Addis Ababa, July 21, 2026 (ENA) — International delegates attending various conferences in Addis Ababa this week have praised the warm hospitality of the Ethiopian capital, its rich cultural heritage, and its rapid urban transformation. Participants noted that the city's welcoming atmosphere and visible development changed their perceptions of Ethiopia, offering memorable experiences that extended well beyond the conference halls into valuable opportunities for learning, cultural exchange, and tourism. They told ENA that conference schedules often allow time to explore Addis Ababa's museums, historic landmarks, and nearby attractions, giving them a deeper appreciation of Ethiopia's history, culture, and ongoing transformation. For many returning visitors, Ethiopia's hospitality remains one of the country's defining qualities. "This is my second time coming to Ethiopia," said Obong Moses, Assistant Commissioner for Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) at Uganda's Ministry of Education and Sports, who attended the Innovating Education in Africa Expo 2026. "One thing I've learned is that the people are really welcoming. They really receive visitors." Moses also highlighted the professional lessons he gained during the visit. "I've seen that the TVET system in Ethiopia is more advanced than the one we have in Uganda. This is one thing I can share with you," he said. "The people are very, very kind. I think it feels like home rather than a different country," said Alshimaa Elbahrawy, Co-Founder of Deaf Gain, an Egyptian social enterprise and edtech platform, who also participated in the Innovating Education in Africa Expo 2026. "The special thing I found here is the museum and how it presents the country's history from ancient times to the modern era. People here are open to different cultures and help visitors from around the world learn about Ethiopian culture." Elbahrawy added that a program organized by the African Union further enriched her understanding of Ethiopia by introducing participants to local cuisine, traditions, and cultural heritage. Beyond the professional engagements, many participants said their cultural experiences left a lasting impression. "I would like to express my deepest appreciation for this visit, especially meeting the Ethiopian people. They were very friendly and absolutely lovely people," said Professor Ardian Gola, a sociologist participating in the Parliamentary Intelligence Security Forum. "Their approach toward us was wonderful and very inspiring, motivating us to come again and again to Ethiopia. Ethiopia is a land of origins. The cultural experiences we have had here enrich our spirit and broaden our educational perspective." Participants said that Addis Ababa's blend of modern infrastructure and traditional heritage makes it an attractive destination for international conferences, enabling visitors to combine professional engagement with cultural exploration. They also expressed admiration for the city's evolving skyline, expanding green spaces, and well-curated cultural sites, noting that Addis Ababa offers an accessible gateway to experience both Ethiopia's rich history and its ongoing transformation within a short visit. If you want, I can also make it more journalistic and polished while keeping the meaning unchanged.

Addis Ababa, July 20, 2026 (ENA) —Ambassadors of Israel and Austria have expressed confidence in Ethiopia’s reform trajectory. The diplomats cited the country’s economic transformation and digital development as key drivers in creating new opportunities for investment and deeper international cooperation. Speaking to ENA, Israeli Ambassador to Ethiopia Avraham Neguise and outgoing Austrian Ambassador Simone Knapp said Ethiopia is progressing in the right path, highlighting its major success stories in various spheres. Ambassador Neguise said Ethiopia’s efforts to strengthen its economic system and expand its digital capabilities are attracting interest from Israeli investors, describing the developments as beneficial to both countries. He also highlighted Ethiopia’s priorities in energy and water development, particularly the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD), which he said is crucial to the country’s long-term energy expansion and industrial development. The expansion of electricity infrastructure to power households and industries, including in rural areas, will contribute to improved living standards and create new opportunities for investment, he added. Neguise identified government-to-government cooperation, private-sector investment, non-governmental engagement and people-to-people ties as four key pillars for expanding Ethiopia-Israel relations.   He said the two countries have significant potential for cooperation in agriculture, health, innovation and technology, security, education and research. The ambassador further pointed out that Israeli businesses are exploring investment opportunities in areas including drip irrigation, crop production, avocados, wheat, fisheries and poultry. He also highlighted the contribution of Ethiopian-Israeli organizations that provide voluntary services, particularly in the health sector, in cooperation with hospitals across Ethiopia. People-to-people ties, he added, are also strengthening through cultural exchanges, tourism and trade. He noted that improved air cargo connectivity between Ethiopia and Israel is facilitating the faster movement of goods between the two countries. Neguise further underscored Ethiopia’s unique significance to Israel, citing the deep religious, historical and people-to-people connections between the two countries. He noted that Israel’s Ethiopian Jewish community, estimated at more than 180,000 people, serves as an important human bridge between the two nations through continued family and community ties. For her part, outgoing Austrian Ambassador Simone Knapp said Ethiopia is making “bold and courageous” progress through its economic reform efforts. Although challenges remain, Ethiopia’s reform trajectory is steady and promising, she said, adding that the progress is already attracting growing interest from foreign investors, including Austrian companies.   Several Austrian firms, she noted, “are taking concrete steps to explore investment opportunities and establish a presence in the Ethiopian market.” Knapp also emphasized the long-standing people-to-people ties between Ethiopia and Austria, particularly in education and culture. She pointed to continued university cooperation and academic exchanges, including opportunities for Ethiopian students to pursue master’s degrees in Austria. Cultural cooperation is also expanding, she said, noting that Ethiopian musicians regularly perform in Austria, while Austrian artists visit Ethiopia for concerts and workshops. She cited initiatives such as training sessions conducted by Austrian musicians at the Yared School of Music as examples of the growing cultural partnership. The ambassador expressed confidence that economic engagement, educational cooperation and cultural exchanges between Ethiopia and Austria will continue to deepen in the years ahead.

China's industrial sector maintained stable growth and continued to be a key driver of the economy in the first half of 2026, officials from the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology said at a press conference on Monday. According to a CGTN report, the value-added output of major industrial enterprises increased by 5.4 percent year on year, with 32 of the country's 41 major industrial sectors reporting growth, Wang Weiming, the chief engineer of the ministry, said. He noted that corporate profitability improved while strong global demand for products related to artificial intelligence and green development helped boost exports of integrated circuits, electronic components, and wind turbines. According to Wang, growth was also supported by major industrial provinces and advanced manufacturing sectors, including electronics, automobiles, and electrical machinery. He added that China continued to upgrade its manufacturing sector by promoting smart factories, advanced manufacturing clusters, and greener production. Wang also highlighted the performance of the equipment manufacturing sector, where value-added output rose 6.4 percent year on year. Equipment exports increased 18.2 percent, driven by growing overseas demand for products such as new energy equipment, automobiles, and ships. China's information and communications industry also posted solid growth, said Xie Cun, director general of the ministry's information and communications development department. By the end of June, China had built over 5.1 million 5G base stations, while intelligent computing capacity spiked by 177 percent year on year. More than 26,000 "5G + Industrial Internet" projects are now under construction, accelerating the digital transformation of the real economy. Looking ahead, China will continue to expand new growth drivers, strengthen industrial and supply chain resilience, and promote high-quality industrial development, the officials stressed.

Addis Ababa, July 19, 2026 (ENA) —Addis Ababa achieved more than 96 percent of its planned performance targets during the 2018 Ethiopian budget year. The achievement was said to reflect significant progress in urban development, public service delivery and efforts to improve residents’ quality of life. The mayor made the remarks in her closing address at the conclusion of the city administration’s annual performance review and assessment of the implementation of its five-year strategic development plan. She attributed the achievement to sustained efforts across key sectors, highlighting progress in economic and social development, urban infrastructure and public service delivery.   The mayor said the capital had taken important steps toward becoming cleaner, more attractive and increasingly competitive on the international stage. Measures to ease the cost of living, major development projects, strengthened transparency and accountability, and expanded public services, she added, are contributing to improved wellbeing for residents. Deputy Mayor and Head of the Industry Development Bureau Jantrar Abay said Addis Ababa had made significant gains over the past five years through integrated urban development initiatives. The achievements, he said, demonstrate the administration’s commitment to addressing public needs while implementing major projects efficiently and in accordance with required standards. Jantrar said the city would build on the progress achieved while addressing remaining challenges to further improve public services and enhance residents’ quality of life.   Head of the Prosperity Party Addis Ababa Branch Office Moges Balcha said the initiatives implemented during the fiscal year had contributed not only to the development of the capital but also to the country’s broader development. He called for the momentum to be sustained by accelerating the city’s transformation and ensuring that residents continue to benefit from ongoing reforms and development projects. Deputy Mayor and Head of the Labour and Skills Bureau Million Matewos said the expansion of economic activities in Addis Ababa was creating new employment opportunities, with industrial development, urban agriculture, construction and the service sector playing a key role in job creation. Meanwhile, Deputy Mayor and Head of the Public Service and Human Resource Development Bureau Jemalu Jember said digital government initiatives were improving the quality, efficiency and accessibility of public services.   The city administration, he added, plans to further strengthen one-stop service centers and expand access to digital government services as part of broader efforts to make public service delivery more efficient and citizen-centered.

Addis Ababa, July 19, 2026 (ENA) —Addis Ababa’s ongoing corridor development has transformed the Ethiopian capital from primarily a transit point into an increasingly attractive standalone tourism destination. According to the Addis Ababa Tourism Commission (AATC), also highlighted the strong growth of conference tourism, noting that Addis Ababa hosted more than 221 international conferences during the concluded fiscal year. The figure is up from more than 150 international conferences recorded in the 2024/25 Ethiopian fiscal year.   The development is also enhancing the city’s global competitiveness and strengthening its position as a major destination for international conferences and business tourism, the Commission revealed. AATC Commissioner, Hunde Kebede made the remarks on Saturday during the Addis Ababa City Administration’s comprehensive fiscal year performance review.   Presenting the latest performance of the tourism sector, the Commissioner said tourism has become a strategic priority under the city’s ongoing economic reform agenda and is increasingly emerging as a major driver of economic growth. He attributed the sector’s progress to sustained efforts to address longstanding infrastructure bottlenecks, combined with supportive policies and major investments in urban development. According to Hunde, infrastructure developed under the Corridor Development Project has significantly enhanced Addis Ababa’s appeal and functionality as a tourism destination. The expansion of pedestrian walkways and bicycle lanes, the modernization of public spaces and squares, and other urban improvements have helped transform the city’s image and visitor experience, he said. These developments are gradually positioning Addis Ababa as more than a stopover for travelers, enabling it to attract visitors who choose the capital as a destination in its own right.   He said continued investments in public spaces, visitor services and tourism infrastructure are producing measurable improvements across the sector and making the city increasingly attractive to both international business travelers and leisure tourists. The transformation of Addis Ababa forms part of Ethiopia’s broader effort to modernize its urban centers and diversify the national economy by strengthening sectors beyond traditional sources of growth. Through major infrastructure initiatives, including the Corridor Development Project, the government is seeking to reinforce Addis Ababa’s role as a leading center for tourism, international diplomacy, conferences and investment. Opening the performance review session, Addis Ababa City Mayor Adanech Abiebie said the multi-day evaluation would assess the city administration’s achievements against the targets set for the current fiscal year.   The review will also examine progress toward implementing the city’s broader five-year strategic plan.

Addis Ababa, July 17, 2026 (ENA) — Officials from the African Union Interafrican Bureau for Animal Resources (AU-IBAR) have praised Ethiopia's "Bounty of the Basket" (Yelemat Tirufat) initiative as a successful model for improving food security and nutrition, urging other African countries to adopt similar approaches. In an exclusive interview with ENA, AU-IBAR Director Huyam Salih and Economics, Trade, and Marketing Coordinator John Oppong-Otoo commended Ethiopia's efforts to expand the production of milk, eggs, honey, fruits, and vegetables through the nationwide initiative. Huyam Salih noted that Ethiopia has demonstrated a strong commitment to transforming its livestock and agri-food sectors by integrating them directly into the country's national investment agenda. She explained that while AU-IBAR works with all 55 African Union member states, Ethiopia's achievements under the initiative are highly encouraging. "Ethiopia has taken a commendable step in supporting the livestock sector and making it more visible in the national investment agenda," Salih said. She observed that because Ethiopia possesses one of Africa's largest livestock populations, the country has enormous potential to further develop its pastoral livestock systems by strengthening value addition and connecting producers with modern markets. However, she also stressed the critical need to expand the initiative's benefits to pastoral communities across the nation. The director also expressed concern that only a limited number of African countries are meeting their commitments under the Comprehensive Africa Agriculture Development Programme (CAADP), which includes allocating at least 10 percent of national budgets to agriculture. She noted that Ethiopia's experience offers valuable lessons for the continent in accelerating agricultural transformation. John Oppong-Otoo echoed these sentiments, describing Yelemat Tirufat as an outstanding initiative that demonstrates how the livestock sector should be organized. "This is how the sector is supposed to be organized, and we see that is what the Government of Ethiopia is doing, and we commend you for that," he said. Oppong-Otoo noted that reducing food insecurity and malnutrition remains one of Africa's foremost development priorities. "There are a lot of our children that are malnourished. Such initiatives are an important means for addressing malnutrition and ensuring food security," he said, emphasizing the critical role of animal-source foods in improving nutrition. "Animal-source foods provide enormous protein from dairy, eggs, and meat. These are the food products that enable us to address Africa's malnutrition and food security issues," he stated. According to the coordinator, Ethiopia's initiative directly supports the African Union's broader agenda of improving continental food security. "We have had the opportunity to work with the Ethiopian government," Oppong-Otoo said. "The enabling policies and business structure are making this possible, and we want other countries to start learning from this initiative." He added that Ethiopia's achievements demonstrate the importance of supportive government policies, improved access to finance, and stronger market linkages for pastoralists and livestock producers, making the initiative a highly successful model for other African nations to replicate.

Addis Ababa, July 17, 2026 (ENA) —Ethio Telecom and Inspur Software Technology are exploring strategic partnership to accelerate Ethiopia's digital infrastructure transformation. Ethio Telecom CEO, Frehiwot Tamru, hosted high-level strategic discussions with a senior delegation from Inspur Software Technology Co., Ltd., led by its Board Chairman, Lin Shuai. Gao Xinjie, Deputy General Manager of Shandong Hi-Speed Road & Bridge International Engineering joined the delegation, reflecting a shared commitment to fostering an integrated partnership that combines advanced digital technologies with state-of-the-art infrastructure development.   Aligned with Ethio Telecom's "Next Horizon: Digital & Beyond 2028" strategy, the discussions focused on establishing a strategic partnership that integrates next-generation digital technologies with modern infrastructure to accelerate Ethiopia's digital transformation and strengthen the nation's digital economy. By combining cutting-edge computing capabilities with robust physical infrastructure, the collaboration aims to create a resilient, intelligent, and future-ready digital ecosystem that supports inclusive economic growth and national development. As part of the proposed collaboration, Inspur Software Technology will contribute its expertise in advanced digital infrastructure by supporting the design and deployment of high-performance computing, AI-ready data center solutions, cloud computing platforms, and intelligent digital infrastructure. Accordingly, these capabilities are expected to strengthen Ethiopia's sovereign digital infrastructure, enhance national computing capacity, support AI-driven innovation, and enable the delivery of next-generation digital and enterprise services. The discussions also explored opportunities to jointly develop localized digital applications and industry-specific solutions tailored to Ethiopia's market, with the aim of accelerating digital adoption across key sectors of the economy. Furthermore, the companies discussed collaboration in areas including AI computing infrastructure, cloud services, enterprise digital transformation, smart industry solutions, talent development, technology transfer, research and innovation.   They also explored leveraging their complementary strengths to expand cooperation beyond Ethiopia and jointly pursue strategic opportunities across Africa, contributing to regional digital transformation, digital inclusion, and sustainable economic growth. During the discussions, Lin Shuai and Gao Xinjie highly commended Ethio telecom's visionary leadership, remarkable transformation journey, and outstanding achievements in evolving from a traditional telecommunications operator into one of Africa's leading digital services and technology companies. They expressed their admiration for the company's strategic direction, rapid digital transformation, continuous investment in advanced technologies, and its growing role in driving Ethiopia's digital economy. Reaffirming their confidence in Ethio telecom's future, they conveyed their strong interest in establishing a long-term strategic partnership that extends beyond Ethiopia to jointly pursue opportunities across the African market.   Concluding the meeting, Ethio Telecom CEO Frehiwot Tamru directed the respective technical teams to expedite the development of a comprehensive cooperation framework and implementation roadmap. This preparatory work will pave the way for a subsequent executive-level engagement to formalize the partnership and initiate the implementation of high-impact strategic initiatives that will contribute to Ethiopia's and Africa's digital future.

Addis Ababa, July 16, 2026 (ENA) —Over 10,700 tons of fish were harvested from Lake Nigat, a massive artificial reservoir formed by the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam, in the concluded Ethiopian fiscal year, according to Benishangul-Gumuz Region Agriculture Bureau. Beyond generating hydroelectric power and serving as a tourist attraction, the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam has created employment opportunities through fishery development. The Bureau said Lake Nigat has emerged as a transformative economic catalyst, establishing new financial foundations, particularly for the residents of Benishangul-Gumuz Region and the surrounding communities. The lake continues to foster fishery development, tourism, and inland water transport while supporting a balanced ecological and climatic environment across the region. Benishangul-Gumuz Region Agriculture Bureau Livestock and Fishery Development Sector Deputy Head, Berhanu Eticha, stated that 46 associations are currently organized and actively engaged in fishing on Lake Nigat. As a result, 10,799 tons of fish were harvested from Lake Nigat alone in the concluded fiscal year, he said, highlighting remarkable growth in the region’s fishery output. The yield represents a twofold increase compared to the 2017 Ethiopian fiscal year, he added, revealing that additional associations will join the sector in the future. Beyond Lake Nigat, high-quality fish harvests were gathered in substantial quantities from the Dabus, Dedesa, and Beles rivers, with production efforts set to intensify in the current fiscal year. Supplying fish harvests from the region to major markets in Addis Ababa and other urban centers has become a dependable source of revenue, according to Berhanu. He stated that Lake Nigat is playing a pivotal role in creating jobs for many young people. Organized youth engaged in harvesting and marketing fish have significantly improved their livelihoods, earning good income that supports both themselves and families. Sprawling across Guba in the Benishangul-Gumuz Region, Lake Nigat boasts more than 70 islands, creating a captivating ambient environment that positions it as a premier destination for recreation.

Addis Ababa, July 16, 2026 (ENA) —Mauritian President Dharambeer Gokhool has described Ethiopian Airlines' newly launched direct service to Mauritius as a strategic breakthrough that could help address one of Africa's most enduring barriers to economic integration, poor continental connectivity. The president expressed confidence that the partnership will unlock new opportunities in tourism, trade, investment and human capital development. In an exclusive interview with Pulse of Africa (POA) following the inauguration of Ethiopian Airlines' direct passenger flights between Addis Ababa and Port Louis, President Gokhool said stronger air links are essential to unlocking Africa's full economic potential. It would also advance the African Union's vision of greater regional integration, he underscored. "One of the biggest challenges facing the African continent is connectivity," the president said. “By connecting Mauritius with Ethiopia, we are sending a strong signal that Africa is taking concrete steps to overcome this longstanding constraint,” Gokhool noted.   The president said the new air link goes far beyond transporting passengers, describing it as a catalyst for strengthening the long-term partnership between Ethiopia and Mauritius. "If we develop this partnership, it's going to be mutually beneficial in terms of tourism and in terms of bringing our two people together, and of course for a long-term relationship between Ethiopia and Mauritius." According to Gokhool, Mauritius is positioning itself as a gateway to Africa for international investors and businesses, making stronger air links increasingly important. He noted that Ethiopian Airlines' extensive African and global network could significantly enhance trade and investment flows between the two countries while helping address logistics bottlenecks. "Mauritius is positioning itself as a gateway to Africa in terms of investment, in terms of trade. So, with Ethiopian Airlines partnering with Mauritius, we can certainly open many opportunities for tourism, even for investment and trade."   The president also highlighted cargo transportation as one of Africa's major constraints, expressing hope that the partnership would improve the movement of goods across the continent. "The movement of cargo is one of the biggest challenges. So working together is going to provide us the scope for dealing with this constraint of movement of cargo in the African continent." Beyond aviation services, Gokhool commended Ethiopian Airlines' internationally recognized aviation training capabilities, saying they offer valuable opportunities for Mauritians. "Ethiopian Airlines has established facilities for capacity development, and this is something interesting for training of pilots and other personnel." He added that he had been informed the airline is considering employing Mauritian professionals, describing the move as another encouraging sign of expanding bilateral cooperation. "I've been told that Ethiopian Airlines is already thinking in terms of employing Mauritians to work in Ethiopian Airlines. These are very promising signs of deepening our collaboration between Mauritius and Ethiopia." Looking ahead, the president identified education, healthcare and the blue economy as additional sectors with significant potential for collaboration. "We have enormous potential to cooperate in education, health, the blue economy, and many other sectors where we can share knowledge, technology, and experience for the mutual benefit of our peoples," he said.   Ethiopian Airlines officially launched direct passenger services between Addis Ababa and Port Louis on July 12, operating three weekly flights. The airline says the new route strengthens intra-African connectivity by linking Mauritius to its Addis Ababa hub, offering seamless connections to destinations across Africa, Europe, Asia, the Middle East, and the Americas. The new service is expected to stimulate tourism, facilitate trade and investment, improve cargo movement, and reinforce people-to-people ties, while supporting Africa's broader ambition of building a more integrated, connected, and competitive continent.

Addis Ababa, July 15, 2026 (ENA) —Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed held talks with African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) President Dr. George Elombi and members of the Bank’s Board of Directors, highlighting the importance of partnership, economic growth, and new opportunities for Africa’s future. “(I) met with the President of AfriExim Bank, Dr. George Elombi, and the esteemed Board of Directors of the Bank this evening. I appreciated the discussions on partnership, growth, and opportunities for Africa’s future,” Prime Minister Abiy stated in a post shared on his X page.   The meeting reflects ongoing efforts to strengthen Africa-led financial cooperation, promote investment, and support the continent’s economic transformation agenda, it was learned.

Addis Ababa, July 15, 2026 (ENA) —Egypt’s continued accusations against Ethiopia over GERD fail to reflect historical facts and the principles of equitable utilization and cooperation enshrined in international law, MP Mohammed Al-Arousi told ENA. He further underscored that the claims overlook the development rights of upstream Nile Basin countries. Speaking on unfounded accusation over the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam GERD, Al-Arousi said portraying Ethiopia as acting alone over the Abay River distorts both historical facts and the legal framework governing shared international watercourses. HParticularly, his remarks came in response to repeated statements by Egyptian officials, which he said reflect not legal realities but a lingering nostalgia for an era of exclusive dominance over the Abay River. For instance, Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty stated that negotiations over GERD had reached a deadlock. In that regard, Al-Arousi noted that more than 86 percent of the Abay's waters originate from Ethiopia, arguing that the country's pursuit of hydropower development reflects its sovereign right to utilize its natural resources in an equitable and reasonable manner. "Accusing Ethiopia of unilateralism is political propaganda that contradicts our long-standing diplomatic record of patience and flexibility," Al-Arousi said. The parliamentarian contended that the real legacy of unilateralism stems from decades of reliance on colonial-era agreements, he said. Rejecting what he described as an outdated centuries-old narrative surrounding the Abay River, he argued that it sought to grant Egypt exclusive control over the Nile while excluding upstream countries from decisions concerning the management and use of the shared river. According to Al-Arousi, Ethiopia's construction of the GERD represents a historic shift toward a more equitable and inclusive approach to Nile Basin water governance, replacing what he described as an outdated era of "water hegemony." He stressed that Ethiopia engaged in GERD negotiations for more than 13 years, consistently engaging in diplomatic dialogue and demonstrating restraint despite prolonged disagreements. During that period, he argued, negotiations were repeatedly delayed by positions taken by Egypt and at times Sudan—which he said sought to slow the project's implementation and introduce broader water allocation arrangements beyond the dam's technical scope. Al-Arousi also pointed to the 2015 Declaration of Principles, voluntarily signed by Ethiopia, Egypt, and Sudan in Khartoum, emphasizing that Article Five provides for the filling and operation of the dam to proceed alongside ongoing consultations. He said Ethiopia's successive filling and operational phases have been conducted in line with the agreement, making allegations of unilateral action legally and factually unfounded. The lawmaker further underscored that the GERD was constructed entirely within Ethiopia's internationally recognized territory and financed by Ethiopians without external loans, describing it as both a national development project and a milestone in advancing equitable management of transboundary water resources. "Ethiopia did not build merely a dam; it is rewriting the history of justice and equality in the Nile Basin," he said. Al-Arousi also maintained that Ethiopia's position is firmly anchored in international law. He cited the United Nations principle of permanent sovereignty over natural resources, which affirms every state's right to develop resources within its own territory, as well as the 1997 UN Convention on the Law of the Non-Navigational Uses of International Watercourses, whose core principles call for equitable and reasonable utilization of shared rivers. He noted that Egypt is not a party to the convention, adding that contemporary international water law no longer recognizes exclusive "historical rights" derived from agreements concluded without the participation of upstream states. Instead, he said, it is based on equitable utilization, taking into account geographic, hydrological, environmental, and developmental factors. Al-Arousi said Ethiopia's use of the Abay River is driven by the need to expand electricity access for more than 70 million citizens who still lack reliable power. He argued that denying upstream countries the opportunity to harness their natural resources for development has no legal, moral, or equitable basis. He stressed Ethiopia’s firm position that the GERD represents a pathway toward sustainable growth and a fairer partnership among countries sharing the Abay River.

Addis Ababa, July 14, 2026 (ENA) —American political analyst Andrew Korybko underscored that Ethiopia possesses the sovereign and internationally recognized legal right to equitably utilize the Abay River, including the construction and operation of the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD). Meanwhile, the analyst accused Egypt of intensifying what he described as an “information warfare campaign” against Ethiopia over the Abay dispute. Speaking to the Ethiopian News Agency, Korybko said recent statements by Egyptian officials reflect what he characterized as an effort to portray Ethiopia as a regional security threat to reinforce Cairo’s long-standing position on the Abay (Nile) waters. His remarks came after Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty stated that negotiations over GERD had reached a deadlock. Abdelatty further insisted that Egypt reserves what it considers its right to safeguard its water security under international law. Responding to those remarks, Korybko argued that Egypt’s narrative seeks to justify policies rooted in an outdated approach to Abay water governance. According to the analyst, Ethiopia has consistently maintained that GERD is a transformative development project designed to generate clean, renewable electricity, support national economic development, and expand regional energy integration without causing significant harm to downstream countries. Korybko noted that Ethiopia has repeatedly expressed its readiness to export surplus electricity generated by GERD to neighboring countries. The East African nation presents the project as a platform for shared economic growth and regional cooperation rather than confrontation. Commenting on Egypt’s repeated concerns over future Ethiopian dam projects, Korybko argued that Cairo has shifted its messaging after earlier warnings of catastrophic consequences from GERD failed to materialize. He said the phased filling of the dam has been completed without producing the severe downstream impacts that some Egyptian officials had previously predicted, arguing that this has weakened earlier claims that the project would trigger devastating water shortages. Referring to recent discussions in Egypt concerning reports of additional Ethiopian water infrastructure projects, Korybko claimed that ordinary development initiatives are increasingly being framed as regional security threats in an effort to preserve what he described as colonial-era assumptions over control of the Abay waters. The analyst further argued that, with GERD now fully filled, military threats against the dam have become increasingly unrealistic because of the potentially devastating humanitarian and environmental consequences such an attack could have for downstream countries. In his view, such rhetoric is aimed more at political signaling than at reflecting practical policy options. Beyond the dam itself, Korybko said the dispute should be understood within the broader geopolitical dynamics of the Horn of Africa. He alleged that Egypt has sought to counter Ethiopia’s growing regional influence through indirect means, while acknowledging that Egyptian authorities have repeatedly rejected accusations of interference in Ethiopia’s internal affairs. Speaking about Ethiopia’s strategic interests in both the Nile Basin and the Red Sea, Korybko argued that Egypt has historically sought to project its influence southward. “Hegemonic Egyptian leaders were geographically blocked from expanding in most other directions apart from the south, ergo their focus over the past century and a half on that vector, which resulted in Ethiopian-Egyptian War. In the contemporary context, Egypt isn’t conventionally invading Ethiopia like before but is relying on proxies, specifically Eritrea and armed anti-government groups in Ethiopia. Sudan is also being recruited for this by Egypt but has yet to commit as much as the others have,” he said. Referring to Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed’s recent “axe allegory” delivered in Parliament, Korybko argued that Egypt’s strategy is centered on indirect pressure rather than direct military confrontation. “For reasons of logistics and reputation, Egypt won’t conventionally invade Ethiopia, which is the only state that has ever stood in the way of its hegemonic ambitions in the Horn. That’s why it’s relying on Eritrea, armed anti-government groups in Ethiopia, and nowadays Sudan a bit too. The goal is to contain Ethiopia and then destabilize it from within until a puppet government comes to power or the country ‘Balkanizes’ into a Hobbesian collection of ethno-centric statelets that can easily be divided-and-ruled,” he said. Korybko emphasized Ethiopia’s historic contribution to Africa’s anti-colonial struggle and its continuing role as host of the African Union headquarters. Against that backdrop, he argued that differences over the Abay waters should be resolved through African-led dialogue, mutual respect for sovereignty, and the principle of “African solutions to African problems.” He concluded that lasting peace and stability in the Nile Basin will ultimately depend on cooperation, equitable development, and constructive engagement rather than confrontation, urging all parties to pursue dialogue that advances regional peace, energy security, and shared prosperity.

Addis Ababa, July 14, 2026 (ENA) —The House of People's Representatives (HPR) has unanimously approved 124.6-million-euro concessional loan agreements that support Ethiopia's Homegrown Economic Reform and accelerate the country's digital transformation. The loan agreements approved today were with the governments of Italy and France. The House ratified the 70-million-euro concessional loan agreement provided as budget support in coordination with the World Bank's Third Ethiopia Sustainable Growth and Development Policy Operation with the government of Italy. The financing will be channeled directly into the federal government's budget to facilitate the implementation of Ethiopia's macroeconomic reform agenda and help accelerate economic growth, it was learned. The agreement, which carries no service charge and includes a 16-year grace period, will be repaid over 30 years, making it a highly concessional long-term financing arrangement. Presenting the draft proclamation on the loan, Chief Whip Tesfaye Beljige said the program is designed to provide direct budget support for the government's reform agenda across multiple sectors, with the loan agreement intended to advance sustainable and inclusive economic growth.   The HPR also approved a 54.6-million-euro concessional loan agreement between the governments of Ethiopia and France to finance the modernization and digitalization of Ethiopia's command and control and asset management systems. Speaking about the loan, the Chief Whip said the project was initiated to strengthen technological capacity, improve operational efficiency and speed, as well as to ensure transparency in asset management. According to him, the project reflects the strong cooperation between Ethiopia and France and will be implemented with 54.6 million euro in concessional financing from the French government. The loan carries a highly concessional annual interest rate of 0.347 percent, including a 10-year grace period. It will be repaid over 25 years. For his part, Finance Minister Ahmed Shide said the project is designed to digitally integrate Ethiopian Electric Power's (EEP) transmission lines and substations across the country into a centralized command and control center.   The system will enable real-time monitoring of the national transmission network and improve the management of power sector assets. It will also upgrade substations, strengthen maintenance systems, connect facilities through fiber-optic networks, establish a centralized electricity transmission control system, and deploy advanced software, sophisticated equipment, and real-time data collection technologies to improve operational efficiency and reliability. The Minister added that French companies, technologies and services will be utilized in implementing the project, which is expected to modernize Ethiopia's electricity transmission management through a centralized command center capable of supervising transmission lines and substations nationwide in real time.   The project is part of a broader co-financing arrangement involving multiple international partners. According to Ahmed, previous financing for the project was secured from the French Development Agency (AFD). The European Union has also provided grant support for the initiative while the European Investment Bank (EIB) is expected to contribute additional financing worth hundreds of millions of dollars to support further upgrades of Ethiopia's electricity transmission infrastructure.

Addis Ababa, July 14, 2026 (ENA) —Finance Minister Ahmed Shide held a meeting with World Bank (WB) Operations Managing Director Anna Bjerde in Addis Ababa today. During the meeting, the Minister briefed the Managing Director on Ethiopia’s sustained reform momentum and the government's focus as well as the updates on the strategic priorities for the upcoming Country Partnership Framework, according to Ministry of Finance. For her part, the WB Operations Managing Director congratulated the government on its strong reform performance and positive economic outlook and reaffirmed continued support to advance Ethiopia’s reform agenda and long-term development goals

Addis Ababa, July 14, 2026 (ENA) —Ethiopia is striving to enhance flow of foreign direct investment by systematically modernizing its logistics corridor to fast-track import-export efficiency, Transport and Logistics State Minister Dhenge Boru said. The Ethiopian Freight Forwarders and Shipping Agents Association (EFFSAA) graduated today logistics professionals drawn from public, private, and international institutions, all trained under the globally recognized FIATA diploma program. Addressing the graduation ceremony, the state minister underscored that the logistics ecosystem serves as an irreplaceable foundation for unlocking the nation's prosperity. He affirmed that the government is collaborating with key industry stakeholders to build a highly skilled workforce capable of handling trade flows with optimum speed and precision. Dhenge called on the newly certified specialists to deploy their expertise to clear supply chain bottlenecks, build institutional capacity, and establish world-class service standards across the sector. For his part, Ethiopian Maritime Authority (EMA) Deputy Director-General, Firaol Tafa, said a 10-year strategic roadmap is under implementation with the view to re-engineer national freight operations and adopt contemporary methodologies. He stressed that multi-stakeholder participation remains absolutely critical to seeing this sectoral transformation to completion, he added. Ethiopian Freight Forwarders and Shipping Agents (EFFSAA) President, Dawit Wubshet, noted that the training provides a crucial remedy to the skilled manpower deficits currently challenging the local industry. According to him, the association is actively partnering with international bodies to drive targeted research and continuous capacity-building programs that modernize trade lines. EFFSAA is fully committed to doing its part to heighten Ethiopia's logistical competitiveness and integrate world-class operational metrics, Dawit added.

Addis Ababa, July 14, 2026 (ENA) —The House of People's Representatives (HPR), in its second extraordinary session held today, unanimously approved two concessional loan agreements worth a combined 124.6 million euros with the governments of Italy and France. The agreements are anticipated to support Ethiopia's homegrown economic reform agenda and accelerate the East Africa nation’s digital transformation. The first agreement ratified by the House is a 70-million-euro concessional loan between the Government of Ethiopia and the Government of Italy.   The financing will serve as budget support under the World Bank's Third Ethiopia Sustainable Growth and Development Policy Operation (DPO III), providing direct support to the federal government's budget to advance ongoing macroeconomic reforms and foster sustainable economic growth. The Italian loan carries highly favorable terms, with no service charge, a 16-year grace period, and a 30-year repayment schedule. This agreement is considered as a long-term concessional financing package aimed at supporting Ethiopia's reform priorities. Lawmakers also unanimously endorsed a 54.6-million-euro concessional loan agreement between the Government of Ethiopia and the Government of France to finance the modernization and digitalization of Ethiopia's command-and-control and asset management systems.   The French loan features a 10-year grace period, a 25-year repayment term, and a concessional interest rate of just 0.347 percent. The project is expected to strengthen government institutions by modernizing key public administration systems, improving operational efficiency, and expanding digital public service delivery.

  Addis Ababa, July 13, 2026 (ENA) —The National Bank of Ethiopia (NBE) has removed restrictions on how much commercial banks can lend as part of a new monetary policy package aimed at containing inflation. The credit growth cap was first introduced in 2024 as part of the National Bank of Ethiopia’s efforts to contain inflationary pressures by limiting commercial banks’ annual credit expansion to 14 percent. The recent measures were approved following the seventh regular meeting of the NBE’s Monetary Policy Committee (MPC). The move is also designed to address renewed inflationary pressures while preserving Ethiopia’s economic growth momentum under its ongoing macroeconomic reform program. NBE Governor Dr. Eyob Tekalign said the policy adjustments reflect major milestones achieved since Ethiopia launched its comprehensive economic reform program in July 2024. He explained that the credit cap was introduced as a temporary measure during the transition period until the country developed an interest-rate-based monetary policy system. “Since that objective has now been achieved, the National Bank of Ethiopia has decided to fully remove the credit cap. This does not represent a change in our tight monetary policy stance; rather, we will continue maintaining tight monetary conditions through indirect monetary policy instruments,” Governor Eyob said. The MPC reviewed recent developments in inflation, economic growth, fiscal performance, the external sector, financial markets, and global economic conditions before recommending the measures, which were later approved by the NBE Board. To reinforce its efforts to contain inflation, the Board approved a one percentage point increase in the policy rate while maintaining the existing policy corridor of plus or minus three percentage points. The central bank will also introduce targeted additional reserve requirements for banks whose lending expansion could contribute to inflationary pressures. Governor Eyob said Ethiopia's inflation rate has declined significantly following the 2024 reforms, reaching single-digit levels by the end of 2025 after years of price growth. However, he noted that supply disruptions linked to the Middle East conflict and rising global fuel prices have created renewed inflationary pressures. Headline inflation rose to 13.4 percent in May 2026, compared with 11.7 percent in April and 9.7 percent in December 2025, mainly driven by higher food prices and transportation costs. Despite the recent increase, the governor said the broader disinflation trend reflects the impact of tighter monetary policy, fiscal discipline, and improvements in domestic production. “We remain fully committed to restoring inflation to single-digit levels over the medium term,” Eyob said. The governor further said Ethiopia’s economy continues to demonstrate resilience, with real GDP expanding by 9.2 percent during the 2024/25 fiscal year, supported by strong performances in industry, services, and agriculture. The central bank projects economic growth to accelerate further to 10.2 percent in the current fiscal year, supported by continued expansion in manufacturing, electricity generation, cement production, iron and steel output, tourism, passenger transport, and freight services. Governor Eyob said monetary and financial sector indicators show continued improvement. Reserve money growth slowed to 43 percent, down from 66.4 percent a year earlier, while broad money growth moderated to 32.7 percent, reflecting tighter monetary conditions. The banking sector remained resilient, supported by stronger deposit mobilization, improved loan recovery, and healthier capital positions. Private banks’ loan-to-deposit ratio declined to 72.7 percent, from more than 90 percent in 2022/23, indicating improved liquidity management across the banking industry. The governor also highlighted the government’s fiscal discipline as a key factor supporting monetary stability. Since the launch of the reform program, the government has refrained from direct borrowing from the National Bank of Ethiopia, helping slow base money growth. The overall fiscal deficit narrowed to 0.9 percent of GDP during the first ten months of the current fiscal year, compared with 2.1 percent before the reforms. Treasury bills have increasingly become the government’s main source of domestic financing, it was indicated. Governor Eyob further pointed to significant improvements in Ethiopia’s external sector, saying the balance of payments has shifted into surplus after years of deficits. Export earnings have tripled, foreign exchange inflows have strengthened, and the current account deficit narrowed from 6.2 billion US dollars in 2023/24 to 1.8 billion US dollars in 2025/26. As a result, foreign exchange reserves have increased twentyfold compared with pre-reform levels. To improve foreign exchange market efficiency, the NBE Board reduced the foreign exchange commission rate from 2.5 percent to 1.5 percent and lowered the export proceeds surrender requirement from 50 percent to 30 percent. Governor Eyob said the central bank will continue monitoring domestic and global economic developments, particularly inflation risks associated with international oil prices, while maintaining policies aimed at safeguarding macroeconomic stability and supporting Ethiopia’s economic transformation. The MPC is scheduled to hold its next regular meeting at the end of September 2026, unless economic conditions require an earlier review.

Addis Ababa, July 13, 2026 (ENA) — The First Africa Pastoral Markets Forum opened in Addis Ababa on Monday with a call to transform Africa's pastoral livestock sector into a major driver of economic growth, employment, trade, investment, and resilience across the continent. The five-day forum, running from July 13 to 17, has brought together representatives from 15 African Union member states, along with investors, policymakers, development partners, private sector actors, and market enablers to explore ways of strengthening livestock markets and expanding investment in the pastoral economy. The forum aims to catalyze investment, strengthen market systems, and unlock trade in Africa's pastoral livestock sector by providing a continental platform for sharing experiences, showcasing innovative and bankable business models, and identifying opportunities for greater market integration. Opening the forum, State Minister of Agriculture Fikru Regassa said the gathering comes at a critical moment as African countries work to strengthen their agri-food systems, expand intra-African trade under the African Continental Free Trade Area, and unlock the full economic potential of livestock and pastoral production systems. He said the forum would make a significant contribution to transforming Africa's pastoral livestock sector into a stronger source of economic growth, employment, trade, investment, and resilience. The state minister stressed that pastoralism is far more than a traditional way of life, describing it as a productive economic system that supports millions of Africans while contributing significantly to food security, employment, exports, and rural livelihoods. Despite its enormous potential, he noted that pastoral communities continue to face major challenges, including limited market infrastructure, inadequate financial services, animal health risks, climate variability, and weak transport networks. Director of the African Union Inter-African Bureau for Animal Resources (AU IBAR), Huyam Salih, called for a fundamental shift in the way Africa views pastoral livestock production. "We are here to make a deliberate continental shift from treating pastoral livestock mainly as a vulnerability issue to recognizing it as a strategic economic system capable of supporting food security, trade, jobs, investment, industrialization, and regional integration," she said. Salih noted that the narrative surrounding pastoralism has long focused on drought, conflict, and marginal lands, overlooking its significant economic contribution. "Livestock contributes close to a quarter of agricultural GDP in sub–Saharan Africa and between 30 and 80 percent of agricultural value added in several of our countries. Pastoral systems support more than 268 million pastoralists and agro-pastoralists, and they sustain some of the most robust, low-input, climate-adapted food production systems on earth. This is not a safety net. It is a continent-wide economic infrastructure," she said. She added that although Africa possesses one of the world's largest livestock populations, it captures only a small share of the value generated by the sector. "That gap is systemic inefficiency. Seen differently, it is the single largest pipeline of investible opportunity in African agriculture," Salih said. To address this challenge, she said AU IBAR, with support from the Gates Foundation, established the African Pastoral Markets Development Platform to reposition pastoral livestock as a strategic economic asset. The platform is generating evidence, validating business models that integrate pastoralists into formal markets, strengthening policy and institutional frameworks, facilitating trade, and mobilizing investment. Head of Rural Development and Agriculture, Food and Security Division at the African Union Commission, Janet Edeme, said Africa must move beyond subsistence-oriented livestock production toward competitive, integrated, and climate-resilient value chains capable of creating wealth, jobs, and food security. She said the African Union envisions pastoral livestock producers being fully integrated into regional and continental markets through improved infrastructure, harmonized trade regulations, digital technologies, financial services, and expanded investment. "First, we must strengthen regional market integration. Livestock production systems naturally transcend national borders. Animal mobility, seasonal grazing patterns, and trade routes have existed for centuries across Africa's pastoral landscapes. Our policies and markets must therefore facilitate, not hinder, these realities," Edeme said. She added that the African Continental Free Trade Area presents an unprecedented opportunity to expand intra-African livestock trade by reducing tariff and non-tariff barriers, harmonizing sanitary and phytosanitary standards, improving customs procedures, and strengthening regional livestock corridors. Representing the Gates Foundation, Jom Asebe said the foundation is working closely with the African Union's Animal Resources Division to expand market access while strengthening policy and institutional capacity across the continent. The forum also highlighted ongoing initiatives aimed at attracting investment, strengthening policy frameworks, and promoting market-driven transformation in Africa's pastoral economy. Established by AU IBAR with funding from the Gates Foundation, the African Pastoral Markets Development Platform is facilitating inclusive livestock market development through multi-stakeholder partnerships. The platform is currently implementing market-focused interventions in Kenya and Nigeria as lighthouse countries, with plans to expand to strategic outreach countries, including Benin, Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Chad, Ethiopia, Somalia, Niger, and Tanzania in collaboration with public, private, and civil society partners.

Addis Ababa, July 13, 2026 (ENA) — Addis Ababa has attracted more than 1.3 trillion Birr in capital investment over the past five years, Mayor Adanech Abiebie announced today. The Mayor disclosed the figures while presenting the Addis Ababa City Administration's 2018 Ethiopian fiscal year performance report during the fourth regular session of the Addis Ababa City Council. Presenting the city's investment achievements, Adanech said the administration has made significant progress in expanding investment opportunities and improving the business environment over the past five years. According to the report, the city issued 22,190 new investment licenses and 1,632 expansion licenses to existing businesses during the period. More than 2,000 of the newly licensed investments have already become operational, injecting over 54 billion Birr into the city's economy and creating substantial employment opportunities. According to the Mayor, Addis Ababa attracted more than 1.3 trillion Birr in capital investment through projects implemented across a wide range of sectors, including manufacturing, infrastructure, tourism, technology, and services, as well as projects carried out under Public-Private Partnership (PPP) arrangements. She further noted that the steady growth in investment reflects the city's improving investment climate and expanding economic activity. She also said that increased private sector participation has strengthened economic growth, generated more jobs, and enabled a greater number of residents to benefit from the city's ongoing development. The administration will continue working to improve the investment environment by facilitating business operations, expanding infrastructure, and encouraging greater private sector engagement to sustain Addis Ababa's economic transformation, she noted.

Addis Ababa, July 12, 2026 (ENA) —Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed said the operationalization of the newly modernized Nigus Tekle Haimanot Airport in Debre Markos will significantly stimulate trade, investment, and tourism, opening a new chapter for economic growth in northwestern Ethiopia. The Prime Minister officially inaugurated the upgraded airport today, describing the project as a transformative investment that responds to a long-standing demand from the people of Debre Markos and surrounding communities. The Prime Minister further revealed that modernized airport will be strengthening the country's transport infrastructure. Constructed with a 2,400-meter runway and a width of 30 meters, the airport is designed to accommodate larger passenger and cargo aircraft, including the Bombardier Q400 and Boeing 737, substantially improving regional air connectivity.   Speaking at the inauguration ceremony, Prime Minister Abiy said the airport's operationalization will revitalize commercial activity, attract new investment, expand tourism, and improve access to domestic and international markets. He noted that the launch of air services marks an important milestone in Ethiopia's broader efforts to expand modern infrastructure and create new economic opportunities across the country. The Prime Minister added that while the commencement of regular air transport with the potential for up to three daily flights, will greatly improve mobility and connectivity, restoring normal land transportation remains equally important. The Premier stressed that lasting peace is essential to ensure citizens can travel safely and fully benefit from the country's expanding infrastructure. Emphasizing that sustainable peace is indispensable to Ethiopia's development, Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed reiterated the government's unwavering commitment to dialogue. He affirmed that it remains open to engaging with any group prepared to resolve differences through peaceful, constitutional, and democratic means.   He also underscored that sustainable development requires time, cooperation, mutual trust, and collective responsibility, calling on all Ethiopians to work together to close gaps in development, strengthen national prosperity, and build a better future for coming generations. Warning against attempts to divide citizens along ethnic or regional lines, he said such narratives only deepen fragmentation and undermine national unity. Instead, he urged Ethiopians to embrace dialogue, mutual respect, and cooperation as the most effective path toward lasting peace and inclusive development. Recalling Ethiopia's long history, Prime Minister Abiy observed that while the country has experienced both peace and conflict throughout the centuries, its greatest priority today is accelerating development and improving the well-being of its people.   He concluded by calling on all citizens to uphold the spirit of Medemer (synergy) through unity. In that regard, PM Abiy underscored that only through peace, cooperation, and shared purpose can Ethiopia fully realize its development aspirations and leave a more prosperous nation for future generations.