Addis Ababa, November 1, 2025 (ENA) – Cultural exchange and building bridges between Ethiopia and Russia can foster understanding and cooperation between the two countries, Russian Ambassador to Ethiopia Evgeny Terekhin said. Russian Ambassador Evgeny Terekhin, along with staff members from the Russian Embassy and invited guests celebrated Russia’s National Unity Day last night at the Russian Center for Science and Culture in Addis Ababa. The event featured exhibitions showcasing artistic works created by talented Ethiopian artists and writers, highlighting the rich cultural exchange between the two nations. During the occasion, Ambassador Terekhin reflected on Russia's historical struggles with foreign aggression and internal strife, noting the unity among the Russian people was pivotal in overcoming these adversities. "For many years, Russia faced significant challenges, but through unity, we managed to prevail," Ambassador Terekhin noted. The ambassador added that this historical perspective serves as a reminder that shared goals and mutual support can lead to resilience in the face of difficulties. The ambassador elaborated on the multifaceted nature of unity, highlighting that it encompasses various factors, including friendly relationships among people. In addition to interpersonal relationships, Terekhin underscored the importance of cultural ties, humanitarian relations, and economic collaboration between states, asserting that these elements are vital for fostering a sense of unity that can address broader societal challenges. The interplay between different cultures and economies creates a robust framework for peace and security, further emphasizing the need for unity in a globalized world. Moreover, the ambassador stated that the event did not only celebrate Russian Unity Day but also served as a reminder of the potential for collaboration between Russia and Ethiopia through showcasing Ethiopian artistic talents alongside Russian traditions. The celebration highlighted the richness of cultural exchange and the importance of building bridges between nations, he underlined, emphasizing that such interactions can foster understanding and cooperation. Ambassador Terekhin underscored that regardless of the challenges faced, unity among peoples remains a fundamental principle for achieving lasting solutions.

Addis Ababa, November 1, 2025 (ENA) – In October 2025, the Prime Minister undertook a series of national and international engagements focused on infrastructure development, rural transformation, governance reform, and diplomatic cooperation. Here is a brief recap of the past month: 𝙊𝙣 𝙐𝙧𝙗𝙖𝙣 𝘿𝙚𝙫𝙚𝙡𝙤𝙥𝙢𝙚𝙣𝙩 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙁𝙤𝙧𝙚𝙞𝙜𝙣 𝘿𝙞𝙧𝙚𝙘𝙩 𝙄𝙣𝙫𝙚𝙨𝙩𝙢𝙚𝙣𝙩 A defining highlight of the month was the laying of the foundation stone for the urea fertilizer plant, a landmark project developed through a partnership between Ethiopian Investment Holdings and the Dangote Group. With an annual production capacity of three million tons, the plant will utilize natural gas from the Calub gas fields, transported through a 108-kilometer pipeline. This project is a cornerstone of Ethiopia’s strategy to achieve fertilizer self-sufficiency and enhance agricultural productivity. In the Somali Region, the Prime Minister also inaugurated the Gode Oil Refinery, developed by Golden Concord Group Limited (GCL). The refinery, designed to process 3.5 million tons of crude oil and condensate per year from the Hilala oil field, represents a significant step in Ethiopia’s path toward energy independence. Complementing these milestones, the Prime Minister inaugurated the first phase of the Ogaden Liquified Natural Gas (LNG) Project in Calub. The facility, with an annual production capacity of 111 million litres and the ability to generate 1,000 megawatts of energy, strengthens Ethiopia’s industrial base while contributing critical inputs to fertilizer production and energy generation. During his visit to Jigjiga in the Somali Region, the Prime Minister observed the city’s rapid transformation since his last visit in January 2025. Thousands of new housing units are under construction, and corridor development projects are visibly enhancing urban well-being. He lauded the Dine for Generations Project, nearing completion in the Somali Region, for unlocking new opportunities in tourism and stimulating regional economic growth. Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, accompanied by members of the Prosperity Party Executive Committee, visited the corridor development project extending from Sar Bet to German Square, encompassing the Garment Factory and the Furi area. Spanning 589 hectares, it is the second-largest urban corridor after Kazanchis. The project features 16.5 kilometers of asphalt roads, 33 kilometers of pedestrian walkways, plazas, sports and recreation facilities, riverbank development, and over 1,100 commercial shops. The initiative embodies Ethiopia’s broader vision of creating modern, livable, and economically vibrant cities. 𝙊𝙣 𝙍𝙪𝙧𝙖𝙡 𝙏𝙧𝙖𝙣𝙨𝙛𝙤𝙧𝙢𝙖𝙩𝙞𝙤𝙣 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝘼𝙜𝙧𝙞𝙘𝙪𝙡𝙩𝙪𝙧𝙖𝙡 𝙈𝙤𝙙𝙚𝙧𝙣𝙞𝙯𝙖𝙩𝙞𝙤𝙣 Advancing his government’s rural development agenda, the Prime Minister presided over the handover of model rural villages constructed through the Rainy Season Voluntary Scheme in the Halaba, Kembatta, Hadiya, and Silte zones. Each home in these Rural Corridor Villages is equipped with solar power, biogas systems, sanitation facilities, and animal shelters, significantly improving hygiene, comfort, and productivity for rural families. These model villages mark a new chapter in Ethiopia’s mission to raise rural living standards and promote sustainable livelihoods. The Prime Minister encouraged regional leaders to expand these initiatives, setting a target of 100 new houses per zone by next year. During his visit to the East Shewa Zone of the Oromia Region, the Prime Minister also reviewed the rainy season wheat harvest and launched summer wheat production activities. He assessed progress in banana, papaya, and fish farming clusters, emphasizing the growing adoption of mechanized agriculture as a major driver of productivity and self-reliance. He also inaugurated the Welmel River Irrigation Development Project in Delo-Mena Woreda, Bale Zone. Once fully operational, the project will irrigate 9,687 hectares of farmland, benefiting 20,000 farming households and enhancing drought resilience, food sovereignty, and rural employment. 𝙊𝙣 𝙀𝙘𝙤𝙣𝙤𝙢𝙞𝙘 𝙂𝙤𝙫𝙚𝙧𝙣𝙖𝙣𝙘𝙚 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙈𝙖𝙘𝙧𝙤𝙚𝙘𝙤𝙣𝙤𝙢𝙞𝙘 𝙍𝙚𝙫𝙞𝙚𝙬 At the Koysha Project site, the Prime Minister convened a strategic review session with the Council of Ministers to assess the macroeconomic performance of the first 100 days of the 2018 Ethiopian Fiscal Year. The review examined achievements, challenges, and strategic priorities, highlighting Ethiopia’s sustained economic resilience amid global uncertainty. The nation’s GDP growth rate stood at 9.2 percent for the 2017 fiscal year, underscoring the success of reforms aimed at fostering inclusive and diversified growth. 𝙊𝙣 𝙅𝙪𝙙𝙞𝙘𝙞𝙖𝙡 𝙈𝙤𝙙𝙚𝙧𝙣𝙞𝙨𝙖𝙩𝙞𝙤𝙣 𝙩𝙝𝙧𝙤𝙪𝙜𝙝 𝘿𝙞𝙜𝙞𝙩𝙖𝙡 𝙏𝙧𝙖𝙣𝙨𝙛𝙤𝙧𝙢𝙖𝙩𝙞𝙤𝙣 Building on the success of the Digital 2025 Strategy, the Prime Minister announced the forthcoming Digital 2030 Strategy, focused on advancing automation and improving public service delivery. He commended the Federal Supreme Court for implementing a Smart Court System featuring automated transcription, virtual hearings, and an Integrated Case Management System that enables litigants to track cases online. Covering 24 federal branches to date, this innovation marks an important step toward transparent and accessible justice across Ethiopia. 𝙊𝙣 𝙈𝙚𝙙𝙞𝙖, 𝘾𝙪𝙡𝙩𝙪𝙧𝙚, 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙏𝙤𝙪𝙧𝙞𝙨𝙢 Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed attended the launch of the pan-African media outlet Pulse of Africa, a platform he first proposed during the 35th Ordinary Session of the African Union Assembly in 2022. The initiative seeks to amplify African perspectives, counter negative portrayals of the continent, and strengthen African unity through shared narratives. In his remarks, the Prime Minister emphasized that Pulse of Africa marks a significant step toward ensuring that Africans tell their own stories and shape their global image. Accompanied by First Lady Zinash Tayachew and a high-level delegation of former and current leaders, the Prime Minister also visited the Bale Zone to assess key development projects that integrate natural heritage with national progress. The delegation toured the Bale Mountains National Park, one of Ethiopia’s most ecologically diverse and economically significant natural areas. The Prime Minister observed ongoing tourism developments, including the nearly completed Dinsho Lodge at the heart of the park and the Sof Omer Luxury Lodge near the Sof Omer Cave. Both projects are designed to advance Ethiopia’s Ten-Year Strategic Plan by positioning tourism as a catalyst for economic transformation. The Sof Omer Cave Development Project complements these initiatives by improving access and visitor facilities around one of the country’s most celebrated natural landmarks. The delegation also inspected the Robe–Goro–Sof Omer–GinirJunction Road Upgrading Project, a dual asphalt roadway featuring five bridges that connect the productive agricultural zones of East Bale and Bale with central Ethiopia. The upgraded route enhances regional mobility, strengthens economic integration, and improves access to major tourist destinations such as the Bale Mountains National Park and Sof Omer Cave. In addition, the Prime Minister reviewed the Weib River Flood Control Project, which regulates water flow through the cave system to ensure year-round accessibility and protect its ecosystem. He also examined tourism development efforts in the Harenna cluster, including the construction of the Rira Eco Lodge, new viewpoints, restaurants, and coffee facilities along the routes leading to Tulu Dimtu, the park’s highest peak. These initiatives aim to expand sustainable tourism, create local employment, and showcase the natural and cultural richness of the Bale region. The visit concluded at the Fincha Habera Waterfall, where the delegation explored the surrounding landscape, home to the Ethiopian Red Fox, diverse birdlife, and striking geological formations such as the Rafu rock pinnacles. The area, which recently revealed a newly discovered cave system, will soon feature a glamping site designed to promote eco-friendly tourism. Reflecting on the visit, Prime Minister Abiy highlighted Ethiopia as a land of abundance and opportunity, urging citizens to safeguard and build upon the nation’s natural and human wealth for future generations. The delegation collectively reaffirmed the importance of stewardship, unity, and visionary development in shaping Ethiopia’s sustainable and prosperous future. 𝙋𝙖𝙧𝙡𝙞𝙖𝙢𝙚𝙣𝙩𝙖𝙧𝙮 𝙀𝙣𝙜𝙖𝙜𝙚𝙢𝙚𝙣𝙩 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙉𝙖𝙩𝙞𝙤𝙣𝙖𝙡 𝘿𝙞𝙨𝙘𝙤𝙪𝙧𝙨𝙚 Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, in his recent address to Ethiopia’s Parliament, highlighted the country’s substantial progress in economic reform, diversification, and infrastructure development. He noted that Ethiopia’s shift from an agriculture-dependent economy toward industrial and service growth has yielded impressive results, citing rapid agricultural expansion, record-high export revenues, and increased foreign reserves. Major investments in green initiatives, transport infrastructure, and energy projects are transforming productivity and sustainability, while prudent debt management and targeted subsidies have stabilized inflation. He emphasized the government’s focus on strengthening institutional capacity, expanding digitalization, training millions of youth in coding, and modernizing service delivery through nationwide one-stop centers. On peace and governance, the Prime Minister reaffirmed Ethiopia’s commitment to stability, dialogue, and national unity, warning against both internal and external actors seeking to destabilize the country. He stressed that the only viable path for Ethiopia is peaceful political transition and democratic consolidation. Looking ahead to the upcoming national election, he assured Parliament of the government’s readiness to ensure a fair and inclusive process. On foreign relations, he reiterated Ethiopia’s right to equitable use of the Nile waters and called for cooperative engagement with neighboring countries. Addressing the Red Sea question, he described it as a legitimate historical and economic concern that Ethiopia intends to pursue through dialogue and mutual development, underscoring that the nation’s growth is intertwined with regional prosperity and peace. 𝙊𝙣 𝘿𝙞𝙥𝙡𝙤𝙢𝙖𝙩𝙞𝙘 𝙀𝙣𝙜𝙖𝙜𝙚𝙢𝙚𝙣𝙩𝙨 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙍𝙚𝙜𝙞𝙤𝙣𝙖𝙡 𝘾𝙤𝙤𝙥𝙚𝙧𝙖𝙩𝙞𝙤𝙣 On the international stage, Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed led Ethiopia’s delegation to the 24th Summit of the COMESA Authority of Heads of State and Government in Nairobi, Kenya, held under the theme “Leveraging Digitalization to Deepen Regional Value Chains for Sustainable and Inclusive Growth.” Addressing the Summit, he underscored that Africa’s digital transformation offers a unique opportunity to rewrite its economic narrative and strengthen continental integration. He affirmed Ethiopia’s readiness to collaborate with regional partners to advance a shared digital future. In separate diplomatic meetings, the Prime Minister held discussions with President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud of the Federal Republic of Somalia on bilateral and regional matters of mutual interest, and with Dr. Constantinos Kombos, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Cyprus, to strengthen political and economic cooperation between their two nations. 𝙊𝙣 𝙏𝙖𝙭𝙥𝙖𝙮𝙚𝙧 𝙍𝙚𝙘𝙤𝙜𝙣𝙞𝙩𝙞𝙤𝙣 𝙖𝙣𝙙 Governance 𝙍𝙚𝙛𝙤𝙧𝙢 At the 7th Annual Loyal Taxpayers Recognition Ceremony, Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed celebrated outstanding taxpayers for their contributions to Ethiopia’s development. He reaffirmed that tax revenues are being invested in vital public goods and infrastructure projects and urged all citizens to uphold transparency and reject corruption. The Prime Minister emphasized that collective integrity and accountability are essential to building a just and prosperous nation. Throughout October 2025, Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed’s decisive leadership and forward-looking initiatives across industry, agriculture, urban renewal, justice, and diplomacy demonstrated Ethiopia’s unwavering commitment to inclusive development and national progress.

Addis Ababa, October 31, 2025 (ENA) – Africa must involve its productive youth towards driving the continent’s contemporary media and ensure sustainable peace and growth, winners of the 2025 Tana Forum essay competition said. The 2025 Tana Forum essay competition winner, Sabelo Skenjana from South Africa told ENA that the involvement of the youth to the continent's peace and security forums in platforms like Tana Forum must resonate across Africa and must be well covered on the African media outlets to engage the next generation. “Africa media should involve the youth to key platform for discussing peace and security challenges on the continent”, he said, adding that the need to invest in youth, especially in this digital era will recompence the continent. According to him, the youth need to be curious and take part in the continent's significant matters and African leaders need to bring the young people on board as well. In the spirit of Ubuntu, all Africa’s youth, more than half of them under 35, must unite and sit to take part in the decision-making process and platforms and organizations that are substantial to Africa’s cause, Skenjana underlined. Immanuel Kiilu from Kenya, another winner of the essay competition, said the role of the young people is significant to peace and security matters as the young are vibrant and their involvement in the national and continental platform bears fruit with the support given. "Young people can articulate themselves, present themselves as writers, researchers, as well as leaders to ensure that the voice of what is happening in their locality is heard. Young people can also promote peace and coexistence with other people from various faith traditions, cultures and society in their community; and that creates a society where everyone thrives when there is peace, “he underscored. The Nigerian winner, Peter Inalegwu Awodi, said the need to create communication between the younger and older generation of Africa must be encouraged. There is a need to involve the youth that are equipped with technology and innovation in decision-making process in order to bring sustainable peace and development in Africa, Awodi added. He also underlined that organizations such as African Union need to be at the forefront of pushing youth inclusivity in governance, economically, politically, and culturally. The theme for the 2025 Tana Forum essay writing competition was "Africa in an Evolving Global Order". The Tana Forum Annual Essay Competition is aimed at obtaining views from the youth on various peace and security challenges faced across the continent. The competition is open to African nationals enrolled in higher education institutions based in Africa and in the diaspora.

Addis Ababa, October 31, 2025 (ENA) – The UN Women has called on countries to take stronger measures to ensure women’s active participation in peace negotiations and conflict resolution efforts around the world. Harriette Williams Bright, the WPS-HA Compact Lead at UN Women, said women remain vastly underrepresented in high-level peace processes despite decades of global commitments to equality. “We have a challenge currently, because we are not seeing women at the peace table at the rate in which they should be,” she said. “In 2024, on average, only seven percent of negotiators and twenty percent of signatories were women, so a lot more has to be done on that.” In her video message, Bright underscored that this call reflects the core principle of United Nations Security Council Resolution 1325, adopted in 2000, which demands equal participation of women and men in peace and security matters as outlined in the UN Charter. “The resolution is simply about equal rights for women and men,” she explained, adding that women’s full involvement is key to achieving “inclusive, peaceful and sustainable societies.” Since the adoption of Resolution 1325, its goals have been translated into 115 national action plans and numerous local initiatives aimed at strengthening women’s roles in conflict prevention and peacebuilding. Bright further stressed that the women, peace and security agenda is not just a policy framework but a matter of real-life impact. “It’s about having a safe place to live. It’s about being at the table to shape what is going to happen in your community. It’s about economic security,” she said. “Investing in women peace builders is simply building and investing in long-term peace.” She also noted the success of gender parity initiatives in peace support operations, noting that women’s inclusion helps ensure community engagement and cultural sensitivity in mission areas. “When women are involved and included meaningfully, fully and safely in peace processes, peace outcomes last longer because WPS principles are at work,” Bright underscored.