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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Addis Ababa, July 23, 2026 (ENA) —Ethio Telecom generated 215.8 billion Birr in total revenue during the just-ended Ethiopian fiscal year, achieving 99.7 percent of its annual plan, the company announced. Presenting the company’s annual performance today, Ethio Telecom CEO Frehiwot Tamiru said the revenue represents a 33.2 percent increase compared with the previous fiscal year. During the fiscal year, Ethio Telecom constructed 603 new mobile base stations, bringing the total number of mobile sites nationwide to 10,613. The company also deployed 264 new 4G network sites, increasing the total number of 4G sites to 1,200 and raising national 4G network coverage to 82.2 percent. Ethio Telecom further expanded its 5G network by launching services in seven additional towns, bringing the total number of towns with 5G connectivity to 33. To meet rising demand for digital services, the company added 10.2 million in network capacity during the year, increasing its overall network capacity to 115 million.   The operator also expanded its distribution infrastructure by adding 1.4 million new copper and fiber network connections, while continuing to invest in sustainable energy. It installed 12.7 megawatts of additional green energy infrastructure, bringing its total renewable energy capacity to 39.7 megawatts. According to the CEO, 44 percent of the company’s 10,613 mobile sites are now equipped with backup generators, while 23,422 kilometers of network infrastructure are powered by solar energy, improving service reliability and reducing environmental impact. Ethio Telecom also expanded its enterprise digital infrastructure, serving 880 enterprise customers and increasing the capacity of its servers, cache systems and international gateways to 4.3 terabits per second. The development is expected to improve internet quality and support growing digital demand both nationally and across the continent. The company’s infrastructure investments, valued at 76 billion Birr, are expected to enhance service quality and support Ethiopia’s ambition to become a regional digital hub. Ethio Telecom’s total customer base reached 90.1 million, representing an 8.3 percent increase over the previous fiscal year and achieving 101.7 percent of its annual target. The company’s mobile money platform, telebirr, continued its rapid expansion, with the number of customers reaching 60.59 million. During the fiscal year alone, telebirr processed 4.19 trillion Birr in transactions, bringing the cumulative transaction value since its launch to 9.13 trillion Birr.   Frehiwot said telebirr currently records an average daily transaction value of 11 billion Birr, while its microfinance and digital credit services serve 21.64 million customers. Meanwhile, transactions conducted through Zemen Gebeya, Ethio Telecom’s digital marketplace, reached 340.3 million Birr during the fiscal year. The company also continued supporting Ethiopia’s Digital ID initiative by registering 32 million citizens for the national identification program. Of these, 7 million ID cards have already been printed and made available for collection through 502 pickup centers nationwide.        

By Getnet. S Menegesha Egyptian politicians have repeated the same familiar refrain for years that Ethiopia is acting unilaterally over the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) and threatening the water security of downstream countries. The language has changed little. From official statements and diplomatic forums to state-aligned media campaigns, the accusation of “unilateralism” has been repeatedly deployed to portray Ethiopia as a threat to the Abay (Nile) Basin and to international peace and security. But as the GERD has moved from a construction project to an operational reality, a fundamental question has become increasingly difficult to avoid. Is Egypt’s opposition to the dam truly about hydro-technical risks—or is it about the political consequences of Ethiopia’s emergence as an independent and influential upstream power? For a growing number of international experts, the answer is increasingly clear. The dispute surrounding the GERD, they argue, has long been driven less by engineering realities than by political calculations, historical assumptions and a deep-seated reluctance to accept a new balance of power in the Nile Basin. The Abay, the source of the Blue Nile—originates in the Ethiopian highlands and contributes the overwhelming majority of the water flowing into the Nile system. Ethiopia contributes more than 86 percent of the water flowing through the Basin. Yet, for generations, Egypt’s political discourse has treated the river primarily through the lens of downstream control and inherited historical claims. The GERD has fundamentally challenged that model. Without consuming the river’s water or diverting its natural downstream flow, Ethiopia has built Africa’s largest hydroelectric dam, transforming the political and strategic realities of the Abay Basin. The project has demonstrated that an upstream country can pursue development, energy generation and economic transformation while remaining part of a shared river system. For Professor Al Mariam, a renowned political analyst and attorney at law, Egypt’s repeated accusations of Ethiopian “unilateralism” represent the continuation of an old political narrative.   Egypt, he argues, has repeatedly used the term not only in international media but also before the United Nations Security Council, seeking to portray Ethiopia’s development project as a violation of international norms. Yet the persistent repetition of the accusation, he suggests, reflects less a new legal reality than a lingering nostalgia for an era in which Egypt enjoyed disproportionate influence over the Abay. The GERD has disrupted that old order. Under international law, unilateralism generally refers to a state acting independently to pursue its interests or assert legal rights without meaningful cooperation, consultation or regard for the rights of other states. But Ethiopia has consistently maintained that the GERD is designed for electricity generation, not the permanent consumption or diversion of Abay (Nile) waters. That distinction is central to the technical debate. And according to energy expert Mikael Alemu, the Egyptians argument that the GERD will fundamentally reduce the flow of water to downstream countries does not withstand scientific scrutiny. “The Grand Renaissance Dam doesn’t have engineering problems. Its claim sounds much more like political,” Mikael told the Ethiopian News Agency.   The expert argued that the repeated claim that the GERD will significantly reduce the flow of the Abay to Egypt is not technically rational. After more than a decade of negotiations among Ethiopia, Egypt and Sudan, the three countries have still failed to reach a comprehensive agreement. Yet, Mikael said, the continuing impasse is not primarily the result of an unresolved engineering problem. Rather, it reflects the absence of a genuine political willingness. The negotiations have not failed because a workable agreement was beyond reach; they have failed because Egyptian negotiators have repeatedly lacked the political commitment to engage in good faith, compromise where necessary, and pursue a mutually acceptable outcome. “I think the Grand Renaissance Dam doesn’t have engineering problems. Its claim sounds much more like political,” he said. Mikael argued that the GERD is a complex and enormously expensive hydro-technical project, constructed at a cost of approximately 5 billion U.S. dollars, whose principal purpose is to generate electricity and support regional development. The project, he noted, can also help regulate river flows and reduce the destructive impact of flooding, while providing major economic and energy benefits to Ethiopia and potentially to the wider region. The idea that the GERD represents an unprecedented threat, he added, is also difficult to sustain. Around the world, countries sharing transboundary rivers have developed dams, hydropower facilities and other infrastructure while negotiating mechanisms for cooperation and equitable utilization. Experiences from Southeast Asia, South America and the former Soviet Union demonstrate that shared rivers do not have to become permanent sources of geopolitical confrontation. International law, he noted, recognizes the right of states to make reasonable and equitable use of shared water resources, provided they do not cause significant harm to other countries. Ethiopia’s position, Mikael argued, is therefore fundamentally consistent with a development model based on the reasonable use of its own natural resources. He also questioned the logic behind Egypt’s continued insistence that Ethiopia must accept restrictions on its development. “It’s a very conveniently hot issue for Egyptians,” he said, arguing that domestic political conditions can encourage governments to maintain an external adversary. “Frequently, the political situation of Egypt seeks an outside enemy. It’s very nice to have an outside enemy when your politics is troubled,” Mikael said. For him, the argument that Ethiopia would deliberately seek to deprive Egypt of water is fundamentally irrational. Ethiopia, he stressed, is not seeking to stop the Abay (Nile) from flowing to Egypt. It is seeking to develop its own economy, generate electricity and improve the lives of millions of people who have long lacked reliable access to energy. The GERD, in this sense, is not a project designed against Egypt. It is a project designed for Ethiopia’s development. A Political Crisis Disguised as a Water Dispute Professor Ashok Swain, Professor of Peace and Conflict Research at Uppsala University and UNESCO Chair on International Water Cooperation, has described the conduct of some Egyptian politicians over the GERD as a “losing game.”   According to Swain, Egypt has increasingly accepted the reality that the dam exists and will remain a permanent feature of the Nile Basin. The continued rhetoric, he argues, is largely intended for domestic consumption. Egyptian political and military leaders have securitized the Abay for decades, presenting the river not simply as a shared international water system but as an existential national security issue. That political framing makes aggressive rhetoric almost inevitable, even when the underlying technical realities do not support it. Swain argued that bringing the GERD issue repeatedly before the UN Security Council is unlikely to change the fundamental trajectory of the dispute. The Security Council is deeply divided, he noted, while China has consistently maintained a position supportive of the rights of upstream countries to utilize transboundary water resources. China itself is an upstream country for many major Asian rivers and has therefore maintained a longstanding policy against external intervention designed to prevent upstream states from developing their water resources. For this reason, Swain said, attempts to internationalize the GERD dispute through the Security Council are unlikely to produce the outcome Egypt seeks. More importantly, he argued, such efforts cannot reverse the central reality: Ethiopia has built the dam. The GERD is no longer a proposal, a blueprint or a diplomatic bargaining chip. It is a physical reality. And that reality has changed the balance of power in the Nile Basin. According to Swain, Ethiopia’s achievement represents more than an engineering milestone. It is also a diplomatic and geopolitical victory for a country that has historically faced enormous pressure whenever it attempted to develop its own water resources. “Ethiopia’s diplomatic and regional standing is on the rise, while Egypt’s influence has waned,” he said. The argument is not that Egypt has become irrelevant. Rather, it is that the old model in which Egypt could define the limits of upstream development is no longer sustainable. The GERD has made that clear. The Red Sea and the Nile: Two Fronts of the Same Strategic Anxiety? Swain also criticized Egypt’s opposition to Ethiopia’s efforts to secure reliable access to the sea.   Since Eritrea’s independence in the early 1990s, Ethiopia has been landlocked, despite being one of Africa’s largest countries by population and one of the continent’s most significant economies. As Ethiopia’s population, economy and industrial ambitions continue to grow, access to maritime trade routes has become an increasingly important strategic and economic issue. Swain argues that Egypt should recognize this reality rather than attempt to obstruct Ethiopia’s search for cooperative maritime arrangements. He described Egypt’s efforts to prevent Ethiopia from gaining access to the sea as another example of a losing strategy. “Egypt should have been focusing on building a cooperative arrangement over the Nile water and working in cooperation,” he said. The logic is straightforward: Ethiopia’s development cannot be permanently halted by diplomatic pressure, political campaigns or threats. Nor can geography be wished away. A growing Ethiopia will require energy, trade routes and access to international markets. The question is not whether Ethiopia will pursue development, but whether its neighbors will choose cooperation or confrontation. The End of the “Historical Rights” Narrative? American political-economic analyst Lawrence Freeman has also argued that Egypt’s objections to the GERD lack a reasonable technical foundation. Speaking previously to ENA, Freeman said the filling of the dam has not produced the kind of permanent reduction in Nile water flows that Egyptian officials have repeatedly warned about. In his view, the real discussion should no longer revolve around threats, ultimatums and historical claims. It should focus on how the countries of the Nile Basin can use their shared water resources to promote development. “They should sit down and get that discussion, rather than being involved in these antagonistic ultimatums and getting stuck in the old mode of historical rights,” Freeman said.   “Let’s think about how the 10 nations in the Nile Basin can be developed together.” For Freeman, the central question is not who possesses the river, but how the countries of the basin can develop infrastructure, generate electricity and improve living standards for their populations. He also challenged the idea that Egypt possesses an unquestionable historical right to control the Nile. The Nile’s waters, he noted, originate substantially in the Ethiopian highlands, while Ethiopia was not a party to the colonial-era agreements that Egypt frequently invokes. Those agreements, therefore, cannot reasonably be used to permanently prevent Ethiopia from developing its own natural resources. “There are probably sections of the Egyptian leadership who want to make sure that Ethiopia does not fully reach its potential because it will, in their view—which is a wrong view—diminish their political influence,” Freeman said. That, he argued, is the fundamental political problem behind the dispute. For generations, Ethiopia’s development of the Abay has faced attempts to restrict, delay or delegitimize its ambitions. The GERD represents the most significant break with that history. A Choice Between Cooperation and Confrontation The most important fact about the GERD is now impossible to ignore: the dam has been built. The political campaign against it may continue. Egyptian officials may continue to invoke “unilateralism.” State-aligned media may continue to repeat warnings about water security. Political actors may continue to seek international pressure. But none of that changes the physical reality of the dam. The question confronting Egypt is therefore no longer whether Ethiopia will build the GERD.   It is how Egypt will respond to a new reality in the Nile Basin. It can continue to rely on the politics of fear, historical claims, diplomatic pressure and external confrontation. Or it can recognize that the old order has changed. A cooperative approach would allow the three countries to develop mechanisms for predictability, data sharing and coordination without attempting to impose permanent restrictions on Ethiopia’s development. It would also open the door to broader cooperation in energy, trade, infrastructure and regional economic integration. The GERD could become a source of permanent confrontation. Or it could become the foundation for a new era of cooperation. The choice increasingly lies not with Ethiopia, which has already completed its historic project, but with those who continue to resist the reality it represents. The dam has demonstrated that Ethiopia can develop. It has demonstrated that an upstream African country can pursue large-scale infrastructure without surrendering its sovereignty. And it has demonstrated that the old assumption—that Ethiopia must remain underdeveloped in order to preserve the privileges of downstream powers—can no longer survive. That is why the continuing Egyptian campaign against the GERD increasingly appears less like a battle over hydro-technical engineering and more like a struggle against a changing regional order. And in that struggle, experts increasingly warn, Egypt’s continued reliance on confrontation may amount to nothing more than a losing game.

Addis Ababa, July 22, 2026 (ENA) —Africa must unlock its vast and largely untapped livestock potential to strengthen food and nutrition security and accelerate inclusive economic growth, experts told ENA. For millions of Africans, livestock is more than a source of food or income. It is the foundation of livelihoods, particularly for pastoral communities. Yet experts say the sector remains far below its potential and could become a powerful engine of economic transformation if supported by stronger investment, market access, infrastructure, and policy coordination. With large areas of the continent unsuitable for crop production but highly conducive to livestock rearing, expanding the sector could help Africa strengthen its food systems while creating new opportunities for trade and economic development. Andrew Edewa, TradeMark Africa Director of Standards, Sanitary and Phytosanitary Measures and Food Systems, said livestock already sustains millions of pastoral communities and could be transformed from a traditional livelihood activity into a major driver of economic development. “As livelihoods of many pastoral communities depend on livestock, we can turn this from a livelihood activity into an engine of economic development through stronger market linkages. That creates jobs and income for different actors across the economy,” he said. Edewa said expanding livestock trade within Africa and with international markets could increase export earnings, generate new income, and stimulate broader economic growth across the continent. “Africa has the opportunity to increase the volume of livestock trade. This growth in trade can generate additional income for countries and contribute to the overall growth of the economy. This is where the future of Africa should be,” he said. For him, the sector’s importance extends beyond economic growth. Livestock also plays a critical role in addressing Africa’s nutrition challenges, particularly among children and other vulnerable groups. Milk, meat, and other animal-source foods provide affordable, high-quality protein and essential nutrients needed for healthy growth and development. “It is not only about food security, but also about nutrition. Livestock products provide affordable sources of protein that are essential for healthy growth and development,” Edewa said. Despite its enormous potential, many observers said Africa’s livestock sector continues to face structural challenges, including fragmented production systems, weak coordination among stakeholders, inadequate market connectivity, and limited investment in infrastructure and quality systems. Edewa said TradeMark Africa is working with stakeholders to connect livestock producers with domestic, regional, and international markets while strengthening policy frameworks and quality standards. “We work with all stakeholders to increase investment in the livestock sector, improve market systems, and strengthen government policies that ensure the safety and quality of livestock products,” he said. He added that investment in quality infrastructure and market-oriented value-chain development is essential to making African livestock products more competitive. “We would like to invest heavily in quality infrastructure that boosts the quality of livestock products entering the market. We are also focusing on value-chain development with a market orientation so producers can access both domestic and international markets,” Edewa said. Commenting on Ethiopia’s Bounty of the Basket (Ye Lemat Tirufat) initiative, Edewa commended the program for promoting value-chain development across the livestock sector. The initiative, he said, is creating opportunities across a broad range of activities, including live-animal trade, dairy production, meat processing, animal-feed manufacturing, and other livestock-based industries. Senbeto Funte, Regional Livestock Program Deputy Director at Mercy Corps for Ethiopia, Kenya, and Somalia, also emphasized the sector’s central role in addressing Africa’s food and nutrition challenges. He stressed the need to ensure that nutritious livestock products are accessible, available, and affordable to consumers. “Livestock provides nutrient-dense food. We need to ensure these products are accessible, available, and affordable for consumers,” Senbeto said. Improving production efficiency, he added, would increase supply, reduce prices, and allow more children and mothers to access nutritious foods. “If Africa makes its livestock production systems more efficient, production will increase and products will become more affordable. That will help address both nutritional challenges and broader food security concerns,” he said. Senbeto noted that livestock already makes a significant contribution to agricultural GDP in many African countries and that improving the sector’s efficiency could further enhance its contribution to economic development. “Livestock is already a major contributor to agricultural GDP. If we improve the sector’s efficiency, it can play an even greater role in ensuring both food security and nutrition security,” he said. Unlocking this potential, however, will require stronger government support, increased private-sector participation, and improved access to finance, Senbeto said.   Investment is needed across the entire livestock value chain, from production and animal health to processing, cold-chain facilities, aggregation centers, and transport infrastructure. “Creating livestock-tailored financing to support production, processing, and cold-chain development is critically important. We also need intentional investment in livestock-focused infrastructure, including animal-health systems, aggregation facilities, and transport networks,” he said. According to Senbeto, coordinated government policies, targeted incentives, and increased private investment are essential for Africa to fully harness its livestock wealth. He cited Ethiopia’s Bounty of the Basket (Ye Lemat Tirufat) initiative as an example of targeted government intervention. The national program aims to increase the production of dairy, poultry, eggs, honey, fish, and meat while improving food and nutrition security. The experts said Africa must move beyond viewing livestock solely as a traditional livelihood activity and instead recognize it as a strategic economic sector capable of driving food security, better nutrition, trade, employment, and inclusive economic growth. With the right investments, policies, and market systems, Africa’s livestock wealth could become one of the continent’s most important untapped engines of economic transformation, the hoped.

Addis Ababa, July 22, 2026 (ENA) — Agricultural Transformation Institute (ATI) affirmed it has been committed in expanding cold chain infrastructure and promoting hybrid sorghum production as part of a broader effort to reduce post-harvest losses, improve productivity and increase farmers' income. Speaking to ENA, Chief Executive Officer Mandefro Nigussie said ATI is pursuing a two-pronged strategy that focuses on minimizing losses along the agricultural value chain while increasing the production of strategic crops. "The losses are significant when you take fruits and vegetables. Grains are better, but still you have post-harvest losses," he said. To address the challenge, ATI has begun introducing refrigerated transport and storage facilities in major fruit and vegetable producing areas. "We are establishing cold chains in areas where it is produced. So, in areas where we produce vegetables and fruits, we introduced cold chains. It has a cooling system and zero damage in terms of destruction," Mandefro said. He explained that conventional trucks used to transport grain are unsuitable for perishable products, making specialized refrigerated vehicles essential. "For fruits and vegetables, you need special trucks that have controlled temperature and built in cooling systems so that they preserve the fruit or the vegetable without damaging it," he said. According to the CEO, pilot cold chain interventions launched in Ethiopia's Rift Valley have produced encouraging results and will be expanded to other major production corridors across the country. Alongside improving post-harvest handling, ATI is also implementing a comprehensive roadmap to transform Ethiopia's sorghum sector by tackling challenges across the entire value chain. "The first thing done in the country is the roadmap development, the flagship program document development," Mandefro said. He noted that the roadmap identifies key bottlenecks while clearly assigning responsibilities to institutions involved in seed multiplication, production, processing, marketing and domestic and international trade. The coordinated approach is expected to improve productivity, strengthen food security and enhance farmers' earnings. Mandefro also highlighted the success of ATI's cluster farming model for sorghum, which demonstrated higher productivity and increased overall production during the previous farming season. "Last year, we were able to demonstrate that cluster farming using sorghum is highly productive, can give better productivity and total production. We proved that," he said, adding that ATI plans to expand both the cultivated area and the number of participating farmers this season. A key component of the expansion is the introduction of hybrid sorghum seed, which ATI believes can transform the crop in the same way hybrid maize revolutionized maize production in Ethiopia. "The hybrid sorghum is like hybrid maize. The hybrid maize is what revolutionized maize productivity and maize production. So, we are going to repeat the same model of change like maize in sorghum," Mandefro said. The ATI chief emphasized that the combined interventions, reducing post-harvest losses through cold chain systems and increasing yields through hybrid sorghum technology, are expected to strengthen national food security, raise farmers' incomes and expand opportunities for both domestic and export markets for Ethiopian agricultural products.

By Jibril Lammo For generations, Egypt’s political establishment operated on a dangerous and increasingly obsolete assumption: that downstream water security could be preserved only by keeping upstream nations weak, poor, and underdeveloped. That colonial-era logic is now collapsing. Yet as Ethiopia advances toward greater economic self-reliance, energy sovereignty, democratic consolidation, and regional connectivity, sections of Egypt’s state-backed media and official communication apparatus continue to recycle the same familiar playbook—fear, disinformation, diplomatic pressure, and political interference. The targets are clear. The Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) is portrayed as an existential threat. Ethiopia’s National Dialogue is dismissed or delegitimized. The country’s legitimate quest for regional connectivity and secure access to the Red Sea is framed as a destabilizing ambition. At the same time, Cairo continues to mobilize diplomatic and media networks to constrain Ethiopia’s strategic options. The message behind these campaigns is increasingly transparent: Ethiopia’s rise must be contained. But Ethiopia is no longer the country that external powers could isolate, intimidate, or define on its behalf. The relentless focus on Ethiopia’s internal affairs increasingly appears less like a genuine concern for regional stability and more like a calculated effort to divert attention from Egypt’s own deepening socioeconomic pressures. Instead of confronting the structural challenges facing its own society, Cairo’s political establishment and its authorities continue to find political utility in presenting Ethiopia as a convenient external threat. That strategy may generate headlines. It cannot stop history. The GERD and the Politics of Fear   At the center of Egypt’s campaign is the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam, which Egyptian political and media narratives have repeatedly portrayed as a unilateral act of aggression. Such claims deliberately reduce a complex transboundary water issue to a politics of fear. The Abay (Nile) Basin is not a political possession belonging to one state. It is a shared geographic system whose future must be shaped by cooperation, science, and the equitable utilization of shared resources. Ethiopia’s position has consistently been that development and water security are not mutually exclusive. The central question is not whether one nation should control the Abay, but whether the countries of the basin can move beyond outdated notions of exclusive entitlement and build a framework that serves all riparian states. The GERD represents Ethiopia’s determination to overcome energy poverty and unlock its economic potential. For a country of more than 130 million people, with vast development needs and enormous hydropower potential, the pursuit of electricity is not an act of aggression. It is a national necessity. The broader hydrological debate also demands a more sophisticated conversation than the one offered by political propaganda. Water management across the Nile Basin involves rainfall, evaporation, watershed protection, reservoir management, agricultural use, and long-term environmental sustainability. Treating the river as a zero-sum instrument of geopolitical control serves neither science nor the people of the basin. Indeed, Ethiopia’s highland watersheds play a critical role in the broader Abay system. The protection and restoration of these ecosystems are not merely Ethiopian concerns; they are essential to the long-term health of the entire basin. Ethiopia Is Investing in the Basin’s Future   While political narratives continue to portray Ethiopia as a threat, Ethiopia is investing in the ecological foundations of its future. Through the Green Legacy Initiative, the country has undertaken one of Africa’s most ambitious environmental restoration campaigns. The initiative has focused on reforestation, watershed rehabilitation, soil conservation, and the restoration of degraded landscapes across the country. These efforts are directly connected to the long-term health of Ethiopia’s rivers and watersheds. Healthy ecosystems improve soil retention, support groundwater recharge, reduce erosion, and strengthen the resilience of landscapes that sustain millions of people. This is the reality that geopolitical propaganda often ignores. The countries of the Nile Basin, particularly the downstream nations face a choice. They can continue to pour resources into military posturing, diplomatic confrontation, and hostile media campaigns—or they can invest in cooperation, ecological restoration, scientific water management, and shared development. The first path deepens insecurity. The second creates the possibility of lasting prosperity. A Sovereign Ethiopia Can No Longer Be Isolated   Ethiopia’s transformation is not limited to the Abay. The country is a major African power with a population exceeding 130 million, a strategic geographic position, substantial economic potential, and an increasingly clear determination to shape its own future. For decades, Ethiopia’s geographical circumstances were treated as a permanent strategic constraint. Its lack of direct maritime access contributed to economic vulnerability and reinforced a broader pattern of regional isolation. That historical reality is changing. Ethiopia’s pursuit of secure and reliable access to the Red Sea is not an act of aggression against its neighbors. It is a strategic imperative arising from geography, economic necessity, and national development. A country of Ethiopia’s size and significance cannot be expected to remain permanently dependent on external arrangements for its international trade and strategic connectivity. The era in which Ethiopia could be expected to accept isolation as a permanent condition is over. Ethiopia has patiently pursued dialogue and negotiated solutions. But dialogue cannot mean the permanent preservation of historical inequality, nor can negotiations be reduced to demands that Ethiopia surrender its sovereign interests. The region must ultimately recognize a simple reality: a prosperous and connected Ethiopia is not a threat to the Horn of Africa. It can become one of the region’s greatest engines of growth. Ethiopia’s National Dialogue Will Be Shaped by Ethiopians The same principle applies to Ethiopia’s internal political affairs. Attempts by foreign commentators and regional actors to dismiss Ethiopia’s National Dialogue as political theater reveal a fundamental misunderstanding of the country’s political journey. Ethiopia’s challenges are real. Its political differences are complex. Its history is contested. But the responsibility for addressing these issues belongs first and foremost to Ethiopians. The National Dialogue represents an effort to create an institutional platform through which diverse political, social, and historical grievances can be discussed and addressed. It is not a project that requires external approval.   Ethiopia’s political future will not be designed in Cairo, Washington, or any other foreign capital. Nor will it be determined by media campaigns, proxy pressure, or external attempts to exploit internal divisions. The country’s democratic institutions may still be evolving, as they are in many nations. But Ethiopia’s political future must ultimately be negotiated by Ethiopians and shaped by the interests of the Ethiopian people. The Abay (Nile) Basin Cannot Remain Hostage to Historical Rivalry The countries of the Nile Basin are bound together by geography. Their destinies are therefore interconnected. They can either cooperate to build a future of shared prosperity, or remain trapped in a cycle of suspicion, confrontation, and geopolitical rivalry. Ethiopia has repeatedly affirmed its commitment to equitable and reasonable utilization of shared water resources. But equitable utilization cannot mean preserving the privileges of the past. Cooperation cannot mean that one country retains a veto over the development aspirations of another. The Nile is not the private property of any single nation. The future of the basin must be built on cooperation, mutual respect, scientific evidence, and the recognition of the legitimate development rights of all riparian states. Ethiopia will not accept a regional order in which its development is permanently subordinated to the political anxieties of another country. Nor will it accept the idea that its people must remain poor so that others can feel secure. The Old Playbook Is Failing Cairo’s familiar strategy—politicize Ethiopia’s development, internationalize its internal challenges, mobilize fear around the GERD, and obstruct Ethiopia’s regional ambitions—may have been effective in another era. It is increasingly failing today. Ethiopia is changing. Its economy is expanding. Its infrastructure is growing. Its environmental ambitions are increasing. Its diplomatic relationships are broadening. Its people are demanding greater prosperity, stronger institutions, and a more influential role in regional and global affairs. No media campaign can permanently reverse that trajectory. The choice before Egypt is therefore not whether Ethiopia will develop. Ethiopia will develop. The real choice is whether Egypt will continue to treat Ethiopia’s rise as a threat—or recognize that a stable, prosperous, energy-secure, and economically connected Ethiopia can become a partner in building a stronger Nile Basin and a more prosperous Horn of Africa. The era of containment is ending. The era of Ethiopian sovereignty is advancing. And no amount of propaganda can stop a nation determined to shape its own future.

Addis Ababa, July 21, 2026 (ENA) — International delegates attending various conferences in Addis Ababa this week have praised the warm hospitality of the Ethiopian capital, its rich cultural heritage, and its rapid urban transformation. Participants noted that the city's welcoming atmosphere and visible development changed their perceptions of Ethiopia, offering memorable experiences that extended well beyond the conference halls into valuable opportunities for learning, cultural exchange, and tourism. They told ENA that conference schedules often allow time to explore Addis Ababa's museums, historic landmarks, and nearby attractions, giving them a deeper appreciation of Ethiopia's history, culture, and ongoing transformation. For many returning visitors, Ethiopia's hospitality remains one of the country's defining qualities. "This is my second time coming to Ethiopia," said Obong Moses, Assistant Commissioner for Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) at Uganda's Ministry of Education and Sports, who attended the Innovating Education in Africa Expo 2026. "One thing I've learned is that the people are really welcoming. They really receive visitors." Moses also highlighted the professional lessons he gained during the visit. "I've seen that the TVET system in Ethiopia is more advanced than the one we have in Uganda. This is one thing I can share with you," he said. "The people are very, very kind. I think it feels like home rather than a different country," said Alshimaa Elbahrawy, Co-Founder of Deaf Gain, an Egyptian social enterprise and edtech platform, who also participated in the Innovating Education in Africa Expo 2026. "The special thing I found here is the museum and how it presents the country's history from ancient times to the modern era. People here are open to different cultures and help visitors from around the world learn about Ethiopian culture." Elbahrawy added that a program organized by the African Union further enriched her understanding of Ethiopia by introducing participants to local cuisine, traditions, and cultural heritage. Beyond the professional engagements, many participants said their cultural experiences left a lasting impression. "I would like to express my deepest appreciation for this visit, especially meeting the Ethiopian people. They were very friendly and absolutely lovely people," said Professor Ardian Gola, a sociologist participating in the Parliamentary Intelligence Security Forum. "Their approach toward us was wonderful and very inspiring, motivating us to come again and again to Ethiopia. Ethiopia is a land of origins. The cultural experiences we have had here enrich our spirit and broaden our educational perspective." Participants said that Addis Ababa's blend of modern infrastructure and traditional heritage makes it an attractive destination for international conferences, enabling visitors to combine professional engagement with cultural exploration. They also expressed admiration for the city's evolving skyline, expanding green spaces, and well-curated cultural sites, noting that Addis Ababa offers an accessible gateway to experience both Ethiopia's rich history and its ongoing transformation within a short visit.  

Addis Ababa, July 20, 2026 (ENA) —Ambassadors of Israel and Austria have expressed confidence in Ethiopia’s reform trajectory. The diplomats cited the country’s economic transformation and digital development as key drivers in creating new opportunities for investment and deeper international cooperation. Speaking to ENA, Israeli Ambassador to Ethiopia Avraham Neguise and outgoing Austrian Ambassador Simone Knapp said Ethiopia is progressing in the right path, highlighting its major success stories in various spheres. Ambassador Neguise said Ethiopia’s efforts to strengthen its economic system and expand its digital capabilities are attracting interest from Israeli investors, describing the developments as beneficial to both countries. He also highlighted Ethiopia’s priorities in energy and water development, particularly the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD), which he said is crucial to the country’s long-term energy expansion and industrial development. The expansion of electricity infrastructure to power households and industries, including in rural areas, will contribute to improved living standards and create new opportunities for investment, he added. Neguise identified government-to-government cooperation, private-sector investment, non-governmental engagement and people-to-people ties as four key pillars for expanding Ethiopia-Israel relations.   He said the two countries have significant potential for cooperation in agriculture, health, innovation and technology, security, education and research. The ambassador further pointed out that Israeli businesses are exploring investment opportunities in areas including drip irrigation, crop production, avocados, wheat, fisheries and poultry. He also highlighted the contribution of Ethiopian-Israeli organizations that provide voluntary services, particularly in the health sector, in cooperation with hospitals across Ethiopia. People-to-people ties, he added, are also strengthening through cultural exchanges, tourism and trade. He noted that improved air cargo connectivity between Ethiopia and Israel is facilitating the faster movement of goods between the two countries. Neguise further underscored Ethiopia’s unique significance to Israel, citing the deep religious, historical and people-to-people connections between the two countries. He noted that Israel’s Ethiopian Jewish community, estimated at more than 180,000 people, serves as an important human bridge between the two nations through continued family and community ties. For her part, outgoing Austrian Ambassador Simone Knapp said Ethiopia is making “bold and courageous” progress through its economic reform efforts. Although challenges remain, Ethiopia’s reform trajectory is steady and promising, she said, adding that the progress is already attracting growing interest from foreign investors, including Austrian companies.   Several Austrian firms, she noted, “are taking concrete steps to explore investment opportunities and establish a presence in the Ethiopian market.” Knapp also emphasized the long-standing people-to-people ties between Ethiopia and Austria, particularly in education and culture. She pointed to continued university cooperation and academic exchanges, including opportunities for Ethiopian students to pursue master’s degrees in Austria. Cultural cooperation is also expanding, she said, noting that Ethiopian musicians regularly perform in Austria, while Austrian artists visit Ethiopia for concerts and workshops. She cited initiatives such as training sessions conducted by Austrian musicians at the Yared School of Music as examples of the growing cultural partnership. The ambassador expressed confidence that economic engagement, educational cooperation and cultural exchanges between Ethiopia and Austria will continue to deepen in the years ahead.

China's industrial sector maintained stable growth and continued to be a key driver of the economy in the first half of 2026, officials from the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology said at a press conference on Monday. According to a CGTN report, the value-added output of major industrial enterprises increased by 5.4 percent year on year, with 32 of the country's 41 major industrial sectors reporting growth, Wang Weiming, the chief engineer of the ministry, said. He noted that corporate profitability improved while strong global demand for products related to artificial intelligence and green development helped boost exports of integrated circuits, electronic components, and wind turbines. According to Wang, growth was also supported by major industrial provinces and advanced manufacturing sectors, including electronics, automobiles, and electrical machinery. He added that China continued to upgrade its manufacturing sector by promoting smart factories, advanced manufacturing clusters, and greener production. Wang also highlighted the performance of the equipment manufacturing sector, where value-added output rose 6.4 percent year on year. Equipment exports increased 18.2 percent, driven by growing overseas demand for products such as new energy equipment, automobiles, and ships. China's information and communications industry also posted solid growth, said Xie Cun, director general of the ministry's information and communications development department. By the end of June, China had built over 5.1 million 5G base stations, while intelligent computing capacity spiked by 177 percent year on year. More than 26,000 "5G + Industrial Internet" projects are now under construction, accelerating the digital transformation of the real economy. Looking ahead, China will continue to expand new growth drivers, strengthen industrial and supply chain resilience, and promote high-quality industrial development, the officials stressed.

Addis Ababa, July 19, 2026 (ENA) —Addis Ababa achieved more than 96 percent of its planned performance targets during the 2018 Ethiopian budget year. The achievement was said to reflect significant progress in urban development, public service delivery and efforts to improve residents’ quality of life. The mayor made the remarks in her closing address at the conclusion of the city administration’s annual performance review and assessment of the implementation of its five-year strategic development plan. She attributed the achievement to sustained efforts across key sectors, highlighting progress in economic and social development, urban infrastructure and public service delivery.   The mayor said the capital had taken important steps toward becoming cleaner, more attractive and increasingly competitive on the international stage. Measures to ease the cost of living, major development projects, strengthened transparency and accountability, and expanded public services, she added, are contributing to improved wellbeing for residents. Deputy Mayor and Head of the Industry Development Bureau Jantrar Abay said Addis Ababa had made significant gains over the past five years through integrated urban development initiatives. The achievements, he said, demonstrate the administration’s commitment to addressing public needs while implementing major projects efficiently and in accordance with required standards. Jantrar said the city would build on the progress achieved while addressing remaining challenges to further improve public services and enhance residents’ quality of life.   Head of the Prosperity Party Addis Ababa Branch Office Moges Balcha said the initiatives implemented during the fiscal year had contributed not only to the development of the capital but also to the country’s broader development. He called for the momentum to be sustained by accelerating the city’s transformation and ensuring that residents continue to benefit from ongoing reforms and development projects. Deputy Mayor and Head of the Labour and Skills Bureau Million Matewos said the expansion of economic activities in Addis Ababa was creating new employment opportunities, with industrial development, urban agriculture, construction and the service sector playing a key role in job creation. Meanwhile, Deputy Mayor and Head of the Public Service and Human Resource Development Bureau Jemalu Jember said digital government initiatives were improving the quality, efficiency and accessibility of public services.   The city administration, he added, plans to further strengthen one-stop service centers and expand access to digital government services as part of broader efforts to make public service delivery more efficient and citizen-centered.

Addis Ababa, July 19, 2026 (ENA) —Addis Ababa’s ongoing corridor development has transformed the Ethiopian capital from primarily a transit point into an increasingly attractive standalone tourism destination. According to the Addis Ababa Tourism Commission (AATC), also highlighted the strong growth of conference tourism, noting that Addis Ababa hosted more than 221 international conferences during the concluded fiscal year. The figure is up from more than 150 international conferences recorded in the 2024/25 Ethiopian fiscal year.   The development is also enhancing the city’s global competitiveness and strengthening its position as a major destination for international conferences and business tourism, the Commission revealed. AATC Commissioner, Hunde Kebede made the remarks on Saturday during the Addis Ababa City Administration’s comprehensive fiscal year performance review.   Presenting the latest performance of the tourism sector, the Commissioner said tourism has become a strategic priority under the city’s ongoing economic reform agenda and is increasingly emerging as a major driver of economic growth. He attributed the sector’s progress to sustained efforts to address longstanding infrastructure bottlenecks, combined with supportive policies and major investments in urban development. According to Hunde, infrastructure developed under the Corridor Development Project has significantly enhanced Addis Ababa’s appeal and functionality as a tourism destination. The expansion of pedestrian walkways and bicycle lanes, the modernization of public spaces and squares, and other urban improvements have helped transform the city’s image and visitor experience, he said. These developments are gradually positioning Addis Ababa as more than a stopover for travelers, enabling it to attract visitors who choose the capital as a destination in its own right.   He said continued investments in public spaces, visitor services and tourism infrastructure are producing measurable improvements across the sector and making the city increasingly attractive to both international business travelers and leisure tourists. The transformation of Addis Ababa forms part of Ethiopia’s broader effort to modernize its urban centers and diversify the national economy by strengthening sectors beyond traditional sources of growth. Through major infrastructure initiatives, including the Corridor Development Project, the government is seeking to reinforce Addis Ababa’s role as a leading center for tourism, international diplomacy, conferences and investment. Opening the performance review session, Addis Ababa City Mayor Adanech Abiebie said the multi-day evaluation would assess the city administration’s achievements against the targets set for the current fiscal year.   The review will also examine progress toward implementing the city’s broader five-year strategic plan.

Addis Ababa, July 17, 2026 (ENA) — Officials from the African Union Interafrican Bureau for Animal Resources (AU-IBAR) have praised Ethiopia's "Bounty of the Basket" (Yelemat Tirufat) initiative as a successful model for improving food security and nutrition, urging other African countries to adopt similar approaches. In an exclusive interview with ENA, AU-IBAR Director Huyam Salih and Economics, Trade, and Marketing Coordinator John Oppong-Otoo commended Ethiopia's efforts to expand the production of milk, eggs, honey, fruits, and vegetables through the nationwide initiative. Huyam Salih noted that Ethiopia has demonstrated a strong commitment to transforming its livestock and agri-food sectors by integrating them directly into the country's national investment agenda. She explained that while AU-IBAR works with all 55 African Union member states, Ethiopia's achievements under the initiative are highly encouraging. "Ethiopia has taken a commendable step in supporting the livestock sector and making it more visible in the national investment agenda," Salih said. She observed that because Ethiopia possesses one of Africa's largest livestock populations, the country has enormous potential to further develop its pastoral livestock systems by strengthening value addition and connecting producers with modern markets. However, she also stressed the critical need to expand the initiative's benefits to pastoral communities across the nation. The director also expressed concern that only a limited number of African countries are meeting their commitments under the Comprehensive Africa Agriculture Development Programme (CAADP), which includes allocating at least 10 percent of national budgets to agriculture. She noted that Ethiopia's experience offers valuable lessons for the continent in accelerating agricultural transformation. John Oppong-Otoo echoed these sentiments, describing Yelemat Tirufat as an outstanding initiative that demonstrates how the livestock sector should be organized. "This is how the sector is supposed to be organized, and we see that is what the Government of Ethiopia is doing, and we commend you for that," he said. Oppong-Otoo noted that reducing food insecurity and malnutrition remains one of Africa's foremost development priorities. "There are a lot of our children that are malnourished. Such initiatives are an important means for addressing malnutrition and ensuring food security," he said, emphasizing the critical role of animal-source foods in improving nutrition. "Animal-source foods provide enormous protein from dairy, eggs, and meat. These are the food products that enable us to address Africa's malnutrition and food security issues," he stated. According to the coordinator, Ethiopia's initiative directly supports the African Union's broader agenda of improving continental food security. "We have had the opportunity to work with the Ethiopian government," Oppong-Otoo said. "The enabling policies and business structure are making this possible, and we want other countries to start learning from this initiative." He added that Ethiopia's achievements demonstrate the importance of supportive government policies, improved access to finance, and stronger market linkages for pastoralists and livestock producers, making the initiative a highly successful model for other African nations to replicate.

Addis Ababa, July 17, 2026 (ENA) —Ethio Telecom and Inspur Software Technology are exploring strategic partnership to accelerate Ethiopia's digital infrastructure transformation. Ethio Telecom CEO, Frehiwot Tamru, hosted high-level strategic discussions with a senior delegation from Inspur Software Technology Co., Ltd., led by its Board Chairman, Lin Shuai. Gao Xinjie, Deputy General Manager of Shandong Hi-Speed Road & Bridge International Engineering joined the delegation, reflecting a shared commitment to fostering an integrated partnership that combines advanced digital technologies with state-of-the-art infrastructure development.   Aligned with Ethio Telecom's "Next Horizon: Digital & Beyond 2028" strategy, the discussions focused on establishing a strategic partnership that integrates next-generation digital technologies with modern infrastructure to accelerate Ethiopia's digital transformation and strengthen the nation's digital economy. By combining cutting-edge computing capabilities with robust physical infrastructure, the collaboration aims to create a resilient, intelligent, and future-ready digital ecosystem that supports inclusive economic growth and national development. As part of the proposed collaboration, Inspur Software Technology will contribute its expertise in advanced digital infrastructure by supporting the design and deployment of high-performance computing, AI-ready data center solutions, cloud computing platforms, and intelligent digital infrastructure. Accordingly, these capabilities are expected to strengthen Ethiopia's sovereign digital infrastructure, enhance national computing capacity, support AI-driven innovation, and enable the delivery of next-generation digital and enterprise services. The discussions also explored opportunities to jointly develop localized digital applications and industry-specific solutions tailored to Ethiopia's market, with the aim of accelerating digital adoption across key sectors of the economy. Furthermore, the companies discussed collaboration in areas including AI computing infrastructure, cloud services, enterprise digital transformation, smart industry solutions, talent development, technology transfer, research and innovation.   They also explored leveraging their complementary strengths to expand cooperation beyond Ethiopia and jointly pursue strategic opportunities across Africa, contributing to regional digital transformation, digital inclusion, and sustainable economic growth. During the discussions, Lin Shuai and Gao Xinjie highly commended Ethio telecom's visionary leadership, remarkable transformation journey, and outstanding achievements in evolving from a traditional telecommunications operator into one of Africa's leading digital services and technology companies. They expressed their admiration for the company's strategic direction, rapid digital transformation, continuous investment in advanced technologies, and its growing role in driving Ethiopia's digital economy. Reaffirming their confidence in Ethio telecom's future, they conveyed their strong interest in establishing a long-term strategic partnership that extends beyond Ethiopia to jointly pursue opportunities across the African market.   Concluding the meeting, Ethio Telecom CEO Frehiwot Tamru directed the respective technical teams to expedite the development of a comprehensive cooperation framework and implementation roadmap. This preparatory work will pave the way for a subsequent executive-level engagement to formalize the partnership and initiate the implementation of high-impact strategic initiatives that will contribute to Ethiopia's and Africa's digital future.