Addis Ababa, September 8, 2026 (ENA)—The implementation of the Nile Basin Cooperative Framework Agreement (CFA), which has officially entered into force with the signing of 7 countries, cannot be derailed by the refusal of Egypt to sign it, former Minister of Water and Energy Alemayehu Tegenu said. The Nile Basin Cooperative Framework Agreement (CFA) is a regional treaty signed by upstream Nile Basin countries to ensure fair, equitable, and cooperative use of the river’s waters. It seeks to replace outdated colonial agreements with a modern framework based on shared benefit and reasonable utilization. In an exclusive interview with ENA, former Water Minister Alemayehu made it clear that the legal and political basis for the CFA is already established. “The CFA by this time was already signed by some countries, which is sufficient to deposit to the African Union,” he said, adding that “without Egypt and Sudan, the CFA can be practical now. There is no obstacle to its implementation.” Egypt has long opposed equitable Nile cooperation and continue to cling to outdated monopoly claims. “They were against the CFA in the whole process,” he said. “Still they are against. They don’t want to sign the CFA.” According to him, their position has remained fixed and unchanging. “They didn’t change their mind. They don’t want to come to healthy cooperation.”   Alemayehu said Cairo continues to rely on the 1959 bilateral arrangement, a colonial-era mindset that illegally excluded Ethiopia from its own resource. “In the 1959 agreement, they shared the Nile water between themselves,” he noted. “This agreement allocated 0 percent for Ethiopia.” But the era of unilateral control over the Nile is now over. “What the Nile-based countries do now is to implement in full scale the CFA agreement by moving ahead to establish a fair, rule-based order built on equity, reason, and sovereign cooperation. Speaking about the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD), the former minister said Ethiopia has already proved its capacity to carry out major national projects without waiting for approval from outside powers. “GERD is operational now. It doesn’t reduce their water,” he said. “They receive sufficient water currently while the dam is functioning.” Ethiopia must therefore never allow foreign obstruction to dictate its future. “Our job is to focus on our development and try to develop other resources in the basin. We have to focus on our agenda.” He dismissed Egypt’s hostility as a deliberate attempt to stand in the way of Ethiopia’s rise. “Egypt’s behavior always stands against Ethiopian development. They are always an obstacle to our development.” He noted that Ethiopia designed the GERD in a way that does not impact or harm the downstream countries, proving that Ethiopian development and regional stability are not in conflict. The former minister also criticized Egypt’s preference for confrontation over cooperation.   Egyptians prefer animosity rather than cooperation, he said, calling the approach unwise decision. He emphasized that Ethiopia stands for fairness, dialogue, and mutual benefit. “Ethiopia believes in equitable, reasonable utilization and cooperation. We always invite Egypt to come to this principle and discuss and resolve any issues.” “The best thing (in this case) is to focus on the utilization of our water resources by constructing different irrigation schemes.” The former minister further stated that Ethiopia’s Green Legacy Initiative and watershed conservation efforts strengthen basin-wide water security, even though Egypt refuses to acknowledge the benefits. “Egypt does not pay any coin for this kind of work. Rather, Egypt stands against our development for the Green Legacy Initiative, water and soil conservation.”   He pointed out that the Egyptians are not willing to go for compensation. “Rather, they are always against our efforts to get finance from different financial institutions.” According to the former water minister, Ethiopians have to continue breaking the wrong narrations created by the Egyptians. The source of Nile is from Ethiopia and it contributes 86 percent of the water.

Addis Ababa, September 8, 2026 (ENA)—President Taye Atske Selassie called on Qatari investors to participate in various investment sectors in Ethiopia and urged the strengthening of trade and investment relations between the two countries. President Taye held discussions today with Ali Bin Abdullatif Al Misnad, a member of the Board of the Qatar Chamber, on the sidelines of the Annual Investment Meeting (AIM Congress) currently taking place in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. During their discussion, particular attention was given to ways in which Qatari investors could increase their participation in Ethiopia, especially in agriculture, healthcare, infrastructure development, consulting services, and other investment opportunities.   President Taye explained the measures being undertaken by the Ethiopian government to attract foreign investors and create a conducive investment environment. He also called on Qatari investors to participate in Ethiopia’s investment sector and play their part in strengthening trade and investment ties between the two nations. Ali Bin Abdullatif Al Misnad, a member of the Board of the Qatar Chamber, stated that Qatari investors are interested in engaging in Ethiopia's health, agriculture, infrastructure, digital, consulting services, and others.   He stated that the chamber would work to encourage Qatari investors to take advantage of the favorable investment opportunities available in Ethiopia and to further strengthen trade and investment relations between the two countries.

Addis Ababa, September 3, 2026 (ENA)—Ethiopia plans to expand its clean energy generation capacity and increase electricity export to countries across the East African Power Pool and beyond, President Taye Atske-Selassie said. Addressing the Annual Investment Meeting (AIM) in Dubai, President Taye identified clean energy as the first of five strategic investment priorities for Africa He described the endeavor as a critical driver of industrial transformation and sustainable economic growth. He urged African countries to accelerate investment in solar, wind, geothermal and hydropower while diversifying their energy mix to meet the growing demands of industrialization. The president cited clean-energy developments in countries including Uganda, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Tanzania, Ghana and Kenya, stressing that expanded and reliable energy supplies are essential to Africa’s industrial and economic transformation. For Ethiopia, he said, renewable energy represents far more than a source of electricity. “Clean energy is not simply a national asset but a foundation for rapid economic growth,” President Taye said.   President Taye said Ethiopia has an estimated 60,000 megawatts of renewable energy potential and is targeting 15,000 megawatts of generation capacity by 2030, with plans to expand electricity supplies across the East African Power Pool and beyond. The country also plans to expand electricity supplies to neighboring countries through the East African Power Pool and beyond, strengthening its role in regional energy integration. President Taye noted that Ethiopia’s relatively affordable and reliable electricity supply is increasingly attracting investment in advanced digital infrastructure. Nearly 1,000 megawatts has been allocated to data-center and mining enterprises, he said, underscoring the growing link between renewable energy, digital infrastructure and technology investment. Beyond energy, the president outlined agriculture, critical minerals, infrastructure and strategic corridors, and human capital as four additional priorities for Africa’s investment and economic transformation.   He highlighted Ethiopia’s transformation from a net wheat importer into Africa’s largest wheat producer, attributing the progress to expanded irrigation, improved agricultural technologies and the adoption of heat-resistant seed varieties. He also pointed to Ethiopia’s growing production of coffee, avocado, sesame and livestock, emphasizing opportunities in agro-processing, value addition and exports. On critical minerals, President Taye called for greater African ownership and value creation from the continent’s abundant resources, including gold, lithium, cobalt and iron ore. He cited Ethiopia’s position as the world’s sixth-largest tantalum producer and stressed that mineral development should be sustainable, inclusive and structured to ensure greater benefits for resource-producing countries. Infrastructure and strategic corridors, he said, are equally critical to Africa’s economic integration, particularly as the continent seeks to strengthen physical and digital connectivity.   President Taye highlighted Ethiopian Airlines as a major connectivity platform and pointed to Ethiopia’s 12.5 billion USD Bishoftu International Airport, currently under construction, which is expected to handle up to 110 million passengers and about four million tonnes of cargo annually. Such investments, he said, can strengthen Africa’s trade, logistics, tourism and investment links with global markets. Human capital was identified as the fifth priority, with President Taye urging African countries to turn their young populations into engines of innovation, entrepreneurship and economic growth through greater investment in skills and technology. He highlighted Ethiopia’s “5 Million Coders” initiative and thanked the United Arab Emirates for its support for the program.

By Staff Writer Sept. 4, 2026 (ENA) Ethiopia closed the 2018 Ethiopian calendar year with a week marked by accelerating economic transformation, expanding digital ambitions and a more assertive focus on strategic national interests. From agriculture and exports to digitalization, housing finance, water resources and maritime access, developments during the final days of the year pointed to an emerging national agenda centered on productive capacity, economic resilience, strategic autonomy and deeper integration into regional and global markets. The five-day Pagume programme provided a platform for the government to take stock of progress in economic reform, agriculture, infrastructure, renewable energy, technology and national resilience while outlining priorities for the year ahead. The figures presented during the week offered concrete indicators of the scale of this transformation. More than 33.5 million hectares were cultivated during the 2025/26 fiscal year, producing more than 1.85 billion quintals of agricultural output, according to the Ministry of Agriculture. Livestock exports generated 128.3 million USD, up from about $95 million previously, an increase of more than 35 percent. Ethiopia also earned more than 11.2 billion USD in export revenues during the 2018 Ethiopian fiscal year and has set a target of 13.4 billion USD for 2026/27, reflecting an intensified drive to expand exports, generate foreign exchange and move toward higher-value production. Taken together, these developments signal an economy seeking not only faster growth but also a stronger productive base capable of reducing import dependence, easing foreign-exchange pressures and strengthening resilience to external shocks. Economic Transformation: From Reform to Productive Capacity Economic transformation emerged as the defining theme of the week. As Ethiopia prepared to enter a new calendar year, the Government Communication Service used Pagume to highlight what it described as progress in macroeconomic stability, revenue mobilization, exports, agricultural and industrial production, renewable energy and major infrastructure development. Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed placed these achievements within a broader national sovereignty and self-reliance agenda, pointing to rising wheat production, expanding domestic manufacturing and initiatives such as Yelemat Trufat (Bounty of the Basket) and Made in Ethiopia. The direction reflects Ethiopia’s ongoing Homegrown Economic Reform Agenda, which seeks to address macroeconomic imbalances, strengthen the foreign-exchange market, improve debt sustainability and create greater space for private-sector investment. The emerging model is therefore about more than growth. It is increasingly about producing more, processing more, exporting more and competing more effectively in global markets. Agriculture: A Pillar of Economic Sovereignty Agriculture remains central to Ethiopia’s transformation because it links food security, employment, rural incomes, exports and industrial development. The reported cultivation of more than 33.5 million hectares and agricultural output exceeding 1.85 billion quintals underscore the scale of the sector. The government is seeking to raise productivity through irrigation, mechanization, improved seeds, fertilizer production, livestock development and agro-processing, with the longer-term goal of moving from predominantly subsistence-oriented agriculture toward a more productive and commercially integrated sector. Wheat production has acquired particular strategic importance. Expanding domestic wheat output can reduce import requirements while conserving scarce foreign exchange, making agricultural productivity increasingly relevant to the country’s broader economic sovereignty agenda. Livestock exports offer another avenue for value creation. Ethiopia’s 128.3 million USD in livestock export earnings during the 2018 Ethiopian fiscal year highlights the potential to expand foreign-exchange earnings through greater processing capacity and higher-value meat and livestock products. However, sustaining these gains will require continued investment in irrigation, rural infrastructure, market access, productivity, food-system resilience and household purchasing power. Digital Transformation Opens a New Economic Frontier Digitalization is rapidly becoming another pillar of Ethiopia’s economic transformation. Ethio Telecom’s 2026/27 business plan targets 295 billion birr in revenue, a 36.7 percent increase from the previous year. It also aims to expand its customer base to 96.2 million and mobile data and internet users to more than 60 million. The ambition goes beyond telecommunications. Under its three-year “Next Horizon: Digital & Beyond” strategy, Ethio Telecom is seeking to expand into digital financial services, cloud computing, enterprise solutions, digital platforms and artificial intelligence. The shift reflects a broader national effort to use digital infrastructure to expand financial inclusion, support entrepreneurship, modernize public services and connect a growing population to the digital economy. Housing Finance Signals Deeper Financial-Sector Reform Another significant development was the agreement between the National Bank of Ethiopia and the International Finance Corporation to establish a dedicated Mortgage Refinance Company. The institution will have 100 billion Birr in capital, with the IFC committing at least 200 million USD. The initiative is intended to ease liquidity constraints in the banking system and expand mortgage financing. Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, who witnessed the signing of the Framework for Cooperation, said the partnership would support the government’s ambition to provide 1.5 million affordable and dignified homes while increasing private-sector participation. Beyond housing, expanded mortgage finance could stimulate construction, employment, financial intermediation and household asset formation, while contributing to the development of Ethiopia’s financial sector. Strategic Water Resources and Abay/Nile Perhaps the week’s most consequential strategic debate centered on Ethiopia’s water resources and the equitable utilization of the Abay/Nile. Fekahmed Negash, Chairperson of the Advisory Team on Transboundary Water and GERD at the Ministry of Water and Energy, highlighted the substantial evaporation losses experienced by downstream reservoirs. In an interview with ENA, Fekahmed said downstream reservoirs could lose up to 20 billion cubic meters of water annually through evaporation, with the Aswan High Dam alone accounting for an estimated 15–16 billion cubic meters in annual losses. He argued that Ethiopia’s highland geography provides favorable conditions for water storage, particularly in deep and relatively cool gorges where evaporation can be minimized. According to Fekahmed, highland storage can also provide wider benefits, including sediment retention, longer downstream dam lifespans, flood regulation and opportunities for cascade hydropower generation. He called for a unified basin-wide framework through which Nile countries could maximize the river’s shared benefits. The discussion comes as Ethiopia continues to emphasize the principle of equitable and reasonable utilization of transboundary water resources, while presenting water development as essential to agriculture, energy generation and economic growth. Historical Equity Enters Abay Debate The strategic water debate also took on a historical and economic dimension. Former State Minister for Irrigation Development Birhanu Lenjiso argued that Ethiopia has legitimate grounds to seek redress for historical economic losses, foregone development opportunities and longstanding inequities in Abay/Nile utilization. His argument adds a development perspective to Ethiopia’s longstanding position that the Nile should be utilized equitably and in a manner that supports the development aspirations of all basin countries. The debate increasingly extends beyond water itself to questions of energy security, food production, economic development and regional cooperation. Red Sea Access: Economic Imperative Meets Strategic Interest Ethiopia’s pursuit of reliable access to the Red Sea also remained prominent during the week. Education Minister Professor Berhanu Nega described access to the sea as a logical, historical and economic imperative, linking the issue to Ethiopia’s demographic realities, economic interests and national security. For a large landlocked economy, maritime connectivity has direct implications for the cost and competitiveness of imports and exports, foreign-exchange flows, supply-chain resilience and access to international markets. Ethiopia’s maritime ambitions are therefore increasingly intertwined with its broader economic strategy. Water resources, energy, trade corridors and maritime connectivity are emerging as interconnected components of the country’s long-term economic and strategic outlook. Regional Connectivity and Digital Logistics Advance The same emphasis on economic integration was evident in Ethiopia’s engagement with the Horn of Africa Initiative Trade Ministers Meeting, which highlighted the importance of trade corridors, connectivity and trade-facilitating infrastructure. Meanwhile, Ethiopian Shipping and Logistics launched a digital customer self-service platform aimed at modernizing port and cargo operations. The platform provides services including cargo tracking, booking, demurrage management, digital payments and complaints handling, helping reduce reliance on paper-based procedures and streamline import-export operations. The move illustrates how Ethiopia’s economic transformation is increasingly extending beyond production to the digital modernization of trade and logistics. Pagume and the Narrative of National Revival The government’s decision to organize Pagume under the theme “Ethiopia’s Revival” was significant both economically and politically. Rather than treating the final five days of the Ethiopian calendar simply as a period of celebration, the programme served as a national stocktaking exercise and a platform for presenting a forward-looking development narrative. The five days focused respectively on breakthrough, revival, resilience, diversity, and the future and digital transformation. The framework sought to connect individual achievements and projects to a broader national story centered on renewal, resilience and economic self-reliance. Looking Ahead: From Growth to Strategic Autonomy The final week of the 2018 Ethiopian calendar year offered a snapshot of a country seeking to redefine the foundations of its economic future. Agricultural expansion is being linked to food security and industrialization. Domestic manufacturing is being promoted to reduce import dependence. Digitalization is opening new economic frontiers. Housing finance is being connected to financial-sector development. Export expansion is becoming increasingly important for foreign-exchange generation. And water resources and maritime connectivity are being framed as strategic pillars of long-term economic security. The challenge now is implementation. Production gains and ambitious targets will have their greatest impact if they translate into higher household incomes, more jobs, stronger private investment, improved food security and greater international competitiveness. Ethiopia’s economic transformation is consequently becoming broader than a conventional growth agenda. It is increasingly a project to build the productive capacity, infrastructure, technology, financial systems and regional connectivity needed to sustain growth and strengthen strategic autonomy. As Ethiopia enters a new year, the emerging direction is clear: produce more, add more value, export more, digitize faster and deepen regional economic integration. If sustained and effectively implemented, this trajectory could reshape not only Ethiopia’s domestic economy but also its strategic position in the Horn of Africa and its role in the wider African and global economy.

Addis Ababa, September 6, 2026 (ENA)—Ethiopian President Taye Atske-Selassie arrived in Dubai on Sunday at the head of a high-level government delegation to participate in the 15th Annual Investment Meeting (AIM) Congress, which opens Monday at the Dubai World Trade Centre. The Ethiopian delegation was welcomed by senior UAE government officials upon arrival, ENA reported from the scene. A three-day AIM Congress, running from September 7 to 9, is being held under the theme “Reshaping Global Prosperity: Unlocking New Investment Pathways Towards a Sustainable and Inclusive Future.” Established in 2011 by the AIM Global Foundation, the annual forum brings together government leaders, policymakers, investors, business executives, entrepreneurs, and representatives of academic and research institutions to explore investment opportunities and strengthen international economic cooperation.   This year’s gathering is expected to place particular emphasis on the digital economy, sustainable development, innovation, and strategic investment partnerships. The meeting is also anticipated to provide participating countries with a platform to showcase investment opportunities and forge new business connections. For Ethiopia, President Taye’s participation comes as the country accelerates reforms to expand private-sector investment, attract foreign capital, and deepen integration into global markets. The government has been advancing its Homegrown Economic Reform Agenda to create a more competitive investment environment, promote sustainable growth, and deepen economic partnerships with countries and institutions around the world, it was learned.   Against this backdrop, Ethiopia is positioning itself as an increasingly attractive destination for trade and investment in Africa, leveraging its economic reforms, expanding market opportunities, strategic location, and efforts to create a more investor-friendly business environment. The Dubai forum is therefore expected to offer Ethiopia an important platform to present its investment potential, engage global investors, and pursue partnerships that can support the country’s broader economic transformation.

Addis Ababa, September 6, 2026 (ENA)—Ethiopia’s livestock export earnings reached 128.3 million USD in the 2018 Ethiopian fiscal year, up from approximately 95 million USD in previous years, marking an increase of more than 35 percent in just one year, according to the Livestock Development Institute. Speaking at a linkage negotiation and contract-signing forum, Livestock Development Institute Director General Asrat Tera highlighted the growth but said the country could raise earnings to at least 1 billion USD. He noted that Ethiopia’s 12 export abattoirs are currently operating at only 10 percent of their combined production capacity of 200,000 metric tons. To capitalize on this potential, the government aims to raise abattoir capacity utilization to 50 percent in the 2019 Ethiopian fiscal year. The target includes exporting about 46,000 metric tons of meat and meat products to generate more than 250 million USD in revenue. Achieving these targets will require overcoming livestock supply constraints, which Asrat identified as the sector’s main bottleneck. He stressed that systematic supply-chain management and reliable partnerships among pastoralists, live-animal traders, and export abattoirs are critical to ensuring a consistent supply and driving value addition.   Livestock Development Institute Deputy Director General Sahilu Mulu added that the government is working to strengthen the broader value chain by expanding processing capacity for both domestic and international markets. Over the past two weeks, three field support teams were deployed to the Somali Region, South Ethiopia Regional State, southern Oromia, and the Afar Region to engage local stakeholders on production, aggregation, and marketing. To put these strategies into practice, Ethiopian Meat Producers and Exporters Association President Kelifa Hussein announced a new pilot arrangement. The initiative will allow livestock suppliers in the Somali Region and Borana to supply animals directly to export facilities. Kelifa noted that bypassing unnecessary intermediaries will significantly reduce transaction costs, boost competitiveness, and deliver direct economic benefits to local traders and pastoralists. The association plans to evaluate the pilot and provide additional support, including logistics and financing, to sustain the direct-supply model.   The forum brought together export abattoir operators and leaders from the Somali Region and Borena Zone Livestock Traders Associations to sign agreements and formalize market ties.

Addis Ababa, September 6, 2026 (ENA)—Deputy Prime Minister Temesgen Tiruneh affirmed that Ethiopia has been registering significant results and steadily moving toward greater prosperity through comprehensive economic transformation, increased productivity and expanded domestic production. He made the remarks as Ethiopia marked the first day of Pagume, the country’s 13th month, as Day of Break Through. The event was attended by senior government officials, representatives of partner organizations and private sector stakeholders. DPM Temesgen said the macroeconomic reforms and financial sector modernization measures undertaken in recent years have strengthened the foundations of the Ethiopian economy and created a more conducive environment for sustainable growth. Ethiopia has also made significant progress toward food sovereignty, particularly through increased agricultural production and the adoption of modern farming practices, he stated.   The Deputy Prime Minister also noted that the use of improved seeds, cluster farming and modern agricultural technologies has increased the production of meat, rice, maize, milk and other agricultural products, strengthening the country’s capacity to meet domestic food needs through local production. “Ethiopia is firmly moving from a dependency on imports toward becoming a producer capable of meeting domestic demand and competing in international markets,” he underscored. The country's economic transformation agenda has increasingly focused on shifting the economy from import dependence toward stronger domestic production, productivity and export competitiveness. The government has been implementing macroeconomic reforms alongside measures aimed at improving agricultural output, expanding manufacturing, modernizing the financial sector and increasing the efficiency of public institutions. The Deputy Prime Minister also mentioned the progress in manufacturing and agro-industry, citing “Made in Ethiopia” (Ethiopia Tamrt) movement and industrial parks as key drivers of substitution of imported goods with locally produced products.   Progress in the mining sector has likewise created new opportunities for economic growth and exports by promoting the processing of natural resources into higher value products, he added. According to the Deputy Prime Minister, efforts to improve transparency and efficiency in revenue collection and customs administration through electronic filing, electronic payment systems and the digitalization of procedures have also contributed to improving tax compliance. Production should be the idea, strategy and goal, he said, stressing that projects and activities that fail to create value or produce tangible results represent a waste of resources. The deputy prime minister further emphasized the importance of digitalizing government services to improve efficiency, enhance service delivery, reduce reliance on manual procedures and curb corruption. “Ethiopia is changing, developing and moving towards greater prosperity,” he added, expressing appreciation to Ethiopians, development partners and other stakeholders for their contributions to the country’s transformation.   DPM Temesgen also called for continued commitment to productivity, domestic production and the efficient utilization of resources to sustain Ethiopia’s development and advance its prosperity journey. Ethiopia has been pursuing a broad economic reform program aimed at addressing structural challenges, improving macroeconomic stability and strengthening the country’s productive capacity. The reform agenda has included measures in the foreign exchange market, monetary and financial sectors, taxation and public finance, with the broader objective of creating a more competitive economy and attracting greater investment. Agriculture remains a major pillar of Ethiopia’s economy and a central component of the country’s efforts to achieve food sovereignty and expand exports.

Addis Ababa, September 6, 2026 (ENA)—Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed said Ethiopia’s economic transformation represents a historic breakthrough toward genuine national sovereignty and self-reliance. In a message posted on his X page to mark the Day of Breakthrough, Pagume 1, the Prime Minister stated that the country is overcoming dependency through increased domestic production and bold economic reforms. He further explained Ethiopia’s ancestors had preserved the country’s borders through immense sacrifice, leaving behind a nation whose sovereignty must now be strengthened through economic independence. He highlighted Ethiopia’s transformation in wheat production, noting that the country has moved from relying heavily on imports to becoming one of Africa’s leading wheat producers, saving millions of dollars in foreign exchange. PM Abiy also pointed to the Yelemat Trufat (Bounty of the Basket) and Made in Ethiopia initiatives as key pillars of the government’s drive to strengthen food security, expand domestic industries and create employment opportunities. He said the government has also undertaken decisive macroeconomic reforms in areas once considered untouchable, laying what he described as a stronger foundation for the national economy. According to the Prime Minister, these achievements demonstrate Ethiopia’s growing capacity to withstand both internal and external challenges while pursuing a development path anchored in production and self-reliance. True sovereignty, his message suggests, is increasingly being defined not only by the ability to defend national borders, but also by the capacity to feed the nation, produce domestically, create jobs and build an independent economy. Prime Minister Abiy said the progress achieved so far offers “immense hope” for the coming year as Ethiopia continues its march toward a more resilient and self-reliant future.

Addis Ababa, September 5, 2026 (ENA)—Ethiopia’s quest for sovereign access to the sea is inseparable to the nation's long-term survival and holds the potential to foster mutual benefits across the Red Sea region, Education Minister Professor Berhanu Nega told ENA. A leading figure in Ethiopia’s opposition politics, Berhanu said Ethiopia’s quest for sea access is logical, historical, demographic, economic, and fundamentally linked to the country’s security and survival. Professor Berhanu said Ethiopia’s pursuit of access to the Red Sea is not a temporary issue that can simply be delayed or ignored, given the country’s rapidly growing population and expanding economic needs. “You cannot have 130 million people sitting here without access to the sea at a time when sea access is very important for security as well as trade,” he said.   Professor Berhanu further noted that Ethiopia’s demographic realities make the pursuit of sea access an inevitable national imperative. Attempts to prevent or indefinitely delay it, he argued, cannot remove the underlying economic, demographic, and strategic realities driving the country’s demand. He stressed that Ethiopia’s quest should be pursued on the basis of mutual benefit, allowing Ethiopia and neighboring countries to harness the Red Sea’s potential for greater trade, security, connectivity, and shared prosperity. “It is better if we do this peacefully, and not only peacefully but for mutual benefit, so that all of us can benefit from this,” Berhanu said. He emphasized that sea access is closely tied to Ethiopia’s long-term survival and development, noting that countries such as Ethiopia naturally require maritime access for trade and security. “This is something that is very much linked to their survival. They are not going to let it easily slide,” he said. Berhanu also argued that Ethiopia’s current landlocked status should be understood in its historical context.   He said Ethiopia previously had access to the sea but lost it under successive governments, describing the loss as the result of decisions and developments that failed to safeguard the country’s long-term national interests. For Berhanu, the issue is therefore not simply about access to a port or a stretch of coastline, but about Ethiopia’s long-term economic future, national security, demographic realities, and its place in the wider Red Sea region. Describing Ethiopia's loss of direct sea access as a grave historical mistake by previous governments, the minister maintained that the current status quo cannot persist forever. While reiterating Ethiopia’s commitment to peaceful negotiations, he warned that the issue will endure across generations until resolved. “If a mutually acceptable arrangement is not reached, future generations will not sit idle and allow their survival to be threatened,” he concluded.

Addis Ababa, September 5, 2026 (ENA)—Ethiopia has legitimate grounds to seek redress for historical economic losses, foregone development opportunities and longstanding inequities in Abay (Nile) River utilization, former State Minister for Irrigation Development, Birhanu Lenjiso said. Speaking to ENA, Birhanu, co-founder and former Deputy Director of the East African Policy Research Institute (EAPRI), said the issue must be assessed through a new and more equitable framework, as the previous Nile status quo is coming to an end. He outlined a framework that takes into account historical asymmetries, opportunity costs, benefit-sharing mechanisms, and the economic and environmental value of sustaining the Nile ecosystem. Explaining the stark disparity, Birhanu noted: “Egypt has been using 85 percent without contributing anything, while Ethiopia uses nothing despite contributing 85 percent of the Nile flow.”   As the source of the vast majority of the Nile River’s flow, primarily through the Abay (Blue Nile), Ethiopia devoted for equitable and reasonable utilization. In that regard, scholars and water experts argue that Ethiopia has legitimate grounds to seek redress for historical economic losses and foregone development opportunities resulting from restrictions on its use of the Nile. Birhanu, author of “water: Ethiopia’s Gateway to Prosperity,” says the stark gap between Ethiopia’s enormous contribution to the Nile and its historically limited use of its waters raises fundamental questions of equity. “Ethiopia has contributed enormously to the Nile system while bearing substantial opportunity costs and receiving disproportionately limited benefits,” Birhanu said. He added that: “That historical imbalance provides a legitimate basis for discussing redress and, where appropriate, compensation.” However, he stressed that the issue extends beyond financial claims for past losses.   “It should not be simplified merely to unfair water use in the past or calculating damages,” he said. “It is equally about the future, rainfall, forests, watershed management, biodiversity restoration, and the opportunity cost Ethiopia incurs by allowing a major share of its water resources to flow downstream without corresponding developmental benefits.” He called on downstream nations to acknowledge the ecological investments that maintain the river. Programs like Ethiopia’s Green Legacy Initiative protect basin-wide ecosystems, raising questions about how the financial burden of sustaining these environmental services should be shared, Biruhanu underscored. Similarly, Birhanu argued that infrastructure like the GERD should be evaluated by its overall strategic benefits, such as regional electricity generation, flow regulation, and lower evaporation rates, rather than strictly by reservoir size.   “The fundamental question should not be limited to how many cubic meters of water each country receives,” Birhanu said. “We should also ask what value is generated from the water and how that value can be shared equitably.” Rather than relying solely on direct financial reparations, Birhanu proposed a framework centered on cross-border investment and development cooperation. Downstream nations could invest in Ethiopia’s groundwater development or irrigation efficiency to meet local needs while easing pressure on surface flows, he noted. He highlighted hydropower as a key path toward integration, given that power generation uses water non-consumptively, allowing flows to continue downstream uninterrupted. To realize this, he called for joint scientific, environmental, and economic studies across all Nile Basin states. He stressed that giving value to the concept is more important than a narrow cubic-metre approach. “The future of Nile cooperation should be based not simply on dividing water volumes, but on equitably sharing the benefits generated by the entire river system,” Birhanu stated.

ADDIS ABABA, Sept. 4, 2026 (ENA) — Ethiopia’s livestock export earnings reached 128.3 million USD in the 2018 Ethiopian fiscal year, up from approximately 95 million USD in previous years, marking an increase of more than 35 percent in just one year, according to the Livestock Development Institute. Speaking at a linkage negotiation and contract-signing forum, Livestock Development Institute Director General Asrat Tera highlighted the growth but said the country could raise earnings to at least 1 billion USD. He noted that Ethiopia’s 12 export abattoirs are currently operating at only 10 percent of their combined production capacity of 200,000 metric tons. To capitalize on this potential, the government aims to raise abattoir capacity utilization to 50 percent in the 2019 Ethiopian fiscal year. The target includes exporting about 46,000 metric tons of meat and meat products to generate more than 250 million USD in revenue. Achieving these targets will require overcoming livestock supply constraints, which Asrat identified as the sector’s main bottleneck. He stressed that systematic supply-chain management and reliable partnerships among pastoralists, live-animal traders, and export abattoirs are critical to ensuring a consistent supply and driving value addition. Livestock Development Institute Deputy Director General Sahilu Mulu added that the government is working to strengthen the broader value chain by expanding processing capacity for both domestic and international markets. Over the past two weeks, three field support teams were deployed to the Somali Region, South Ethiopia Regional State, southern Oromia, and the Afar Region to engage local stakeholders on production, aggregation, and marketing. To put these strategies into practice, Ethiopian Meat Producers and Exporters Association President Kelifa Hussein announced a new pilot arrangement. The initiative will allow livestock suppliers in the Somali Region and Borana to supply animals directly to export facilities. Kelifa noted that bypassing unnecessary intermediaries will significantly reduce transaction costs, boost competitiveness, and deliver direct economic benefits to local traders and pastoralists. The association plans to evaluate the pilot and provide additional support, including logistics and financing, to sustain the direct-supply model. The forum brought together export abattoir operators and leaders from the Somali Region and Borena Zone Livestock Traders Associations to sign agreements and formalize market ties.

ADDIS ABABA, Sept. 4, 2026 (ENA) — Ethiopian Shipping and Logistics (ESL) today launched a digital customer self-service platform designed to modernize port and cargo operations, streamline import and export processes, and reduce reliance on paper-based procedures. The web and mobile platform application provides customers with digital access to a range of services, including customer registration, cargo tracking, booking, demurrage management, digital payments, and complaints handling. It also incorporates AI-supported chatbots to provide users with faster assistance. High level participants at the launch included senior officials from the Ethiopian Maritime Authority, ESL, Ethio Djibouti Railway Share Company and the National Bank of Ethiopia, along with representatives of private banks, import and export businesses and other key industry stakeholders. Speaking at the launch ceremony, Deputy Director General of the Ethiopian Maritime Authority Fraol Tafa said digital technologies are increasingly transforming nearly every aspect of daily life and have become essential to modern logistics operations. “The digital world influences nearly every aspect of our daily lives,” Fraol said. He said terminal management systems will also be introduced soon, further transforming Ethiopia’s logistics sector by making operations smarter and more efficient. “Every investment made by Ethiopia in the logistics sector ultimately impacts the final consumer positively,” he said. Fraol urged public and private sector stakeholders to adopt modern digital systems to reduce costs, improve cargo tracking and strengthen service delivery. ESL CEO Abdulber Shemsu Ahmed said the new platform is part of the company’s broader modernization efforts to respond to the demands of Ethiopia’s rapidly growing economy. “By prioritizing modernization, the company aims not only to enhance efficiency but also to position itself as a formidable contender in the logistics sector,” Abdulber said. He said the digital application would improve service delivery by allowing customers to access services more efficiently and reducing delays associated with previous procedures. “The digital application launched today will further modernize service delivery, allowing customers to receive efficient service without the delays previously encountered,” he said. According to ESL, the platform integrates previously fragmented processes and eliminates manual paperwork that contributed to delays and errors, thereby reducing transaction times and improving operational efficiency. Takele Uma, CEO of Ethio Djibouti Railway Share Company, welcomed the initiative and highlighted the government’s support for ongoing reforms in the logistics sector. “The technology launched today carries great significance and will allow customers to receive improved, effective service,” Takele said. He said the government is working to transform ESL into a leading logistics institution in East Africa. The platform is also aligned with the Digital Ethiopia 2030 agenda, which seeks to accelerate end to end digital transformation across the country’s trade corridors. ESL said it will continue investing in digital technologies to improve efficiency, accuracy and competitiveness across its operations, enabling businesses and consumers to access faster and more reliable logistics services while reducing operational costs.

Addis Ababa, Sep 3, 2026 (ENA) —Ethio telecom has successfully completed the first year of its three-year "Next Horizon: Digital & Beyond Strategy", which targets to expand its customer base to 100 million, CEO Frehiwot Tamiru said today. The Next Horizon: Digital & Beyond is a three-year strategy covering 2024/26 to 2027/28. It seeks to transform Ethio telecom from a traditional telecommunications provider into a technology-driven company by expanding digital financial services, cloud solutions, digital platforms, enterprise technologies and other services beyond basic connectivity. Speaking at a press conference, Frehiwot said the first year of the strategy delivered strong growth and accelerated transformation, laying a solid foundation for the company’s next phase of development. The CEO added that the company’s second-year plan goes beyond financial and operational performance by focusing on empowering people, transforming lives and creating wider economic opportunities through digital technologies. By the year 2027/28 the company targets to provide more than 2.6 million employment, while strengthening access to digital services for citizens, businesses and communities. Frehiwot emphasized that reliable and affordable connectivity remain the foundation for Ethiopia’s broader digital transformation. According to her, Ethio telecom aims to increase its customer base to 96.2 million by the end of 2026/27. The company plans to expand 4G population coverage to 95 percent, up from 82.23 percent, while increasing 4G services to 1,500 towns. Its 5G network is expected to reach 73 towns, adding 40 towns during the year. Ethio telecom will further expand rural connectivity and fiber infrastructure, strengthen digital infrastructure capacity and deploy AI-driven technologies to improve service quality, operational efficiency and productivity. The company also plans to introduce and upgrade a wide range of products and services for consumers, businesses and institutions, with emphasis on digital financial services, enterprise connectivity, international services, and cloud and digital solutions. During the first year of Next Horizon, Ethio telecom’s customer base reached about 90 million, while telebirr users approached 61 million, according to the company. Building on the first year’s progress, the second year will focus on enhancing customer experience, expanding connectivity, accelerating digital services and strengthening the company’s transition toward a broader technology ecosystem. By the end of the three-year strategy, Ethio telecom aims to significantly expand connectivity, digital financial services and digital solutions across Ethiopia. The strategy is aligned with Ethiopia’s Digital Ethiopia 2030 agenda and broader continental digital transformation objectives, supporting efforts to build a more connected, digitally empowered and competitive economy.

Addis Ababa, Sep 3, 2026 (ENA) —Ethiopia remains firmly committed to advancing regional integration and ensuring the success of the Horn of Africa Initiative, State Minister of Trade and Regional Integration Tazer Gebregziabher said. Addressing the Horn of Africa Initiative Trade Ministers Meeting in Addis Ababa, Tazer said Ethiopia considers regional integration a central pillar of its development strategy and has been working with neighboring countries and partners to mobilize resources for regional trade corridors and trade-facilitating infrastructure. “We have placed regional integration at the center of our development strategy and have worked closely with our neighbors and partners to mobilize substantial resources for regional corridors and trade-facilitating infrastructure,” he said. Ethiopia is determined to play a constructive role in advancing dialogue, aligning policies and sharing experiences to ensure the initiative delivers tangible benefits for all participating countries, the state minister said. He noted that Ethiopia’s Homegrown Economic Reform Agenda is closely aligned with its regional integration efforts, aimed at building a more open, predictable and competitive economy capable of integrating more effectively with regional and global markets. “Our reforms aim to create a more open, predictable, and competitive economy that can better integrate with regional and global markets,” Tazer said. He added that Ethiopia has taken important steps to improve the business climate, modernize customs and trade systems, and strengthen key institutions. The country is also advancing preparations for accession to the World Trade Organization, which he said would further support transparency and rules-based trade. “We are also investing in strategic transport and logistics corridors that serve not only Ethiopia, but the wider region,” he said. The state minister said Ethiopia’s progress demonstrates its determination to pursue domestic reforms that complement its regional commitments and contribute to broader economic integration across the Horn. For his part, Somalia’s Minister of Commerce and Industry and Chair of the Horn of Africa Initiative meeting, Gamal Mohamed Hassan, said the region occupies one of Africa’s most strategically important commercial positions. The Horn connects Africa’s interior with the Red Sea, Gulf of Aden and Indian Ocean, while sitting along major maritime routes linking Europe and Asia, he noted. “Our regional economy does not reflect that geography. That’s the gap this initiative must help us close,” Gamal said. He highlighted Somalia’s efforts to modernize customs systems, simplify trade procedures and create a more supportive environment for small-scale cross-border traders, stressing that stronger regional integration is essential to unlocking the Horn’s economic potential. “A corridor is not one country’s asset; it depends on every jurisdiction through which goods must move. No single government can make a regional corridor efficient by acting alone,” he said. The Horn of Africa Initiative Trade Ministers Meeting is focused on accelerating implementation of the region’s trade agenda, building on analytical work and stakeholder consultations conducted since 2020. The discussions come as countries in the Horn seek to turn the region’s strategic geographic position into stronger trade connectivity, more efficient corridors and greater economic integration, it was learned.

Addis Ababa, Sep 3, 2026 (ENA) —Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed on Thursday oversaw the signing of a Framework for Cooperation between the National Bank of Ethiopia and the International Finance Corporation (IFC) to establish a dedicated Mortgage Refinance Company. Capitalized at 100 billion birr, the wholesale institution will receive a minimum contribution of 200 million USD from the IFC. The initiative is designed to address long-standing liquidity mismatches in Ethiopia’s banking sector while expanding access to mortgage financing nationwide. In a social media post, the Prime Minister said the partnership marks a major milestone in tackling housing finance bottlenecks and promoting financial inclusion across the country. “This partnership is a critical step toward realizing our goal of delivering 1.5 million affordable, dignified homes for Ethiopian families while expanding private-sector participation in our financial system,” PM Abiy said. He added that Ethiopia “continues to build a modern, resilient, and inclusive economy.”

Brazil has opened a permanent office of its Trade and Investment Promotion Agency (ApexBrasil) in Addis Ababa, aiming to strengthen economic, trade and investment ties with Ethiopia and expand its business engagement across the African market. The inauguration of the office brought together senior Ethiopian and Brazilian government officials, business community representatives, diplomats. Commissioner of the Ethiopian Investment Commission, Zeleke Temesgen, said the establishment of the ApexBrasil permanent office in Addis Ababa marks the beginning of a tangible strategic alignment between Ethiopia and Brazil.   He said the office will play a significant role in removing information barriers for investors, providing market intelligence and strengthening business-to-business connections between the two countries. According to the Commissioner, the office will also create opportunities to combine Brazil’s technology-driven agricultural expertise with Ethiopia’s vast agricultural potential, particularly in coffee, improved seeds, livestock and modern agribusiness. He reaffirmed the Ethiopian Investment Commission’s commitment to providing the necessary support to Brazilian companies seeking to enter and invest in the Ethiopian market. On his part, Brazilian Ambassador to Ethiopia, Jandyr Ferreira dos Santos, said the opening of the permanent ApexBrasil office represents a new chapter in the economic relationship between the two countries.   “Much more than an opening of a new office, today we are opening a new chapter” in the relationship between Brazil and Ethiopia, the ambassador said. He said the establishment of the office reflects the progress achieved in bilateral relations and the two countries’ ambition to take their economic partnership to a higher level. He said the new office will enable Brazilian companies to better understand the Ethiopian market, identify local partners, access market intelligence and develop concrete trade and investment opportunities. Ambassador Jandyr said Addis Ababa was a natural choice for the office given Ethiopia’s position as one of Africa’s largest markets and the city’s role as the diplomatic capital of the continent. He identified agriculture and agribusiness, aviation, pharmaceuticals, infrastructure and renewable energy among the areas offering significant potential for cooperation. The ambassador also highlighted the growing political and institutional relations between Ethiopia and Brazil.   He noted that Ethiopia and Brazil’s shared membership in BRICS also provides an additional framework for strengthening economic cooperation, including trade, investment and joint industrialization projects. The permanent presence of ApexBrasil in Addis Ababa is expected to provide continuity to business engagement between the two countries, enabling potential opportunities to develop into concrete investments, partnerships and job-creating projects. The office will also serve as a bridge between Brazilian and Ethiopian businesses and a platform for expanding Brazil’s economic engagement with Ethiopia, East Africa and the wider African continent. Director General for Europe and the American at Ethiopia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Meles Alem, said the establishment of the ApexBrasil office marks a new era in the economic partnership between Ethiopia and Brazil.   He said the office will serve as a platform to further enhance trade and investment ties, facilitate business partnerships and promote concrete engagement between Ethiopian and Brazilian businesses. Ambassador Meles noted that Ethiopia and Brazil will celebrate 75 years of diplomatic relations this year, describing the longstanding relationship as one that has continued to develop across generations. He said Addis Ababa is a strategic location for the ApexBrasil office because of its role as the political and diplomatic hub of Africa and its position as a gateway to the continent’s business community. The ambassador highlighted Ethiopia’s direct air connectivity with Brazil and its potential to serve as a gateway to the African Continental Free Trade Area, providing Brazilian companies with access to the wider African market. The Ethiopian government, he said, will provide the necessary support for the effective and timely operationalization of the regional office. President of ApexBrasil, Laudemir Müller, on his part said the opening of the office marks a new chapter in Brazil’s partnership with Africa, particularly with Ethiopia.   He said Africa has become a priority for Brazil because of its young population, agricultural potential, critical mineral resources and longstanding cultural ties with Brazil. Müller said Ethiopia was selected for ApexBrasil’s first African office because of its economic growth, large population, BRICS membership and strategic position as a logistics hub connecting Africa and the Middle East.

Addis Ababa, Sep 2, 2026 (ENA) — The Ethiopia Commodity Exchange (ECX) achieved 167.8 percent of its annual target by trading 48.83 billion Birr worth of commodities during the 2018 Ethiopian fiscal year, according to the Ministry of Trade and Regional Integration. The ECX, an institution accountable to the Ministry, had set a target of trading export commodities worth 29.1 billion Birr during the fiscal year. Its actual performance exceeded the target by 19.73 billion Birr, according to a social media post by the ministry. The ministry also noted that the result represented a 79 percent increase from the 27.2 billion Birr worth of commodities traded during the 2017 Ethiopian fiscal year. The strong trading performance was accompanied by expanded quality inspection and certification services aimed at supporting standardized commodity grading and trading. During the fiscal year, the ECX issued quality inspection certificates for 14,327 samples, including 8,499 coffee samples and 5,828 samples of oilseeds and pulses. The Exchange also expanded quality inspection services to trading channels outside its platform. It inspected 2,314 vehicles carrying 38,710 tons of commodities for cooperatives and direct link traders and issued grading certificates for the inspected commodities. In addition, the ECX provided weighing services for 17,648 vehicles carrying 695,073 tons of commodities during the fiscal year. According to the ministry’s post, the Exchange is also expanding the range of commodities covered by its modern trading system. It has finalized contract specifications and quality standards for three new products: opal, cotton, and hides and skins. The expansion is expected to broaden the range of commodities traded through the Exchange and further strengthen standardized commodity trading in Ethiopia.

Addis Ababa, Sep 2, 2026 (ENA) — Ethiopia’s comprehensive macroeconomic reforms are creating more favorable conditions for the export sector, easing longstanding business constraints and helping investors access new international markets, business owners and industry leaders said. They said the reforms are generating positive momentum across investment and export activities by addressing structural bottlenecks, improving the business environment and facilitating access to emerging commercial destinations. Horticulture producer and exporter Tsegaye Abebe said bureaucratic hurdles that previously hampered business operations have been substantially reduced under the current economic framework. He said the ongoing reforms and improvements in the investment climate are enabling both domestic and foreign investors to operate more efficiently and improve their business performance. Tsegaye noted that, in addition to established investors from China, India and Europe, capital from Far Eastern countries such as Vietnam is increasingly flowing into various sectors, which he said reflects the growing impact of the reforms. General Manager of Beeco Agro Industry Tamirat Adugna said his company primarily exports fresh strawberries to markets in the Middle East, Far East, Africa and Europe. He said government incentives and structural support for export-oriented producers, combined with the macroeconomic reforms, are helping companies expand production and strengthen their competitiveness in international markets. Tamirat also highlighted improvements in financial and banking services, particularly access to foreign currency and the processing of Letters of Credit. According to him, streamlined banking procedures have made international transactions easier, facilitating entry into emerging markets and strengthening trade ties with Far Eastern destinations, including Singapore and Thailand. Export Manager of Shavamo Export PLC Tariku Guteta said Europe has historically been a major destination for Ethiopian coffee exports. However, he noted that changing trade restrictions and regulatory requirements within the European Union have made market diversification increasingly important for Ethiopian exporters. Tariku said government efforts to identify and open alternative export destinations are crucial for increasing the country’s overall export volume while reducing dependence on a limited number of markets and trading blocs. The industry representatives emphasized that sustaining the reform process, improving trade facilitation and expanding access to international markets would be essential to strengthening Ethiopia’s export competitiveness and supporting investment led economic growth.

Addis Ababa, Sep 2, 2026 (ENA) — Ethiopia’s agricultural modernization efforts are delivering significant gains in production and productivity while advancing the country’s drive toward food sovereignty, according to State Minister of Agriculture Sophia Kassa. The Ministry of Agriculture convened a consultative forum to assess the implementation of the 2025/26 fiscal year plan and set strategic priorities for 2026/27. Opening the forum, Sophia highlighted key achievements recorded during the 2024/25 harvest season, attributing higher farm productivity to improved agricultural practices and the timely provision of inputs. She noted that 20 million quintals of chemical fertilizer were distributed directly to smallholder farmers and agro-pastoralists nationwide, significantly enhancing access to essential supplies. The state minister emphasized that the expansion of dry-season irrigated wheat production has now become an established agricultural practice, crediting strong leadership and sustained commitment across all levels of administration. She also pointed to progress made under the "Bounty of the Basket" (Lemat Tirufat) initiative, which has driven substantial increases in domestic milk and egg production. On environmental conservation, Sophia reported that watershed management activities under the Green Legacy Initiative have expanded Ethiopia’s forest cover to 23.6 percent while creating employment opportunities for youth and women. Furthermore, she stated that agricultural exports generated 4.55 billion USD in foreign exchange earnings during the completed fiscal year. Coffee led agricultural exports and served as the primary source of foreign currency, accounting for 3.1 billion USD of total earnings. She linked this growth to ongoing afforestation and agroforestry efforts integrated into the Green Legacy Initiative. Looking ahead, Sophia called for intensified efforts to streamline input supply systems and accelerate the adoption of modern technologies to boost productivity and secure food sovereignty. She noted that the consultative forum serves as an essential platform to evaluate implementation gaps, review milestones, and formulate actionable strategies for the 2026/27 fiscal year. The forum convened regional agriculture bureau heads, sector leaders, and key stakeholders to assess performance and establish priorities for the upcoming year. It is previously reported that agricultural exports generated 4.55 billion USD in total revenue during the concluded budget year.

September 2, 2026 – The Minister of Finance, Ahmed Shide, met with Makhtar Diop, the Managing Director of the International Finance Corporation, to deepen collaboration and scale up private sector investment in Ethiopia. During the meeting, the Minister briefed on the Government of Ethiopia’s implementation of the bold macroeconomic reforms and their contribution to improving the investment landscape and creating new opportunities for the private sector. The Minister emphasized IFC's continued support as a catalyst for private capital. IFC has a portfolio of USD 500 million across diversified sectors including agribusiness, manufacturing, financial services, healthcare, tourism, and telecommunications. The Managing Director appreciated the bold reforms undertaken by the Government and reaffirmed IFC's strong commitment to supporting the country's development priorities. Both sides discussed priority areas for enhanced collaboration, including continued support through PPP arrangements and project investments across transport, energy, and housing. Mr. Diop also affirmed IFC’s commitment to continue working closely with the Government to advance other priorities such as the transformative Bishoftu International Airport project, and programmatic support for IPPs and mobilizing private capital at scale.