Addis Ababa, September 20, 2026 (ENA) —Ethiopia’s quest for reliable access to the Red Sea is an unavoidable national imperative,a co-founder and former Deputy Director of the East African Policy Research Institute (EAPRI), Birhanu Lenjiso said. Birhanu, author of Water: ‘Ethiopia’s Gateway to Prosperity,’ told ENA that Ethiopia’s growing population, expanding economy, and strategic position in the Horn of Africa make securing sea access an inevitable national objective. Ethiopia’s pursuit of sea access should also be viewed in the broader context of Abay/Nile, he argued that the political and strategic dynamics surrounding the two issues are closely interconnected. Speaking about Ethiopia’s historical relationship with the sea, he pointed to the Aksumite civilization, which was closely associated with maritime trade and commercial links across the Red Sea.   For Birhanu, Ethiopia’s interest in maritime access therefore extends beyond its immediate economic and logistical needs. “We are not really asking for maritime access because we need a port, or because we have a large population, or because our economy is growing,” he said. He argued that Ethiopia’s historical experience and longstanding links with maritime commerce should form part of the country’s case when engaging with the international community on access to the sea. Birhanu, who is also a former State Minister for Irrigation Development, said Ethiopia should strengthen this narrative by bringing together historical evidence with contemporary economic and strategic considerations. He described maritime access as “part and parcel of Ethiopian identity,” saying the historical dimension should not be overlooked in discussions about Ethiopia’s relationship with the Red Sea and the wider maritime environment. Against this background, Birhanu said Ethiopia’s objective is to diversify its maritime access and establish arrangements that can provide greater reliability. “All Ethiopia is asking is to have diversified access to the sea,” he said. He said Ethiopia’s large and growing market gives maritime access a broader economic dimension, while developments in the Red Sea and the Horn of Africa have made the issue increasingly significant from a regional perspective. According to Birhanu, Ethiopia’s access to the sea could generate benefits beyond the country by connecting its large economy more directly with regional maritime trade and stimulating economic activity across the Horn of Africa.   He said Ethiopia does not necessarily need to pursue a single model for maritime access, pointing instead to a range of possible arrangements with coastal states. These could include long-term lease agreements, infrastructure corridors, and jointly developed transport and logistics projects, he said. He cited Ethiopia’s longstanding use of the Djibouti corridor as an example of how cross-border infrastructure and economic interests can create mutually beneficial arrangements. At the same time, Birhanu said dependence on a single major maritime route creates vulnerabilities, making diversification important for Ethiopia’s long-term economic interests. Asked whether Ethiopia’s pursuit of maritime access is inevitable, Birhanu said the country’s demographic and economic trajectory would continue to increase the importance of securing dependable access to international maritime routes. He also linked Ethiopia’s maritime aspirations to the broader security and economic dynamics of the Horn of Africa.   The region has extensive coastlines and occupies a strategically important position along major international maritime routes, while also facing persistent security challenges, he noted. In his view, greater economic integration between Ethiopia and coastal states could contribute to trade, infrastructure development, and regional stability. He argued that Ethiopia’s large consumer market and economic potential could become an asset for coastal countries if appropriate access and infrastructure arrangements are developed. Birhanu said Ethiopia’s maritime access and its position on the Nile share what he described as a common underlying principle: equitable use of regional resources. He argued that Ethiopia’s discussions over Abay/Nile and its pursuit of access to the Red Sea should therefore not be treated as entirely separate strategic questions. “I don't really see maritime access or maritime access challenge as a separate topic. I believe it is very much connected to the Nile issue. The two waters are separate, but their politics is very much interconnected,” he said. He said Ethiopia’s approach is centered on development and equitable access rather than control over the resources of other countries.   “We are asking for equity everywhere. We are asking for development. We are not asking for domination,” Birhanu said. He maintained that Ethiopia’s maritime aspirations should ultimately be viewed within the broader objective of strengthening regional economic integration and enabling the country to participate more directly in maritime trade. “We are not looking for confrontation on Nile. We are not looking for confrontation on the Red Sea. We are looking for cooperation,” he said. Birhanu said such an approach could allow Ethiopia to advance its economic interests while creating opportunities for coastal countries and contributing to the development and security of the wider Horn of Africa and the Red Sea region.

By Gezmu Edicha Sept. 20, 2026 Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed’s participation in the 18th BRICS Summit in New Delhi was more than a routine diplomatic engagement. It was a clear moment of strategic significance for Ethiopia. In a world where influence is increasingly shaped by alliances, trade access, financial cooperation, and political positioning, Ethiopia played an active role with vision, ambition, and growing global relevance. For Ethiopia, the summit carried both symbolic and practical value. Symbolically, it reinforced the country’s place among emerging powers and reform-minded states seeking a fairer international order. Practically, it opened doors to concrete gains in trade, investment, aviation, climate diplomacy, technology transfer, and financial cooperation. These outcomes align closely with Ethiopia’s Home-Grown Economic Reform and its long-term development priorities. What made this summit important for Ethiopia was the way Prime Minister Abiy translated high-level diplomacy into tangible national benefit. Rather than treating the BRICS platform as a photo opportunity, he used it to advance specific national interests with precision and persistence. Diplomatic win on the global trade front One of the most important outcomes of the summit was the strong support Ethiopia received for its World Trade Organization accession process. According to the BRICS New Delhi Declaration, all member states expressed backing for Ethiopia’s entry into the WTO. This matters because WTO membership is a gateway to greater market access, stronger investor confidence, and deeper integration into the global economy. For Ethiopia, this endorsement carries real weight. It strengthens the country’s hand in ongoing negotiations and sends a message to the international community that Ethiopia’s reform is being recognized by influential global actors. In practical terms, this kind of support can help accelerate Ethiopia’s integration into global supply chains and improve its ability to compete under fair, rules-based trade arrangements. Just as important was the recognition of Ethiopia’s candidacy for an expanded seat on the International Civil Aviation Organization Council, which is backed by the African Union, and formally supported in the New Delhi Declaration. Ethiopia is home to Ethiopian Airlines, one of Africa’s most successful and globally respected carriers. Backing Ethiopia for this role reflects not only the country’s aviation expertise, but also its broader contribution to Africa’s air connectivity and transport leadership. Climate leadership and the road to COP32 The other major achievement is the endorsement of Ethiopia to host the 32nd United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP32) in 2027. This is a big diplomatic and reputational win. Hosting such a major global summit places Ethiopia at the center of international climate discussions and gives the country an opportunity to shape the agenda around issues that matter deeply to Africa and the developing world. Prime Minister Abiy’s vision for COP32 is rooted in practical climate action, equitable climate finance, and green development. This message therefore fits well with Ethiopia’s broader environmental agenda, especially the Green Legacy Initiative, which has become one of the country’s most visible national programs. It also builds on Ethiopia’s growing investment in renewable energy and sustainable development. If successfully delivered, COP32 in Addis Ababa could do more than showcase Ethiopia to the world. It could strengthen the country’s leadership in climate diplomacy, attract international partnerships, and highlight Ethiopia as a nation capable of hosting and shaping major global events. Financial cooperation for more resilient economic future In the financial sphere, the summit offered Ethiopia important long-term opportunities. A key focus of the BRICS financial architecture was the promotion of local-currency settlement systems and cross-border payment platforms. For Ethiopia, this is especially relevant. Like many developing economies, Ethiopia continues to face pressure from foreign exchange shortages and external currency shocks. A system that allows trade settlement in local currencies could reduce dependence on hard currency, lower transaction costs, and create more stability for importers and exporters. Trade with countries such as China, India, and Russia could become smoother and less expensive when these systems are effectively implemented. Ethiopia also advocated for faster and more predictable debt resolution mechanisms, as well as stronger liquidity support through the expansion of the Contingent Reserve Arrangement. These are not abstract financial ideas. They are practical tools that can help protect developing countries from sudden shocks and provide breathing room during periods of fiscal stress. In simple terms, Ethiopia used the summit to push for a more balanced global financial system—one that does not leave developing nations vulnerable to the decisions and pressures of richer economies. Bilateral diplomacy that opened new doors Beyond the formal plenary sessions, the summit’s sidelines proved equally valuable. Intensive bilateral meetings produced promising openings in several strategic sectors. Talks between Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi reportedly focused on critical minerals, renewable energy, and pharmaceutical manufacturing. These are all high-value sectors with the potential to support Ethiopia’s industrialization and improve national resilience. They also discussed about enhancing defence cooperation, technology transfer, capacity building, and partnership towards COP32. Engagements with Russian President Vladimir Putin were also fruitful as the leaders held constructive discussion about strengthening the strategic partnership between Ethiopia and Russia. They also explored opportunities to expand educational exchanges and deepen collaboration in cultural and people-to-people ties. These matter because Ethiopia’s development challenge is not only about capital. It is also about capability. The ability to learn, adapt, and transfer technology is essential for long-term transformation. By building these kinds of partnerships, Ethiopia is positioning itself to access expertise and innovation that can strengthen its domestic economy. Ethiopia as bridge between Africa and Global South Perhaps the most important strategic takeaway from the summit is the increasing recognition of Ethiopia as more than a national state pursuing narrow interests. It is emerging as a bridge between Africa and the Global South, between regional integration and global partnerships, and between diplomatic ambition and economic transformation. As host of the African Union headquarters and a diplomatic hub on the continent, Ethiopia occupies a unique position. It can connect African priorities with broader international conversations in ways that few countries can. This gives Ethiopia a powerful platform to advocate not only for its own development, but also for the interests of Africa as a whole. With its population of more than 135 million, vast agricultural potential, strategic location, and growing industrial ambitions, Ethiopia has real assets to bring to the table. The BRICS summit showed that it is using those assets with increasing confidence.

Addis Ababa, September 20, 2026 (ENA) —Ethiopia and the United Arab Emirates are stepping up efforts to deepen partnership in various spheres, Ethiopia’s Ambassador to the UAE, Jemal Beker told ENA. The Special Envoy and Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary highlighted the expanding partnership as the two countries accelerate cooperation in investment, tourism, trade, and other economic sectors to turn growing diplomatic ties into tangible business opportunities. He said Ethiopia’s ongoing macroeconomic reforms are helping create a more favorable environment for foreign investment by improving the investment climate, attracting international capital, and strengthening the country’s integration into the global economy. The Ethiopian Embassy in the UAE, he added, is playing an active role in promoting Ethiopia’s investment opportunities and connecting Ethiopian businesses and projects with potential international investors. Ethiopia’s abundant renewable energy resources, large and youthful workforce, strategic geographic position, and international connectivity—including through Ethiopian Airlines, are among the country’s major investment advantages, Ambassador Jemal pointed out. The embassy is leveraging international conferences, business forums, investment events, and direct engagement with the private sector to showcase these opportunities and facilitate stronger links between Ethiopian and UAE-based investors. Ambassador Jemal also highlighted the participation of an Ethiopian delegation led by President Taye Atske Selassie in the annual Global Investment Meeting in the UAE as an important platform for presenting Ethiopia’s investment potential and further strengthening economic cooperation between the two countries. Beyond investment, Ethiopia and the UAE are working to expand bilateral trade by consolidating existing markets while identifying new areas of commercial cooperation. The embassy is engaging relevant stakeholders and businesses to facilitate stronger connections and help increase trade flows between the two countries. Tourism is also emerging as another important area of bilateral cooperation. Ethiopia is seeking to attract more visitors from the UAE by promoting its rich historical and cultural heritage, diverse natural landscapes, and growing tourism destinations. Initiatives such as “Dine for Nation” are being increasingly promoted to international audiences as part of efforts to position Ethiopia as an attractive tourism destination. The two countries are also exploring greater cooperation in technology transfer, professional expertise, and technical support. Such partnerships could strengthen knowledge sharing, capacity building, and access to technologies that support Ethiopia’s broader economic transformation. Ambassador Jemal said Ethiopia will continue working with the UAE to expand trade and investment, attract more tourists, and strengthen cooperation in technology and professional expertise. The efforts, he noted, reflect the two countries’ broader push to turn their growing bilateral relationship into tangible economic opportunities for businesses and people in both countries.

Addis Ababa, September 18, 2026 (ENA) —Ethiopia’s abundant renewable electricity resources provide a strong strategic foundation for transitioning from diesel-powered transport to electric mobility, according to TradeMark Africa. The organization highlighted the move's potential to reduce transport costs, cut carbon emissions, and enhance regional trade competitiveness. Ewnetu Taye, TradeMark Africa’s Country Director for Ethiopia, shared these insights in an interview with ENA on the sidelines of the Nordic Africa EV Summit, held in Addis Ababa from September 14 to 16. Ethiopia’s abundant renewable energy resources, particularly hydropower, provide a strong foundation for the country’s transition to electric mobility, TradeMark Africa Country Director in Ethiopia Ewnetu Taye said. Ewnetu said the country’s expanding hydropower generation, including electricity from the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD), could help accelerate the shift from diesel powered transport to electric vehicles. Greater use of electricity in transport could reduce Ethiopia’s dependence on imported diesel while enabling the country to make greater use of its domestic renewable energy resources, he said. “Using the electricity, which is cheap in Ethiopia, is reducing cost of transport,” Ewnetu said. He said lower transport costs could strengthen the competitiveness of Ethiopian imports and exports by reducing the cost of moving goods along major trade corridors. Reduced transport costs could also contribute to increased trade and job creation, he added, giving the transition to electric mobility economic benefits beyond its potential to reduce carbon emissions. The potential is particularly significant in freight transport, where Ethiopia is developing electric trucking initiatives along major trade corridors. Ewnetu identified the Ethio Djibouti corridor, one of the country’s main routes for import and export cargo, as a key focus of electric trucking initiatives under Ethiopia’s five year electric mobility strategy. Introducing electric trucks along high volume trade corridors could help connect Ethiopia’s renewable electricity resources with its transport and logistics system while reducing the costs associated with diesel powered freight movement, he said. However, Ewnetu stressed that the transition requires an enabling ecosystem capable of supporting electric freight transport along major corridors. He identified charging infrastructure, suitable road systems and local technical capacity as key areas that require attention for the successful implementation of electric trucking. Experiences from Nordic countries and other African countries have also helped identify practical requirements and capacity gaps that Ethiopia needs to address as it develops its electric trucking system, he said. Ewnetu said TradeMark Africa is working with partners to support electric trucking initiatives, particularly along the Ethio Djibouti corridor. Beyond transport, he said Ethiopia’s broader efforts to expand renewable energy and promote environmental sustainability provide further opportunities to advance the country’s green development agenda. He cited the country’s hydropower development and large scale tree planting initiatives as examples that could offer lessons to other African countries seeking to expand renewable energy and climate related development. For Ethiopia, Ewnetu said, combining renewable electricity with electric mobility presents an opportunity to reduce transport emissions while addressing the economic costs associated with dependence on imported diesel. TradeMark Africa is an Aid for Trade organization that supports trade facilitation, regional integration and market access across Africa.