let us make sure our support does,” he said.

Addis Ababa, November 9, 2026 (ENA)— Ethiopia is accelerating efforts to position itself as one of Africa’s leading hubs for artificial intelligence (AI) research and innovation by 2030 through strategic investments in digital infrastructure, human capital development and continental partnerships, Director General of the Ethiopian Artificial Intelligence Institute (EAII), Worku Gachena, said. Speaking at the opening of the Pan-African AI Ventures Residency Program in Addis Ababa, Worku said Ethiopia aims to build strong AI capabilities that support national development priorities while contributing to technological advancement across Africa through research, innovation and entrepreneurship.   He noted that the ambition is aligned with Digital Ethiopia 2030, the country’s strategic roadmap for digital transformation, and supported by initiatives designed to strengthen research capacity and develop the next generation of AI professionals. Among these initiatives is Medemer AI University, established as an autonomous public university following the Council of Ministers’ approval of its founding regulation. The institution is expected to train AI scientists, engineers and entrepreneurs while expanding the country’s technological and research capabilities. Worku also highlighted the AI UniPod, inaugurated on February 16, 2026, through a partnership between EAII, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and Addis Ababa University.   The facility is equipped with advanced laboratories, robotics facilities, high-performance computing resources, design studios and collaborative learning spaces. It is designed to connect research with entrepreneurship and the development of practical technological solutions. He emphasized that realizing Ethiopia’s ambition to become a leading African AI research and development hub by 2030 requires sustained investment in digital infrastructure, computing capacity and skilled human resources. In this regard, the Pan-African AI Ventures Residency Program brings together young innovators from 12 African countries to develop AI-driven solutions to challenges facing the continent. The initiative provides participants with mentorship, knowledge exchange opportunities, professional networks and platforms for cross-border collaboration. Worku further underscored the importance of stronger African cooperation, particularly in responsible data sharing and developing African-language datasets and AI models, to ensure that emerging technologies reflect the continent’s realities and development priorities. He also acknowledged the contributions of the Japanese government, UNDP and Addis Ababa University, noting that international and regional partnerships are essential to strengthening Africa’s competitiveness in the global AI landscape. Japanese Ambassador to Ethiopia Shibata Hironori highlighted Japan’s support for the AI UniPod initiative through its Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry, which provides approximately 1 million USD in annual funding to advance African AI capacity and digital innovation. He said the initiative also creates opportunities for Japanese companies to collaborate with African startups through joint development and pilot projects, reaffirming Japan’s commitment to supporting Ethiopia in partnership with EAII, Addis Ababa University and UNDP.   Meanwhile, Matthias Z. Naab, Director of UNDP’s Regional Service Centre for Africa, called on African countries to move beyond being passive consumers of foreign technologies and become active creators of solutions to their own development challenges. He said Africa’s youthful population, expanding digital economy and growing innovation ecosystem provide a strong foundation for developing homegrown AI technologies and generating sustainable employment opportunities. Naab also highlighted UNDP’s investments in digital infrastructure through its EDGE initiative, which provides essential resources, including high-performance graphics processing units (GPUs) at the AI UniPod, enabling innovators to develop AI-powered products.   However, he stressed that access to computing resources alone would not be sufficient, emphasizing the need for young innovators to acquire practical skills and connect their solutions to real-world markets. He added that promising ventures emerging from the residency program could advance to UNDP’s broader Timbuktoo Initiative, gaining access to thematic innovation hubs, venture capital and market networks. The 10-day residency brings together 51 AI startup founders from 12 African countries at the AI UniPod for intensive training, mentorship, product development and networking, marking another step toward strengthening Africa’s homegrown artificial intelligence ecosystem.

Addis Ababa, November 8, 2026 (ENA)— Strengthening digital sovereignty and developing artificial intelligence infrastructure should be the priorities for Africa, Innovation and Technology State Minister Solomon Soka said. According to him, sovereignty is no longer limited to geographical boundaries, but increasingly depends on algorithms, computing centers, and artificial intelligence technologies. “Our sovereign spirit cannot be broken by external domination, but the arena of sovereignty has fundamentally changed. Today, it is defined by algorithms, computing capabilities, and artificial intelligence,” he noted. Warning the danger AI-powered disinformation poses to economic and social stability by undermining public trust and affecting markets and investment, the State Minister stressed the need to establish independent African AI systems that ensure control over data, algorithms, and technological capabilities. He revealed that Ethiopia is pursuing an approach of functional sovereignty, guided by the philosophy of “Medemer,” which emphasizes integration, strengthening national capabilities, protecting critical data, and maintaining independent decision-making. The Digital Ethiopia 2030 Strategy translates this vision into action through the development of digital infrastructure and national capabilities, he added. Solomon highlighted the launch of the national digital identity system (Fayda), the initiative to train five million Ethiopians in coding, and the establishment of the Ethiopian Artificial Intelligence Institute. The institute is developing AI models in Ethiopia’s local languages to strengthen the presence of national identity and culture in the digital space. The State Minister noted that Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed initiated the establishment of Medemer Artificial Intelligence University, which is envisioned as a continental hub for developing expertise and strengthening African countries’ capabilities in artificial intelligence. Moreover, he noted that reliable energy, expanded telecommunications networks, data centers, and cloud computing infrastructure are essential requirements for achieving digital sovereignty. “You cannot build a sovereign home on rented land,” the State Minister said, stressing the importance of African countries owning their data centers and cloud infrastructure and hosting their data within their territories. He noted that Ethiopia aims to host its national data, projected to reach approximately 600 petabytes within its digital infrastructure by 2030. Solomon also called for stronger African technological integration, noting that individual African countries cannot compete with the massive investments of global technology companies on their own. In his remarks at a parallel session on the sidelines of the Second African Political Parties Summit in Addis Ababa, the State Minister warned against the use of deepfake technology and disinformation to influence voters, urging political parties to adopt ethical and responsible AI practices. He underscored that exploiting these technologies for electoral gains would undermine public trust in institutions and threaten political and economic stability

By Staff Writer November 1, 2026 (ENA) The final week of October 2026 brought Ethiopia into sharper international focus, as the country advanced its defence modernization, strengthened strategic partnerships and renewed attention to its interests in the Abay (Nile) Basin and Red Sea region. From the announcement of the delivery of advanced fighter jets and plans to acquire sophisticated air defence systems to high-level diplomatic engagements at the Russia-Africa Summit, Ethiopia's activities reflected the growing intersection of national security, economic ambitions and regional geopolitics. Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed's participation in the Third Russia-Africa Summit in Moscow provided an important platform for advancing bilateral and continental cooperation. His announcement that Ethiopia had received its first 12 Su-35 fighter jets and was set to acquire four batteries of S-400 air defence systems also brought the country's military modernization into the international spotlight. Meanwhile, the Third Ethiopian Water and Energy Week highlighted the country's efforts to strengthen water-resource management amid rising demand from agriculture, industry and a growing population. In Addis Ababa, the introduction of the first 26 natural gas-powered city buses marked another step towards reducing fuel imports, lowering transport costs and expanding the use of locally sourced energy. Beyond these developments, discussions surrounding Ethiopia's interests in the Abay River and sustainable access to the Red Sea continued to feature prominently in national and international discourse. Together, these developments underscored Ethiopia's efforts to strengthen its national capabilities, diversify international partnerships and advance its economic and strategic interests in an increasingly interconnected regional environment. Defence Modernization: Ethiopia Advances Strategic Deterrence One of the week's most consequential announcements came from Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, who disclosed that Ethiopia had taken delivery of its first 12 Russian-made Su-35 4++ generation fighter jets and was preparing to receive four batteries of S-400 air defence systems.   The Prime Minister described the development as a significant milestone in the country's efforts to strengthen national defence and security capabilities, emphasizing the importance of building military readiness during peacetime to deter potential threats. "Today, in accordance with our prior agreement with the Russian government, we have taken delivery of the first twelve Su-35 4++ Generation fighter jets," he announced. He further disclosed that Ethiopia would receive four batteries of S-400 air defence systems, marking another major component of the country's military modernization programme. The Prime Minister elaborated that the delivery was expedited ahead of schedule following high-level engagements with the Russian government, including discussions with President Vladimir Putin. Highlighting the capabilities of the newly acquired aircraft, Abiy said the Su-35 combines advanced radar technology, high manoeuvrability and air-to-air and air-to-ground combat capabilities. He also pointed to its ability to detect and engage aerial threats, including cruise missiles and certain ballistic targets. The acquisition signals Ethiopia's intention to strengthen its air capabilities as part of a broader effort to modernize the Ethiopian National Defence Force (ENDF). Beyond acquiring sophisticated military platforms, the country's evolving defence priorities also place emphasis on operational readiness, technological capabilities and the institutional capacity required to maintain and sustain modern military systems. The announcement has consequently drawn international attention to Ethiopia's changing defence posture and its implications for the wider Horn of Africa and Red Sea security environment. Russia-Africa Summit: Advancing Ethiopia's Strategic Partnerships Ethiopia's defence announcement coincided with Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed's participation in the Third Russia-Africa Summit in Moscow, where he engaged in bilateral and multilateral discussions aimed at expanding cooperation across strategic sectors. Among the key engagements was his meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin, during which the two leaders discussed ways to deepen the longstanding relationship between their countries.   PM Abiy pointed out that the discussions explored opportunities for expanding cooperation in nuclear energy, healthcare, trade and other areas of mutual interest. The meeting reflected the two countries' continued interest in broadening their partnership beyond traditional diplomatic relations into sectors central to Ethiopia's long-term economic and technological ambitions. In a gesture underscoring the importance of intellectual exchange and mutual understanding, the Ethiopian Prime Minister also presented Putin with the Russian edition of his book, Medemer. PM Abiy described the presentation as reflecting the shared commitment of the two countries to dialogue, mutual understanding and the continued advancement of bilateral relations. Addressing the summit, the Prime Minister emphasized the importance of translating longstanding diplomatic relationships and strategic commitments into tangible development outcomes.   He identified food security and agricultural productivity, reliable energy supply, and skills and knowledge transfer as three essential pillars underpinning Ethiopia's development ambitions. He further noted that Ethiopia and Russia have maintained diplomatic relations for more than a century, founded on mutual respect and shared interests. As part of efforts to expand this historic partnership, the two countries are pursuing cooperation on the development of a nuclear power plant in Ethiopia, an initiative expected to contribute to the country's long-term energy ambitions. Prime Minister Abiy said the strategic partnership with Russia could help diversify Ethiopia's energy options, accelerate its development aspirations and strengthen cooperation in areas critical to national prosperity. Water and Energy: Strengthening the Foundation for Sustainable Development   While defence and diplomacy attracted considerable international attention, Ethiopia's water and energy agenda remained another important focus during the week. The Third Ethiopian Water and Energy Week brought together policymakers, technical experts and other stakeholders to examine the country's progress and challenges in managing its water resources and expanding access to essential services. The third day of the event was dedicated to Water Day under the theme "Evidence to Action: Science-Based Solutions for Integrated WASH and Water Resource Management." Discussions focused on strengthening the identification, documentation and sustainable management of Ethiopia's surface and groundwater resources as population growth, industrialization and agricultural expansion continue to increase national demand. The gathering also provided an opportunity to assess progress over the past decade in drinking water supply and sanitation, recognize achievements and identify remaining gaps. For Ethiopia, effective water-resource management is closely linked to food security, energy generation, industrial development and public health. With agriculture remaining central to the national economy, improved water management and expanded irrigation infrastructure are increasingly important to strengthening agricultural productivity and reducing vulnerability to climate-related shocks. The discussions therefore highlighted the importance of translating scientific evidence, research and policy commitments into practical solutions that can support the country's long-term development. Addis Ababa Introduces Its First Natural Gas-Powered City Buses   Another notable development during the week was the introduction of the first 26 natural gas-powered city buses into Addis Ababa's public transportation system. Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed announced that the buses, converted from conventional fuel to natural gas, had officially entered service, marking a new phase in the capital's efforts to modernize public transport and diversify its energy sources. The initiative is expected to reduce the country's fuel import bill, lower public transport operating expenses and make transportation more affordable for passengers. the Prime Minister revealed that the transition is projected to cut passenger fares by half while reducing foreign currency expenditure on conventional fuels. He explained that the initiative followed months of work to transport domestically produced natural gas to Addis Ababa, establish refuelling facilities and retrofit existing buses. Beyond its immediate transport benefits, the project demonstrates efforts to expand the domestic application of locally available energy resources and strengthen technological and industrial capabilities. The Premier also disclosed that an additional 400 natural gas-powered buses were expected to arrive soon, as the government seeks to accelerate the transition towards more affordable and diversified public transportation. The initiative forms part of broader efforts to improve urban mobility, reduce dependence on imported petroleum products and deliver tangible economic benefits to citizens. Abay and Red Sea: Ethiopia's Strategic Interests Gain International Attention   Alongside developments in defence, diplomacy and economic transformation, Ethiopia's interests in the Abay River and sustainable access to the Red Sea continued to attract attention from political leaders, analysts and international commentators. The country's geographical position, population size, economic ambitions and growing regional responsibilities have increasingly brought these issues into discussions about the future of the Horn of Africa. Former Prime Minister Hailemariam Desalegn described Ethiopia's pursuit of sustainable sea access as a legitimate national aspiration that should be addressed through dialogue, negotiations and mutually beneficial arrangements. He argued that the central question should not be whether Ethiopia needs access to the sea, but how such access can be secured peacefully while respecting the interests of all parties. With a population of approximately 130 million, a growing economy and a vast geographical area, Ethiopia is the world's most populous landlocked country. Hailemariam described the loss of direct maritime access as a historical development that continues to influence the country's economic and strategic interests.   He also traced the region's present geographical arrangements to the European scramble for Africa in the 1880s, arguing that the issue deserves serious consideration rather than being passed on to future generations. His remarks added to the growing discussion about Ethiopia's maritime interests and the importance of pursuing regional solutions through constructive engagement. Meanwhile, former African Union Commission Chairperson Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma highlighted Ethiopia's broader continental significance, particularly its homegrown development approach and investments in energy. Speaking to ENA in Moscow ahead of the Russia-Africa Summit, Dlamini-Zuma described Ethiopia as an important model of African development and self-determination. Having led the African Union Commission from its headquarters in Addis Ababa between 2012 and 2017, she emphasized the country's unique responsibility as the diplomatic capital of Africa. She said Ethiopia should continue contributing to the vision of an integrated, peaceful and prosperous continent, driven by African leadership and the aspirations of its people.   Her remarks highlighted the importance of Ethiopia's development experience and its role in advancing continental cooperation. A Week Reflecting Ethiopia's Expanding Strategic Priorities Taken together, the developments of the final week of October reflected several interconnected dimensions of Ethiopia's national priorities. The defence acquisitions highlighted efforts to strengthen military readiness and strategic deterrence. The Russia-Africa Summit provided an opportunity to expand international partnerships in energy, trade, healthcare and technology. The Water and Energy Week reinforced the importance of sustainable resource management, while the introduction of natural gas-powered buses demonstrated the practical application of domestic energy resources. At the same time, discussions surrounding the Abay River and Red Sea access underscored the enduring importance of geography, economic interests and regional cooperation in shaping Ethiopia's strategic outlook. These developments point to a broader national agenda in which security, economic transformation, technological advancement and diplomatic engagement increasingly intersect. As Ethiopia continues to pursue its development ambitions and navigate a changing regional and international environment, the challenge will be to translate these strategic priorities into sustainable economic gains, stronger national institutions and peaceful, mutually beneficial regional partnerships.