Addis Ababa, July 12, 2026 (ENA) —Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed said the operationalization of the newly modernized Nigus Tekle Haimanot Airport in Debre Markos will significantly stimulate trade, investment, and tourism, opening a new chapter for economic growth in northwestern Ethiopia. The Prime Minister officially inaugurated the upgraded airport today, describing the project as a transformative investment that responds to a long-standing demand from the people of Debre Markos and surrounding communities. The Prime Minister further revealed that modernized airport will be strengthening the country's transport infrastructure. Constructed with a 2,400-meter runway and a width of 30 meters, the airport is designed to accommodate larger passenger and cargo aircraft, including the Bombardier Q400 and Boeing 737, substantially improving regional air connectivity.   Speaking at the inauguration ceremony, Prime Minister Abiy said the airport's operationalization will revitalize commercial activity, attract new investment, expand tourism, and improve access to domestic and international markets. He noted that the launch of air services marks an important milestone in Ethiopia's broader efforts to expand modern infrastructure and create new economic opportunities across the country. The Prime Minister added that while the commencement of regular air transport with the potential for up to three daily flights, will greatly improve mobility and connectivity, restoring normal land transportation remains equally important. The Premier stressed that lasting peace is essential to ensure citizens can travel safely and fully benefit from the country's expanding infrastructure. Emphasizing that sustainable peace is indispensable to Ethiopia's development, Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed reiterated the government's unwavering commitment to dialogue. He affirmed that it remains open to engaging with any group prepared to resolve differences through peaceful, constitutional, and democratic means.   He also underscored that sustainable development requires time, cooperation, mutual trust, and collective responsibility, calling on all Ethiopians to work together to close gaps in development, strengthen national prosperity, and build a better future for coming generations. Warning against attempts to divide citizens along ethnic or regional lines, he said such narratives only deepen fragmentation and undermine national unity. Instead, he urged Ethiopians to embrace dialogue, mutual respect, and cooperation as the most effective path toward lasting peace and inclusive development. Recalling Ethiopia's long history, Prime Minister Abiy observed that while the country has experienced both peace and conflict throughout the centuries, its greatest priority today is accelerating development and improving the well-being of its people.   He concluded by calling on all citizens to uphold the spirit of Medemer (synergy) through unity. In that regard, PM Abiy underscored that only through peace, cooperation, and shared purpose can Ethiopia fully realize its development aspirations and leave a more prosperous nation for future generations.

Addis Ababa, July 12, 2026 (ENA) —The inauguration of the modernized Debre Markos Nigus Tekle Haimanot Airport marks the fulfillment of a decades-long aspiration of the local community, Amhara Regional State Chief Administrator Arega Kebede said. Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed today inaugurated the airport in Debre Markos, marking a significant milestone in Ethiopia's efforts to expand modern transport infrastructure and accelerate regional economic development. Speaking at the airport's official inauguration ceremony, Arega described the project as a direct response to one of the region's longest-standing public demands, noting that residents of Debre Markos and the surrounding communities had waited many years to see air services restored. "The airport that the people of Debre Markos and the surrounding areas had requested for many years has now become operational," he said. According to the Chief Administrator, Debre Markos had enjoyed air transport services nearly three decades ago before operations were suspended, leaving the area without regular air connectivity ever since.   He recalled that, for many years, residents were told that restoring air services would be impractical because of the town's proximity to Addis Ababa and its challenging topography. Those explanations, he said, left little hope that the airport would ever be rebuilt until Ethiopia's ongoing reform efforts revived the project. Arega noted that the airport has now been reconstructed and upgraded to modern aviation standards, providing the region with state-of-the-art infrastructure capable of supporting expanded passenger and cargo services. He expressed appreciation to the federal government for delivering the project and commended Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed for his continued support in bringing the long-awaited airport into operation.   The Chief Administrator said the airport is expected to unlock the area's considerable economic potential by improving access to its rich agricultural production, mineral resources, tourism attractions, and investment opportunities. He added that, together with newly developed road and transport infrastructure, the airport will enhance regional connectivity, facilitate trade and investment, improve the movement of people and goods, and strengthen economic integration within the region and across Ethiopia.   Arega stressed, however, that the airport's full economic and social benefits will depend on maintaining lasting peace, expanding production, and making effective use of the region's natural resources. "The airport will achieve its intended purpose only if we safeguard peace, increase production and productivity, and responsibly utilize our abundant resources," he said. Calling for collective responsibility, the Chief Administrator urged government institutions, local communities, investors, and other stakeholders to work together to preserve peace and security while creating an enabling environment for investment and development. He also called on residents to reject violence and any attempts to undermine stability, emphasizing that protecting peace, promoting investment, boosting agricultural productivity, and ensuring the free movement of people and goods are shared responsibilities essential to the region's sustainable development.

Addis Ababa, July 12, 2026 (ENA) —Ethiopian Airlines has officially inaugurated its first direct flight from Addis Ababa to Port Louis, landing at Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam International Airport. The first-ever inaugural flight marks a historic milestone in air connectivity between Ethiopia and Mauritius. As Pulse of Africa reported from Port Louis, the arrival of Ethiopian Airlines' inaugural direct flight was marked by a vibrant ceremony attended by government officials, aviation executives, diplomats, business leaders, invited guests, and members of the public, who gathered at Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam International Airport to witness the beginning of a new chapter in Ethiopia–Mauritius relations. The new direct service will operate three times a week on Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays, it was learned. The new service is also expected to offer travelers greater convenience, while providing seamless connections through Ethiopian Airlines’ Addis Ababa hub to destinations across Africa and beyond.   Speaking at the inaugural ceremony, Ethiopian Airlines Group Chief Commercial Officer, Lemma Yadecha said the airline is delighted to launch the Addis Ababa–Mauritius service. The officer described it as an important step toward strengthening economic and social ties between the two countries. He said the new route will enhance business-to-business partnerships, expand tourism opportunities, encourage investment, and facilitate trade between Ethiopia and Mauritius, while reaffirming Ethiopian Airlines’ commitment to connecting Africa with itself and with the global community. For his part, Mauritius’ Minister of Tourism, Christian Harold Richard Duval, also welcomed the launch of the new route, describing it as the beginning of a new chapter for tourism, connectivity, and cooperation across Africa. He said the direct service will create new opportunities for tourism growth, deepen economic collaboration, and bring African nations closer together. The Minister further praised Ethiopian Airlines for its longstanding contribution to African aviation and its continued role in linking the continent with the wider world. With the launch of the Port Louis route, Ethiopian Airlines further expands its extensive African network, serving more than 60 destinations across the continent as part of its global passenger and cargo network of over 145 destinations across five continents.   The new connection is expected to boost tourism, facilitate trade and investment flows, and strengthen Mauritius’ role as a strategic gateway linking the Indian Ocean region with Africa and the global economy. Many observers view the Addis Ababa–Port Louis route as another milestone in Africa’s journey toward greater integration, highlighting the role of aviation as a powerful catalyst for economic cooperation, regional connectivity, and shared prosperity. More importantly, beyond the launch of a new air route, the historic flight represents a stronger bridge between Ethiopia and Mauritius, creating new opportunities for tourism, trade, investment, business partnerships, and people-to-people exchanges, it was indicated.

By Staff Writer Addis Ababa, July 12, 2026 (ENA) —Some weeks generate headlines. Others reveal the direction of a nation. The week that has just concluded belonged firmly to the latter. Across Ethiopia, a series of political, economic and diplomatic developments collectively painted the picture of a country seeking to consolidate reform, strengthen institutions and position itself for long-term stability and sustainable growth. From Parliament’s approval of the largest federal budget in the nation’s history to preparations for the landmark National Dialogue forum, Ethiopia’s agenda reflected a broader ambition: to build a resilient state capable of delivering prosperity, safeguarding sovereignty and advancing lasting peace. Rather than isolated events, the week’s developments formed a coherent narrative of a nation navigating a transformative period. One in which economic reform, democratic governance, regional cooperation and environmental stewardship increasingly reinforce one another. Parliament Sets the Tone for a News Fiscal Year The defining moment of the week came inside the House of People’s Representatives, where lawmakers approved a record 2.34 trillion Birr federal budget for the 2019 Ethiopian Fiscal Year. Presenting the government’s annual report, Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed delivered a wide-ranging address that reviewed Ethiopia’s recent achievements while outlining priorities for the year ahead. Covering virtually every major sector—from economic transformation and national security to healthcare, education and democratic governance, the speech provided the clearest picture yet of the government’s strategic direction.   At the heart of the address was an economy showing renewed momentum. Prime Minister Abiy announced that Ethiopia generated a historic 11 billion U.S. dollars in export earnings—the highest in the country’s history. He attributed the milestone to the success of ongoing macroeconomic reforms, improved productivity and sustained efforts to diversify exports while strengthening foreign exchange reserves. The newly approved budget aims to build upon those gains by financing infrastructure, expanding public services and supporting continued economic growth while maintaining fiscal discipline. Beyond economic indicators, the Prime Minister outlined a broader national vision anchored in strategic self-reliance. He explained that Ethiopia is advancing a three-pillar framework designed to strengthen national resilience, protect sovereignty and enhance the country’s capacity to address its own development and security challenges through strong domestic institutions. Democratic governance also featured prominently.   Reflecting on Ethiopia’s recent general election, Prime Minister Abiy described the peaceful exercise as another milestone in the country’s democratic evolution, noting that it demonstrated citizens’ growing confidence in resolving political differences through constitutional and democratic processes. Human development remained another central pillar of the government’s agenda. According to the Prime Minister, Ethiopia’s healthcare system has entered an advanced stage following sustained investment in expanding access and improving service delivery. Education reforms have likewise accelerated, with growing emphasis on improving quality, widening access and equipping young Ethiopians with the skills needed to compete in an increasingly knowledge-driven global economy. Taken together, the parliamentary session portrayed a government pursuing comprehensive national transformation—one that combines economic modernization with institutional strengthening, democratic development and investment in human capital. National Dialogue Nears a Historic Milestone While Parliament focused on shaping Ethiopia’s economic future, another nationally significant process moved steadily toward a defining moment. Preparations were finalized for Ethiopia’s main National Dialogue forum as delegates from across the country began arriving in Addis Ababa ahead of the long-anticipated gathering.   Throughout the week, coverage emphasized the Dialogue as a nationally owned process rooted in the sovereign will of the Ethiopian people, with citizens themselves expected to determine the country’s future through inclusive deliberation and peaceful consensus-building. Support for the initiative continued to broaden. Community representatives, civic leaders and participants described the Dialogue as a unique opportunity to strengthen reconciliation, reinforce national unity and establish durable foundations for peace. Religious leaders likewise urged Ethiopians to actively support the process, describing it as an important pathway toward national healing and shared understanding. As the forum prepares to commence, expectations remain high that it will help foster consensus on issues that have shaped Ethiopia’s political landscape for generations. Renewed Calls to Consolidate Peace in Tigray Developments in northern Ethiopia also remained high on the national agenda. Throughout the week, stakeholders from Tigray renewed calls to end forced conscription while reaffirming their commitment to sustaining peace and accelerating regional recovery. Media professionals argued that reports of forced recruitment and abductions illustrate diminishing public support for the illegal TPLF faction, describing what they characterized as a shift from economic disruption toward the trafficking and forced mobilization of Tigrayan youth. Adding to these concerns, former House of Federation Speaker Keria Ibrahim warned that the defunct TPLF continues to undermine the future of Tigray’s younger generation through actions that threaten lasting peace and stability.   Collectively, these developments reinforced growing calls to protect civilians, preserve the gains of the Pretoria Peace Agreement and ensure that recovery efforts remain firmly on course. Expanding Ethiopia’s Regional and Global Partnerships Diplomatic engagement remained equally dynamic throughout the week. The United States reaffirmed its commitment to enhanced security cooperation with Ethiopia in support of regional peace and stability. Meanwhile, the Ethiopian Federal Police and the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) strengthened collaboration through new initiatives aimed at deepening regional security cooperation.   Regional institutional development also advanced with the launch of a forensic science scholarship honoring IGAD Executive Secretary Workneh Gebeyehu, reflecting continued investment in professional capacity-building across the Horn of Africa. On the climate diplomacy front, Foreign Minister Gedion Timothewos held discussions with COP30 President-designate Ambassador André Corrêa do Lago as Ethiopia continued preparations related to hosting COP32. At the 62nd Session of the United Nations Human Rights Council, Ethiopia reaffirmed its commitment to constructive engagement on human rights while advocating stronger African cooperation in developing a future-ready health workforce.   Addressing the International Parliamentary Information and Security Forum, House Speaker Tagesse Chafo underscored the importance of renewed multilateralism and stronger international partnerships in addressing today’s increasingly interconnected security challenges. Together, these engagements reflected Ethiopia’s continued efforts to position itself as an active contributor to regional stability, continental cooperation and multilateral diplomacy. Sustainability, Heritage and Regional Integration Gain Further Momentum The week’s developments also highlighted Ethiopia’s continued investment in sustainable development and regional connectivity. Ethiopia strengthened cross-border electricity cooperation through an expanded energy partnership with Kenya, reinforcing regional integration and improving access to reliable power for communities along the shared border. Environmental leadership also remained in focus as delegates attending the International Parliamentary Information and Security Forum participated in Ethiopia’s Green Legacy Initiative by planting tree seedlings. International experts praised the initiative as an inclusive model for climate action with global relevance. Meanwhile, the Ethiopian Heritage Authority reported notable progress in preserving the country’s historical and cultural treasures, reaffirming Ethiopia’s commitment to safeguarding one of Africa’s richest civilizational legacies for future generations. A Nation Building for the Long Term Viewed independently, each development carried its own significance. Taken together, however, they revealed something far more consequential. The week’s events illustrated a country working simultaneously on multiple fronts: sustaining economic reform, strengthening democratic institutions, investing in people, advancing environmental stewardship and expanding constructive engagement with regional and global partners. Preparations for the National Dialogue demonstrated Ethiopia’s determination to pursue consensus through peaceful engagement. Parliamentary deliberations reinforced the government’s commitment to economic transformation and institutional resilience. Diplomatic initiatives underscored the country’s expanding regional and international role, while progress in climate action, cultural preservation and infrastructure reflected a development agenda extending well beyond economic growth alone. Ultimately, the week offered more than a summary of current affairs. It presented a portrait of a nation seeking to shape its next chapter through stronger institutions, greater resilience and a long-term vision of peace, inclusive development and national renewal. As Ethiopia enters a new fiscal year, the message emerging from the week’s events is increasingly clear: the country’s future is being built not through a single milestone, but through the steady convergence of reform, partnership and institution-building that together define the foundations of lasting progress.