Addis Ababa, July 30, 2026 (ENA) — The Development Bank of Ethiopia (DBE) is set to disburse a 31 million Euro soft-loan package to be extended to micro, small and medium enterprises operating in conflict-affected regions across the country. The European Union and the German Development Bank (KfW) provided a 31 million Euro grant to fund the low-interest credit line. DBE Director of MSMEs and Green Economy Projects Tefera Befekadu stated that the financing will be made available under highly favorable interest rate structures. Tefera explained that the soft loan will initially be channeled through four selected commercial banks and one microfinance institution to ensure efficient distribution. The credit line targets enterprises located in the Afar, Amhara, and Tigray regions, spanning key sectors such as manufacturing, services, commerce, construction, and agro-processing. Priority allocation under the financing scheme will be granted to enterprises founded or led by women and youth. To establish the implementation framework, the "Post-Conflict MSMEs Recovery & Inclusion Baseline Validation Workshop," financed by the EU and KfW, took place at DBE headquarters. DBE previously signed a strategic agreement with development partners in May 2026 to deliver concessional funding to businesses affected by regional conflict. In related development, DBE Vice President for External Funds and Wholesale Financing Aida Erkihun highlighted that the bank has consistently delivered capacity building, financial backing, and technical assistance to enterprises. She noted that previous intervention programs have significantly expanded financial access, enhanced operational efficiency, and driven economic growth among small and medium businesses. The bank is placing special emphasis on rehabilitating and revitalizing small and medium enterprises situated in conflict-impacted zones. Aida added that the economic rehabilitation program is designed to build resilient enterprises capable of fueling inclusive economic development. Emphasizing the initiative's vital role in job creation and sustainable growth, the Vice President called on all stakeholders to foster strong collaboration to meet project objectives. The announcement reaffirms DBE’s ongoing rollout of the 31 million Euro soft-loan package dedicated to reviving MSMEs in conflict-affected areas.

Addis Ababa, July 30, 2026 (ENA) —The Ministry of Industry has set a target of generating 1 billion USD in manufacturing export earnings during the 2019 Ethiopian Fiscal Year, following a significant increase in export performance that saw revenues reach 607 million USD in the recently concluded fiscal year. Speaking at the Manufacturing Export Performance Review and Recognition Program, Industry Minister Melaku Alebel said the government has given special attention to the manufacturing sector as one of the five key pillars identified to transform the country’s economy. He noted that remarkable efforts have been made over the past five years of reform to expand the sector’s contribution and ensure manufacturing secures a significant share of the national economy. According to the minister, manufacturing export earnings have increased from 385 million USD before the launch of the “Made in Ethiopia” initiative to 607 million USD in the 2018 Ethiopian Fiscal Year. He said the growth reflects the impact of government reforms aimed at strengthening the manufacturing sector, improving production capacity, and expanding Ethiopia’s presence in international markets. The minister added that the government is committed to building on these achievements and reaching the 1 billion USD manufacturing export target under the leadership of Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed. "The manufacturing sector's export earnings have almost doubled compared to the previous fiscal year. While the results are encouraging, they do not mean all the sector's challenges have been resolved," the minister said. He also said that these achievements show that the country is moving in the right direction and must sustain the efforts to improve productivity and expand exports. Melaku said the manufacturing sector has also made significant progress in job creation, with annual employment increasing from about 162,000 at the beginning of the reform program to more than 433,000 currently. He stressed that expanding exports is critical to Ethiopia's long term economic transformation and competitiveness. "Export is a matter of our national survival. Ethiopia cannot become competitive through diplomacy or politics alone. We must produce goods that can compete in international markets," he said. The minister said the government has prepared a new manufacturing export strategy based on Ethiopia's production potential, market opportunities and international best practices to accelerate export growth. He called on government institutions, manufacturers and other stakeholders to use the strategy as a practical roadmap for expanding exports, attracting investment, creating jobs and improving the competitiveness of Ethiopian products. According to the minister, the recognition program is intended not only to honor manufacturers with outstanding export performance but also to encourage more industries to strengthen their competitiveness in international markets. Reaffirming the government's commitment to the sector, Melaku said manufacturers and exporters will continue to get policy and institutional support to increase production and expand access to foreign markets. "The government's support will continue in all your efforts. I urge you to increase exports and strengthen Ethiopia's competitiveness in the global market," he said. The minister noted that the government has given manufacturing special priority through the "Made in Ethiopia" initiative and the import substitution program, both of which are designed to strengthen domestic production while boosting export competitiveness. He added that achieving the 1 billion USD export target will require coordinated efforts by government institutions, manufacturers, exporters and other stakeholders. The forum reviewed the manufacturing export performance of the 2018 Ethiopian Fiscal Year, discussed the 2019 export plan and the new manufacturing export strategy, identified policy and implementation gaps, explored ways to strengthen public and private sector collaboration, and recognized manufacturers that recorded outstanding export performance. The export performance review and recognition program brought together state ministers, senior officials from the Ministry of Industry and affiliated institutions, manufacturing exporters, private sector representatives, development partners and other stakeholders attended the event.

Addis Ababa, July 29, 2026 (ENA) —Ethiopia and the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA) have agreed to strengthen collaboration under the Transforming Health Financing in Africa Initiative (THFAI), with Ethiopia joining as one of the initiative’s four early-adopter countries to advance sustainable and innovative health financing reforms. The initiative aims to help African countries build resilient health systems by strengthening domestic resource mobilization, supporting policy and structural reforms, and promoting innovative financing mechanisms that expand investment in the health sector while ensuring fiscal and debt sustainability.   During a meeting with UNECA Executive Secretary Claver Gatete, Ethiopia’s Minister of Finance Ahmed Shide welcomed the initiative, describing it as timely and aligned with the government’s efforts to enhance domestic health financing, improve resource efficiency, and explore innovative financing options for social services. According to the ministry’s post on social media , the two sides emphasized the need to view health financing as a strategic investment in human capital, productivity, and long-term economic growth rather than merely as social expenditure. “Ethiopia welcomes the opportunity to become one of the initiative’s early-adopter countries. This timely initiative aligns with our efforts to strengthen domestic health financing, attract private sector investment, improve value for money, and mobilize innovative financing while safeguarding fiscal and debt sustainability,” Ahmed Shide said.   Through the initiative, Ethiopia will receive technical and analytical support, including a comprehensive assessment of macroeconomic and fiscal factors affecting health financing. The findings are expected to guide evidence-based policies and strategies aimed at improving sustainable health investment and identifying practical financing solutions. Ahmed reaffirmed Ethiopia’s commitment to working closely with the Ministry of Health, UNECA, and other relevant stakeholders to implement the initiative and share the country’s experiences with other African nations. Gatete commended Ethiopia’s commitment and highlighted the importance of developing innovative and sustainable health financing approaches to support Africa’s development goals.   The two sides agreed to establish a joint technical team to oversee implementation, coordinate analytical work and policy dialogue, and support efforts to strengthen health sector financing while positioning Ethiopia’s experience as a potential model for other African countries.

Addis Ababa, July 29, 2026 (ENA) —The Ministry of Industry affirmed that “Made in Ethiopia” initiative, along with targeted policy measures and improved access to finance, has contributed to significant growth in manufacturing production, exports and import substitution. Speaking at the manufacturing export performance review and recognition program, Industry Minister Melaku Alebel said the sector’s progress demonstrates the impact of the national “Made in Ethiopia” campaign and the government’s continued support for industrial development. He said the forum provides an opportunity to review the manufacturing sector’s performance during the 2018 Ethiopian Fiscal Year and identify priorities for the 2019 Ethiopian Fiscal Year. The minister noted that the event also serves as a platform to refine the country’s export strategy and recognize companies that have made outstanding contributions to manufacturing and export development.   During the program, Melaku presented certificates and crystal-level awards to companies recognized for their strong export and manufacturing performance during the concluded fiscal year. He commended the top-performing companies, saying their achievements offer important lessons for domestic and foreign investors working to strengthen Ethiopia’s manufacturing sector. “The government gave special attention to manufacturing because it can transform the country’s economy. Manufacturing has been identified as one of the five priority sectors,” Melaku said. The minister attributed the sector’s improved performance to the “Made in Ethiopia” initiative and sustained government support introduced since the 2014 Ethiopian Fiscal Year, which he said helped revive idle factories, attract new investment and expand production capacity. He highlighted improved access to finance as one of the major achievements of the initiative, noting that manufacturing enterprises received 40 billion Birr in credit when the program was launched, while annual financing available to the sector has now increased to more than 115 billion Birr.   According to Melaku, the manufacturing sector’s share of total bank lending has increased from 12 percent to 18.8 percent, while financing allocated to small and medium manufacturing enterprises has reached 5.4 percent. He further stated that the sector has expanded the production of exportable manufactured goods and achieved about 5.9 billion USD in import substitution within a single year. The minister added that Ethiopia generated more than 607 million USD in annual export earnings from key manufacturing products, including meat and dairy products. Despite the progress, Melaku acknowledged persistent challenges, including limited foreign currency availability, shortages of machinery and constraints in accessing industrial raw materials. He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to addressing these challenges through continued policy support, expanded financing and targeted interventions aimed at improving competitiveness, increasing production and further strengthening manufacturing exports.

Addis Ababa, July 29, 2026 (ENA) —Ethiopian Airlines Group announced that it earned 9.1 billion USD in revenue during the 2025/2026 fiscal year, marking a significant milestone in the airline’s continued growth. During the reported period, Ethiopian Airlines Group also transported a total of 20.7 million passengers. Speaking at the airline’s annual performance briefing, Ethiopian Airlines Group Chief Executive Officer Mesfin Tasew said passenger traffic increased by 8 percent compared to the previous fiscal year. The airline also recorded a 10 percent increase in passenger kilometers compared to the previous fiscal year, achieving 99 percent of its planned target, while cargo capacity grew by 8 percent. Ethiopian Airlines transported 897,000 tons of cargo during the fiscal year, marking a 16 percent increase compared to the previous year and underscoring continued growth in its cargo business. To expand its network, the airline launched services to four new international destinations, bringing the total number of international destinations to 150, while it also serves 25 domestic destinations. It further strengthened its fleet by adding nine aircraft and purchasing eight pilot training aircraft to enhance aviation training capacity. Mesfin said the airline’s financial performance was affected by flight cancellations caused by conflicts in the Gulf region, the suspension of services to some destinations due to U.S. travel restrictions, and the cancellation of flights to the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Despite these challenges, the airline maintained strong operational performance throughout the year. The CEO noted that the first nine months of the fiscal year were particularly successful and contributed significantly to sustaining the airline’s overall performance. On the infrastructure front, Ethiopian Airlines continued expanding its facilities at Addis Ababa Bole International Airport, including the expansion of the domestic terminal, passenger lounges, cargo terminal, and data center, while also carrying out beautification works at the airport. Mesfin said construction of the new Bishoftu Airport is progressing as planned and is expected to be completed by January next year. He added that the relocation of residents affected by the project has already been completed. The CEO also stated that construction of new domestic airports is advancing and is expected to be completed next year, further strengthening Ethiopia’s aviation infrastructure.

Addis Ababa, July 28, 2026 (ENA) — Ethiopia’s flagship Bounty of Basket (Yelemat Tirufat) initiative has significantly strengthened household food security and boosted production across key agricultural value chains, according to Ethiopia’s Ambassador to the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), Mekuria Getachew. In an exclusive interview with top243news.com, Ambassador Mekuria said the initiative, launched in November 2022 under the leadership of Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, has delivered measurable results and demonstrates the effectiveness of homegrown African solutions in addressing food security challenges. Inspired by the traditional basket, a symbol of abundance and solidarity, the Bounty of Basket program has enhanced household agricultural production while contributing to Ethiopia’s broader food security objectives. "Bounty of Basket shows that we do not need to import answers to our problems. We can design solutions that reflect our soils, our communities, and our aspirations," Ambassador Mekuria said. The ambassador highlighted notable gains in agricultural output since the program's launch. National egg production increased from about 2.8 billion eggs in 2020 to more than 9.3 billion in 2025, while annual poultry meat production reached nearly 190,000 metric tons. He attributed the progress to modernization, innovation, and strong community participation, which have enabled households and smallholder farmers to become more productive. "When a family becomes a productive unit, the nation becomes food secure," he said. Beyond poultry production, the initiative has expanded beekeeping, aquaculture, and dairy farming, creating thousands of jobs, particularly for women and young people, while improving access to nutritious and diversified foods at the household level. "Nutrition is not an afterthought. It is the compass that guides development," Mekuria noted. The ambassador also called for closer agricultural cooperation between Ethiopia and the Democratic Republic of the Congo through enhanced research partnerships, technology transfer, and investment. Against the backdrop of climate change, rapid population growth, and persistent food insecurity across Africa, he stressed that stronger bilateral collaboration is essential to replicate successful agricultural models and build resilient food systems. "Our shared challenge demands shared solutions. Partnership is the seed from which regional food sovereignty grows," he said. Ambassador Mekuria said Ethiopia's experience with the Yelemat Tirufat initiative illustrates how family centered agricultural development, supported by strong national policies, can accelerate food security and drive rural transformation. He added that the program represents not only a national achievement but also a practical model for broader African cooperation in advancing sustainable development and shared prosperity.

Addis Ababa, July 28, 2026 (ENA) — Ethiopia and the United States have reaffirmed their commitment to deepening economic and commercial cooperation as senior officials held talks focused on advancing investment, expanding bilateral trade, and strengthening private sector partnerships. Ethiopia's Minister of Finance, Ahmed Shide, met today with Mark Mitchell, Deputy Assistant Secretary for Africa at the U.S. Department of Commerce. The two sides discussed Ethiopia's ongoing economic reform agenda, emerging investment opportunities, and prospects for enhancing economic engagement between the two countries. During the meeting, Finance Minister Ahmed outlined the government's comprehensive macroeconomic and structural reform program. He further highlighted significant progress made in recent years as a result of the reform to foster a more competitive economy, improve the business climate, and create a stronger enabling environment for private sector-led growth and foreign direct investment. Ahmed reaffirmed the government's commitment to sustaining reforms that enhance economic competitiveness, expand market opportunities, and position Ethiopia as an attractive destination for international investors. On his part, Mark Mitchell, Deputy Assistant Secretary for Africa at the U.S. Department of Commerce commended the progress achieved under Ethiopia's reform program and welcomed the government's continued efforts to improve the investment climate. He reaffirmed the U.S. Department of Commerce's commitment to promoting stronger commercial relations and supporting increased engagement between American companies and the Ethiopian market. The two sides also exchanged views on expanding bilateral trade and investment, strengthening private sector co llaboration, and promoting greater business-to-business partnerships across key sectors.   Among the issues discussed was Ethiopia's landmark new international airport development project, with both sides exploring the interest of U.S. financing institutions in supporting the financing of the strategic infrastructure initiative. The officials emphasized that sustained dialogue and closer economic cooperation will be instrumental in unlocking new investment opportunities, facilitating private sector engagement, and fostering mutually beneficial economic growth. They also pledged to further strengthening Ethiopia–United States economic and commercial relations while pursuing practical measures to boost trade, attract investment, and expand long-term business cooperation.

Addis Ababa, July 27, 2026 (ENA) — The Ethiopian Electric Utility (EEU) has unveiled a comprehensive 25-year national power distribution expansion and modernization master plan, slated for implementation through 2049. Speaking at the launch, EEU Chief Executive Officer Getu Geremu called the roadmap a landmark effort to modernize, digitize, and strengthen grid reliability. He emphasized that upgrading distribution infrastructure is a critical national agenda essential for driving Ethiopia’s long-term economic growth and social transformation. Under the plan, peak power demand is planned to soar to 39,327 megawatts by 2049, driven by rapid population growth, urban expansion, industrialization, and the rise of electric mobility. The country plans to construct 128 new power substations over the next quarter-century to meet this demand.

Addis Ababa, July 27, 2026 (ENA) — The Ministry of Revenue announced it collected 1.518 trillion Birr during the 2018 Ethiopian Fiscal Year, outperforming its revised annual target and setting a historic milestone for domestic revenue collection. The announcement was made during the opening of the annual performance review for the Ministry and the Ethiopian Customs Commission, where officials met to review past results and lay out plans for the 2019 fiscal year. Minister of Revenue, Aynalem Nigussie stated that ongoing macroeconomic reforms are delivering clear, measurable gains. The ministry originally set a revenue target of 1.28 trillion Birr. Following strong first-half results, officials adjusted the target upward to 1.5 trillion Birr. By the close of the fiscal year, actual collections reached 101.24 percent of that revised goal. Of the total revenue collected, domestic taxes accounted for the largest share at 774 billion Birr, while customs duties and taxes on foreign trade generated an additional 725.3 billion Birr. Compared to the previous fiscal year, total collection jumped by 618.39 billion Birr, an impressive 68.69 percent increase. Minister Aynalem attributed the growth to targeted policy reforms, a broader tax base, modernized tax administration, and digital service integration. She described the achievement as a new historic chapter that lays the foundation for Ethiopia's fiscal sovereignty. Efforts to curb illicit trade also yielded significant results. Enhanced institutional coordination and community involvement led to the seizure of contraband imports and exports valued at an estimated 28.9 billion Birr. Speaking at the event, Ethiopian Customs Commissioner Debele Kabeta also highlighted the transition of national revenue collection from the billion-Birr scale to the trillion-Birr mark as a watershed moment. He added that the momentum from 2018 provides a solid launching pad for achieving even higher targets in the 2019 fiscal year.

By Yordanos D For generations, Ethiopia watched its rivers flow northward while millions of its own citizens remained without reliable electricity, modern irrigation, or adequate access to clean water. From the Ethiopian highlands, the Abay, known downstream as the Blue Nile; together with the Tekeze and Baro-Akobo river systems, carries the overwhelming majority of the Abay’s waters. Yet the country from which these rivers originate remained one of Africa’s least electrified nations for decades. To many Ethiopians, this was more than an economic paradox. It was a historical injustice. The question was simple but profound: How could a country that contributes the largest share of the Abay (Nile)’s waters remain unable to use its own natural resources to light homes, power industries, irrigate farmland, and lift millions out of poverty? For Ethiopia, the answer lies in a combination of colonial-era arrangements, geopolitical pressure, financial constraints, domestic instability, and what successive Ethiopian governments, scholars, and policymakers have described as a longstanding system of hydro-hegemony in the Nile Basin.   At the center of that struggle stood Egypt, the principal downstream opponent of Ethiopia’s efforts to develop the Abbay River. For decades, Ethiopia has argued that Egypt sought to preserve a historical order in which downstream interests dominated decisions over the Abay, while upstream countries, particularly Ethiopia were expected to accept restrictions on their own development. The construction and completion of the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD), however, changed that equation. The dam did more than generate electricity. It challenged an old political and diplomatic order, forced a reconsideration of power relations in the Nile Basin, and demonstrated that a major African infrastructure project could be built through national determination and domestic resource mobilization despite intense geopolitical opposition. The Historical Roots of a Disputed Order The roots of the Abay dispute reach deep into the colonial era. Among the agreements most frequently cited in Ethiopia’s objections is the 1929 Anglo-Egyptian Nile Waters Agreement. Negotiated by Great Britain on behalf of its East African colonies and Egypt, the agreement did not include Ethiopia—even though the Ethiopian highlands are the source of the majority of the waters flowing into the Nile system. The arrangement granted Egypt significant influence over upstream water development and reinforced a system that Ethiopian scholars and policymakers argue was created without the participation or consent of the principal upstream country. Three decades later, Egypt and Sudan signed the 1959 Nile Waters Agreement. The treaty allocated 55.5 billion cubic meters of the Nile’s annual flow to Egypt and 18.5 billion cubic meters to Sudan. No upstream Nile country was party to the agreement. For Ethiopia, this was a fundamental problem. A river system whose waters originate overwhelmingly in the territories of upstream states had effectively been divided through an agreement negotiated by two downstream countries. Ethiopia has consistently rejected the notion that such agreements can determine the rights of countries that were not parties to them. Ethiopian legal experts and policymakers argue that modern international water law is based on principles of equitable and reasonable utilization, cooperation, and the obligation to avoid significant harm—not on the permanent preservation of historical privilege. This disagreement lies at the heart of the Abay (Nile) dispute. For Ethiopia and other upstream countries, the question is not whether downstream states have legitimate water-security concerns. Rather, it is whether those concerns can be used to deny upstream countries the right to develop their own resources.   When Development Became a Geopolitical Question Throughout the second half of the twentieth century, Ethiopia explored a number of hydropower and water-development projects on the Abbay River. Many failed to materialize. Some were undermined by domestic political instability. Others faced financial and technical limitations. Ethiopia also lacked the infrastructure and institutional capacity required to implement projects of enormous scale. But the country’s development challenges were compounded, Ethiopian policymakers and analysts argue, by sustained diplomatic opposition to major upstream water projects. Whenever Ethiopia proposed large-scale development initiatives on the Abbay, the issue frequently became entangled in regional and international politics. Egypt consistently opposed projects that it believed could affect its downstream water interests. Ethiopian officials and scholars have argued that Cairo also sought to discourage international financial institutions, bilateral donors, and potential investors from supporting major Ethiopian projects on the river. Whether through direct diplomatic lobbying or the broader political sensitivity surrounding Nile infrastructure, the result was a development environment in which financing major projects became extraordinarily difficult. For Ethiopia, water development was therefore never merely a technical or economic matter. It became a question of sovereignty. Could a country be expected to remain poor because the rivers flowing through its territory eventually cross international borders? Could the historical use of a shared river by downstream states permanently prevent upstream countries from meeting the basic needs of their own populations? These questions increasingly shaped Ethiopia’s approach to the Abay River.   The GERD: A New Chapter in the Abay Basin The launch of the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam in 2011 marked a dramatic turning point. Instead of waiting for international financing or external approval, Ethiopia decided to build the project largely through its own resources. The decision was extraordinary. The government launched a nationwide fundraising campaign that mobilized citizens from all walks of life. Civil servants contributed portions of their salaries. Businesses purchased bonds. Farmers, students, religious institutions, and members of the Ethiopian diaspora contributed to the project. The dam became a national cause. For millions of Ethiopians, the GERD was no longer simply an infrastructure project. It became a symbol of self-reliance and national dignity—a declaration that Ethiopia would no longer allow financial constraints or external political pressure to determine whether its people could access electricity and development. The project also demonstrated the power of domestic resource mobilization in a country with limited access to conventional international financing for major infrastructure projects. The GERD was built through public contributions, bond sales, government resources, and the collective financial commitment of Ethiopians at home and abroad. The scale of the national campaign was unprecedented in modern Ethiopian history. As construction progressed, the dam increasingly came to represent a broader national aspiration: the right of a country to use its natural resources to fight poverty, expand electricity access, industrialize its economy, and create opportunities for its people. Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed has repeatedly described the project as a symbol of Ethiopia’s determination to shape its own future. “No force can stop Ethiopia from building a dam on the Abay,” he once said. On another occasion, he emphasized the wider significance of the project, declaring that the GERD had brought Ethiopia a wealth greater than its GDP and that “the era of begging for a handout has ended.” For Ethiopia, the message was clear: development could no longer be postponed indefinitely in the name of preserving an old regional order. A Dam at the Center of Egypt’s Unfounded Propaganda The GERD quickly became one of Africa’s most closely watched infrastructure projects. Egypt brought the dispute to regional and international forums, including the Arab League and the United Nations Security Council, arguing that the dam posed risks to its vital water security. Ethiopia, meanwhile, maintained that the GERD was fundamentally a non-consumptive hydropower project. It repeatedly says the dam does not permanently divert water from the Nile system. Water passes through turbines to generate electricity before continuing downstream. Ethiopian officials and water experts have also emphasized the dam’s potential regional benefits. The GERD is expected to regulate the seasonal flow of the Abay, reduce the severity of flooding downstream, trap sediment that can damage infrastructure, and generate large quantities of clean, renewable electricity. Ethiopia has also affirmed that regulated water releases could improve predictability in the downstream flow of the river. Ambassador Ibrahim Idris has underscored this position, explaining that water used to generate electricity flows back into the river system rather than being consumed. Water-resources expert Yilma Seleshi, PhD, has likewise pointed to the potential benefits of storing water in the cooler Ethiopian highlands, where evaporation losses may be lower than in hotter downstream environments. From Ethiopia’s perspective, the central issue is therefore not whether downstream countries have legitimate concerns, but how those concerns can be addressed without denying upstream countries their own right to development. The debate has revealed a deeper disagreement. Egypt has historically emphasized the protection of existing water uses and downstream security. Ethiopia has emphasized sovereign development rights, equitable and reasonable utilization, and the need for a more inclusive basin-wide framework. The dispute is therefore about more than the operation of a single dam. It is about who has the authority to shape the future of an entire river basin.   Breaking the Financing Barrier Perhaps the most significant achievement of the GERD was not only its engineering scale but the manner in which Ethiopia financed it. For decades, the country struggled to secure external financing for major projects on the Abbay River amid political opposition and regional sensitivities. The GERD changed the model. Ethiopia turned inward—not in isolation, but in search of national capacity. The project became one of the largest examples of domestic resource mobilization for strategic infrastructure in modern African history. The campaign crossed social and economic boundaries. A civil servant’s contribution, a farmer’s donation, a student’s support, a business investment, and a diaspora contribution all became part of the same national effort. The dam’s financing campaign transformed a complex infrastructure project into a shared national undertaking. That collective participation also gave the GERD a political significance that extended far beyond its power-generation capacity. It became a symbol of what Ethiopia could achieve when a strategic national project was backed by broad public participation. The dam represented a rejection of the idea that Africa’s major development projects must always depend on external financing, external approval, or external political acceptance. From Energy Deficit to Regional Powerhouse With an installed generation capacity of more than 5,000 megawatts, the GERD is set to become Africa’s largest hydroelectric power facility. Its significance for Ethiopia is immense. For decades, insufficient electricity constrained industrial growth, limited economic opportunities, and left millions of Ethiopians without reliable access to power. The GERD offers the potential to transform that reality. More electricity can support manufacturing, digital services, education, health care, agriculture, and the expansion of small and medium-sized businesses. It can also strengthen Ethiopia’s position as a regional energy supplier. Cross-border electricity trade has the potential to deepen economic integration across East Africa, connecting national economies through shared energy infrastructure. In this sense, the GERD is not only an Ethiopian project. Its long-term impact could extend across the region. A more interconnected East African electricity market could reduce energy shortages, improve reliability, support industrial development, and create new opportunities for regional cooperation.   The End of an Old Hydro-Political Order? The completion of the GERD has fundamentally altered the political landscape of the Abay (Nile) Basin. For decades, upstream countries faced enormous political and financial obstacles when attempting to develop the river’s resources. Ethiopia’s success demonstrated that the old order could be challenged. The country did not abandon diplomacy. It did not reject cooperation. But it refused to accept the idea that development could be permanently suspended because of historical arrangements that it never signed. The GERD therefore represents a profound shift in the Nile Basin. It has strengthened Ethiopia’s confidence in its ability to pursue large-scale development projects through national capacity. It has also encouraged a broader debate among upstream countries about the relationship between sovereignty, development, and transboundary water cooperation. The future of the Nile Basin will inevitably require compromise. Egypt’s water-security concerns cannot simply be dismissed. Nor can the development aspirations of Ethiopia and other upstream states be indefinitely subordinated to historical claims. The challenge is to build a framework in which both realities can coexist. That means cooperation based on contemporary international water law, transparent data sharing, coordinated dam operations, confidence-building measures, and a recognition that the Nile is not a zero-sum resource. The prosperity of one country does not necessarily require the poverty of another.   A New Chapter for Ethiopia and Abay River For Ethiopia, the GERD represents the culminate on of a struggle that lasted generations. It is the product of engineering, political commitment, national sacrifice, and unprecedented public mobilization. But its meaning extends beyond the dam itself. The project has challenged the idea that historical water arrangements can permanently determine the development prospects of countries that were excluded from their creation. It has demonstrated that a major African country can mobilize its own citizens to finance a transformative national project. It has expanded Ethiopia’s energy potential and created new possibilities for regional electricity trade. And, perhaps most importantly, it has changed the psychology of the Nile Basin. The GERD has shown that the upstream countries are no longer prepared to remain passive observers of decisions concerning the rivers that originate in their territories. For Ethiopia, the completion of the dam marks the end of one era and the beginning of another. The country that once watched its rivers flow downstream while millions remained in darkness is now using those waters to generate electricity, power industry, and support national development. Abay is still a shared river. Its future will depend on cooperation. But the political geography of the basin has changed. The era in which Ethiopia’s development could be constrained indefinitely by inherited arrangements, external pressure, or the absence of international financing is increasingly becoming a matter of history. The GERD stands as a monument to that transformation. For Ethiopia, it is a dam. For the Nile Basin, it is a geopolitical turning point. And for Africa, it is a powerful reminder that development, when backed by national determination and collective sacrifice, can eventually overcome even the most deeply entrenched barriers.

Addis Ababa, July 26, 2026 (ENA) —GERD has vividly demonstrated what Ethiopians can do through unity and the country needs to keep its momentum by taking crucial experiences from the historic success of the dam, Policy Innovation Research Center (PIRC) Executive Director, Solomon Zena, said. In an exclusive interview with ENA, the Executive Director noted that Ethiopia has been a great example in so many things, further highlighting the country’s continued exemplary role by realizing the grand dam.   The Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) is a major clean energy project that significantly boosts renewable hydropower indispensable for advancing regional economic integration. Solomon further said the dam is generating renewable energy that is also instrumental for bolstering the country’s climate actions and providing energy for the region. The Executive Director further elaborated on the significance of GERD for mitigating climate change by generating renewable energy. He also stressed the need for moving ahead to keep the momentum in developing the country’s water resources by taking the essential experiences from GERD. The nation needs to go and also build small dams as the successful completion of the GERD vividly manifests how Ethiopians make differences through unity. GERD is a historic milestone driven by public unity and government resolve which is also widely hailed as a historic milestone of national unity, self-reliance, and shared pride.   “It is a great initiative. It shows that when we come together, we can make a difference. We can build a dam like that, one of the largest in Africa.” The Executive Director emphasized the need to keep that momentum by expanding the efforts the country already made and also the big achievement shown with the Grand Renaissance Dam alongside some other programs implemented in different sectors of the economy. Ethiopia has to keep its momentum as long as the people and the government believe that it helps to bring development in Ethiopia without harming others, he underscored.   “We need to go ahead and do what we did with the Grand Renaissance Dam. I understand that we need more dams,” Solomon stated. The Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) is widely regarded as indispensable for advancing regional economic integration while also standing as a powerful symbol of African self-reliance.

Addis Ababa, July 25, 2026 (ENA) —Former Assistant Secretary of State for African Affairs at the U.S. Department of State, Tibor Nagy rebuffed Cairo and Asmara's repeated statements that only littoral states hold authority over Red Sea maritime security and governance. Ambassador Nagy argued that if as Egypt and Eritrea say only littoral states have anything to say about Red Sea, then logically only nations which put water into the Nile can determine its use. The US diplomat and Professor wrote: "So if as Egypt and Eritrea say only littoral states have anything to say about Red Sea, then logically only nations which put water into the Nile can determine its use".   The diplomat's remark addresses the stance of lower riparian downstream countries that seek to influence upstream water developments while simultaneously attempting to exclude non-coastal nations from Red Sea maritime security discussions. The commentary comes amid ongoing discussions regarding sovereign access to sea outlets in the Horn of Africa and the equitable utilization of transboundary water resources in the Nile Basin.

Addis Ababa, July 24, 2026 (ENA) —Ethiopia and the United States have stepped up efforts to strengthen commercial diplomacy and make the investment climate more conducive, as senior government officials and American business leaders held a high-level dialogue. The dialogue focused on removing barriers to investment and translating policy commitments into concrete business opportunities. The Public-Private Dialogue (PPD), held in Addis Ababa on July 23, brought together senior Ethiopian government officials, U.S. diplomats, American investors and representatives of the American Chamber of Commerce in Ethiopia to discuss market access, regulatory challenges and the conditions needed to expand private-sector investment.   The forum was jointly convened by the Ethiopian Investment Commission (EIC), the U.S. Embassy in Ethiopia and the Ethiopian-American Chamber of Commerce under the leadership of Ambassador Girma Birru, Chairperson of the Ethiopian Investment Board. U.S. Ambassador to Ethiopia Ervin J. Massinga co-chaired the dialogue with EIC Commissioner Dr. Zeleke Temesgen and Chief Macroeconomic Advisor to the Prime Minister Ambassador Girma Birru. The discussions centered on advancing commercial diplomacy, expanding market access and ensuring a more open, transparent and level playing field for U.S. companies operating in Ethiopia.   Speaking at the opening session, Commissioner Zeleke Temesgen said a conducive and predictable investment environment cannot be created through laws and regulatory frameworks alone. He stressed that sustained, transparent dialogue between policymakers and the private sector is essential to identifying investment barriers, developing practical solutions and building investor confidence. “Transparent dialogue and consultation between policymakers and investors are essential to building a favorable investment climate,” the Commissioner said. Zeleke noted that the Ethiopian Investment Commission has, over the past two years, worked closely with investment associations representing various countries and other stakeholders through Public-Private Dialogue platforms.   These platforms, he said, are playing a vital role in fostering a more transparent, predictable and conducive investment environment by providing investors with a direct channel to engage policymakers and relevant government institutions. The Commissioner also recognized the contribution of U.S. companies to Ethiopia's economy through capital investment, job creation, technology transfer and the expansion of foreign trade, while calling on more American companies to explore investment opportunities in the country. On his part, Ambassador Massinga reaffirmed the strategic importance of Ethiopia to the United States and stressed Washington's commitment to deepening economic ties between the two countries.   He welcomed the Ethiopian Government's ongoing economic and investment reforms, emphasizing that an open, transparent and predictable business environment is critical to attracting U.S. investment and supporting private-sector-led economic growth. The Ambassador further underscored the importance of ensuring that Public-Private Dialogue platforms produce tangible results rather than remaining limited to discussions. To advance that goal, he proposed that the Ethiopian Investment Commission and private-sector representatives develop a targeted action plan aimed at addressing key bottlenecks identified by businesses. The initiative is intended to strengthen commercial diplomacy by moving from dialogue to implementation and supporting the expansion of business operations, increased investment and broader economic opportunities for both Ethiopian and American businesses.   The concerns were addressed directly by senior representatives of the relevant Ethiopian government institutions. Ambassador Girma Birru, who chaired the dialogue, said such platforms play an important role in improving the investment environment and reaffirmed that similar forums would continue to be strengthened and held regularly. Senior officials from the Ministry of Finance, the Ministry of Trade and Regional Integration, the Ministry of Revenues, the Ministry of Transport and Logistics, the Ethiopian Customs Commission and the Immigration and Citizenship Service participated in the discussions.   More than 50 members of the American Chamber of Commerce, along with representatives of development partner organizations, also attended the forum, according to the Ethiopian Investment Commission. The dialogue reflects growing efforts by Ethiopia and the United States to deepen economic engagement by linking high-level diplomatic commitments with direct engagement between government institutions and the business community.

Addis Ababa, July 24, 2026 (ENA) — The Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD), which is a very good impetus for economic growth, demonstrates a great example of Ethiopia’s effective domestic policy, American-based Economics Professors noted. In an exclusive interview with ENA, Gettysburg College Economics Professor, Linus Nyiwul, said the dam is a very good example of a good domestic policy. Stating that infrastructure is a very crucial resource for achieving growth, he stated that the Great Renaissance Dam is a massive project that would provide electricity at highest levels that benefit Ethiopia and catalyze growth.   Therefore, it is a very good impetus for economic growth that would then provide the resources which can be redirected into not just climate change policy but other areas of growth, Professor Nyiwul elaborated. “Infrastructure is going to be extremely important going forward, not just for improving people's lives but also preparing for potential negative effects of climate change.”   The Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam has been described by many as a prime example of committed domestic resource mobilization which stands as a powerful symbol of national self-reliance, unity, and shared sacrifice. The American economist, however, added that mobilizing resources does not always have to be on the government's shoulders as the private sector could play a significant role in this respect. Similarly, University of California, Berkeley Professor, Edward Miguel, said the Grand Renaissance Dam is crucial for industrial development and to improve people's lives.   The dam is a very important investment which is critical for future economic growth, and Ethiopia has been willing to make those big investments, he noted. Speaking about Ethiopia’s commitment in advancing renewable and clean energy, Professor Miguel said hydropower is imperative in generating renewable and clean energy alongside solar and wind which is part of the country’s ongoing endeavors. “I think the world has reached a new phase, and renewable energy has to be in the center of energy policy now.” He commended Ethiopia’s impressive economic transformation driven through its comprehensive economic reforms in major sectors in recent years.   Ethiopia integrates its rapid economic transformation links closely to its green goals, generating over 95 percent of its electricity from clean, renewable sources like hydropower, wind, solar and geothermal.

Addis Ababa, July 24, 2026 (ENA) — Addis Ababa Mayor Adanech Abiebie today launched the construction of Ethiopia’s first Smart Polytechnic College; a landmark technical and vocational education project being developed in partnership with the Menschen für Menschen Foundation. Once completed, the college will provide technology-driven, hands-on vocational training for young people in key sectors, including manufacturing, automotive engineering, electrical and electronics, communications, textiles, and Computer Numerical Control (CNC) technology, the mayor said. In a message shared on her social media page, Mayor Adanech stressed that sustainable national development and poverty reduction cannot be achieved through theoretical education alone, underscoring the need for a skilled workforce equipped with both technical expertise and innovative thinking. She said the Smart Polytechnic College will serve as a critical bridge between education and employment by enabling young people to translate knowledge into practical skills, transition from job seekers to job creators, and contribute to expanding employment opportunities. The mayor further stated that the Addis Ababa City Administration will closely monitor the construction process to ensure the project is completed on schedule and meets the required quality standards. She also expressed her appreciation to the Menschen für Menschen Foundation, a longstanding development partner, for its support in co-financing the project.

Addis Ababa, July 23, 2026 (ENA) —Addressing Africa's challenges require policymakers to make informed choices on where to invest limited resources and which programs deliver effective results based on evidence, Planning and Development Minister Fitsum Assefa noted today. Speaking at the opening of the 14th Africa Evidence Summit that opened in Addis Ababa, the Minster said that "we cannot answer these questions on gut feeling alone. We need real data, honest analysis, and strong collaboration between leaders, researchers, and communities". She highlighted that Ethiopia is strengthening its evidence ecosystem through coordinated efforts among key institutions. According to her, the ministry provides policy guidance, prepares short, medium, and long-term development plans, manages public investments, and supports climate policy, while the National Statistical Office generates official data and the Policy Studies Institute (PSI) transforms data into evidence to support policymaking.   The Minister said the eight-pillar Statistical Development Program is modernizing Ethiopia's statistical system by moving toward digital data management. She noted that the strengthened system has supported major data-generation initiatives, including Ethiopia's first agricultural census in 23 years, the first-ever Economic Establishment Census, a comprehensive Demographic and Health Survey, and an Integrated Household Welfare Survey. Fitsum further called for stronger collaboration among governments, universities, think tanks, civil society organizations, and private sector actors to ensure research findings contribute directly to policy decisions and practical implementation. "There is no better time than now for researchers here and across the world, and of course our own Policy Studies Institute, to inform policy with quality and credible evidence," the Minister stressed. For his part, Network of Impact Evaluators in Africa Chairman, Amos Njuguna, stressed that emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence and advanced data analytics, should be deployed ethically and inclusively to improve people’s lives.   “Our mission goes beyond producing research to ensuring that evidence reaches the desks of decision-makers, informs public policy, and ultimately improves the lives of our people,” he noted. At the summit, Ethiopian Policy Studies Institute (PSI) Director- General, Fekadu Tsega, emphasized the importance of strengthening links between researchers and policymakers to ensure evidence contributes to practical development solutions. The Director-General said the institute works to bridge the gap between research and policymaking through multidisciplinary studies, policy engagement, and capacity building aimed at supporting national development priorities. "Research should not remain confined to academic institutions or journals, but must actively engage with policy processes and contribute to real-world solutions," he said, underscoring the importance of collaboration between researchers, policymakers, and practitioners. He added that researchers provide analytical methods, scientific evidence, and new perspectives, while policymakers contribute practical knowledge, institutional experience, and understanding of implementation challenges.   The 14th Africa Evidence Summit, held under the theme "Powering Policy with Innovative, Inclusive, and Transparent Data," has brought together more than 400 policymakers, researchers, innovators, and development partners to discuss how evidence and technology can strengthen decision-making across Africa.

Addis Ababa, July 23, 2026 (ENA) — Encouraging results have been recorded in the activities carried out to sustainably improve product supply and expand market infrastructure in the 2018 Ethiopia Fiscal Year, Prosperity Party Executive Member and Minister of Trade and Regional Integration, Kassahun Gofe, said. His statement followed the conclusion of a high-level party forum reviewing performance of the 2018 fiscal year and setting strategic priorities for 2019. Presenting a comprehensive performance report at the forum, Kassahun detailed key interventions deployed over the past year to curb inflation, stabilize consumer markets, and map out upcoming economic priorities. Robust measures taken throughout the 2018 fiscal year to strengthen supply chain resilience and expand market infrastructure have yielded encouraging results, he said. The Minister further emphasized that the government has pursued a multi-pronged strategy encompassing the Yelemat Tirufat (Bounty of the Basket) initiative that enhanced market linkages, expanded commercial infrastructure, and targeted crackdowns on illicit trade practices. To maintain basic commodity flows through liberalized market channels, the government supported private importers by approving over 568.8 million USD in foreign exchange through commercial banks. This allocation facilitated the market supply of 7.35 million quintals of sugar and over 704 million liters of edible oil. Regarding fuel distribution, 5.23 million cubic meters of petroleum products were delivered to the domestic market, achieving 91 percent of the planned annual target. The Minister highlighted that the opening of 804 new weekend open-air markets successfully linked producers directly with consumers, bringing the total number of active weekend markets nationwide to 2,369. According to him, this expansion enabled citizens to purchase essential goods at discounts ranging from 10 to 20 percent compared to standard retail rates. In addition, 32 modern commercial centers were brought into service, while 750 million Birr was allocated to expand livestock trading infrastructure. Parallel to economic measures, extensive social welfare programs totaling 190.56 billion Birr were executed across all regions and city administrations during the fiscal year. Key humanitarian highlights included the construction and renovation of 209,262 homes for vulnerable citizens at a cost of 66.4 billion Birr, direct meal support reaching 4.33 million households valued at 12.2 billion Birr, the provision of learning materials to 12 million students worth 14.4 billion Birr, and school feeding programs benefiting millions of school children nationwide totaling 28.3 billion Birr. Addressing logistical bottlenecks, regional reports confirmed the removal of 316 illegal transit checkpoints that previously hindered the free movement of agricultural goods, though localized challenges remain under active monitoring. Law enforcement operations against commercial distortions resulted in legal actions against 347,679 non-compliant traders, yielding 781.3 million Birr in fines. Furthermore, 14,221 individuals received custodial sentences, and 6,885 business licenses were revoked. In fuel distribution specifically, enforcement measures were taken against 115 gas stations, 84 commercial and security personnel, and 604 illicit actors. Macroeconomic indicators show overall headline inflation standing at 13.4 percent, with food inflation at 15.0 percent and non-food inflation slowing to 11.1 percent as a result of a tight monetary policy stance. Key cost drivers behind price pressure included a 49 percent increase in diesel costs and a 26 percent adjustment in exchange rates. Looking ahead to this fiscal year, Kassahun said the Ministry will focus on driving a 10 percent expansion in basic product supply, upgrading 500 local markets, increasing the number of weekend open-air markets to 3,369, eliminating lingering trade barriers, and conducting regulatory training for 20 million market participants to maintain market integrity. The review session brought together senior government officials, including Prosperity Party Vice President and Main Office Head, Adem Farah, alongside cabinet ministers, state ministers, and regional leaders.

Addis Ababa, July 23, 2026 (ENA) — The African Development Fund has approved a 9.3-million USD grant to strengthen climate resilience, improve water security and boost food production in vulnerable communities in Ethiopia and South Sudan. The Board of Directors of the Fund approved the grant with the view to strengthening climate resilience, improving water security and boosting food production in vulnerable communities in the countries, according to the African Development Bank Group. The project will construct and/or rehabilitate seven solar powered water supply systems and introduce integrated flood management measures that will provide reliable access to safe drinking water for nearly 80,000 people, it added. The Fund will also support the provision of climate smart agriculture training for more than 100,000 farmers, helping them improve food production while adapting to increasingly unpredictable weather. About 19,300 youth will receive training in agricultural skills, entrepreneurship and development of climate resilient value chains, it was learned. Communities will benefit from new sanitation facilities in schools and public institutions, improved hygiene services and women-led local water management committees. Farmers – most of them women – will gain access to improved seeds, agricultural extension services, demonstration farms and climate resilient technologies that increase productivity while protecting natural resources. The project will also restore degraded land through large scale tree planting and watershed rehabilitation and the strengthening of ecosystems. The multinational Climate Proof Water4Food project promotes shared technical standards, cross border learning and coordinated approaches, thereby advancing regional cooperation to manage climate risks that affect communities in both countries.

Addis Ababa, July 23, 2026 (ENA) — Ethiopia’s rapidly growing economy and expanding young population can create immense opportunities for deeper economic cooperation with the Gulf, Max Mendez-Parra, a Principal Research Fellow at the ODI Global think tank Group, said. According to the Principal Researcher, the Gulf is becoming an increasingly important partner for Africa and for Ethiopia in particular. Ethiopia’s relationship has significant potential to support economic transformation by shifting trade with Gulf countries toward sectors that strengthen the country’s growth, including agriculture, manufacturing, mining, and critical minerals, he added. Mendez-Parra stated that the Gulf could also contribute capital and sector expertise that would help Ethiopia expand and strengthen industries essential to long-term development. He described Ethiopia as a potential pilot for broader cooperation, noting that the country is widely viewed as an emerging economic hub in Africa. The Principal Researcher said Ethiopia’s progress over the past two decades is not a short-term trend but part of a long-term trajectory. He emphasized that Gulf investors would find value in Ethiopia’s expanding economy while the country’s increasing young population could provide both labor and innovation at a time when many other regions face demographic challenges. Ethiopia on the other hand could leverage its youthful workforce and human capital to accelerate sectors such as manufacturing and commercial agriculture, and potentially develop new pathways in areas like digital innovation. “Ethiopia is one of the countries with growing economies globally over the last 20 years… For the Gulf investors, you are bringing to them basically the certainty of a growing economy, and this is something critical. Second is an increasing young population in a moment where basically the rest of the world is facing significant demographic challenges.” Mendez-Parra noted that Gulf-Africa engagement is an alternative to traditional external partnerships that have often relied heavily on debt-based financing. According to him, Gulf involvement is more likely to be driven by equity ownership, changing both the terms and structure of investment relationships. The Principal Researcher underscored that the collaboration between the Gulf and Africa can bring investment, expertise, and expanded trading opportunities, supporting economic growth for both regions.

Addis Ababa, July 23, 2026 (ENA) —The African Union has strongly condemned attacks claimed by the Houthis against commercial oil tankers in the Red Sea. In a statement, Chairperson of the African Union Commission Mahmoud Ali Youssouf warned that the escalation poses a serious threat to regional peace, international maritime security and global economic stability. The Chairperson expressed the African Union’s full solidarity with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia following the Houthi announcement of a naval blockade targeting the country. He reaffirmed the African Union’s unwavering support for Saudi Arabia’s security, sovereignty and stability. He further stressed that attacks against commercial vessels and attempts to obstruct the free movement of maritime traffic constitute a grave threat to international security. He underscored that freedom of navigation and the safety of commercial shipping must be fully respected in accordance with international law. He particularly condemned the grave escalation in the Red Sea, one of the world’s most strategically important maritime corridors. The Chairperson warned that any disruption to commercial shipping in the Red Sea could have far-reaching consequences, threatening regional maritime connectivity, global supply chains and energy security. Youssouf also underscored that the disruption would undermine the economic interests of numerous African countries whose trade depends on safe and uninterrupted access to the vital sea lanes. “The security of maritime routes in the Red Sea is of vital strategic importance to Africa,” the statement emphasized. Chairperson Youssouf called on the Houthis to immediately cease all attacks against commercial shipping, refrain from actions that could further escalate tensions and fully respect international law governing maritime navigation. The African Union also reaffirmed its support for regional and international efforts aimed at de-escalating the conflict, safeguarding maritime security and advancing a peaceful, negotiated resolution. The AU stressed that preserving peace and stability in the Red Sea is essential not only for the region, but also for Africa and the wider international community.