Addis Ababa, April 5, 2026 (ENA) —Leaders of Ethiopia’s major civil society organizations (CSOs) have reaffirmed their commitment to supporting a peaceful, fair, and democratic process in the country’s upcoming 7th general election, scheduled for June 1, 2026. The organizations announced plans to scale up voter education initiatives and strengthen election observation efforts as part of their contribution to ensuring credible elections. CSOs also welcomed new digital tools introduced by the National Election Board of Ethiopia (NEBE), noting that such innovations will enhance transparency and expand citizen participation in the electoral process. Speaking to Ethiopian News Agency, CSOs leaders emphasized their active role in mobilizing citizens and supporting electoral activities through coordinated civic engagement. With the rollout of platforms such as the “Mirchaye” application, civil society groups are assisting voters in navigating digital systems and encouraging broader participation. Getnet Kaba, Executive Director of the Ethiopian Civil Society Organizations Forum, highlighted the diverse contributions of member institutions.   “The Forum and its members are fully engaged in the election process, with some accredited to deliver voter and civic education, while others are registered to conduct election observation,” he said. He also praised the adoption of technology in the electoral process. “We welcome the launch of the ‘Mirchaye’ application, as technology plays a vital role in improving transparency and efficiency. It offers significant advantages, particularly in reducing both time and cost,” he added. Abera Hailemariam, Executive Director of the Coalition of Ethiopian Civil Society Organizations for Election, stressed the importance of ensuring inclusive access to digital systems. “It is crucial to support voters in understanding how to use these technologies. At the same time, the system does not impose digital registration on those who may lack the necessary skills,” he noted.   He explained that digital registration is primarily targeted at urban areas with higher smartphone penetration, while alternative options remain available. “Voters who are unable to register digitally can still visit polling stations or registration centers, receive assistance, and complete the process without difficulty,” he said. CSOs underscored their broader role in promoting informed citizen participation by educating voters on their rights, registration procedures, voting processes, and post-election expectations. “By informing citizens, we enable them to make informed decisions when choosing their representatives,” Getnet said. He also called on political parties to uphold electoral integrity. “It is essential for political parties to respect the code of conduct and ensure the fair use of public resources, particularly in media. Civil society organizations are actively engaged in promoting these principles,” he emphasized. As part of their outreach, CSOs are implementing campaigns such as the “I Vote” initiative, leveraging digital and social media platforms to encourage voter registration and participation. Meanwhile, Ethiopia has already launched its nationwide voter registration exercise, which began on March 6, 2026. According to NEBE, the process has seen strong early turnout, with millions of citizens registering within the first weeks. As the election approaches, political parties have intensified campaign activities, including presenting manifestos and engaging in public debates, while the government has reiterated its commitment to ensuring a conducive environment for free, fair, and credible elections.

By Yordanos D. Ethiopia’s Rising Diplomatic Influence: From Regional Engagement to Global Leadership Addis Ababa, April 5, 2026 (ENA) —Over the past eight years, Ethiopia has redefined its diplomatic posture, evolving from a cautious regional actor into an assertive and adaptive player on both continental and global stages. This transformation has been guided by a combination of pragmatic decision-making, economic ambition, and the cultivation of diversified partnerships, reflecting a deliberate effort to secure influence within an increasingly multipolar world. Under the leadership of Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, Ethiopia’s foreign policy has prioritized cooperation, mutual benefit, and proactive engagement in international affairs. The country has pursued strategic relationships across Africa, Europe, Asia, and the Middle East while participating actively in multilateral forums. This approach has enabled Ethiopia to not only respond effectively to global developments but also to shape regional initiatives, promote economic integration, and advance peacebuilding efforts, signaling its emergence as a confident and independent actor on the world stage. High-Level Engagements and Global Visibility Ethiopia’s diplomatic resurgence has been defined by sustained high-level engagements with world leaders and international institutions, gesturing its growing influence on both regional and global stages. Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed has conducted strategic dialogues with prominent figures, including former United Kingdom Prime Minister Tony Blair, where discussions focused on governance reforms, international cooperation, and support for Ethiopia’s development agenda. In Addis Ababa, Prime Minister Abiy met with United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres during the annual UN-African Union consultations. Their talks addressed pressing regional and multilateral issues, and together they inaugurated the newly renovated Africa Hall, a symbolic milestone in Ethiopia’s commitment to continental and global diplomacy. Ethiopia’s stature as a diplomatic hub has been further reinforced by its hosting of major international gatherings. These events, ranging from multilateral summits to sector-specific conferences, underscore Addis Ababa’s role as a platform for dialogue, negotiation, and cooperative initiatives. By convening global leaders on its soil, Ethiopia has enhanced its visibility, strengthened its networks, and demonstrated its capacity to facilitate solutions to regional and international challenges. Addis Ababa as a Diplomatic Hub As the seat of the African Union, Addis Ababa has solidified its position as a central hub for both continental and global diplomacy. The city regularly hosts high-level meetings that bring together heads of state, government officials, and international representatives, providing a platform for dialogue, negotiation, and policy coordination. A landmark example was the 38th African Union Summit, where leaders from across the continent convened to address pressing political, economic, and security challenges. In his opening address, Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed emphasized that lasting justice, peace, and prosperity require rising above inherited divisions and working toward shared progress, underscoring Ethiopia’s vision for continental cooperation. Beyond formal summits, Addis Ababa has expanded its profile as a venue for international conferences and high-profile events. The city hosted the Confederation of African Football General Assembly, attracting top sports officials and enhancing Africa’s sporting diplomacy. It also co-hosted the United Nations Food Systems Summit, providing a forum for global leaders to discuss sustainable development and food security. Through these initiatives, Addis Ababa has not only strengthened Ethiopia’s diplomatic visibility but also positioned itself as a dynamic center for international engagement. By hosting major gatherings across political, economic, and social spheres, the city exemplifies Ethiopia’s broader strategy of leveraging its continental role to advance regional integration, multilateral cooperation, and global influence. Expanding Bilateral Relations Ethiopia has actively expanded its bilateral relations, cultivating strategic partnerships with both regional and global actors. Relations with France have been particularly notable, strengthened through reciprocal visits between Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed and President Emmanuel Macron. These engagements have fostered cooperation in areas such as cultural preservation and heritage restoration, including the ongoing renovation of Ethiopia’s National Palace and the restoration of the rock-hewn churches of Lalibela. Such initiatives highlight Ethiopia’s commitment to preserving its historical legacy while deepening diplomatic and development ties. Beyond France, Ethiopia has intensified engagement with countries across Europe, Asia, and the Middle East. High-level official visits to nations including Italy, France, and Vietnam have led to the signing of agreements spanning trade, education, and civil aviation. Notably, these discussions have advanced plans for direct air connectivity between Addis Ababa and Hanoi, strengthening commercial and people-to-people links. These bilateral efforts reflect Ethiopia’s broader diplomatic strategy: leveraging partnerships to support economic growth, cultural exchange, and infrastructure development. By combining strategic diplomacy with tangible projects, Ethiopia has transformed formal relationships into practical avenues for investment, collaboration, and mutual benefit. Regional Integration and the Horn of Africa At the regional level, Ethiopia has assumed a central role in promoting stability, cooperation, and integration across the Horn of Africa. Ethiopia has pursued closer cooperation with neighboring countries, including Somalia, Djibouti, Kenya, and Sudan. These partnerships extend beyond traditional security concerns, encompassing economic integration, joint infrastructure projects, energy interconnectivity, and regional development initiatives. In Somalia, for example, Ethiopia has supported stabilization efforts and governance reforms, reinforced peacebuilding while fostering trade and investment links. Djibouti continues to serve as a critical maritime gateway, with Ethiopia investing in port and railway infrastructure to enhance connectivity and regional trade. Relations with Kenya and Sudan have similarly evolved into dynamic collaborations that combine security, energy, and cross-border economic projects. This broader approach reflects a vision of regional integration anchored in shared prosperity and collective security. As a regional official observed, "Our partnership is no longer limited to borders, it is about building a shared future." By leveraging its geographic position, economic potential and diplomatic influence, Ethiopia has positioned itself as a linchpin in the Horn of Africa, shaping the region’s political and economic architecture while promoting African-led solutions to shared challenges. Multilateral Engagement and BRICS Membership Ethiopia’s role in multilateral diplomacy has grown substantially, reflecting a strategic commitment to diversify partnerships and engage with emerging global actors. A defining moment in this trajectory was Ethiopia’s accession to BRICS in 2024, marking a decisive pivot toward South-South cooperation and signaling a more autonomous approach to global alignment. Membership in BRICS has provided Ethiopia with a platform to engage directly with leading emerging economies, including Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa, on issues ranging from economic development and infrastructure investment to trade facilitation and technological collaboration. This alignment has strengthened Ethiopia’s bargaining power in international forums while expanding opportunities for investment and knowledge exchange. Beyond BRICS, Ethiopia has sustained robust engagement with the United Nations, the African Union, and other international organizations. The country has consistently contributed to UN peacekeeping missions, participated in climate and sustainable development dialogues, and supported multilateral initiatives aimed at conflict resolution and regional stability. These efforts underscore Ethiopia’s commitment to being a responsible global actor, capable of advancing both regional and international priorities. Through multilateral engagement, Ethiopia has not only broadened its diplomatic reach but also leveraged collective platforms to address domestic and regional development challenges. The combination of BRICS membership and active participation in global institutions reflects a dual strategy: strengthening ties with emerging powers while maintaining influence in established international frameworks, positioning Ethiopia as a versatile and proactive player on the world stage. Economic Diplomacy and Investment Promotion Economic diplomacy has emerged as a central pillar of Ethiopia’s foreign policy, reflecting a strategic shift toward linking external engagement with domestic economic transformation. Diplomatic missions are increasingly tasked with advancing investment promotion, facilitating business partnerships, and opening new avenues for trade across priority sectors such as manufacturing, agriculture, energy, and technology. This proactive approach has yielded tangible outcomes. Ethiopia has witnessed the expansion of industrial parks, a steady inflow of foreign direct investment, and gradual improvements in export performance. Embassies and consulates now serve not only as political outposts but also as economic platforms, actively engaging investors, organizing business forums, and promoting the country’s competitive advantages, including its large labor force, strategic location, and growing infrastructure base. A key feature of this strategy is the emphasis on trade diversification. By broadening its commercial partnerships beyond traditional markets, Ethiopia is reducing vulnerability to external shocks and enhancing economic resilience. New trade linkages across Asia, the Middle East, and Africa are helping to expand export destinations while encouraging the development of value-added industries. In parallel, the government has intensified efforts to improve the investment climate through policy reforms, regulatory adjustments, and targeted incentives. These measures are designed to attract long term capital, stimulate industrial growth, and support job creation. Many analysts emphasized that diplomacy is no longer confined to politics, it has become a frontline instrument for economic transformation. Looking ahead, economic diplomacy is expected to deepen further, with a stronger focus on technology transfer, digital economy partnerships, and sustainable investment. By aligning foreign relations with development priorities, Ethiopia is positioning itself to harness global opportunities while building a more diversified and resilient economy. Strategic Projects and Resource Diplomacy Ethiopia has increasingly anchored its diplomacy in national development priorities, placing strategic infrastructure and natural resources at the center of its foreign policy. This approach reflects a calculated effort to convert domestic assets into tools of regional influence, economic cooperation, and long-term growth. At the core of this strategy is the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (#GERD), which has gradually shifted from a point of contention into a pillar of energy diplomacy. Initially marked by tensions with downstream countries, the project is now redefining regional engagement through electricity generation and cross border power trade. By exporting energy to neighboring states, Ethiopia is fostering economic interdependence, supporting industrial expansion, and reinforcing its position as an emerging energy hub in East Africa. Different regional analysts noted that energy is no longer just a domestic asset, it has become a tool for integration and influence." Beyond hydropower, Ethiopia has elevated its diplomatic efforts to address the structural constraints of being landlocked. Engagements across the #RedSea corridor, including negotiations aimed at securing port access, reflect a more assertive and forward-looking posture. These initiatives are grounded in the understanding that dependable maritime access is critical for lowering trade costs, improving competitiveness, and sustaining economic transformation. This combined emphasis on energy and maritime access signals a broader shift toward resource driven diplomacy, where infrastructure, geography, and strategic location are actively leveraged to advance national interests. It illustrates a move away from reactive engagement toward a more deliberate and goal oriented foreign policy. Taken together, these efforts underscore a recalibrated diplomatic approach that places development at its center. By linking strategic projects with international partnerships, Ethiopia is not only addressing its internal economic needs but also shaping regional dynamics and building a more resilient and interconnected future. Cultural, Environmental, and Diaspora Diplomacy Cultural diplomacy has emerged as a vital pillar in Ethiopia’s international engagement, serving as a bridge between its rich historical legacy and contemporary global outreach. Through cultural festivals, artistic exchanges, and targeted tourism campaigns, the country has showcased its unique heritage, from ancient civilizations to living traditions. These efforts have not only enhanced Ethiopia’s global image but also fostered people to people connections that complement formal diplomatic relations. The promotion of historic sites and cultural landmarks has increasingly positioned the country as a compelling destination, reinforcing the role of soft power in advancing national interests. Environmental diplomacy has gained significant momentum, with Ethiopia leveraging its domestic initiatives to actively engage on global climate platforms. The Green Legacy Initiative (#GLI), in particular, has attracted international recognition as a landmark reforestation and environmental restoration effort, with more than 48 billion trees planted over the past five to six years. By aligning national priorities with global climate goals, Ethiopia has strengthened its voice in international discussions on sustainability, climate resilience, and environmental protection. This approach underscores a broader strategy of linking development with environmental stewardship, positioning the country as a proactive contributor to global climate action. Diaspora diplomacy has further expanded Ethiopia’s reach beyond its borders. Ethiopians living abroad have become key partners in promoting investment, innovation, and knowledge transfer. Through structured engagement and policy incentives, the government has encouraged diaspora communities to participate in national development initiatives, ranging from business ventures to infrastructure projects. Beyond economic contributions, the diaspora has also played an important role in shaping international perceptions, advocating for national interests, and strengthening bilateral ties in host countries. Together, cultural, environmental, and diaspora diplomacy reflect a multidimensional approach that extends beyond traditional state to state relations. They highlight Ethiopia’s ability to harness its heritage, natural resources, and global community as strategic assets in building influence, fostering cooperation, and supporting sustainable development. Asserting Sovereignty Ethiopia also reinforced its commitment to African led solutions, aligning its stance with broader continental principles of resolving conflicts through regional mechanisms. This approach helped preserve a degree of diplomatic space, allowing the country to navigate a complex and often polarized international environment. A decisive turning point came with the signing of the Pretoria Peace Agreement in 2022, which brought an end to active hostilities and opened a pathway toward stabilization. The agreement not only eased internal tensions but also created an opportunity for diplomatic recalibration. It enabled Ethiopia to re-engage more constructively with international partners, rebuild trust, and shift focus toward recovery and reconstruction. In the aftermath, diplomatic momentum gradually returned, supported by renewed cooperation with global institutions and bilateral partners. The experience of navigating this turbulent period has reinforced Ethiopia’s preference for a foreign policy grounded in resilience, strategic patience, and an unwavering commitment to sovereignty, while remaining open to engagement and collaboration on mutually beneficial terms. Ethiopia has shifted toward strategic realignment, expanding its partnerships beyond traditional allies and embracing a diversified foreign policy orientation. Engagement with emerging global blocs, renewed regional initiatives, and a stronger focus on economic diplomacy reflect a deliberate effort to align international relations with national development priorities. This period is characterized by assertiveness balanced with calculated cooperation, as the country positions itself within an increasingly multipolar global order. Conclusion Ethiopia is poised to consolidate its diplomatic gains by deepening regional integration, expanding global partnerships, and aligning foreign policy with national development priorities. In the Horn of Africa, strengthened ties with neighbors, economic corridors, and energy interconnectivity are expected to enhance trade, stability, and shared prosperity. At the continental level, Ethiopia will continue leveraging its role as host of the African Union to facilitate dialogue, mediation, and African-led solutions. Globally, engagement with emerging economies through platforms like BRICS, alongside balanced relations with traditional partners, reflects a pursuit of strategic autonomy. Economic diplomacy, focused on investment, exports, and key sectors such as manufacturing, energy, agriculture, and digital innovation, will remain central, with infrastructure and industrial projects serving as anchors for international cooperation. Ethiopia’s diplomacy will also emphasize climate action, cultural outreach, and diaspora engagement, enhance its soft power and mobilize global support for sustainable development. Overall, the country is positioned not only to respond to global changes but to actively shape them, using diplomacy as a tool for economic transformation, regional stability, and international influence

Addis Ababa, April 4, 2026 (ENA) — Ethiopia’s ongoing digital transformation agenda is gaining recognition as a key enabler of efficient public service delivery and reduced corruption, Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA) Deputy Country Director Park Youngshin said. Speaking at the first KOICA alumni seminar on “Digitalization in Ethiopian Public Services: Implications for Corruption Prevention,” he stated that the forum aimed to promote knowledge exchange among alumni and highlight key national priorities, with a particular focus on digital transformation in Ethiopia. He noted that digitalization is increasingly becoming central to development, helping to organize public services, enhance efficiency, and address governance challenges such as corruption. Youngshin emphasized on the need to scale up digital identification systems, infrastructure gaps, and enhance cross-sector collaboration to sustain the progress. “Digitalization plays a vital role in development and anti-corruption efforts” he said, adding that Ethiopia is well-positioned to achieve significant progress in the near future. Ethiopia is currently advancing its digital transformation agenda under the Digital Ethiopia 2030 Strategy, which aims to improve service delivery, enhance transparency, and promote inclusive development. In his presentation at the seminar, Yohannes Petros from the Ethiopian Public Service University highlighted that public service digitalization and corruption prevention are among the country’s most pressing and timely priorities. “When digitalization is effectively integrated into public service delivery, it reduces inefficiencies, minimizes opportunities for corruption, and builds public trust,” Yohannes said. According to him, improved coordination among institutions, strong leadership, and alignment of reforms are essential to fully realize these benefits. He pointed out to initiatives such as the integrated service platforms Mesob and the digital ID system Fayda as key tools for streamlining services and reducing costs and delays for citizens. Finally, the discussants stressed the importance of learning from global and African digital governance trends to maximize the benefits of Ethiopia’s ongoing transformation efforts.

Addis Ababa, April 4, 2026 (ENA) —Ethiopian National Dialogue (END) Chief Commissioner, Professor Mesfin Araya, said starting an inclusive national dialogue that has a potential to lay foundation for consultation as a culture in the country is a major success for the commission. In an exclusive interview with ENA, Chief Commissioner Mesfin emphasized the achievements made since the establishment of the commission over the past three. According to him, the major success for the commission is to see that Ethiopians have started dialogue. For the first time, people from both the center and the periphery are taking part in the national dialogue on equal footing. He noted that the national dialogue process has removed the long-standing discrimination which confined political participation to those from central highland areas. “Now, for the first time, the Ethiopian pastoralist woman is discussing the fate of her country openly and transparently,” the Chief Commissioner said, citing women from Afar and Somali regions as well as inhabitants from the southern remote area Salamago have joined discussions on issues they consider relevant to the nation’s future. He underscored that the commission’s inclusive approach is not merely a matter of political correctness but essential for national survival. Traditionally marginalized groups — including artisans and others sidelined because of identity or occupation — have taken part in the consultations after years of subjugation and exclusion. The final phase of the dialogue will bring together 4,000 representatives that convene in a national conference which deliberates on national issues and work toward consensus. Where consensus cannot be reached, the Chief Commissioner said, it will forward matters for nationwide resolution, including possible referenda or issues that may be deferred to future generations. “Let us lay the weapon down, come together, bring out contentious issues that are relevant to national peace and progress, and continue discussing until we reach proper conclusions,” he urged. Chief Commissioner Mesfin described Ethiopia as richly diverse — home to more than 80 nations, nationalities and peoples — each with its own conflict-resolution practices. The ENDC aims to blend those traditional mechanisms with modern dialogue techniques under neutral facilitation by the commissioners, he said. “What we are doing is, I believe, the first of its kind — not only for Ethiopia but as an exemplary process for others,” the Chief Commissioner added. Unlike many dialogue processes that are top-down and dominated by elites, Ethiopia’s approach is bottom-up, driven by pastoralists, farmers, artisans and ordinary citizens alongside political elites and government representatives, he noted. The dialogue is open and inclusive to marginalized groups, women, persons with disabilities, pastoralists, and among other segments of the society.   Above all, people are speaking their minds without reservation, and the neutrality and impartiality of the commission are crucial because there is no interference whatsoever from the government. For the Chief Commissioner, inclusivity is a foundational pillar of the dialogue. The ENDC’s outreach has already reached 1,234 Woredas nationwide, with remaining gaps concentrated in parts of Tigray region. The Ethiopian National Dialogue Commission plans to complete the coverage gap before holding a national plenary.

Addis Ababa, April 3, 2026 (ENA) —A U.S. fighter jet has been shot down over Iran, and search-and-rescue teams have recovered one of the two crew members who ejected, a U.S. official told Reuters. The incident is the first known of its kind in the nearly five-week-old war. One of the crew members aboard the F-15E Strike Eagle has been rescued, Fox News reported. The search is still ongoing for the second crew member, according US media reports. The Pentagon and U.S. Central Command did not respond to requests for comment. The possibility that a U.S. pilot may still be alive inside Iran raises the stakes for Washington in a conflict that has struggled to gain strong public support among Americans, according to opinion polls. It also presents a significant challenge for the U.S. military, which must balance efforts to rescue the missing crew member with the risks posed to personnel involved in potentially dangerous recovery operations behind enemy lines. Iranian officials have called on civilians to report any sightings of the crew and have circulated images on social media that they claim show wreckage from the aircraft. Two U.S. officials said the aircraft was an F-15E fighter jet, which carries two crew members: a pilot and a weapons systems officer. It remains unclear which of the two has been rescued, and no details have been provided on how the recovery was carried out. William Goodhind, a forensic imagery analyst with Contested Ground, said images of a tail fin posted online are consistent with that of an F-15E Strike Eagle. The governor of Kohgiluyeh and Boyer-Ahmad province said anyone who captured or killed the crew would be “specially commended,” Iran’s semi-official ISNA news agency reported. The incident follows threats by Donald Trump to strike Iran heavily, including targeting energy infrastructure and desalination facilities, as he pushes Tehran to end the war on U.S. terms. So far, 13 U.S. service members have been killed and more than 300 wounded in the conflict, according to U.S. Central Command. No American troops have been reported captured. While Trump has portrayed Iran’s military as weakened, reporting by Reuters citing U.S. intelligence suggests Iran still retains significant missile and drone capabilities. U.S. officials say they can confirm the destruction of about one-third of Iran’s missile arsenal, while the status of another third remains uncertain, with strikes likely damaging or burying weapons in underground facilities. The conflict involving the United States and Israel against Iran has spread across the Middle East, killing thousands and driving up global energy prices, raising concerns about inflation worldwide.

Addis Ababa, April 3, 2026 (ENA) —China has reaffirmed its commitment to support Ethiopia in its bid to join the World Trade Organization, underscoring growing economic and strategic ties between the two countries. Speaking in Addis Ababa, Wu Weihua, Vice Chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress of China, said China is ready to “continue playing a positive coordination role” to help advance Ethiopia’s accession process. The remarks came during discussions with Tagesse Chafo, Speaker of Ethiopia’s House of People’s Representatives, where both sides explored ways to deepen cooperation on bilateral, regional, and global issues. Tagesse emphasized the long-standing and evolving partnership between the two nations, describing it as an “all-weather strategic partnership” built on mutual trust and shared interests. He noted Ethiopia’s commitment to expanding cooperation across people-to-people ties, parliamentary engagement, business relations, and international coordination. Highlighting Ethiopia’s strategic importance, the speaker described the country as a gateway to Africa and a diplomatic hub, hosting the headquarters of the African Union. He added that Ethiopia stands ready to play a greater role in strengthening China–Africa relations. Economic cooperation remains central to the partnership, with major projects such as the Ethio-Djibouti Railway serving as a key symbol of collaboration under the Belt and Road Initiative, he further noted. The railway continues to function as a vital trade corridor for Ethiopia’s imports and exports, according to the speaker. Chinese investment in Ethiopia has also expanded significantly, with projects valued at around 9.6 billion U.S. dollars, contributing to job creation and industrial growth, it was disclosed. Tagesse expressed appreciation for China’s continued support in Ethiopia’s effort to join the WTO, calling for sustained cooperation to finalize the process. Wu Weihua, for his part, reaffirmed China’s unwavering backing of Ethiopia’s WTO accession, noting that bilateral negotiations and agreements were successfully concluded in 2025. He added that Ethiopia’s exports to China have nearly doubled, reflecting growing trade ties between the two countries. China, he said, is ready to import more high-quality Ethiopian products while working to improve the structure of bilateral trade. He also highlighted plans to deepen cooperation in infrastructure and manufacturing, while expanding into emerging sectors such as new energy vehicles, the digital economy, and artificial intelligence to support Ethiopia’s industrialization and modernization. Wu further expressed confidence in Ethiopia’s continued role in advancing broader China–Africa cooperation, emphasizing the country’s strategic position on the continent.

Addis Ababa, April 3, 2026 (ENA) —Representatives of the agenda gathering consultation forum from the Tigray region have submitted finalized agenda items to the Ethiopian National Dialogue Commission (ENDC) today. The submission follows three days of consultations held in Addis Ababa, where the Commission convened the first round of agenda gathering forums for the region, bringing together a wide range of stakeholders. Chief Commissioner Mesfin Araya received the document, announcing the successful completion of the first phase of consultations. The compiled agenda reflects key issues affecting the region, drawn from concerns raised by participants during the discussions. He noted that the agenda gathering consultation process of Tigray was conducted in line with similar forums held across other regions of the country, underscoring the Commission’s consistent approach. The forum emphasized promoting peace and mutual understanding, while maintaining impartiality throughout the process. Commissioner Melaku Woldemariam, on his part, said more than 700 participants took part in the consultations, describing the discussions as productive with broad exchanges of views. Similarly, Commissioner Yonas Adaye stated that the broader consultation process will continue, noting that the first round concluded in an atmosphere of mutual respect and attentive listening. The Chief Commissioner and the commissioners expressed appreciation to all participants for their contributions to the successful completion of the forum.

Addis Ababa, April 3, 2026 (ENA) — Senior officials from Ethiopia’s security and intelligence institutions have affirmed that the national reform agenda has significantly strengthened their capacity to execute missions with greater coordination, efficiency, and institutional resilience. The officials made the remarks at the National Security Conference that reviewed the country’s security landscape across national, regional, and global contexts. They emphasized that reforms implemented in recent years have laid the foundation for a modern security architecture that responds effectively to evolving regional and global dynamics. Ethiopian Federal Police Commissioner General Demelash Gebremichael stated that building strong and independent institutions has been a central pillar of the reform. He further noted that the Federal Police has undergone substantial improvements in human resources, technological capability, and organizational structure. According to him, these advancements have enhanced the institution’s ability to safeguard peace and security while ensuring readiness for future responsibilities. Ethiopia’s security institutions are increasingly serving as stabilizing pillars not only domestically but also across neighboring countries, he added. National Intelligence and Security Service Deputy Director General Sisay Tola on his part said the reform has brought about greater integration in the management of security, intelligence, and information systems.   He explained that institutions have transitioned from fragmented approaches to a more unified and coordinated operational framework. The reform process has progressed steadily over the past five years, enabling institutions to grow stronger while overcoming a range of challenges, he noted. Similarly, Head of the Oromia Administration and Security Bureau, Commissioner Ararsa Merdasa noted that the reform has improved coordination among security bodies, creating a conducive environment for joint operations.   He added that notable progress has been achieved at the regional level in resolving security challenges through peaceful mechanisms and strengthening rule of law enforcement. Amhara Regional Police Commissioner Zelalem Mengiste also stated that institutional reforms have enhanced the country’s capacity to effectively counter both internal and external security threats. He said the reforms have fostered complementary and mutually reinforcing institutions capable of addressing complex challenges.   The officials further revealed that extensive preparations are underway to ensure the successful conduct of Ethiopia’s upcoming seventh general election. They indicated that a comprehensive joint security plan, developed over the past eight months by incorporating lessons from the previous election, is already being implemented. According to them, coordinated efforts to maintain peace and stability have created favorable conditions for holding the election in a secure environment. The officials also affirmed that collaboration among security institutions will continue throughout the pre-election, election, and post-election periods to prevent potential threats and ensure a peaceful and orderly electoral process.