Addis A baba, April 30, 2025 (ENA)— Ethiopia’s Minister of Finance Dr. Eyob Tekalign held discussions with Neil J. Beck, Assistant USTR for WTO and Multilateral Affairs Office of the U.S Trade Representative. On the sidelines of the 2025 IMF-World Bank Spring Meetings on the margins of the 2025 IMF-World Bank Spring Meetings. During the meeting, Dr. Eyob provided an update on the progress Ethiopia has made toward its accession to the World Trade Organization (WTO). The state minister also reaffirmed his country’s commitment to fulfilling the necessary requirements to join the WTO by March 2026. On his part, Neil J. Beck, representing the USTR, commended Ethiopia's efforts and emphasized the United States' support for Ethiopia's WTO accession.   He expressed USTR’s interest in seeing Ethiopia successfully integrate into the global trading system. Both sides agreed to continue their collaboration and strengthen their partnership as Ethiopia advances on its path toward WTO membership, ENA learned.

Addis Ababa, April 30,2025 (ENA)— Addis Ababa City Administration has achieved an average of 93 percent of its nine-month plan for the 2017 Ethiopian fiscal year, Mayor Adanech Abiebie confirmed. Speaking at the conclusion of a two-day nine months' performance review that assessed the city's progress across various development sectors, Mayor Adanech highlighted significant achievements not only in corridor development but also in economic and social sectors, project execution, and improvements in service delivery. “When we say that 93 percent of our goals have been achieved on average, this is based on a range of indicators. For example, in corridor development, our annual target for this budget year was to build eight corridors, double the number planned in the previous year,” she underscored. She also highlighted the construction of the capital's large plazas and expansive pedestrian walkways, as well as the development of 1,444 workspaces, which include various sports and entertainment facilities.   A new parking facility with a capacity of 33,000 vehicles has also been built,” Adanech indicates. The city is further investing in major infrastructure projects such as hospitals, clinics, schools, marketing centers, industrial clusters, water systems, and housing. Additionally, social and economic reforms have been implemented to help regulate the market. She also stated that to address unemployment, the city administration, in collaboration with private firms, has facilitated regular employment for more than 259,000 people over the past nine months, she added. “We have also strengthened revenue collection, reaching a 98 percent collection rate. Importantly, how this revenue is utilized demonstrates our commitment to social development and inclusive public participation,” the mayor concluded. According to senior city leaders who participated in the review, these results were made possible through improved revenue collection, the allocation of 71 percent of the city budget to sustainable development projects, strengthened leadership coordination, and the identification and resolution of public grievances.   The mayor also stated that in the months ahead, efforts will focus on better implementing the existing plan by fostering leadership unity and addressing ongoing challenges, particularly in service delivery. She reiterated the administration’s commitment to enhancing overall performance by strengthening management cohesion and tackling service-related issues. According to the mayor, key priorities will be given for the remainder of the fiscal year include reducing dependency, creating job opportunities, completing ongoing projects, fostering community engagement, and promoting initiatives through media and communication channels.

Addis Ababa, April 30, 2025 (ENA) – Against the backdrop of rapid changes, marked by rising debt and global trade tensions that have cast a shadow over Africa’s post-COVID-19 economic recovery, the Economic Commission for Africa (ECA) and the Policy Center for the New South held a national dissemination launch of the Economic Report on Africa 2025 (ERA 2025). This year’s edition of the report is titled, "Advancing the Implementation of the Agreement Establishing the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA): Proposing Transformative Strategic Actions." Considered as one of the most comprehensive economic agreements in existence, the AfCFTA is widely recognized as a game changer for Africa’s long-term growth and prosperity. Its protocols and mechanisms cover a wide range of dimensions such as trade in goods and services, dispute settlement, competition, investment, intellectual property, digital trade, and the contribution of women and youth. ECA experts note that a meticulous implementation of the AfCFTA in 2045 could enable the continent to increase its GDP by 141 billion USD and intra-African trade by 276 billion USD (+45%). In the short-term, the AfCFTA can help African industries threatened by rising international tariffs, such as the automotive and fertilizer sectors, accelerate their shift toward alternative regional markets. ERA 2025 provides an overview of the implementation of the African free trade agreement and its potential impact on structural transformation, and inclusive and sustainable development in Africa. According to ECA, the report also examines the gaps observed in its implementation and draws up a list of priority actions to ensure its successful implementation in a rapidly changing global trade context. However, in order to make these ambitions a reality, the authors of the report note that African countries still need to take several steps to strengthen their position in global trade by creating a common African trade policy vis-à-vis other regions of the world, ironing out inconsistencies in AfCFTA implementation mechanisms and implementing the Protocol on the Free Movement of Persons, to accelerate the emergence of African regional value chains.

​​​​​​Addis Ababa, April 29, 2025 (ENA)—The Finance Minister of Ethiopia Ahmed Shide and the Ethiopian Ambassador to the United States, Binalef Andualem, held productive bilateral discussions with officials from the US State Department today. On the sidelines of the 2025 WB-IMF Spring Meetings, the discussion brought together US State Department officials including Ambassador Troy Fitrell, Senior Bureau Official leading the Department of State’s Bureau of African Affairs and Vincent D. Spera, Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for African Affairs, ENA learned. Finance Minister Ahmed Shide briefed the US officials on Ethiopia’s strong economic outlook and opportunities, the government’s efforts to address the challenging global situations and uncertainties, as well as on the progress of the Government’s macroeconomic reform. Particularly, Minister Ahmed elaborated the market liberalization measures and policies adopted for enhancing the business climate to attract more Foreign Direct Investment (FDI). On their part, the US officials commended the achievements of the reform, particularly with respect to Ethiopia’s efforts in building fiscal resilience through sound macroeconomic management and fostering more favorable business climate overall. Additionally, the US officials acknowledged the strong policy alignment of the two countries with respect to deepening bilateral trade and promoting US business investment in Ethiopia. Moreover, the officials encouraged Ethiopia to collaborate with US financial institutions such as the US Development Finance Corporation (DFC) and US EXIM Bank, to explore various financing options and tools available, including blended financing, to scale up trade and investment opportunities for private US companies in Ethiopia. The two sides agreed to work jointly with all the relevant institutions, including the US Treasury, the US Department of Commerce, and the State Department and their Ethiopian counterparts, to deepen US-Ethiopia trade, development finance, and investment partnerships in strategic areas of mutual interest for the two nations.

Addis Ababa, April 29, 2025 (ENA) – African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) has launched a US 3 billion USD Revolving Intra-African Oil Trade Financing Program to finance the purchase of refined petroleum products by African and Caribbean oil buyers. The objective of the program is to address Africa’s persistent reliance on imported refined petroleum products, which accounted for an amount of 30 billion USD annually in petroleum import costs due to inadequate refining. As a revolving facility, it is expected to finance about 10 billion USD to 14 billion USD of Intra-African petroleum imports. This program seeks to leverage the growing refining capacity that Afreximbank has helped establish across the continent, while aligning with the objectives of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) agreement, which includes facilitating intra-African trade, promoting industrialisation, and creating jobs on the continent. By deploying innovative trade finance and supply chain solutions tailored to key stakeholders’ needs in terms of tenure, price format and logistics requirements, this initiative supports Afreximbank’s strategic goals of advancing energy security, strengthening regional value chains, and fostering economic resilience within the continent and the Caribbean. Key products to be traded under the programme are refined petroleum products including but not limited to Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), Automotive Gas Oil (AGO), Heavy Fuel Oil (HFO), Jet Fuel, and Kerosene. The eligible exporters are refineries operating in Africa. The African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) is the foremost pan-African multilateral financial institution devoted to financing and promoting intra- and extra-African trade. The Bank was established in October 1993 by African governments, African private and institutional investors, and non-African investors.

Addis Ababa, April 29, 2025 (ENA)— The African Development Bank (AfDB) has renewed 3.2 billion U.S. dollars exposure exchange with the Inter-American Development Bank (IADB) to strengthen capital efficiency, boost development lending, and enhance global financial resilience. The agreement with the Inter-American Development Bank, renewing a prior agreement originally executed between the two institutions in 2015. The agreement was signed in Washington DC, on the sidelines of the World Bank Group and International Monetary Fund Spring meetings, according to TechAfrica News. This is the fourth exposure exchange undertaken by the African Development Bank with other Multilateral Development Banks, in the continuous pursuit of innovative ways of strengthening the capital adequacy and efficiency of Multilateral Development Banks, as well as boost their development lending capacity. Since 2015, the African Development Bank has used these agreements to diversify lending within its sovereign portfolio and deploy capital effectively while preserving a resilient financial base. The tool ensures the African Development Bank remains agile, well-capitalized, and committed to innovation in support of development in Africa. Today’s transaction follows previous successful agreements between the African Development Bank and other Multilateral Development Banks, including the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development and Asian Development Bank. This transaction underpins the African Development Bank’s forward-looking approach to capital and risk management. “We are pleased to continue our positive longstanding collaboration with Inter-American Development Bank in structuring and executing innovative financial solutions to align with the G20’s call for Multilateral Development Banks to work together as a system in expanding development impact to our member countries.” Dr. Akinwumi Adesina, President of African Development said. Bank Inter-American Development Bank President Ilan Goldfajn pointed to the success of the first agreement signed with the African Development Bank ten years ago. “This new agreement marks yet another milestone in our strong and fruitful collaboration with the African Development Bank. Thanks to this operation we’re strengthening the financial resilience, creditworthiness, and financing capacity of both of our institutions. A win-win for all, that will benefit the people of Latin America and the Caribbean and Africa,” Goldfajn stated. Adesina added that Multilateral Development Banks should do more of such transactions because of their proven success and impact.

Addis Ababa, April 29, 2025 (ENA) -- The establishment of China Chamber of Commerce to Africa marked a significant milestone in the economic and trade cooperation between China and Africa, China Head of Mission to the African Union, Ambassador Hu Changchun said. The Head of Mission made the remarks during the inauguration ceremony held last night in Addis Ababa. The chamber intends to serve as a platform for bridging Chinese and African markets and facilitating economic cooperation, he added.   “The establishment of China Chamber of Commerce to Africa under the guidance of the Mission of China to African Union is intended to serve as a platform for dialogue and cooperation. The chamber is founded to bridge Chinese and African markets and facilitate economic cooperation,” he elaborated. The chamber will create better synergies for China-Africa economic cooperation and enable friendship to grow even stronger, he stated. “The chamber aims to mobilize resources and build an ecosystem for common prosperity. It is committed to promoting development and social responsibility, bringing tangible benefits to the African peoples," the ambassador added.   The chamber, currently, has fifteen members that represent business in major sectors such as agriculture, construction, manufacturing and telecommunication, he indicated. According to Head of Mission Ambassador Changchun, many of the members of the chamber have been dedicated to the cause of common prosperity of Africa and China over the past decades. In total, Chinese companies have built around hundred thousand kilometers of roads, ten thousand kilometers of railways, one thousand bridges; and created over one million jobs all over Africa. he added.

Addis Ababa, April 29, 2025 (ENA) -- Cameroon and Chad inaugurated a bridge over the Logone River on Monday with bilateral ties deepening and paving ways to expediting regional integration. Cameroon's Prime Minister Joseph Dion Ngute and his Chadian counterpart Allamaye Halina presided over the inauguration of the new bridge, constructed over five years at a cost of £499 million. The completion of this new bridge marks a pivotal moment in regional connectivity as it transforms travel between two significant African nations, bringing immense benefits to local residents. The bridge, measuring about 620 meters long and linking the Cameroonian town of Yagoua to Chad's Bongor town, is a mark of friendship between the two countries, officials said while officially opening the bridge. "The bridge is a symbol of togetherness and fruitful cooperation…. it will be named 'Chad-Cameroon Bridge of Friendship, Hope, and Unity,'" said Halina. "This is a bridge between two peoples. This will help in facilitating our coming closer together," Ngute added. This is the second bridge to link the two countries, following the Nguéli Bridge, which connects Kousseri in Cameroon to the Chadian capital, N'Djamena. According to the officials, the new bridge will boost connectivity between the two countries and is also expected to increase integration, commercial exchanges, and movement of goods and people between the Economic Community of West African States and the Economic Community of Central African States.

Addis Ababa, April 29, 2025 (POA)—Ethiopia’s High-level Delegation led by Minister of Finance Ahmed Shide and Eurobond Holders met to exchange on Ethiopia’s debt treatment progress. The Ethiopian delegation attending the 2025 World Bank and IMF Spring Meetings, engaged in a constructive discussion with Ethiopia’s Eurobond Holders. The meeting focused on Ethiopia’s debt treatment progress under the G20 Common Framework following the successful agreement in principle reached with Ethiopia’s Official Creditors Committee in March 2025. Minister Ahmed Shide updated the commercial creditors on Ethiopia’s macroeconomic reform progress. The delegation also discussed Ethiopia’s economic outlook in view of the comprehensive reforms undertaken. The two sides agreed to discuss areas and opportunities for further cooperation during an official visit by EIB authorities to Ethiopia.

Addis Ababa, April 29, 2025 (ENA)—Ethiopia and Eurobond Holders have agreed to continue the dialogue to ensure smooth debt treatment negotiations that conclude in a timely and efficient manner. A high-level Delegation led by Minister of Finance Ahmed Shide and Eurobond Holders met to exchange on Ethiopia’s debt treatment progress. The Ethiopian delegation attending the 2025 World Bank and IMF Spring Meetings, engaged in a constructive discussion with Ethiopia’s Eurobond Holders.   The meeting focused on Ethiopia’s debt treatment progress under the G20 Common Framework following the successful agreement in principle reached with Ethiopia’s Official Creditors Committee in March 2025. In its press release sent to ENA, the Ministry of Finance said Minister of Finance Ahmed Shide updated the commercial creditors on Ethiopia’s macroeconomic reform progress. The delegation also discussed Ethiopia’s economic outlook in view of the comprehensive reforms undertaken.   The two sides agreed to continue the dialogue to ensure smooth debt treatment negotiations that conclude in a timely and efficient manner.

Addis Ababa, April 28, 2025 (ENA) --- A five-year comprehensive groundwater resources initiative aimed at identifying and mapping the resources throughout Ethiopia was launched in Addis Ababa today. The initiative would carry out a thorough investigation and analysis of the country's groundwater availability, distribution, and quality—crucial for country's sustainable water management and resource planning, Minister of Water and Energy, Habtamu Ittefa stated.   According to him, the project emphasized the importance of identifying and harnessing groundwater resources for the development of the country. Ethiopia's Hawassa University and Haramaya University in collaboration with Aarhus University of Denmark are engaged to carry out the mapping project. The primary objectives of the project includes an analysis of how these resources can be effectively utilized and developed to support future projects to promote sustainable water management and address the water needs of the population. Although Ethiopia is widely recognized for its considerable and diverse water resources, it is important that these resources must be carefully utilized for development, it was learnt.   “Although groundwater is always available, its quality requires many works. In some places, it is not used because it contains fluoride and chloride and other chemicals,” according to Minister of Water and Energy, Habtamu Ittefa. He also mentioned that identifying these specific water areas will serve as a valuable resource and an essential starting point for the development of future national projects related to water resources management and improvement. The minister cited that knowledge transfer plays significant importance for this initiative. Habtamu also expressed gratitude to the support of the Danish government through financial contributions, provision of essential materials, as well as human resources, all of which have been instrumental in implementing project.   Danish Ambassador to Ethiopia Sune Krogstrup on his part pointed out that apart from the provision of budgetary support, his primary focus would be among others, facilitating the exchange of vital information, promoting the transfer of knowledge, and exploring various collaborative initiatives. He added that Denmark has projects in all regions of Ethiopia in the water sector. According to the ambassador, enhancing the ongoing research efforts related to groundwater investigation through collaborative partnerships with universities in Ethiopia will be his priority.

Addis Ababa, April 28, 2025 (ENA) – Minister of Agriculture, Girma Amente, the Secretary General of Khalfa International Award for Date Palm and Agricultural Innovation of the United Arab Emirates, Abdelouahhab Zaid, discussed on the ways of working together on palm production. Ethiopia is set to host the inaugural International Date Palm Festival this year, following a collaborative agreement signed between the Ministry of Agriculture of Ethiopia and the Khalifa International Award for Date Palm and Agricultural Innovation from the UAE. Ethiopian agriculture minister Girma Amente has expressed readiness to collaborate with partner organizations for organizing future festivals focused on palm productions. The festival will feature discussions on improved date palm varieties and technologies, with participation from farmers, producers, professionals, researchers and private sectors across various countries focusing on practical solutions. According to Ministry of Agriculture, Ethiopia possesses 500, 000 hectares of land suitable for palm cultivation, with only about 6,000 hectares currently utilized. Afar, Somali, Gambela, Benishangul-Gumuz, Guji, and Borena (Oromia), regions As well as Dire Dawa administration of Ethiopia are identified as potential areas for palm productions. The Khalifa International Award, established by the UAE government in 2009, has supported date palm cultivation worldwide through training programs and research funding.

Addis Ababa, April 28, 2025 (POA)— The Ethiopian high-level delegation led by Finance Minister Ahmed Shide held discussion with the Assistant Secretary of Multilateral Affairs and Development at the French Ministry of Economy and Finance, William Roos. In its press release sent to ENA, the Ministry of Finance said two sides have engaged in constructive discussions across a broad range of issues on the margins of the 2025 IMF-World Bank Spring Meetings.   Minister Shide expressed Ethiopia’s gratitude to France for the bilateral partnership and for its support through multilateral development institutions, as well as its leadership together with China, as co-chairs for Ethiopia’s Official Creditors Committee in advancing Ethiopia’s debt treatment negotiations under the G20 Common Framework program. During the exchange, the Minister briefed Roos on the progress of the Government’s reform implementation and Ethiopia’s positive economic outlook, while highlighting the challenging global environment. The Assistant Secretary congratulated Ethiopia for its success in reaching an agreement in principle on the debt treatment parameters as well as for the sound macro management and reform measures undertaken by the Government.   The two officials agreed to continue close collaboration on development partnership through bilateral and multilateral cooperation.

Addis Ababa, April 28, 2025 (ENA) -- South Africa is pursuing strong bilateral ties with Ethiopia, with renewed focus on boosting cooperation in tourism sector through the BRICS alliance, Ambassador Nonceba Losi affirmed. Speaking to ENA, South Africa’s Ambassador to Ethiopia Losi said the two countries have long enjoyed cordial relations in multifaceted spheres. There is a growing potential for tourism collaboration under the broader BRICS framework, following Ethiopia's admission during the 2023 summit hosted in South Africa. “There is a track of tourism ministers under BRICS, and we would love to ensure these countries work with each other and visit each other. The population within BRICS is massive, and we can leverage that for economic development and increased tourist flows,” she said. Ambassador Losi also highlighted the opportunities for technical collaboration, citing South Africa’s experienced park rangers who could assist Ethiopia in protecting and preserving its natural reserves. “We have highly qualified rangers in Kruger Park and other national parks. We are willing to exploring cooperation in that area,” she added. According to her, South African Embassy in Ethiopia will work to develop concrete proposals and programs to boost tourism exchanges, including bringing more South African tourists to Ethiopia. She recalled that just last month President Cyril Ramaphosa praised the renewal development and projects in Addis, stating “I have received so many calls of South Africans who would love to visit Ethiopia.” Echoing this sentiment, Ethiopia’s State Minister of Tourism, Sileshi Girma, emphasized the importance of BRICS as a global tourism alliance.   “We are very lucky to be part of BRICS. Think of India, Brazil, China, South Africa and others together that’s a significant portion of the world’s population,” he said. Ethiopia and South Africa have vast untapped potential in tourism cooperation, and BRICS presents a strategic platform to realize that potential, the two officials affirmed. Recently, Ambassador Losi along with other ambassadors and representatives of diplomatic corps based in Addis Ababa visited the Bale Mountains National Park.

Addis Ababa, April 28, 2025 (ENA)— Ethiopia’s High-Level Delegation, led by the Finance Minister Ahmed Shide, meets with the World Bank Group’s Managing Director for Operations during the 2025 World Bank-IMF Spring Meetings. The high-level Ethiopian delegation comprising Minister Ahmed Shide, Mamo Mihretu, Governor of the National Bank of Ethiopia, Teklewold Atnafu, Senior Advisor to the Prime Minister, Dr. Eyob Tekalign, State Minister for Finance, and other members engaged in an in-depth discussion with Anna Bjerde, the World Bank’s Managing Director (MD) for Operations, which focused on the substantial progress achieved in the implementation of Ethiopia’s macroeconomic reforms. Additionally, the meeting discussed the World Bank’s assistance package for Ethiopia to support the Government’s development agenda as well as to advance on regional development and integration initiatives, according to the Ministry of Finance.   Minister Ahmed expressed appreciation for the World Bank’s technical and financial support toward Ethiopia’s development efforts and ambitious reform agenda, which seeks to unlock the country’s full growth potential through modernization of the economy, boosting productivity, creating new avenues for growth, and enhancing private sector investment to generate jobs and elevate living standards across Ethiopia. On her part, Bjerde commended the Ethiopian government's steadfast commitment to a robust reform program and for achieving critical macroeconomic targets despite the ongoing challenges posed by the global environment. Particularly, she recognized the notable achievements that have been realized thus far, including a substantial decline in inflation, a remarkable increase in exports, particularly in gold, improved revenue mobilization strategies that have improved fiscal resilience, and an overall more favorable business climate.   Furthermore, the MD acknowledged the resilience of Ethiopia’s economy amid the challenging global context, owing to the sound macro management and reform measures undertaken by the Government over the last 9 months. Additionally, the MD encouraged the Government to maintain positive momentum on the implementation of the reform program as well as critical development projects at national and regional levels.   The meeting concluded with a reaffirmed mutual commitment to ongoing collaboration, emphasizing the importance of sustained support from all partners for effective implementation of the reform plan and sector projects aimed at accelerating Ethiopia's growth trajectory and sustainable development.

Addis Ababa, April 27, 2025 (ENA) -- Ethiopia has been making the necessary preparations to plant over 7.5 billion seedlings as part of this year’s s Green Legacy Initiative, with a focus on indigenous tree seedlings. In an interview with ENA, Green Legacy Initiative Technical Committee Chairman Adefris Worku stated that during this year’s planting campaign, the seedlings are intended to be planted in areas where soil and water conservation activities have been carried out as well as in areas with degraded landscapes. Furthermore, he stated that map will be developed for fifty percent of the land identified for this year’s planting of seedlings. Adefres also mentioned that preparations of fruits and tree seedlings are underway within the framework of the initiative. He emphasized that the Green Legacy Initiative is being executed with significant focus to ensure that the planting process is enhanced with technology. According to him, unlike previous years, this year’s Green Legacy Initiative has been focusing on indigenous seedlings. Ethiopia has so far planted more than 40 billion seedlings over the past six years through the initiative. This year, the plan is to plant 7.5 billion seedlings.

Addis Ababa, April 27, 2025 (ENA) -- Ethiopia and United States’ International Development Finance Corporation agreed to explore cooperation on strategic investments. The high level Ethiopian delegation led by Finance Minister Ahmed Shide met with the acting CEO of the U.S. International Development Finance Corporation (DFC) Dev Jagadesan during the 2025 World Bank-IMF Spring Meetings. The meeting discussed Ethiopia’s reforms and measures taken to boost private sector investment, including recent opening up of the retail and financial sectors to international investors.   The CEO highlighted DFC’s current areas of focus for investment, including ICT, minerals, infrastructure, and agriculture, and indicated DFC’s interest in exploring investment opportunities related to these domains in Ethiopia. The Minister stated the immense potential for collaboration in these areas, and encouraged the DFC team to conduct an official visit to Ethiopia to further explore investment projects that DFC could potentially finance, including the planned new international airport development, among others. The two sides agreed to further expand the discussion on investment opportunities during the proposed official visit to Ethiopia in the coming months.

Addis Ababa, April 27, 2025 (ENA) -- Ethiopia’s Finance Minister Ahmed Shide met with the Deputy Assistant Secretary (DAS) of the US Treasury Eric Meyer and held constructive discussions across a broad range of bilateral and global issues at the 2025 IMF-World Bank Spring Meetings. DAS Meyer acknowledged Ethiopia’s economy has shown resilience amid global challenging conditions, thanks to sound macro management and reform measures undertaken by the Government.   He encouraged his Ethiopian counterpart to maintain positive momentum on implementation of Ethiopia’s important ongoing reform program that is supporting the modernization and diversification of the economy. The Minister expressed that Ethiopia remains committed to advancing partnership with the United States in various domains of mutual interest, including trade, investment and regional stability.

Addis Ababa, April 27, 2025 (ENA) --- Ethiopia’s Minister of Finance Ahmed Shide met with the United Kingdom Minister of State for International Development, Baroness Chapman on the margins of the 2025 Spring Meetings of the IMF and World Bank. The Ministers held constructive discussion on the two countries’ bilateral partnership and the immense opportunities to further enhance cooperation in areas of shared bilateral, regional and global interests. Ahmed Shide briefed the UK Minister on the success of the Government’s reform implementation despite challenging global conditions and Ethiopia’s positive economic outlook, and highlighted the need for sustained bilateral support for pro-poor development interventions to ensure the continued success of the reforms.   Baroness Chapman on her side, commended the reform efforts and the progress towards improving the business climate, encouraged Ethiopia’s sustained contribution to regional stability in the Horn of Africa, and assured UK’s continued commitment to development cooperation to support Ethiopia realize its tremendous potential. The two sides agreed to continue deepening the bilateral partnership, expanding beyond development support, to include greater investment, trade and economic cooperation between the two countries.

Addis Ababa, April 26, 2025 (ENA) --- The newly inaugurated Mesob One-Stop Service Center brings together various government services under one roof, utilizing advanced digital technologies, Office of the Prime Minister announced. Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, along with senior federal and regional leadership, toured and inaugurated the Mesob One-Stop Service Center today.   The Center enables citizens to easily access the services of multiple federal institutions through a fully digital system, eliminating the need to visit multiple offices, endure long queues, or handle cumbersome paper-based processes. Twelve federal government agencies have joined the pilot project, which has now commenced operations, providing a total of 41 public services, Office of the Prime Minister disclosed.   These services range from licensing to digital ID registration and beyond, all delivered in a single, convenient location. The participating institutions are: 1. National ID Ethiopia 2. Immigration and Citizenship Service 3. Document Authentication and Registration Service 4. Ministry of Revenue 5. Ministry of Trade and Regional Integration 6. Ministry of Labour and Skills 7. Ethiopian Investment Commission 8. Ministry of Foreign Affairs 9. Educational Assessment and Examination Service 10. Ethio Post 11. Commercial Bank of Ethiopia 12. Ethio Telecom Additionally, all these institutions are providing integrated digital connectivity services to ensure seamless service delivery.