Addis Ababa, May 12, 2026 — Ethiopia’s Minister of Foreign Affairs Gedion Timothewos on Tuesday engaged with researchers and regional experts from leading think tanks during a roundtable discussion hosted by the Hudson Institute. During the discussion in the United States, Gedion outlined Ethiopia’s economic growth and prosperity model, while also providing insights into the country’s political trajectory. He also briefed participants on recent regional developments and the evolving geopolitical dynamics shaping the Horn of Africa. During an extensive question-and-answer session, the foreign minister emphasized that peace, stability, and security remain central to Ethiopia’s national vision and are critical to ensuring sustainable prosperity for both Ethiopia and the wider region. “Peace, stability, and security are the cornerstones of Ethiopia’s vision and essential foundations for advancing all-round prosperity for both Ethiopia and the wider region,” Gedion emphasized. Earlier in the day, an Ethiopian delegation led by Gedion—including Macroeconomic Advisor to the Prime Minister Girma Birru and Director General of the National Intelligence and Security Service Redwan Hussein—held discussions with senior U.S. officials. As part of the visit, Gedion also met with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio to discuss ways of strengthening the longstanding bilateral relationship between Ethiopia and the United States, while addressing regional issues of mutual interest. Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to deepening cooperation and advancing a stronger strategic partnership between the two countries.

United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres has called for urgent reforms to global climate financing. The secretary-general warned that Africa is bearing the harshest consequences of climate change despite contributing the least to global emissions. Speaking at the Africa Forward Summit in Nairobi, Kenya, Guterres said African nations are facing devastating climate-related challenges, including prolonged droughts, severe flooding, food insecurity, and economic instability. The summit, co-hosted by Kenyan President William Ruto and French President Emmanuel Macron, brought together African leaders, global investors, and development partners to discuss sustainable growth and climate resilience across the continent.   During discussions on green industrialization and energy transition, Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed highlighted Ethiopia’s growing role in renewable energy development and sustainable industrialization. He said Ethiopia continues to play a major role in advancing Africa’s green growth agenda. Guterres urged wealthy nations and international financial institutions to overhaul existing climate funding systems and deliver meaningful support to vulnerable countries.   He stressed that Africa contributes less than four percent of global greenhouse gas emissions but continues to suffer disproportionately from climate disasters. Meanwhile, French President Macron announced a 27 billion USD investment package aimed at supporting Africa’s energy transition, artificial intelligence, maritime infrastructure, and agricultural modernization.   Guterres warned that without immediate action and stronger financial commitments, millions of lives and livelihoods across Africa remain at risk as the climate crisis deepens.

Addis Ababa, May 12, 2026 —The Ministry of Finance today convened a high-level meeting of the Development Partners Group (DPG) Heads of Agencies to deliberate on Ethiopia’s accession to the World Trade Organization (WTO) and the implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), underscoring the country’s deepening commitment to global and regional economic integration. Opening the session, State Minister Semereta Sewasew underscored that WTO accession is firmly embedded within the government’s Homegrown Economic Reform Agenda 2, strengthening Ethiopia’s position in international trade negotiations and enhancing its integration into global value chains.   Trade and Regional Integration Minister, Kassahun Gofe, emphasized that trade integration is a strategic pathway to achieving national development objectives, attracting foreign direct investment, and creating job opportunities for Ethiopia’s youth. He highlighted the "sustained momentum" of the WTO accession process, which has transitioned from a 23-year slow-moving process into an advanced stage, with a clear target to complete the accession by the end of 2026.   The meeting highlighted notable strides in Ethiopia’s dual-track trade integration efforts. Over the past year alone, Ethiopia has made remarkable progress with the WTO, hosting three Working Party meetings, culminating in the pivotal 7th meeting in Geneva in April 2024, it was learned. Bilateral negotiations have advanced significantly, with agreements reached with nine out of seventeen members to date. Meanwhile, it was noted that Ethiopia has officially launched shipments under the AfCFTA framework in October 2025, opening trade channels to Kenya, Somalia, and South Africa. This move grants access to a combined market of over 1.4 billion people, bolstering Ethiopia’s export potential. In addition, Kassahun told development partners that the government has taken steps to strengthen institutional support by establishing the Fund and Project Coordination Office (FPCO) within his ministry. This dedicated unit serves as a centralized platform for trade initiatives, promoting transparency, accountability, and better coordination of partner funding with national priorities, he added.   He also called on development partners to collaborate closely with the Ministry in addressing constraints faced by private sector actors. He reaffirmed the government’s full commitment to advancing WTO accession and accelerating the effective implementation of the AfCFTA, according to the Face Book of Ministry of Finance. Representatives from the World Bank, Germany, and UNCTAD commended Ethiopia’s progress. The World Bank praised the country’s economic reforms, Germany highlighted support for customs and SMEs, and UNCTAD emphasized efforts to enhance Ethiopia’s manufacturing capacity, particularly in agro-processing and leather products.

Addis Ababa, May 12, 2026 —Ethiopia and Cyprus have expressed commitment to deepen cooperation across multiple sectors following their first-ever bilateral political consultations launched in Addis Ababa on Tuesday. The meeting, hosted at Ethiopia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, marked a new phase in relations aimed at elevating diplomatic and economic engagement between the two countries. Opening the talks, Ambassador Mulie Tarekegn, Deputy Director General for European and American Affairs said the consultations reflect a shared commitment to strengthening ties built on mutual respect, friendship, and expanding cooperation at both bilateral and multilateral levels.   He noted that recent high-level exchanges, including the 2025 visit of Cyprus Foreign Minister Constantinos Kombos, helped reinvigorate momentum in relations. He also highlighted Cyprus’s support for efforts to ease European Union visa measures affecting Ethiopia. On economic cooperation, he stressed that while trade remains limited, both countries see significant untapped potential in sectors such as agriculture, manufacturing, ICT, mining, tourism, energy, and logistics. Cyprus currently has a growing presence in Ethiopia, particularly in pharmaceuticals, and both sides agreed on the need to expand trade and investment flows.   The talks also underscored shared positions on global issues, including climate change, migration, counterterrorism, and international peace and security. Ethiopia’s flagship environmental initiative, the Green Legacy Initiative, and its upcoming role as host of COP32 were highlighted as areas for potential cooperation. For Cyprus, Head of the African Department at its Foreign Ministry, Stelios Makriyiannis, described the consultations as a milestone in bilateral relations, noting intensified diplomatic engagement in recent months, including visits and high-level meetings in Addis Ababa. He said the new dialogue framework will focus on implementing existing agreements, particularly in education and higher education—as well as exploring fresh opportunities in investment, trade, agriculture, tourism, and cultural exchange.   Makriyiannis also pointed to the strategic importance of Ethiopia–EU relations and ongoing progress in easing visa restrictions, adding that Cyprus supported efforts to lift remaining EU visa measures on Ethiopia during its presidency of the Council of the European Union. Both sides emphasized that the consultations mark the beginning of a more structured and forward-looking partnership, with a shared commitment to deepening political dialogue and expanding cooperation in a changing global landscape.

Addis Ababa, May 12, 2026 —Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, at the Africa Forward Summit held in Nairobi, highlighted Ethiopia’s growing role in advancing green industrialization and the global energy transition. The summit, co-hosted by Kenyan President William Ruto and French President Emmanuel Macron, brought together leaders to discuss sustainable development pathways across Africa. During a session focused on green industrialization and energy transition, Prime Minister Abiy shared Ethiopia’s experiences and policy direction in these sectors.   He emphasized that Ethiopia is actively contributing to Africa’s broader efforts in clean energy development and sustainable industrial growth. He also noted that Ethiopia continues to play a significant role in shaping and advancing both green industrialization and energy transition agendas on the continent. More than 2,000 participants are attending at the event, including representatives from the European Union, African Union, global financial institutions, and development banks.   The summit is focused on addressing shared challenges while creating new opportunities for innovation-driven growth, with a strong emphasis on amplifying the voices of Africa’s young leaders and shaping the continent’s future.

Addis Ababa, May 12, 2026 —Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed arrived in Nairobi early this morning to attend the Africa Forward Summit, a major gathering aimed at strengthening partnerships between African nations and France on various spheres. Co-hosted by Kenya and France on May 11–12, the summit brings together heads of state and government officials from France and dozens of African countries, alongside business leaders, civil society representatives, youth leaders, and international institutions.   More than 2,000 participants are expected at the event, including representatives from the European Union, African Union, global financial institutions, and development banks.   The summit is focused on addressing shared challenges while creating new opportunities for innovation-driven growth, with a strong emphasis on amplifying the voices of Africa’s young leaders and shaping the continent’s future.

Addis Ababa, May 12, 2026 —Ethiopia and the United States held high-level bilateral consultations in Washington, D.C. on Monday, reaffirming their commitment to strengthening longstanding ties and expanding cooperation on key strategic priorities. The Ethiopian delegation, led by Foreign Minister Gedeon Timothewos and comprising Macroeconomic Advisor to the Prime Minister, Ambassador Girma Birru and Director General of National Intelligence and Security Service (NISS), Ambassador Redwan Hussein, held discussions with their counterparts from the United States.   The delegation met with senior officials from the United States Department of State and other U.S. counterparts. The structured dialogue centered on three major areas of cooperation: boosting economic growth through trade and investment, enhancing defense and security collaboration, and advancing efforts to promote regional peace and stability. Officials from both countries emphasized the importance of maintaining strong diplomatic engagement and deepening cooperation on issues of mutual interest, ENA learned.   The newly established bilateral consultation framework is expected to provide a more consistent platform for dialogue and help strengthen the long-standing partnership between Ethiopia and the United States.

Addis Ababa, May 11, 2026 —The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has praised Ethiopia for making strong progress in its ambitious economic reform efforts despite ongoing global economic pressures. Earlier today, Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed met with IMF Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva to discuss Ethiopia’s economic progress, partnership, and shared priorities. After the meeting, Prime Minister Abiy shared that the discussion focused on Ethiopia’s reform journey and areas of cooperation with the IMF. “We exchanged views on economic progress, partnership, and shared priorities,” he said in a social media post. Speaking on Ethiopia’s reform efforts, Georgieva acknowledged the country’s resilience in navigating difficult global conditions. “At a difficult time, Ethiopia is making impressive progress on an ambitious economic reform program,” she said. She also reaffirmed the IMF’s continued backing for Ethiopia’s economic transformation. “I reaffirmed the Fund’s strong support for that effort and overall commitment to Ethiopia and the region,” Georgieva added. Ethiopia has been pursuing broad economic reforms aimed at stabilizing the economy, attracting investment, and creating sustainable growth, with continued support from the International Monetary Fund.  

Addis Ababa, May 11, 2026 — Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed announced that he held discussions with International Monetary Fund (IMF) Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva on Ethiopia’s economic progress, partnership, and shared priorities. “We exchanged views on economic progress, partnership, and shared priorities,” the Prime Minister stated in a social media post following the meeting. PM Abiy also expressed appreciation for the discussions held with the IMF chief, noting that he was “grateful for the insightful conversation and continued engagement.”

Addis Ababa, May 10, 2026 —More than 57 billion Birr worth of marketing arrangements were made at the 4th “Made in Ethiopia” Expo 2026 held at the Addis International Convention Center (AICC) early last week, according to Industry Minister Melaku Alebel. The closing ceremony of the expo was held at the end of the week in the presence of Deputy Prime Minister Temesgen Tiruneh and senior government officials. Speaking during the occasion, the industry minister said Ethiopia’s self-sufficiency is a matter of survival and sovereignty. According to him, leveraging artificial intelligence for productivity and innovation is the key to the future. More than 350 industries participated in all the five sectors, in which start-ups were also made to participate in order to encourage them. Some 20 start-ups displayed their products at the expo, he added. According to him, 22 industries displayed innovative products for display. More than 12 thousand marketing had been made between manufacturers. Over 57 billion Birr of marketing agreements were made between 16 government institutions and manufacturing industries, it was learned. The Minister noted that the expo is a showcase of the government’s attention to the manufacturing sector. He further stated that the expo showed Ethiopian manufacturers needed to join African markets, and a decision was made to improve financial access for actors in the sector.

Addis Ababa, May 10, 2026 —For many African digital creators visiting Ethiopia this week, the trip has been more than just attending a summit—it has been an emotional connection to history, culture, and a sense of shared African identity. During their stay in Ethiopia for an African social media influencers summit, several content creators from across the continent spoke passionately about their experiences, describing the country as a place of deep historical significance, extraordinary hospitality, and cultural richness. Tanzanian digital creator, zerobrainer0 said Ethiopia left a lasting impression on him, calling it a country he deeply admires. “Ethiopia is a good country. I love it from the bottom of my heart. It is wonderful and amazing,” he said. Beyond its landscapes and historical sites, zerobrainer0 highlighted what stood out most to him, the warmth of Ethiopian people. He described the country as a powerful symbol of African identity and unity, referring to Ethiopia as the “motherland of Africans.” According to him, Ethiopia represents a shared origin story for many Africans and serves as a reminder of the continent’s rich legacy. He also urged fellow African creators to take digital storytelling seriously and use their platforms to elevate Africa’s global voice. “We need to start now,” he said, encouraging creators not to delay building their digital presence and influence. Somali digital content creator Mr Abdifatah echoed similar sentiments, praising Ethiopia’s cultural heritage and strong sense of community. “Ethiopia is a beautiful country and its people have good hearts. They support each other,” he said. He pointed to Ethiopia’s unique place in African history, noting its long-standing independence and resilience. For Abdifatah, Ethiopia’s ability to preserve its culture, traditions, and identity while navigating historical challenges makes it especially remarkable. He also praised the African social media influencers summit for creating opportunities for collaboration among creators from different countries. The event, he said, allows digital storytellers, tech innovators, and content creators to build relationships, exchange ideas, and strengthen Africa’s growing digital ecosystem. “Africa is now surprising. We are so happy to be in Africa,” he said. The creators said their experience in Ethiopia sends a broader message to the world—that Africa is diverse, vibrant, innovative, and deeply connected through culture and shared aspirations. As Africa’s digital economy continues to expand, they believe creators have an increasingly important role in shaping global narratives about the continent and Ethiopia, they said, is helping lead that conversation through its hospitality and cultural pride.

Addis Ababa, May 10, 2026 —Ethiopian Member of Parliament Mohammed Al-Arousi has said Ethiopia’s pursuit of access to a seaport is a peaceful strategic priority driven by economic necessity, regional integration, and long-term national security concerns. He further stressed that this approach has become a necessity amid ongoing geopolitical and economic challenges. In an exclusive interview with the Ethiopian News Agency, Al-Arousi said Ethiopia’s continued dependence on neighboring countries’ ports leaves more than 130 million citizens vulnerable to political and economic disruptions beyond their control. “Ethiopia’s lack of direct maritime access represents a major strategic challenge that requires solutions based on dialogue and mutual understanding,” he said. According to the MP, “Any solution should advance shared interests and strengthen regional stability.” Ethiopia became landlocked following Eritrea’s independence in 1993, losing direct access to the Red Sea through key ports such as Port of Assab and Port of Massawa. Since then, more than 90 percent of Ethiopia’s international trade has relied on Port of Djibouti, creating significant dependence on a single trade corridor. As Africa’s second-most populous country and one of the continent’s fastest-growing economies in recent decades, Ethiopia argues that relying heavily on one port increases transportation costs, limits trade flexibility, and creates national security vulnerabilities. Al-Arousi also pointed to growing instability in global maritime corridors, including the Strait of Hormuz, saying such tensions highlight the importance of securing diversified trade and energy routes. “Ethiopia’s fate should not remain dependent on external factors,” he said. He emphasized that Ethiopia’s position is firmly rooted in diplomacy and regional cooperation, stressing that the country has neither pursued nor intends to pursue military means to gain sea access. According to Al-Arousi, Ethiopia’s strategy is based on regional integration and mutual benefit, including exploring innovative partnerships with neighboring countries through economic cooperation and shared development initiatives. He said improved maritime access could lower import and export costs, diversify logistics routes, strengthen Ethiopia’s negotiating power, and support key sectors such as manufacturing, agriculture, and energy. However, he acknowledged that the issue remains highly sensitive in the Horn of Africa, where competing interests involve countries such as Somalia, Eritrea, and Djibouti, alongside global powers with strategic interests in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden. He warned that mischaracterizing Ethiopia’s position as a threat could inflame tensions and damage regional relationships. “Some actors are attempting to distort Ethiopia’s intentions and create unnecessary tensions among the peoples of the region,” he said. Al-Arousi reiterated that Ethiopia views the stability of neighboring countries as closely linked to its own security and prosperity, highlighting the importance of stronger cooperation with Djibouti and Somalia to advance regional development. He concluded by calling for constructive and responsible dialogue on Ethiopia’s maritime ambitions, urging regional stakeholders to move away from hostile rhetoric and focus on long-term peace, economic cooperation, and stability across the Horn of Africa.

Addis Ababa, May 9, 2026 —Ethiopia’s capital is becoming a powerful symbol of Africa’s transformation, helping to challenge long-standing stereotypes and reshape global perceptions of the continent, African Social Media Influencers said Participants at the African Social Media Influencers Summit (ASMIS 2026) in Addis Ababa emphasized that Addis Ababa reflects a new African reality marked by modern infrastructure, rapid urban development, improved security, and a growing creative economy. In an exclusive interview with ENA, Liberian influencer Isaac S E Warrak, popularly known as Young15, said his visit to Addis Ababa had significantly changed his perception of Africa’s development. “Since I came to Ethiopia, especially Addis Ababa, I have seen that Africa is really improving,” he said. He noted that the city’s modern roads, clean environment, green public spaces, and strong sense of security sharply contrast with outdated global narratives about Africa. “The narrative people have about Africa is completely different from what I am seeing here,” he added. Young15 said the content he shared from Addis Ababa generated strong engagement from international audiences, many of whom expressed surprise at the city’s level of development. “Most of the comments are like, ‘Wow, we didn’t know Africa is this beautiful,’” he said. He stressed that when creators from different countries share similar experiences from Addis Ababa, it strengthens credibility and helps reshape global perceptions of the continent. “When people see the same thing from many influencers from different countries, they will know this is not AI. Africa is really rising,” he said. According to him, Africa is increasingly emerging as a destination for tourism, investment, and long-term residence, with Addis Ababa standing out as one of the continent’s leading examples of urban progress. Another participant, Nigerian political satirical comedian KevinBlac, popularly known as Governor Amuneke, said hosting the summit in Addis Ababa demonstrates the city’s growing role as a center for African unity, culture, and creative collaboration. “This is amazing to witness, bringing African creators together in Addis Ababa,” he said. “It should not be a one-time event. It should happen every year, in different countries, to strengthen African collaboration.” He added that Addis Ababa offers a strong platform for showcasing Africa’s cultural richness and development, while encouraging greater cooperation among creators across the continent. Also speaking at the summit, Nigerian content creator and digital strategist Brain Jotter said African influencers have a responsibility to challenge outdated narratives and present the continent more accurately to the world. “There is a very positive change in that dark narrative about Africa,” he said. “Influencers are already projecting Africa exactly as it is.” Brain Jotter, who has more than 34 million followers across social media platforms, said digital platforms and artificial intelligence are helping creators produce high-quality content more efficiently and at lower cost, enabling them to reach wider global audiences. “AI has been extremely helpful in advancing creativity and reducing limitations,” he said. He noted that while artificial intelligence can be misused to spread misinformation, it also provides powerful opportunities for responsible storytelling when used properly.

Addis Ababa, May 9, 2026 — The Ethiopian Agricultural Transformation Institute has recognized its development partners for their contributions to transforming Ethiopia’s agriculture sector over the past 15 years. At a recognition dinner held Thursday at the Ethiopian Skylight Hotel, government officials, international partners, and farmers gathered to reflect on years of collaboration that have helped improve agricultural productivity and rural livelihoods across the country. Speaking at the event, Semereta Sewasew said Ethiopia’s agricultural progress has been driven by partnerships built on more than just financial support.   “Your contributions have gone beyond financing by strengthening institutions, fostering innovation, and advancing sustainable and inclusive growth for millions of Ethiopians,” she said. She added that agriculture continues to play a vital role in Ethiopia’s economy, supporting livelihoods, strengthening food security, creating jobs, and boosting exports. ATI Director General Mandefro Nigussie said the institute’s achievements would not have been possible without consistent support from development partners.   According to him, ATI has reached nearly five million smallholder farmers and launched more than 60 innovative projects aimed at improving Ethiopia’s food systems and agricultural value chains. The event also featured an exhibition highlighting farmers whose lives have improved through ATI-led initiatives. During the ceremony, ATI awarded recognition certificates to 14 development partners for their role in supporting Ethiopia’s agricultural transformation efforts.   Seven organizations received special recognition for what ATI described as exceptional contributions, including the World Bank, Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, Mastercard Foundation, the embassies of Denmark and Netherlands, Agence Française de Développement, and Global Energy Alliance for People and Planet. Closing the event, Semereta said Ethiopia still faces challenges including climate change and market uncertainty, but stressed the importance of continued collaboration to ensure sustainable growth and better livelihoods for farmers. Formerly known as the Agricultural Transformation Agency, ATI works to accelerate agricultural growth while improving the income and resilience of smallholder farmers across Ethiopia.

Addis Ababa, May 9, 2026 —President Taye Atske-Selassie held high-level discussions today with the United Nations Under-Secretary-General for Economic and Social Affairs, Li Junhua, at the National Palace. The Under-Secretary-General is currently in Addis Ababa leading a delegation from the High-Level Advisory Board on Economic and Social Affairs. The visit centers on evaluating the continental progress of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and fostering regional partnerships. Following the meeting, Li Junhua told ENA that the meeting was productive, expressing profound admiration for Ethiopia’s current developmental trajectory. He specifically noted the remarkable transformation of Addis Ababa’s urban landscape as a testament to the nation's progress. The Under-Secretary-General emphasized that Ethiopia’s successful development model offers invaluable insights for the global community. He suggested that these experiences could serve as a vital roadmap for other developing nations striving to meet their growth objectives. Li Junhua further reaffirmed the UN’s commitment to collaborating with African stakeholders to accelerate the 2030 Agenda and shape the post-2030 global development framework. Executive Secretary of the Economic Commission for Africa (ECA), Claver Gatete, who also attended the session, highlighted Ethiopia’s longstanding role in global development financing. He recalled that the landmark 2015 International Conference on Financing for Development took place in Addis Ababa, underscoring the city's role as a diplomatic hub for economic policy. Claver Gatete remarked that the delegation was deeply impressed by the holistic growth visible throughout the capital. He extended his appreciation to the leadership of the Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed and the President for steering the country toward these significant achievements.

Addis Ababa, May 8, 2026 —Leading African social media influencers attending the African Social Media Influencers Summit (ASMIS) 2026 in Addis Ababa said Ethiopia’s progress in infrastructure, technology, and cultural preservation offers valuable lessons for the rest of the continent. The summit has brought together prominent digital creators, media personalities, communication experts, and content producers from across Africa to promote authentic African narratives through digital platforms. The participants visited several major projects in the Ethiopian capital, including the Ethiopian Artificial Intelligence Institute, corridor development projects, and other key infrastructure sites. Renowned Ghanaian content creator Wode Maya, said Ethiopia’s inclusive transformation could become an important example for African countries. The influencer, who has frequently promoted Ethiopia through his digital platforms, said the country has undergone remarkable changes since his first visit in 2017. According to him, Ethiopia in 2026 reflects a new image marked by extensive road networks, large scale infrastructure projects, and modern developments, including the construction of a new airport. He noted that such achievements demonstrate Africa’s potential for transformation and development. “Ethiopia is my second home. I always love coming here because this is a country I personally admire,” Wode Maya said. “I once served as an ambassador for Ethiopian Airlines, so Ethiopia means a lot to me. Every time I witness the transformation taking place in this beautiful country, I feel motivated to show it to the rest of the world. I believe the whole of Africa can learn from this transformation,” he added. Nigerian content creator and influencer Chukwueze Odinaka also praised Ethiopia’s growing focus on artificial intelligence, describing the country as one of Africa’s emerging leaders in the sector. “At a time when artificial intelligence is shaping the future of the world, Ethiopia’s attention to this sector is admirable,” he said. According to him, the country’s investments in artificial intelligence will play a significant role in both national development and individual empowerment. “Artificial intelligence is controlling the world today. Therefore, investing in this technology is very important for nations as well as individuals. I give this project 100 out of 100,” he stated. Another participant, Tealo Lualo from Lesotho, highlighted Ethiopia’s unique historical identity and cultural heritage as a source of inspiration for Africans. He said Ethiopia’s long-standing independence and distinct calendar system symbolize African pride and resilience. “One of the things I always tell my friends about Ethiopia is that I admire the country for two reasons,” he said. “First, Ethiopia has never been colonized, and second, it has its own calendar. The history we saw during the presentation shows that preserving culture is very important. Ethiopia teaches Africa that culture and identity are powerful assets, and I truly appreciate that.”

Addis Ababa, May 8, 2026 —Ethiopia’s ongoing economic reforms are drawing increasing interest from Zimbabwean investors, according to Ambassador Rashid Mohammed. In an exclusive interview with the ENA, Ethiopia’s Ambassador to Zimbabwe, Zambia and Mauritius, as well as Representative to the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA), Rashid Mohammed said Ethiopia and Zimbabwe are making steady progress in strengthening bilateral economic cooperation through enhanced diplomatic engagement and expanding trade relations. The ambassador noted that Ethiopia’s wide ranging economic reforms, investment friendly policies, and improving business environment are creating new opportunities for Zimbabwean investors seeking to expand into the Ethiopian market. He added that the two countries are working closely to deepen cooperation in key sectors, including trade, agriculture, manufacturing, mining, tourism, and technology, with growing interest from the private sector on both sides. According to Rashid, Ethiopia’s strategic position as a gateway to Africa, coupled with ongoing regional integration efforts under COMESA and the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), is further boosting investor confidence and strengthening economic ties between the two nations. He noted that Ethiopia and Zimbabwe share a deep-rooted friendship built on common political values, Pan Africanism, and a shared commitment to African unity. According to the ambassador, Ethiopia’s support during Zimbabwe’s liberation struggle against British colonial rule between the 1960s and 1980 remains a defining chapter in the two countries’ historic relationship. “Ethiopia’s contribution to Zimbabwe’s liberation struggle stands as a remarkable example of African solidarity and Pan African cooperation,” Rashid said. Ethiopia actively supported Zimbabwe’s independence movement by providing financial assistance and military training to freedom fighters during the anti colonial struggle, he added. Following Zimbabwe’s independence in 1980, the two nations formalized their diplomatic ties by opening embassies in Harare and Addis Ababa and strengthening cooperation through the then Organization of African Unity. The ambassador emphasized that the longstanding diplomatic partnership has enabled both countries to work closely on issues of common interest and amplify African priorities on international platforms. He stated that Ethiopia and Zimbabwe continue to collaborate in key sectors including agriculture, tourism, aviation, and people to people relations, guided by their shared historical experience and liberation legacy. Speaking virtually to the Ethiopian News Agency, Rashid said relations between the two countries were forged during the anti-colonial struggle and have continued to grow over the decades. “As soon as Zimbabwe attained independence in the 1980s, Ethiopia and Zimbabwe established formal diplomatic relations through embassies in Harare and Addis Ababa,” he said. He added that the longstanding diplomatic ties are now expanding into broader economic cooperation. In this regard, the ambassador pointed out that Ethiopian leather manufacturing companies recently promoted their products and established trade linkages during the Zimbabwe International Trade Fair. He explained that efforts to showcase Ethiopia’s ongoing economic transformation to Zimbabwean investors and developers are creating new opportunities for trade and investment cooperation. According to Rashid, Ethiopia’s participation in the African Continental Free Trade Area and its membership in COMESA are expected to further expand economic benefits and regional integration. He also revealed that COMESA covered travel and service expenses for Ethiopian producers that participated in the Zimbabwe International Trade Fair. Regarding judicial representation within COMESA, the ambassador noted that Ethiopia has secured appropriate representation in the COMESA Court of Justice. Rashid further highlighted the role of Ethiopian Airlines in strengthening trade and people to people ties between the two countries, noting that the airline currently operates 23 weekly flights to three cities in Zimbabwe.

Addis Ababa, May 7, 2026 —The ongoing Made in Ethiopia Expo 2026 showcases the industrial achievements of the country and its bright future, according to President Taye Atseke Selassie. The President visited the Fourth Made in Ethiopia Expo today. The expo at the Addis International Convention Center, under the theme “Made in Ethiopia for Multifaceted Sovereignty”, is open to the public. Noting that industry plays a vital role for a nation’s development, the President stressed the need for intensifying such efforts as part of ensuring Ethiopia's development. President Taye said that the locally manufactured products on display have significant contributions not only for import substitution but also to attract investments as well and earn capital. Commenting about export-standard products on display, he stated that most already have market access. According to the President, the locally manufactured products on display are a showcase of how Ethiopia’s capacity and knowledge are transformed into a new phase. The agro-processed products at the expo might also be valuable for the international market with their organic value, he added. Countries with high manufacturing self-sufficiency can stand by themselves and ensure sovereignty, he pointed out, calling on local manufactures to intensify our efforts to ensure sovereignty.

Addis Ababa, May 7, 2026 —Prominent African social media influencers visiting Addis Ababa today have expressed their admiration for Ethiopia's rapid advancements in AI, urban cleanliness, and hospitality, as they gear up for the African Social Media Influencers Summit (ASMIS) in the capital. The Kenyan influencer Mbote Njogu marveled at the capital's beauty and tech edge during a tour of the AI center.   In an exclusive interview with ENA, he said: "I thought Nairobi was beautiful, but I've seen Addis is very beautiful. Very welcoming people". According to Njogu, "Addis is far much ahead of Kenya. AI is the next big thing... (And) I'm very proud to see that Ethiopia has already adapted the AI, and they have the AI center. Right now, I don't think we have an AI institute in Kenya." Praising the cleanliness of the city, he appreciated the welcoming government and luxurious event buses. "I've never ridden in such a bus on the high top. We are very impressed and we look forward to coming more and more again." Burkinabé influencer LA Jaguar echoed the enthusiasm, highlighting Ethiopia's mindset and development model.   The "Ethiopian development, energy and internet development is very good," he declared. "I'm very happy because Ethiopia is the seat of development... I take this opportunity to call many people in other country to come to Ethiopia." On his second visit to Ethiopia, Jaguar said he was touched by locals comportment: " I am touched by the comportment of the people... If your friend, your brother, your sister considers you, life is good." Organizers of the May 7-8 summit, the Pulse of Africa (POA) media and AGA Tech Enterprise, position the African Social Media Influencers Summit as a pivotal platform.   It aims to empower African content creators to counter negative stereotypes and amplify balanced narratives about the continent's progress.

Addis Ababa, May 7, 2026 —Ethiopia stepped up efforts to attract more investment from Turkey during the Ethio–Turkey Business Forum held at Skylight Hotel in Addis Ababa. The forum brought together government officials, business leaders, investors, manufacturers, and innovators from both countries to strengthen bilateral trade and investment ties. During the event, officials highlighted Ethiopia’s growing appeal as an investment destination, citing its strategic geographic location, ongoing economic reforms, and vast untapped business opportunities. They encouraged Turkish companies to explore new ventures and expand their footprint in Ethiopia’s rapidly growing market.   The forum also featured business-to-business (B2B) meetings designed to foster partnerships between private sector representatives from both countries and boost trade cooperation. An exhibition showcasing garments and other products from Turkish companies was also held, with strong participation from businesses represented by the Bursa Chamber of Commerce and Industry. In a key outcome of the event, the Addis Ababa Chamber of Commerce and Sectoral Associations and the Bursa Chamber of Commerce and Industry signed a Memorandum of Understanding aimed at promoting trade and investment between the two business communities.   The agreement was signed by Addis Chamber President Zehara Mohammed and Bursa Chamber President İbrahim Burkay at the event in Addis Ababa. Organized through collaboration between the Government of Turkey, Ethiopia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Addis Ababa Chamber of Commerce, and the Bursa Chamber of Commerce and Industry, the forum brought more than 160 Turkish companies to Addis Ababa as both nations move to deepen economic cooperation.