Addis Ababa, September 11, 2026 (ENA) —TIME Africa’s magazine described the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) as more than a hydropower project, calling it a powerful demonstration of what African ambition, domestic financing and regional cooperation can achieve. In an article published on September 10, 2026, The Power to Unite Africa, TIME Africa said GERD could transform Ethiopia’s energy sector while driving regional electricity trade, industrialization and shared prosperity. The article urged Ethiopia, Egypt and Sudan to shift from a water-sharing mindset toward benefit sharing, arguing that cooperation on water and electricity could turn the Nile from a source of tension into an engine of African development. It also highlighted GERD’s largely domestic financing, including contributions from Ethiopians and the diaspora, as an inspiring example of African self-reliance and infrastructure financing. TIME Africa concluded that GERD’s greatest legacy could extend beyond Ethiopia—serving as a bridge for African integration, energy cooperation and shared prosperity. ⬇️ Read the full piece below.   THE POWER TO UNITE AFRICA The Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam is more than a hydroelectric project. It is a demonstration of what African ambition, African capital and regional cooperation can achieve – and an opportunity to turn a potentially contested resource into a source of shared prosperity. The Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam will likely be viewed as one of the great African stories of our time. Built across the Blue Nile, it is the largest hydroelectric power plant in Africa and one of the most ambitious infrastructure projects the continent has undertaken. It has the capacity to transform Ethiopia’s energy landscape, support industrialisation and feed electricity into an increasingly interconnected regional market. But its importance goes beyond the power it can generate. GERD offers something larger: an opportunity to rethink how African countries build together, finance their own development and manage resources that do not stop at national borders. There is another reason the project matters. Ethiopian citizens and diaspora helped pay for it. At a time when the discussion around African infrastructure often begins with the question of which foreign government, development bank or international investor will finance it, GERD followed a significantly different path. The project was overwhelmingly financed domestically, including through government resources, domestic borrowing and bonds purchased by Ethiopians at home and abroad. The Renaissance Dam Bond was deliberately structured to allow relatively small investments, giving ordinary Ethiopians and members of the diaspora a means to participate in financing a project that was presented as part of the country’s national development. That story deserves far more attention than it receives. Africa faces an enormous infrastructure financing gap, while African savings, pension capital, diaspora wealth and domestic financial markets remain underused as sources of development capital. GERD is not a financing model that can simply be copied from one country to another, but the principle behind it is powerful. A population was asked to participate directly in building national infrastructure, and a project costing billions of dollars was brought into existence with extraordinarily limited dependence on conventional international project finance. For a continent searching for ways to finance its own transformation, that experience is key. On top of that, there is the electricity. The dam’s installed generating capacity is more than 5,000 megawatts. For Ethiopia, where access to reliable electricity remains a major developmental challenge, that power can support homes, businesses, manufacturing and a more industrial economy. Beyond Ethiopia, it can be traded. Transmission lines do not need to end at national borders. Ethiopia already trades electricity with neighbouring countries, and a deeper regional power market could allow energy generated on the Blue Nile to support economies far beyond the dam itself. This is where GERD becomes much more interesting as an African project rather than simply an Ethiopian one. For years, however, the dam has been discussed internationally through a very different lens. Rather than beginning with what this infrastructure could make possible – greater electricity generation, regional power trade, industrialisation, lower-carbon growth and a more interconnected East Africa – international involvement and commentary around GERD have repeatedly amplified the dispute between Ethiopia and Egypt. A technically complex disagreement over the management of a shared river has too often been pulled into the language of geopolitical confrontation. The Nile has, in effect, become internationalised as a source of friction when it could be treated as an extraordinary platform for African cooperation. Framing, as always, is important. Africa cannot allow – or afford – for outside influence to spur division again. Language creates political possibilities, but it can also close them. Once infrastructure is discussed principally as a threat, security begins to displace economics, diplomacy and engineering. Questions about electricity markets, transmission infrastructure, reservoir management and regional development become questions about winners and losers. Eventually, the backwards and illogical vocabulary of military action begins to enter a conversation that should fundamentally be about how neighbouring African countries share the benefits of a river upon which they all depend. Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty has described the Nile as an existential issue for Egypt and stated that his country retains the right to defend itself under international law should harm occur that interrupts its water supply. Egypt’s concerns cannot just be dismissed. The Nile is fundamental to Egyptian life, agriculture and economic security, and no serious vision of African cooperation should require one African country to disregard the legitimate interests of another. But accepting the legitimacy of Egyptian water security concerns is very different from accepting the inevitability of confrontation. There is another way to look at the problem, and the research points towards it. From Water Sharing to Benefit Sharing Research published in Nature Water offers one of the most compelling arguments for changing the terms of the debate. Rather than modelling GERD purely as a question of how much water one country retains or another receives, researchers examined the relationship between water management and electricity trade across the region. Their conclusion deserves considerably more attention in African policymaking. Greater electricity trade between Ethiopia, Sudan and Egypt is evidenced to create benefits for all three. The researchers found that increased power trade could reduce irrigation water deficits in Egypt and Sudan, increase hydropower generation in Ethiopia, increase generation from existing hydropower facilities downstream, reduce Sudanese electricity shortages, lower regional carbon emissions and increase Ethiopia’s financial returns from electricity exports. Under the highest power-trade scenario examined, the model reduced Egypt’s maximum annual irrigation deficit by as much as four billion cubic metres compared with the baseline proposal used by the researchers. The reason is remarkably straightforward. Hydroelectricity requires water to move. If Ethiopia has long-term agreements to sell electricity downstream, it has an economic incentive to release water through GERD’s turbines to generate that electricity. The commercial relationship itself can therefore reinforce the movement of water downstream. This changes the nature of the conversation. Instead of negotiating only over water allocations, the countries can negotiate over benefits. Egypt and Sudan gain access to competitively priced renewable electricity and potentially more predictable river management. Ethiopia earns export revenues and creates demand for the enormous generating capacity it has built. Regional grids become more interconnected. Economic interdependence grows. The river ceases to be something that must simply be divided and becomes something from which value can be created together. That does not eliminate every difficulty. The operation of GERD during prolonged drought remains an important and legitimate issue, and different operating policies can produce different outcomes downstream. This is precisely why Ethiopia, Egypt and Sudan need permanent technical cooperation: shared hydrological data, transparent reservoir information, agreed drought-management mechanisms and direct communication between the institutions responsible for water and electricity. But those are engineering and diplomatic problems capable of engineering and diplomatic solutions. They are not arguments for conflict. A Monument to African Ambition GERD represents something Africa desperately needs more of: infrastructure at scale. Across the continent, unreliable and insufficient electricity continues to constrain economic growth. Businesses rely on generators, factories struggle with inconsistent grids, and communities remain disconnected from the power systems that modern economies take for granted. Africa cannot industrialise without electricity. It cannot process more of its own minerals, build globally competitive manufacturing industries, expand its digital economy or provide modern infrastructure for a rapidly growing population without vastly more generation and transmission capacity. GERD should therefore not be understood solely as an Ethiopian asset. Its greatest potential may ultimately lie in the network around it. Sudan can benefit. Kenya can benefit. Djibouti can benefit. Egypt can benefit. Other members of the Eastern African Power Pool can benefit as regional transmission infrastructure develops. The objective should not be for every African country to become an energy island, attempting to produce every megawatt it consumes within its own borders. Europe does not function that way. Neither should Africa. A genuinely interconnected African electricity market would allow countries with abundant hydroelectric, solar, wind, gas or geothermal resources to sell power across borders, improving resilience and allowing capital to flow towards the places where energy can be produced most efficiently. GERD could become one of the anchors of such a system in Eastern Africa. Africa Cannot Bomb Its Way to Development There is something deeply troubling about the ease with which military language enters discussions about African infrastructure. The continent already faces a sizable infrastructure deficit. We need power stations and transmission lines, railways and ports, roads and fibre networks, water infrastructure, industrial corridors and logistics systems. Many of the projects capable of transforming African economies will inevitably cross borders or affect neighbouring countries. If every major cross-border project becomes a geopolitical zero-sum contest, Africa’s development will remain hostage to its artificially created borders rather than accelerated by them. The answer cannot be destroying infrastructure. It must be building more of it – and connecting it. This matters even more as Africa attempts to create the world’s largest integrated trading area through the African Continental Free Trade Area. Trade integration without infrastructure integration is an illusion. Goods cannot move freely without transport corridors. Digital services cannot scale without fibre and data infrastructure. Industry cannot grow without reliable energy. A common African market ultimately requires physical systems that make national borders less economically consequential. GERD offers an opportunity to think in exactly those terms. An African Solution There is also a question of agency. The future of the Nile should ultimately be determined by Africans. International partners can provide expertise and finance. Scientists from around the world can contribute research. Multilateral institutions can facilitate negotiations. All of that has value. But Africa should be wary when disagreements between African states become theatres for wider geopolitical competition or when outside involvement hardens positions rather than helping neighbouring countries find common ground. The continent knows that history too well. The Nile Basin should instead become a demonstration of African diplomatic maturity: Ethiopia’s development aspirations recognised, Egypt’s water security protected, Sudan’s interests respected and a regional economic framework built around the things these countries can achieve together. The African Union exists precisely because sovereignty and continental solidarity do not have to be opposing ideas. GERD presents an opportunity to prove that principle in practice. The Renaissance Can Be Bigger Than Ethiopia The name itself deserves consideration: the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam. Its renaissance need not belong only to Ethiopia. Imagine a future in which GERD powers Ethiopian industry while exporting electricity throughout the region; where Egypt, Sudan and Ethiopia coordinate water and energy management rather than levying threats; where interconnected grids allow renewable electricity to move to wherever it is needed; and where the Nile supports African manufacturing, data centres, mineral processing, transport systems and rapidly growing cities. There is a lesson in how it was built, too. Ethiopians did not wait for the rest of the world to decide that their infrastructure was worth financing. Citizens bought bonds. The diaspora contributed. Domestic institutions provided capital. Whatever the full scope of that model was, the underlying idea is worth carrying across the continent: Africans themselves can have a direct financial stake in the infrastructure that will determine Africa’s future. That could mean infrastructure bonds. Diaspora instruments. Pension capital. Sovereign investment. Regional development finance. It could mean new vehicles that allow African citizens to invest directly in commercially viable energy, transport and digital projects. GERD should provoke a much broader discussion not only about what Africa needs to build, but about who should own and finance what it builds. The dam is already there. The question facing Africa now is what the continent chooses to make of it. A dam can become a wall, or it can become a bridge. At a moment when Africa needs energy, infrastructure, industrialisation and greater continental integration, we should always choose the bridge. The waters of the Nile have connected African civilisation for thousands of years. Now they can help power its future.  

Addis Ababa, September 11, 2026 (ENA) —Ethiopia has reaffirmed its commitment to advancing economic reforms and contributing to BRICS’ shared financial agenda, as its delegation participated in the Second BRICS Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors (FMCBG) Meeting in Mumbai, India. Led by National Bank of Ethiopia Governor Eyob Tekalign, the Ethiopian delegation joined finance ministers and central bank governors from BRICS member countries. The meeting anticipated to discuss key challenges and opportunities confronting emerging and developing economies amid an increasingly volatile global economic environment. Addressing the meeting, Governor Eyob highlighted Ethiopia’s ongoing comprehensive reforms across the fiscal, monetary, financial and foreign exchange sectors. The central bank governor further noted that the measures are helping strengthen macroeconomic stability and build greater resilience against global economic shocks.   Eyob stated that developing economies continue to face disproportionate pressure from global economic volatility, underscoring the importance of stronger financial cooperation and effective mechanisms to safeguard economic stability. The Governor also welcomed progress toward amendments to the Contingent Reserve Arrangement (CRA) Treaty, describing the mechanism as an important pillar for strengthening BRICS’ financial safety net. He called for the onboarding of new members to the arrangement to take into account countries’ different stages of development, financial needs and capacity to effectively absorb and utilize available support.   Governor Eyob further reaffirmed Ethiopia’s commitment to the BRICS vision and its readiness to work constructively with member countries in advancing the group’s strategic financial and economic priorities. Ethiopia’s participation underscores its growing engagement in multilateral economic cooperation as it pursues reforms aimed at strengthening resilience, expanding financial stability and positioning the country for deeper integration into the global economy.

(September 10, 2026, Addis Ababa) — Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed said the inauguration of the first phase of the modern logistics center expansion in Mojo marks a major step in Ethiopia’s efforts to strengthen its logistics capacity and advance the success of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). The Prime Minister said the 60-hectare logistics hub will play a significant role in facilitating trade for Ethiopia and the continent. Equipped with terminals and warehouses capable of handling up to one million 20-foot containers annually, the center will enable dry bulk cargo to be packaged domestically, helping save foreign currency and create broad employment opportunities for Ethiopians, he noted. According to the Prime Minister, the efficiency of the logistics center is supported by the country’s first-ever Rail-Mounted Gantry crane, which facilitates the rapid transfer of containers from the railway line. Built on a fully digital infrastructure, the center is expected to provide fast and reliable logistics services, he said. Beyond the Ethio-Djibouti railway line, the Prime Minister noted that the facility forms part of the DESSU Corridor, linking Ethiopia, South Sudan, and Uganda. He said the development represents an important milestone in strengthening Ethiopia’s position in the global logistics sector and opening a new chapter for regional economic integration.

Addis Ababa, September 10, 2026 (ENA)—Israel has thrown its diplomatic weight to support Ethiopia’s quest for securing sea access, with Israeli Ambassador to Ethiopia Avraham Neguise underscoring that his country stands firmly with the East African nation’s efforts to secure maritime access to the Red Sea. Speaking to ENA, Neguise said strengthening Ethiopia and promoting stability in the Red Sea is an interest shared by the international community rather than an issue concerning Ethiopia alone. “Empowering and strengthening Ethiopia and creating stability in the Red Sea is the interest of all, not only for Ethiopia,” he noted. According to him, Israel’s position on Ethiopia’s pursuit of sea access is clear. “Israel is behind Ethiopia in this effort. This is clear Israeli policy,” the Ambassador said, stressing that access to the sea is important for Ethiopia to strengthen its economy, safeguard its sovereignty and fosters regional security.   Today, Ethiopia’s access to the sea is increasingly viewed as a legitimate strategic right, driven by its growing population and economy, expanding import-export trade, and pressing national and regional security interests. The country’s geographical proximity to the Red Sea, together with its historical links to the region’s ports, has remained central to its argument for pursuing a sustainable maritime outlet. Ethiopia historically administered the ports of Massawa and Assab and maintained naval capabilities before Eritrea’s separation. Most importantly, Ethiopia’s push for sovereign sea access is gaining momentum at the international arena. “What Ethiopia is doing now, Israel is supporting. It is behind Ethiopia in this effort”, Ambassador Neguise underscored. The Israeli Ambassador reaffirmed Israel’s support for Ethiopia’s pursuit of sea access, stressing that cooperation that aims at improving regional security and economic stability benefits countries across the Horn of Africa region and beyond. In this regard, Israel is committed to share its experience in counter-terrorism and combating terrorist threats, Ambassador Neguise, stated, adding that security and economic development are closely linked and fundamental needs for people everywhere.   He pointed out that Ethiopia is a strategically important country in the Horn of Africa. Therefore, greater access to the sea could contribute to stability and cooperation among countries in the region. Ethiopia’s involvement in the Red Sea could have implications beyond its national interests, particularly in addressing security challenges posed by terrorism and piracy in the maritime region. “Ethiopia’s return to the Red Sea will be positive,” he noted, pointing to the country’s longstanding role in peacekeeping and its stated commitment to peace and stability. Ambassador Neguise said terrorist activities in the Horn of Africa and attacks affecting maritime routes pose risks not only to countries in the region but also to the Middle East, Europe and the wider global economy. The Red Sea is a critical maritime corridor and that instability along the route can have far-reaching economic consequences.   “If the Red Sea will not be stable and there are terrorists attacking, it is not only the Horn of Africa, it’s not only the Middle East, the whole world economy will suffer,” he said.

Addis Ababa, September 10, 2026 (ENA)—Acting German Ambassador to Ethiopia Ferdinand von Weyhe praised Addis Ababa’s rapid urban transformation, saying the capital’s expanding corridors, rehabilitated riverbanks, public spaces and growing urban greenery are reshaping the city at an impressive pace. Speaking to ENA, von Weyhe said he witnessed significant changes in the capital during his three years in Addis Ababa, particularly the development of urban corridors and the rehabilitation of public spaces. “As I have been living here for three years, I witnessed all the changes, and it is impressive for me to see the speed and the rigidity of what is happening and how it is happening,” he said. The acting ambassador said the various development projects across the city appeared to be interconnected, suggesting the existence of a broader urban planning framework. “There’s a big master plan, I have the impression, although I haven’t seen it, but it looks like it’s all fitting together with all the corridors,” he observed. He cited the areas around the Kebena River and Lake, including locations near the German Embassy and extending toward the French Embassy, as visible examples of the city’s ongoing transformation. According to von Weyhe, the changes are not limited to physical infrastructure but are also influencing how residents use and experience public spaces. He noted that more residents are now spending time outdoors, walking along river corridors and using newly developed public spaces. “I have seen so many people enjoying the evening and so many people walking along the river as well as children bicycling along this, which is a big change,” he said.   The diplomat also connected Addis Ababa’s urban greening efforts with Ethiopia’s broader Green Legacy Initiative (GLI), which has placed tree planting, forest development and environmental restoration at the center of the country’s development agenda. Von Weyhe said his personal experience of participating in tree planting activities had demonstrated that the success of environmental initiatives depends not only on planting trees but also on ensuring their survival and growth. “I have planted with my own hands hundreds of trees, and I experience that it’s not only about planting, but also about caring for the tree as it grows,” he said. He also described the public enthusiasm surrounding tree planting and the efforts to nurture newly planted seedlings during the rainy season as “a signal of refreshing and renewing.” Beyond the environmental benefits of tree planting, von Weyhe emphasized the need to create economic opportunities from forest resources and ensure that local communities benefit from the country’s growing forest assets. “Having planted many trees in Germany, I know that in the end, it’s not only about aesthetics; people need a living for themselves and their families,” he said. He stressed the importance of establishing value chains around mature trees and strengthening Ethiopia’s timber industry to create employment and generate income for communities living near forest areas.   “It is very important to make use of the wood and timber to support a timber industry and this can significantly contribute to the income of the communities living around the forests,” he said. His remarks underline the broader potential of Addis Ababa’s urban renewal efforts to go beyond improving the city’s appearance and contribute to livability, environmental resilience and economic opportunity. The capital’s urban development has increasingly placed public spaces, river corridors, pedestrian areas and green spaces at the center of its transformation, creating recreational areas while seeking to improve the urban environment. Von Weyhe further underscored the economic dimension of Ethiopia’s environmental initiatives, saying the country’s expanding forest resources could become a sustainable source of livelihoods if supported by appropriate industries and value chains. His observations come as Addis Ababa continues to expand urban corridors, rehabilitate riverbanks and public spaces, and integrate greenery and recreational areas into the city’s development, reflecting an increasingly interconnected approach to urban renewal and environmental sustainability.

Addis Ababa, September 9, 2026 (ENA)—Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed called on African countries and the continent’s youth to embrace technological sovereignty and take greater ownership of Africa’s digital future. The Prime Minister made the call in a message marking the 24th African Union Day, reaffirming Ethiopia’s longstanding role in Africa’s continental integration, from the establishment of the Organization of African Unity (OAU) to the African Union (AU). In a social media post, the Premier said Addis Ababa, the diplomatic capital of Africa and home to the AU headquarters, continues to play a central role in advancing continental integration, unity and shared prosperity. “As we mark this day, we reaffirm the vision of an integrated and prosperous Africa, while looking ahead to the next frontier of our collective progress,” Prime Minister Abiy said. In his capacity as the AU Champion for Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Digital Health, the Prime Minister stressed the importance of greater African ownership of technological and digital development. He urged African governments and young people to actively participate in shaping the continent’s digital transformation and to build the skills, innovative capacity and technological capabilities required to determine Africa’s digital future. Prime Minister Abiy further underscored the importance of technological sovereignty in enabling Africa to harness emerging technologies to accelerate development, promote innovation and strengthen the continent’s position in the global economy. “Ethiopia stands ready to build that future alongside our fellow Africans,” he said.

Addis Ababa, September 9, 2026 (ENA)—Addis Ababa has emerged as one of the world’s most climate-resilient major cities, ranking second globally in a new assessment by geospatial artificial intelligence institute AlphaGeo. The ranking places Addis Ababa ahead of dozens of major cities worldwide, highlighting the Ethiopian capital’s relatively low residual exposure to climate risks after accounting for adaptation measures. AlphaGeo’s report, “How Climate Resilient Are the World’s Largest Cities?”, assessed 72 of the world’s largest cities using its Climate Risk & Resilience Index (CRRI). The index examines exposure to major physical climate hazards and evaluates how effectively adaptation measures reduce the risks facing cities.   Addis Ababa recorded a resilience-adjusted risk (RAJ) score of 10, the second-lowest score in the global assessment. Since a lower score indicates lower residual climate risk after adaptation is taken into account, the result places Addis Ababa among the strongest-performing cities in the study. Only Chicago, with an RAJ score of 8, ranked higher. Melbourne and Barcelona followed with scores of 11, while Paris and Buenos Aires recorded 12. Addis Ababa was also among several African cities performing strongly in the assessment. Nairobi recorded an RAJ score of 13, while Johannesburg scored 16. According to AlphaGeo, the strong performance of Addis Ababa, Nairobi and Johannesburg is linked in significant part to their elevation and climate geography, which provide relatively lower baseline exposure to several of the hazards measured by the index. Adaptation capacity also contributes to their overall resilience. The assessment examined six major physical climate hazards, including inland and coastal flooding, heat stress, drought, wildfires and hurricane winds. AlphaGeo compared each city’s physical exposure with its resilience-adjusted risk to determine what it calls an “adaptation delta”—the reduction in risk associated with existing adaptation measures. The findings underline that climate resilience is not determined by geography alone.   Cities with comparable levels of physical exposure can experience markedly different residual risks depending on the strength of their infrastructure, governance, planning and investment in adaptation. For Addis Ababa, the ranking offers a significant international recognition of the capital’s position in an era of intensifying climate pressures.   It also highlights the importance of sustaining investment in urban infrastructure and climate adaptation as African cities expand and face growing environmental and economic risks.   AlphaGeo cautions that its scores represent city-level averages and may not capture significant differences between individual neighborhoods. Climate exposure and resilience can vary considerably within the same urban area. The company says the assessment is intended to help policymakers, investors and infrastructure owners identify where climate adaptation is reducing risk and where additional investment may be required. For Africa, the results reinforce the growing importance of building climate-resilient cities capable of protecting communities, infrastructure and economic activity against an increasingly uncertain climate future, it was learned.

(September 9, 2026, Addis Ababa) — Finance Minister Ahmed Shide met with Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) President Zou Jiayi during her first official visit to Ethiopia since assuming office, with the two sides discussing ways to strengthen cooperation in infrastructure, energy and climate-resilient development. Ethiopian Airlines Group Chief Executive Officer Mesfin Tasew also attended the meeting. According to a social media post by the Ministry of Finance, the discussions focused on expanding cooperation in Ethiopia’s key infrastructure and development priority areas, including potential AIIB participation in major projects such as the Bishoftu International Airport. The two sides also exchanged views on expanding cooperation in the energy sector and climate action projects, including through concessional financing mechanisms and partnerships with other multilateral development banks. Minister Ahmed briefed President Zou on the progress of Ethiopia’s ongoing economic reform agenda and the government’s efforts to advance major infrastructure projects. He highlighted the completion of the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) as one of Ethiopia’s landmark infrastructure achievements and outlined potential areas where the AIIB could support the country’s development priorities through financing and investment. President Zou acknowledged Ethiopia’s important role in the region, particularly its contribution to advancing regional power integration, and reaffirmed the AIIB’s commitment to supporting the country’s infrastructure development agenda. The discussions come as Ethiopia continues to prioritize strategic investments in infrastructure, energy and climate resilient development as part of its broader efforts to sustain economic growth, strengthen regional integration and expand productive capacity. The Bishoftu International Airport project is among Ethiopia’s major infrastructure initiatives. Once completed, the project is expected to expand the country’s aviation capacity and further strengthen its position as a major regional and international aviation hub. The meeting also highlighted opportunities for closer Ethiopia AIIB cooperation in mobilizing long term financing for infrastructure projects that support sustainable economic development. Both sides agreed to deepen engagement and advance their shared commitment to sustainable and inclusive infrastructure development through enhanced cooperation, investment and financing partnerships.

Addis Ababa, September 9, 2026 (ENA)—Egypt must recognize the changing political, economic and strategic realities of the Nile Basin in 2026 rather than relying on positions rooted in the 19th and 20th centuries, former U.S. Assistant Secretary of State for African Affairs Tibor Nagy has said. He further noted that a new approach could enable Ethiopia and Egypt to reach a “win-win” agreement over the Nile. Nagy made the remarks in an interview with Pulse of Africa, which he subsequently highlighted in a post on X. He said the regional balance of power has changed significantly and that Ethiopia has undergone substantial economic and political transformation. “One of my consistent points has been that if Egypt recognized that this is 2026, not the 19th/20th Century, there could be a win-win agreement with Ethiopia over the Nile,” Nagy said.   He argued that Egypt needs to adjust its approach to the Nile and recognize what he described as a new regional reality. “My view is Egypt has to accept a new reality. They could dictate terms, and they became very comfortable with the idea that even though they are downstream country, they don't contribute one drop of water to the Nile River, but they had the right for 100 percent control over the Nile,” Nagy said. He said historical circumstances that shaped earlier approaches to Nile management can no longer be treated as the basis for relations among present-day Nile Basin countries. “History has changed. They have to accept the fact that this is, again, 2026. There's a new power equilibrium. Ethiopia has grown tremendously. It's in very fast nation building mode, and it has rights to Nile waters, which were historically denied to Ethiopia,” Nagy said. He argued that a change in Egypt’s negotiating approach could create an opportunity for a mutually beneficial settlement. “So if Egypt had an attitude readjustment, and if they came to the negotiations, I think, from a different, fundamental philosophy, then it would be possible to come to some kind, again, a win-win agreement that respects everybody's dignity, everybody's rights,” he said. His comments come amid the long-running dispute between Ethiopia and Egypt over the management and utilization of the Abay, or Blue Nile, particularly following the construction and operation of the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD). Ethiopia maintains that the GERD is primarily intended to generate electricity, support economic development and expand access to energy, while emphasizing that the use of transboundary water resources should be based on equitable and reasonable utilization.   Nagy said Ethiopia’s development should not automatically be viewed as a threat to Egypt, arguing that countries have the right to develop their natural resources. “Countries use their own natural resources. Now, you know, let’s get real,” he said. He also called for the two countries to approach the Nile issue primarily through technical cooperation rather than geopolitical competition. “If Egypt is saying that, you know, only the littoral states to the Red Sea have any say in, you know, management questions then only the states that contribute water to the Nile would have any say on use of the Nile,” Nagy said. He added that both sides should approach the dispute as equal partners. “The only thing that can be done is for both sides to treat the other as equal partners, respectfully, and to come at it from a technical point of view, and just forget the geopolitics, because what's important is for everybody to have access to Nile waters,” the former diplomat said. Nagy linked the Nile dispute to the wider question of Ethiopia’s access to the Red Sea, arguing that regional countries should apply principles of mutual access and cooperation consistently. “Why can't everybody have access to the Red Sea?” he asked. His comments come as Ethiopia increasingly emphasizes equitable and reasonable utilization of transboundary water resources while calling for dialogue, cooperation and mutually beneficial arrangements among Nile Basin countries. Addis Ababa has consistently argued that development projects should not be treated as a zero-sum competition in which the economic progress of one country necessarily comes at the expense of another. Nagy said a lasting agreement could be reached if Egypt reassessed its approach to negotiations and entered discussions with a fundamentally different outlook. “Both nations start with a new attitude and come out with an agreement that everybody will be happy with,” he said. The former U.S. diplomat’s remarks therefore frame the Nile issue not only as a dispute over water management, but also as part of a broader transformation in regional relations, economic development and the distribution of political influence in the Horn of Africa. Nagy also expressed support for Ethiopia’s pursuit of reliable access to the Red Sea, describing maritime access as an important issue for the landlocked country. Ethiopia has argued that dependable access to the sea is essential to its economic and strategic interests and has sought cooperative arrangements with neighboring coastal states. Addressing Ethiopia’s maritime aspirations, Nagy said it was “absolutely essential” for Ethiopia to have some form of maritime outlet, while recalling the country’s historical relationship with the Red Sea. He noted that Ethiopia once had its own navy, a naval base and Ethiopian admirals serving in its maritime forces.   Nagy described the loss of Ethiopia’s access to the sea as a “very unfortunate” outcome and connected the country’s current pursuit of maritime access with its historical relationship with the Red Sea. The former diplomat’s comparison between Nile water and Red Sea access reflects his broader argument that regional disputes should be addressed through principles of equality, mutual respect and practical cooperation rather than inherited geopolitical assumptions. Against this broader regional backdrop, Nagy’s comments suggest that resolving disputes between Ethiopia and Egypt may require both countries to move beyond historical positions and recognize the changing economic, political and strategic realities of the region. His central argument is that cooperation, rather than attempts to contain or weaken one another, could provide a more sustainable path for the Horn of Africa.

Addis Ababa, September 8, 2026 (ENA)—The implementation of the Nile Basin Cooperative Framework Agreement (CFA), which has officially entered into force with the signing of 7 countries, cannot be derailed by the refusal of Egypt to sign it, former Minister of Water and Energy Alemayehu Tegenu said. The Nile Basin Cooperative Framework Agreement (CFA) is a regional treaty signed by upstream Nile Basin countries to ensure fair, equitable, and cooperative use of the river’s waters. It seeks to replace outdated colonial agreements with a modern framework based on shared benefit and reasonable utilization. In an exclusive interview with ENA, former Water Minister Alemayehu made it clear that the legal and political basis for the CFA is already established. “The CFA by this time was already signed by some countries, which is sufficient to deposit to the African Union,” he said, adding that “without Egypt and Sudan, the CFA can be practical now. There is no obstacle to its implementation.” Egypt has long opposed equitable Nile cooperation and continue to cling to outdated monopoly claims. “They were against the CFA in the whole process,” he said. “Still they are against. They don’t want to sign the CFA.” According to him, their position has remained fixed and unchanging. “They didn’t change their mind. They don’t want to come to healthy cooperation.”   Alemayehu said Cairo continues to rely on the 1959 bilateral arrangement, a colonial-era mindset that illegally excluded Ethiopia from its own resource. “In the 1959 agreement, they shared the Nile water between themselves,” he noted. “This agreement allocated 0 percent for Ethiopia.” But the era of unilateral control over the Nile is now over. “What the Nile-based countries do now is to implement in full scale the CFA agreement by moving ahead to establish a fair, rule-based order built on equity, reason, and sovereign cooperation. Speaking about the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD), the former minister said Ethiopia has already proved its capacity to carry out major national projects without waiting for approval from outside powers. “GERD is operational now. It doesn’t reduce their water,” he said. “They receive sufficient water currently while the dam is functioning.” Ethiopia must therefore never allow foreign obstruction to dictate its future. “Our job is to focus on our development and try to develop other resources in the basin. We have to focus on our agenda.” He dismissed Egypt’s hostility as a deliberate attempt to stand in the way of Ethiopia’s rise. “Egypt’s behavior always stands against Ethiopian development. They are always an obstacle to our development.” He noted that Ethiopia designed the GERD in a way that does not impact or harm the downstream countries, proving that Ethiopian development and regional stability are not in conflict. The former minister also criticized Egypt’s preference for confrontation over cooperation.   Egyptians prefer animosity rather than cooperation, he said, calling the approach unwise decision. He emphasized that Ethiopia stands for fairness, dialogue, and mutual benefit. “Ethiopia believes in equitable, reasonable utilization and cooperation. We always invite Egypt to come to this principle and discuss and resolve any issues.” “The best thing (in this case) is to focus on the utilization of our water resources by constructing different irrigation schemes.” The former minister further stated that Ethiopia’s Green Legacy Initiative and watershed conservation efforts strengthen basin-wide water security, even though Egypt refuses to acknowledge the benefits. “Egypt does not pay any coin for this kind of work. Rather, Egypt stands against our development for the Green Legacy Initiative, water and soil conservation.”   He pointed out that the Egyptians are not willing to go for compensation. “Rather, they are always against our efforts to get finance from different financial institutions.” According to the former water minister, Ethiopians have to continue breaking the wrong narrations created by the Egyptians. The source of Nile is from Ethiopia and it contributes 86 percent of the water.

Addis Ababa, September 8, 2026 (ENA)—President Taye Atske Selassie called on Qatari investors to participate in various investment sectors in Ethiopia and urged the strengthening of trade and investment relations between the two countries. President Taye held discussions today with Ali Bin Abdullatif Al Misnad, a member of the Board of the Qatar Chamber, on the sidelines of the Annual Investment Meeting (AIM Congress) currently taking place in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. During their discussion, particular attention was given to ways in which Qatari investors could increase their participation in Ethiopia, especially in agriculture, healthcare, infrastructure development, consulting services, and other investment opportunities.   President Taye explained the measures being undertaken by the Ethiopian government to attract foreign investors and create a conducive investment environment. He also called on Qatari investors to participate in Ethiopia’s investment sector and play their part in strengthening trade and investment ties between the two nations. Ali Bin Abdullatif Al Misnad, a member of the Board of the Qatar Chamber, stated that Qatari investors are interested in engaging in Ethiopia's health, agriculture, infrastructure, digital, consulting services, and others.   He stated that the chamber would work to encourage Qatari investors to take advantage of the favorable investment opportunities available in Ethiopia and to further strengthen trade and investment relations between the two countries.

Addis Ababa, September 3, 2026 (ENA)—Ethiopia plans to expand its clean energy generation capacity and increase electricity export to countries across the East African Power Pool and beyond, President Taye Atske-Selassie said. Addressing the Annual Investment Meeting (AIM) in Dubai, President Taye identified clean energy as the first of five strategic investment priorities for Africa He described the endeavor as a critical driver of industrial transformation and sustainable economic growth. He urged African countries to accelerate investment in solar, wind, geothermal and hydropower while diversifying their energy mix to meet the growing demands of industrialization. The president cited clean-energy developments in countries including Uganda, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Tanzania, Ghana and Kenya, stressing that expanded and reliable energy supplies are essential to Africa’s industrial and economic transformation. For Ethiopia, he said, renewable energy represents far more than a source of electricity. “Clean energy is not simply a national asset but a foundation for rapid economic growth,” President Taye said.   President Taye said Ethiopia has an estimated 60,000 megawatts of renewable energy potential and is targeting 15,000 megawatts of generation capacity by 2030, with plans to expand electricity supplies across the East African Power Pool and beyond. The country also plans to expand electricity supplies to neighboring countries through the East African Power Pool and beyond, strengthening its role in regional energy integration. President Taye noted that Ethiopia’s relatively affordable and reliable electricity supply is increasingly attracting investment in advanced digital infrastructure. Nearly 1,000 megawatts has been allocated to data-center and mining enterprises, he said, underscoring the growing link between renewable energy, digital infrastructure and technology investment. Beyond energy, the president outlined agriculture, critical minerals, infrastructure and strategic corridors, and human capital as four additional priorities for Africa’s investment and economic transformation.   He highlighted Ethiopia’s transformation from a net wheat importer into Africa’s largest wheat producer, attributing the progress to expanded irrigation, improved agricultural technologies and the adoption of heat-resistant seed varieties. He also pointed to Ethiopia’s growing production of coffee, avocado, sesame and livestock, emphasizing opportunities in agro-processing, value addition and exports. On critical minerals, President Taye called for greater African ownership and value creation from the continent’s abundant resources, including gold, lithium, cobalt and iron ore. He cited Ethiopia’s position as the world’s sixth-largest tantalum producer and stressed that mineral development should be sustainable, inclusive and structured to ensure greater benefits for resource-producing countries. Infrastructure and strategic corridors, he said, are equally critical to Africa’s economic integration, particularly as the continent seeks to strengthen physical and digital connectivity.   President Taye highlighted Ethiopian Airlines as a major connectivity platform and pointed to Ethiopia’s 12.5 billion USD Bishoftu International Airport, currently under construction, which is expected to handle up to 110 million passengers and about four million tonnes of cargo annually. Such investments, he said, can strengthen Africa’s trade, logistics, tourism and investment links with global markets. Human capital was identified as the fifth priority, with President Taye urging African countries to turn their young populations into engines of innovation, entrepreneurship and economic growth through greater investment in skills and technology. He highlighted Ethiopia’s “5 Million Coders” initiative and thanked the United Arab Emirates for its support for the program.

By Staff Writer Sept. 4, 2026 (ENA) Ethiopia closed the 2018 Ethiopian calendar year with a week marked by accelerating economic transformation, expanding digital ambitions and a more assertive focus on strategic national interests. From agriculture and exports to digitalization, housing finance, water resources and maritime access, developments during the final days of the year pointed to an emerging national agenda centered on productive capacity, economic resilience, strategic autonomy and deeper integration into regional and global markets. The five-day Pagume programme provided a platform for the government to take stock of progress in economic reform, agriculture, infrastructure, renewable energy, technology and national resilience while outlining priorities for the year ahead. The figures presented during the week offered concrete indicators of the scale of this transformation. More than 33.5 million hectares were cultivated during the 2025/26 fiscal year, producing more than 1.85 billion quintals of agricultural output, according to the Ministry of Agriculture. Livestock exports generated 128.3 million USD, up from about $95 million previously, an increase of more than 35 percent. Ethiopia also earned more than 11.2 billion USD in export revenues during the 2018 Ethiopian fiscal year and has set a target of 13.4 billion USD for 2026/27, reflecting an intensified drive to expand exports, generate foreign exchange and move toward higher-value production. Taken together, these developments signal an economy seeking not only faster growth but also a stronger productive base capable of reducing import dependence, easing foreign-exchange pressures and strengthening resilience to external shocks. Economic Transformation: From Reform to Productive Capacity Economic transformation emerged as the defining theme of the week. As Ethiopia prepared to enter a new calendar year, the Government Communication Service used Pagume to highlight what it described as progress in macroeconomic stability, revenue mobilization, exports, agricultural and industrial production, renewable energy and major infrastructure development. Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed placed these achievements within a broader national sovereignty and self-reliance agenda, pointing to rising wheat production, expanding domestic manufacturing and initiatives such as Yelemat Trufat (Bounty of the Basket) and Made in Ethiopia. The direction reflects Ethiopia’s ongoing Homegrown Economic Reform Agenda, which seeks to address macroeconomic imbalances, strengthen the foreign-exchange market, improve debt sustainability and create greater space for private-sector investment. The emerging model is therefore about more than growth. It is increasingly about producing more, processing more, exporting more and competing more effectively in global markets. Agriculture: A Pillar of Economic Sovereignty Agriculture remains central to Ethiopia’s transformation because it links food security, employment, rural incomes, exports and industrial development. The reported cultivation of more than 33.5 million hectares and agricultural output exceeding 1.85 billion quintals underscore the scale of the sector. The government is seeking to raise productivity through irrigation, mechanization, improved seeds, fertilizer production, livestock development and agro-processing, with the longer-term goal of moving from predominantly subsistence-oriented agriculture toward a more productive and commercially integrated sector. Wheat production has acquired particular strategic importance. Expanding domestic wheat output can reduce import requirements while conserving scarce foreign exchange, making agricultural productivity increasingly relevant to the country’s broader economic sovereignty agenda. Livestock exports offer another avenue for value creation. Ethiopia’s 128.3 million USD in livestock export earnings during the 2018 Ethiopian fiscal year highlights the potential to expand foreign-exchange earnings through greater processing capacity and higher-value meat and livestock products. However, sustaining these gains will require continued investment in irrigation, rural infrastructure, market access, productivity, food-system resilience and household purchasing power. Digital Transformation Opens a New Economic Frontier Digitalization is rapidly becoming another pillar of Ethiopia’s economic transformation. Ethio Telecom’s 2026/27 business plan targets 295 billion birr in revenue, a 36.7 percent increase from the previous year. It also aims to expand its customer base to 96.2 million and mobile data and internet users to more than 60 million. The ambition goes beyond telecommunications. Under its three-year “Next Horizon: Digital & Beyond” strategy, Ethio Telecom is seeking to expand into digital financial services, cloud computing, enterprise solutions, digital platforms and artificial intelligence. The shift reflects a broader national effort to use digital infrastructure to expand financial inclusion, support entrepreneurship, modernize public services and connect a growing population to the digital economy. Housing Finance Signals Deeper Financial-Sector Reform Another significant development was the agreement between the National Bank of Ethiopia and the International Finance Corporation to establish a dedicated Mortgage Refinance Company. The institution will have 100 billion Birr in capital, with the IFC committing at least 200 million USD. The initiative is intended to ease liquidity constraints in the banking system and expand mortgage financing. Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, who witnessed the signing of the Framework for Cooperation, said the partnership would support the government’s ambition to provide 1.5 million affordable and dignified homes while increasing private-sector participation. Beyond housing, expanded mortgage finance could stimulate construction, employment, financial intermediation and household asset formation, while contributing to the development of Ethiopia’s financial sector. Strategic Water Resources and Abay/Nile Perhaps the week’s most consequential strategic debate centered on Ethiopia’s water resources and the equitable utilization of the Abay/Nile. Fekahmed Negash, Chairperson of the Advisory Team on Transboundary Water and GERD at the Ministry of Water and Energy, highlighted the substantial evaporation losses experienced by downstream reservoirs. In an interview with ENA, Fekahmed said downstream reservoirs could lose up to 20 billion cubic meters of water annually through evaporation, with the Aswan High Dam alone accounting for an estimated 15–16 billion cubic meters in annual losses. He argued that Ethiopia’s highland geography provides favorable conditions for water storage, particularly in deep and relatively cool gorges where evaporation can be minimized. According to Fekahmed, highland storage can also provide wider benefits, including sediment retention, longer downstream dam lifespans, flood regulation and opportunities for cascade hydropower generation. He called for a unified basin-wide framework through which Nile countries could maximize the river’s shared benefits. The discussion comes as Ethiopia continues to emphasize the principle of equitable and reasonable utilization of transboundary water resources, while presenting water development as essential to agriculture, energy generation and economic growth. Historical Equity Enters Abay Debate The strategic water debate also took on a historical and economic dimension. Former State Minister for Irrigation Development Birhanu Lenjiso argued that Ethiopia has legitimate grounds to seek redress for historical economic losses, foregone development opportunities and longstanding inequities in Abay/Nile utilization. His argument adds a development perspective to Ethiopia’s longstanding position that the Nile should be utilized equitably and in a manner that supports the development aspirations of all basin countries. The debate increasingly extends beyond water itself to questions of energy security, food production, economic development and regional cooperation. Red Sea Access: Economic Imperative Meets Strategic Interest Ethiopia’s pursuit of reliable access to the Red Sea also remained prominent during the week. Education Minister Professor Berhanu Nega described access to the sea as a logical, historical and economic imperative, linking the issue to Ethiopia’s demographic realities, economic interests and national security. For a large landlocked economy, maritime connectivity has direct implications for the cost and competitiveness of imports and exports, foreign-exchange flows, supply-chain resilience and access to international markets. Ethiopia’s maritime ambitions are therefore increasingly intertwined with its broader economic strategy. Water resources, energy, trade corridors and maritime connectivity are emerging as interconnected components of the country’s long-term economic and strategic outlook. Regional Connectivity and Digital Logistics Advance The same emphasis on economic integration was evident in Ethiopia’s engagement with the Horn of Africa Initiative Trade Ministers Meeting, which highlighted the importance of trade corridors, connectivity and trade-facilitating infrastructure. Meanwhile, Ethiopian Shipping and Logistics launched a digital customer self-service platform aimed at modernizing port and cargo operations. The platform provides services including cargo tracking, booking, demurrage management, digital payments and complaints handling, helping reduce reliance on paper-based procedures and streamline import-export operations. The move illustrates how Ethiopia’s economic transformation is increasingly extending beyond production to the digital modernization of trade and logistics. Pagume and the Narrative of National Revival The government’s decision to organize Pagume under the theme “Ethiopia’s Revival” was significant both economically and politically. Rather than treating the final five days of the Ethiopian calendar simply as a period of celebration, the programme served as a national stocktaking exercise and a platform for presenting a forward-looking development narrative. The five days focused respectively on breakthrough, revival, resilience, diversity, and the future and digital transformation. The framework sought to connect individual achievements and projects to a broader national story centered on renewal, resilience and economic self-reliance. Looking Ahead: From Growth to Strategic Autonomy The final week of the 2018 Ethiopian calendar year offered a snapshot of a country seeking to redefine the foundations of its economic future. Agricultural expansion is being linked to food security and industrialization. Domestic manufacturing is being promoted to reduce import dependence. Digitalization is opening new economic frontiers. Housing finance is being connected to financial-sector development. Export expansion is becoming increasingly important for foreign-exchange generation. And water resources and maritime connectivity are being framed as strategic pillars of long-term economic security. The challenge now is implementation. Production gains and ambitious targets will have their greatest impact if they translate into higher household incomes, more jobs, stronger private investment, improved food security and greater international competitiveness. Ethiopia’s economic transformation is consequently becoming broader than a conventional growth agenda. It is increasingly a project to build the productive capacity, infrastructure, technology, financial systems and regional connectivity needed to sustain growth and strengthen strategic autonomy. As Ethiopia enters a new year, the emerging direction is clear: produce more, add more value, export more, digitize faster and deepen regional economic integration. If sustained and effectively implemented, this trajectory could reshape not only Ethiopia’s domestic economy but also its strategic position in the Horn of Africa and its role in the wider African and global economy.

Addis Ababa, September 6, 2026 (ENA)—Ethiopian President Taye Atske-Selassie arrived in Dubai on Sunday at the head of a high-level government delegation to participate in the 15th Annual Investment Meeting (AIM) Congress, which opens Monday at the Dubai World Trade Centre. The Ethiopian delegation was welcomed by senior UAE government officials upon arrival, ENA reported from the scene. A three-day AIM Congress, running from September 7 to 9, is being held under the theme “Reshaping Global Prosperity: Unlocking New Investment Pathways Towards a Sustainable and Inclusive Future.” Established in 2011 by the AIM Global Foundation, the annual forum brings together government leaders, policymakers, investors, business executives, entrepreneurs, and representatives of academic and research institutions to explore investment opportunities and strengthen international economic cooperation.   This year’s gathering is expected to place particular emphasis on the digital economy, sustainable development, innovation, and strategic investment partnerships. The meeting is also anticipated to provide participating countries with a platform to showcase investment opportunities and forge new business connections. For Ethiopia, President Taye’s participation comes as the country accelerates reforms to expand private-sector investment, attract foreign capital, and deepen integration into global markets. The government has been advancing its Homegrown Economic Reform Agenda to create a more competitive investment environment, promote sustainable growth, and deepen economic partnerships with countries and institutions around the world, it was learned.   Against this backdrop, Ethiopia is positioning itself as an increasingly attractive destination for trade and investment in Africa, leveraging its economic reforms, expanding market opportunities, strategic location, and efforts to create a more investor-friendly business environment. The Dubai forum is therefore expected to offer Ethiopia an important platform to present its investment potential, engage global investors, and pursue partnerships that can support the country’s broader economic transformation.

Addis Ababa, September 6, 2026 (ENA)—Ethiopia’s livestock export earnings reached 128.3 million USD in the 2018 Ethiopian fiscal year, up from approximately 95 million USD in previous years, marking an increase of more than 35 percent in just one year, according to the Livestock Development Institute. Speaking at a linkage negotiation and contract-signing forum, Livestock Development Institute Director General Asrat Tera highlighted the growth but said the country could raise earnings to at least 1 billion USD. He noted that Ethiopia’s 12 export abattoirs are currently operating at only 10 percent of their combined production capacity of 200,000 metric tons. To capitalize on this potential, the government aims to raise abattoir capacity utilization to 50 percent in the 2019 Ethiopian fiscal year. The target includes exporting about 46,000 metric tons of meat and meat products to generate more than 250 million USD in revenue. Achieving these targets will require overcoming livestock supply constraints, which Asrat identified as the sector’s main bottleneck. He stressed that systematic supply-chain management and reliable partnerships among pastoralists, live-animal traders, and export abattoirs are critical to ensuring a consistent supply and driving value addition.   Livestock Development Institute Deputy Director General Sahilu Mulu added that the government is working to strengthen the broader value chain by expanding processing capacity for both domestic and international markets. Over the past two weeks, three field support teams were deployed to the Somali Region, South Ethiopia Regional State, southern Oromia, and the Afar Region to engage local stakeholders on production, aggregation, and marketing. To put these strategies into practice, Ethiopian Meat Producers and Exporters Association President Kelifa Hussein announced a new pilot arrangement. The initiative will allow livestock suppliers in the Somali Region and Borana to supply animals directly to export facilities. Kelifa noted that bypassing unnecessary intermediaries will significantly reduce transaction costs, boost competitiveness, and deliver direct economic benefits to local traders and pastoralists. The association plans to evaluate the pilot and provide additional support, including logistics and financing, to sustain the direct-supply model.   The forum brought together export abattoir operators and leaders from the Somali Region and Borena Zone Livestock Traders Associations to sign agreements and formalize market ties.

Addis Ababa, September 6, 2026 (ENA)—Deputy Prime Minister Temesgen Tiruneh affirmed that Ethiopia has been registering significant results and steadily moving toward greater prosperity through comprehensive economic transformation, increased productivity and expanded domestic production. He made the remarks as Ethiopia marked the first day of Pagume, the country’s 13th month, as Day of Break Through. The event was attended by senior government officials, representatives of partner organizations and private sector stakeholders. DPM Temesgen said the macroeconomic reforms and financial sector modernization measures undertaken in recent years have strengthened the foundations of the Ethiopian economy and created a more conducive environment for sustainable growth. Ethiopia has also made significant progress toward food sovereignty, particularly through increased agricultural production and the adoption of modern farming practices, he stated.   The Deputy Prime Minister also noted that the use of improved seeds, cluster farming and modern agricultural technologies has increased the production of meat, rice, maize, milk and other agricultural products, strengthening the country’s capacity to meet domestic food needs through local production. “Ethiopia is firmly moving from a dependency on imports toward becoming a producer capable of meeting domestic demand and competing in international markets,” he underscored. The country's economic transformation agenda has increasingly focused on shifting the economy from import dependence toward stronger domestic production, productivity and export competitiveness. The government has been implementing macroeconomic reforms alongside measures aimed at improving agricultural output, expanding manufacturing, modernizing the financial sector and increasing the efficiency of public institutions. The Deputy Prime Minister also mentioned the progress in manufacturing and agro-industry, citing “Made in Ethiopia” (Ethiopia Tamrt) movement and industrial parks as key drivers of substitution of imported goods with locally produced products.   Progress in the mining sector has likewise created new opportunities for economic growth and exports by promoting the processing of natural resources into higher value products, he added. According to the Deputy Prime Minister, efforts to improve transparency and efficiency in revenue collection and customs administration through electronic filing, electronic payment systems and the digitalization of procedures have also contributed to improving tax compliance. Production should be the idea, strategy and goal, he said, stressing that projects and activities that fail to create value or produce tangible results represent a waste of resources. The deputy prime minister further emphasized the importance of digitalizing government services to improve efficiency, enhance service delivery, reduce reliance on manual procedures and curb corruption. “Ethiopia is changing, developing and moving towards greater prosperity,” he added, expressing appreciation to Ethiopians, development partners and other stakeholders for their contributions to the country’s transformation.   DPM Temesgen also called for continued commitment to productivity, domestic production and the efficient utilization of resources to sustain Ethiopia’s development and advance its prosperity journey. Ethiopia has been pursuing a broad economic reform program aimed at addressing structural challenges, improving macroeconomic stability and strengthening the country’s productive capacity. The reform agenda has included measures in the foreign exchange market, monetary and financial sectors, taxation and public finance, with the broader objective of creating a more competitive economy and attracting greater investment. Agriculture remains a major pillar of Ethiopia’s economy and a central component of the country’s efforts to achieve food sovereignty and expand exports.

Addis Ababa, September 6, 2026 (ENA)—Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed said Ethiopia’s economic transformation represents a historic breakthrough toward genuine national sovereignty and self-reliance. In a message posted on his X page to mark the Day of Breakthrough, Pagume 1, the Prime Minister stated that the country is overcoming dependency through increased domestic production and bold economic reforms. He further explained Ethiopia’s ancestors had preserved the country’s borders through immense sacrifice, leaving behind a nation whose sovereignty must now be strengthened through economic independence. He highlighted Ethiopia’s transformation in wheat production, noting that the country has moved from relying heavily on imports to becoming one of Africa’s leading wheat producers, saving millions of dollars in foreign exchange. PM Abiy also pointed to the Yelemat Trufat (Bounty of the Basket) and Made in Ethiopia initiatives as key pillars of the government’s drive to strengthen food security, expand domestic industries and create employment opportunities. He said the government has also undertaken decisive macroeconomic reforms in areas once considered untouchable, laying what he described as a stronger foundation for the national economy. According to the Prime Minister, these achievements demonstrate Ethiopia’s growing capacity to withstand both internal and external challenges while pursuing a development path anchored in production and self-reliance. True sovereignty, his message suggests, is increasingly being defined not only by the ability to defend national borders, but also by the capacity to feed the nation, produce domestically, create jobs and build an independent economy. Prime Minister Abiy said the progress achieved so far offers “immense hope” for the coming year as Ethiopia continues its march toward a more resilient and self-reliant future.

Addis Ababa, September 5, 2026 (ENA)—Ethiopia’s quest for sovereign access to the sea is inseparable to the nation's long-term survival and holds the potential to foster mutual benefits across the Red Sea region, Education Minister Professor Berhanu Nega told ENA. A leading figure in Ethiopia’s opposition politics, Berhanu said Ethiopia’s quest for sea access is logical, historical, demographic, economic, and fundamentally linked to the country’s security and survival. Professor Berhanu said Ethiopia’s pursuit of access to the Red Sea is not a temporary issue that can simply be delayed or ignored, given the country’s rapidly growing population and expanding economic needs. “You cannot have 130 million people sitting here without access to the sea at a time when sea access is very important for security as well as trade,” he said.   Professor Berhanu further noted that Ethiopia’s demographic realities make the pursuit of sea access an inevitable national imperative. Attempts to prevent or indefinitely delay it, he argued, cannot remove the underlying economic, demographic, and strategic realities driving the country’s demand. He stressed that Ethiopia’s quest should be pursued on the basis of mutual benefit, allowing Ethiopia and neighboring countries to harness the Red Sea’s potential for greater trade, security, connectivity, and shared prosperity. “It is better if we do this peacefully, and not only peacefully but for mutual benefit, so that all of us can benefit from this,” Berhanu said. He emphasized that sea access is closely tied to Ethiopia’s long-term survival and development, noting that countries such as Ethiopia naturally require maritime access for trade and security. “This is something that is very much linked to their survival. They are not going to let it easily slide,” he said. Berhanu also argued that Ethiopia’s current landlocked status should be understood in its historical context.   He said Ethiopia previously had access to the sea but lost it under successive governments, describing the loss as the result of decisions and developments that failed to safeguard the country’s long-term national interests. For Berhanu, the issue is therefore not simply about access to a port or a stretch of coastline, but about Ethiopia’s long-term economic future, national security, demographic realities, and its place in the wider Red Sea region. Describing Ethiopia's loss of direct sea access as a grave historical mistake by previous governments, the minister maintained that the current status quo cannot persist forever. While reiterating Ethiopia’s commitment to peaceful negotiations, he warned that the issue will endure across generations until resolved. “If a mutually acceptable arrangement is not reached, future generations will not sit idle and allow their survival to be threatened,” he concluded.

Addis Ababa, September 5, 2026 (ENA)—Ethiopia has legitimate grounds to seek redress for historical economic losses, foregone development opportunities and longstanding inequities in Abay (Nile) River utilization, former State Minister for Irrigation Development, Birhanu Lenjiso said. Speaking to ENA, Birhanu, co-founder and former Deputy Director of the East African Policy Research Institute (EAPRI), said the issue must be assessed through a new and more equitable framework, as the previous Nile status quo is coming to an end. He outlined a framework that takes into account historical asymmetries, opportunity costs, benefit-sharing mechanisms, and the economic and environmental value of sustaining the Nile ecosystem. Explaining the stark disparity, Birhanu noted: “Egypt has been using 85 percent without contributing anything, while Ethiopia uses nothing despite contributing 85 percent of the Nile flow.”   As the source of the vast majority of the Nile River’s flow, primarily through the Abay (Blue Nile), Ethiopia devoted for equitable and reasonable utilization. In that regard, scholars and water experts argue that Ethiopia has legitimate grounds to seek redress for historical economic losses and foregone development opportunities resulting from restrictions on its use of the Nile. Birhanu, author of “water: Ethiopia’s Gateway to Prosperity,” says the stark gap between Ethiopia’s enormous contribution to the Nile and its historically limited use of its waters raises fundamental questions of equity. “Ethiopia has contributed enormously to the Nile system while bearing substantial opportunity costs and receiving disproportionately limited benefits,” Birhanu said. He added that: “That historical imbalance provides a legitimate basis for discussing redress and, where appropriate, compensation.” However, he stressed that the issue extends beyond financial claims for past losses.   “It should not be simplified merely to unfair water use in the past or calculating damages,” he said. “It is equally about the future, rainfall, forests, watershed management, biodiversity restoration, and the opportunity cost Ethiopia incurs by allowing a major share of its water resources to flow downstream without corresponding developmental benefits.” He called on downstream nations to acknowledge the ecological investments that maintain the river. Programs like Ethiopia’s Green Legacy Initiative protect basin-wide ecosystems, raising questions about how the financial burden of sustaining these environmental services should be shared, Biruhanu underscored. Similarly, Birhanu argued that infrastructure like the GERD should be evaluated by its overall strategic benefits, such as regional electricity generation, flow regulation, and lower evaporation rates, rather than strictly by reservoir size.   “The fundamental question should not be limited to how many cubic meters of water each country receives,” Birhanu said. “We should also ask what value is generated from the water and how that value can be shared equitably.” Rather than relying solely on direct financial reparations, Birhanu proposed a framework centered on cross-border investment and development cooperation. Downstream nations could invest in Ethiopia’s groundwater development or irrigation efficiency to meet local needs while easing pressure on surface flows, he noted. He highlighted hydropower as a key path toward integration, given that power generation uses water non-consumptively, allowing flows to continue downstream uninterrupted. To realize this, he called for joint scientific, environmental, and economic studies across all Nile Basin states. He stressed that giving value to the concept is more important than a narrow cubic-metre approach. “The future of Nile cooperation should be based not simply on dividing water volumes, but on equitably sharing the benefits generated by the entire river system,” Birhanu stated.

ADDIS ABABA, Sept. 4, 2026 (ENA) — Ethiopia’s livestock export earnings reached 128.3 million USD in the 2018 Ethiopian fiscal year, up from approximately 95 million USD in previous years, marking an increase of more than 35 percent in just one year, according to the Livestock Development Institute. Speaking at a linkage negotiation and contract-signing forum, Livestock Development Institute Director General Asrat Tera highlighted the growth but said the country could raise earnings to at least 1 billion USD. He noted that Ethiopia’s 12 export abattoirs are currently operating at only 10 percent of their combined production capacity of 200,000 metric tons. To capitalize on this potential, the government aims to raise abattoir capacity utilization to 50 percent in the 2019 Ethiopian fiscal year. The target includes exporting about 46,000 metric tons of meat and meat products to generate more than 250 million USD in revenue. Achieving these targets will require overcoming livestock supply constraints, which Asrat identified as the sector’s main bottleneck. He stressed that systematic supply-chain management and reliable partnerships among pastoralists, live-animal traders, and export abattoirs are critical to ensuring a consistent supply and driving value addition. Livestock Development Institute Deputy Director General Sahilu Mulu added that the government is working to strengthen the broader value chain by expanding processing capacity for both domestic and international markets. Over the past two weeks, three field support teams were deployed to the Somali Region, South Ethiopia Regional State, southern Oromia, and the Afar Region to engage local stakeholders on production, aggregation, and marketing. To put these strategies into practice, Ethiopian Meat Producers and Exporters Association President Kelifa Hussein announced a new pilot arrangement. The initiative will allow livestock suppliers in the Somali Region and Borana to supply animals directly to export facilities. Kelifa noted that bypassing unnecessary intermediaries will significantly reduce transaction costs, boost competitiveness, and deliver direct economic benefits to local traders and pastoralists. The association plans to evaluate the pilot and provide additional support, including logistics and financing, to sustain the direct-supply model. The forum brought together export abattoir operators and leaders from the Somali Region and Borena Zone Livestock Traders Associations to sign agreements and formalize market ties.