Addis Ababa, August 2, 2026 (ENA—Ethiopia's Green Legacy Initiative (GLI) is not only delivering measurable improvements in water resources, dam sustainability and agricultural productivity through scientifically proven environmental restoration, but also benefiting neighboring and downstream countries, Water and Energy Minister Habtamu Itefa said. In an exclusive interview with ENA, the Minister also underscored the need to explore internationally recognized Payment for Ecosystem Services (PES) mechanisms. According to Habtamu, the environmental restoration program has transformed degraded watersheds, enabling more rainfall to infiltrate the soil instead of being lost as destructive surface runoff. Vegetation cover plays a critical role in the hydrological cycle by increasing groundwater recharge, reducing soil erosion and improving river flows.   He said the ministry has scientifically verified the impact of the Green Legacy Initiative through satellite data and watershed studies conducted in several river basins. Studies undertaken in Upper Awash, the Abay (Blue Nile) Basin and the Hawassa catchment have shown significant improvements in vegetation cover, accompanied by the re-emergence of springs and streams that had previously dried up. "There are areas where rivers and small streams had disappeared because of deforestation. Following large-scale reforestation, these water sources have begun to recover, and springs are flowing again," the Minister said. Improved vegetation has also enhanced water quality by reducing sedimentation as tree roots and ground cover stabilize soil and prevent erosion.   The reduced sediment load entering rivers and reservoirs has become increasingly important for Ethiopia's hydropower infrastructure. "The more water we store in our dams and the less sediment entering them, the greater our capacity to generate electricity while extending the operational life and safety of the dams." Habtamu noted that the initiative is also improving agricultural productivity by increasing dry-season water availability for irrigation. Communities across Ethiopia are increasingly cultivating wheat, vegetables and fruits using rivers and springs that have become more reliable due to watershed rehabilitation, he added. Beyond its national benefits, the Minister said Ethiopia's Green Legacy Initiative is contributing to climate change mitigation by increasing carbon sequestration while improving water availability across the region. "Ethiopia is not only planting trees for itself. By restoring our watersheds, we are reducing carbon emissions, increasing oxygen production and improving water flows that benefit neighboring countries." Neighboring countries like Kenya, Somalia, South Sudan are benefiting from improved river flows and reduced flood risks resulting from Ethiopia's watershed conservation efforts, the Minister elaborated.   He noted that nearly 30 percent of the more than 48 billion seedlings planted under the Green Legacy Initiative are in the Abay, Baro and Tekeze river basins, which contribute significant transboundary water resources. These investments help regulate river flows during dry seasons while reducing flooding downstream, the Minister added. Both Sudan and Egypt are benefitting from the investments as they could get more water, Habtamu said, calling for greater international recognition of Ethiopia's investment in environmental restoration that provides ecosystem services which extend well beyond its borders. The Minister further underscored the need to explore internationally recognized Payment for Ecosystem Services (PES) mechanisms, arguing that Ethiopia's investments in watershed protection generate measurable environmental and water-resource benefits for downstream countries. "Ethiopia is investing land, resources, time and labor to protect these watersheds. This creates benefits that have economic value, and such contributions should be scientifically assessed under internationally accepted Payment for Ecosystem Services frameworks," Habtamu said. He emphasized that any future discussions on ecosystem compensation should be supported by rigorous scientific research and international best practices.   Habtamu concluded by saying Ethiopia's Green Legacy Initiative has evolved beyond a tree-planting campaign into a comprehensive environmental restoration program that is strengthening water resources, supporting food security, improving renewable energy generation and contributing to regional environmental sustainability.

Addis Ababa, August 2, 2026 (ENA—Ethiopia is a strategically significant nation for trade and investment in the region and the continent at large, Duncan Onyango, Trade Catalyst Africa CEO, said. Speaking to ENA, the Trade Catalyst Africa, a financing facility that addresses the challenge of access to finance for trade infrastructure, CEO noted Ethiopia’s large size, youthful population and strong economic potential for sectors including agriculture, health, education, and financial services. He described the nation whose substantial share of population is young and poised for growth as a huge economy not only within its region but also the continent. This demographic advantage positions the country to deliver broader value to African economies through expanded production and services, the CEO added. "Ethiopia is actually a very significant country, not just in the region but also in the continent. It's a huge economy. It's a large population. A lot of the population is young people who are aspiring for great things." According to him, Ethiopia’s ability to extract value from its resources depends on attracting investment capable of supporting development and production. The CEO pointed to trade routes and logistics as a central focus for investors, arguing that infrastructure investment could reduce the high cost of doing business in key corridors.   "The world now is talking about critical minerals, and that is an area that can be unlocked with the right type of capital for Ethiopia as a country to be able to then extract value and be able to deliver on the promise it has made for its people." Onyango also highlighted new opportunities linked to Gulf-Africa economic cooperation, particularly in areas such as critical minerals, an area he said could be unlocked with the right long-term capital. The CEO said Gulf capital could play a role in addressing infrastructural and financing gaps not just in Ethiopia, but across parts of Africa to help open up export corridors, lower transportation costs, and strengthen economic competitiveness. In his view, Gulf investors' capital needs to align with Ethiopia’s ambitions to attract investment into competitive value chains, job creation, and improved household incomes. Onyango underscored that there is a symbiotic relationship between those with capital and countries with development needs, suggesting that targeted investment can benefit both Gulf economies and local Ethiopian communities. He further stressed that access to finance is a key driver of economic activity, enabling small businesses to innovate, scale, and export.

Addis Ababa, August 1, 2026 (ENA—Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed said Ethiopia has developed the capacity and institutional resilience to counter any threat to its national existence, while calling for internal disputes to be resolved through dialogue. In a wide-ranging interview with the Amhara Media Corporation (AMC), the Prime Minister said Ethiopia has learned from the failures and divisions of its past and is better prepared to withstand efforts aimed at destabilizing the country or derailing its reform agenda. "Today’s Ethiopia is not the Ethiopia of yesterday," PM Abiy said, arguing that the country is now more aware of its historical vulnerabilities and better equipped to respond to challenges. The Prime Minister criticized armed groups operating in parts of the Amhara and Oromia regions, saying their claims of acting in the public interest are contradicted by their actions on the ground. Drawing on Ethiopia’s historical experience, the Premier said internal actors who aligned with external forces had contributed to major national setbacks, including the loss of access to the Red Sea, which he described as a strategic and historical blow with consequences that extended across generations. He urged Ethiopians to reject a recurring pattern of destructive alliances and instead resolve political differences through the country’s longstanding traditions of reconciliation, dialogue, and community-based conflict resolution.   "Our disagreements can be settled by Ethiopians," he said. "Bringing external forces into internal disputes has never produced lasting peace or national progress," the Prime Minister underscored. Addressing the 2022 Pretoria Agreement that ended the war in northern Ethiopia, PM Abiy described it as a turning point that benefited the entire country by silencing the guns and allowing development to resume. He said the agreement had created conditions for expanded infrastructure, investment, and economic activity in the Amhara, Tigray, and Afar regions, as well as across Ethiopia more broadly. The Prime Minister rejected claims that the Amhara region neither participated in nor benefited from the Pretoria Agreement, calling such assertions false and politically motivated. He said representatives from the region were involved in deliberations at both government and Prosperity Party levels and that implementation of the agreement had supported development in the region. Prime Minister Abiy also framed Ethiopia’s broader national transformation as a long-term process requiring broad public participation, patience, and sustained institutional commitment. "Change is not the achievement of one individual," he said. "It is the result of the sacrifices and efforts of many Ethiopians." He acknowledged that some citizens have legitimate concerns about aspects of the government’s reform agenda and said responding to those concerns remains a government responsibility. At the same time, he argued that conspiracy-driven political narratives detached from facts threaten national cohesion and undermine the country’s future. The Prime Minister further elaborated that Ethiopia’s reform process has generated differing reactions among domestic political actors and members of the diaspora, with some opposition driven by personal interests, misinformation, or unrealistic expectations about the pace and direction of change. He urged citizens to engage constructively in the reform process and evaluate developments based on evidence rather than speculation, warning that short-term political gains should not come at the expense of long-term national interests. Reflecting on Ethiopia’s political history, the PM said the country has repeatedly experienced attempts to seize power through violence, while also possessing a deep tradition of coexistence, integration, and nation-building.   He cited the June 22, 2019, assassinations of senior officials in the Amhara Region as one of the darkest episodes in recent Ethiopian history and warned against politicizing historical tragedies or distorting facts for partisan purposes. "We must learn from both the positive and negative chapters of our history," he said, emphasizing that selective interpretations of history can deepen divisions and harm future generations. PM Abiy concluded that Ethiopia’s future will depend on perseverance, national unity, factual understanding, and the ability to sustain reforms through peaceful political engagement and inclusive development. He also stressed that the country’s transformation must be built collectively rather than through conflict or external intervention.

Addis Ababa, August 1, 2026 (ENA—The outgoing ambassadors of India and Finland praised Ethiopia’s reform momentum and its rising global investment appeal. The diplomats said they had witnessed Ethiopia’s economic transformation firsthand during their tenure, noting that the country’s expanding infrastructure and institutional reforms are strengthening its position as an increasingly attractive destination for international investment and long-term strategic partnerships. Speaking to ENA, the ambassadors highlighted Ethiopia’s progress in economic modernization, democratic governance, and peace-building, expressing confidence that the country’s reform trajectory will continue to deepen. They also expressed confidence that Ethiopia’s reform trajectory would continue to deepen engagement with global investors and development partners. India’s Ambassador to Ethiopia, Anil Kumar Rai, said Ethiopia’s ongoing reforms and major infrastructure projects are laying the foundation for sustained economic growth and enhanced international competitiveness. Drawing on India’s own development experience, Rai said Ethiopia’s rapid urbanization and large-scale infrastructure expansion, including the construction of the new international airport in Bishoftu. He considered it vital mega project to significantly strengthen the country’s attractiveness to foreign investors, particularly in high-value sectors such as information technology, artificial intelligence, and financial technology.   He revealed that additional Indian investments are already in the pipeline, reflecting growing business confidence in Ethiopia’s economic prospects. Rai also described Ethiopia as one of the more stable countries in the Horn of Africa and credited it with playing an important role in promoting regional peace and security. On Ethiopia’s democratic progress, the ambassador commended the strong voter participation in the June 1 general election, particularly the active engagement of young people. He also welcomed the National Dialogue process, describing it as a credible institutional mechanism for resolving differences through peaceful, inclusive, and nationally owned engagement. “The National Dialogue witnessed broad participation from people across all walks of life,” Rai said. He added that: “It demonstrates Ethiopia’s commitment to addressing differences peacefully while preserving national unity and sustaining its development trajectory.” He further recalled the close cooperation between Ethiopia and India at the United Nations during the challenging period between 2020 and 2023, noting that the two countries consistently shared common positions on major international issues. Rai added that Ethiopia’s membership in BRICS has created new opportunities for strategic cooperation between Addis Ababa and New Delhi, with leaders of both countries maintaining close engagement through BRICS platforms. On her part, outgoing Finnish Ambassador Sinikka Antila also praised Ethiopia’s transformation during her three-year diplomatic assignment, saying the scale of change has been both visible and significant. “Ethiopia is opening. Ethiopia is modernizing. We can physically see the transformation. During my three years in Addis Ababa, the city has changed remarkably,” she said.   Antila said Finland sees expanding opportunities to deepen cooperation with Ethiopia beyond traditional development assistance, particularly in trade, investment, innovation, digital technology, and entrepreneurship. She noted that Finnish companies, including Nokia and Vaisala, are already operating in Ethiopia and emphasized the potential for stronger collaboration in technology, startups, innovation ecosystems, and green economic development. The ambassador also reaffirmed Finland’s support for Ethiopia’s development priorities, including preparations for hosting the 32nd United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP32) next year. She disclosed that the Nordic countries are planning to organize a Nordic Electric Vehicle Summit in Ethiopia, further expanding cooperation in sustainable mobility and green technology. While underscoring Finland’s continued support through development cooperation and humanitarian assistance, Antila said future engagement would increasingly focus on business partnerships, private-sector investment, and technology-driven collaboration.

Addis Ababa, July 31, 2026 (ENA) —Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed said that advancing toward prosperity through Medemer — Ethiopia’s philosophy of synergy, unity, and collective progress, is the country’s only viable path to ensuring sustainable development and lasting stability. In an interview with the Amhara Media Corporation (AMC), the Prime Minister said Ethiopia’s reform process has been shaped by extensive national consultations aimed at forging a shared vision for nation building, economic transformation, and political stability. He said following the launch of the reform agenda in 2018, the government conducted broad consultations with institutions, experts, political actors, and communities across the country.   The endeavors have hugely helped explore Ethiopia’s development potential and the conditions necessary for collaborative nation building, PM Abiy pointed out. Particularly, the Premier these consultations enabled to establish a clear national direction by building consensus around the need for inclusive political and economic reforms. He noted that public consultations held across Ethiopia enabled the government to better understand citizens’ aspirations and concerns. The discussions, including those conducted in the Amhara Region, showed that Ethiopians share fundamentally similar aspirations for peace, development, justice, and national progress. The Prime Minister said political fragmentation and economic division emerged as two of the most pressing challenges identified during the consultation process. The reform discussions, he added, generated ideas aimed at healing these divisions and fostering a more cohesive national future. PM Abiy stressed that opening either the political sphere or the economy in isolation would not be sufficient to produce lasting change. Sustainable progress, he argued, requires simultaneous political and economic transformation founded on cooperation, inclusion, and a shared national purpose. “As a result, we adopted a framework that recognizes that marching together toward prosperity through Medemer is the only path capable of guaranteeing Ethiopia’s survival,” the prime minister said. Given the historical context of Ethiopia’s state formation, Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed devoted significant attention to the longstanding relationship between the Amhara and Oromo peoples. He described them as foundational pillars of the country’s nation-building process and national development. He said the two communities have been interconnected for centuries through intermarriage, political alliances, trade, cultural exchange, and shared institutions, making their relationship one of the cornerstones of Ethiopia’s historical evolution. The Prime Minister elaborated that the Amhara and Oromo, who together constitute a substantial share of Ethiopia’s population and territory — have developed deep social and political ties through traditional marriages, customary adoption systems, and longstanding alliances.   He cited historical examples including the Shewa and Yifat Sultanates, as well as the Gondar, Yeju, and Were Himenu dynasties, as evidence of the extensive integration that has shaped Ethiopia over centuries. PM Abiy said Ethiopia’s peoples have advanced, struggled, and dreamed together throughout history, and that modern Ethiopia emerged from this long process of integration and collective endeavor. “It is impossible to imagine Emperor Menelik II without Ras Gobena, or Ras Gobena without Emperor Menelik II,” he said. “Modern Ethiopia was built through the integration and joint efforts of these great peoples.” The Prime Minister described the Victory of Adwa as the clearest expression of Ethiopia’s national unity. He stated that leaders from different regions and communities fought side by side to defend the country’s sovereignty and secure a historic victory against colonial aggression. He also cited the Gojam and Bale peasant uprisings as examples of the shared struggle of Ethiopians against feudal oppression and for justice and social transformation. PM Abiy concluded that centuries of coexistence, trade, intermarriage, and social integration have created a distinctive Ethiopian tradition of unity in diversity. This historical legacy remains one of the country’s greatest strategic strengths as Ethiopia pursues peace, prosperity, and national renewal, the Premier stated.

Addis Ababa, July 31, 2026 (ENA) — The Amhara National Regional State supplied 357 kilograms of gold to the National Bank of Ethiopia (NBE) for the first time during the 2018 Ethiopian fiscal year. According to a post on the Amhara Communications Social Media Page, the supply has marked a significant milestone as the regional government stepped up efforts to formalize the mining sector and curb illegal mineral trade. The remarks were made by Amhara Region Chief Administrator Arega Kebede while presenting an annual performance report to the Amhara Regional Council during its 12th regular session. The Chief Administrator emphasized that the achievement resulted from strengthened regulation of the mining sector and coordinated measures to combat illegal mining and illicit mineral trading. According to Arega, the unprecedented gold supply will enhance the region's contribution to the national economy while supporting Ethiopia's foreign exchange earnings and overall financial stability. The chief administrator said the regional government also intensified enforcement against illegal mining activities throughout the fiscal year. As part of the crackdown, authorities seized more than 133,500 cubic meters of illegally extracted minerals, he clarified, adding that the enforcement campaign also generated more than 27.19 million Birr through corrective measures and confiscations, with the proceeds deposited into the government treasury. The Chief Administrator further revealed that mineral exploration and reserve verification identified an estimated 5,148 tons of iron ore within a 10 square kilometer area. He added that exploration activities also confirmed reserves of approximately 2.5 billion tons of granite and 1.625 billion tons of basalt across a 440 square kilometer area, highlighting the region's vast mineral resource potential. The chief administrator said the regional government will continue strengthening regulatory oversight to prevent the illegal exploitation of mineral resources, improve governance in the mining sector, increase the legal supply of minerals, and ensure greater availability of raw materials for domestic industries.

Addis Ababa, July 30, 2026 (ENA) — The Development Bank of Ethiopia (DBE) is set to disburse a 31 million Euro soft-loan package to be extended to micro, small and medium enterprises operating in conflict-affected regions across the country. The European Union and the German Development Bank (KfW) provided a 31 million Euro grant to fund the low-interest credit line. DBE Director of MSMEs and Green Economy Projects Tefera Befekadu stated that the financing will be made available under highly favorable interest rate structures. Tefera explained that the soft loan will initially be channeled through four selected commercial banks and one microfinance institution to ensure efficient distribution. The credit line targets enterprises located in the Afar, Amhara, and Tigray regions, spanning key sectors such as manufacturing, services, commerce, construction, and agro-processing. Priority allocation under the financing scheme will be granted to enterprises founded or led by women and youth. To establish the implementation framework, the "Post-Conflict MSMEs Recovery & Inclusion Baseline Validation Workshop," financed by the EU and KfW, took place at DBE headquarters. DBE previously signed a strategic agreement with development partners in May 2026 to deliver concessional funding to businesses affected by regional conflict. In related development, DBE Vice President for External Funds and Wholesale Financing Aida Erkihun highlighted that the bank has consistently delivered capacity building, financial backing, and technical assistance to enterprises. She noted that previous intervention programs have significantly expanded financial access, enhanced operational efficiency, and driven economic growth among small and medium businesses. The bank is placing special emphasis on rehabilitating and revitalizing small and medium enterprises situated in conflict-impacted zones. Aida added that the economic rehabilitation program is designed to build resilient enterprises capable of fueling inclusive economic development. Emphasizing the initiative's vital role in job creation and sustainable growth, the Vice President called on all stakeholders to foster strong collaboration to meet project objectives. The announcement reaffirms DBE’s ongoing rollout of the 31 million Euro soft-loan package dedicated to reviving MSMEs in conflict-affected areas.

Addis Ababa, July 30, 2026 (ENA) —The Ministry of Industry has set a target of generating 1 billion USD in manufacturing export earnings during the 2019 Ethiopian Fiscal Year, following a significant increase in export performance that saw revenues reach 607 million USD in the recently concluded fiscal year. Speaking at the Manufacturing Export Performance Review and Recognition Program, Industry Minister Melaku Alebel said the government has given special attention to the manufacturing sector as one of the five key pillars identified to transform the country’s economy. He noted that remarkable efforts have been made over the past five years of reform to expand the sector’s contribution and ensure manufacturing secures a significant share of the national economy. According to the minister, manufacturing export earnings have increased from 385 million USD before the launch of the “Made in Ethiopia” initiative to 607 million USD in the 2018 Ethiopian Fiscal Year. He said the growth reflects the impact of government reforms aimed at strengthening the manufacturing sector, improving production capacity, and expanding Ethiopia’s presence in international markets. The minister added that the government is committed to building on these achievements and reaching the 1 billion USD manufacturing export target under the leadership of Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed. "The manufacturing sector's export earnings have almost doubled compared to the previous fiscal year. While the results are encouraging, they do not mean all the sector's challenges have been resolved," the minister said. He also said that these achievements show that the country is moving in the right direction and must sustain the efforts to improve productivity and expand exports. Melaku said the manufacturing sector has also made significant progress in job creation, with annual employment increasing from about 162,000 at the beginning of the reform program to more than 433,000 currently. He stressed that expanding exports is critical to Ethiopia's long term economic transformation and competitiveness. "Export is a matter of our national survival. Ethiopia cannot become competitive through diplomacy or politics alone. We must produce goods that can compete in international markets," he said. The minister said the government has prepared a new manufacturing export strategy based on Ethiopia's production potential, market opportunities and international best practices to accelerate export growth. He called on government institutions, manufacturers and other stakeholders to use the strategy as a practical roadmap for expanding exports, attracting investment, creating jobs and improving the competitiveness of Ethiopian products. According to the minister, the recognition program is intended not only to honor manufacturers with outstanding export performance but also to encourage more industries to strengthen their competitiveness in international markets. Reaffirming the government's commitment to the sector, Melaku said manufacturers and exporters will continue to get policy and institutional support to increase production and expand access to foreign markets. "The government's support will continue in all your efforts. I urge you to increase exports and strengthen Ethiopia's competitiveness in the global market," he said. The minister noted that the government has given manufacturing special priority through the "Made in Ethiopia" initiative and the import substitution program, both of which are designed to strengthen domestic production while boosting export competitiveness. He added that achieving the 1 billion USD export target will require coordinated efforts by government institutions, manufacturers, exporters and other stakeholders. The forum reviewed the manufacturing export performance of the 2018 Ethiopian Fiscal Year, discussed the 2019 export plan and the new manufacturing export strategy, identified policy and implementation gaps, explored ways to strengthen public and private sector collaboration, and recognized manufacturers that recorded outstanding export performance. The export performance review and recognition program brought together state ministers, senior officials from the Ministry of Industry and affiliated institutions, manufacturing exporters, private sector representatives, development partners and other stakeholders attended the event.

Addis Ababa, July 29, 2026 (ENA) —Ethiopia and the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA) have agreed to strengthen collaboration under the Transforming Health Financing in Africa Initiative (THFAI), with Ethiopia joining as one of the initiative’s four early-adopter countries to advance sustainable and innovative health financing reforms. The initiative aims to help African countries build resilient health systems by strengthening domestic resource mobilization, supporting policy and structural reforms, and promoting innovative financing mechanisms that expand investment in the health sector while ensuring fiscal and debt sustainability.   During a meeting with UNECA Executive Secretary Claver Gatete, Ethiopia’s Minister of Finance Ahmed Shide welcomed the initiative, describing it as timely and aligned with the government’s efforts to enhance domestic health financing, improve resource efficiency, and explore innovative financing options for social services. According to the ministry’s post on social media , the two sides emphasized the need to view health financing as a strategic investment in human capital, productivity, and long-term economic growth rather than merely as social expenditure. “Ethiopia welcomes the opportunity to become one of the initiative’s early-adopter countries. This timely initiative aligns with our efforts to strengthen domestic health financing, attract private sector investment, improve value for money, and mobilize innovative financing while safeguarding fiscal and debt sustainability,” Ahmed Shide said.   Through the initiative, Ethiopia will receive technical and analytical support, including a comprehensive assessment of macroeconomic and fiscal factors affecting health financing. The findings are expected to guide evidence-based policies and strategies aimed at improving sustainable health investment and identifying practical financing solutions. Ahmed reaffirmed Ethiopia’s commitment to working closely with the Ministry of Health, UNECA, and other relevant stakeholders to implement the initiative and share the country’s experiences with other African nations. Gatete commended Ethiopia’s commitment and highlighted the importance of developing innovative and sustainable health financing approaches to support Africa’s development goals.   The two sides agreed to establish a joint technical team to oversee implementation, coordinate analytical work and policy dialogue, and support efforts to strengthen health sector financing while positioning Ethiopia’s experience as a potential model for other African countries.

Addis Ababa, July 29, 2026 (ENA) —The Ministry of Industry affirmed that “Made in Ethiopia” initiative, along with targeted policy measures and improved access to finance, has contributed to significant growth in manufacturing production, exports and import substitution. Speaking at the manufacturing export performance review and recognition program, Industry Minister Melaku Alebel said the sector’s progress demonstrates the impact of the national “Made in Ethiopia” campaign and the government’s continued support for industrial development. He said the forum provides an opportunity to review the manufacturing sector’s performance during the 2018 Ethiopian Fiscal Year and identify priorities for the 2019 Ethiopian Fiscal Year. The minister noted that the event also serves as a platform to refine the country’s export strategy and recognize companies that have made outstanding contributions to manufacturing and export development.   During the program, Melaku presented certificates and crystal-level awards to companies recognized for their strong export and manufacturing performance during the concluded fiscal year. He commended the top-performing companies, saying their achievements offer important lessons for domestic and foreign investors working to strengthen Ethiopia’s manufacturing sector. “The government gave special attention to manufacturing because it can transform the country’s economy. Manufacturing has been identified as one of the five priority sectors,” Melaku said. The minister attributed the sector’s improved performance to the “Made in Ethiopia” initiative and sustained government support introduced since the 2014 Ethiopian Fiscal Year, which he said helped revive idle factories, attract new investment and expand production capacity. He highlighted improved access to finance as one of the major achievements of the initiative, noting that manufacturing enterprises received 40 billion Birr in credit when the program was launched, while annual financing available to the sector has now increased to more than 115 billion Birr.   According to Melaku, the manufacturing sector’s share of total bank lending has increased from 12 percent to 18.8 percent, while financing allocated to small and medium manufacturing enterprises has reached 5.4 percent. He further stated that the sector has expanded the production of exportable manufactured goods and achieved about 5.9 billion USD in import substitution within a single year. The minister added that Ethiopia generated more than 607 million USD in annual export earnings from key manufacturing products, including meat and dairy products. Despite the progress, Melaku acknowledged persistent challenges, including limited foreign currency availability, shortages of machinery and constraints in accessing industrial raw materials. He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to addressing these challenges through continued policy support, expanded financing and targeted interventions aimed at improving competitiveness, increasing production and further strengthening manufacturing exports.

Addis Ababa, July 29, 2026 (ENA) —Ethiopian Airlines Group announced that it earned 9.1 billion USD in revenue during the 2025/2026 fiscal year, marking a significant milestone in the airline’s continued growth. During the reported period, Ethiopian Airlines Group also transported a total of 20.7 million passengers. Speaking at the airline’s annual performance briefing, Ethiopian Airlines Group Chief Executive Officer Mesfin Tasew said passenger traffic increased by 8 percent compared to the previous fiscal year. The airline also recorded a 10 percent increase in passenger kilometers compared to the previous fiscal year, achieving 99 percent of its planned target, while cargo capacity grew by 8 percent. Ethiopian Airlines transported 897,000 tons of cargo during the fiscal year, marking a 16 percent increase compared to the previous year and underscoring continued growth in its cargo business. To expand its network, the airline launched services to four new international destinations, bringing the total number of international destinations to 150, while it also serves 25 domestic destinations. It further strengthened its fleet by adding nine aircraft and purchasing eight pilot training aircraft to enhance aviation training capacity. Mesfin said the airline’s financial performance was affected by flight cancellations caused by conflicts in the Gulf region, the suspension of services to some destinations due to U.S. travel restrictions, and the cancellation of flights to the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Despite these challenges, the airline maintained strong operational performance throughout the year. The CEO noted that the first nine months of the fiscal year were particularly successful and contributed significantly to sustaining the airline’s overall performance. On the infrastructure front, Ethiopian Airlines continued expanding its facilities at Addis Ababa Bole International Airport, including the expansion of the domestic terminal, passenger lounges, cargo terminal, and data center, while also carrying out beautification works at the airport. Mesfin said construction of the new Bishoftu Airport is progressing as planned and is expected to be completed by January next year. He added that the relocation of residents affected by the project has already been completed. The CEO also stated that construction of new domestic airports is advancing and is expected to be completed next year, further strengthening Ethiopia’s aviation infrastructure.

Addis Ababa, July 28, 2026 (ENA) — Ethiopia’s flagship Bounty of Basket (Yelemat Tirufat) initiative has significantly strengthened household food security and boosted production across key agricultural value chains, according to Ethiopia’s Ambassador to the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), Mekuria Getachew. In an exclusive interview with top243news.com, Ambassador Mekuria said the initiative, launched in November 2022 under the leadership of Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, has delivered measurable results and demonstrates the effectiveness of homegrown African solutions in addressing food security challenges. Inspired by the traditional basket, a symbol of abundance and solidarity, the Bounty of Basket program has enhanced household agricultural production while contributing to Ethiopia’s broader food security objectives. "Bounty of Basket shows that we do not need to import answers to our problems. We can design solutions that reflect our soils, our communities, and our aspirations," Ambassador Mekuria said. The ambassador highlighted notable gains in agricultural output since the program's launch. National egg production increased from about 2.8 billion eggs in 2020 to more than 9.3 billion in 2025, while annual poultry meat production reached nearly 190,000 metric tons. He attributed the progress to modernization, innovation, and strong community participation, which have enabled households and smallholder farmers to become more productive. "When a family becomes a productive unit, the nation becomes food secure," he said. Beyond poultry production, the initiative has expanded beekeeping, aquaculture, and dairy farming, creating thousands of jobs, particularly for women and young people, while improving access to nutritious and diversified foods at the household level. "Nutrition is not an afterthought. It is the compass that guides development," Mekuria noted. The ambassador also called for closer agricultural cooperation between Ethiopia and the Democratic Republic of the Congo through enhanced research partnerships, technology transfer, and investment. Against the backdrop of climate change, rapid population growth, and persistent food insecurity across Africa, he stressed that stronger bilateral collaboration is essential to replicate successful agricultural models and build resilient food systems. "Our shared challenge demands shared solutions. Partnership is the seed from which regional food sovereignty grows," he said. Ambassador Mekuria said Ethiopia's experience with the Yelemat Tirufat initiative illustrates how family centered agricultural development, supported by strong national policies, can accelerate food security and drive rural transformation. He added that the program represents not only a national achievement but also a practical model for broader African cooperation in advancing sustainable development and shared prosperity.

Addis Ababa, July 28, 2026 (ENA) — Ethiopia and the United States have reaffirmed their commitment to deepening economic and commercial cooperation as senior officials held talks focused on advancing investment, expanding bilateral trade, and strengthening private sector partnerships. Ethiopia's Minister of Finance, Ahmed Shide, met today with Mark Mitchell, Deputy Assistant Secretary for Africa at the U.S. Department of Commerce. The two sides discussed Ethiopia's ongoing economic reform agenda, emerging investment opportunities, and prospects for enhancing economic engagement between the two countries. During the meeting, Finance Minister Ahmed outlined the government's comprehensive macroeconomic and structural reform program. He further highlighted significant progress made in recent years as a result of the reform to foster a more competitive economy, improve the business climate, and create a stronger enabling environment for private sector-led growth and foreign direct investment. Ahmed reaffirmed the government's commitment to sustaining reforms that enhance economic competitiveness, expand market opportunities, and position Ethiopia as an attractive destination for international investors. On his part, Mark Mitchell, Deputy Assistant Secretary for Africa at the U.S. Department of Commerce commended the progress achieved under Ethiopia's reform program and welcomed the government's continued efforts to improve the investment climate. He reaffirmed the U.S. Department of Commerce's commitment to promoting stronger commercial relations and supporting increased engagement between American companies and the Ethiopian market. The two sides also exchanged views on expanding bilateral trade and investment, strengthening private sector co llaboration, and promoting greater business-to-business partnerships across key sectors.   Among the issues discussed was Ethiopia's landmark new international airport development project, with both sides exploring the interest of U.S. financing institutions in supporting the financing of the strategic infrastructure initiative. The officials emphasized that sustained dialogue and closer economic cooperation will be instrumental in unlocking new investment opportunities, facilitating private sector engagement, and fostering mutually beneficial economic growth. They also pledged to further strengthening Ethiopia–United States economic and commercial relations while pursuing practical measures to boost trade, attract investment, and expand long-term business cooperation.

Addis Ababa, July 27, 2026 (ENA) — The Ethiopian Electric Utility (EEU) has unveiled a comprehensive 25-year national power distribution expansion and modernization master plan, slated for implementation through 2049. Speaking at the launch, EEU Chief Executive Officer Getu Geremu called the roadmap a landmark effort to modernize, digitize, and strengthen grid reliability. He emphasized that upgrading distribution infrastructure is a critical national agenda essential for driving Ethiopia’s long-term economic growth and social transformation. Under the plan, peak power demand is planned to soar to 39,327 megawatts by 2049, driven by rapid population growth, urban expansion, industrialization, and the rise of electric mobility. The country plans to construct 128 new power substations over the next quarter-century to meet this demand.

Addis Ababa, July 27, 2026 (ENA) — The Ministry of Revenue announced it collected 1.518 trillion Birr during the 2018 Ethiopian Fiscal Year, outperforming its revised annual target and setting a historic milestone for domestic revenue collection. The announcement was made during the opening of the annual performance review for the Ministry and the Ethiopian Customs Commission, where officials met to review past results and lay out plans for the 2019 fiscal year. Minister of Revenue, Aynalem Nigussie stated that ongoing macroeconomic reforms are delivering clear, measurable gains. The ministry originally set a revenue target of 1.28 trillion Birr. Following strong first-half results, officials adjusted the target upward to 1.5 trillion Birr. By the close of the fiscal year, actual collections reached 101.24 percent of that revised goal. Of the total revenue collected, domestic taxes accounted for the largest share at 774 billion Birr, while customs duties and taxes on foreign trade generated an additional 725.3 billion Birr. Compared to the previous fiscal year, total collection jumped by 618.39 billion Birr, an impressive 68.69 percent increase. Minister Aynalem attributed the growth to targeted policy reforms, a broader tax base, modernized tax administration, and digital service integration. She described the achievement as a new historic chapter that lays the foundation for Ethiopia's fiscal sovereignty. Efforts to curb illicit trade also yielded significant results. Enhanced institutional coordination and community involvement led to the seizure of contraband imports and exports valued at an estimated 28.9 billion Birr. Speaking at the event, Ethiopian Customs Commissioner Debele Kabeta also highlighted the transition of national revenue collection from the billion-Birr scale to the trillion-Birr mark as a watershed moment. He added that the momentum from 2018 provides a solid launching pad for achieving even higher targets in the 2019 fiscal year.

By Yordanos D For generations, Ethiopia watched its rivers flow northward while millions of its own citizens remained without reliable electricity, modern irrigation, or adequate access to clean water. From the Ethiopian highlands, the Abay, known downstream as the Blue Nile; together with the Tekeze and Baro-Akobo river systems, carries the overwhelming majority of the Abay’s waters. Yet the country from which these rivers originate remained one of Africa’s least electrified nations for decades. To many Ethiopians, this was more than an economic paradox. It was a historical injustice. The question was simple but profound: How could a country that contributes the largest share of the Abay (Nile)’s waters remain unable to use its own natural resources to light homes, power industries, irrigate farmland, and lift millions out of poverty? For Ethiopia, the answer lies in a combination of colonial-era arrangements, geopolitical pressure, financial constraints, domestic instability, and what successive Ethiopian governments, scholars, and policymakers have described as a longstanding system of hydro-hegemony in the Nile Basin.   At the center of that struggle stood Egypt, the principal downstream opponent of Ethiopia’s efforts to develop the Abbay River. For decades, Ethiopia has argued that Egypt sought to preserve a historical order in which downstream interests dominated decisions over the Abay, while upstream countries, particularly Ethiopia were expected to accept restrictions on their own development. The construction and completion of the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD), however, changed that equation. The dam did more than generate electricity. It challenged an old political and diplomatic order, forced a reconsideration of power relations in the Nile Basin, and demonstrated that a major African infrastructure project could be built through national determination and domestic resource mobilization despite intense geopolitical opposition. The Historical Roots of a Disputed Order The roots of the Abay dispute reach deep into the colonial era. Among the agreements most frequently cited in Ethiopia’s objections is the 1929 Anglo-Egyptian Nile Waters Agreement. Negotiated by Great Britain on behalf of its East African colonies and Egypt, the agreement did not include Ethiopia—even though the Ethiopian highlands are the source of the majority of the waters flowing into the Nile system. The arrangement granted Egypt significant influence over upstream water development and reinforced a system that Ethiopian scholars and policymakers argue was created without the participation or consent of the principal upstream country. Three decades later, Egypt and Sudan signed the 1959 Nile Waters Agreement. The treaty allocated 55.5 billion cubic meters of the Nile’s annual flow to Egypt and 18.5 billion cubic meters to Sudan. No upstream Nile country was party to the agreement. For Ethiopia, this was a fundamental problem. A river system whose waters originate overwhelmingly in the territories of upstream states had effectively been divided through an agreement negotiated by two downstream countries. Ethiopia has consistently rejected the notion that such agreements can determine the rights of countries that were not parties to them. Ethiopian legal experts and policymakers argue that modern international water law is based on principles of equitable and reasonable utilization, cooperation, and the obligation to avoid significant harm—not on the permanent preservation of historical privilege. This disagreement lies at the heart of the Abay (Nile) dispute. For Ethiopia and other upstream countries, the question is not whether downstream states have legitimate water-security concerns. Rather, it is whether those concerns can be used to deny upstream countries the right to develop their own resources.   When Development Became a Geopolitical Question Throughout the second half of the twentieth century, Ethiopia explored a number of hydropower and water-development projects on the Abbay River. Many failed to materialize. Some were undermined by domestic political instability. Others faced financial and technical limitations. Ethiopia also lacked the infrastructure and institutional capacity required to implement projects of enormous scale. But the country’s development challenges were compounded, Ethiopian policymakers and analysts argue, by sustained diplomatic opposition to major upstream water projects. Whenever Ethiopia proposed large-scale development initiatives on the Abbay, the issue frequently became entangled in regional and international politics. Egypt consistently opposed projects that it believed could affect its downstream water interests. Ethiopian officials and scholars have argued that Cairo also sought to discourage international financial institutions, bilateral donors, and potential investors from supporting major Ethiopian projects on the river. Whether through direct diplomatic lobbying or the broader political sensitivity surrounding Nile infrastructure, the result was a development environment in which financing major projects became extraordinarily difficult. For Ethiopia, water development was therefore never merely a technical or economic matter. It became a question of sovereignty. Could a country be expected to remain poor because the rivers flowing through its territory eventually cross international borders? Could the historical use of a shared river by downstream states permanently prevent upstream countries from meeting the basic needs of their own populations? These questions increasingly shaped Ethiopia’s approach to the Abay River.   The GERD: A New Chapter in the Abay Basin The launch of the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam in 2011 marked a dramatic turning point. Instead of waiting for international financing or external approval, Ethiopia decided to build the project largely through its own resources. The decision was extraordinary. The government launched a nationwide fundraising campaign that mobilized citizens from all walks of life. Civil servants contributed portions of their salaries. Businesses purchased bonds. Farmers, students, religious institutions, and members of the Ethiopian diaspora contributed to the project. The dam became a national cause. For millions of Ethiopians, the GERD was no longer simply an infrastructure project. It became a symbol of self-reliance and national dignity—a declaration that Ethiopia would no longer allow financial constraints or external political pressure to determine whether its people could access electricity and development. The project also demonstrated the power of domestic resource mobilization in a country with limited access to conventional international financing for major infrastructure projects. The GERD was built through public contributions, bond sales, government resources, and the collective financial commitment of Ethiopians at home and abroad. The scale of the national campaign was unprecedented in modern Ethiopian history. As construction progressed, the dam increasingly came to represent a broader national aspiration: the right of a country to use its natural resources to fight poverty, expand electricity access, industrialize its economy, and create opportunities for its people. Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed has repeatedly described the project as a symbol of Ethiopia’s determination to shape its own future. “No force can stop Ethiopia from building a dam on the Abay,” he once said. On another occasion, he emphasized the wider significance of the project, declaring that the GERD had brought Ethiopia a wealth greater than its GDP and that “the era of begging for a handout has ended.” For Ethiopia, the message was clear: development could no longer be postponed indefinitely in the name of preserving an old regional order. A Dam at the Center of Egypt’s Unfounded Propaganda The GERD quickly became one of Africa’s most closely watched infrastructure projects. Egypt brought the dispute to regional and international forums, including the Arab League and the United Nations Security Council, arguing that the dam posed risks to its vital water security. Ethiopia, meanwhile, maintained that the GERD was fundamentally a non-consumptive hydropower project. It repeatedly says the dam does not permanently divert water from the Nile system. Water passes through turbines to generate electricity before continuing downstream. Ethiopian officials and water experts have also emphasized the dam’s potential regional benefits. The GERD is expected to regulate the seasonal flow of the Abay, reduce the severity of flooding downstream, trap sediment that can damage infrastructure, and generate large quantities of clean, renewable electricity. Ethiopia has also affirmed that regulated water releases could improve predictability in the downstream flow of the river. Ambassador Ibrahim Idris has underscored this position, explaining that water used to generate electricity flows back into the river system rather than being consumed. Water-resources expert Yilma Seleshi, PhD, has likewise pointed to the potential benefits of storing water in the cooler Ethiopian highlands, where evaporation losses may be lower than in hotter downstream environments. From Ethiopia’s perspective, the central issue is therefore not whether downstream countries have legitimate concerns, but how those concerns can be addressed without denying upstream countries their own right to development. The debate has revealed a deeper disagreement. Egypt has historically emphasized the protection of existing water uses and downstream security. Ethiopia has emphasized sovereign development rights, equitable and reasonable utilization, and the need for a more inclusive basin-wide framework. The dispute is therefore about more than the operation of a single dam. It is about who has the authority to shape the future of an entire river basin.   Breaking the Financing Barrier Perhaps the most significant achievement of the GERD was not only its engineering scale but the manner in which Ethiopia financed it. For decades, the country struggled to secure external financing for major projects on the Abbay River amid political opposition and regional sensitivities. The GERD changed the model. Ethiopia turned inward—not in isolation, but in search of national capacity. The project became one of the largest examples of domestic resource mobilization for strategic infrastructure in modern African history. The campaign crossed social and economic boundaries. A civil servant’s contribution, a farmer’s donation, a student’s support, a business investment, and a diaspora contribution all became part of the same national effort. The dam’s financing campaign transformed a complex infrastructure project into a shared national undertaking. That collective participation also gave the GERD a political significance that extended far beyond its power-generation capacity. It became a symbol of what Ethiopia could achieve when a strategic national project was backed by broad public participation. The dam represented a rejection of the idea that Africa’s major development projects must always depend on external financing, external approval, or external political acceptance. From Energy Deficit to Regional Powerhouse With an installed generation capacity of more than 5,000 megawatts, the GERD is set to become Africa’s largest hydroelectric power facility. Its significance for Ethiopia is immense. For decades, insufficient electricity constrained industrial growth, limited economic opportunities, and left millions of Ethiopians without reliable access to power. The GERD offers the potential to transform that reality. More electricity can support manufacturing, digital services, education, health care, agriculture, and the expansion of small and medium-sized businesses. It can also strengthen Ethiopia’s position as a regional energy supplier. Cross-border electricity trade has the potential to deepen economic integration across East Africa, connecting national economies through shared energy infrastructure. In this sense, the GERD is not only an Ethiopian project. Its long-term impact could extend across the region. A more interconnected East African electricity market could reduce energy shortages, improve reliability, support industrial development, and create new opportunities for regional cooperation.   The End of an Old Hydro-Political Order? The completion of the GERD has fundamentally altered the political landscape of the Abay (Nile) Basin. For decades, upstream countries faced enormous political and financial obstacles when attempting to develop the river’s resources. Ethiopia’s success demonstrated that the old order could be challenged. The country did not abandon diplomacy. It did not reject cooperation. But it refused to accept the idea that development could be permanently suspended because of historical arrangements that it never signed. The GERD therefore represents a profound shift in the Nile Basin. It has strengthened Ethiopia’s confidence in its ability to pursue large-scale development projects through national capacity. It has also encouraged a broader debate among upstream countries about the relationship between sovereignty, development, and transboundary water cooperation. The future of the Nile Basin will inevitably require compromise. Egypt’s water-security concerns cannot simply be dismissed. Nor can the development aspirations of Ethiopia and other upstream states be indefinitely subordinated to historical claims. The challenge is to build a framework in which both realities can coexist. That means cooperation based on contemporary international water law, transparent data sharing, coordinated dam operations, confidence-building measures, and a recognition that the Nile is not a zero-sum resource. The prosperity of one country does not necessarily require the poverty of another.   A New Chapter for Ethiopia and Abay River For Ethiopia, the GERD represents the culminate on of a struggle that lasted generations. It is the product of engineering, political commitment, national sacrifice, and unprecedented public mobilization. But its meaning extends beyond the dam itself. The project has challenged the idea that historical water arrangements can permanently determine the development prospects of countries that were excluded from their creation. It has demonstrated that a major African country can mobilize its own citizens to finance a transformative national project. It has expanded Ethiopia’s energy potential and created new possibilities for regional electricity trade. And, perhaps most importantly, it has changed the psychology of the Nile Basin. The GERD has shown that the upstream countries are no longer prepared to remain passive observers of decisions concerning the rivers that originate in their territories. For Ethiopia, the completion of the dam marks the end of one era and the beginning of another. The country that once watched its rivers flow downstream while millions remained in darkness is now using those waters to generate electricity, power industry, and support national development. Abay is still a shared river. Its future will depend on cooperation. But the political geography of the basin has changed. The era in which Ethiopia’s development could be constrained indefinitely by inherited arrangements, external pressure, or the absence of international financing is increasingly becoming a matter of history. The GERD stands as a monument to that transformation. For Ethiopia, it is a dam. For the Nile Basin, it is a geopolitical turning point. And for Africa, it is a powerful reminder that development, when backed by national determination and collective sacrifice, can eventually overcome even the most deeply entrenched barriers.

Addis Ababa, July 26, 2026 (ENA) —GERD has vividly demonstrated what Ethiopians can do through unity and the country needs to keep its momentum by taking crucial experiences from the historic success of the dam, Policy Innovation Research Center (PIRC) Executive Director, Solomon Zena, said. In an exclusive interview with ENA, the Executive Director noted that Ethiopia has been a great example in so many things, further highlighting the country’s continued exemplary role by realizing the grand dam.   The Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) is a major clean energy project that significantly boosts renewable hydropower indispensable for advancing regional economic integration. Solomon further said the dam is generating renewable energy that is also instrumental for bolstering the country’s climate actions and providing energy for the region. The Executive Director further elaborated on the significance of GERD for mitigating climate change by generating renewable energy. He also stressed the need for moving ahead to keep the momentum in developing the country’s water resources by taking the essential experiences from GERD. The nation needs to go and also build small dams as the successful completion of the GERD vividly manifests how Ethiopians make differences through unity. GERD is a historic milestone driven by public unity and government resolve which is also widely hailed as a historic milestone of national unity, self-reliance, and shared pride.   “It is a great initiative. It shows that when we come together, we can make a difference. We can build a dam like that, one of the largest in Africa.” The Executive Director emphasized the need to keep that momentum by expanding the efforts the country already made and also the big achievement shown with the Grand Renaissance Dam alongside some other programs implemented in different sectors of the economy. Ethiopia has to keep its momentum as long as the people and the government believe that it helps to bring development in Ethiopia without harming others, he underscored.   “We need to go ahead and do what we did with the Grand Renaissance Dam. I understand that we need more dams,” Solomon stated. The Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) is widely regarded as indispensable for advancing regional economic integration while also standing as a powerful symbol of African self-reliance.

Addis Ababa, July 25, 2026 (ENA) —Former Assistant Secretary of State for African Affairs at the U.S. Department of State, Tibor Nagy rebuffed Cairo and Asmara's repeated statements that only littoral states hold authority over Red Sea maritime security and governance. Ambassador Nagy argued that if as Egypt and Eritrea say only littoral states have anything to say about Red Sea, then logically only nations which put water into the Nile can determine its use. The US diplomat and Professor wrote: "So if as Egypt and Eritrea say only littoral states have anything to say about Red Sea, then logically only nations which put water into the Nile can determine its use".   The diplomat's remark addresses the stance of lower riparian downstream countries that seek to influence upstream water developments while simultaneously attempting to exclude non-coastal nations from Red Sea maritime security discussions. The commentary comes amid ongoing discussions regarding sovereign access to sea outlets in the Horn of Africa and the equitable utilization of transboundary water resources in the Nile Basin.

Addis Ababa, July 24, 2026 (ENA) —Ethiopia and the United States have stepped up efforts to strengthen commercial diplomacy and make the investment climate more conducive, as senior government officials and American business leaders held a high-level dialogue. The dialogue focused on removing barriers to investment and translating policy commitments into concrete business opportunities. The Public-Private Dialogue (PPD), held in Addis Ababa on July 23, brought together senior Ethiopian government officials, U.S. diplomats, American investors and representatives of the American Chamber of Commerce in Ethiopia to discuss market access, regulatory challenges and the conditions needed to expand private-sector investment.   The forum was jointly convened by the Ethiopian Investment Commission (EIC), the U.S. Embassy in Ethiopia and the Ethiopian-American Chamber of Commerce under the leadership of Ambassador Girma Birru, Chairperson of the Ethiopian Investment Board. U.S. Ambassador to Ethiopia Ervin J. Massinga co-chaired the dialogue with EIC Commissioner Dr. Zeleke Temesgen and Chief Macroeconomic Advisor to the Prime Minister Ambassador Girma Birru. The discussions centered on advancing commercial diplomacy, expanding market access and ensuring a more open, transparent and level playing field for U.S. companies operating in Ethiopia.   Speaking at the opening session, Commissioner Zeleke Temesgen said a conducive and predictable investment environment cannot be created through laws and regulatory frameworks alone. He stressed that sustained, transparent dialogue between policymakers and the private sector is essential to identifying investment barriers, developing practical solutions and building investor confidence. “Transparent dialogue and consultation between policymakers and investors are essential to building a favorable investment climate,” the Commissioner said. Zeleke noted that the Ethiopian Investment Commission has, over the past two years, worked closely with investment associations representing various countries and other stakeholders through Public-Private Dialogue platforms.   These platforms, he said, are playing a vital role in fostering a more transparent, predictable and conducive investment environment by providing investors with a direct channel to engage policymakers and relevant government institutions. The Commissioner also recognized the contribution of U.S. companies to Ethiopia's economy through capital investment, job creation, technology transfer and the expansion of foreign trade, while calling on more American companies to explore investment opportunities in the country. On his part, Ambassador Massinga reaffirmed the strategic importance of Ethiopia to the United States and stressed Washington's commitment to deepening economic ties between the two countries.   He welcomed the Ethiopian Government's ongoing economic and investment reforms, emphasizing that an open, transparent and predictable business environment is critical to attracting U.S. investment and supporting private-sector-led economic growth. The Ambassador further underscored the importance of ensuring that Public-Private Dialogue platforms produce tangible results rather than remaining limited to discussions. To advance that goal, he proposed that the Ethiopian Investment Commission and private-sector representatives develop a targeted action plan aimed at addressing key bottlenecks identified by businesses. The initiative is intended to strengthen commercial diplomacy by moving from dialogue to implementation and supporting the expansion of business operations, increased investment and broader economic opportunities for both Ethiopian and American businesses.   The concerns were addressed directly by senior representatives of the relevant Ethiopian government institutions. Ambassador Girma Birru, who chaired the dialogue, said such platforms play an important role in improving the investment environment and reaffirmed that similar forums would continue to be strengthened and held regularly. Senior officials from the Ministry of Finance, the Ministry of Trade and Regional Integration, the Ministry of Revenues, the Ministry of Transport and Logistics, the Ethiopian Customs Commission and the Immigration and Citizenship Service participated in the discussions.   More than 50 members of the American Chamber of Commerce, along with representatives of development partner organizations, also attended the forum, according to the Ethiopian Investment Commission. The dialogue reflects growing efforts by Ethiopia and the United States to deepen economic engagement by linking high-level diplomatic commitments with direct engagement between government institutions and the business community.

Addis Ababa, July 24, 2026 (ENA) — The Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD), which is a very good impetus for economic growth, demonstrates a great example of Ethiopia’s effective domestic policy, American-based Economics Professors noted. In an exclusive interview with ENA, Gettysburg College Economics Professor, Linus Nyiwul, said the dam is a very good example of a good domestic policy. Stating that infrastructure is a very crucial resource for achieving growth, he stated that the Great Renaissance Dam is a massive project that would provide electricity at highest levels that benefit Ethiopia and catalyze growth.   Therefore, it is a very good impetus for economic growth that would then provide the resources which can be redirected into not just climate change policy but other areas of growth, Professor Nyiwul elaborated. “Infrastructure is going to be extremely important going forward, not just for improving people's lives but also preparing for potential negative effects of climate change.”   The Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam has been described by many as a prime example of committed domestic resource mobilization which stands as a powerful symbol of national self-reliance, unity, and shared sacrifice. The American economist, however, added that mobilizing resources does not always have to be on the government's shoulders as the private sector could play a significant role in this respect. Similarly, University of California, Berkeley Professor, Edward Miguel, said the Grand Renaissance Dam is crucial for industrial development and to improve people's lives.   The dam is a very important investment which is critical for future economic growth, and Ethiopia has been willing to make those big investments, he noted. Speaking about Ethiopia’s commitment in advancing renewable and clean energy, Professor Miguel said hydropower is imperative in generating renewable and clean energy alongside solar and wind which is part of the country’s ongoing endeavors. “I think the world has reached a new phase, and renewable energy has to be in the center of energy policy now.” He commended Ethiopia’s impressive economic transformation driven through its comprehensive economic reforms in major sectors in recent years.   Ethiopia integrates its rapid economic transformation links closely to its green goals, generating over 95 percent of its electricity from clean, renewable sources like hydropower, wind, solar and geothermal.