Addis Ababa, May 21, 2026 —The endeavor to transition from aid dependency and nurture a food-self-sufficient generation is a critical agenda that upholds national dignity and sovereignty, Bikila Hurisa, Minister Coordinator for Democratic System Building Center at the Office of the Prime Minister said. The Minister made the remark at a panel discussion organized by the Ethiopian News Agency (ENA) in collaboration with the Ministry of Agriculture under the theme "From Dependency to Productivity" in Dire Dawa today. Presenting a discussion paper at the forum, Bikila emphasized that the government has placed the mission to eradicate aid dependency at the forefront of its national agenda. He reaffirmed that the campaign to ensure food security for the coming generation remains a vital policy priority and will be pursued with heightened momentum. To elevate the current encouraging progress to the next level, the Minister stressed the need for a comprehensive and holistic mindset to completely break the cycle of generational dependency on foreign aid and achieve national food sovereignty. He pointed out that since Ethiopia is endowed with abundant water resources, educated and productive youth workforce and fertile arable land, the nation has all the necessary prerequisites to sustain its economic development and revival. By leveraging cultural and socio-economic values that discourage dependency, Bikila noted that innovative agricultural development initiatives are already driving tangible and transformative shifts across the country to secure food sovereignty. Noting that the vision of food self-sufficiency begins at the household level, he underscored the importance of empowering citizens to become large-scale producers, encouraging proper utilization and saving, and supporting their transition into broader investment sectors. The Minister concluded by stating that the ultimate goal remains identifying domestic potentials, elevating public productivity, and institutionalizing a culture of self-reliance to ensure food security at household level.

Addis Ababa, May 21, 2026 —Institute of Ethiopian Standards (IES) has launched a quality standard application named IES Verifier that enables to identify standard mark for quality. Speaking at the launching ceremony, Trade and Regional Integration Minister and Board Chairman of IES, Kassahun Goffe, said the newly launched quality standard application would significantly contribute to Ethiopia’s foreign trade.   The application, which enables quality assurance of products online, is part of the effort to modernize Ethiopia’s trade system. Noting the remarkable achievements that have been registered to ensure quality of products by modernizing the trade system during the reform years, the Minister said the application would also maintain excellence. Institute of Ethiopian Standards (IES) Director-General, Meseret Bekele, said the application will enable the quality of products to be verified through the online system.   Therefore, the application will enable the public to purchase quality products, instead of fake products, she added. According to her, such a digital system will increase the international competitiveness of Ethiopian products and services. African Organization for Standardization (ARSO) Technical Director, Reuben Gisore, said African Countries need to take seriously the issues of national standards to ensure successful implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCF).   Appreciating Ethiopia’s effort to maintain national standards, he stressed the need for other African countries to enhance their effort similarly to steadfast trade across the continent.

Addis Ababa, May 21, 2026 —Continental partnership, solidarity, data sovereignty and adjusting approaches to disaster risk reduction amid global changes are crucial to strengthening disaster risk reduction across Africa, Ethiopian Disaster Risk Management Commissioner Shiferaw Teklemariam said. Opening a two-day workshop on validating the 2023–2024 Africa Biennial Report for Disaster Reduction — a process officials described as part of efforts to assess progress and refine priorities for the coming years, at the African Union (AU) Headquarters today, the Commissioner noted that Africa has been working to put appropriate policies, strategies, frameworks, and indicators in place. It must now evaluate progress in a way that reflects current realities, he added.   According to him, African governments must also adjust their approach to disaster risk reduction amid global changes, including worsening disaster conditions—both natural and man-made—and what he described as declining levels of solidarity in resource flows. Shiferaw emphasized that disaster risk reduction cannot continue under the same mindset and momentum used years earlier, arguing that recent circumstances require updated strategies and stronger commitment. The Commissioner pointed out the rising importance of data sovereignty, saying the validation effort should go beyond reviewing figures and instead examine how data is generated and used to support decision-making at both national and continental levels. Shiferaw urged stronger collaboration through continental mechanisms such as lessons learned and shared experiences, while ensuring policies and frameworks are reviewed to match country-specific and regional contexts. He cited ongoing efforts in Ethiopia to review existing frameworks, policies, regulations, and legal instruments, and referenced a humanitarian relief sovereignty initiative with related roadmaps and public engagement components.   The Commissioner also called for broader involvement of African citizens in disaster risk reduction initiatives, adding that such targets can only be achieved through meaningful participation and engagement at all levels. In this respect, the workshop will help determine how Africa can accelerate implementation of priority action areas and global targets—along with continental additions—within the remaining years of the 2015–2030 Sendai Framework windows, Shiferaw stated. On his part, Harsen Nyambe, Blue Economy and Sustainable Environment Director at the African Union Commission, called on member states to increase their financial support. He emphasized that disaster response is a core priority for member states and that efforts to address it are already underway. He said the Commission is meanwhile focusing on ensuring that Africa funds its own programs through existing decisions, while also working to attract private-sector investment to further broaden the resource base. Nyambe added that the AU is exploring opportunities to engage global financing mechanisms, including the Loss and Damage Fund, and to leverage climate-change funding windows for disaster risk reduction (DRR), such as the Green Climate Fund.   He also highlighted the need to encourage investor participation to strengthen financing for DRR initiatives. The Director further noted that the AU is moving toward an online data-collection platform in response to the rising costs of producing disaster reduction reports. According to him, the new approach will allow the Commission to gather data from member states more efficiently.

Addis Ababa, May 21, 2026 —State Minister of Foreign Affairs Ambassador Hadera Abera held discussions with Director General of the Qatar Fund for Development (QFFD), Fahad Hamad Al-Sulaiti, on ways to further strengthen cooperation between Ethiopia and the fund across key development sectors. The talks focused on expanding collaboration in areas considered central to Ethiopia’s ongoing development agenda, including agriculture, health, energy, education, and aviation. During the meeting, both sides underscored the importance of strengthening partnerships that promote sustainable development, support economic growth, and create wider opportunities for social progress.   The discussion also reflected Ethiopia’s continued efforts to engage international development partners in advancing national priorities through investment, technical cooperation, and shared development initiatives. Officials noted that enhanced cooperation with the Qatar Fund for Development could help improve service delivery, support infrastructure and human capital development, and contribute to long-term economic resilience. The meeting concluded with both sides expressing their commitment to further deepening cooperation and strengthening the longstanding relations between Ethiopia and Qatar.

Addis Ababa, May 21, 2026 — The endeavor to transition from aid dependency and nurture a food-self-sufficient generation is a critical agenda that upholds national dignity and sovereignty, Bikila Hurisa, Minister Coordinator for Democratic System Building Center at the Office of the Prime Minister said. The Minister made the remark at a panel discussion organized by the Ethiopian News Agency (ENA) in collaboration with Ministry of Agriculture under the theme "From Dependency to Productivity" in Dire Dawa today. Presenting a discussion paper at the forum, Bikila emphasized that the government has placed the mission to eradicate aid dependency at the forefront of its national agenda. He reaffirmed that the campaign to ensure food security for the coming generation remains a vital policy priority and will be pursued with heightened momentum. To elevate the current encouraging progress to the next level, the Minister stressed the need for a comprehensive and holistic mindset to completely break the cycle of generational dependency on foreign aid and achieve national food sovereignty. He pointed out that since Ethiopia is endowed with abundant water resources, educated and productive youth workforce and fertile arable land, the nation has all the necessary prerequisites to sustain its economic development and revival. By leveraging cultural and socio-economic values that discourage dependency, Bikila noted that innovative agricultural development initiatives are already driving tangible and transformative shifts across the country to secure food sovereignty. Noting that the vision of food self-sufficiency begins at the household level, he underscored the importance of empowering citizens to become large-scale producers, encouraging proper utilization and saving, and supporting their transition into broader investment sectors. The Minister concluded by stating that the ultimate goal remains identifying domestic potentials, elevating public productivity, and institutionalizing a culture of self-reliance to ensure food security at household level.

Addis Ababa, May 21, 2026 —A high-level panel discussion is underway in Dire Dawa under the theme “From Dependency to Productivity,” bringing together senior government officials, agricultural experts, and representatives from several regions of the country. The panel prioritizes to deliberate on Ethiopia’s ongoing efforts in order to build a self-reliant and resilient economy. The forum, organized by the Ethiopian News Agency (ENA) in collaboration with the Ministry of Agriculture, seeks to cultivate a productive society driven by shared commitment, national unity, and sustainable development. Among the senior participating in the event are Minister Coordinator for Democratic System Building Center at the office of the Prime Minister, Bikila Hurisa, Roza Umar, Deputy Chief Administrator of the Harari Region and Ibrahim Yusuf, Government Chief Whip with the rank of Deputy Mayor in the Dire Dawa City Administration.   Also attending the forum are Mandefro Nigussie, Director General of the Agricultural Transformation Institute (ATI), senior government leaders, and farmers from Dire Dawa, as well as the Somali, Harari, and Afar regions. The discussion follows similar forums previously conducted in Adama and the Sidama Region, where participants exchanged experiences and best practices focused on accelerating the transition from dependency to productivity while reinforcing national dignity and self-sufficiency. Participants emphasized that the achievements registered during Ethiopia’s recent reform years demonstrate the country’s growing ability to overcome dependency through coordinated national efforts and homegrown solutions. During the ongoing reform period, Ethiopia has implemented a range of economic and institutional measures aimed at strengthening national resilience, expanding domestic productivity, and reducing long-standing dependence on foreign assistance.   Government initiatives have focused on increasing agricultural production, encouraging local manufacturing and investment, improving domestic revenue generation, and enhancing self-reliance in critical sectors including food security, energy, and public services. Officials at the forum stressed that building a sustainable and shock-resistant economy requires continued reforms, efficient resource mobilization, and a firm commitment to economic independence and national productivity.

Addis Ababa, May 21, 2026 —Diplomats and foreign visitors have praised the sweeping transformation of Addis Ababa, describing it as a modern, green, and fast-growing metropolis that is becoming increasingly attractive to residents, tourists, and the international diplomatic community. They said the city’s expanding infrastructure, ecofriendly initiatives, and large-scale urban development projects are reshaping its image and improving the quality of life for residents and visitors alike. Jobaida Khanam, from Embassy of Bangladesh in Ethiopia, said she and her colleagues felt immediately connected to the city upon their arrival because of its green environment. “Since the day we arrived, we loved this place because the first thing that struck us was how green everything is. Bangladesh is also very green, so it instantly felt like home,” Khanam said. She added that the warmth, friendliness, and hospitality of Ethiopians make life comfortable for foreign residents. Khanam also noted that diplomats and visitors returning to Addis Ababa after many years are often astonished by the scale of transformation taking place in the capital. “People returning after 12 or 15 years can no longer recognize the city,” she said. “Everything has changed. The city has expanded and is transitioning into a very modernized way of living.” Prof. Nicole Lurie of the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations also commended the rapid pace of development in the city. Lurie said that although she expected a highly functional city because Addis Ababa hosts the African Union and the Africa Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the scale of ongoing public projects exceeded her expectations. “I was very surprised to see the sheer volume of construction and development, particularly the emphasis being placed on public gathering spaces, parks, and the river walk. All of those things are incredibly impressive,” Lurie said, describing Addis Ababa as “a terrific city” with a rich and visible history. Echoing similar sentiments, Chijioke Onumuzurike, Acting Director of Nigeria’s Department of Special Programmes, said other African countries could learn from Ethiopia’s development strategies. “Addis Ababa is doing exceptionally well,” Onumuzurike said. “Many African countries, including my own, should emulate its implementation strategies, especially in human capital development, education, roads, and airport infrastructure.” Zinat Sultana, another staff member at the Bangladeshi Embassy, said she has witnessed dramatic improvements in the capital during her two and a half years in the city. “It is a massive change. I can hardly believe it,” Sultana said. “The roads are brand new, the street lighting is excellent, and the introduction of green areas and dedicated cycling lanes is top quality.” Sultana also praised the government’s extensive tree planting campaigns aimed at combating climate change and improving the urban environment. “It is a fantastic initiative by the government. The city has become so green, which is vital for both the environment and the wellbeing of the people,” she said.

Addis Ababa, May 20, 2026 — A British envoy has praised Ethiopian Airlines for truly embodying its motto, “The New Spirit of Africa,” pointing to the carrier’s modern fleet, extensive global connectivity, and exceptional hospitality. Speaking to ENA, Jamie Mansbridge, Communications and Soft Power Section Head at the British Embassy in Ethiopia, highlighted how the airline’s state-of-the-art aircraft and expansive network seamlessly reflect the core values of its branding. "Ethiopian Airlines' modern fleet and global reach are a true testament to 'The New Spirit of Africa' branding," Mansbridge noted, commending the airline's role as a vital bridge between Africa and the rest of the world.   Mansbridge pointed to the airline’s modern fleet and broad international connectivity, describing the onboard experience as one of the key features that distinguishes Ethiopian Airlines from other carriers. He also praised the airline’s service culture, noting that passengers receive a “warm welcome” from both cabin crew and staff throughout their journey. According to the envoy, the experience begins even before arrival, highlighting the distinctive tail fins visible to travelers approaching Addis Ababa Bole International Airport. Mansbridge congratulated Ethiopian Airlines on its 80th anniversary, saying the carrier has played a major role in connecting people across Ethiopia, Africa, and the world. He noted that the airline currently provides direct connections to five continents and dozens of countries, strengthening trade, tourism, and people-to-people relations. The envoy also linked the airline’s growing connectivity with broader regional development, saying improved air transport supports the exchange of ideas, commercial ties, and tourism growth across Africa. Referring to the nation’s tourism potential, Mansbridge mentioned attractions such as the country’s historic rock-hewn churches and the Danakil Depression, adding that stronger air connectivity could help unlock further opportunities for the continent. He encouraged passengers flying with Ethiopian Airlines to enjoy the airline’s modern aircraft, hospitality, food, and onboard services. Meanwhile, Nigerian pilot trainee Kemal Abdulmalik Toro described Ethiopian Airlines as a leading force in Africa’s aviation industry due to its service quality, training standards, and contribution to expanding aviation opportunities across the continent. Toro said the airline is widely recognized for operating at a high professional level, adding that its strong performance is evident to those familiar with the aviation sector. He described the carrier’s training and operational systems as consistently effective and rated Ethiopian Airlines as a “five-star” airline in Africa. Toro also praised the airline’s extensive connectivity, noting that Ethiopian Airlines serves destinations across Africa and the wider world, helping strengthen ties between African countries and supporting international exchange. According to him, the airline also engages with other African carriers through aviation initiatives and collaborative programs aimed at improving standards across the continent. He added that Ethiopian Airlines seeks not only to maintain its own position but also to help strengthen the overall capacity of Africa’s aviation industry. On employment and human resources, Toro said the airline recruit’s aviation professionals from different countries, including international pilots and cabin crew, contributing to broader regional and global integration. Highlighting what makes Ethiopian Airlines unique, Toro said discipline remains central to the airline’s culture. Recalling his training experience, he noted that strict punctuality and professionalism are strongly emphasized, arguing that discipline is essential for success in aviation. Toro underscored that Ethiopian Airlines has long maintained a culture of discipline in both training and daily operations, saying the carrier’s standards explain why it continues to serve as a benchmark for airlines across Africa.

Addis Ababa, May 20, 2026 — Ethiopia's Finance Minister Ahmed Shide has called for urgent, coordinated international action and emergency financing to buffer import-dependent economies against soaring fuel and fertilizer pressures, following the ongoing Iran crisis and major shipping disruptions. Speaking at the Global Partnerships Conference in London, the Minister warned that these escalating market strains threaten agricultural productivity and food security, demanding stronger global solidarity to protect vulnerable nations. Rising fuel prices and fertilizer supply disruptions are creating challenges for agricultural production during the planting season, he added. According to the Embassy of Ethiopia in London, the Minister said higher global oil prices were raising transportation, irrigation, mechanization, agro-processing and food distribution costs while adding pressure on Ethiopia’s trade balance. He also pointed out fertilizer shortages and delayed deliveries linked to supply disruptions, shipping delays, higher insurance costs and uncertainty in global markets. According to him, reduced fertilizer availability and higher cultivation costs could lower agricultural productivity, weaken rural livelihoods and intensify food insecurity, particularly in countries already facing climate shocks, debt distress, inflationary pressures and humanitarian challenges. The crisis risks undermining development gains in vulnerable economies. The Finance Minister called for stronger international solidarity and coordinated action, and for development partners and international financial institutions to provide emergency financing for fuel and fertilizer imports, concessional support and targeted assistance for smallholder farmers. He also emphasized the importance of long-term investments in regional supply chains, storage, logistics and domestic resilience.

Addis Ababa, May 20, 2026 — Foreign nationals who participated in an 8-kilometer road race organized as part of the 80th anniversary celebrations of Ethiopian Airlines have praised the rapid transformation taking place in Addis Ababa, describing the capital as a city changing dramatically every day. American participant Katie Taylor said the Ethiopian capital is witnessing fast paced development through expanding infrastructure projects, including roads, modern buildings and green spaces.     Katie, who has lived in Addis Ababa for the past two years, said she has closely observed the city’s ongoing transformation. “Addis Ababa is a very welcoming and interesting place. The city is evolving and changing every day, every week, with new construction, new buildings, new activities and recreation centers,” she said.     Under Ethiopia’s corridor development initiative, the capital has seen the construction of new parks, recreational facilities and landscaped road corridors aimed at improving the urban environment for both residents and visitors. Brazilian national Lydia Bruno also expressed admiration for the city, describing Addis Ababa as a pleasant and enjoyable place to live.     Lydia, who has been living in the capital for one year, said the city is becoming increasingly comfortable due to the expansion of public infrastructure projects. She noted that residents are benefiting from newly developed sports facilities, green areas and public parks across the city. Another participant, Mohammed Sanghari from Ivory Coast, said he was impressed by the scale of development taking place in Addis Ababa.   He expressed hope that his country would achieve similar progress in the future. “What Addis Ababa has achieved is something we aspire to see in other African countries as well,” he said.

Addis Ababa, May 20, 2026 — Ethiopia’s Minister of Finance Ahmed Shide and UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) Global Issues Director-General Melinda Bohannon have discussed the partnership between Ethiopia and the United Kingdom. The discussion was held on the sidelines of the Global Partnership Conference in London. According to a social media post by the Ethiopian Embassy in London, the Finance Minister expressed appreciation for the quality, consistency, and enduring nature of the UK’s partnership with Ethiopia. The two officials reaffirmed their commitment to further strengthening bilateral cooperation and working closely to deliver concrete outcomes at COP32 and the G20 meetings, which will be hosted consecutively by Ethiopia and the United Kingdom in 2027.

Addis Ababa, May 19, 2026 —Finance Minister Ahmed Shide has called for a fundamental rethinking of the global development and financial architecture, emphasizing that rising interconnected shocks require a shift from crisis response to prevention and long-term resilience building. A framing plenary titled “Building a System Fit for the Challenges of the 21st Century” was held at the Global Partnerships Conference in London today. The conference, which brought together policymakers, development institutions and private-sector leaders, focused on reshaping global partnerships around green growth, investment and sustainable development, with particular emphasis on Africa and preparations toward upcoming global milestones including the UK’s G20 Presidency and Ethiopia’s hosting of COP32.   In his address, Ethiopia's Finance Minister Ahmed Shide said the world is now defined by multiple and interconnected shocks, including climate change, geopolitical fragmentation, debt vulnerabilities and supply chain disruptions. The challenges disproportionately affect developing countries despite their limited contribution to global crises, he added. According to him, resilience, sovereignty and shared prosperity are “intrinsically linked”. Without domestic policy space and inclusive development, countries cannot sustain stability or long-term reform gains. He noted that the current global institutions were designed for a more stable era and are struggling to respond to fast-moving and interconnected risks. Outlining his vision for reform of the international system, the Ministry of Finance reported that Ahmed called for stronger country ownership, treating resilience financing as a strategic investment, greater focus on anticipatory systems such as early warning mechanisms, and ensuring that technology drives inclusion rather than deepening global inequality.   Reaffirming Ethiopia’s position on sovereignty and accountability in humanitarian operations, the Minister underscored that humanitarian assistance must be aligned with national systems and priorities while strengthening institutions and resilience rather than creating dependency. He finally mentioned Ethiopia's continuing implementation of its Homegrown Economic Reform Agenda, including macroeconomic stabilization, digital transformation and renewable energy expansion, noting that it must be supported by coordinated international partnerships.

Addis Ababa, May 18, 2026 —Senior Ethiopian government officials say the country is making significant strides toward gaining full control of its national data ecosystem, as part of broader efforts to strengthen policy independence, enhance governance efficiency, and accelerate economic transformation. The announcement was made during a national conference held in Addis Ababa under the theme “Data Sovereignty for Policy Autonomy,” attended by Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed and senior government officials. Officials said Ethiopia is rapidly expanding control over how national data is collected, stored, managed, and used in policymaking—marking a major shift away from fragmented systems that previously relied heavily on external support.   The conference underscored the government’s efforts to build a self-reliant statistical and digital governance framework capable of producing credible, locally generated data to guide national development priorities. Officials noted that Ethiopia has made substantial progress in documenting its development achievements through stronger statistical systems, helping shift policymaking toward evidence-based decision-making. Minister of Planning and Development Fitsum Assefa said Ethiopia is transitioning from foreign-dependent data systems to a self-reliant model rooted in Prime Minister Abiy’s Medemer philosophy. She noted that newly introduced household, tourism, and business surveys are helping shape reforms under Ethiopia’s Homegrown Economic Reform Agenda and the country’s Ten-Year Development Plan.   State Minister of Planning and Development Abas Mohammed said official statistics become effective governance tools when they are legally protected, technically sound, and publicly accessible. He highlighted progress in household surveys, full dissemination of the Demographic and Health Survey, and advances in agricultural and economic censuses led by Ethiopian professionals. Deputy Director of the Ethiopian Statistical Service Dr. Meron Kifelew said the country has transitioned from paper-based systems to fully digitized real-time data operations using technologies such as Computer-Assisted Personal Interviewing (CAPI), Geographic Information Systems (GIS), remote sensing, cloud infrastructure, and an enumerator tracking platform developed with Information Network Security Administration. She said Ethiopia has connected 26 statistical branches nationwide and introduced an AI-powered survey dashboard as part of efforts to build sovereign digital intelligence capabilities.   Another ESS official, Abdulaziz Shefa said national statistics are increasingly being placed at the center of development planning, citing improvements in agricultural census systems and demographic surveys aligned with Agenda 2063 and the United Nations. State Minister Bereket Feshatsion said development management reforms are modernizing planning, monitoring, and service delivery by addressing fragmented systems and weak accountability structures. He noted that a unified digital platform currently used by more than 113 public institutions is enabling real-time performance monitoring under the government’s “One Plan, One Report” framework. Meanwhile, State Minister Zerihun Kebede said Ethiopia’s digital sovereignty agenda has moved from ambition to implementation through a national monitoring and evaluation platform that integrates key indicators, programs, and performance targets into one system. He said the platform is designed to eliminate fragmented reporting systems and support institutions with real-time, AI-powered insights for better policymaking. Director General of the Ethiopian Artificial Intelligence Institute Worku Gachena said Ethiopia is also building sovereign digital infrastructure to ensure national data is stored, governed, and processed domestically.   He highlighted plans under Digital Ethiopia 2030 to establish sovereign cloud infrastructure, a national data lakehouse, and indigenous multilingual AI models designed to support local languages and generate economic value. Officials said the initiative reflects Ethiopia’s broader push to strengthen national sovereignty through technology while positioning the country as an emerging regional leader in data-driven governance and digital transformation.

Addis Ababa, May 18, 2026 —Senior government officials, policymakers, and regional experts from across the Horn of Africa have called for deeper regional integration, stronger cooperation, and sustainable peace during a high-level dialogue hosted in eastern Ethiopia. The Horn Inter-Elite Dialogue, held in Jigjiga, brought together senior officials from across the region to discuss strategic autonomy, regional integration, and long-term peacebuilding in the Horn of Africa. The forum was jointly organized by the Institute of Foreign Affairs, the Centre for Responsible and Peaceful Politics, and the Somali Region administration under the theme “Strengthening Regional Agency for Strategic Autonomy and Durable Peace in the Horn of Africa.”   Participants stressed that while the Horn occupies one of the world’s most strategically important locations along major global maritime trade routes, the region continues to face fragmented cooperation, persistent insecurity, and growing external geopolitical competition. Officials noted that regional instability, climate shocks, migration pressures, economic fragmentation, and competition over strategic corridors linked to the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden continue to challenge long-term development efforts. Opening the forum, Director General of the Institute of Foreign Affairs Jafar Bedru said countries in the Horn must address internal political divisions that often create opportunities for external actors to influence regional affairs.   He stressed the importance of turning calls for African-led solutions into practical regional cooperation mechanisms. Somalia’s Minister of Commerce and Industry Jamaal Mohamed said the Horn is too often defined by conflict narratives, despite its long history of economic and social interconnectedness. He noted that communities across borders have historically maintained strong trade and cultural ties, while political institutions have struggled to match that level of integration. On his part, Djibouti’s Minister of Economy and Finance Ilyas Moussa Dawaleh emphasized that engagement with global powers should be approached through stronger regional coordination rather than isolated national interests.   From Kenya, Garissa Governor Nathif Jama Adam highlighted how border communities face the direct consequences of displacement, insecurity, migration, climate pressures, and trade disruptions. He called for stronger regional coordination through the Intergovernmental Authority on Development to address cross-border challenges.   Hosting the forum, Chief Administrator of Somali Region Mustafe Mohamed Omar said Jigjiga’s location reflects its growing importance as a regional gateway connecting Ethiopia, Somalia, Djibouti, and broader regional communities. He said the Horn’s challenges are increasingly transnational, while policy responses often remain confined within national borders.   From Ethiopia’s perspective, the forum reflects the country’s broader diplomatic push under Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed's leadership to promote regional dialogue, trade connectivity, infrastructure cooperation, and African-led solutions to shared regional challenges. Officials said the Jigjiga Forum is expected to become an annual platform for advancing peacebuilding, trade integration, infrastructure coordination, and stronger regional cooperation across the Horn of Africa.

Addis Ababa, May 18, 2026 —Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed underscored Ethiopia’s growing strides toward data and statistical sovereignty during the national conference and exhibition held under the theme, “Data Sovereignty for Policy Autonomy.” The Prime Minister noted that the event marked a significant milestone in Ethiopia’s journey toward strengthening its capacity to generate, manage, and utilize its own data resources for national development.   He described the progress achieved in the sector as encouraging and emphasized that, in today’s world, data has become a strategic national asset and a fundamental pillar of sovereignty. According to Prime Minister Abiy, building a strong nation-state requires independent and reliable data systems, stressing that reliance on borrowed data or external institutions cannot effectively support Ethiopia’s long-term national ambitions.   The PM further highlighted that developing domestic capacity to collect, analyze, and interpret data is essential to ensuring policy autonomy and evidence-based decision-making. The Prime Minister also expressed pride in seeing Ethiopians lead data collection and analysis through their own expertise and innovation, describing it as a reflection of the country’s growing self-reliance.   He also stressed that data initiatives should go beyond numerical measurements and remain focused on improving the lives of citizens, emphasizing the need for human-centered approaches that deliver tangible social and economic benefits.

Addis Ababa, May 18, 2026 —A national conference centered on the theme: “Data Sovereignty for Policy Autonomy” is underway in Addis Ababa in the presence of Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed and senior government officials. The conference underscores Ethiopia’s increasing focus on strengthening its statistical capacity and ensuring that national development plans are guided by credible, locally generated data. Officials said Ethiopia has made significant progress in documenting its development goals and achievements through data and statistical evidence, marking a major shift from its past reliance on fragmented and externally supported data systems.   The move reflects the country’s broader commitment to achieving data sovereignty and enhancing policy independence by relying on nationally owned information systems for decision-making. Moreover, authorities noted that this new direction is enabling Ethiopia to make informed decisions based on its own data while shaping a development path that aligns with its national priorities. Participants at the conference are expected to assess the progress made in Ethiopia’s statistical development journey, review milestones achieved in securing data sovereignty, and discuss future strategies to further strengthen the country’s data systems.   The event is viewed as a key platform for advancing Ethiopia’s efforts to build a more independent, data-driven policy framework.

Addis Ababa, May 18, 2026 — —Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, together with senior government officials, toured an exhibition on national planning and integrated data systems today in Addis Ababa. The exhibition indicates Ethiopia’s expanding shift toward data driven governance and the display formed part of the National Summit on Statistical Sovereignty and introduced new tools designed to strengthen how national information is collected, processed, and presented for policy use.   According to a post from Office of the Prime Minister, the exhibition featured sector-based dashboards developed to support decision making in infrastructure, economic planning, and social service delivery. The post stated, “Senior government official tour of the exhibit on national planning and statistical dashboards and systems featured at the National Summit on Statistical Sovereignty, showcasing Ethiopia’s data-driven development future.”   The showcased systems demonstrated efforts to improve coordination and real time visualization of national indicators, with officials observing how integrated platforms can support planning across key government sectors.

By Staff Writer Addis Ababa, May 17, 2026 —Ethiopia experienced a defining week marked by major economic breakthroughs, diplomatic victories, and renewed momentum toward national transformation. From industrial expansion and export growth to high-level global diplomacy and domestic peacebuilding efforts, the country demonstrated its growing ability to balance internal development with an increasingly influential international presence. Guided by the leadership of Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, the nation has boldly asserted its position as both the economic engine and the diplomatic anchor of the region. Through a sophisticated blend of high-level industrial infrastructure commissions, historic multilateral diplomacy, and surging macroeconomic performance, Addis Ababa continues to aggressively turn its grand visions into concrete, historical realities. Industrialization and Job Creation In a Victory for the nation’s manufacturing sector, Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed officially inaugurated the first phase of the ultra-modern Gelan Gura Industrial Park in Addis Ababa.     Executed under the high-profile “Made in Ethiopia” national campaign, the inauguration of this state-of-the-art facility marks a significant milestone in scaling up local production capacity, resolving industrial bottlenecks, and creating crucial market linkages. Prime Minister Abiy underscored that the development of such industrial hubs is pivotal to achieving economic independence, generating extensive employment opportunities, and fostering innovation. Developed on 43 hectares of the park's total 93.9 hectares, the facility carries profound hope for the capital's medium and large-scale manufacturers while unlocking vital employment opportunities for thousands of organized, formerly unemployed youth. The Prime Minister emphasized that development initiatives must uplift local farmers, the underserved, and the vulnerable, noting that meaningful progress cannot be achieved if farmers are reduced to mere guards on their own land. He called upon all regional states to draw inspiration from the Gelan Gura model and establish similar inclusive industrial parks tailored for youth and farmers. By producing import-substituting goods—ranging from water pumps and blocks to animal feed—the specialized manufacturing incubator will create a direct and efficient commercial link between producers and consumers, driving the country's industrial and economic transformation. Strengthening Multilateral Diplomacy Ethiopia’s diplomatic influence was prominently displayed during the commemoration of the 80th anniversary of Ethiopia’s relationship with the United Nations. Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed joined António Guterres at the historic National Palace to mark the milestone and unveil a special four-stamp commemorative collection themed “To Live Together in Peace,” which will be distributed globally through the Universal Postal Union. During the event, Prime Minister Abiy emphasized that Ethiopia’s partnership with the United Nations is built on a shared history and common future. He also called for urgent reforms to global institutions, particularly the United Nations Security Council, arguing that global governance structures must better reflect Africa’s growing role in international affairs.   At the Africa Forward Summit in Nairobi, co-hosted by William Ruto and Emmanuel Macron, Prime Minister Abiy highlighted Ethiopia’s expanding role in green industrialization and clean energy development. He reaffirmed Ethiopia’s commitment to sustainable industrial growth and emphasized the country’s contribution to Africa’s broader energy transition agenda. Ethiopia also strengthened relations with the United States as Foreign Minister Gedion Timothewos held talks with Marco Rubio focused on trade, investment, security cooperation, and regional peace. The discussions followed the signing of the Bilateral Structured Dialogue Framework in Washington, D.C., signaling renewed momentum in relations between the two countries. In addition, Ethiopia used its platform at BRICS meetings to advocate for reforms to global financial institutions and governance systems that would provide African nations with stronger representation in global decision-making.   Expanding Strategic Partnerships Ethiopia’s diplomatic momentum continued with the visit of French President Emmanuel Macron, who was welcomed by Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed at the National Palace. The two leaders toured the Ethiopia Science Museum and explored opportunities for future collaboration in innovation, science, and technology. Their meeting produced a major outcome in the form of a €54.6 million loan agreement that will support Ethiopia’s Renewable, Integrated, Sustainable Energy and Digitalization Program, further advancing the country’s green energy and digital transformation efforts.   Macroeconomic Growth The week brought extraordinary news for Ethiopia's macroeconomic performance, climate-resilient urban planning, and agricultural progress. The Ministry of Trade and Regional Integration announced that Ethiopia secured a stellar 8.7 billion USD in export revenue over the last 10 months of the current fiscal year. Trade and Regional Integration Minister Kassahun Gofe disclosed the figures during the graduation of 168 coffee sommeliers from the Ethiopian Commodity Exchange (ECX) Academy, noting that structural economic reforms have dramatically boosted the competitiveness of agricultural exports. The nation remains firmly on track to hit its ambitious 10 billion USD export target by the end of the fiscal year through strict quality assurance and professional workforce training. Simultaneously, the national push for food self-reliance is gaining substantial momentum across regional states, driven by robust cluster farming initiatives and expanding summer wheat production outputs. Bolstering urban resilience, the Ministry of Finance formalized an essential environmental partnership by signing a 5 million Euro grant agreement with the Government of Italy, specifically dedicated to the execution of the Kebena Riverside Project designed to expand Addis Ababa's green coverage and eco-tourism spaces. National Dialogue Commission Advances to Final Phase On the social and political front, the Ethiopian National Dialogue Commission announced that the country has moved significantly closer to the final phase of its nationwide reconciliation process. The Commission indicated that consultations and agenda-gathering phases have progressed smoothly across various regions, laying a firm, inclusive foundation to resolve long-standing national issues through peaceful discourse. This steady domestic progress mirrors Ethiopia's active external posture, as the country continues to push for economic self-sufficiency, institutional transparency, and harmonious national development.   Ultimately, the past week has proven that Ethiopia's transformative journey is moving forward at an irreversible pace. The synchronized milestones in domestic industrialization, expanding export landscapes, and heavyweight global partnerships illustrate a country aggressively turning its grand visions into concrete, historical realities. By combining local resilience with an influential global posture, Addis Ababa continues to confidently chart the path forward for Africa's development paradigm. Looking Ahead This week underscored Ethiopia’s growing confidence as it continues to expand its economic base, strengthen diplomatic relationships, and pursue long-term national transformation. The simultaneous progress in industrial development, international partnerships, export growth, and national dialogue reflects a country determined to shape its future through resilience, ambition, and strategic leadership. As Ethiopia deepens its domestic reforms while expanding its global influence, it continues to position itself as one of Africa’s most consequential emerging powers.

Addis Ababa, May 17, 2026 —Citizens from various countries who participated in an 8-kilometer road race in Addis Ababa have praised the outstanding achievements of Ethiopian Airlines as the carrier celebrates its 80th anniversary. The vibrant street race, organized this morning as part of the milestone anniversary celebrations, flagged off at Pushkin Square (commonly known as Sarbet) and concluded at Bole International Airport. Among the international participants was Brazilian national Lydia Bruno, who shared that she has traveled with Ethiopian Airlines several times and experienced the carrier's exceptional hospitality firsthand. She commended the airline for organizing what she described as a joyful, inclusive event, while also praising the warm hospitality of the Ethiopian people. Another participant, Makessa Konne from Ivory Coast, highlighted Ethiopian Airlines' reputation as a leading force in the African aviation industry. She further noted that the Ethiopian Aviation University has become a premier training institution for many African nations, fostering aviation talent across the continent. American participant Katie Taylor also described Ethiopian Airlines’ 80-year journey as deeply impressive, noting that it remains a pioneering force as Africa's oldest operational airline while continuing to expand its global footprint. Having flown with the carrier several times, she expressed great appreciation for its high-quality service and renowned hospitality. “I appreciate Ethiopian Airlines, its contribution for Ethiopia, the region, and to connecting the world,” Taylor said. The airline's remarkable trajectory is set to continue. Under its ambitious Vision 2040 strategy, Ethiopian Airlines plans to expand its destinations from 145 to 243, more than double its current fleet of over 150 aircraft to 350, and raise annual passenger traffic from 20 million to 60 million.

Addis Ababa, May 17, 2026 —Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed has affirmed that the construction of the Gode urea fertilizer factory in Ethiopia’s Somali Region is a major step toward resolving one of the country’s most pressing national challenges and strengthening long term agricultural productivity. Speaking after visiting the construction site in Gode, the Prime Minister said the project forms part of a broader strategic partnership reached months ago with Nigerian industrialist Aliko Dangote. According to PM Abiy, the agreement was designed to support Ethiopia’s industrial and agricultural transformation through large scale investments in key sectors.   He explained that one objective of the partnership was to expand cement production in Ethiopia through Dangote’s existing investments, while the second major component focused on the establishment of a large-scale fertilizer manufacturing plant in Gode. The factory is expected to produce 3 million metric tons of urea fertilizer annually, making it one of the largest fertilizer production facilities in the region. The Prime Minister further noted that the original agreement envisioned completion within 40 months. However, growing international demand for fertilizer and fuel, combined with Ethiopia’s increasing domestic agricultural needs, prompted both sides to revise the implementation schedule and accelerate construction. “The work will be completed quickly, and we will return after four months,” PM Abiy said.   He added that alongside the industrial project, residential housing for nearly 5,000 local residents is also under construction and is expected to be finalized within the same period, reflecting what he described as an integrated development approach for the area. The completion of the fertilizer plant would significantly reduce nation’s dependence on imported fertilizer, a challenge that has long strained the country’s foreign currency reserves and affected agricultural productivity. PM Abiy also stated that expanding domestic fertilizer production is central to the government’s broader strategy of achieving food self-sufficiency and strengthening national economic resilience. “Land, water, and people are the foundations of food self-sufficiency, and Ethiopia possesses all of these resources,” he said. The government is working to combine Ethiopia’s natural resource potential with improved seed technologies, irrigation expansion, and modern fertilizer supply systems to increase agricultural output and support sustainable food production.   According to the Prime Minister, the investments underway in Gode are also expected to generate substantial national revenue and could eventually become major contributors to the economy, comparable to the role played by Ethiopian Airlines in foreign exchange generation and national development. The Gode fertilizer project comes as Ethiopia continues pursuing large scale economic reforms and agricultural modernization efforts aimed at reducing import dependency, improving productivity, and positioning the country as a regional manufacturing and export hub.