Addis Ababa, August 8, 2026 (ENA) — The Ethiopian Army Foundation and the real estate developer Reportage Properties have launched a mixed-use development project that blends residential spaces with commercial function. The housing development project rests on 23,000 square meters, with two residential towers that will have 1,086 apartments and about 15,000 square meters of commercial space, recreational facilities, and landscaped green areas, it was learned. Ethiopian Army Foundation Board Chairperson, Martha Luwigi, stated that the project will create employment opportunities, improve living standards, and facilitate the transfer of modern construction technologies and expertise. Speaking at the ground-breaking ceremony, she said the project will contribute to Addis Ababa’s economic and social transformation by stimulating investment and improving the city’s urban landscape. The project is a potential model for future international investment and stronger investor confidence in Ethiopia, Martha added. The Chairperson also highlighted Ethiopia’s progress in implementing major development projects under the leadership of Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed. “Project execution, characterized by stronger leadership, effective coordination, close supervision, improved accountability, and more efficient utilization of resources, has undergone significant transformation under the leadership of Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed,” she noted. Martha emphasized that international cooperation and partnerships among government institutions, the private sector, international investors and development partners are essential to accelerate sustainable growth, attract quality investment, and facilitate technology and knowledge transfer. Reportage Group Chairman, Aref Ismail Al Khoori, said Ethiopia has “tremendous potential” and that the company is committed to supporting the country’s growth through developments that create value and opportunities. The partnership also reflects growing economic and investment cooperation between Ethiopia and the United Arab Emirates, bringing together an Ethiopian institution and a UAE-based international real estate developer. Chief Executive Officer of Reportage Properties, Andrea Nucera, said that the UAE developer already has more than 70 employees in Ethiopia; and “we will be an Ethiopian company operating in Ethiopia”. Reportage Properties operates in 25 countries and employs nearly 15,000 people globally. The company has delivered more than 55,000 units and has about 45,000 units under development, according to the CEO.

Addis Ababa, August 7, 2026 (ENA) —Many hydropower experts and policy observers are urging Ethiopia to consolidate the momentum created by the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) by expanding investment in additional mega dams on the Abay (Blue Nile) River. Ethiopia has recently inaugurated the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD), the largest hydropower plant in Africa and one of the continent’s most significant engineering achievements. Most importantly, Ethiopia’s achievement through GERD has brought about a major shift in the narrative surrounding the Abay (Nile) River, challenging the long-standing dominance that Egypt has sought to maintain over the Nile waters and strengthening the principle of equitable utilization of shared water resources. Ethiopia contributes a substantial share of the Nile waters through the Abay River system, making the river central to the country’s hydropower and development ambitions. For Solomon Zena, Executive Director of the Policy Innovation Research Center (PIRC), GERD has vividly demonstrated what Ethiopians can accomplish through unity, and the country must sustain that momentum by building on the critical experience gained from the historic success of the dam. In an exclusive interview with ENA, Solomon said Ethiopia has repeatedly demonstrated its capacity to undertake transformative national projects. He added that the successful completion of GERD stands as a powerful example of the country’s determination, resilience, and collective commitment.   The Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam is a major clean-energy project that significantly boosts renewable hydropower generation and serves as a strategic foundation for advancing regional economic integration. According to Solomon, GERD is generating renewable electricity that is not only transforming Ethiopia’s energy sector but also strengthening the country’s climate actions and providing energy that can support regional development. He further elaborated on the significance of GERD in mitigating climate change by producing large-scale renewable energy and reducing dependence on fossil fuels. Solomon stressed that Ethiopia should move forward by sustaining the momentum in developing its water resources, drawing on the valuable institutional, technical, and financial experience gained through the GERD project. “The nation needs to move ahead and build more dams,” he underlined. Solomon added that: “The successful completion of GERD clearly demonstrates what Ethiopians can accomplish through unity and determination.” Ethiopia has recently planned to build additional hydropower and irrigation dams. The plan aimed at accelerating economic development, enhancing food security, expanding electricity generation, and strengthening the country’s leading role in regional integration through cross-border power connectivity. Meanwhile, Egyptian officials have continued to oppose Ethiopia’s dam development agenda through diplomatic pressure and public statements. For instance, Egypt’s Minister of Water Resources and Irrigation, Hani Sewilam, said that Egypt “will not allow” Ethiopia to build new dams on the Nile River.   Many Ethiopian observers viewed the statement as a significant escalation in Egypt’s rhetoric, arguing that such positions seek to constrain the upstream nation’s sovereign right to pursue development projects within its own territory. Moreover, analysts argue that Egypt has sought to build regional political and security partnerships aimed at increasing pressure on Ethiopia over Nile-related issues and broader regional influence. They contend that Cairo has attempted to strengthen anti-Ethiopia’s alignments with regional actors as part of its effort to influence the balance of power surrounding Nile negotiations and broader Horn of Africa geopolitics. It is a public knowledge that Egyptian irredentist and militaristic regime is already organizing and financing military and diplomatic alliances with Sudanese Armed Forces, the Eritrean regime, local extremist and terrorist forces in Amhara, Oromia and Tigray regions locally known as Tsimdo in a bid to contain the successful economic, diplomatic and regional and national development programs currently spearheaded by Ethiopia. Egypt is supporting a regional conspirators and sabre rattlers to obstruct the peaceful economic development in Ethiopia and chock the nation from having access to ports and the Red Sea international commercial route open to all countries across the world. This clearly indicates how Egypt has been the major catalyst for military and political instability in the region and more particularly in Sudan. However, Egypt’s increasingly aggressive opposition to Ethiopia’s hydropower ambitions has sparked widespread discontent among Ethiopians, intensifying debates over sovereignty, equitable water utilization, and the right of nations to pursue sustainable development. And Solomon emphasized the need to maintain that momentum by expanding the efforts that produced GERD and by applying the same spirit of national cooperation to future development projects across the economy. “Ethiopia has to keep its momentum as long as the people and the government believe that it promotes development without harming others,” Solomon underscored. “We need to go ahead and do what we did with the Grand Renaissance Dam. I understand that we need more dams,” he added. Energy expert Mikael Alemu also questioned the political framing of Egypt’s opposition to GERD.   “Egypt’s argument on the Grand Renaissance Dam sounds much more political,” Mikael told the Ethiopian News Agency. “It has become a very convenient issue in Egyptian politics,” he said, arguing that domestic political pressures can encourage governments to sustain external disputes. “Frequently, Egypt’s political situation seeks an outside enemy. It is politically useful to have an external adversary when domestic politics becomes challenging,” Mikael argued. For him, the claim that Ethiopia would deliberately seek to deprive Egypt of water is fundamentally irrational. The Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam is widely regarded as indispensable for advancing regional economic integration, expanding renewable energy generation, and strengthening Ethiopia’s position as a major clean-energy hub in East Africa. For many experts and observers, the completion of GERD is not the end of Ethiopia’s hydropower journey but the beginning of a broader strategy to harness the Abay River for sustainable development, energy security, climate resilience, and shared regional prosperity.

Addis Ababa, August 7, 2026 (ENA) — The Ethiopian Electric Utility (EEU) surpassed its annual target by collecting 118.91 billion Birr in revenue during the 2018 Ethiopian fiscal year, the utility disclosed. Generated from electricity sales, new customer connections, and other operational streams, the revenue helped finance infrastructure development, enhance service delivery, and expand access across the nation. Presenting its annual performance report to the media, EEU highlighted key achievements in revenue generation, grid expansion, customer service, digital transformation, and strategic targets for the upcoming fiscal year. Getu Geremew, Chief Executive Officer of EEU, stated that the utility made significant progress across revenue collection, access expansion, service quality, and digital adoption throughout the reporting period. Against a planned revenue target of 115.86 billion Birr, EEU generated 118.91 billion Birr. The utility also contributed 12.39 billion Birr in taxes and government revenues, marking a 56 percent increase compared with the previous fiscal year. Getu noted that total expenditure reached 133.6 billion Birr, covering operations, infrastructure construction, maintenance, and capital investments. Additional internal resources were also mobilized to support network upgrades and capacity expansion. Over the course of the fiscal year, EEU connected 664,505 new customers, bringing its total customer base to 5.88 million. Electricity access was extended to 205 rural towns and villages through both grid and off-grid solutions. The utility expanded its distribution network by 13,269 kilometers and rehabilitated 4,892 kilometers of existing lines. To reinforce grid reliability, it installed 8,834 distribution transformers, adding 1,621 MW of capacity. EEU purchased and distributed 18,319 gigawatt-hours of electricity for domestic and export markets—achieving 100.5 percent of its target and reflecting a 15.5 percent surge in power demand compared with the previous fiscal year. The report highlighted notable strides in digital transformation, with digital payment usage climbing to 95.3 percent. EEU further expanded digital services, introducing smart metering, electronic receipts, and multi-channel self-service platforms. Power reliability improved as the frequency of interruptions declined, driven by routine inspections, proactive maintenance, and infrastructure upgrades. However, operational hurdles such as infrastructure theft, vandalism, power theft, and right-of-way constraints continue to pose challenges. Looking ahead to the 2019 Ethiopian fiscal year, EEU aims to connect 1.1 million new households, extend the distribution network by 12,549 kilometers, electrify 317 rural villages, and boost energy sales volume to 21,331 gigawatt-hours while pursuing further service enhancements.

Addis Ababa, August 7, 2026 (ENA) — Prominent Indian international digital news platform Firstpost has released a major feature detailing Ethiopia’s sweeping economic transformation, underscoring how massive infrastructure investments and key economic reforms are propelling the nation forward as a powerhouse in the Horn of Africa. In a segment dedicated to the nation's development trajectory, the channel highlighted Ethiopia's shift away from historic challenges toward a future powered by multi-sectoral growth spanning energy, aviation, mining, agriculture, and digital technology. The report emphasized the central role of the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD), identifying it as the foundation of the nation's industrial ambitions. The news feature underscored the dam's unique national character, emphasizing that the project was realized through domestic resource mobilization. "Ethiopia never took a single Birr in terms of aid or loan for constructing the Renaissance Dam," the report highlighted, noting that by exporting clean power to Kenya, Djibouti, and Sudan, the nation is turning electricity into vital foreign currency while strengthening regional integration. Turning to the logistics sector, the program highlighted the construction of the 12.5 billion USD Bishoftu International Airport, which is projected to handle up to 110 million passengers and nearly 4 million tons of cargo annually. The initiative aims to solidify Addis Ababa's position as a premier global aviation hub linking Africa with Europe, Asia, and West Asia. "Reports say the new 12.5-billion-dollar Bishoftu International Airport currently under construction will eventually handle up to 110 million passengers every year and nearly 4 million tons of cargo… If completed as planned, it will rank among the largest aviation hubs in the world... designed to position Addis Ababa as a major gateway linking Africa, Europe, Asia, as well as West Asia.", the report said. In the agricultural and industrial sectors, the report drew attention to large-scale efforts toward food self-sufficiency, including a 2.5 billion USD fertilizer project in the Somali region designed to produce 3 million tons of urea annually. It also noted the expansion of gold production through projects like Kurmuk Gold as key drivers for foreign exchange diversification. "Beneath Ethiopia's soil, another economic revolution is underway. The country is expanding its mining industry with projects like Kurmuk Gold emerging as new sources of foreign currency." Furthermore, the broadcast cited structural policy moves that have opened previously restricted sectors—including telecommunications, banking, real estate, and capital markets—to private capital. The feature concluded by affirming that Ethiopia's ambitious project implementation and pragmatic economic policy continue to reshape the broader economic landscape of the continent.

Addis Ababa, August 6, 2026 (ENA) — Minister of Mines Habtamu Tegegne said Ethiopia earned more than USD 5.7 billion in foreign currency from the mining sector during the 2018 Ethiopian fiscal year, as the sector continued to expand its contribution to the country’s economic development. The minister disclosed the performance during a review of the mining sector’s achievements in the 2018 Ethiopian fiscal year and its plans for the 2019 fiscal year. The meeting was attended by representatives from the Ministry of Mines, the Ethiopian Geological Institute, and the Mineral Industry Development Institute. Habtamu said the mining sector is one of Ethiopia’s five major economic pillars, noting that it has grown rapidly in recent years. He said gold production remained the main contributor to the sector’s export earnings, with 44 tons of gold produced by mining companies and traditional miners generating USD 5.65 billion in revenue during the concluded fiscal year. The minister said the sector also created permanent employment opportunities for more than 271,000 people during the period, while progress was recorded in mining investment expansion, license issuance, and the production of mineral-based products aimed at reducing dependence on imports. Habtamu also highlighted the start of natural gas extraction in Ethiopia during the fiscal year, saying the resource is currently being used as an input for major ceramic factories. He added that plans are underway to use natural gas for transportation, fertilizer production, and power generation in the future. He further noted that fertilizer and iron smelting factories began operations during the fiscal year, while preparations are underway to bring strategic minerals, including potash, into production. The minister attributed part of the sector’s growth to the transfer of authority to regional states to issue licenses for small-scale mining operations, saying the move helped expand mining activities. For the next fiscal year, the Ministry of Mines has set a target of generating USD 6.7 billion in revenue from the sector, based on the performance recorded in the concluded fiscal year. Ethiopia is endowed with gold and other mineral deposits, and the government has in recent years placed greater emphasis on strengthening mining activities, improving sector management, and increasing the role of mineral resources in economic development.

Addis Ababa, August 6, 2026 (ENA) —The National Bank of Ethiopia (NBE) has reaffirmed its commitment to community development through a series of social initiatives aimed at supporting vulnerable communities, expanding educational access, and promoting environmental sustainability. The Bank laid the foundation stone for residential homes for internally displaced families in the Awi Zone of Amhara region, distributed educational materials to students, and joined a large-scale tree planting campaign.   In its social media post, NBE underscored its broader commitment to inclusive national development beyond its core financial and monetary responsibilities. Speaking during the visit, NBE Governor, Eyob Tekalgn expressed gratitude for the warm welcome extended by the Awi community and emphasized the importance of national unity as a foundation for Ethiopia’s development. “Ethiopians, wherever they may live, take pride in their unity. That unity is one of our greatest strengths and a defining part of our national identity,” he said.   The Governor added that: “The people of Awi have preserved that spirit of unity and resilience, and they stand as a symbol of national strength.” The initiatives form part of the Bank’s wider corporate social responsibility efforts, which focus on strengthening local communities, supporting education, and contributing to environmental restoration across the country, he elaborated. Bazezew Chane, Advisor to the Regional President, told the bank's Corporate Communications and International Relations Directorate that the presence of Eyob Tekalign and the delegation brought immense joy to the local population. “The National Bank of Ethiopia traveled nearly 800 kilometers from Addis Ababa, and then another 30 kilometers beyond the main road, to reach this community. That level of commitment has become a source of great pride for our people,” he said.   Bazezew noted that the area is making steady progress toward peace and development, adding that initiatives supporting displaced families and students help deepen public trust and reinforce social stability. Observers say the NBE’s engagement reflects a growing recognition that national institutions can play a meaningful role in advancing social cohesion, environmental resilience, and equitable development alongside their institutional mandates. The Bank said its community-focused initiatives are intended to contribute to Ethiopia’s long-term development agenda by supporting vulnerable populations, strengthening local partnerships, and fostering sustainable growth across the country.

Addis Ababa, August 6, 2026 (ENA) —African countries need to exchange experiences and build solutions to address the challenge toward food self-sufficiency while leveraging all the capacities and abundant natural resources of the continent, former African Union (AU) Commissioner for Agriculture, Rural Development, Blue Economy, and Sustainable Environment, Josefa Sacko, said. Speaking to ENA, the former AU commissioner said food security continues to be one of the persistent challenges across Africa. The AU Agenda 2063 includes a target to end hunger, but progress has not matched expectations, she added. The former commissioner pointed out that the African agricultural models must evolve beyond traditional approaches, especially as African nations continue to face major shocks that have affected food systems due to reliance on imports. In addition, she highlighted the role of inter-African trade under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), noting that agricultural products make up about 70 percent of intra-African trade. Expanding trade between surplus and deficit countries can help create jobs while improving food security and reducing hunger and poverty. Sacko further stressed that Africa cannot address its challenges alone. She therefore called for stronger partnerships with multilateral organizations while also emphasizing domestic resource mobilization. In her view, African countries must take greater responsibility for their own projects rather than relying entirely on external aid. “Africa has a lot of potential to take its destiny in its hand,” the former commissioner said, emphasizing that sovereignty and ownership are essential to long-term progress. According to her, Ethiopia’s progress toward food self-sufficiency and environmental conservation efforts is commendable and replicable Sacko commended the country for shifting away from wheat imports. “On this matter, I can congratulate Ethiopia on its progress in its agricultural productivity. It particularly did a lot on wheat production. Today, you are not importing wheat. You are exporting.” The former commissioner also pointed to Ethiopia’s environmental efforts, including the tree planting programs under the Green Legacy Initiative, describing it as an encouraging and a model that other African countries should study and replicate. “Ethiopia is doing so well in terms of planting tree. It is exemplary for other African countries who should learn and practice,” she concluded.

Addis Ababa, August 6, 2026 (ENA) — Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed has inaugurated a new terminal at Bahir Dar Dejazmach Belay Zeleke International Airport, marking a pivotal milestone for one of Ethiopia's primary aviation gateways. The modern facility is set to dramatically enhance the regional transport landscape and serve as an engine for economic growth. Reflecting on the achievement, Prime Minister Abiy noted that the project represents far more than upgraded infrastructure. He described the terminal as a powerful symbol of resilience, recovery, and forward-looking investment. The expanded terminal boosts overall passenger capacity and modernizes the airport's surrounding infrastructure, incorporating upgraded aircraft facilities, improved access roads, and enhanced passenger amenities. Coupled with ongoing urban transformation projects across Bahir Dar, the newly expanded facility positions the city as a crucial hub for both domestic and international air travel. The Prime Minister, addressing officials, community elders, and residents during the inaugural event, reflected on Bahir Dar's rich heritage, describing it as a city blessed with extraordinary natural beauty and history. He emphasized its legacy as a vital trade bridge connecting regions like Shewa and Welega to the northern expanses of Gondar for over a century. Highlighting recent projets such as the Gorgora Resort, Felge Ghion, and the enhanced maritime transport on Lake Tana underscore the area's massive tourism potential, Prime Minister Abiy noted. He observed that strategic public investments alongside growing private sector initiatives are revitalizing access to the region’s historical islands and cultural heritage sites. Beyond tourism, PM Abiy pointed to broader infrastructural strides, including the establishment of an industrial park, top-tier intra-city road designs, iconic bridges, ongoing corridor development, and an upcoming stadium in Bahir Dar. He also commended the judicial reforms undertaken by the Amhara Regional Supreme Court, praising its deployment of virtual courtroom systems to streamline access to justice across the region. As the country's second-largest airport terminal after Addis Ababa Bole International Airport, the new facility stands as a major victory for Ethiopian Airlines, the Amhara region, and the nation as a whole, he elaborated. However, Prime Minister Abiy stressed that sustaining this momentum relies heavily on addressing two fundamental pillars through continuous efforts. The first critical imperative involves expanding municipal revenue to maintain and build upon these investments. Despite hosting premier infrastructure, Bahir Dar city currently ranks seventh among Ethiopian cities in revenue generation, he stated. To keep new green spaces, corridor developments, and public services operating seamlessly, local financial capacity must grow to reflect the city's modern stance, transforming Bahir Dar into an economically self-sustaining hub for visitors and investors alike, he added. The second indispensable requirement is preserving regional peace, without which long-term economic prosperity and vibrant tourism cannot flourish, the PM stressed.

Addis Ababa, August 5, 2026 (ENA) —Ethiopia’s digital transformation is an exemplary model that other African countries can learn from, Benin’s Minister of Digital Transformation and Innovation, Mahuna Akplogan revealed. Akplogan, who led a Beninese delegation, made the remarks after visiting the Modern Ethiopian Service for Organized Benefits (MESOB) and National ID service centers. According to the minister, the visit is part of the growing cooperation between Ethiopia and Benin in technology and digital innovation. It focused on sharing experiences and strengthening institutional partnerships on the development, expansion and accessibility of digital public services for citizens and businesses, he added. Speaking to journalists, the minister described Ethiopia’s digital transformation efforts as a “textbook case” for Africa. He further elaborated that Benin is interested in learning from Ethiopia’s experience and adopting best practices in digital service delivery. “Ethiopia has recently demonstrated that the country has been able to be very effective in digital transformation and in innovating the services offered to citizens,” he said.   The minister also said Ethiopia’s Digital Ethiopia 2025 strategy provided a strong foundation for the country’s digital advancement, paving the way for Digital Ethiopia 2030, which sets more ambitious objectives. He also added that Benin aims to understand Ethiopia’s approach to digital transformation while exploring areas of cooperation between the two countries. “The two countries are entering a phase of learning from one another and exploring broader areas of cooperation,” Akplogan noted. MESOB Service CEO Yonas Alemayehu on his part said that the visit provided an opportunity to share Ethiopia’s experience in building an integrated digital government service platform.   MESOB has evolved within a year from a one-stop service center into a unified digital platform and is preparing to launch a self-service smart MESOB system, he emphasized. Yonas said the Beninese delegation showed particular interest in MESOB’s institutional integration model, which they identified as a possible approach to addressing similar challenges in their own digital service systems. Meanwhile, Ethiopia’s National ID Executive Director Yodahe Zemichael also noted that the delegation learned about Ethiopia’s experience in building domestic technological capacity for digital identity services. According to him, the initiative aligns with the African Union’s vision of facilitating the movement of people across the continent and supporting trade and economic integration.   Yodahe added that discussions were held on possible future cooperation between Ethiopia and Benin in digital identity and other technology-driven projects. The visit underscored the growing partnership between the two countries and highlighted opportunities for collaboration in digital transformation, innovation, technology development and knowledge exchange.

Addis Ababa, August 5, 2026 (ENA) —Egyptian authorities have intensified their media campaign against the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) to divert domestic economic and political pressures, President of Ethiopian Institute for Public Diplomacy (EIPD), Yassin Ahmed told ENA. The renewed focus on the dam is aimed at diverting public attention from economic and livelihood challenges facing the Egyptian people, he underscored. Yassin said the GERD issue has increasingly become a political and media tool for domestic consumption in Egypt rather than a matter centered on water resource management. He stressed that Ethiopia’s disagreement is not with the Egyptian people but with policies pursued by successive Egyptian governments, which he said have not been based on partnership, cooperation, and regional integration. "The GERD is now being used domestically in Egypt to distract the Egyptian people from the country's internal and regional challenges," Yassin said, adding that Egyptian authorities revive the issue whenever economic, political, and security pressures intensify.   He said the Egyptian government has attempted to associate the GERD with challenges unrelated to the project, including flooding and declining water levels, while noting that some Sudanese experts have attributed such issues to dam management practices in Sudan. According to Yassin, the GERD has become "a scapegoat" used by Egyptian authorities to shift responsibility for domestic and regional challenges as part of a political and media campaign against the project. He also alleged that Egypt has benefited from the circumstances created by the ongoing conflict in Sudan, which has limited Khartoum’s ability to fully utilize its allocated share of Nile waters, leaving a significant portion stored behind Egypt’s High Aswan Dam. Yassin referred to previous remarks by Egyptian Minister of Water Resources and Irrigation Hani Sewilam regarding the strategic reserves of the High Aswan Dam, saying these statements indicate, in his view, that Egypt does not face an immediate water security threat from the GERD. "The GERD has become a political and media card used to pressure Ethiopia. Whenever Ethiopia makes progress in convincing the international community of its legitimate rights, Egypt resorts to the GERD issue to tarnish Ethiopia's image and demonize the dam," he said. He further claimed that renewed attention to the GERD coincides with Ethiopia’s diplomatic efforts to promote its positions on regional issues, including what he described as Ethiopia’s legal and historical right to access the sea.   Yassin said Cairo has sought to reactivate the GERD dispute to weaken Ethiopia’s position and exert pressure in broader regional matters. He emphasized that the GERD is a strategic development project designed to support regional integration, provide electricity to neighboring countries, and advance shared interests among Nile Basin countries, rejecting claims that the dam threatens downstream nations. The EIPD president also argued that Egypt’s continued refusal to resume negotiations serves political and media objectives by keeping the issue unresolved and diverting attention from domestic economic and social challenges. He stressed that Nile Basin issues should be addressed through dialogue, cooperation, and mutual respect rather than political pressure and media campaigns. "Ethiopia remains committed to pursuing shared development and mutual benefit for the region," Yassin underscored.

Addis Ababa, August 5, 2026 (ENA) —Ethiopia is well positioned to become Africa's future energy hub by harnessing its vast renewable energy resources, extensive hydropower expertise, and expanding regional electricity interconnections, Minister of Water and Energy Habtamu Itefa said. In an exclusive interview with ENA, the minister said Ethiopia has an estimated 60 gigawatts of hydropower generation potential, only a fraction of which has been developed, leaving significant room for future expansion. According to Habtamu, the country's favorable topography and abundant water resources provide a strong comparative advantage over many neighboring countries, several of which have limited hydropower potential and continue to depend on diesel-generated electricity. "Ethiopia is fortunate to possess the natural resources and geographical conditions needed to generate large-scale renewable energy," he said. "These advantages place the country in a strategic position to supply clean energy across the region." The minister noted that Ethiopia has emerged as one of Africa's leading producers of renewable electricity, with hydropower accounting for the vast majority of its power generation. He added that Ethiopia currently exports electricity to Djibouti, Sudan and Kenya, while working to expand power interconnections with additional neighboring countries. Habtamu said the country's decades of experience in developing and operating major hydropower projects, including Melka Wakena, Koka, Tekeze, Fincha and the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD), have enabled it to build strong technical and institutional expertise that distinguishes it within the region. He stressed that hydropower remains one of the cleanest and most cost-effective sources of electricity, producing energy without carbon emissions while supporting Ethiopia's climate and sustainable development objectives. Beyond hydropower, Ethiopia also possesses substantial solar, wind and geothermal resources, the minister said. "By combining these resources, Ethiopia can become not only the energy hub of East Africa but ultimately the energy hub of the African continent," he stated. Habtamu observed that rising electricity demand across neighboring countries further strengthens Ethiopia's strategic position, noting that regional nations can significantly improve access to reliable and clean energy through cross-border electricity interconnections. He also said demand for Ethiopian electricity continues to grow alongside rapidly increasing domestic consumption, driven by industrial expansion, urbanization and the country's transition to electric mobility. "The assignment before us is clear. We must continue building more dams and generating more electricity," the minister said. "Our responsibility is first to meet Ethiopia's growing energy needs and then to supply our neighbors." The minister further noted that recent geopolitical developments have underscored the strategic importance of water and energy resources, with competition over these assets increasingly shaping global affairs. He said Ethiopia is strengthening its energy security by accelerating the transition from fossil fuels to renewable electricity, including expanding the use of electric vehicles to reduce dependence on imported petroleum products. According to Habtamu, scaling up electric mobility requires sustained investment in electricity generation, transmission infrastructure and nationwide charging networks. To support this transition, Ethiopia has revised its National Energy Policy to encourage greater private sector participation in the energy sector, he said. The revised policy, recently approved by the Council of Ministers and endorsed by Parliament, provides a more favorable framework for private investment in power generation, transmission and renewable energy development. Habtamu said increased private sector participation will help meet rising domestic electricity demand, strengthen resilience against global energy market shocks and expand electricity exports to neighboring countries, further reinforcing Ethiopia's role as a regional supplier of clean energy. As part of the Homegrown Economic Reform Agenda, Ethiopia has introduced wide-ranging policy reforms to liberalize the energy sector and attract private investment. The reforms could accelerate renewable energy development, expand electricity infrastructure, advance the transition to electric mobility, meet growing domestic demand, deepen regional energy integration and support Africa's broader transition to clean energy.

Addis Ababa, August 5, 2026 (ENA) — Ethiopia’s metal industry is gaining renewed momentum as stakeholders say the “Made in Ethiopia” initiative is helping local manufacturers access finance, expand market opportunities and modernize production facilities. Industry leaders and factory representatives who spoke to ENA said the government-backed initiative is also addressing longstanding challenges that have constrained sector growth, creating new opportunities for local producers to scale up and compete in domestic and regional markets. President of the Ethiopian Machinery and Equipment Manufacturers Association (EMEMA), Yohannis Girma, said manufacturers are continuing to produce a wide range of metal products to meet local demand while working toward becoming exporters to neighboring countries. He said the Ministry of Industry has been supporting the sector through two key areas: import substitution and export promotion. “The ‘Made in Ethiopia’ program has contributed to the wider use of locally manufactured products while creating opportunities for business expansion,” Yohannis said. “We are moving forward with great momentum under the theme of ‘Made in Ethiopia’ to promote the use of local products. We have demonstrated our capabilities through exhibitions and various events, and now the focus is on expansion,” he added. Yohannis said Ethiopia has significant potential to develop export-oriented metal industries by combining local skills and experience with modern technologies from abroad. “By using latecomer advantages, bringing technologies from abroad and combining them with our local capacity and knowledge, I can say we are doing commendable work in recent years,” he said. He further noted that the quality and competitiveness of locally manufactured products have been improving steadily through modernization and innovation. “The change is very clear. We have managed to make many of our new products competitive, not only in terms of production capacity but also in quality through modernization,” he said. Beyond manufacturing, EMEMA provides consulting and engineering services, including construction machinery support and spare parts production for textile machinery, automotive equipment, food processing, agriculture, medical industries and other metal workshops, according to Yohannis. Meanwhile, Hiwot Damenu, Marketing Manager of Met Petrochemicals Manufacturing PLC in Dukem, said the company is expanding its operations in response to growing market demand, particularly for welding electrodes. “We are getting a lot of support from the government and private sectors. They are appreciating our work,” she said. She added that the company plans to upgrade its production capacity to include MIG wire manufacturing, a product widely used by metal industries, marking another step toward sector expansion. Since the 2014 Ethiopian Fiscal Year, the “Made in Ethiopia” program and continued government support have helped revive inactive factories, attract new investments and increase production capacity across the manufacturing sector.

Addis Ababa, August 5, 2026 (ENA) —Ethiopia will host the 76th Session of the WHO Regional Committee for Africa (RC76) in Addis Ababa from August 24 to 28, 2026. The session will be organized in collaboration with the World Health Organization (WHO) Regional Office for Africa. According to a post on WHO African Region Pages, the summit will assemble over 600 delegates, including health ministers, senior officials from the 47 member states of the WHO African Region, global health leaders, development partners, donors, and WHO representatives to address regional health priorities and foster continental cooperation. Over the five-day session, participants will evaluate progress on regional health goals, deliberate on new strategies and resolutions, and outline collective actions to strengthen health systems, advance universal health coverage, improve health security, and enhance emergency preparedness. Professor Francis Chisaka Kasolo, WHO Representative to Ethiopia, the African Union, and UNECA said, “The meeting will provide an important opportunity for Member States to shape the Region's health agenda, strengthen partnerships, and accelerate progress towards healthier, safer, and more resilient communities across Africa". The representative added that hosting the session reflects Ethiopia's commitment to regional solidarity and collective action. The gathering will also highlight Ethiopia’s health system achievements, including recent successes in expanding essential services and containing the Marburg virus disease outbreak. As the diplomatic capital of Africa, housing both the African Union and the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA), Addis Ababa offers a strategic stage for coordinated action on shared health challenges. Throughout the week, the program will feature technical discussions, exhibitions, bilateral meetings, and public engagement activities highlighting health innovations and knowledge sharing across African institutions. The WHO Regional Committee for Africa serves as the governing body for the regional office, meeting annually to determine regional health policy, review WHO's work, and establish priorities for health outcomes across the continent.

Addis Ababa, August 5, 2026 (ENA) — Ethiopia's Green Legacy Initiative (GLI) is playing a significant role in expanding the country's ecotourism potential in addition to its contribution to environmental conservation, Tourism State Minister Sileshi Girma said. Launched in 2019 under the leadership of Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, the GLI has become a flagship environmental movement focused on restoring degraded landscapes, expanding forest coverage, and strengthening climate resilience nationwide. As part of the current rainy season campaign, Ethiopia held a historic tree-planting drive on August 3, 2026, aimed at planting 800 million seedlings in a single day. The event drew millions of participants from all walks of life, including high-level government officials led by Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed. On the same day, the Ministry of Tourism and its stakeholders planted various indigenous plant species, fruit trees, and coffee seedlings. By the conclusion of the drive, the campaign surpassed its target, planting 805.3 million seedlings nationwide with the active participation of over 26.2 million Ethiopians. In an exclusive interview with the Ethiopian News Agency (ENA), State Minister Sileshi emphasized that planting diverse flora, especially native plants, substantially supports ecotourism development by preserving biodiversity. He noted that Ethiopia is endowed with unique indigenous flora and fauna, and the continued annual initiative plays a vital role in conserving these natural assets. Furthermore, Ethiopia has developed major ecotourism projects under the "Dine for Ethiopia" program, including Gorgora, Wonchi, Koysha, Halala Kella, and Chebera Churchura. These projects are driving tourist activity, generating foreign currency, creating job opportunities, and preserving the nation's natural heritage. Highlighting that tourism is a central pillar of the Homegrown Economic Reform Agenda, the state minister underscored the sector's expanding role in accelerating national economic growth.

Addis Ababa, August 4, 2026 (ENA) — The Cable News Network (CNN) has featured the hugely anticipated Ethiopian Airlines' major expansion project designed to expand the country's aviation capacity and strengthen its role as a major air transport hub in Africa. The airline, described by the host as one of Africa's most successful carriers connecting the continent to destinations around the world, is planning its next major expansion. The state-of-the-art Bishoftu International Airport, with a price tag of more than 12 billion USD, will have a capacity of handling 110 million passengers per year and about 4 million tons of cargo. "From diggers to excavators, bulldozers, and trucks, this is one of the largest building sites on the continent. This greenfield site is located about 40 km from Addis Ababa; and if everything goes to plan, by 2030, the state-of-the-art Bishoftu International Airport will stand here," Connecting Africa host Victoria Rubadiri reported. The modern airport is set to be a major driver of the country's economic transformation. Bishoftu International Airport Project General Manager, Abraham Tesfaye, told CNN that Bishoftu International Airport development will bring significant macro-economic development. ''It will basically support trade, it will facilitate tourism, it will make Bishoftu and the surrounding area, including Addis Ababa, a destination to come in the near future.'' Discussing the airline's expansion plans and the future of aviation on the continent, Ethiopian Airlines Group CEO, Mesfin Tasew, said the economic capacity of the existing Bole International Airport is 25 million passengers, and within a year or two it will reach the maximum limit. "That is why we decided to develop a new airport in another location. The new airport will help to develop the aviation industry further in Ethiopia and in the continent." According to him, this Ethiopian fiscal year alone, Ethiopian Airlines has transported 20.7 million passengers. And when the passengers served by other airlines who fly here are added together, it is around 22 million passengers using this terminal per year. Moreover, he noted that the airline would like to expand its network throughout the world, including into Europe and Africa. "Africa is our home market—we will continue opening new routes into Africa and increasing frequencies as well." In this regard, the CEO stressed that the AfCFTA is a promising initiative among African countries for coordinated economic growth. For AfCFTA to be successful, there should be a means for people and goods to move from one African country to another. So, the African air transport industry has to develop to play its part in enabling the AfCFTA initiative to be successful. Bishoftu International Airport is designed to become Africa's largest aviation hub that serves up to 110 million passengers annually.

Addis Ababa, August 4, 2026 (ENA) — Ethiopia remains a credible example for other nations seeking to keep urban environments greener and cleaner, UNECA Communication Officer, Ernest Chi Cho, told ENA. Cho noted that Addis Ababa has achieved a holistic transformation through major infrastructure expansion alongside green urban policies. He highlighted electrification and large-scale tree planting under Ethiopia’s Green Legacy efforts, noting visible improvements in the city of Addis Ababa's streets, parks, and public amenities. Cho said that since moving to Addis Ababa around 10 years ago, he has witnessed significant changes in the city’s development, highlighting improved electrification, widespread tree planting, and efforts by government leadership to promote greenery. "I moved to Ethiopia, Addis Ababa, 10 years ago. Over the years, I have seen how the city has evolved," he stated. The Communication Officer pointed to the availability of public facilities such as parks and recreational areas for children, describing the overall transformation of the road network and urban amenities as remarkable, compared to earlier years. The modern city offers safer roads, greener public spaces, and improved facilities, Cho said, adding that Ethiopia’s efforts extend beyond beautification to the “brilliant endeavor” of promoting electric vehicles that support climate action and keep the environment green. According to him, the country remains a credible example for other nations seeking to keep urban environments greener and cleaner. Beyond infrastructure and environmental policy, Cho said Ethiopia’s aviation sector has also earned admiration, describing Ethiopian Airlines as a model of stable long-term management and steady growth. He cited the experience of visiting Bole International Airport as evidence of the standards Ethiopia has reached in airport development and city beautification. Ethiopia has earned international recognition for its aviation sector, Cho said, describing Ethiopian Airlines as a model that Africans should be proud of. The Communication Officer underscored that the standards of urban beautification offer a replicable template for other African countries seeking sustainable urban development and environmental sustainability. Cho also stressed that policymakers need to work on approaches to ensure that development remains inclusive.

Addis Ababa, August 3, 2026 (ENA) —The U.S.-based Cable News Network (CNN) has spotlighted Ethiopia’s Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) as one of Africa’s most remarkable engineering achievements. The media company also portrayed the project as a symbol of the country’s broader economic transformation and infrastructure-driven development strategy. In a feature on its Connecting Africa program, CNN journalist Victoria Rubadiri traveled to the GERD site in western Ethiopia, where she explored the scale of the dam and interviewed its Project Manager, Engineer Kifle Horo.   The documentary noted that while Ethiopia has long been known globally for its coffee exports, the country is increasingly diversifying its economy through major investments in renewable energy, mining, tourism, and large-scale infrastructure projects aimed at driving long-term growth and regional trade. CNN described GERD as an unprecedented hydroengineering accomplishment on the African continent. “Thousands of construction workers and engineers have transformed a remote valley to build Africa’s largest hydroelectric dam. Today, at a height of 145 meters and stretching 1.8 kilometers across the Blue Nile, the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam is truly a sight to behold,” the network reported. Engineer Kifle Horo, Project Manager of GERD, said the power plant has an installed generation capacity of about 5,150 megawatts, making it the largest hydroelectric facility in Africa and a major contributor to Ethiopia’s electricity production. It contributes more than 50 precent, he pointed out.   Built on the Blue Nile River, construction of GERD began in 2011, and the project officially entered operation in September 2025. Moreover, Kifle told CNN that one of the greatest challenges during construction was logistics. “We are around 1,400 kilometers from the port of Djibouti. Transporting heavy equipment to the site took between 60 and 90 days,” he said, highlighting the complexity of building a mega-infrastructure project in a remote location. CNN also emphasized what it described as the dam’s most distinctive feature: its financing model. Unlike many large infrastructure projects in developing countries, GERD was built primarily through domestic financing, with Ethiopians contributing through public donations, government-issued bonds, and national budget allocations. “We have no single coin from outside Ethiopia. This project was constructed by Ethiopians, and the total cost—estimated at between 4.2 and 5 billion U.S. dollars—was financed entirely by Ethiopians,” Kifle said. The report presented GERD not only as a massive energy project but also as a rare example of a nationally funded mega-dam built through broad public participation. Addressing concerns raised by Egypt as a downstream country, Kifle reiterated Ethiopia’s position that the dam is designed for hydropower generation rather than water consumption.   “This is not a water-consumptive project. Whatever water comes in goes out. The main challenge was during the filling period, which took five years. Ethiopia advocates equitable and sustainable use of shared water resources without causing significant harm to downstream countries,” he said. CNN’s feature framed GERD as more than a dam, portraying it as a transformative infrastructure project that has turned a once-isolated valley into a strategic energy hub with the potential to support industrialization, expand electricity access, and strengthen regional economic integration across East Africa. By highlighting both the engineering scale of the project and its domestically financed construction, the network underscored GERD’s significance as one of the continent’s most consequential infrastructure achievements of the 21st century, it was learned.

Addis Ababa, August 2, 2026 (ENA—Ethiopia's Green Legacy Initiative (GLI) is not only delivering measurable improvements in water resources, dam sustainability and agricultural productivity through scientifically proven environmental restoration, but also benefiting neighboring and downstream countries, Water and Energy Minister Habtamu Itefa said. In an exclusive interview with ENA, the Minister also underscored the need to explore internationally recognized Payment for Ecosystem Services (PES) mechanisms. According to Habtamu, the environmental restoration program has transformed degraded watersheds, enabling more rainfall to infiltrate the soil instead of being lost as destructive surface runoff. Vegetation cover plays a critical role in the hydrological cycle by increasing groundwater recharge, reducing soil erosion and improving river flows.   He said the ministry has scientifically verified the impact of the Green Legacy Initiative through satellite data and watershed studies conducted in several river basins. Studies undertaken in Upper Awash, the Abay (Blue Nile) Basin and the Hawassa catchment have shown significant improvements in vegetation cover, accompanied by the re-emergence of springs and streams that had previously dried up. "There are areas where rivers and small streams had disappeared because of deforestation. Following large-scale reforestation, these water sources have begun to recover, and springs are flowing again," the Minister said. Improved vegetation has also enhanced water quality by reducing sedimentation as tree roots and ground cover stabilize soil and prevent erosion.   The reduced sediment load entering rivers and reservoirs has become increasingly important for Ethiopia's hydropower infrastructure. "The more water we store in our dams and the less sediment entering them, the greater our capacity to generate electricity while extending the operational life and safety of the dams." Habtamu noted that the initiative is also improving agricultural productivity by increasing dry-season water availability for irrigation. Communities across Ethiopia are increasingly cultivating wheat, vegetables and fruits using rivers and springs that have become more reliable due to watershed rehabilitation, he added. Beyond its national benefits, the Minister said Ethiopia's Green Legacy Initiative is contributing to climate change mitigation by increasing carbon sequestration while improving water availability across the region. "Ethiopia is not only planting trees for itself. By restoring our watersheds, we are reducing carbon emissions, increasing oxygen production and improving water flows that benefit neighboring countries." Neighboring countries like Kenya, Somalia, South Sudan are benefiting from improved river flows and reduced flood risks resulting from Ethiopia's watershed conservation efforts, the Minister elaborated.   He noted that nearly 30 percent of the more than 48 billion seedlings planted under the Green Legacy Initiative are in the Abay, Baro and Tekeze river basins, which contribute significant transboundary water resources. These investments help regulate river flows during dry seasons while reducing flooding downstream, the Minister added. Both Sudan and Egypt are benefitting from the investments as they could get more water, Habtamu said, calling for greater international recognition of Ethiopia's investment in environmental restoration that provides ecosystem services which extend well beyond its borders. The Minister further underscored the need to explore internationally recognized Payment for Ecosystem Services (PES) mechanisms, arguing that Ethiopia's investments in watershed protection generate measurable environmental and water-resource benefits for downstream countries. "Ethiopia is investing land, resources, time and labor to protect these watersheds. This creates benefits that have economic value, and such contributions should be scientifically assessed under internationally accepted Payment for Ecosystem Services frameworks," Habtamu said. He emphasized that any future discussions on ecosystem compensation should be supported by rigorous scientific research and international best practices.   Habtamu concluded by saying Ethiopia's Green Legacy Initiative has evolved beyond a tree-planting campaign into a comprehensive environmental restoration program that is strengthening water resources, supporting food security, improving renewable energy generation and contributing to regional environmental sustainability.

Addis Ababa, August 2, 2026 (ENA—Ethiopia is a strategically significant nation for trade and investment in the region and the continent at large, Duncan Onyango, Trade Catalyst Africa CEO, said. Speaking to ENA, the Trade Catalyst Africa, a financing facility that addresses the challenge of access to finance for trade infrastructure, CEO noted Ethiopia’s large size, youthful population and strong economic potential for sectors including agriculture, health, education, and financial services. He described the nation whose substantial share of population is young and poised for growth as a huge economy not only within its region but also the continent. This demographic advantage positions the country to deliver broader value to African economies through expanded production and services, the CEO added. "Ethiopia is actually a very significant country, not just in the region but also in the continent. It's a huge economy. It's a large population. A lot of the population is young people who are aspiring for great things." According to him, Ethiopia’s ability to extract value from its resources depends on attracting investment capable of supporting development and production. The CEO pointed to trade routes and logistics as a central focus for investors, arguing that infrastructure investment could reduce the high cost of doing business in key corridors.   "The world now is talking about critical minerals, and that is an area that can be unlocked with the right type of capital for Ethiopia as a country to be able to then extract value and be able to deliver on the promise it has made for its people." Onyango also highlighted new opportunities linked to Gulf-Africa economic cooperation, particularly in areas such as critical minerals, an area he said could be unlocked with the right long-term capital. The CEO said Gulf capital could play a role in addressing infrastructural and financing gaps not just in Ethiopia, but across parts of Africa to help open up export corridors, lower transportation costs, and strengthen economic competitiveness. In his view, Gulf investors' capital needs to align with Ethiopia’s ambitions to attract investment into competitive value chains, job creation, and improved household incomes. Onyango underscored that there is a symbiotic relationship between those with capital and countries with development needs, suggesting that targeted investment can benefit both Gulf economies and local Ethiopian communities. He further stressed that access to finance is a key driver of economic activity, enabling small businesses to innovate, scale, and export.

Addis Ababa, August 1, 2026 (ENA—Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed said Ethiopia has developed the capacity and institutional resilience to counter any threat to its national existence, while calling for internal disputes to be resolved through dialogue. In a wide-ranging interview with the Amhara Media Corporation (AMC), the Prime Minister said Ethiopia has learned from the failures and divisions of its past and is better prepared to withstand efforts aimed at destabilizing the country or derailing its reform agenda. "Today’s Ethiopia is not the Ethiopia of yesterday," PM Abiy said, arguing that the country is now more aware of its historical vulnerabilities and better equipped to respond to challenges. The Prime Minister criticized armed groups operating in parts of the Amhara and Oromia regions, saying their claims of acting in the public interest are contradicted by their actions on the ground. Drawing on Ethiopia’s historical experience, the Premier said internal actors who aligned with external forces had contributed to major national setbacks, including the loss of access to the Red Sea, which he described as a strategic and historical blow with consequences that extended across generations. He urged Ethiopians to reject a recurring pattern of destructive alliances and instead resolve political differences through the country’s longstanding traditions of reconciliation, dialogue, and community-based conflict resolution.   "Our disagreements can be settled by Ethiopians," he said. "Bringing external forces into internal disputes has never produced lasting peace or national progress," the Prime Minister underscored. Addressing the 2022 Pretoria Agreement that ended the war in northern Ethiopia, PM Abiy described it as a turning point that benefited the entire country by silencing the guns and allowing development to resume. He said the agreement had created conditions for expanded infrastructure, investment, and economic activity in the Amhara, Tigray, and Afar regions, as well as across Ethiopia more broadly. The Prime Minister rejected claims that the Amhara region neither participated in nor benefited from the Pretoria Agreement, calling such assertions false and politically motivated. He said representatives from the region were involved in deliberations at both government and Prosperity Party levels and that implementation of the agreement had supported development in the region. Prime Minister Abiy also framed Ethiopia’s broader national transformation as a long-term process requiring broad public participation, patience, and sustained institutional commitment. "Change is not the achievement of one individual," he said. "It is the result of the sacrifices and efforts of many Ethiopians." He acknowledged that some citizens have legitimate concerns about aspects of the government’s reform agenda and said responding to those concerns remains a government responsibility. At the same time, he argued that conspiracy-driven political narratives detached from facts threaten national cohesion and undermine the country’s future. The Prime Minister further elaborated that Ethiopia’s reform process has generated differing reactions among domestic political actors and members of the diaspora, with some opposition driven by personal interests, misinformation, or unrealistic expectations about the pace and direction of change. He urged citizens to engage constructively in the reform process and evaluate developments based on evidence rather than speculation, warning that short-term political gains should not come at the expense of long-term national interests. Reflecting on Ethiopia’s political history, the PM said the country has repeatedly experienced attempts to seize power through violence, while also possessing a deep tradition of coexistence, integration, and nation-building.   He cited the June 22, 2019, assassinations of senior officials in the Amhara Region as one of the darkest episodes in recent Ethiopian history and warned against politicizing historical tragedies or distorting facts for partisan purposes. "We must learn from both the positive and negative chapters of our history," he said, emphasizing that selective interpretations of history can deepen divisions and harm future generations. PM Abiy concluded that Ethiopia’s future will depend on perseverance, national unity, factual understanding, and the ability to sustain reforms through peaceful political engagement and inclusive development. He also stressed that the country’s transformation must be built collectively rather than through conflict or external intervention.