Addis Ababa, November 2, 2026 (ENA)— Ethiopia has reaffirmed its openness to Al Jazeera and other international media organizations, emphasizing its commitment to facilitating responsible journalism grounded in fairness, balance and accuracy. The Ethiopian Media Authority highlighted the country's ongoing media reforms and expanding engagement with international media organizations as Al Jazeera celebrated three decades of global broadcasting, bringing renewed attention to the importance of credible journalism and Africa's representation in international narratives. The anniversary event, held in Addis Ababa on November 1, brought together Ethiopian government officials, African Union representatives, diplomats, journalists and media leaders to reflect on the network's contribution to international journalism and the media's role in shaping public understanding of global affairs. Speaking at the event, Ethiopian Media Authority Director General Haymanot Zeleke said the revision of restrictive legal frameworks, particularly regulations governing media licensing. The measures reflect the government's efforts to foster a more diverse and robust media landscape, she indicated. The Director General said the reforms are intended to strengthen the media's contribution to national development, democratization and public engagement. Haymanot identified the growing participation of international media organizations in Ethiopia as one of the notable outcomes of the reforms. She explained that the Ethiopian Media Authority facilitates international media outlets in establishing offices, deploying permanent or temporary correspondents and traveling across the country to gather information and report on developments. The reforms, she added, are aimed at creating an environment in which both domestic and international media can operate and contribute to informed public discourse. African Union Commission Deputy Chairperson Selma Malika Haddadi used the occasion to emphasize journalism's fundamental responsibility to inform truthfully, question courageously and ensure that marginalized and underrepresented voices are heard. She stressed that Africa is not seeking preferential treatment in international media coverage, but fair, accurate and contextualized reporting that reflects the continent's realities, diversity and aspirations. "Africa is not asking for favorable coverage. We are asking for accurate, fair, and contextualized reporting that reflects the full complexity of our continent and gives African voices a rightful place in conversations about the continent's future," she said. Mohammed Tewekel, Head of Al Jazeera's Ethiopia Office, recalled the network's founding mission when it launched on November 1, 1996, saying it was established to amplify the voices of those often excluded from mainstream international discourse. "It started in order to be a voice for those who have no voice, and to stand with every human being in the world," he said. He noted that Al Jazeera had evolved from a single television channel into a broader broadcasting operation comprising three channels, reflecting its growth and expanding international presence. The anniversary also highlighted the strategic importance of Al Jazeera's Addis Ababa bureau, which has served as the network's continental hub since 2017, coordinating coverage and reporting across Africa. The gathering further emphasized the importance of telling African stories through African perspectives, with balanced reporting that goes beyond narratives dominated by conflict and humanitarian crises to capture the continent's history, cultural diversity, economic transformation and aspirations. Since its establishment, Al Jazeera has grown into a major international media organization, contributing to the evolution of global broadcasting and expanding the reach of perspectives from regions often underrepresented in international media, it was learned.

Addis Ababa, November 2, 2026 (ENA) — Ethiopia has entered the final stages of preparations to host the fifth Conference on Public Health in Africa (CPHIA 2026) in Addis Ababa from November 23 to 27, Health Minister Mekdes Daba said. The conference will bring together African health leaders, policymakers, researchers, and international partners to advance the continent’s health sovereignty, self-reliance, and regional cooperation. Speaking at a press briefing alongside Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) Director-General Dr. Jean Kaseya, the minister said the conference will provide a platform for African countries to strengthen their health systems through local capacity, scientific innovation, African-led leadership, and regional cooperation. Under the theme of strengthening Africa’s health sovereignty, security, and continental autonomy, the conference seeks to advance the continent’s transition from dependence on external support towards greater ownership of its health priorities and capacity to address public health challenges. Mekdes said Africa needs stronger domestic health systems, expanded local production of pharmaceuticals and medical supplies, improved emergency response capacity, and greater regional collaboration to enhance its preparedness for public health threats. She also highlighted digital health as an important area of transformation, saying the conference will provide Ethiopia an opportunity to share its progress under the 2030 digital health strategy and explore opportunities for continental cooperation in health innovation. In this regard, the minister said hosting the continental gathering offers Ethiopia an opportunity to showcase its health-sector transformation, exchange experiences with other African countries, and contribute to collective efforts to address shared health challenges. She also highlighted opportunities to strengthen health infrastructure, expand institutional partnerships, and explore joint enterprises and health tourism. The discussions will further address practical approaches to reducing outbound medical referrals by strengthening domestic health-service capacity, alongside continental frameworks for professional competency assessments and regulatory alignment. Mekdes acknowledged Africa CDC’s contribution to advancing the continent’s public health agenda and regional response to health emergencies, expressing appreciation for its partnership in organizing the conference. Meanwhile, preparations are being undertaken in collaboration with Africa CDC and relevant national institutions, with transport, logistics, immigration, security, hospitality, and municipal authorities working to ensure the successful hosting of the event. More than 29,000 participants from over 114 countries had registered as of November 1, with approximately 30,000 expected to attend. More than 4,000 domestic participants had also registered, with additional registration opportunities to be opened locally. The conference has also received more than 6,000 scientific abstracts, of which over 1,000 have been selected for presentation. More than 70 exhibitions from over five countries and over 177 side events are also planned. The minister called on citizens and the hospitality sector to extend their traditional hospitality to international guests attending the gathering. On his part, Africa CDC Director-General Jean Kaseya said participant registrations had already exceeded expectations nearly three weeks before the conference, reflecting strong interest in the gathering, with further registrations anticipated as the opening date approaches.   Beyond the main conference, Kaseya said African health ministers would have an opportunity to engage with a candidate for the World Health Organization’s Director-General position during a dialogue scheduled for November 22 in Addis Ababa. He also announced plans for an African mayors’ convention, where city leaders will discuss how urban transformation can contribute to better public health outcomes. According to Kaseya, improvements in urban environments can help reduce morbidity and mortality, while the gathering will offer an opportunity to exchange experiences, including those from Addis Ababa. Youth engagement will be another feature of the event, with a pre-conference scheduled for November 21–22.   Kaseya said interest had exceeded the initial expectation of 4,000 young participants, with his team reporting interest from more than 8,000 and organizers considering arrangements to accommodate them. He added that the conference exhibitions would showcase practical solutions in diagnostics, medicines, vaccines, digital health, medical technologies, and local manufacturing. He also highlighted the opportunity for visiting participants to learn from Ethiopia’s health-sector developments, including projects in digital health and local manufacturing.

  By Staff Writer November 1, 2026 (ENA) The final week of October 2026 underscored the increasingly interconnected nature of global affairs, as geopolitical rivalries, diplomatic efforts to contain conflicts, economic uncertainty and escalating climate risks continued to shape the international agenda. From the Middle East and Europe to Africa, Asia and the Americas, governments and international institutions faced mounting pressure to address security threats, navigate economic uncertainties and respond to humanitarian and environmental emergencies. Meanwhile, intensifying competition over energy, advanced technologies and strategic supply chains further illustrated how economic resilience and national security are becoming increasingly intertwined. Against this backdrop, diplomatic engagement, multilateral cooperation and the pursuit of sustainable development remained central to international efforts to navigate an increasingly complex global landscape. Peace and Security: Diplomatic Efforts Amid Persistent Conflicts Conflict prevention, regional stability and diplomatic engagement remained among the most pressing international priorities during the week, as several regions continued to grapple with armed conflicts and heightened geopolitical tensions. In the Middle East, tensions involving Iran, Saudi Arabia and Yemen raised renewed concerns about regional security and the vulnerability of critical energy infrastructure and international maritime routes. Houthi attacks and reported threats to Saudi infrastructure heightened concerns over the safety of commercial shipping and strategic energy facilities, particularly around vital waterways. Against this backdrop, diplomatic initiatives involving regional mediators continued to explore opportunities to ease tensions between Iran and its regional adversaries. The developments underscored the importance of sustained dialogue in preventing further escalation in a region whose stability has far-reaching implications for global security and energy markets. In Europe, diplomatic efforts to advance negotiations over the Russia-Ukraine conflict remained in focus. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy indicated that technical-level discussions involving Ukraine, Russia and the United States could resume in November. Nevertheless, persistent disagreements over territorial arrangements and security guarantees continued to complicate prospects for a comprehensive settlement. Meanwhile, Sudan's humanitarian and security crisis remained acute as fighting between the Sudanese Armed Forces and the Rapid Support Forces continued to inflict civilian casualties, displace communities and destroy critical infrastructure. Reports of deadly drone attacks around the disputed Abyei region further highlighted the vulnerability of civilian populations and the urgent need for effective protection measures. These developments illustrated the persistent challenges facing international peace efforts and reinforced the need for coordinated diplomacy, conflict prevention and stronger mechanisms to protect civilians. Uncertainty, Trade Competition and Supply Chain Pressures Economic uncertainty, intensifying trade competition and energy market vulnerabilities continued to influence international economic discussions as governments sought to strengthen their resilience against external shocks. The International Monetary Fund's October 2026 World Economic Outlook projected global economic growth of 3.1 percent in 2026, increasing to 3.4 percent in 2027. Global headline inflation was forecast to reach 4.7 percent in 2026 before easing to 4.1 percent the following year. The IMF cautioned that geopolitical conflicts, renewed trade tensions, fiscal vulnerabilities and uncertainty surrounding artificial intelligence investment could weigh on global economic performance. Energy-importing economies remain particularly exposed to these pressures. Higher petroleum prices can increase transportation and production costs, erode household purchasing power and intensify inflationary pressures, particularly in countries with limited domestic energy resources. Meanwhile, G20 foreign ministers convened in Atlanta to discuss economic security, food supplies, international trade and the protection of critical supply chains. Their deliberations reflected growing recognition that diversified trade partnerships, resilient supply networks and closer international economic cooperation are essential to sustaining global growth. The broader picture points to an increasingly challenging economic environment in which governments must balance domestic economic priorities with the need to navigate geopolitical uncertainty and interconnected global markets. Climate and Environment: Growing Urgency for Global Action Climate change and environmental sustainability remained high on the international agenda, with new United Nations assessments highlighting the widening gap between existing climate commitments and the action required to address escalating environmental risks. On October 27, UN Climate Change released assessments examining national climate commitments, adaptation planning and progress in implementing the Paris Agreement. The findings highlighted the need for more ambitious climate action, particularly in developing countries increasingly exposed to drought, flooding, agricultural disruption and other climate-related shocks. The assessments also emphasized the importance of mobilizing climate finance, expanding early-warning systems and investing in climate-resilient infrastructure to protect vulnerable communities and critical economic sectors. Meanwhile, preparations continued for the 31st UN Climate Change Conference (COP31), scheduled to take place in Antalya, Türkiye, from November 9 to 20. The conference is expected to place climate finance, adaptation, emissions reduction and the implementation of international commitments at the center of global discussions. For African countries, the stakes are particularly high. Despite contributing relatively little to global greenhouse gas emissions, the continent faces disproportionate exposure to climate-related risks affecting agriculture, water resources, food security and livelihoods. Consequently, greater investment in renewable energy, climate-resilient agriculture, adaptation infrastructure and sustainable natural resource management remains essential to advancing Africa's development priorities. Elections and Public Accountability in Focus Electoral developments, political participation and public accountability also featured prominently in international affairs, reflecting the continuing influence of democratic processes on national governance and global relations. In Brazil, President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva secured another presidential term after defeating conservative challenger Flávio Bolsonaro in the October 25 runoff election. The outcome is expected to shape the country's domestic policy direction and international engagement, particularly Brazil's role in Latin American affairs and broader global diplomacy. In the United States, political campaigning intensified ahead of the November 3 midterm elections, with economic conditions, immigration, public security and control of Congress emerging as major issues. The outcome is expected to influence the balance of political power in Washington and the implementation of President Donald Trump's legislative agenda. Meanwhile, youth-led demonstrations in France and other European countries reflected mounting public concerns over housing affordability, education, the rising cost of living and government accountability. These developments highlighted the importance of responsive governance, meaningful political participation and accountable institutions in addressing public expectations and maintaining confidence in democratic systems. Ebola Outbreak Raises Regional Concerns Public health remained another significant international concern as the Bundibugyo strain of Ebola continued to challenge disease-control efforts in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Health authorities and international partners intensified efforts to contain the outbreak, with reported cases and fatalities raising concerns about the potential for cross-border transmission and the capacity of regional healthcare systems to respond effectively. The situation underscored the importance of early detection, contact tracing, infection prevention, public awareness and cross-border coordination in containing infectious diseases. For African countries, the outbreak once again highlighted the need to strengthen healthcare infrastructure, disease surveillance systems and emergency response capabilities, particularly in areas with limited access to essential medical services. Beyond infectious diseases, the relationship between climate change and public health also attracted international attention. The 2026 Lancet Countdown report highlighted the growing burden of heat-related deaths and other health consequences associated with rising temperatures. Its findings reinforced the understanding that climate change is no longer solely an environmental challenge but an increasingly serious threat to public health, human wellbeing and economic productivity. Energy Security: Geopolitical Tensions Expose Global Vulnerabilities Energy security remained a major factor shaping international economic and diplomatic relations as geopolitical tensions threatened critical petroleum infrastructure and strategic maritime corridors. Reported attacks and threats involving energy facilities in Saudi Arabia and shipping routes around the Strait of Hormuz raised concerns about potential disruptions to global oil supplies. Given the strategic importance of the Middle East to international energy markets, instability in the region carries significant consequences for both energy-producing and energy-importing economies. Disruptions to major shipping corridors could increase transportation and insurance costs, undermine international trade and intensify inflationary pressures, particularly in economies heavily dependent on imported fuel. These vulnerabilities have reinforced the importance of diversifying energy sources, strengthening domestic production and accelerating investment in renewable energy. The growing intersection of energy security, geopolitical stability and economic resilience is making diversified and sustainable energy systems an increasingly important component of national development strategies. Technological Competition Reshapes Global Power Relations Competition over artificial intelligence, semiconductors, advanced manufacturing and other strategic technologies continued to reshape relations among major powers. China's fifth plenary session, which opened on October 26, attracted international attention as Beijing considered its economic and political priorities amid intensifying global technological competition. The discussions came as major economies sought to strengthen domestic industrial capabilities, secure critical technologies and reduce vulnerabilities in strategic supply chains. Meanwhile, the United States and Japan announced plans to deepen defence-industrial cooperation through missile production arrangements in Japan, reflecting their efforts to strengthen regional security and technological capabilities. These developments point to a broader transformation in international relations, where technological innovation, industrial capacity and control over critical resources are increasingly viewed as strategic assets. As competition intensifies, technological sovereignty and the ability to secure essential supply chains are becoming increasingly important determinants of economic competitiveness and national security. Multilateral Cooperation Faces Geopolitical Divisions International diplomatic engagements during the week demonstrated both the continuing relevance of multilateral institutions and the growing difficulty of achieving consensus amid geopolitical divisions. G20 foreign ministers discussed international security, energy and food supplies, trade and maritime transportation during their meeting in Atlanta. However, differences over major geopolitical conflicts prevented the adoption of a joint communiqué, illustrating the challenges of building common positions among major powers on contentious international issues. At the United Nations, the General Assembly adopted another resolution calling for an end to the longstanding United States economic embargo against Cuba. The vote reflected continued international opposition to the restrictions, although the resolution is non-binding. Meanwhile, ASEAN-related defence engagements in the Philippines provided a platform for regional countries and the United States to discuss maritime security, defence cooperation and regional stability amid intensifying strategic competition in the Indo-Pacific. Together, these engagements highlighted the importance of diplomatic dialogue and multilateral cooperation in addressing shared global challenges, even as competing national interests and geopolitical rivalries continue to complicate international consensus-building. Conclusion An Increasingly Interconnected and Uncertain World The final week of October 2026 offered a clear reminder that global security, economic stability, technological advancement, political governance and environmental sustainability are deeply interconnected. From diplomatic initiatives seeking to contain conflicts in the Middle East and Europe to growing concerns over energy security, trade competition, technological sovereignty and climate vulnerability, developments across regions demonstrated how challenges in one part of the world can generate far-reaching consequences elsewhere. For developing economies, particularly across Africa, these dynamics present both significant challenges and opportunities. Exposure to external economic shocks, climate-related disasters and geopolitical disruptions underscores the importance of strengthening domestic resilience, diversifying partnerships and investing in sustainable development. As November begins, the international community faces a critical task: translating diplomatic commitments and multilateral discussions into practical action. The ability to bridge geopolitical divisions, protect vulnerable populations, strengthen economic resilience and accelerate climate action will remain essential to shaping a more stable, secure and sustainable global future. Sources: The roundup draws on reporting and analysis from major international and regional media and institutional sources including Reuters, AP, BBC, Al Jazeera, The Guardian, CNN, France 24, DW, Africanews, Euronews, The New York Times, The Washington Post, Bloomberg and Financial Times.

Addis Ababa, November 2, 2026 (ENA) —Chairperson of the Emirates Businesswomen Council Aisha Mohammed Saeed Al Mulla has praised Ethiopia’s growing business potential. She highlighted expanding investment opportunities across multiple sectors and emphasized the strong prospects for deepened economic cooperation between Ethiopia and the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Reflecting strong economic ties, bilateral trade totaled 5.6 billion USD from 2021 to 2025. Speaking exclusively to ENA, Al Mulla noted that the council is seeking fresh investment opportunities in Ethiopia to boost Emirati women's involvement in the country's expanding market. She identified Ethiopia’s abundant natural resources, favorable climate,and large labor force as key factors that make the country an attractive destination for investment. The Ethiopian government's Homegrown Economic Reform Agenda, coupled with major infrastructure investments and reforms in transport, energy, logistics,and telecommunications, has further strengthened the country's business environment, she noted. Reflecting on the growing economic partnership, Al Mulla said trade and investment relations between Ethiopia and the UAE are gaining momentum, supported by the increasing commitment of business communities in both countries to expand cooperation. "Business collaboration between Ethiopia and the UAE is growing year by year, and it looks promising. We are looking forward to more collaboration," she said. She added that Emirati business representatives visiting Ethiopia are increasingly interested in exploring new business prospects and identifying emerging investment opportunities. "I think most of the people who came here from the UAE are looking for more chances, for more opportunities, for more new doors to approach. I think we are going in the right path and towards more success," she stated. Highlighting the council's future priorities, Al Mulla said Emirati businesswomen are keen to strengthen partnerships with Ethiopian women entrepreneurs and explore investment opportunities in sectors with significant growth potential. "We are also looking for more cooperation with Ethiopian women here as businesswomen, looking forward to finding many opportunities in agriculture, AI, merchandise, processed food or ready food, and many other things," she said. She emphasized that expanding business-to-business partnerships and identifying untapped investment areas would help create new opportunities for women entrepreneurs while further strengthening economic ties between the two countries.

By Staff Writer November 1, 2026 (ENA) The final week of October 2026 brought Ethiopia into sharper international focus, as the country advanced its defence modernization, strengthened strategic partnerships and renewed attention to its interests in the Abay (Nile) Basin and Red Sea region. From the announcement of the delivery of advanced fighter jets and plans to acquire sophisticated air defence systems to high-level diplomatic engagements at the Russia-Africa Summit, Ethiopia's activities reflected the growing intersection of national security, economic ambitions and regional geopolitics. Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed's participation in the Third Russia-Africa Summit in Moscow provided an important platform for advancing bilateral and continental cooperation. His announcement that Ethiopia had received its first 12 Su-35 fighter jets and was set to acquire four batteries of S-400 air defence systems also brought the country's military modernization into the international spotlight. Meanwhile, the Third Ethiopian Water and Energy Week highlighted the country's efforts to strengthen water-resource management amid rising demand from agriculture, industry and a growing population. In Addis Ababa, the introduction of the first 26 natural gas-powered city buses marked another step towards reducing fuel imports, lowering transport costs and expanding the use of locally sourced energy. Beyond these developments, discussions surrounding Ethiopia's interests in the Abay River and sustainable access to the Red Sea continued to feature prominently in national and international discourse. Together, these developments underscored Ethiopia's efforts to strengthen its national capabilities, diversify international partnerships and advance its economic and strategic interests in an increasingly interconnected regional environment. Defence Modernization: Ethiopia Advances Strategic Deterrence One of the week's most consequential announcements came from Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, who disclosed that Ethiopia had taken delivery of its first 12 Russian-made Su-35 4++ generation fighter jets and was preparing to receive four batteries of S-400 air defence systems.   The Prime Minister described the development as a significant milestone in the country's efforts to strengthen national defence and security capabilities, emphasizing the importance of building military readiness during peacetime to deter potential threats. "Today, in accordance with our prior agreement with the Russian government, we have taken delivery of the first twelve Su-35 4++ Generation fighter jets," he announced. He further disclosed that Ethiopia would receive four batteries of S-400 air defence systems, marking another major component of the country's military modernization programme. The Prime Minister elaborated that the delivery was expedited ahead of schedule following high-level engagements with the Russian government, including discussions with President Vladimir Putin. Highlighting the capabilities of the newly acquired aircraft, Abiy said the Su-35 combines advanced radar technology, high manoeuvrability and air-to-air and air-to-ground combat capabilities. He also pointed to its ability to detect and engage aerial threats, including cruise missiles and certain ballistic targets. The acquisition signals Ethiopia's intention to strengthen its air capabilities as part of a broader effort to modernize the Ethiopian National Defence Force (ENDF). Beyond acquiring sophisticated military platforms, the country's evolving defence priorities also place emphasis on operational readiness, technological capabilities and the institutional capacity required to maintain and sustain modern military systems. The announcement has consequently drawn international attention to Ethiopia's changing defence posture and its implications for the wider Horn of Africa and Red Sea security environment. Russia-Africa Summit: Advancing Ethiopia's Strategic Partnerships Ethiopia's defence announcement coincided with Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed's participation in the Third Russia-Africa Summit in Moscow, where he engaged in bilateral and multilateral discussions aimed at expanding cooperation across strategic sectors. Among the key engagements was his meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin, during which the two leaders discussed ways to deepen the longstanding relationship between their countries.   PM Abiy pointed out that the discussions explored opportunities for expanding cooperation in nuclear energy, healthcare, trade and other areas of mutual interest. The meeting reflected the two countries' continued interest in broadening their partnership beyond traditional diplomatic relations into sectors central to Ethiopia's long-term economic and technological ambitions. In a gesture underscoring the importance of intellectual exchange and mutual understanding, the Ethiopian Prime Minister also presented Putin with the Russian edition of his book, Medemer. PM Abiy described the presentation as reflecting the shared commitment of the two countries to dialogue, mutual understanding and the continued advancement of bilateral relations. Addressing the summit, the Prime Minister emphasized the importance of translating longstanding diplomatic relationships and strategic commitments into tangible development outcomes.   He identified food security and agricultural productivity, reliable energy supply, and skills and knowledge transfer as three essential pillars underpinning Ethiopia's development ambitions. He further noted that Ethiopia and Russia have maintained diplomatic relations for more than a century, founded on mutual respect and shared interests. As part of efforts to expand this historic partnership, the two countries are pursuing cooperation on the development of a nuclear power plant in Ethiopia, an initiative expected to contribute to the country's long-term energy ambitions. Prime Minister Abiy said the strategic partnership with Russia could help diversify Ethiopia's energy options, accelerate its development aspirations and strengthen cooperation in areas critical to national prosperity. Water and Energy: Strengthening the Foundation for Sustainable Development   While defence and diplomacy attracted considerable international attention, Ethiopia's water and energy agenda remained another important focus during the week. The Third Ethiopian Water and Energy Week brought together policymakers, technical experts and other stakeholders to examine the country's progress and challenges in managing its water resources and expanding access to essential services. The third day of the event was dedicated to Water Day under the theme "Evidence to Action: Science-Based Solutions for Integrated WASH and Water Resource Management." Discussions focused on strengthening the identification, documentation and sustainable management of Ethiopia's surface and groundwater resources as population growth, industrialization and agricultural expansion continue to increase national demand. The gathering also provided an opportunity to assess progress over the past decade in drinking water supply and sanitation, recognize achievements and identify remaining gaps. For Ethiopia, effective water-resource management is closely linked to food security, energy generation, industrial development and public health. With agriculture remaining central to the national economy, improved water management and expanded irrigation infrastructure are increasingly important to strengthening agricultural productivity and reducing vulnerability to climate-related shocks. The discussions therefore highlighted the importance of translating scientific evidence, research and policy commitments into practical solutions that can support the country's long-term development. Addis Ababa Introduces Its First Natural Gas-Powered City Buses   Another notable development during the week was the introduction of the first 26 natural gas-powered city buses into Addis Ababa's public transportation system. Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed announced that the buses, converted from conventional fuel to natural gas, had officially entered service, marking a new phase in the capital's efforts to modernize public transport and diversify its energy sources. The initiative is expected to reduce the country's fuel import bill, lower public transport operating expenses and make transportation more affordable for passengers. the Prime Minister revealed that the transition is projected to cut passenger fares by half while reducing foreign currency expenditure on conventional fuels. He explained that the initiative followed months of work to transport domestically produced natural gas to Addis Ababa, establish refuelling facilities and retrofit existing buses. Beyond its immediate transport benefits, the project demonstrates efforts to expand the domestic application of locally available energy resources and strengthen technological and industrial capabilities. The Premier also disclosed that an additional 400 natural gas-powered buses were expected to arrive soon, as the government seeks to accelerate the transition towards more affordable and diversified public transportation. The initiative forms part of broader efforts to improve urban mobility, reduce dependence on imported petroleum products and deliver tangible economic benefits to citizens. Abay and Red Sea: Ethiopia's Strategic Interests Gain International Attention   Alongside developments in defence, diplomacy and economic transformation, Ethiopia's interests in the Abay River and sustainable access to the Red Sea continued to attract attention from political leaders, analysts and international commentators. The country's geographical position, population size, economic ambitions and growing regional responsibilities have increasingly brought these issues into discussions about the future of the Horn of Africa. Former Prime Minister Hailemariam Desalegn described Ethiopia's pursuit of sustainable sea access as a legitimate national aspiration that should be addressed through dialogue, negotiations and mutually beneficial arrangements. He argued that the central question should not be whether Ethiopia needs access to the sea, but how such access can be secured peacefully while respecting the interests of all parties. With a population of approximately 130 million, a growing economy and a vast geographical area, Ethiopia is the world's most populous landlocked country. Hailemariam described the loss of direct maritime access as a historical development that continues to influence the country's economic and strategic interests.   He also traced the region's present geographical arrangements to the European scramble for Africa in the 1880s, arguing that the issue deserves serious consideration rather than being passed on to future generations. His remarks added to the growing discussion about Ethiopia's maritime interests and the importance of pursuing regional solutions through constructive engagement. Meanwhile, former African Union Commission Chairperson Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma highlighted Ethiopia's broader continental significance, particularly its homegrown development approach and investments in energy. Speaking to ENA in Moscow ahead of the Russia-Africa Summit, Dlamini-Zuma described Ethiopia as an important model of African development and self-determination. Having led the African Union Commission from its headquarters in Addis Ababa between 2012 and 2017, she emphasized the country's unique responsibility as the diplomatic capital of Africa. She said Ethiopia should continue contributing to the vision of an integrated, peaceful and prosperous continent, driven by African leadership and the aspirations of its people.   Her remarks highlighted the importance of Ethiopia's development experience and its role in advancing continental cooperation. A Week Reflecting Ethiopia's Expanding Strategic Priorities Taken together, the developments of the final week of October reflected several interconnected dimensions of Ethiopia's national priorities. The defence acquisitions highlighted efforts to strengthen military readiness and strategic deterrence. The Russia-Africa Summit provided an opportunity to expand international partnerships in energy, trade, healthcare and technology. The Water and Energy Week reinforced the importance of sustainable resource management, while the introduction of natural gas-powered buses demonstrated the practical application of domestic energy resources. At the same time, discussions surrounding the Abay River and Red Sea access underscored the enduring importance of geography, economic interests and regional cooperation in shaping Ethiopia's strategic outlook. These developments point to a broader national agenda in which security, economic transformation, technological advancement and diplomatic engagement increasingly intersect. As Ethiopia continues to pursue its development ambitions and navigate a changing regional and international environment, the challenge will be to translate these strategic priorities into sustainable economic gains, stronger national institutions and peaceful, mutually beneficial regional partnerships.