Addis Ababa, November 26, 2025 (ENA) — Following Ethiopia’s selection as the host for the 32nd Conference of the Parties (COP32) under the UNFCCC, the Government of Ethiopia has appointed Foreign Minister Dr. Gedion Timothewos as President-Designate for the climate summit. In a social media post, Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed shared the news, stating, “the Government of Ethiopia is pleased to announce the appointment of Foreign Minister Dr. Gedion Timothewos as President-Designate of COP32.” The Foreign Minister will immediately begin leading the crucial preparatory process for the conference. Prime Minister Abiy noted that in this capacity, "Dr. Gedion will lead the preparatory process for COP32, in coordination with national authorities, UNFCCC bodies, and international partners." The statement also conveyed the government's appreciation for the trust placed in Ethiopia by the global community. “The Government of Ethiopia expresses deep gratitude to all UNFCCC member states for entrusting the country with this responsibility,” the Prime Minister's post read, adding that the nation "looks forward to working closely with the global climate community under Dr. Gedion’s stewardship."

Addis Ababa, November 26, 2025 (ENA) — Ethiopia’s Deputy Commissioner of the Investment Commission, Dagato Kumbe, announced that the country granted investment licenses to 525 foreign investors in the 2017 Ethiopian fiscal year alone, representing a total capital of 4 billion USD. The Deputy Commissioner highlighted the clear surge in interest, stating, “The interest of foreign investors to make direct foreign investment in Ethiopia has been increasing recently.” Dagato pointed to the year-over-year growth to underscore this trend. "In the 2016 Ethiopian fiscal year, 326 investors came to Ethiopia. However, in 2017 (Ethiopian fiscal year), some 525 investors took licenses to invest in Ethiopia, marking a significant increase." The rise in FDI flow is attributed primarily to the country’s Homegrown Economic Reform agenda. Dagato explained that the reform is designed to boost FDI and sustain economic growth, driven by a two-pronged approach. First, he noted the commission’s efforts to proactively market the country. “Promotional work is being done to ensure that investment options in Ethiopia are properly identified and known. Targeted promotion is being carried out.” Second, he detailed the comprehensive nature of the reform. “Various macroeconomic reforms have been undertaken. For instance, various sectors have been liberalized. New sectors, including financial institutions, have been opened for foreign investors to enter and participate.” Dagato also affirmed that procedural and legal gaps that were not conducive to investment have been identified through studies and subsequently revised. These steps, coupled with shifting the foreign exchange management system toward a more market-oriented structure, have created a favorable environment for investment and trade, stimulating private sector participation. The positive outcome of the reform echoes a recent statement by Fitsum Assefa, the Minister of Planning and Development, who noted that, despite challenges, the Ethiopian economy has managed to achieve significant growth under the implemented Homegrown Economic Reform.

Addis Ababa, November 26, 2025 (ENA) — Leading coffee exporters report that the government’s renewed focus on productivity and recent policy reforms are generating concrete improvements in the sector's export revenue. The remarks were made during a ceremony hosted by the Ethiopian Coffee and Tea Authority to honor stakeholders who played a pivotal role in achieving the sector's performance goals for the 2017 Ethiopian fiscal year. Speaking at the event, CEO Abdella of SA Bagresh Coffee Exporters highlighted the significant revitalization of the trade following national reforms.     Abdella, whose company was recognized for its substantial contribution to export volume and revenue, emphasized that the government’s corrective measures are paying off. He specifically noted that policy adjustments introduced by the National Bank have boosted the sector's performance. Abdella also credited the Coffee and Tea Authority's consistent monitoring and support as key factors enabling exporters to deliver high-quality Ethiopian coffee to the global market. "Following the national reforms, we have seen a significant revitalization in the coffee sector. The policy adjustments made by the National Bank, in particular, have notably boosted our performance. Furthermore, the consistent monitoring and support from the Coffee and Tea Authority have been instrumental in allowing us to supply high-quality Ethiopian coffee to the global market, resulting in higher volumes and revenue." MIDROC Investment Group’s Agriculture Deputy CEO, Feleke Tadese , described the recognition as a strong motivator for further excellence.     He pointed out that the government's initiatives to rejuvenate aging coffee trees and plant new saplings are already yielding effective results. Feleke further observed that the country's recent macroeconomic reforms have been instrumental in encouraging more businesses to pivot toward the export market. The positive impact of value addition was also a central theme. "This recognition serves as a powerful motivator for us to achieve even greater results. The government’s work to ensure productivity—specifically the initiative involving stumping old coffee trees for rejuvenation and planting new saplings—is yielding tangible fruit. Additionally, the recent macroeconomic reforms have played a major role in encouraging more businesses to pivot toward the export sector." Esset Barega, Manager of Esset Coffee, attributed her company's success to government policies that incentivize processing coffee before export.     She affirmed her commitment to doing her part in helping the nation achieve its future targets. "By supplying value-added coffee to the market, we have been able to register effective performance. The government’s policy reforms and incentives have contributed significantly to the growth of our business. Moving forward, we are committed to playing our part in helping the country achieve the ambitious goals set for the sector." Sharing this sentiment, Chaka Coffee Founder and Owner, Bisrat Belay, stated that the company directly benefited from the incentive packages designed for value-added exporters. "I have been a direct beneficiary of the government’s incentive packages designed for those of us adding value to our coffee before export. I am determined to use this favorable opportunity to work toward even greater success."     The CEO expressed determination to leverage these favorable conditions to achieve even greater success in the industry.

Addis Ababa, November 25, 2025 (ENA) — Family-owned firms play a crucial role in the growth of Ethiopia’s capital market, Tilahun Esmael, CEO of the Ethiopian Securities Exchange (ESX), said at the Third Ethiopian Family Business Forum (EFBF) 2025. The forum, organized by HST Consulting in partnership with ESX and the EFBF Advisory Council, took place in Addis Ababa on Tuesday, under the theme “Embracing Change for Growth and Innovation.”     The event assembled business leaders, industry experts and strategic partners to discuss how family businesses can scale, access finance and professionalize governance to ensure long-term sustainability. Tilahun Esmael, CEO of ESX, said family businesses’ substantial presence in the private sector makes them key to expanding the country’s capital markets. With the Ethiopian economy showing signs of progress, ESX offers a modern, regulated platform that enables companies to raise long-term capital through equity and debt instruments. ESX, he added, is committed to mobilizing financial resources for both public and private institutions and to building a well-regulated, efficient market. The conference concentrated on three interlinked pillars including financing, Innovation and governance Solomon Gizaw, HST Chairman and CEO, said family businesses are the backbone of Ethiopia's private sector, contributing significantly to job creation, innovation, and long-term economic stability. Therefore, recognizing their importance, HST launched the Ethiopian Family Business Forum (EFBF) in 2023 as a dedicated platform to support and strengthen family enterprises in Ethiopia, he noted.     Noting most of family business faced challenges to sustain at second and third generation, he stressed, the need for concerted efforts with respect to policy wise, to empower youths to the leaderships and leveraging innovations extensively to enable business sustain through generation. HST trains, supporting technical support for family businesses to enable them transform to modernizations operation system, he added. In his keynote as guest of honor, celebrated athlete Haile Gebrselassie said family businesses are more than commercial entities — they are legacies founded on shared values.     He underscored that innovation for family firms is not limited to technology adoption; it includes rethinking operating models, promoting a culture of creativity, and embracing digital transformation to remain resilient in a dynamic environment. The Third Ethiopian Family Business Forum (EFBF) builds on the inaugural forum launched in March 2023 and the 2024 edition, continuing efforts to support family firms through peer learning, research and locally relevant governance practices. The forum’s objectives include helping family businesses access diverse funding sources, professionalize governance, manage succession and foster innovation. Family enterprises are a critical pillar of Ethiopia’s private sector, with important implications for employment and economic development.

By Henok Tadele Ethiopia's Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed and Singapore's Prime Minister Lawrence Wong stood together at the National Palace announcing a comprehensive partnership that brings together Africa's fastest-developing economy with one of Asia's most advanced nations. Their joint press conference marked not just a diplomatic milestone, but the beginning of a transformative alliance that showcases how resource-rich Africa and knowledge-rich Asia can shape the future together. The Perfect Match - Speed Meets Sophistication "I think this is the right time for every developed nation to turn their face to Africa because without bringing the potentials that we have from both sides, there is no way that we can fulfill the demand which is arising from our people," Prime Minister Abiy said, articulating the fundamental logic behind this ground-breaking partnership. Ethiopia, recognized as one of the world's fastest-growing economies in recent years, represents the dynamism and potential of modern Africa. Singapore, having transformed itself from a developing port city to a global financial and technology hub within decades, brings the institutional knowledge and technical expertise that can accelerate Ethiopia's remarkable trajectory. Prime Minister Wong said "… we see Ethiopia as an ancient civilization with a long and proud history of diverse people and tremendous potential to do much more going forward." In his social media post, PM Wong also posted ‘‘Singapore and Ethiopia are both gateways to our respective regions. By deepening our partnership, we are building a bridge between Southeast Asia and Africa that will benefit our peoples for years to come.’’ According to him, Singapore’s decision to open a new embassy in Addis Ababa will be a significant milestone, serving as a vital link not just to Ethiopia, but to the African Union and the wider continent. Africa's Abundant Resources Meet Asia's Advanced Know-How The partnership brilliantly illustrates how Africa's vast natural wealth can combine with Asia's technological advancement to create unprecedented opportunities. As Prime Minister Abiy emphasized, "We have human capital, we have land, we have fresh water, we have huge potential for clean energy, we have good policies, we're investment ready as a continent." Ethiopia specifically brings to the table some of Africa's most valuable assets, a population of over 130 million people representing a massive consumer market and workforce, vast agricultural potential in a continent that could feed the world, significant mineral resources including gold and rare earth elements, and enormous renewable energy capacity through hydroelectric and solar power. The country's strategic location as the gateway to East Africa and its role as host to the African Union headquarters add geopolitical significance to its economic assets. Singapore complements these resources with what Prime Minister Abiy called "capital resources and skilled human capital" that are missing elements in Africa. Singapore's expertise spans advanced urban planning, digital governance systems, logistics and supply chain management, financial services and fintech innovation, sustainable development practices, and institutional governance frameworks that have proven effective in rapid economic transformation. Comprehensive Cooperation Across Strategic Sectors The Memoranda of Understanding (MoU) signed outlined cooperation across multiple sectors that could benefit both economies. Digital Transformation and Logistics: "Collaboration on smart mobility, logistic technology and digital public infrastructure are the areas that we would like to work with your country," Prime Minister Abiy said, highlighting Singapore's immense potential in this sector. Trade and Investment: Both leaders agreed to strengthen ties on trade investment with a focus on logistics, manufacturing, aviation and tourism. Prime Minister Abiy invited "Singaporean investors to explore opportunities in industrial parks, in agro-industrial plants, in cities, in mining sectors." Skills Development and Institution Building: The partnership includes what Prime Minister Abiy called skilled development and institution building, recognizing that everyone gets inspired by Singapore's governance, its institutional ability, and the way it provide services for citizens. Green Urban Planning: Ethiopia seeks to learn from Singapore's experience in creating clean, green, beautiful cities. Prime Minister Abiy explained, "We really want to learn from you on how you plan on building such beautiful cities, such a connected infrastructure and such also beautiful spaces for neighborhood to come together." Mutual Benefits - Building Asia-Africa Bridge The partnership's genius lies in its mutual benefit structure. Singapore gains strategic access to Africa's fastest-growing economy and through it, the entire continent. "As hubs in our respective parts of the world, Singapore and Ethiopia can catalyze more trade and investment flows between Southeast Asia and Africa," Prime Minister Wong explained. For Singapore, this partnership opens doors to Africa's 1.3 billion people and abundant natural resources while positioning the city-state as the premier Asian gateway to African markets. The establishment of Singapore's first embassy in East Africa demonstrates this strategic commitment. Ethiopia gains access to Singapore's proven development model and advanced capabilities. "Singapore's remarkable journey and global reputation for innovation and good governance offers lessons we deeply value," Prime Minister Abiy acknowledged, noting that "most of my leadership visited your beautiful country. Everyone was impressed, also inspired big time." Shaping Future Cooperation This partnership represents a new model for cooperation that could inspire similar alliances across the world. Unlike traditional relationships often characterized by dependency, this partnership operates on what Prime Minister Wong called "a partnership of equals." "This is not about us teaching Ethiopia at all or offering lessons. It's a partnership of equals. It's a partnership of us working together closely for win-win partnership," Prime Minister Wong emphasized, defining the collaborative spirit that could become a template for future engagements. The tangible commitment is already evident. Singapore announced its "Singapore-Africa Partnership Leading to Growth and Sustainability Package" (SAPLINGS), offering African officials "customized study visits to Singapore, as well as executive education programmes and postgraduate scholarships in Singapore universities." Strategic Vision for Sustainable Growth The partnership's focus on sustainability adds another dimension to its significance. Both countries signed MoUs on carbon credits cooperation, particularly timely as Ethiopia prepares to host COP32 in 2027. "We will also deepen our collaboration in sustainability, particularly in carbon credits, so that both countries can help meet our respective climate targets," Prime Minister Wong announced. This environmental focus demonstrates how cooperation can lead global efforts on climate change, with developing nations pioneering solutions rather than merely implementing strategies designed elsewhere. Long-term Impact Beyond Bilateral Benefits The implications extend far beyond the bilateral relationship. "Together we can build a strong Asia-Africa bridge for sustainable growth and shared prosperity," Prime Minister Abiy declared, envisioning how this partnership could facilitate broader continental cooperation. The partnership's success could demonstrate that the fastest-developing economies can forge relationships that accelerate growth for all parties while challenging traditional assumptions about development cooperation. Ethiopia's rapid growth combined with Singapore's advanced capabilities creates a powerful model for how resource-rich and knowledge-rich nations can collaborate for mutual transformation. The Promise Ahead "Ethiopia is committed, Mr. Prime Minister, to a practical and futuristic partnership with Singapore," Prime Minister Abiy vowed, adding "We know that we can learn a lot from you. We also believe that we can offer for our partnership." This sentiment captures the essence of what could become a defining partnership for 21st century cooperation. As these two dynamic nations begin implementing their comprehensive cooperation framework, they are not just building bilateral ties but potentially creating a new paradigm for how the developing world can collaborate to achieve rapid, sustainable development. The world will be watching as Africa's fastest-growing economy and Asia's innovation hub work together to prove that the future belongs to partnerships built on mutual respect, complementary strengths, and shared aspirations for transformation.