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

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 Rejecting what he described as an outdated centuries-old narrative surrounding the Abay River, he argued that it sought to grant Egypt exclusive control over the Nile while excluding upstream countries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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Addis Ababa, July 12, 2026 (ENA) —The inauguration of the modernized Debre Markos Nigus Tekle Haimanot Airport marks the fulfillment of a decades-long aspiration of the local community, Amhara Regional State Chief Administrator Arega Kebede said. Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed today inaugurated the airport in Debre Markos, marking a significant milestone in Ethiopia's efforts to expand modern transport infrastructure and accelerate regional economic development. Speaking at the airport's official inauguration ceremony, Arega described the project as a direct response to one of the region's longest-standing public demands, noting that residents of Debre Markos and the surrounding communities had waited many years to see air services restored. "The airport that the people of Debre Markos and the surrounding areas had requested for many years has now become operational," he said. According to the Chief Administrator, Debre Markos had enjoyed air transport services nearly three decades ago before operations were suspended, leaving the area without regular air connectivity ever since.   He recalled that, for many years, residents were told that restoring air services would be impractical because of the town's proximity to Addis Ababa and its challenging topography. Those explanations, he said, left little hope that the airport would ever be rebuilt until Ethiopia's ongoing reform efforts revived the project. Arega noted that the airport has now been reconstructed and upgraded to modern aviation standards, providing the region with state-of-the-art infrastructure capable of supporting expanded passenger and cargo services. He expressed appreciation to the federal government for delivering the project and commended Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed for his continued support in bringing the long-awaited airport into operation.   The Chief Administrator said the airport is expected to unlock the area's considerable economic potential by improving access to its rich agricultural production, mineral resources, tourism attractions, and investment opportunities. He added that, together with newly developed road and transport infrastructure, the airport will enhance regional connectivity, facilitate trade and investment, improve the movement of people and goods, and strengthen economic integration within the region and across Ethiopia.   Arega stressed, however, that the airport's full economic and social benefits will depend on maintaining lasting peace, expanding production, and making effective use of the region's natural resources. "The airport will achieve its intended purpose only if we safeguard peace, increase production and productivity, and responsibly utilize our abundant resources," he said. Calling for collective responsibility, the Chief Administrator urged government institutions, local communities, investors, and other stakeholders to work together to preserve peace and security while creating an enabling environment for investment and development. He also called on residents to reject violence and any attempts to undermine stability, emphasizing that protecting peace, promoting investment, boosting agricultural productivity, and ensuring the free movement of people and goods are shared responsibilities essential to the region's sustainable development.

Addis Ababa, July 12, 2026 (ENA) —Ethiopian Airlines has officially inaugurated its first direct flight from Addis Ababa to Port Louis, landing at Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam International Airport. The first-ever inaugural flight marks a historic milestone in air connectivity between Ethiopia and Mauritius. As Pulse of Africa reported from Port Louis, the arrival of Ethiopian Airlines' inaugural direct flight was marked by a vibrant ceremony attended by government officials, aviation executives, diplomats, business leaders, invited guests, and members of the public, who gathered at Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam International Airport to witness the beginning of a new chapter in Ethiopia–Mauritius relations. The new direct service will operate three times a week on Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays, it was learned. The new service is also expected to offer travelers greater convenience, while providing seamless connections through Ethiopian Airlines’ Addis Ababa hub to destinations across Africa and beyond.   Speaking at the inaugural ceremony, Ethiopian Airlines Group Chief Commercial Officer, Lemma Yadecha said the airline is delighted to launch the Addis Ababa–Mauritius service. The officer described it as an important step toward strengthening economic and social ties between the two countries. He said the new route will enhance business-to-business partnerships, expand tourism opportunities, encourage investment, and facilitate trade between Ethiopia and Mauritius, while reaffirming Ethiopian Airlines’ commitment to connecting Africa with itself and with the global community. For his part, Mauritius’ Minister of Tourism, Christian Harold Richard Duval, also welcomed the launch of the new route, describing it as the beginning of a new chapter for tourism, connectivity, and cooperation across Africa. He said the direct service will create new opportunities for tourism growth, deepen economic collaboration, and bring African nations closer together. The Minister further praised Ethiopian Airlines for its longstanding contribution to African aviation and its continued role in linking the continent with the wider world. With the launch of the Port Louis route, Ethiopian Airlines further expands its extensive African network, serving more than 60 destinations across the continent as part of its global passenger and cargo network of over 145 destinations across five continents.   The new connection is expected to boost tourism, facilitate trade and investment flows, and strengthen Mauritius’ role as a strategic gateway linking the Indian Ocean region with Africa and the global economy. Many observers view the Addis Ababa–Port Louis route as another milestone in Africa’s journey toward greater integration, highlighting the role of aviation as a powerful catalyst for economic cooperation, regional connectivity, and shared prosperity. More importantly, beyond the launch of a new air route, the historic flight represents a stronger bridge between Ethiopia and Mauritius, creating new opportunities for tourism, trade, investment, business partnerships, and people-to-people exchanges, it was indicated.

By Staff Writer Addis Ababa, July 12, 2026 (ENA) —Some weeks generate headlines. Others reveal the direction of a nation. The week that has just concluded belonged firmly to the latter. Across Ethiopia, a series of political, economic and diplomatic developments collectively painted the picture of a country seeking to consolidate reform, strengthen institutions and position itself for long-term stability and sustainable growth. From Parliament’s approval of the largest federal budget in the nation’s history to preparations for the landmark National Dialogue forum, Ethiopia’s agenda reflected a broader ambition: to build a resilient state capable of delivering prosperity, safeguarding sovereignty and advancing lasting peace. Rather than isolated events, the week’s developments formed a coherent narrative of a nation navigating a transformative period. One in which economic reform, democratic governance, regional cooperation and environmental stewardship increasingly reinforce one another. Parliament Sets the Tone for a News Fiscal Year The defining moment of the week came inside the House of People’s Representatives, where lawmakers approved a record 2.34 trillion Birr federal budget for the 2019 Ethiopian Fiscal Year. Presenting the government’s annual report, Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed delivered a wide-ranging address that reviewed Ethiopia’s recent achievements while outlining priorities for the year ahead. Covering virtually every major sector—from economic transformation and national security to healthcare, education and democratic governance, the speech provided the clearest picture yet of the government’s strategic direction.   At the heart of the address was an economy showing renewed momentum. Prime Minister Abiy announced that Ethiopia generated a historic 11 billion U.S. dollars in export earnings—the highest in the country’s history. He attributed the milestone to the success of ongoing macroeconomic reforms, improved productivity and sustained efforts to diversify exports while strengthening foreign exchange reserves. The newly approved budget aims to build upon those gains by financing infrastructure, expanding public services and supporting continued economic growth while maintaining fiscal discipline. Beyond economic indicators, the Prime Minister outlined a broader national vision anchored in strategic self-reliance. He explained that Ethiopia is advancing a three-pillar framework designed to strengthen national resilience, protect sovereignty and enhance the country’s capacity to address its own development and security challenges through strong domestic institutions. Democratic governance also featured prominently.   Reflecting on Ethiopia’s recent general election, Prime Minister Abiy described the peaceful exercise as another milestone in the country’s democratic evolution, noting that it demonstrated citizens’ growing confidence in resolving political differences through constitutional and democratic processes. Human development remained another central pillar of the government’s agenda. According to the Prime Minister, Ethiopia’s healthcare system has entered an advanced stage following sustained investment in expanding access and improving service delivery. Education reforms have likewise accelerated, with growing emphasis on improving quality, widening access and equipping young Ethiopians with the skills needed to compete in an increasingly knowledge-driven global economy. Taken together, the parliamentary session portrayed a government pursuing comprehensive national transformation—one that combines economic modernization with institutional strengthening, democratic development and investment in human capital. National Dialogue Nears a Historic Milestone While Parliament focused on shaping Ethiopia’s economic future, another nationally significant process moved steadily toward a defining moment. Preparations were finalized for Ethiopia’s main National Dialogue forum as delegates from across the country began arriving in Addis Ababa ahead of the long-anticipated gathering.   Throughout the week, coverage emphasized the Dialogue as a nationally owned process rooted in the sovereign will of the Ethiopian people, with citizens themselves expected to determine the country’s future through inclusive deliberation and peaceful consensus-building. Support for the initiative continued to broaden. Community representatives, civic leaders and participants described the Dialogue as a unique opportunity to strengthen reconciliation, reinforce national unity and establish durable foundations for peace. Religious leaders likewise urged Ethiopians to actively support the process, describing it as an important pathway toward national healing and shared understanding. As the forum prepares to commence, expectations remain high that it will help foster consensus on issues that have shaped Ethiopia’s political landscape for generations. Renewed Calls to Consolidate Peace in Tigray Developments in northern Ethiopia also remained high on the national agenda. Throughout the week, stakeholders from Tigray renewed calls to end forced conscription while reaffirming their commitment to sustaining peace and accelerating regional recovery. Media professionals argued that reports of forced recruitment and abductions illustrate diminishing public support for the illegal TPLF faction, describing what they characterized as a shift from economic disruption toward the trafficking and forced mobilization of Tigrayan youth. Adding to these concerns, former House of Federation Speaker Keria Ibrahim warned that the defunct TPLF continues to undermine the future of Tigray’s younger generation through actions that threaten lasting peace and stability.   Collectively, these developments reinforced growing calls to protect civilians, preserve the gains of the Pretoria Peace Agreement and ensure that recovery efforts remain firmly on course. Expanding Ethiopia’s Regional and Global Partnerships Diplomatic engagement remained equally dynamic throughout the week. The United States reaffirmed its commitment to enhanced security cooperation with Ethiopia in support of regional peace and stability. Meanwhile, the Ethiopian Federal Police and the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) strengthened collaboration through new initiatives aimed at deepening regional security cooperation.   Regional institutional development also advanced with the launch of a forensic science scholarship honoring IGAD Executive Secretary Workneh Gebeyehu, reflecting continued investment in professional capacity-building across the Horn of Africa. On the climate diplomacy front, Foreign Minister Gedion Timothewos held discussions with COP30 President-designate Ambassador André Corrêa do Lago as Ethiopia continued preparations related to hosting COP32. At the 62nd Session of the United Nations Human Rights Council, Ethiopia reaffirmed its commitment to constructive engagement on human rights while advocating stronger African cooperation in developing a future-ready health workforce.   Addressing the International Parliamentary Information and Security Forum, House Speaker Tagesse Chafo underscored the importance of renewed multilateralism and stronger international partnerships in addressing today’s increasingly interconnected security challenges. Together, these engagements reflected Ethiopia’s continued efforts to position itself as an active contributor to regional stability, continental cooperation and multilateral diplomacy. Sustainability, Heritage and Regional Integration Gain Further Momentum The week’s developments also highlighted Ethiopia’s continued investment in sustainable development and regional connectivity. Ethiopia strengthened cross-border electricity cooperation through an expanded energy partnership with Kenya, reinforcing regional integration and improving access to reliable power for communities along the shared border. Environmental leadership also remained in focus as delegates attending the International Parliamentary Information and Security Forum participated in Ethiopia’s Green Legacy Initiative by planting tree seedlings. International experts praised the initiative as an inclusive model for climate action with global relevance. Meanwhile, the Ethiopian Heritage Authority reported notable progress in preserving the country’s historical and cultural treasures, reaffirming Ethiopia’s commitment to safeguarding one of Africa’s richest civilizational legacies for future generations. A Nation Building for the Long Term Viewed independently, each development carried its own significance. Taken together, however, they revealed something far more consequential. The week’s events illustrated a country working simultaneously on multiple fronts: sustaining economic reform, strengthening democratic institutions, investing in people, advancing environmental stewardship and expanding constructive engagement with regional and global partners. Preparations for the National Dialogue demonstrated Ethiopia’s determination to pursue consensus through peaceful engagement. Parliamentary deliberations reinforced the government’s commitment to economic transformation and institutional resilience. Diplomatic initiatives underscored the country’s expanding regional and international role, while progress in climate action, cultural preservation and infrastructure reflected a development agenda extending well beyond economic growth alone. Ultimately, the week offered more than a summary of current affairs. It presented a portrait of a nation seeking to shape its next chapter through stronger institutions, greater resilience and a long-term vision of peace, inclusive development and national renewal. As Ethiopia enters a new fiscal year, the message emerging from the week’s events is increasingly clear: the country’s future is being built not through a single milestone, but through the steady convergence of reform, partnership and institution-building that together define the foundations of lasting progress.

Addis Ababa, July 12, 2026 (ENA) — Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed on Sunday inaugurated the newly modernized Nigus Tekle Haimanot Airport in Debre Markos city, Amhara region of Ethiopia. The project restores air connectivity to the area after nearly three decades, marking a major milestone in Ethiopia's ongoing efforts to modernize transport infrastructure and accelerate regional economic transformation. The Prime Minister wrote on X that the airport, long awaited by residents of Debre Markos and surrounding communities, has undergone a comprehensive reconstruction and upgrade after remaining out of service for almost 30 years.   The rehabilitated facility has been rebuilt to a higher operational standard and now features a 2,400-meter-long and 30-meter-wide runway, enabling it to accommodate larger passenger and cargo aircraft, including the De Havilland Canada Q400 and Boeing 737, PM Abiy pointed out. The upgraded airport is expected to enhance domestic connectivity while serving as a key driver of trade, investment, tourism and logistics in East Gojjam Zone and neighboring areas. Its reopening is also anticipated to strengthen market access, facilitate the movement of people and goods, and create new economic opportunities for businesses and local communities. Prime Minister Abiy further said the commencement of airport operations opens a new chapter for the economic development of the area while contributing to Ethiopia's broader national growth agenda through improved infrastructure and connectivity.   He emphasized that the government remains committed to delivering transformative development projects that directly address the needs of citizens and improve livelihoods across the country. "By turning challenges into opportunities, we will continue to demonstrate our commitment through action—responding step by step to our people's development needs and completing the mega projects we have launched with both quality and speed so they can be delivered for public use," the Prime Minister stated.   The inauguration of King Tekle Haymanot Airport underscores Ethiopia's continued investment in strategic infrastructure aimed at expanding domestic as well as regional connectivity, it was indicated.

  Addis Ababa, July 11, 2026 (ENA) — Ethiopian Airlines has officially launched a new direct passenger service between Addis Ababa and Port Louis, Mauritius, marking another milestone in the carrier’s expanding African network and reinforcing its commitment to enhancing regional connectivity. The inaugural flight is scheduled to depart on 12 July 2026 and will operate three times a week. The new route to the Indian Ocean island nation underscores Ethiopian Airlines’ strategic commitment to deepening continental integration while promoting economic growth across Africa. By expanding regional air connectivity, the service is expected to boost tourism, facilitate trade and investment, strengthen people-to-people ties, and provide an important gateway linking regional markets with Ethiopian Airlines’ extensive global network. Speaking at the launch ceremony, Ethiopia’s State Minister of Foreign Affairs, Hadera Abera said the new service reflects the shared commitment of Ethiopia and Mauritius to advancing African integration and strengthening bilateral cooperation.   “It is a great honour to celebrate the inauguration of Ethiopian Airlines’ direct service between Addis Ababa and Port Louis….I extend my sincere gratitude to the Government and people of Mauritius for their steadfast cooperation and invaluable support in making this important milestone a reality,” he said. The state minister stressed that the route represents far more than the launch of a new flight. “It is the opening of a new bridge connecting our two nations, our peoples and our economies. It reflects our shared commitment to promoting regional integration and creating new opportunities for trade, tourism, investment and cultural exchange,” he said. He added that the new connection will enable travelers from Mauritius to access destinations across Africa and beyond through Addis Ababa, one of the continent’s leading aviation hubs—while further strengthening the longstanding diplomatic and economic relations between the two countries. For his part, Ethiopian Airlines Group CEO Mesfin Tasew said the new route reflects the airline’s enduring commitment to expanding connectivity across Africa. “As a Pan-African airline, expanding our presence across the continent remains a key part of our mission and long-term strategy. This new service will create seamless connections between Mauritius, mainland Africa and destinations across our global network, while strengthening trade, tourism, investment and regional integration,” he said. Mesfin noted that Mauritius has become Ethiopian Airlines’ 41st destination in Africa, underscoring the airline’s continued expansion across the continent. He added that the new route will support the objectives of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) by improving mobility, facilitating commerce and enhancing economic cooperation among African countries. Mauritius’ Ambassador to Ethiopia, Indrarjeet Bambooa, described the launch as a historic milestone in bilateral relations, saying the direct air link represents “the beginning of a new chapter” between Mauritius and Ethiopia.   According to the ambassador, the new service will promote tourism, facilitate business and investment, strengthen educational and cultural exchanges, and improve connectivity between Africa and the Indian Ocean region. He also praised Ethiopian Airlines as Africa’s leading carrier and a symbol of African excellence, resilience and innovation, noting that its expanding network continues to bring African countries closer together while connecting the continent to the rest of the world. The new route is expected to reinforce Ethiopian Airlines' leadership in African aviation while contributing to deeper regional integration, greater intra-African trade and the continent's long-term economic development.

Addis Ababa, July 11, 2026 (ENA) —A new electricity supply agreement has been signed on Friday between Ethiopia and Kenya to strengthen cross-border electricity trade and improve reliable power supply. The expanded access to electricity is highly anticipated to benefit the communities living along the two countries' shared border. The agreement is also expected to deepen regional energy integration, setting the electricity tariff at 24.07 Ethiopian birr per kilowatt-hour (kWh). The deal was signed between the Ethiopian Electric Utility (EEU) and the Kenya Power and Lighting Company (KPLC) as part of ongoing efforts to enhance energy connectivity across East Africa. Ethiopia is further advancing regional power connectivity after signing a new electricity supply agreement with Kenya, strengthening cross-border energy cooperation and East Africa’s electricity integration efforts. The agreement, signed by Ethiopian Electricity Service Chief Executive Officer Getu Geremew and Kenya Electricity Company Chief Executive Officer Joseph Siror, enables Kenya to purchase electricity from Ethiopia at 24.07 Birr per kilowatt-hour. The deal aims to expand reliable power supply in border areas, enhance electricity trade between the two countries, and support the development of an interconnected regional energy system. Getu said the agreement demonstrates the benefits of cooperation among neighboring countries, noting that energy partnership is a key driver of sustainable economic growth and regional integration.   On his part, Kenya Power CEO, Joseph Siror said the agreement will strengthen Ethiopia-Kenya relations beyond energy cooperation by promoting peace, economic ties, and closer connections between communities along the border areas. The latest deal highlights Ethiopia’s growing role in promoting regional energy connectivity and supporting the vision of an integrated East African power market, ENA learned.

Addis Ababa, July 10, 2026 (ENA) — The Ethiopian Customs Commission (ECC) announced that it has collected 738.14 billion Birr in revenue in the just-ended Ethiopian fiscal year. In a press briefing to the media in connection with the commission’s annual performance, Commissioner Debele Qabeta elaborated on the operational breakthrough that drove the commission's fiscal success. The Ethiopian Customs Commission Commissioner Debele Qabeta gave a statement to the media regarding the implementation of the completed 2018 fiscal year plan of his institution. According to the commissioner, the commission had initially targeted 725.27 billion Birr for the fiscal year but surpassed its own benchmark to secure 738.14 billion Birr due to highly optimized collection strategies, the Commissioner noted. He further pointed out that the commission successfully executed its core mandates: securing rightful customs duties and taxes, clamping down on illicit smuggling networks, and smoothing the logistical path for national exports. The revenue stream was primarily generated from import-export duties, trade tariffs, and other specialized revenue-linked operations managed by the commission. He also credited the revenue surge to supportive government macroeconomic policies, aggressive institutional reforms, and the extensive digitization of customs clearance and auditing processes. Throughout the budget year, the commission doubled down on its anti-smuggling operations, ensuring that the state did not lose vital revenue to illicit trade pipelines, he noted. The commission managed to intercept illegal contraband and save over 380 billion Birr worth of national wealth from illicit diversion, due to coordinated joint operations with various security and regulatory stakeholders, the Commissioner concluded.

Addis Ababa, July 9, 2026 (ENA) —The "Bounty of the Basket" (Yelemat Trufat) initiative is yielding tangible achievements toward attaining food self-sufficiency and nutritional security targets, the Ministry of Agriculture announced. Briefing the media on the execution of the initiative, State Minister of Agriculture Fikru Regassa stated that the program is enhancing national economic capacity alongside ongoing efforts to guarantee food sovereignty. The state minister recalled that national milk production stood at 7.1 billion liters at the launch of the initiative, noting that it has remarkably surged to 15.7 billion liters this year. Prior to the rollout of the initiative, annual distribution of day-old chicks was limited to 26 million; however, this figure has grown exponentially to 184 million this year. He added that egg production jumped from 3.2 billion to 11.7 billion units, while poultry meat production grew significantly from 90,000 tons to 253,000 tons. Fikru also pointed out that highly encouraging results have been recorded in apiculture and honey production, noting that the diverse interventions have generated numerous jobs across all sub-sectors. Concurrently, aquaculture developments capitalizing on natural water bodies and artificial ponds are registering impressive outcomes. By strengthening the operational capacity of existing hatcheries, the distribution of fish fingerlings has risen from a mere 300,000 to an impressive 16.5 million. Consequently, overall fish production has quadrupled since the inception of the initiative. The program plays a pivotal role in meeting the dietary and nutritional goals of farming and pastoral communities, while simultaneously satisfying the growing urban market demand for animal products. By ensuring equitable socio-economic benefits for citizens, the initiative continues to serve as a vital instrument in stabilizing local food inflation. Regarding livestock productivity, breed improvement programs for dairy cows, combined with modern poultry operations, have unlocked extensive employment options for youth and women. Furthermore, advanced cattle fattening practices and enhanced veterinary vaccine distribution intended to boost foreign trade have significantly scaled up the country's meat export performance. The ministry continues to spearhead nation-wide efforts to optimize agricultural outputs through the adoption of modern farming technologies and improved breeds, with exceptional milestones already recorded in the dairy sector.

Addis Ababa, July 9, 2026 (ENA) —Ethiopia attracted 4.32 billion U.S. dollars in Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) during the 2025/26 Ethiopian Fiscal Year. The achievement has marked an eight percent increase from the previous year and underscored growing international investor confidence in the country's sweeping economic reforms. The figures were unveiled during the Ethiopian Investment Commission's (EIC) annual performance review, where Commissioner Zeleke Temesgen presented the institution's achievements and priorities for the coming fiscal year.   According to the Commissioner, the 4.32-billion-dollar inflow does not yet include investments pledged during the 4th Invest in Ethiopia 2026 Forum by companies that have since obtained investment licenses. He noted that the Commission is working closely with investors to ensure that pledged projects move rapidly from licensing to implementation. The performance review highlighted that the Commission issued 528 new investment licenses during the fiscal year, surpassing its annual target and achieving more than 100 percent of its planned performance. Ethiopia also recorded strong gains in export-oriented industrial production. Products worth 225 million U.S. dollars were exported from the country's Special Economic Zones (SEZs) during the fiscal year, meeting the Commission's annual target and representing an 80 percent increase compared to the previous year. Zeleke attributed much of the success to Ethiopia's ongoing macroeconomic reforms, which have improved the investment environment and accelerated project implementation. He noted that companies, including solar manufacturing firms that committed investments during the 3rd Invest in Ethiopia 2025 Forum—have moved swiftly into operation, contributing significantly to the country's investment performance.   The Commission also reported that more than 260 investment projects advanced into the implementation stage during the fiscal year, exceeding planned targets and reflecting improved investment facilitation. Public-Private Dialogue (PPD) platforms held throughout the year also played a key role in strengthening investor confidence, improving policy predictability and enhancing coordination among government institutions, the Commissioner said. He called for expanding these consultative mechanisms to further improve Ethiopia's investment climate. Beyond investment inflows, the Commission highlighted progress in accelerating licensed projects into operation, creating employment opportunities, expanding digital investment services, strengthening monitoring and evaluation systems, improving investment incentives, increasing domestic revenue collection and enhancing grievance-resolution mechanisms for investors. Commending the Commission's staff for the year's achievements, Zeleke stressed that sustaining the momentum will require continued reforms and stronger institutional collaboration.   He said the Commission's priorities for the new fiscal year will include making Ethiopia's investment environment more predictable, attracting higher-quality strategic investments, expediting project implementation and deepening coordination among public institutions. Observers say the latest investment figures reinforce Ethiopia's position as one of Africa's fastest-growing investment destinations, reflecting the positive impact of the country's ongoing economic reform agenda and its efforts to attract productive, export-oriented and technology-driven investments.