​​​​​​Addis Ababa, July, 3, 2025 (ENA)—A public-private partnership agreements have been signed between seven developers and Ministry of Finance today. The agreements include four affordable housing, two tourism destination, and one health project. During the signing of the agreements, Finance Minister Ahmed Shide said the public-private partnership agreements are part of the government’s initiative as new financing development projects. The private developers that inked the agreement with the ministry were Ice Home Development and Construction PLC, Ovid Chaka Housing Development PLC, Ovid Kings Tower Housing Development PLC, and the Ethiopian Construction Works Corporation. Denbi Lake PLC (MIDROC Ethiopia Group), Awash Falls Resort PLC (Boston Partners), and Cerbalancet, ICL and Pioneer (Consortia) Integrated Diagnostic Service Center Project were also the other signatories. Once the PPP projects are completed and operational, they are expected to have a significant contribution to the nation’s economic and social growth, it was indicated. In relation to this, Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed told the House of People’s Representatives today that "To address the housing shortage, we’ve introduced public, private, and public-private partnerships — an approach not used before." In the past five years, around one million homes have been built with over 265,000 more under construction as the country has also launched rural corridor projects to provide quality housing in rural areas. Efforts to expand housing access in both urban and rural areas will continue, according to the Office of the Prime Minister. Recall that Ethiopia has enacted a new Proclamation No. 1076/2018 facilitating Public-Private Partnership (PPP), recognizing that the private sector is essential to support the country's economic growth and improve the quality of public services, particularly in infrastructure.

Addis Ababa, July, 3, 2025 (ENA)—Ethiopian Airlines’ new Porto route is poised to strengthen continental links that go beyond Ethiopia–Portugal relations, fostering broader cooperation across various domains. In a colorful event attended by ambassadors, ministers, and Ethiopian Airlines Executives at Ethiopian Skylight Hotel, Ethiopian marked the commencement of its new five times weekly passenger service to Porto, Portugal on Wednesday. This new service will include a single stop via Madrid, Spain. The introduction of this flight aims to offer travel options and enhances seamless connectivity for passengers in the area, furthering Ethiopian Airlines' regional expansion across Europe. A stakeholder panel discussion was held today in Porto to mark the launch of Ethiopian Airlines' inaugural passenger flight to the city.   The panel discussion primarily focused on leveraging the airline’s operations by deepening economic partnerships. Among the panel participants was Rui Alves, Director of Porto Airport, who noted that the new Ethiopian Airlines flight would serve as a vital link between the two countries across multiple sectors. He stated that today’s panel discussion reflected a shared interest in integrating the new passenger flight with cargo services, noting that key organizations and stakeholders from the cargo sector were actively involved in the dialogue.   “This route will bring the connection with the biggest hub in Africa. We will discuss the possibilities and the opportunities to grow on the cargo side. In that meeting, we had several business partners related to the cargo. And what we want to show them is the opportunity to have an aircraft like this one, a bigger craft, a white body, very young, very new aircraft.. So this is a big opportunity for the region to have direct flights, even for cargo,” the director noted. On her part, Karen Strougo, Chief Commercial Officer at Porto Airlines, welcomed the commencement of Ethiopian Airlines’ service to Porto, highlighting its potential to enhance Europe–Africa connectivity across multiple sectors.   “We're very happy to be celebrating today the first flight for Ethiopian Airlines here in Porto city, which is our big hub for Portugal and to access Europe, the north of Spain, and to access the continent. We're especially happy because this is a very potent and growing city, with strong industry and strong business capability……. Thus, we are all very optimistic about Ethiopian Airlines,” she revealed. Ethiopian Airlines is one of the fastest-growing carriers in the global aviation industry, Aviation technology expert John George remarked. The expert expressed confidence Ethiopian Airlines will be instrumental in facilitating the effective movement of passengers, particularly Africans, Portuguese, and migrants.   “Porto is a very important destination because it's the second growing point of Portugal. I think this is a very important landmark for Ethiopian airlines growth, because Ethiopian airlines will have the opportunity to not only connect the two points, Addis Ababa and Porto. But also, to connect through the rest of the world, as many Portuguese, and many immigrants living in Portugal that want to fly to the Far East, and points of Africa that Ethiopian covers.”   Ethiopian Airlines is Africa’s leading carrier and one of the fastest-growing global airline brands, it was learned. The Airlines currently operates over 190 weekly flights to 27 destinations across Asia, including 83 weekly flights to 11 cities in China. With a modern fleet and advanced temperature-controlled, tech-enabled cargo infrastructure, Ethiopian transports nearly 1 million tons of cargo annually across a global network of over 140 destinations.

Addis Ababa, July, 3, 2025 (ENA)— Ethiopia is on track to significantly surpass its projected 8.4 percent economic growth for the current fiscal year, Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed revealed. The PM reported that Ethiopia's macroeconomic reform and the "Homegrown Reform" initiatives have yielded results beyond expectations. Responding to questions by members of the parliament today, the prime minister stated that despite a landscape of extensive global challenges, Ethiopia achieved a robust 8.1 percent economic growth last year, and this year's performance is anticipated to surpass the initial targets, signaling a time of Ethiopia's resurgence. The Prime Minister attributed this exceptional performance to multisectoral milestones made across several key sectors. He specifically highlighted the multisectoral progress seen in agriculture, industry, mining, the service sector, and finance as pivotal to the country's economic momentum. Delving into details of each sector, the agricultural sector registered 6.1 percent growth and it is expected to show significant growth. The nation has seen 23 million Ethiopians successfully graduated from the safety net program, underscoring significant progress in food security and rural development. The prime minister stated that the industrial sector, a crucial contributor to overall economic expansion, was projected to grow by 12.8 percent. Under the "Ethiopia Tamirt" (Made in Ethiopia) initiative, the capacity of the manufacturing factories has impressively risen from 47 percent few years ago to 65 percent, he said, adding the cement manufacturing sector alone has grown by a notable growth of 16 percent in production. The mining sector, particularly gold exports, has witnessed a dramatic surge, according to the primer. He also said from just 4 tons last year, gold exports have soared to 37 tons this year, translating into a substantial revenue jump from 300 million USD to 3.5 billion USD. The service sector has registered 8.1 percent growth this year, buoyed by a thriving tourism industry. Ethiopia successfully hosted over 150 international conferences, attracting 1.3 million tourists, Prime Minister Abiy elaborated. He added that this growth is largely credited to improved visa processing, the expansion of hotels, the development of new destination sites, and corridor development. Ethiopian Airlines, a national flag carrier, further bolstered connectivity by launching flights to an additional 13 destinations this year, transporting an impressive 19 million passengers. According to the Prime Minister, the financial sector has also experienced a significant revitalization, with loans increasing by 75 percent this year alone. A landmark achievement in digital finance has seen the number of mobile banking customers reach 55 million within three years. For the first time in Ethiopia's history, digital transactions have eclipsed cash transactions, reaching a staggering 12.5 trillion Birr, PM Abiy said. Furthermore, 11 million small scale borrowers collectively accessed 24.5 billion Birr loans through virtual platforms. He also elaborated that the performance of Ethiopia's foreign reserve has been particularly strong. Exports, initially planned for 5.1 billion USD, have exceeded 8.1 billion USD this year, a significant leap from last year's 3.8 billion USD. This represents an increase of over 3 billion USD dollar from the target and more than double last year's performance, PM Abiy Ahmed said. According to him, remittance inflows have also been robust, exceeding 7 billion USD. The country successfully attracted 4 billion USD in Foreign Direct Investment (FDI), and the service sector alone generated 8.3 billion USD in foreign exchange. Cumulatively, the total foreign exchange obtained from all sectors, including loans and aid, reached 32 billion USD this year, a considerable increase from 24 billion USD last year. The trade balance deficit has also improved by 4 billion USD, and for the first time in over a decade, the balance of payments has become positive. While imports amounted to 19 billion USD, inflation showed a moderate improvement, he said. Regarding global conditions and aid, the Prime Minister acknowledged that the global trade system has been disrupted by pandemic and wars and unforeseen circumstances.

Addis Ababa, July 3, 2025 (ENA) -- Preparations are underway for the official inauguration of the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD), the largest hydroelectric power plant in Africa, Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed said. Responding to questions by members of the parliament today, the prime minister said “the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) is now complete, and we are preparing for its official inauguration.” The dam is expected to be inaugurated early next Ethiopian year. Addressing Egypt and Sudan, the premier emphasized that GERD is not a threat but a shared opportunity, a symbol of regional cooperation and mutual benefit. Moreover, he added that the energy it generates stand will uplift not just Ethiopia, but the entire region. Egypt’s Aswan Dam has never lost a single liter of water due to the GERD, Abiy noted. Likewise, Ethiopia remains committed to ensuring that its growth that does not come at the expense of Egyptian and Sudanese brothers and sisters. “As long as Ethiopia continues to develop and exist, we will collaborate with Egyptian brothers. We have no ill intention; we don’t want Egypt and Sudan to be harmed.” According to the PM, the Government of Ethiopia believes in shared progress, shared energy, and shared water. Prosperity for one should mean prosperity for all, he stressed. Abiy further reaffirmed that Ethiopia remains ready and willing to engage constructively with downstream countries. “We extend an open invitation to the governments and peoples of Egypt, Sudan, and all Nile Basin nations to join us in celebrating this historic milestone, Ethiopia’s renaissance in September.”

Addis Ababa, July 3, 2025 (ENA) -- Ethiopia’s House of People’s Representatives has unanimously approved 1.93 trillion Birr budget for the upcoming 2018 Ethiopian Fiscal Year. The budget has been approved at the 42nd regular session of the House of People’s Representatives held today in the presence of Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, where he responded to questions regarding the performance of the 2017 Ethiopian fiscal year. Out of the overall budget, 1.2 trillion Birr is allocated for recurrent expenditure, 415 billion Birr for capital expenditure, 315 billion Birr for subsidies to regional states, and 14 billion Birr for regional support to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals. A total of 1.5 trillion Birr is projected to be collected in the 2018 fiscal year as revenue. Of this amount, 1.1 trillion Birr, which constitutes 73 percent, is expected to be sourced from tax revenue, 236 billion Birr from development partners, with the remainder coming from project support and other revenue sources. The budget that aims to achieve the national goals, namely protecting national security, boosting production and productivity, and providing assistance for citizens displaced by natural and man-made disasters. It is prepared based on the 2018-2022 EFY mid-term macroeconomic and fiscal framework and the program budget permanence evaluation of 2017 EFY, it was learned. The federal government has held detailed discussions over the past month with stakeholders and citizens on the draft budget for the 2018 fiscal year.

Addis Ababa, July 3, 2025 (ENA) -- Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed announced that Ethiopia has recorded the highest number of foreign tourist arrivals in its history. The announcement came during the 42nd regular session of the House of People’s Representatives, where the Prime Minister responded to questions regarding the implementation of the 2017 Ethiopian fiscal year budget. Emphasizing Ethiopia’s growing appeal as a global destination, Prime Minister Abiy noted that the country hosted over 150 international conferences during the year, double the number held in the previous fiscal period. These conferences have attracted approximately 1.3 million foreign visitors, he said. He attributed the tourism surge and increased international engagements to a series of key reforms and infrastructure improvements and these include enhancements to immigration policies, the expansion of Ethiopian Airlines, growth in the hospitality sector, the development of key economic corridors, and the ongoing improvement of major tourist attractions. In addition to the influx of foreign tourists, the Prime Minister revealed that 1.5 million people visited prominent landmarks such as Unity Park, the Science Museum, Friendship Park, and the National Palace this year alone, generating over half a billion birr in revenue. According to PM Abiy, over the past few years, these sites have attracted more than 13 million visitors, reflecting a substantial rise in both domestic and international tourism to Addis Ababa. PM Abiy emphasized that tourism is emerging as a vital pillar of Ethiopia’s service sector, alongside transport, telecommunications, trade, and related services. He also underlined the sector's strategic importance in complementing agricultural and industrial development, calling it a key foundation for building a modern and diversified economy. In connection to the Ethiopian Airlines, the Prime Minister revealed that the national carrier added 13 new aircraft this year, expanding its fleet to 180. The airline also introduced six new international routes, raising its total destinations to 136, and transported over 19 million passengers, nearly double the pre-reform figures, PM Abiy noted. The premier concluded by stressing the need for integrated development across the service sector, underscoring its potential to drive economic growth and establish Ethiopia as a regional hub for tourism, aviation, and global engagement.

Addis Ababa, July 3, 2025 (ENA) -- Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed stated that Ethiopia’s financial sector has undergone meaningful reform and recorded strong, healthy growth this year. The Prime Minister addressed questions posed by members of the House of People’s Representatives. His briefings concentrated on various topics, including economic performance, social initiatives, and development projects, as well as other significant national matters. In his address regarding the existing situation of the financial sector, Abiy noted that mobile money users have reached 55 million, with digital transactions expanding rapidly. Virtual transactions now total 12.5 trillion birr—far exceeding traditional cash transactions—highlighting the accelerating shift toward a digital economy.   Additionally, 24.5 billion birr has been disbursed through virtual loans, reflecting the increasing accessibility and efficiency of financial services. The combined progress in agriculture, industry, mining, services, and the financial sector strongly supports the projected 8.4 percent economic growth for the year—an encouraging sign of Ethiopia’s economic momentum. Regarding the success of the export reform, he said Ethiopia achieved over 8.1 billion USD in export revenue this year—surpassing the 5.1 billion USD target by 3 billion USD and more than doubling last year’s performance. This remarkable growth is a direct result of ongoing export reform efforts. In addition, the country received 7 billion USD in remittances, 4 billion USD in foreign direct investment (FDI), and 8.3 billion USD from services. Altogether, Ethiopia generated 24 billion USD from foreign exchange sources excluding loans and grants, with total foreign exchange earnings reaching 32 billion USD. These outcomes clearly reflect the positive impact of macroeconomic reforms and the growing resilience of Ethiopia’s economy. On debt review, Prime Minister Abiy said Ethiopia has repaid 92 billion Birr in debt this year alone. Over the past seven years, no new commercial loans have been taken—demonstrating a strong commitment to responsible borrowing and sustainable fiscal policy, a trend that will continue. He announced a major milestone reached with the signing of the final debt restructuring agreement yesterday in France by the Ministry of Finance. Through this agreement, 3.5 billion USD in loans—borrowed by previous governments—has been canceled, significantly reducing Ethiopia’s debt burden. This marks a critical step toward restoring macroeconomic stability and strengthening long-term financial resilience, the premier added. The premier also highlighted the measures being taken to alleviate inflation in the country. According to him, government's decision to conclude the year without borrowing from the National Bank has played a significant role in curbing inflation. A combination of fiscal and monetary policy reforms, improved foreign exchange management, targeted subsidies for low-income citizens, and strengthened links between production and markets has produced meaningful results. The most sustainable solution to reducing the cost of living and inflation is increasing productivity. To cushion vulnerable populations, 350 billion birr has been allocated in subsidies, ensuring that inflation does not place undue pressure on low-income citizens, he added.

Addis Ababa, July 3, 2025 (ENA) -- Ethiopia will soon begin the construction of a major fertilizer factory soon, Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed announced. Addressing members of the House of People’s Representatives, PM Abiy highlighted Ethiopia’s vast mineral potential, describing the country as one of the richest in Africa. However, he noted that for many years, the sector lacked focused leadership and a clear vision, which hindered its contribution to the national economy. "Today, we are working to change that," he said. Last year, Ethiopia exported 37 tons of gold. This year, through sustained effort and strategic focus, the country achieved an unprecedented export value of 3.5 billion USD—marking a significant milestone in mineral development. Furthermore, the construction of a major fertilizer factory will commence soon. “Our agriculture sector will succeed only if we use fertilizer; otherwise, our agricultural output will decline due to its absence," the Prime Minister said. He also noted that after discussions with various stakeholders, Ethiopia reached an agreement with Nigerian businessman Aliko Dangote to establish the fertilizer plant. Once completed—within an expected time-frame of 40 months—the factory will play a crucial role in enhancing Ethiopia’s agricultural productivity and reducing reliance on imported fertilizers. Highlighting the progress made in the extractive sector, Abiy said the achievements in gold, gas, and fertilizer is tangible. He added that four gold companies are currently constructing new facilities, expected to be completed within two years, significantly boosting gold production. Additionally, according to the premier, discussions are underway with major international firms to engage them in the extraction of tantalum and lithium, stressing Ethiopia’s significant mineral resource potential. In the gas sector, progress had long been stalled due to difficulties companies faced in securing licenses and beginning operations. That is now changing. Ethiopia will soon begin marketing its gas products, affirming its role as an active participant in the industry.

Addis Ababa, July 3, 2025 (ENA)—Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed announced today that a large-scale glass factory with an annual production capacity of approximately 600,000 tons is under construction. The announcement came during a session of the House of People’s Representatives where the Prime Minister addressed a range of questions on economic, political, and social issues, among others. He stated that the factory is being built in the Akaki area of Addis Ababa, and is expected to be fully completed by January. The premier emphasized the importance of this development, recalling that Ethiopia lacked sufficient domestic glass production capacity and was reliant on imported glass.   The new facility marks a significant step toward industrial self-sufficiency. Highlighting the broader industrial progress, PM Abiy noted that a 12 percent growth rate is targeted for the industrial sector this Ethiopian Fiscal Year (EFY). This significant progress has been made under the "Made in Ethiopia" movement. Abiy reported that Ethiopia’s industrial production capacity increased from 59 percent last EFY to 65 percent this year, driven largely by improved factory performance and capacity utilization. Energy demand from the industrial sector has also risen sharply, increasing by 40 percent, according to the premier. He stressed that Ethiopia is making substantial investments in power generation, outperforming other African nations in this area.   Additionally, he reported that cement production has grown, while steel products have seen an 18 percent increase. The country is expanding its steel production capacity with the goal of fully meeting domestic demand. In line with Ethiopia’s industrialization agenda, factories for solar panel production are also under development and set to be inaugurated soon. These initiatives reflect the government's ongoing commitment to revitalizing and transforming Ethiopia’s industrial base, the PM noted.

Addis Ababa, July 3, 2025 (ENA) -- The ongoing macroeconomic reform is yielding impressive achievements in Ethiopia, Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed said. The premier made this statement today in his response to inquiries posed by members of the House of People’s Representatives. During the occasion, Abiy stated that this year marks a period of renewal where reforms have begun to bear fruit. He noted that Ethiopia has registered remarkable achievements, securing significant victories and unprecedented outcomes in the nation’s history. He applauded both members of parliament and the Ethiopian people for their contributions to this success. Prime Minister Abiy emphasized that macroeconomic fractures are among the key issues that have led to the need for macroeconomic reform. He explained these fractures in terms of unemployment, inflation, and trade imbalance. Abiy said one of the challenges that compelled Ethiopia to undertake macroeconomic reform is the presence of macroeconomic imbalances, which can be attributed to factors such as unemployment, inflation, and trade deficits. Additionally, he added that the business climate for the private sector was not favorable noting the productivity levels in both agriculture and industries within the country were restricted. The nation has also failed to establish a competitive economic landscape. Hence, Abiy said the country initiated actions with the conviction that by tackling these issues to rectify the macroeconomic imbalances. The reform has been yielding impressive results in all key economic sectors. Touching on agriculture, the Prime Minister stressed that it remains the backbone of the Ethiopian economy and the mainstay of export earnings. A significant number of Ethiopians are directly or indirectly involved in the sector, giving it strategic importance. He added that agriculture is projected to grow by 6.1 percent this year. He reaffirmed that Ethiopia, having given special attention to the agricultural sector, must achieve food sovereignty. All key economic sectors including industry and service have been registering impressive performances.

Addis Ababa, July 3, 2025 (ENA) -- The growth registered in the Ethiopian agricultural sector has resulted in ensuring the country’s food security and lifting 23 million people out of Productive Safety Net Program (PSNP), Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed said. Premier Abiy Ahmed is responding to questions raised by members of the parliament today. “We must now focus on empowering the remaining 4 million beneficiaries and ensure that Ethiopia becomes a nation that has fully achieved food sovereignty. With our vast arable land and continued commitment, this goal is within reach,” he added. Agriculture remains the backbone of the Ethiopian economy and the foundation of our export earnings, Abiy said, and added that a large portion of the population is directly or indirectly engaged in the sector. Highlighting the vital role of agriculture in the country’s development, the Premier stressed “this year, agriculture is projected to grow by 6.1 percent. Ethiopia has prioritized agricultural development, recognizing that food sovereignty is essential for safeguarding national interest. A country that cannot feed itself cannot fully secure its future.”   Stating that Ethiopia possesses the largest arable land, the Premier said that 23 million hectares of land was ploughed last year and this has been scaled up to 31.8 million hectares of land the concluding Ethiopian fiscal year. Similarly, Ethiopia’s agricultural productivity has increased from 1.2 billion quintals last year to 1.5 billion quintals the current Ethiopian fiscal year showing a growth of 24.7 percent, Abiy added. The construction of small, medium and large irrigation dams has contributed immensely to the registered remarkable achievement, the Premier stated, and urged the MPs and Ethiopians to intensify their efforts to further solidify the gained results in agriculture and elevate national food sovereignty. Some 20 dam projects will be constructed with a capacity of producing about 220,000 hectares of land of which 6 are expected to be inaugurated in the coming September. The six dams can irrigate about 84 hectares of land, the prime minister indicated. Furthermore, Premier Abiy pointed out that due attention was given to mechanization by providing thousands of tractors, combiners, pumps to boost the agricultural production and productivity of the country. The achieved tremendous results such as cessation of importing wheat, lifting out millions out of PSNP, boosting production and productivity, utilizing the arable land and so on are just the beginning of Ethiopia’s revival, Abiy stated, and noted efforts must be redoubled to achieve national prosperity.

Addis Ababa, July 3, 2025 (ENA)—Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed has disclosed that Ethiopia will commence its first-ever gas export in the near future, marking a historic milestone in the nation’s economic transformation. Briefing the Members of the parliament (MPs), the Premier recalled that Ethiopia had previously attempted to explore and export natural gas during the eras of the Emperor, the Derg, and the EPRDF, but none of those efforts came to fruition. Prime Minister Abiy stated that his administration has partnered with new companies for gas exploration, positioning the country for its first-ever gas exports.   The Prime Minister revealed that the gas development plans initiated in recent years have now been successfully completed. With the first phase of the gas initiative finalized, the Prime Minister indicated that an official inauguration is expected in the near future. Following the completion of the first phase, the second phase of the gas project will also be launched in due course.

Addis Ababa, July 2, 2025 (ENA) --- Ethiopian Airlines announced the commencement of a new passenger flight service to Porto, Portugal, effective as of today. In a colorful event attended by ambassadors, ministers, and Ethiopian Airlines Executives at Ethiopian Skylight Hotel, Ethiopian marked the commencement of its new four times weekly passenger service to Porto, Portugal today. This new service will include a single stop via Madrid, Spain. The introduction of this flight aims to offer travel options and enhances seamless connectivity for passengers in the area, furthering Ethiopian Airlines' regional expansion across Europe.   The new flight will operate four times a week with the B787 Dreamliner. Group Chief Executive Officer of Ethiopian Airlines said during the flight inaugural event this evening, the new flight to Porto plays an important role in connecting Portugal with Africa, providing a seamless service for passengers traveling to Europe.   Portuguese Ambassador to Ethiopia, Luisa Fragoso, remarked that Ethiopia and Portugal share a long-standing friendship. She emphasized that the commencement of flights to Porto will enhance the bond between the two nations by fostering economic connections and promoting interactions among their citizens.   Ethiopian Airlines has been providing flight services to Lisbon, the capital of Portugal, through codeshare flights via London, Milan, and other nearby cities. Currently, Ethiopian Airlines operates approximately 140 weekly passenger flights across Europe to 22 destinations. Additionally, the airline serves 8 cargo destinations in Europe. With the addition of this new passenger flight service, Ethiopian Airlines reinforces its position in the region while fostering stronger ties between the two regions and beyond.

Addis Ababa, July 2, 2025 (ENA) -- Forty professionals from the National Intelligence and Security Service (NISS), trained in Aviation Security Quality Control and Risk Management, have obtained international certifications. The organization tasked with supervising the comprehensive aviation security operations in Ethiopia has partnered with the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) to grant international certification to 40 individuals who have undergone training in aviation security quality control and aviation risk management, NISS stated in a press release it sent to ENA. It is worth noting that after twelve years, ICAO conducted an audit of Ethiopia's aviation security practices and confirmed that there are no security issues within the country.   Subsequently, leveraging the positive relationship and collaboration established with the Civil Aviation Security Main Department of NISS, training was held for the first time in Ethiopia from June 16 to July 1, 2025, facilitated by experts from ICAO. The trainers from the ICAO indicated that the international certification enables the airline to perform aviation security quality control operations in all nations where it operates, affirming that the professionals have successfully completed the training, NISS stated in a press release. It further emphasized that the knowledge acquired in the training will not only allow the institution to execute its national mission with high level of efficiency, but it can also be regarded as a notable indication of the special focus Ethiopia has been placing on the aviation security sector. The responsibility for implementing robust quality control and ensuring preparedness for aviation security lies with each member state of the International Civil Aviation Organization. This approach will guarantee the safety of the aviation sector in line with international standards, NISS underlined. The knowledge, skills, and mindset acquired through the training will significantly contribute to the vision and overall institutional strategy aimed at establishing a global presence in the aviation security field, thereby enhancing the competitiveness of Ethiopian Airlines and securing national advantages, the press release stated.

Addis Ababa, July 2, 2025 (ENA) – The Director General of Ethiopian Diaspora Service, Ambassador Fitsum Arega underscored the pivotal and escalating role of the Ethiopian diaspora in fostering the nation’s innovation landscape and propelling its economic growth. Speaking on recent developments concerning diaspora engagement, he noted how their engagement, particularly through enhanced foreign currency inflows and strategic partnerships, is significantly contributing to Ethiopia's development agenda. The ambassador also noted the profound positive impact of the second phase of the Homegrown Economic Reform Program. This initiative has been particularly successful in boosting foreign currency inflows by channeling remittances, previously routed through informal channels, into legal means. "That's a big win for the diaspora," Ambassador Fitsum stated. "Now they can support their families more securely and benefit from better exchange rates." As a direct result of these reforms, Ethiopia’s foreign currency reserves have seen significant improvement. "The country secured 5.1 billion in remittances this year, up from 4.4 billion USD last year," the ambassador revealed, attributing this substantial growth to improved financial regulations and greater diaspora involvement. The Director General also pointed to dynamic partnerships with international organizations such as the International Organization for Migration (IOM) and Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ). These collaborations, he explained, are instrumental in strengthening diaspora engagement and unlocking new investment opportunities for Ethiopians living abroad. Beyond formal initiatives, many diaspora members are independently mobilizing to offer vital services, particularly within the health sector. He cited the "Heart Attack Ethiopia" initiative as a leading example and through this project, medical professionals travel to Ethiopia every three months to provide specialized treatment, train local staff, and donate critical medical equipment, thereby ensuring both skill development and technology transfer. Fisum further highlighted inspiring stories of diaspora contributions across diverse sectors. "Just last week," he shared, "renowned chef Marcus Samuelsson was training students at the Hotel and Tourism Institute in Addis Ababa." Samuelsson’s restaurant in the capital, the ambassador noted, is just one of many diaspora-led ventures driving innovation in hospitality and tourism. In the academic sphere, university lecturers from the diaspora are playing a key role in knowledge-sharing efforts across the country. Simultaneously, in the business world, many entrepreneurs are investing in high-growth sectors. Ambassador Fitsum particularly underscored the profound influence of diaspora investment in Ethiopia’s rapidly growing FinTech industry. "More than 20 FinTech companies have been registered by the National Bank," he said, noting that diaspora-driven initiatives are accelerating the growth of mobile money, digital payment platforms, and e-financial services. The telecommunications sector is also reaping significant benefits, with diaspora professionals actively managing call centers, FinTech operations, and digital finance platforms. Furthermore, diaspora experts with extensive global experience are contributing to critical institutional developments within Ethiopia, which includes their involvement in the establishment of the Ethiopian Securities Exchange (ESX), the formation of a national stock market authority, and the design of long-term financing mechanisms. These concerted efforts, Ambassador Fitsum concluded, are playing a pivotal role in modernizing Ethiopia’s economy and building lasting institutional capacity for the nation’s future.

Addis Ababa, July 2, 2025 (ENA) – Ethiopia’s Ministry of Finance announced the conclusion of an agreement on a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with its Official Creditor Committee (OCC), formalizing the debt treatment agreed in principle in March 2025, offering a relief of over 3.5 billion USD. The agreement represents an important milestone in Ethiopia's journey towards achieving long-term public debt sustainability and brings to a successful conclusion years long negotiation process. Ethiopia extended its heartfelt gratitude to all members of the OCC, particularly to the committee's co-chairs, China and France, for their steadfast support and collaboration in facilitating Ethiopia's debt treatment endeavors.   Following the signing of this MoU, its terms will be implemented through bilateral agreements with each member of the OCC.   Ethiopia’s Finance State Minister, Eyob Tekalign Tolina, issued the following statement: “Ethiopia remains confident that the collaborative and pragmatic spirit that has prevailed so far will help expedite the process of finalizing bilateral agreements. Ethiopia continues to engage in good faith with all its other participating external creditors and seeks to conclude restructuring agreements on terms compatible with the country's need for debt relief and the comparability of treatment principle.” The Ethiopian Government is hopeful that the formalization of its debt treatment with the OCC will further bolster Ethiopia's efforts to reach agreement with participating external creditors, including its bondholders, Eyob added.

Addis Ababa, July 2, 2025 (ENA) – Ethiopia’s Finance State Minister Semereta Sewasew held discussions with Baroness Jane Ramsey of Wall Heath, the UK Prime Minister's Trade Envoy to Ethiopia. As one of only 32 global Trade Envoys, Baroness Ramsey expressed her profound honor in her role and her eagerness to cultivate strong ties with Ethiopian partners and investors. The UK is keen to help Ethiopia expand and grow business and investment, aligning its support for Ethiopia's economic reform efforts with both multilateral and bilateral development initiatives, according to Finance Ministry. Discussions during the meeting centered on Ethiopia's evolving business environment, with Baroness Ramsey acknowledging notable improvements in the investment climate. Finance State Minister Semereta stressed the vital need for regulatory reforms, especially within the banking sector, alongside reforms in foreign exchange and governance, to foster a more open and competitive investment environment. The UK's interest in Ethiopia spans several key sectors that are ripe for collaboration and investment.   In telecommunications, the UK considers the potential introduction of a third operator to be "very, very important," recognizing Ethiopia's vast population and the opportunity to serve up to 200 million users. This development could significantly enhance connectivity across the country. The agro-industry sector also features prominently in the UK's investment plans. A notable example is a $300 million project focused on advancing crop production for dairy processing. The discussion highlighted that this initiative is currently assessing its environmental and social impacts and will begin with the development of processing plants in its pre-production phase. The UK is actively investing in this sector, aiming to boost agricultural productivity and add value through processing. Mining remains another key area, with gold mining specifically identified as a significant sector. This reaffirms the UK's ongoing commitment to investing and collaborating within Ethiopia's mining industry. In financial services, the UK expressed strong enthusiasm about engaging with Ethiopia’s newly opened financial sector. Emphasizing the importance of a competitive regulatory framework, particularly within banking, the UK sees great potential for growth and modernization.   Finally, progress was reviewed on major infrastructure projects, including new airports and Ethiopia Electric Power initiatives on the country's east side. Updates on the approval processes for these projects underscored the ongoing efforts to advance Ethiopia’s infrastructure development. The State Minister acknowledged that these sectors represent vital opportunities for strengthening UK-Ethiopia partnerships, driving economic growth, and fostering sustainable development. Baroness Ramsey reiterated the UK’s unwavering commitment to working closely with the Ethiopian government and stakeholders. She emphasized the importance of unlocking further investment and fostering a strong, mutually beneficial economic partnership, with the UK looking forward to continuing these vital discussions and collaborating on these important initiatives to support Ethiopia’s economic development.

Addis Ababa, July 2, 2025 (ENA) -- At a high-level special event during the Fourth International Conference on Financing for Development (FfD4) in Sevilla, Spain, Ethiopia called for urgent action to reform global economic governance. Ambassador Samuel Isa, Ethiopia’s Deputy Permanent Representative to the UN, stressed that the “Sevilla Commitment” must mark a turning point in addressing global challenges like debt distress, inequality, and climate vulnerability. Ambassador Samuel highlighted the rare convergence of political will among the G77, African Group, LDCs, and reform-minded Northern partners, urging that this unity be translated into concrete action. He identified three key opportunities: a unified reform narrative, stronger Global South leadership, and momentum behind reform coalitions. The ambassador called for timelines, accountability, and a permanent UN-led process to drive change, warning that failure to act would have global consequences. Ethiopia’s message echoed a growing demand from developing nations for a fair and inclusive financial system to advance the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals, according to Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Ethiopian delegation led by Minister of Agriculture, Girma Amente is participating in the Fourth International Conference on Financing for Development (FfD4) currently taking place in Seville, Spain, from June 30 to July 3, 2025.

Addis Ababa, July 2, 2025 (ENA) -- A coalition of governments, international development partners and private sector groups announced the development of an Action Plan to increase mobilize private sector capital at scale in developing countries. The Action Plan was announced at the Fourth Financing for Development Conference (FfD4) in Seville, Spain. A coalition includes the UN Capital Development Fund, UN Economic Commission for Africa, African Union Commission, Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD), Global Investors for Sustainable Development (GISD) Alliance. Ministry for Foreign Affairs of Finland, Norway Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Norad, Switzerland SECO and Convergence Blended Finance, are also part of the abolition that announced announcing the development of an Action Plan to increase mobilize private sector capital at scale in developing countries. The Action Plan seeks to tackle poverty, economic growth and climate risks by deploying public sector resources through blended finance to mobilize private investment in underserved markets, which, over the last decade, has remained weak even as global wealth has ballooned. The Action Plan will include a dedicated Least Developed Countries (LDCs) and Africa-focused track to advance context-specific blended finance approaches and support scalable investment opportunities in key sectors. The Action Plan will describe practical measures to mobilize private investment using standardized and replicable blended finance models tailored to country contexts, with an emphasis on alignment with national priorities and global development goals. FFD4 is a once-in-a-decade gathering of development partners seeking to build a renewed global financing framework to urgently unlock greater volumes of capital to close the financing gap of developing countries. Government-sourced Official Development Assistance (ODA) declined last year by over 7% compared with 2023, according to the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD), one of the co-proposers of the Action Plan. “Bridging Africa’s investment gap demands bold, coordinated action. This Action Plan marks a turning point, a practical blueprint to shift global capital toward sustainable development in countries that need it most, Claver Gatete, Executive Secretary, UN Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA) said. He also expressed ECA’s commitment to ensuring that Africa is not only part of the conversation, but central to the solution. While global assets have doubled to $482 trillion over the last decade, private sector investment to and within low- and middle-income countries has remained stubbornly weak. Only 5% of those global assets are invested in developing countries, excluding China, according to the Financial Stability Board, an international body that monitors the global financial system. The world stands at a crossroads for financing sustainable development with an estimated annual financing gap of $4 trillion - up from $2.5 trillion pre-pandemic, according to ECA. Blended finance has the potential to transform private investment flows and positively contribute to the FfD4 Outcome Document mobilization objectives and to the SDGs. Signatories of the Joint Initiative have committed to develop an “effective, efficient, fair and practical action plan” through the remainder of 2025 and into 2026 to identify how to use a blend of public sector and philanthropic resources to mobilize and crowd-in larger amounts of private sector finance for development results at scale.

Addis Ababa July 1, 2025 (ENA) -- Proclamation that regulates the ownership and holding of houses by foreign nationals was passed by a majority vote today. During its 41st regular session, the House of People's Representatives has endorsed the bill governing homeownership for foreign nationals. The proclamation allows foreign nationals to own residential real estate in Ethiopia, significantly increasing investment flows, revitalizing the real estate sector, and creating extensive employment opportunities. The standing committees for Urban Infrastructure and Transport Affairs, and Justice and Legal Affairs jointly presented a comprehensive report and recommendations regarding the proclamation. Urban Infrastructure and Transport Affairs Standing Committee Chairperson, Professor Mohammed Abdo elaborated on the proposed legislation to the council.   According to him, the draft proclamation underwent extensive discussions with various stakeholders to ensure that it addresses all necessary considerations. He also noted that during these input-gathering discussions, articles within the proclamation that required clarity or changes in interpretation were thoroughly reviewed and amended. He underscored that the draft proclamation supports Ethiopia's ongoing efforts to ensure inclusive economic growth. Special attention has been given to ensuring that wealth and property acquired by foreign nationals in Ethiopia protect the country's national interests, and are supported by law and due process, guaranteeing equitable benefits. Professor Mohammed reiterated that the proclamation is designed to increase investment, stimulate the real estate sector, expand available options, and generate employment. He further acknowledged the significant contribution of cooperative endeavors with various countries in sustaining Ethiopia's multifaceted development. Therefore, the proclamation plays a crucial role in leveraging Ethiopia's resources and enhancing citizens' benefits. While the government is undertaking numerous initiatives to meet housing demands, the chairperson said limitations still exist given the current demand. He stated that the proclamation will help expand alternative opportunities and ensure accessibility in the housing development sector. Justice and Legal Affairs Standing Committee Deputy Chairperson Issa Boru added that lessons were drawn not only from Ethiopia's objective reality but also from experiences and best practices of other countries during the process. He further clarified that the proclamation includes provisions requiring foreign national homeowners to adhere to all Ethiopian laws, including the procedures outlined within the new legislation. Meanwhile, the HPR has also approved the Ethiopia's Overseas Employment Proclamation during same session. Human Resources Development, Employment and Technology Affairs Standing Committee Chairperson Negeri Lencho presented recommendation regarding the draft bill to the House.   Noting that the existing overseas employment proclamation has gaps, he stated that the draft bill would enable citizens to get efficient services. He added that the draft bill protects the safety of citizens, enhances competence and competitiveness. Moreover, it prevents illegal human trafficking and encourages citizens to pursue overseas work only through legal means. After discussing the draft bill thoroughly, the House approved the proclamation unanimously.