Addis Ababa, August 27, 2026 (ENA) —Egypt’s stance on Abay (Nile) River violates fundamental African Union principles on consultation, cooperation and equitable utilization of transboundary water resources, Political Science and International Relations Professor Yacob Arsano, said. Professor Yacob, who has extensive research experience in water politics and Nile Basin affairs, also served as a member of Ethiopia’s negotiating team during the tripartite negotiations over the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD). In an exclusive interview with ENA, Professor Yacob said Egypt has consistently pursued a position that does not adequately prioritize consultation, cooperation and equitable utilization of the Nile waters. He described Egypt’s claim to be the sole owner and beneficiary of the Abay as unjustified, arguing that such a position constitutes an obstacle to the joint development and sustainable utilization of the river. The professor also rejected calls for third-party mediation in Nile disputes, saying they undermine the African Union’s principle of “African solutions to African problems.” He said recent narratives and propaganda surrounding the Nile issue should be viewed in the context of Egypt’s longstanding position on the river. Noting that more than 86 percent of Abay (Nile) waters originate in Ethiopia, Professor Yacob emphasized that Ethiopia’s water diplomacy is based on joint development, equitable utilization and cooperation among Nile Basin countries. He further stressed that Egypt’s objections and opposition cannot prevent Ethiopia from utilizing its water resources for national development. According to Professor Yacob, the construction, filling and management of the GERD have been carried out in accordance with relevant international principles and agreements. Ethiopia has consistently maintained that the project will not cause significant harm to downstream countries.   He said Ethiopia remains at an early stage of developing its water resources and has the sovereign right to undertake additional water development projects in the Nile Basin beyond the GERD. “Ethiopia does not need anyone’s permission to develop its water resources,” he said, while emphasizing that Ethiopia remains committed to cooperation. However, Professor Yacob stressed that Ethiopia’s position on utilizing its water resources should not be interpreted as opposition to cooperation with downstream countries. “Ethiopia’s door is always open to cooperation,” he said. He also underscored the importance of dialogue, mutual understanding and equitable utilization of the Nile waters. He said sustainable management of the Abay requires all basin countries to move away from unilateral positions and work toward a cooperative framework that recognizes the interests and development needs of all Nile Basin states.

Addis Ababa, August 26, 2026 (ENA) —Former Ethiopian Prime Minister Hailemariam Desalegn said Ethiopia’s experience in financing and building the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) demonstrates how African countries can drive their own development through self-reliance and greater ownership. Speaking at the Africa Mindset Reset Forum in Kigali, Hailemariam said Africa must increasingly shape its development through its own resources, institutions, human capital and strategic choices rather than relying primarily on externally defined models. He cited Ethiopia’s development experience over recent decades as evidence that deeply rooted narratives of dependency can be challenged through deliberate national action. Among the examples he highlighted was the expansion of agricultural extension services, which brought tens of thousands of extension workers closer to rural communities and helped strengthen agricultural productivity. He also emphasized Ethiopia’s development-oriented economic policies and efforts to mobilize domestic resources as important elements of its development experience. But the GERD stood at the heart of his argument. According to a report by Top African News, Hailemariam described the dam as a practical demonstration of what African countries can accomplish when they mobilize domestic resources around a strategic national objective. After Ethiopia was unable to secure conventional international financing for the project, the country turned to its citizens and domestic financial institutions. Ethiopians from different walks of life contributed through bond purchases and other forms of domestic financing, making the GERD more than an infrastructure project. It became a symbol of national ownership, collective determination and Ethiopia’s drive for development self-reliance. Hailemariam argued that the broader lesson for Africa is a need to change the continent’s development mindset—from viewing Africa primarily as a recipient of assistance to recognizing its capacity to generate solutions, mobilize capital and determine its own priorities. “Continental agency,” in this context, begins with confidence in Africa’s people, resources and institutions. The former prime minister said Ethiopia’s experience could offer valuable lessons to other African countries seeking to strengthen institutions, mobilize domestic capital, invest in human capacity and reduce vulnerability to external economic shocks. The significance of the GERD, therefore, extends beyond electricity generation and the Nile Basin. It has become part of a broader African debate over how the continent can finance transformative infrastructure, build productive economies and engage the global system from a position of greater strength. Yet Hailemariam’s argument also points to a larger challenge: individual national successes must be transformed into durable continental systems of cooperation, investment, innovation and knowledge sharing. For Hailemariam, the GERD experience carries a message that reaches far beyond Ethiopia: Africa’s development agency will ultimately depend on the continent’s ability to trust its own capabilities, mobilize its own resources and turn national achievements into shared continental progress.

Addis Ababa, August 26, 2026 (ENA) —State Minister for Foreign Affairs Ambassador Hadera Abera met with Kirsty McNeill, UK Minister of State for International Development at the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, to discuss ways of further strengthening the longstanding Ethiopia–UK partnership. Ambassador Hadera reaffirmed Ethiopia’s commitment to its strategic partnership with the United Kingdom. Hadera further expressed readiness to expand bilateral cooperation in ways that advance mutual interests, shared prosperity and sustainable development, according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.   The two sides explored opportunities to deepen cooperation across key areas, including trade and investment, development cooperation, economic reform, migration, regional peace and security, climate action and multilateral affairs. The meeting underscored the two countries’ shared interest in strengthening practical cooperation and building a more resilient and mutually beneficial partnership, the ministry pointed out.

Addis Ababa, August 26, 2026 (ENA) —President Taye Atske Selassie bid farewell to outgoing South Korean Ambassador Jung Kang, as the two sides reviewed the longstanding Ethiopia–South Korea partnership and prospects for further strengthening bilateral ties. During the meeting at the National Palace, President Taye and Ambassador Kang reviewed the progress of Ethiopia–South Korea relations and exchanged views on expanding cooperation in various spheres. The President reaffirmed Ethiopia’s commitment to expanding cooperation with Seoul in trade, investment, technology, education and development. Speak to ENA, Ambassador Kang said Ethiopia and South Korea have built a strong and enduring partnership rooted in Ethiopia's historic participation in the Korean War.   "We have historically important relations based on Ethiopia's participation in the Korean War. Ever since that, we have developed great bilateral relations," he said. The ambassador noted that the relationship has evolved beyond its historical foundation to include high-level political engagement, economic cooperation and growing people-to-people exchanges. The ambassador noted that the relationship has since grown well beyond its historic foundations, evolving into a broader partnership encompassing political engagement, economic cooperation, development assistance and people-to-people exchanges. Despite the progress, Ambassador Kang said there is considerable room to take bilateral ties to a higher level. Particularly, he stressed the need for strengthening cooperation in trade and investment spheres. “We need to increase trade volume, we need more investment by Korean companies here in Ethiopia, and we also need to expand people-to-people exchanges,” he said. He expressed confidence that his successor would build on the achievements made during his tenure and further advance cooperation between the two countries.   On his part, President Taye commended Ambassador Kang for his contribution to strengthening Ethiopia–South Korea relations and expressed appreciation for his efforts to consolidate the longstanding friendship between the two nations. The president also reaffirmed Ethiopia’s readiness to broaden cooperation with the Republic of Korea in areas of mutual interest, particularly trade, investment, technology, education and development cooperation. Ethiopia and South Korea have maintained diplomatic relations for more than six decades, with their partnership distinguished by Ethiopia’s historic support for South Korea during the Korean War through the Kagnew Battalion, it was leaned.   South Korea remains an important development partner for Ethiopia, while Korean companies continue to see opportunities in the country’s growing economy, report shows.

Addis Ababa, August 26, 2026 (ENA) — Ethiopia’s steady economic growth and improving investment climate continue to attract more Chinese investors, according to Chinese Ambassador to Ethiopia Chen Hai. In an exclusive interview with ENA, Ambassador Hai said Ethiopia stands out as one of Africa’s largest and fastest-growing markets, offering substantial opportunities for international business partners and investors. “It offers a large market and tremendous opportunities. Ethiopia is one of Africa’s largest markets and one of its fastest-growing economies,” he said. The ambassador highlighted Ethiopia’s progress in key areas of economic transformation, including industrialization, urbanization, and agricultural modernization. “Ethiopia is at a stage of industrialization, urbanization, and agricultural modernization, and both China and Ethiopia are on the path toward modernization,” he noted. He said the growing economic ties between the two countries are creating opportunities not only for economic development but also for improving livelihoods. “The link with China provides tremendous opportunities not only for the economy but also for local livelihoods,” Ambassador Hai said, noting that Ethiopia and China share a common aspiration for modernization. Reflecting on his two years in Ethiopia, the ambassador said he had witnessed tangible improvements in the country’s economic ecosystem and business environment, citing the growing presence of Chinese investors and the establishment of new manufacturing facilities. “Over the past two years since I came to Ethiopia, more and more Chinese investors and entrepreneurs have come to this country, settled here, and made investments. More and more plants and factories have been established,” he said. Ambassador Hai attributed the improving investment environment to reform efforts undertaken by both the federal and regional governments, saying the measures have helped create more favorable conditions for businesses and investors. He also highlighted the expanding trade relationship between Ethiopia and China, particularly changes in Chinese consumer demand for Ethiopian products. Ethiopian agricultural commodities and raw materials, including coffee beans and sesame, remain popular among Chinese consumers, while industrial and value-added Ethiopian products are increasingly gaining acceptance in the Chinese market, he said. “I believe there are many Ethiopian products that are becoming more popular among Chinese consumers, especially coffee beans, sesame, and other raw materials. Recently, industrial products have also been gaining wider acceptance among Chinese consumers,” the ambassador added. Looking ahead, he expressed confidence that continued cooperation between Chinese businesses and Ethiopian authorities would further strengthen the country’s business ecosystem and generate greater opportunities for trade and investment. He added that stronger practical cooperation in trade and investment would contribute to the economic development of both countries and further deepen bilateral relations. The relationship between Ethiopia and China has been elevated to an all-weather strategic partnership, reflecting the two countries’ commitment to expanded cooperation and mutual development, and underscoring the broader importance of China-Africa economic relations.

Addis Ababa, August 25, 2026 (ENA)— Egypt is expected to pursue cooperation for shared benefit as Ethiopia exercises its sovereign right to harness and develop its water resources, Hydro politics scholar Professor Yacob Arsano told ENA. Water development in Ethiopia is still in its infancy, Prof. Yacob underscored. “Ethiopia’s water resources remain largely underdeveloped, yet they will be central to the country’s future economic growth and development,” he noted, stressing that the country’s water resources remain largely untapped for agriculture, power generation, tourism and other productive sectors, the renowned scholar said. He noted that Ethiopia’s future growth and development will inevitably depend, in significant part, on its ability to effectively harness and utilize its water resources on Abay (Nile) River.   “Therefore, its right to utilize its water resources is guaranteed,” the professor said. Professor Yacob further emphasized that the Ethiopian government and its people are determined to turn that right into reality. Yacob stressed that Ethiopia does not require permission from Egypt to develop its own water resources. “Fundamentally, no one is waiting for Egypt to grant permission,” he said, adding that Ethiopia has never sought Egypt’s permission to utilize and develop its water resources and will not do so in the future. At the same time, he emphasized that Ethiopia’s assertion of its sovereign development rights does not rule out cooperation. “The door remains open if Egypt comes to its senses and returns to negotiations,” Prof. Yacob said. He added that Ethiopia’s position is broadly shared by other upstream Abay (Nile) Basin countries, which maintain their right to utilize their water resources for development while remaining open to cooperation based on dialogue and mutual benefit.   Ethiopia’s approach, he said, is therefore anchored in two principles: the sovereign right to develop its water resources and the willingness to cooperate for shared benefit. Ethiopia has planned to consolidate the momentum created by the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) by expanding investment in additional mega dams on the Abay River.   In his recent interview, Water and Energy Minister Habtamu Itefa said: “Ethiopia does not need permission from anyone to develop its water resources as it is a sovereign country,”. “Who said that we need permission from anyone? Ethiopia is a sovereign country... Look, we built the GERD without the permission, and we will also build other dams on other river basins whenever the needs arise,” he elaborated.

Addis Ababa, August 25, 2026 (ENA)— The revival and rapid progress of the long-delayed Megech Irrigation Project in Ethiopia’s Amhara Region is emerging as a powerful example of the government’s Medemer approach, Deputy Mayor of Gondar City Chalachew Dagnew said. The project’s rapid progress has further demonstrated a decisive shift from years of delay to tangible results and effective project delivery, Chalachew told journalists.   The Megech Dam demonstrates the capacity of the Medemer Government, a homegrown Ethiopian governance and development philosophy introduced by Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, to revive stalled projects and move them toward completion within a relatively short period, he added. The Medemer Government has increasingly placed project execution and delivery at the center of its development agenda. The Ministry of Irrigation and Lowlands organized a guided tour of the Megech Dam construction site for journalists from various media outlets. Briefing journalists during the visit, Deputy Mayor Chalachew said the Megech Dam had been a longstanding demand of the people of Gondar and surrounding areas. He described the project as far more than a major water infrastructure undertaking, saying it represents a long-awaited development opportunity for communities in the area.   According to the Deputy Mayor, the project had remained largely stalled for 18 years, during which the public was repeatedly given assurances that construction was progressing. He said poor project management had compounded the problem, with construction work carried out during the dry season reportedly being damaged or washed away by floods during the rainy season. Such recurring setbacks not only undermined the project but also contributed to soil erosion and sedimentation affecting Lake Tana, he added. The situation changed following the government's decision under the leadership of Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed to reassess and revive the project, Chalachew said, noting that public expectations had gradually shifted from prolonged uncertainty to tangible progress. The dam is expected to generate substantial benefits for the surrounding communities by supporting agricultural irrigation and improving access to clean drinking water. The project is particularly significant for Dembiya, an area with extensive agricultural potential, while its water-supply component is expected to provide an important boost to Gondar City. Chalachew also highlighted the project's broader environmental significance, saying its implementation would help reduce sedimentation and contribute to protecting Lake Tana, Ethiopia's largest lake. He said the local community has embraced the project, actively protecting the surrounding area and closely monitoring construction progress.   The rapid advancement of the Megech Dam, he added, offers a practical illustration of what effective project management and coordinated action can achieve after years of delay. A project that had frustrated communities with repeated promises and setbacks for nearly two decades has now reached near completion in less than two years of accelerated implementation, Chalachew pointed out.   He expressed confidence that the remaining construction work would be completed soon, describing the Megech Dam as a potential beacon of development for northern Ethiopia. The project he also underscored that, is a visible symbol of the government's emphasis on turning long-standing development ambitions into completed projects.

Addis Ababa, August 24, 2026 (ENA) —Ethiopia’s efforts to boost agricultural productivity, promote self-sufficiency, and engage smallholder farmers offer valuable lessons for other African countries seeking to strengthen food security, according to officials from the African Union (AU) and the Regional Strategic Analysis and Knowledge Support System. Clement Adjorlolo, Principal Programme Officer for Agriculture and Rural Transformation at the African Union Development Agency (AUDA), told ENA that African countries need to consolidate efforts to transform their food systems and strengthen their capacity to meet growing domestic needs. In this regard, Ethiopia’s experience carries wider significance as countries across the continent work to build food systems capable of feeding their growing populations, he noted.   “We need to be able to produce and feed ourselves. We cannot continue to delegate our food requirement to anyone else,” Adjorlolo said. He stressed the need to address the entire food chain, from production and transportation to consumption, rather than focusing primarily on agricultural production. Adjorlolo said involving local communities and smallholder farmers in the transformation process is essential to strengthening self-sufficiency, increasing production and reducing dependence on food imports. “Some of the initiatives that Ethiopia is carrying on, bringing smallholder farmers and aggregating them to produce, to be involved in production, is the example that we need to share with other member states,” he said. He noted that Ethiopia’s experience in wheat production also demonstrates the importance of strengthening domestic agricultural production as African countries seek to meet a greater share of their food requirements from within the continent. The official further highlighted Ethiopia’s Green Legacy Initiative as an example of efforts to link agricultural and food systems transformation with environmental restoration and climate resilience.   He said tree planting contributes not only to environmental restoration and carbon sequestration, but can also support livelihoods and create economic opportunities for local communities. “The Green Legacy program, in my view, has been a really, really exemplary initiative that many other African countries are following,” Adjorlolo said. He added that the initiative contributes to broader continental environmental efforts, including the African Union’s Great Green Wall and the African Forest Landscape Restoration Initiative, known as AFR100. Meanwhile, Head of the Regional Strategic Analysis and Knowledge Support System (ReSAKSS) unit at AKADEMIYA2063, Paul Guthiga, said Ethiopia’s ongoing agricultural transformation also offers valuable lessons for other countries across the continent. Guthiga pointed to efforts to strengthen food security, promote value addition and agro industrialization, and increase farmers’ incomes as areas from which other African countries can draw experience.   “I think even looking at the kind of transformation we are observing in Ethiopia, it is quite impressive that within a very short time, we see a lot of initiatives by the government across the country to ensure that all communities have food security,” he said. He added that promoting value addition and agro-industrialization could create more employment opportunities while increasing farmers’ incomes. Guthiga also said Ethiopia’s agricultural investment experience provides an important lesson for other African countries, noting that Ethiopia was among the countries that met the Comprehensive Africa Agriculture Development Programme (CAADP) commitment to allocate at least 10 percent of public expenditure to agriculture. CAADP is the African Union’s continental framework for agricultural transformation, food security and sustainable development. He said Ethiopia’s experience demonstrates the importance of increasing investment in agriculture to accelerate transformation and address food security challenges. Guthiga further welcomed Ethiopia’s ongoing development of a new National Agrifood Investment Plan aligned with the Kampala CAADP Declaration. The Kampala CAADP Declaration is one of the continent’s broader efforts to advance agricultural transformation and food security. He also said that maintaining the momentum could help address outstanding challenges, raise agricultural productivity and improve food security and nutrition across the country.

Addis Ababa, August 24, 2026 (ENA) —Ethiopia has called on BRICS member states to establish dedicated funding mechanisms for youth enterprises and increase investment in digital and green technologies to advance youth led economic growth, according to the Ethiopian Embassy in India. The Ethiopian delegation made the call during the BRICS Youth Ministers’ Meeting held in Visakhapatnam, India, where the Ethiopian delegation advocated stronger youth cooperation, dedicated financing mechanisms and joint investments in digital and green technologies among BRICS members. Noting that more than 70 percent of Ethiopia’s population is under the age of 30, the delegation emphasized the role of young people as key drivers of economic growth, innovation and resilience. According to a post on social media of the Ethiopian Embassy in India, Ethiopia further highlighted key national initiatives including the revised National Youth Policy, Digital Ethiopia 2030 and the Green Legacy Initiative.   The delegation elaborated that these initiatives have engaged young people annually in efforts to address climate change while creating green employment opportunities. Ethiopia also proposed greater investment in digital literacy, green entrepreneurship and technical skills in agriculture and renewable energy to strengthen the impact of the BRICS Youth Council. The nation also called for greater use of youth leadership in conflict prevention and resilience building, alongside expanded educational and cultural exchange programs. The country further urged BRICS to establish operational mechanisms and dedicated funding for youth enterprises and strengthen cooperation between the BRICS Youth Council and organizations such as the African Union, the Embassy noted.   Ethiopia also reaffirmed its commitment to supporting the Council’s initiatives and translating shared objectives into concrete outcomes. The BRICS Youth Ministers’ Meeting was held in Visakhapatnam on August 22 under India’s 2026 BRICS Chairship. It brought together ministers and heads of delegation from the 11 BRICS member states to strengthen cooperation on youth development and empowerment. The meeting built on the outcomes of the BRICS Youth Council Meeting and BRICS Youth Summit held in Gandhinagar, India, on August 19 and 20. It concluded with the adoption of a Joint Statement aimed at strengthening youth cooperation and promoting meaningful youth participation in development.   The Joint Statement identified key areas of cooperation, including education, training and skills development, youth entrepreneurship, science, technology and innovation, health and sports, environmental sustainability, social and cultural participation, volunteering, poverty reduction and youth inclusion.

Addis Ababa, August 24, 2026 (ENA) —An Indian investor, who is currently active in Ethiopia’s agriculture sector, underscored Ethiopia’s exceptional potential as a destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in agriculture, specifically within the export-oriented horticulture sector. The agribusiness investor and Gud Agro Plc Shareholder, Gajendra Singh Manpura, shared insights drawn from the company’s two years of operational experience near Boditi in the Wolaita Zone of Southern Ethiopia. The company has specialized in commercial avocado cultivation for export markets.   "We are currently working on approximately 150 hectares of land, with 30 to 35 hectares already planted with avocados," Manpura told ENA. He also explained that he selected Ethiopia after evaluating several alternative agricultural markets. He highlighted the country's fertile soil, favorable climate, reliable water resources, abundant sunlight, and strong support from both the government and local communities as primary catalysts for his decision.   Manpura urged new investors to look beyond the local market and leverage Ethiopia’s strategic access to global trade. "I would advise incoming investors not to focus solely on domestic sales," he noted. "By adopting an export-oriented mindset for fruits, vegetables, and other produce, investors can fully capitalize on Ethiopia's access to international markets." Drawing parallels to Ethiopia's established coffee legacy and Ecuador's global leadership in the banana trade, Manpura expressed strong confidence in the Ethiopia's potential to become a top international exporter of avocados and other horticultural crops.

Addis Ababa, August 24, 2026 (ENA) —The World Health Organization (WHO) Ethiopia representative has commended Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed for his forward-looking approach in integrating Artificial Intelligence (AI) and digital health technologies with major national development initiatives. The major national development initiatives include the Green Legacy Initiative (GLI), urban renewal projects and riverside developments. Speaking to ENA, WHO Representative to Ethiopia, the African Union and the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA), Francis Chisaka Kasolo, described Ethiopia as a frontrunner in harnessing emerging technologies to advance public health. “Indeed, the Prime Minister is the champion for artificial intelligence and digital health, and an award that was given by the African Union,” Kasolo said. He further highlighted the institutional recognition of Ethiopia’s efforts to advance digital health. The representative said WHO is committed to supporting Ethiopia’s digital transformation in the health sector. “We want to work with the country and the government and the Ministry of Health to really push this digital agenda,” Kasolo said. He also stressed that AI and other digital tools should go beyond disease prediction and help transform how countries plan and deliver health services.   Kasolo also emphasized that health should be addressed as a cross sectoral issue extending beyond medical treatment. “The World Health Organization has recognized that health is no longer just about treatment. It's about addressing the determinants of health,” he said, citing climate change, environmental degradation and humanitarian shocks among the factors that significantly affect public health. He stressed the importance of prevention, saying, “We would want to prevent ill health before it happens.” According to Kasolo, improving air quality and creating safer and healthier environments can reduce respiratory diseases and contribute to preventing some forms of cancer, making environmental policies an important component of public health. He specifically linked Ethiopia’s Green Legacy Initiative and urban development projects to preventive health measures. “The GLI, for example, promotes, for instance, clean air. Clean air leads to good health and reduction in respiratory diseases,” he said.   Kasolo also highlighted the health benefits of Addis Ababa’s corridor development projects, particularly improvements in sanitation. “The corridor project, for instance, also improves sanitation,” he said, noting that expanding similar improvements across the country could help reduce waterborne diseases. “Such initiatives are what we would want the government of Ethiopia to invest in before we start treating conditions that emerge because of poor environment,” he said. Kasolo called for Ethiopia’s approach to be replicated across Africa, saying investments in green infrastructure and healthier urban environments can contribute significantly to improving public health. “Certainly, these initiatives are what we would want to see across the continent because they contribute to good health, not only beautifying the city, but also to good health,” he said. His remarks underscore the growing convergence between digital innovation, environmental protection and public health in Ethiopia’s development agenda, with WHO viewing such integrated approaches as important tools for strengthening health security across Africa.

Staff Writer August 23, 2026 National Dialogue reaches a historic milestone as Ethiopia reasserts its sovereign right to develop the Abay, while diplomacy, security and strategic partnerships reinforce the country’s growing regional profile. The past week marked a defining chapter for Ethiopia, one shaped by historic political dialogue at home and an increasingly assertive posture on the regional and international stage. After 40 days of intensive deliberations involving nearly 4,000 Ethiopians from diverse backgrounds, the National Dialogue Conference concluded in Addis Ababa with approximately 400 recommendations addressing some of the country’s most pressing political, social and institutional challenges. At the same time, Ethiopia strongly reaffirmed its sovereign right to utilize its water resources, pushing back against criticism over plans to develop additional dams on the Abay (Nile) River. The message from Addis Ababa was unequivocal: Ethiopia will develop its resources to meet its national needs while pursuing cooperation with fellow Nile Basin countries.   Beyond these two defining developments, Ethiopia remained in the international spotlight through high-level engagement on security, diplomacy, regional affairs and strategic partnerships. National Dialogue: From Differences to a Search for Common Ground The conclusion of Ethiopia’s National Dialogue represented a significant milestone in the country’s attempt to address longstanding challenges through a nationally driven process. For 40 days, participants from different regions, political, social and professional backgrounds listened to competing perspectives, debated difficult questions and sought common ground. The process culminated in nearly 400 recommendations intended to contribute to a more peaceful, inclusive and stable Ethiopia.   The closing ceremony brought together senior government officials, former presidents, religious leaders, national figures and international guests, underlining the wider significance attached to the process. Former Kenyan President Uhuru Kenyatta described the dialogue as an important opportunity for Ethiopians to turn the country’s diversity into a source of strength and make inclusive dialogue a foundation for lasting peace and prosperity. He praised the Ethiopian National Dialogue Commission for bringing thousands of voices together, calling the initiative an “act of patriotism of the highest order.” Kenyatta also placed Ethiopia’s experience within a broader African context, recalling the country’s historic role in the continent’s political consciousness—from the victory at Adwa to Emperor Haile Selassie’s international leadership and Addis Ababa’s role in the establishment of the Organization of African Unity.   But he also stressed that lasting peace requires reaching those who remain outside the process. “Your peace is not a favor. Your peace is the condition of your own rest, and our peace is a condition for all of us in our region,” he said, linking Ethiopia’s stability directly to peace and security across the Horn of Africa. Former Nigerian President and African Union High Representative Olusegun Obasanjo likewise described Ethiopia’s National Dialogue as historic and potentially exemplary for the rest of Africa. Congratulating Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed and the National Dialogue Commission, Obasanjo said the ultimate objective of the process should be lasting peace, security and stability—conditions he described as essential for development and national growth.   “Peace is so important and it is worth giving everything,” he stressed, noting that preparations for the dialogue had taken four years. With its 40-day deliberations and thousands of participants, the process, he said, was “a serious and great undertaking” and “an example for the rest of us in Africa.” Abay: Ethiopia Draws a Clear Line on Sovereign Resource Development While the National Dialogue focused on finding common ground within Ethiopia, the country delivered an equally firm message abroad over the utilization of its water resources. Ethiopia has reaffirmed plans to develop additional dams on the Abay River, triggering strong reactions from Egypt and once again placing the Nile at the center of regional attention. Water and Energy Minister Habtamu Itefa made Ethiopia’s position clear: the country does not require permission from another state to develop its own water resources. “Ethiopia is a sovereign country,” the Minister said, pointing to the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam as an example of the country’s determination to pursue its development priorities.   In an exclusive interview with Pulse of Africa, Habtamu said the GERD was built primarily for electricity generation and is already contributing hydropower to Ethiopia while creating opportunities for regional energy cooperation. He categorically rejected proposals for joint management of the dam, arguing that Ethiopia would not accept arrangements that could give another country control over infrastructure built and financed by Ethiopians. “How come any entity asks to jointly manage the dam built by Ethiopians. This is impossible and unacceptable,” he underscored. Ethiopia’s broader position is that Nile Basin countries should pursue negotiation, cooperation and equitable development rather than arrangements that restrict Ethiopia’s ability to utilize its water resources. For Addis Ababa, the issue is ultimately tied to development: expanding electricity access for its population, generating economic opportunities and exporting power to neighboring countries. The Abay, therefore, is not simply a waterway in Ethiopia’s development discourse. It has become a central symbol of the country’s pursuit of energy security, economic transformation and sovereign decision-making. A Stronger Security Partnership with the United States   Ethiopia’s strategic engagement also expanded on the security front. A high-level Ethiopian delegation led by Major General Teshome Gemechu, Director General of Foreign Relations and Military Cooperation at the Ministry of Defense, visited the United States from August 19–20. During consultations at the Pentagon, Ethiopian officials met with senior U.S. defense and diplomatic officials to discuss bilateral security and defense cooperation. The talks, co-led with U.S. Deputy Assistant Secretary of War for African Affairs Brian J. Ellis, resulted in an agreement to elevate military and diplomatic cooperation between the two countries to a new level. The development signals Ethiopia’s interest in strengthening strategic partnerships at a time when security dynamics across the Horn of Africa and the wider Red Sea region are rapidly evolving. Ethiopia–China Ties: From Partnership to Strategic Alignment China also remained central to Ethiopia’s international engagement. Chinese Ambassador to Ethiopia Chen Hai described the two countries’ all-weather strategic partnership as a cornerstone of efforts to build a community with a shared future between China and Africa. In an exclusive interview with ENA, Ambassador Chen said the relationship had moved beyond traditional diplomacy, evolving into a broad partnership based on political trust, economic cooperation and mutual support.   “China and Ethiopia support each other politically and economically,” he said, emphasizing closer coordination to deliver benefits to both peoples. The partnership also carries significance beyond bilateral relations. Ethiopia’s role as a major African diplomatic center and China’s expanding engagement across the continent give the relationship wider implications for Africa-China cooperation. A Week That Signals a More Assertive Ethiopia Taken together, the week’s developments point to an Ethiopia seeking to balance national reconciliation at home with greater strategic confidence abroad. The conclusion of the National Dialogue offered a platform for Ethiopians to confront difficult questions through dialogue and compromise. The firm position on the Abay demonstrated Addis Ababa’s determination to defend its development interests and sovereign rights. Meanwhile, renewed engagement with the United States and China showed Ethiopia’s continuing effort to diversify and deepen strategic partnerships. The common thread is clear: Ethiopia is seeking greater national consensus, greater control over its development choices and a stronger voice in shaping the political and strategic future of the Horn of Africa. The coming months will reveal Ethiopia’s increasingly assertive approach to its resources, security and diplomacy can help reshape its role in the region. For a country at the crossroads of the Nile Basin, the Horn of Africa and the Red Sea, last week was more than a sequence of major events. It was a week that underscored Ethiopia’s determination to define its future on its own terms while remaining a consequential actor in Africa and beyond.

Addis Ababa, August 23, 2026 (ENA) —Ethiopia has called for stronger BRICS cooperation in tourism, positioning the sector as a strategic driver of economic growth, sustainable development and people-to-people ties. At the BRICS Tourism Ministers’ Meeting in Jaipur, the Ethiopian delegation highlighted the country’s cultural heritage and natural attractions while promoting cooperation in sustainable tourism, digital innovation, artificial intelligence and skills development, according to the Ethiopian Embassy in New Delhi.   Ethiopia proposed establishing a BRICS Travel Mart and a Tourism Centre of Excellence to facilitate joint tourism products, investment, research and capacity building. The delegation also highlighted Ethiopian Airlines’ role in connecting Africa with BRICS partner countries and promoted Addis Ababa as a potential international hub for meetings, incentives, conferences and exhibitions (MICE). Ethiopia expressed readiness to translate BRICS tourism cooperation into concrete initiatives, investment opportunities and joint ventures. The meeting, held under India’s 2026 BRICS Chairship, concluded with the adoption by consensus of the BRICS Tourism Ministers’ Communiqué 2026, known as the Jaipur Declaration.   The declaration prioritizes AI and tourism, sustainable and responsible tourism, skills and capacity building, and tourism exchanges and seamless travel facilitation, while encouraging cooperation in investment, infrastructure, destination management, data sharing and best practices. For Ethiopia, the initiative places tourism at the intersection of BRICS cooperation, economic diplomacy and the country’s broader effort to expand its global tourism and investment profile.

Addis Ababa, August 22, 2026 (ENA) —Ethiopian Airlines and Boeing have successfully concluded the fourth edition of their STEM School Program. The program was aimed at equipping Grade 11 students with practical skills, industry exposure and inspiration to pursue future careers in aviation, engineering and technology. The six-week program, hosted at the Ethiopian Aviation University, brought together young Ethiopian students for intensive, hands-on training designed to bridge classroom learning with the real-world demands of the aviation and technology industries. The fourth edition featured training in coding and robotics, Arduino and artificial intelligence, mobile and web development, and autonomous systems, while giving participants opportunities to gain first-hand exposure to Ethiopian Airlines’ aviation operations, including its maintenance and IT facilities. The initiative reflects a broader effort by Ethiopian Airlines and Boeing to build a strong pipeline of future STEM professionals capable of contributing to Ethiopia’s rapidly expanding aviation and technology sectors.   By combining Boeing’s global aerospace expertise with Ethiopian Airlines’ industry experience and the academic capacity of the Ethiopian Aviation University, the program is helping young Ethiopians turn their interest in science and technology into practical skills and career aspirations. The initiative also carries significance beyond Ethiopia. As Africa’s aviation sector expands and demand for skilled professionals grows, investing early in STEM education is increasingly vital to developing a homegrown workforce capable of driving the continent’s future aviation, engineering and technological transformation. The fourth edition therefore represents more than the completion of another student program. It also marks another step toward nurturing the innovators, engineers and aviation professionals who could shape the future of Ethiopia and Africa’s aerospace industry.

It Is Time to Stop Pretending Ethiopia Has No Stake in the Red Sea By Yordanos D. August 22, 2026 The strategic importance of Ethiopia’s maritime question has become increasingly difficult to separate from the wider security crisis unfolding across the Middle East, the Red Sea and the Horn of Africa. Recent disruptions around the Strait of Hormuz have demonstrated how quickly instability at a single maritime chokepoint can affect energy prices, shipping networks, insurance markets, supply chains and consumers thousands of kilometres away. These developments offer a wider lesson: maritime chokepoints are not simply geographical passages. They are arteries of the global economy. When their security deteriorates, the consequences can spread rapidly across continents. This raises a critical question for the Horn of Africa: what would happen if prolonged disruption in the Strait of Hormuz were accompanied by a major disruption at Bab el Mandeb? The consequences could be severe. Hormuz is vital to the movement of energy from the Persian Gulf, while Bab el Mandeb connects the Indian Ocean with the Red Sea and the Suez Canal, forming a crucial trade route between Asia and Europe. A simultaneous disruption at both chokepoints could force ships to choose between navigating dangerous waters and taking substantially longer routes around Africa. The resulting increase in fuel consumption, insurance costs, freight rates and transit times could create another major shock to global trade.   It is against this backdrop that Ethiopia’s pursuit of reliable access to the Red Sea assumes significance far beyond its own commercial interests. For a country of more than 130 million people, secure maritime access is an economic necessity. But Ethiopia’s return to the Red Sea could also have broader implications for regional connectivity, maritime security, investment and the resilience of international trade. Let us break down the calculus. The central question, therefore, is not simply whether Ethiopia should regain access to the sea. It is whether a stable and legally negotiated Ethiopian maritime presence could become part of a broader regional system capable of protecting one of the world’s most important trade corridors. Let us break down the strategic calculus. Hormuz and Rising Cost of Global Maritime The strategic importance of the Strait of Hormuz is enormous. In the first half of 2025, about 20.9 million barrels of oil and petroleum liquids per day passed through the strait, equivalent to roughly one fifth of global petroleum liquids consumption and about one quarter of global maritime oil trade. The strait also carries substantial volumes of liquefied natural gas, making it one of the world’s most important energy corridors. The disruption of these flows illustrates the vulnerability created by such dependence. By the second quarter of 2026, data from the U.S. Energy Information Administration showed that oil flows through Hormuz had fallen sharply compared with 2025 levels, reflecting the impact of regional conflict and maritime restrictions. Oil prices have responded to the uncertainty. Brent crude reached about $91.62 per barrel on August 19, 2026, and remained above $93 per barrel on August 21 amid continuing concerns over supply disruptions. The lesson is clear: instability at a strategically located maritime chokepoint can increase the cost of energy, transportation and insurance almost immediately. The significance of Hormuz, however, cannot be understood only through oil prices. The strait is embedded in a wider commercial system that connects energy producers in the Gulf with consumers across Asia, Europe and other regions. Any prolonged disruption can therefore generate secondary effects across manufacturing, transportation, electricity generation and food production.   Bab el Mandeb: The Other Critical Gateway Bab el Mandeb connects the Red Sea with the Gulf of Aden and the wider Indian Ocean. Together with the Red Sea and the Suez Canal, it forms part of one of the world’s most important maritime corridors linking Asia and Europe. When vessels cannot safely navigate the Red Sea, many are forced to travel around the Cape of Good Hope. The longer route requires more fuel, crew time and vessel capacity and significantly increases voyage times. According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration, disruptions around Bab el Mandeb or the Suez Canal can force ships onto the longer southern African route, increasing freight rates and shipping costs. Container ships carrying manufactured goods, bulk carriers transporting commodities, tankers carrying petroleum products and vessels carrying agricultural inputs can all be affected. A ship that spends several additional weeks at sea is also unavailable for another shipment during that period. Consequently, effective global shipping capacity can decline even when factories, warehouses and ports remain operational. The world has already experienced this problem following attacks on commercial vessels in the Red Sea, which prompted major shipping companies to divert vessels around Africa. The resulting increase in voyage distances and transit times demonstrated how quickly maritime insecurity can spread through freight markets, supply chains and consumer prices. For Africa, the implications are particularly serious. Many countries depend on imported fuel, fertilizers, machinery, food and manufactured products. Higher shipping costs can therefore translate into higher domestic prices and increased pressure on foreign exchange reserves. The Dual Chokepoint Crisis A simultaneous or successive disruption of Hormuz and Bab el Mandeb would transform two regional security problems into a potentially much larger global maritime crisis. Hormuz is principally critical for Gulf energy exports, while Bab el Mandeb is a key gateway for commercial vessels moving between the Indian Ocean and the Red Sea. If both were seriously disrupted, shipping companies could face a difficult choice between navigating insecure waters and taking dramatically longer alternative routes. Freight rates and insurance premiums could rise sharply. European manufacturers could experience delays in receiving Asian components and finished products, while Asian exporters could face higher costs in reaching European and North African markets. African economies would also be exposed because many depend heavily on imported fuel, fertilizers, machinery, food and manufactured goods. Governments could require more foreign currency to purchase the same volume of imports, while businesses could pass higher transportation, insurance and energy costs on to consumers. Recent shipping data further illustrates the sensitivity of the two corridors to regional insecurity. Reuters reported that only nine commodity vessels passed through the Strait of Hormuz on both August 18 and 19, 2026, while traffic through Bab el Mandeb fell from 32 to 27 vessels over the same period. By August 21, Reuters reported that Hormuz traffic had fallen further to seven commodity vessels, while Bab el Mandeb recorded 23 vessels. These figures do not establish that either waterway has been permanently closed. They do, however, demonstrate how quickly geopolitical uncertainty can change commercial shipping behaviour. Even without a formal blockade, heightened security risks can discourage operators, increase insurance costs and force vessels onto longer routes. A prolonged disruption at both chokepoints would therefore be more than a regional maritime crisis. It could become a major shock to global energy markets, international trade and supply chains.   Egypt’s Spoiler Role in Both Horn Africa and Red Sea Region Evidently, Egypt’s destabilizing activities in the Horn of Africa can be examined historically through its security and political engagement with countries surrounding Ethiopia. Its growing military cooperation with Somalia has particular strategic significance because Somalia lies close to the Bab el Mandeb, one of the world’s most important maritime chokepoints. The deployment or potential deployment of Egyptian military forces in Somalia could intensify strategic rivalry with Ethiopia and contribute to the militarization of an already fragile security environment. Egypt’s close political and security alignment with Sudan’s military establishment is another source of regional concern. The continuing war in Sudan has weakened state institutions, expanded armed networks and generated displacement and instability across the region. External military and political involvement risks prolonging the conflict and creating additional security pressures along Ethiopia’s western frontier and the Red Sea. A prolonged crisis in Sudan, where Egypt is behind this ongoing catastrophic civil war, could also create wider instability across the Horn, disrupting trade routes and increasing the movement of armed groups and illicit networks. Egypt has also supported Eritrea’s regime, whose strategic position on the Red Sea gives a leverage its proxy ambition. Closer Egyptian engagement with Eritrea, combined with its military cooperation with Somalia and its relationship with Sudan, could contribute to competing security alignments around Ethiopia and increase tensions across the Horn. The most serious concern is the strategic importance of the Bab el Mandeb. Egypt has a vital interest in the waterway because it provides access to the Suez Canal and is central to Egypt’s maritime trade. Egypt has an operational plan to physically close the Bab el Mandeb, the expansion of Egyptian military and political influence around the Horn raises concerns that the waterway could become an instrument of strategic pressure. Any attempt by Egypt or forces aligned with its interests to obstruct navigation through the Bab el Mandeb would have consequences far beyond the Horn of Africa. Such a disruption could create chaos in world trade. The Bab el Mandeb is a critical link between the Red Sea, the Gulf of Aden and the wider Indian Ocean trade system. Its disruption could force ships to take longer routes around the Cape of Good Hope, sharply increasing transportation costs, insurance premiums, delivery times and fuel consumption. It could also disrupt energy supplies and the movement of food, manufactured goods and essential commodities between Asia, Europe, Africa and the Middle East. Coming on top of instability around other major maritime chokepoints, a serious disruption at Bab el Mandeb could place additional pressure on already vulnerable global supply chains. Taken together, Egypt’s expanding military partnerships, political alliances and strategic positioning in Somalia, Sudan and Eritrea risk intensifying polarization in the Horn of Africa. If these relationships are used as instruments of confrontation with Ethiopia, they could contribute to greater militarization around the Red Sea and Bab el Mandeb. The consequence would not be limited to Ethiopia or the Horn. A crisis affecting Bab el Mandeb could escalate into a wider maritime emergency, threatening regional stability and creating severe disruption to international commerce and global trade. Why Ethiopia’s Maritime Return Matters? This is where Ethiopia’s maritime question takes on significance beyond national economic interests. Ethiopia’s dependence on external maritime gateways leaves its international trade vulnerable to disruption along regional transport corridors. More than 90 percent of Ethiopia’s import and export trade has historically moved through the Addis Djibouti corridor. Heavy dependence on a single principal gateway creates economic exposure when congestion, conflict, political disputes or maritime insecurity affect that route. A reliable and legally negotiated Ethiopian maritime presence could provide an additional option. It could diversify transport corridors, reduce dependence on a single gateway and strengthen Ethiopia’s ability to withstand regional disruptions. The objective should not be Ethiopian control of the Red Sea. Rather, it should be predictable and mutually agreed access established through arrangements that respect the sovereignty and territorial integrity of coastal states. Such an arrangement could provide benefits extending well beyond Ethiopia’s immediate maritime interests. It could strengthen the resilience of global trade by creating additional options for the movement of goods and reducing the risks associated with excessive dependence on a limited number of vulnerable maritime corridors. It could also contribute to stronger maritime security by encouraging greater cooperation among Red Sea and Horn of Africa countries in protecting shipping routes and responding to emerging security threats. At the same time, improved access to the Red Sea could reduce pressure on existing trade corridors, particularly those facing congestion, insecurity or rising transportation costs, while providing Ethiopia and neighbouring countries with more efficient routes to international markets.   Ethiopia’s maritime engagement could also deepen regional economic integration by linking its large domestic market with the economies and ports of the Horn of Africa and the wider Red Sea region. Greater connectivity could support cross border trade, logistics, manufacturing and infrastructure development, creating opportunities for countries to benefit from Ethiopia’s expanding economy while strengthening regional supply chains. Improved access to maritime trade would further enhance food and energy security by giving Ethiopia more reliable and diversified channels for importing essential commodities, fuel and industrial inputs. Such connectivity could also make the region more attractive to investors by improving access to markets, lowering logistics costs and encouraging investment in ports, transport networks, industrial parks and related infrastructure. Ethiopia’s maritime agenda should therefore be approached as part of a wider regional economic and security framework rather than as a contest for control over strategic territory. A negotiated arrangement could bring together Ethiopia’s need for reliable maritime access with the legitimate interests of coastal states. Ethiopia could secure predictable commercial access, while coastal states could benefit from transit revenues, infrastructure investment, employment, expanded markets and stronger economic links with one of Africa’s largest domestic markets. Such a framework could also help separate economic connectivity from military confrontation. Commercial maritime access does not necessarily require territorial control. A carefully negotiated arrangement can provide access while preserving the sovereignty of the coastal state and supporting the security interests of neighbouring countries. This distinction is critical. Ethiopia’s maritime return will be sustainable only if it is based on mutual interest, international law, transparency and respect for sovereignty. The wider strategic objective should be a Red Sea in which economic interdependence becomes a source of stability rather than a trigger for confrontation. Greater trade, infrastructure connectivity and shared maritime security could create incentives for countries to protect the same commercial system from which they benefit. In this sense, Ethiopia’s return to the Red Sea could become part of a broader effort to build a more resilient regional economy. The country’s large population, expanding domestic market and growing industrial and agricultural potential could generate substantial demand for maritime services, while improved access could help connect neighbouring economies to Ethiopian markets.   In a nutshell, the significance of Ethiopia’s return to the Red Sea extends far beyond the question of ports, trade routes or national economic interests. In an era when disruptions at Hormuz and Bab el Mandeb can reverberate through energy markets and global supply chains, the Horn of Africa needs a more resilient and balanced maritime system. Reliable Ethiopian access to the Red Sea, achieved through a peaceful, legally negotiated and mutually beneficial arrangement, could provide such an opportunity. It could diversify regional trade routes, reduce dependence on a single corridor, strengthen maritime security, attract investment, improve access to essential commodities and deepen economic integration across the Horn of Africa. For Ethiopia, maritime access would reduce a fundamental vulnerability associated with being landlocked. For coastal states, it could generate investment, transit revenues and expanded markets. For international shipping, it could contribute to a stronger regional security environment. For global markets, it could add another layer of resilience at a time when maritime chokepoints are increasingly vulnerable to geopolitical disruption. The strategic objective, therefore, should not be domination of the Red Sea by any single state. It should be the creation of a stable maritime order in which Ethiopia has legitimate and predictable access, coastal states retain their sovereignty, and international shipping enjoys greater security. In this sense, Ethiopia’s return to the Red Sea should be understood not merely as a national aspiration but as a potential contribution to regional stability and global trade resilience. A peaceful maritime settlement could turn Ethiopia from a vulnerable landlocked economy into a more active economic and security stakeholder in one of the world’s most consequential maritime regions.

Addis Ababa, August 21, 2026 (ENA) —Ethiopia’s Water and Energy Minister Habtamu Itefa revealed that opposition from Egypt and Sudan is slowing the establishment of a permanent Nile River Basin Commission, despite the entry into force of the Cooperative Framework Agreement (CFA). The Commission, ratified by six Nile Basin countries, is envisioned as the Nile Basin’s permanent legal and institutional mechanism for managing and developing shared water resources, replacing the transitional Nile Basin Initiative. Habtamu said Ethiopia is among the countries pushing for the Commission to become fully operational, but resistance from Egypt and Sudan has prolonged the process. “Because of this kind of mindset from that side, the Nile River Basin Commission is taking more time than what it’s used to be to be functional,” he told Pulse of Africa. He argued that the CFA represents a major shift from previous arrangements that, in Ethiopia’s view, excluded upstream countries from meaningful participation in Nile water management. The Minister said the CFA establishes a shared principle that the Nile belongs to all its basin countries, calling for joint management, development, protection and respect among riparian states. He said Egypt and Sudan oppose this approach, placing them at odds with the majority of Nile Basin countries.   “CFA is telling to the globe and to the beneficiary member countries to say, ‘The Nile belongs to all of us.’ We have to take care of it. We have to manage the river. We have to develop the river. We don't have to pollute the river. We have to respect each other. These are the contents. Our brothers from the downstream side, Egypt and Sudan, they oppose this idea. They are against the voice of the majority.” The Minister said the framework is designed around equitable and reasonable utilization, sustainable management and information sharing, rather than denying the interests of downstream countries. He has urged Egypt and Sudan to engage with the framework rather than oppose it. According to Habtamu, Ethiopia has supported efforts to give countries that had not joined the CFA additional time to participate. However, he said continued opposition to the Commission’s functionality is becoming an obstacle to advancing basin-wide cooperation. He maintained that Egypt’s resistance is also part of a longer pattern of opposition to Ethiopian development of Nile water resources, including projects that preceded the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD). The Minister rejected the idea that Ethiopia’s development of its Nile tributaries should depend on approval from downstream countries, arguing that Ethiopia has the right to pursue development while ensuring that its projects do not cause significant harm to other riparian states. At the same time, Habtamu emphasized that Ethiopia prefers cooperation over confrontation. Habtamu said Ethiopia remains willing to wait for countries that have not ratified the CFA or continue to oppose the Nile River Basin Commission. He stressed that cooperation, mutual understanding and flexibility are the only ways to resolve Nile water disputes, warning that continued disagreements could lead to a situation similar to the Tigris and Euphrates basins. He outlined Ethiopia’s position that the Nile should ultimately serve as a platform for shared development, with upstream countries benefiting from hydropower opportunities while downstream countries contribute expertise in areas such as irrigation and agricultural development.   The Nile Basin Initiative describes the CFA as a framework for integrated management, sustainable development and harmonious utilization of Nile waters, with the proposed Commission serving as the permanent institution to facilitate cooperation among basin states. For Ethiopia, Habtamu said, delays to the Commission will not stop the country from developing its water resources. “If they keep on opposing that, nothing will hinder Ethiopia not to develop its water resources and one of the tributaries of the Nile River Basin,” he stressed. For Ethiopia developing its Nile tributaries is essential to expanding electricity generation, driving industrialization and creating jobs, while upholding the principles of equitable and reasonable utilization of shared transboundary water resources.

Addis Ababa, August 21, 2026 (ENA) — Rural development must be measured not only by physical infrastructure but by meaningful improvements in quality of life, the Office of the Prime Minister said. The office highlighted that the rural corridors initiative is taking a practical, people-centered approach by "improving connectivity, creating better living conditions, and unlocking economic opportunities within rural communities." According to the Office, the ultimate goal of the initiative is "to move beyond fragmented interventions and build rural areas that are productive, connected, resilient, and attractive places to live and work."

Addis Ababa, August 20, 2026 (ENA) —“Ethiopia does not need permission from anyone to develop its water resources as it is a sovereign country,” Water and Energy Minister Habtamu Itefa said. “Who said that we need permission from anyone? Ethiopia is a sovereign country... Look, we built the GERD without the permission, and we will also build other dams on other river basins whenever the needs arise,” he elaborated. In an exclusive interview with Pulse of Africa, Habtamu noted that the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam was built solely for electricity generation and it is providing the region with hydro power. He categorically rejected calls for joint management of the GERD, saying Ethiopia would not accept arrangements that would give other countries control over the dam nor ask permission to build others. “How come any entity asks to jointly manage the dam built by Ethiopians. This is impossible and unacceptable,” the Minister underscored. Ethiopia’s position as regards the Nile is that the Basin countries negotiate and cooperate rather than seek to restrict the country's development using its own water resources. With respect to the GERD, Ethiopia's intention is to generate hydropower supply citizens with electricity and export energy to benefit the region, the Minister explained.   Accordingly, Ethiopia has been supplying electricity to neighboring countries including Djibouti, Kenya, and Sudan, while demand is also coming from Somalia and South Sudan. Moreover, “the Kenyans are demanding more than what really we could give them,” Habtamu said. “There is again a big demand from Somalia; but the country is not yet connected. So we are working on it. Besides, South Sudan also demands power.” He also defended Ethiopia’s approach to Nile Basin cooperation, citing the Nile Basin Initiative and the Cooperative Framework Agreement as examples of efforts to promote shared use of the river. Further elaborating on the generous move of Ethiopia in developing the Nile tributaries, the Minister stated that unlike in other transboundary river basins where downstream countries often lead cooperation efforts, Ethiopia has taken the lead in bringing Nile Basin countries together. “In the case of Nile, it is Ethiopia that has been trying to lead the initiative to cooperate and work together,” he noted.   He also revealed that Ethiopia has refrained from developing potentially irrigable land”, arguing that this demonstrates consideration for downstream countries. “Technically speaking, we have more than 230,000 hectares of irrigable land. But we are not irrigating that land because we know that there is a demand from the downstream side.” Habtamu pointed out that water released from the GERD continues to flow to downstream countries after electricity generation.

Addis Ababa, August 20, 2026 (ENA) —Ethiopia is seeking to turn its growing banana production into a major export by improving quality, productivity and market access, according to Ministry of Agriculture. Agricultural Investment and Input Supply Development Sector State Minister, Sofia Kassa, said Ethiopia has the potential to globally compete in the banana industry. It must, however, improve quality and meet international standards. While opening the National Banana Conference in Addis Ababa today, she noted that the country has “massive production; but quality is one of the main challenges to penetrate the world market”. The state minister called for stronger efforts to produce export-quality bananas and access international markets beyond Djibouti and Somalia, stressing that production alone cannot deliver the desired economic transformation.   According to Sofia, Ethiopia can build on its experience in the horticulture sector, particularly in flowers and vegetables, where cooperation among government, producers and the private sector has helped develop production, logistics and international market links. She reaffirmed the Ministry of Agriculture’s commitment to supporting the banana industry through the implementation of the 10-year National Horticulture Strategy and other agricultural policy and financing initiatives. The state minister also called for increased access to finance and stronger compliance with quality and phytosanitary standards, adding that these are essential to connect Ethiopian producers with global markets. Ethiopian Horticulture Producer Exporters Association Executive Director, Tewodros Zewdie, said Ethiopia can generate hundreds of millions of dollars, potentially reaching billions, from fresh and processed banana products if the sector’s major constraints are addressed.   “Banana is a multi-billion commodity industry globally. We have not benefited in a meaningful manner when we draw comparison with the potential of our country,” he noted. He identified certified planting materials, productivity improvement, capacity building, finance and stronger coordination among value-chain actors as key priorities for developing the industry. The Executive Director particularly stressed the need for virus-free banana plantlets and stronger tissue-culture and nursery systems to raise productivity. “Finance is the biggest elephant in the banana industry,” according to Tewodros, who called for greater support from financial institutions and closer cooperation among stakeholders. The National Banana Conference, organized by EHPEA under the theme “From Bunch to Breakthrough: Positioning Ethiopia as a Global Banana Export Powerhouse”, has brought together government institutions, producers, exporters, researchers, financiers and development partners to discuss production, quality, logistics, financing, market access and value addition.   The conference seeks to identify practical measures to unlock Ethiopia’s banana export potential and increase the crop’s contribution to income, employment and economic growth.

Addis Ababa, August 20, 2026 - Ethiopian Ambassador to the United States, Binalf Andualem, met with senior executives from The Boeing Company at the Ethiopian Embassy in Washington, D.C., to discuss ways to strengthen and expand the historic strategic partnership between Boeing and Ethiopian Airlines. During the meeting, Ambassador Binalf welcomed Mike Schnabel, Boeing’s Vice President for International Operations and Policy, Government Operations, alongside Rachel B. Peterson, Senior Manager for International Operations and Policy. According to a social media update shared by Ambassador Binalf, the discussions focused on deepening the decades-long strategic partnership among Ethiopian Airlines, Flyethiopian, and Boeing—an alliance grounded in mutual trust, innovation, and operational excellence. As part of the visit, the Boeing delegation presented Ambassador Binalf with a commemorative model of an Ethiopian Airlines Boeing 787. The gift marks the milestone celebrations of Ethiopian Airlines' 80th anniversary and honors eight decades of enduring partnership with Boeing. During the engagement, the Boeing leadership reaffirmed their ongoing commitment to support, advance, and elevate Ethiopia’s aviation sector for the future.