Addis Ababa, July 9, 2026 (ENA) —Ethiopia has assumed the chairmanship of the Eastern Africa Power Pool (EAPP) Council of Ministers, succeeding Egypt during the council's 22nd meeting held in Addis Ababa. The East African nation also reaffirmed its commitment to advancing regional electricity integration and strengthening energy cooperation across the region. Established in 2005 with seven founding members—Egypt, Ethiopia, Kenya, Rwanda, Sudan, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and Burundi, the EAPP has expanded into a 13-member regional platform dedicated to building an integrated electricity market and enhancing cross-border power trade. Opening the meeting, Ethiopia's Minister of Water and Energy, Eng. Habtamu Itefa, said the EAPP was founded on the shared vision that regional cooperation is strengthened when sovereign states voluntarily commit to common rules and coordinated action.   He pledged Ethiopia's full commitment to working closely with all member states to realize the organization's common objectives. "Ethiopia remains committed to deepening collaboration with member states to accelerate regional power connectivity and advance the Eastern Africa Power Pool's vision of an integrated regional electricity market," the minister said. The 22nd Extraordinary Session of the Council of Ministers and the 37th Steering Committee Meeting brought together ministers and senior energy officials to review key constitutional, legal and institutional matters, as well as measures aimed at accelerating regional electricity market development. Participants are also examining proposed amendments to existing Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs), together with related administrative guidelines and regulatory frameworks, with final recommendations expected to be adopted following the deliberations. Since its establishment, the EAPP has played a pivotal role in expanding cross-border electricity infrastructure and power trade across the region.   Among its flagship achievements are the Ethiopia–Kenya electricity interconnection, plans to extend the transmission network toward Tanzania, and broader initiatives to strengthen regional electricity exchange. Assuming the rotating chairmanship places Ethiopia at the forefront of efforts to promote reliable, affordable and sustainable energy cooperation, reinforcing the country's growing role in driving regional integration, energy security and economic development across Eastern Africa.

Addis Ababa, July 9, 2026 (ENA) —Ethiopia will continue advancing regional power connectivity in line with the Eastern Africa Power Pool’s (EAPP) vision of building an integrated regional electricity market, Water and Energy Minister Habtamu Itefa said. EAPP’s 37th Steering Committee meeting and 22nd Council of Ministers extraordinary session, which brought together senior officials to review key constitutional, legal, and regional power-market issues, is taking place in Addis Ababa. Speaking at the opening of the session, the Minister recalled that EAPP was established on the principle that regional cooperation strengthens when sovereign states voluntarily agree on common rules.   Those rules are reflected in the EAPP Intergovernmental Memorandum of Understanding signed in 2005, he added. The Minister noted that significant efforts have been made to operationalize the regional electricity market and continue institutional development of the organization. As Eastern Africa Power Pool's current chair, Ethiopia is advancing efforts and will work closely with all EAPP member states to pursue the shared goal of an integrated market grounded in constitutional governance, institutional integrity, regional solidarity, and the rule of law, Water and Energy Minister Habtamu said. Emphasizing the need for collective commitment to constitutional governance, institutional integrity, regional solidarity, and the rule of law, he encouraged members to seize the opportunity to strengthen both the organization and regional electricity market for the benefit of all.   On his part, Water and Energy State Minister Sultan Welle told the media that Ethiopia has been fulfilling its regional connectivity commitments by supplying electricity to Djibouti, Kenya, Tanzania, and Sudan. He added that Ethiopia intends to expand its interconnection role under the East Africa Power Pool framework. The power pool initiative will serve as an enabling platform to facilitate power transmission and ensure reliable electricity supply across the region, the State Minister said, adding that improved access to electricity can help drive social and economic benefits for local communities. The meeting is focused on discussing agreements among member countries to collaborate jointly and the terms governing electricity services, with decisions expected to be reached, he stated.   The Eastern Africa Power Pool (EAPP) is comprised of the following member countries: Burundi, Djibouti, Democratic Republic of Congo, Rwanda, Egypt, Ethiopia, Kenya, Sudan, Tanzania, Uganda, and Libya. South Sudan and Somalia joined recently.

Addis Ababa, July 8, 2026 (ENA) —Ambassadors and foreign trade representatives have commended Ethiopia’s ongoing macroeconomic reforms and rapid digital transformation. Approached by ENA, they said the changes are creating a more competitive business environment and positioning the country as an increasingly attractive destination for foreign direct investment (FDI). As part of its broad economic reform agenda, Ethiopia has introduced far-reaching policy measures aimed at strengthening macroeconomic stability, improving the ease of doing business, expanding digital services, and creating a more conducive environment for trade and investment. These reforms have contributed to rising investor confidence and a steady increase in foreign investment inflows. Diplomats from several countries highlighted Ethiopia’s improving investment climate and reaffirmed their countries’ commitment to expanding economic cooperation. Israel’s Ambassador to Ethiopia, Avraham Neguise, said Ethiopia and Israel continue to enjoy strong and growing economic relations, with Israeli companies actively investing in various sectors while deepening trade ties. He noted that Israel imports Ethiopian products, including coffee, teff, sesame, and other agricultural commodities, while sharing advanced technologies and expertise to support Ethiopia’s development efforts. According to the ambassador, Ethiopia’s macroeconomic reforms, coupled with its accelerated digitalization drive, have significantly enhanced the country’s appeal as an investment destination. “These reforms have created a favorable environment for Israeli investors and opened new opportunities to further expand our investment partnership with Ethiopia,” he said. Sri Lanka’s Ambassador to Ethiopia, Nirmala Paranavitana, also praised Ethiopia’s efforts to showcase its investment potential through international and regional engagement. She said the government’s investment incentives are playing a crucial role in attracting foreign investors and strengthening business confidence. The ambassador revealed that Sri Lankan companies have already made significant investments in Ethiopia’s textile industry and expressed her country’s strong interest in expanding cooperation into additional sectors. Similarly, Pakistan’s Trade and Investment Representative in Ethiopia, Basit Saleem Shah, underscored Ethiopia’s strategic geographic location as a major advantage for regional and international trade. He noted that Pakistan imports several Ethiopian products, particularly coffee and pulses, and said Ethiopia’s abundant natural and agricultural resources present considerable opportunities for expanding bilateral trade. Shah also highlighted Ethiopia’s rich tourism potential, reaffirming Pakistan’s readiness to deepen cooperation in tourism, trade, investment, and other areas of mutual interest. Many analysts say Ethiopia's ongoing economic reforms are strengthening international investor confidence and reinforcing the country's emergence as one of Africa's most promising destinations for foreign investment, trade, and long-term economic partnerships.

Addis Ababa, July 8, 2026 (ENA)—Ethiopia has reached another key milestone in its bid to join the World Trade Organization (WTO) after signing a Bilateral Market Access Protocol with Thailand at the WTO headquarters in Geneva. The move anticipated to strengthen the Ethiopia’s progress toward full membership in the global trading system. The agreement was signed by Ambassador Tsegab Kebebew Daka, Ethiopia's Permanent Representative to the United Nations Office and other International Organizations in Geneva, and Ambassador Pimchanok Pitfield, Thailand's Permanent Representative to the WTO and the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO). The signing ceremony was attended by senior officials from both countries, representatives of the WTO Secretariat, and Thailand's Vice Minister for Commerce, Dr. Kirida Bhaopichitr. Speaking at the ceremony, Ambassador Tsegab described the agreement as a significant breakthrough in Ethiopia's WTO accession negotiations. The ambassador also reaffirmed that WTO membership remains a strategic national priority under the government's comprehensive macroeconomic reform agenda.   He said the successful conclusion of the bilateral negotiations demonstrates Ethiopia's commitment to a transparent, predictable, and rules-based multilateral trading system while opening new opportunities for trade, investment, and sustainable economic growth. "The Protocol is more than the conclusion of bilateral negotiations," Ambassador Tsegab said. He further added that: "It reflects the enduring friendship between Ethiopia and Thailand, our shared confidence in the multilateral trading system, and our common commitment to expanding trade, investment, and economic cooperation." The ambassador noted that every successfully concluded bilateral market access agreement brings Ethiopia closer to WTO membership and reinforces international confidence in the country's ongoing economic reforms. Thailand's Vice Minister for Commerce, Dr. Kirida Bhaopichitr, welcomed the signing as another important milestone in the growing economic partnership between the two countries.   She reaffirmed Thailand's strong support for Ethiopia's WTO accession, expressing confidence that the agreement will deepen bilateral trade, stimulate investment, and unlock broader opportunities for economic cooperation. Dr. Kirida also reiterated Thailand's commitment to working closely with Ethiopia in promoting an open, transparent, inclusive, and rules-based multilateral trading system that advances sustainable development and shared prosperity. Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening the multilateral trading system and underscored the strategic importance of Ethiopia's WTO accession in accelerating the country's economic transformation, enhancing sustainable development, and deepening its integration into the global economy.   On the occasion, Ambassador Tsegab expressed Ethiopia's appreciation to the Government of Thailand for its constructive engagement and steadfast support throughout the negotiations. He also commended the WTO Secretariat, the Accessions Division, the Chair of the WTO Working Party on Ethiopia's Accession, and WTO members for their continued technical assistance and cooperation in advancing Ethiopia's accession process. The latest agreement is expected to add to Ethiopia's growing list of successfully concluded bilateral market access negotiations, bringing the country another step closer to securing WTO membership and reinforcing its commitment to an open, competitive, and globally integrated economy.

Addis Ababa, July 7, 2026 — Ethiopia has reaffirmed its commitment to bolstering Africa’s phytosanitary systems, underscoring that robust plant health measures are essential to ensuring food security, boosting agricultural productivity, and facilitating safe trade across the continent. The commitment was highlighted during the opening of the Strategic Partnership Forum for the African Phytosanitary Programme (APP) in Addis Ababa today. State Minister of Agriculture, Fikru Regassa, emphasized that while African nations are striving to transform their agricultural sectors, particularly under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), these ambitions face mounting threats from transboundary plant pests, invasive species, and climate change. "Plant health is far more than a technical concern; it is a strategic pillar of sustainable agricultural development," Fikru stated. He noted that Ethiopia, where agriculture remains the backbone of the economy, is fully integrated into the APP to enhance surveillance, diagnostic capabilities, and science-based decision-making. Launched in 2023, the APP has already expanded its reach to 20 countries across the continent. The initiative primarily focuses on strengthening national plant protection organizations by equipping them with digital surveillance tools for real-time monitoring and establishing harmonized pest survey protocols to ensure consistency across regions. Additionally, the programme prioritizes capacity building for personnel and institutional frameworks to foster long-term sustainability in safeguarding African agriculture. Enrico Perotti, Secretary of the International Plant Protection Convention (IPPC) noted that Africa is setting an example in advancing phytosanitary systems and stressed the need to build on the continent's successes to create greater global impact. The secretary underscored that sustaining the momentum will require continued national ownership, predictable financing, strong governance, and enhanced regional coordination. Saliou Niassy, Coordinator of the African Union Inter-African Phytosanitary Council, urged member states to prioritize the integration of these tools into national systems and to commit domestic resources to ensure the program's long-term sustainability. Echoing the urgency of the forum, Orlando Sosa, FAO Representative ad interim to Ethiopia, warned of the high stakes involved in plant biosecurity. "When a pest is detected too late, farmers lose their harvests and livelihoods," Sosa said, adding, “Traders lose opportunities, and exporters lose confidence." The forum, held under the theme "Empowering African Countries with Science and Digital Tools to Protect Plant Resources and Facilitate Trade," concluded with a call for scalable, science-driven solutions and stronger continental coordination to combat threats that recognize no national borders.

Addis Ababa, July 7, 2026 —The House of People's Representatives (HPR) has unanimously approved a 2.339-trillion Birr budget for the 2019 Ethiopian Fiscal Year. HPR Plan, Budget, and Finance Affairs Standing Committee Chairperson, Desalegn Wedaje, presented the committee's report and resolution to the floor. Of the total approved budget, 1.49 trillion Birr will be generated from tax revenues, while 93.7 billion Birr is slated to be covered by loans and grants from development partners, and 320 billion Birr will be financed through domestic borrowing, he explained. The Chairperson stated that the overall fiscal deficit is maintained at a mere 1.4 percent of the Gross Domestic Product (GDP), a clear reflection of the government's strategic policy orientation toward structural macroeconomic stabilization. Under the resource allocation framework, the lion's share of 30 percent is designated for education, road infrastructure, health, agriculture, energy expansion, and urban development, while 187.3 billion Birr, representing 15.1 percent, is allocated as budgetary subsidies to regional states. This subsidy allocation reflects an increase of 28.4 billion Birr or 17.8 percent compared to the preceding fiscal year. Over the last five years, Ethiopia's federal budget has grown significantly to absorb macroeconomic shifts and sustain national development initiatives. The year-on-year development in numbers and percentage growth reflects this steady fiscal expansion. In the 2021/22 fiscal year, the federal government budget stood at 561.67 billion Birr, which represented an 18 percent increase compared to the previous fiscal year. This initial allocation was later extended by a 122 billion Birr supplementary budget to handle post-conflict recovery and humanitarian needs. The budget grew to 786.61 billion Birr for the 2022/23 fiscal year, marking an increase of approximately 40 percent over the previous year's initial baseline. The 2023/24 fiscal year saw a more modest growth rate of 1.9 percent, with the total budget adjusting slightly to 801.65 billion Birr to focus on completing existing projects and implementing fiscal consolidation measures. A major upward shift occurred during the 2024/25 fiscal year, when the initial budget rose to 971.2 billion Birr, showing a 21.1 percent growth compared to the previous year. This was further expanded by a historic 581.98 billion Birr supplementary budget later in the year to support the implementation of comprehensive macroeconomic reforms. Building on this momentum, the 2025/26 fiscal year budget experienced a massive surge to 1.93 trillion Birr, representing a nearly 99 percent increase over the previous year's initial budget to fully accommodate structural adjustments and a market-determined foreign exchange system. This trajectory directly sets the stage for the newly approved 2019 fiscal year budget of 2.34 trillion Birr, which maintains a strong upward path with an increase of 411.6 billion Birr, or 21.3 percent, over the 2018 fiscal year.

Addis Ababa, July 7, 2026 —Ethiopia has generated a record 11 billion USD in export revenue during the just concluded fiscal year, Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed disclosed today. He added that the achievement is equivalent to the country's total export earnings over the past 17 years. The Prime Minister made the remarks while responding to questions from lawmakers during the 30th regular session of the House of People's Representatives. The country had surpassed its export target, the premier noted, describing the result as a collective victory for Ethiopians. "This is a major achievement recorded in a single year, exceeding our plan and reflecting the collective success of the Ethiopian people," the premier stated. He further revealed the strong performance of Ethiopia's gold sector, saying the country generated 5.5 billion USD from gold exports alone during the fiscal year. The progress achieved in this fiscal year exceeded what was accomplished over 27 years, the premier said, adding that this is genuine evidence of development. "It is not merely figures on paper, but tangible and visible economic growth." PM Abiy said the record performance demonstrates Ethiopia's growing capacity to expand export earnings and strengthen its foreign exchange reserves.

Addis Ababa, July 6, 2026 — Ethiopia and the Korea Export-Import Bank (KEXIM) have reaffirmed their commitment to deepen one of Africa's longest-standing development partnerships. Senior government officials and development stakeholders convened in Addis Ababa to accelerate the implementation of strategic infrastructure and economic transformation projects financed under Korea's Economic Development Cooperation Fund (EDCF), as ENA learned. The high-level tripartite meeting, hosted by Ethiopia's Ministry of Finance, brought together officials from KEXIM, Project Execution Agencies, and government institutions to assess the progress of ongoing projects, resolve implementation bottlenecks, and advance preparations for a new pipeline of investments aimed at supporting Ethiopia's long-term development agenda.   The meeting was co-chaired by State Minister of Finance Semereta Sewasew and Sunmyung Hwang, Country Chief Representative of EDCF-KEXIM. Opening the meeting, State Minister Semereta described Ethiopia and the Republic of Korea as trusted strategic partners whose cooperation has evolved into a model of long-term development collaboration built on mutual respect and shared aspirations for inclusive economic growth. She noted that Korea Exim Bank has played a pivotal role in supporting Ethiopia's national development priorities through investments spanning energy, transport infrastructure, irrigation, healthcare, higher education, and other critical sectors that strengthen the country's economic resilience. Highlighting the growing scale of bilateral cooperation, the state minister said projects worth approximately US1.7 billion USD were approved last year, underscoring the expanding confidence between the two countries and their shared commitment to advancing sustainable development.   "The Government of Ethiopia remains fully committed to ensuring that ongoing projects are implemented efficiently and deliver tangible results," she said, emphasizing stronger coordination among institutions, proactive resolution of implementation challenges, and faster preparation of future projects aligned with the country's development priorities. Representing Korea Exim Bank, Sunmyung Hwang reaffirmed the institution's long-term commitment to Ethiopia, expressing confidence that closer collaboration would accelerate project delivery and maximize the development impact of Korean-supported investments. The discussions also underscored the strategic role of concessional financing in supporting Ethiopia's economic reform program. Dereje Girma, Head of the Bilateral Cooperation Department at Ethiopia's Ministry of Finance, said financing provided through the Economic Development Cooperation Fund remains an important pillar in supporting the country's Homegrown Economic Reform Agenda while safeguarding fiscal sustainability. He noted that EDCF financing—offered on highly concessional terms with long grace periods and extended repayment maturities—continues to provide Ethiopia with sustainable resources for transformative national investments without placing undue pressure on public finances. Project Execution Agencies presented updates on implementation progress, exchanged lessons learned, and identified practical measures to improve delivery through stronger coordination, greater use of technology, and enhanced value-for-money approaches.   The meeting concluded with both sides reaffirming their shared commitment to accelerate the implementation of ongoing projects, advance the preparation of new strategic investments, and further strengthen the Ethiopia–Korea development partnership in support of sustainable, resilient, and inclusive economic growth. As Ethiopia continues to pursue ambitious economic reforms and infrastructure modernization, the expanding partnership with Korea Exim Bank is growing international confidence in the country's development trajectory and highlights the increasing role of concessional development finance in supporting Africa's long-term economic transformation.

Addis Ababa, July 6, 2026 (ENA) —The House of Federation said its activities during the 2018 Ethiopian fiscal year have made significant contributions to strengthening national unity and promoting more balanced regional development. The assessment was presented during the House's second regular session of its sixth parliamentary term and fifth working year, where members unanimously endorsed annual performance reports covering fiscal transfers, peacebuilding, intergovernmental relations, constitutional education and other key federal responsibilities. Opening the second regular session, Speaker of the House of Federation Agegnehu Teshager said the House of Federation achieved encouraging results during the fiscal year by strengthening evidence-based governance, enhancing cooperation between the federal government and regional states, and advancing more equitable national development.   The hose has increasingly relied on evidence-based decision-making to promote equitable development among Ethiopia's regional states, helping ensure that national policies are guided by data and practical outcomes. He said the House's efforts over the past fiscal year also contributed to reinforcing national unity by addressing identity-related tensions and administrative boundary disputes while strengthening the country's federal governance framework. Secretary of the Standing Committee on Intergovernmental Relations, Democratic Unity and Constitutional Education Banchiyirga Melese said the House expanded initiatives aimed at fostering democratic unity and broadening public understanding of Ethiopia's Constitution and federal system. Banchiyirga described constitutional awareness as an essential pillar for sustainable peace and national cohesion. Director General of the Center for Constitutional and Federalism Education Haileyesus Taye said the center intensified its public outreach through regular media engagement and educational initiatives, improving citizens' access to information and analysis on constitutional and federal affairs.   During the session, members also reviewed progress in fiscal transfers, peacebuilding, constitutional interpretation and intergovernmental cooperation before unanimously approving the institution's annual performance reports. The House further endorsed recommendations submitted by the Standing Committee on constitutional interpretation cases and issued additional directives to facilitate the resolution of pending constitutional matters, reaffirming its commitment to strengthening constitutional governance and Ethiopia's federal system.

Addis Ababa, July 6, 2026 (ENA) - The Ministry of Trade and Regional Cooperation announced that the achievements registered during the recently concluded fiscal year not only enabled it to meet and exceed most of its planned targets but also laid a strong foundation for sustained growth in Ethiopia's trade sector and export performance. The ministry and its affiliated institutions have begun evaluating their performance for the 2018 Ethiopian fiscal year. Opening the review meeting, Trade and Regional Cooperation Minister Kassahun Gofe said the ministry and its institutions delivered strong results across key priority areas, surpassing many of the targets set for the fiscal year. According to the minister, several national priority projects achieved results beyond initial expectations, while institutional reform initiatives were successfully implemented to enhance efficiency and improve service delivery. Kassahun said the ministry also made significant progress in creating a better working environment for employees and implementing capacity building programs designed to strengthen institutional performance. Highlighting one of the ministry's major accomplishments, the minister said its core services have now been fully digitalized. As a result, more than 3.4 million online services related to business licensing, business registration, amendments and license renewals were provided during the fiscal year, he said. Kassahun further stated that substantial progress had been made in modernizing Ethiopia's trade system and promoting export growth. The achievements recorded during the year have created favorable conditions for the country to achieve its export revenue target of 10.7 billion U.S. dollars in the current fiscal year, he noted. The minister also highlighted progress in expanding the country's modern trade infrastructure, stating that the number of modern trading centers nationwide has surpassed 31. He added that construction of 10 secondary livestock trading centers was launched during the fiscal year, with two facilities already completed and operational. According to Kassahun, the new livestock trading centers are expected to strengthen Ethiopia's livestock marketing system and boost the country's export trade.

Addis Ababa, July 5, 2026 (ENA) — The Agricultural Transformation Institute (ATI) reported it has introduced wide ranging reforms that are delivering visible improvements across Ethiopia's agricultural sector through soil and groundwater mapping, cluster farming, mechanization and policy reforms. ATI Chief Executive Officer Mandefro Nigussie told ENA that the institute has achieved significant results by providing scientific data, improving farmers' access to inputs and technology, and advancing policies aimed at transforming the country's agricultural sector. "In terms of deliverables and the results achieved so far, we have many. The major ones are: we have mapped Ethiopian soil fertility and health, and we also had a map of groundwater, shallow groundwater resources in the country," he said, describing the nationwide mapping as one of ATI's most important achievements. According to the CEO, the institute has also improved agricultural productivity and farmers' incomes through its cluster farming approach, which organizes smallholder farmers to increase efficiency and strengthen market linkages. "We also achieved a significant change in terms of productivity and income of the farming community through our approach called cluster farming," Mandefro said. As part of the initiative, ATI established a nationwide network of one stop agricultural input service centers to ensure farmers have easier access to essential farm supplies. "Within this cluster farming, we had a one stop shop that can provide agricultural inputs for the cluster farmers. This, we established around 365 shops nationwide," he said. Mandefro added that ATI has also strengthened local seed production by supporting cooperatives to produce improved seed varieties. "We supported cooperatives to produce improved seeds so farmers can access quality seed within the reach of the farming community or within the cluster environment," he noted. Mechanization has been another major pillar of the institute's transformation strategy. Mandefro said ATI established mechanization service centers that provide equipment services while creating employment and business opportunities in rural areas. "These centers are meant for providing services, and the owners of the mechanization service center can generate income, and the elite trained technicians and operators get certified. They also provide the right services," he explained. He noted that the centers are helping address the shortage of maintenance and repair services for tractors, combine harvesters and other agricultural machinery in rural communities. Beyond field level interventions, ATI has developed agricultural transformation roadmaps for every regional state to guide long term development based on local opportunities and challenges. "We have also done a transformation roadmap for all regional states, and they are guided by those roadmaps. The roadmaps can tell the challenges within the regional state, the opportunities they have and how they can transform agriculture within their respective regional states," he noted. On the policy front, Mandefro said ATI has focused on strengthening the legal and institutional framework needed to accelerate agricultural commercialization and expand private sector participation. "The key changes in terms of proclamation, regulation and directive is the engagement of the private sector, commercialization of smallholder farmers that are organized in clusters, and also agriculture finance that require special attention," he said. He emphasized that Ethiopia's agricultural sector requires dedicated financing mechanisms, noting that conventional commercial banking systems are not designed to meet the financing needs of rural farmers. The CEO further revealed that ATI has translated research and institutional studies into practical policy recommendations adopted by government institutions. The institute has also prepared a new agricultural and rural development policy containing ten strategic directions and is working toward securing parliamentary approval for 23 related proclamations. According to him, ATI's integrated approach, combining scientific research, improved service delivery, mechanization, institutional reform and policy support, is laying the foundation for higher agricultural productivity, increased commercialization and improved livelihoods for farming communities across Ethiopia.

Addis Ababa, July 5, 2026 (ENA) — Ethiopia is undergoing a defining period of national resurgence and rapid economic transformation aimed at breaking its long history of poverty and underdevelopment, Deputy Prime Minister Temesgen Tiruneh said. The Deputy Prime Minister made the remarks during a high-level resource mobilization forum for the Hawassa Lakefront Development Project, held in Addis Ababa. He highlighted the nation's shift toward rapid prosperity and sustainable growth. Every nation reaches a decisive moment in its history that enables it to overcome economic hardship and accelerate development, he said, noting that Ethiopia has now entered such a period, characterized by broad-based prosperity and national renewal. He said the extensive development projects underway in Addis Ababa reflect the government's commitment to transforming the country through strong leadership and active collaboration with the private sector. Referring to the Hawassa Lakefront Development Project, Temesgen acknowledged that the initiative requires substantial financial investment. However, he emphasized that once completed, the project will create lasting economic opportunities and contribute to sustainable prosperity for future generations. He also reaffirmed the government's commitment to advancing major infrastructure and development projects across all regions of the country with greater momentum. "Our unity is our greatest strength. By standing together, the future ahead is bright, and we will build a prosperous nation that frees Ethiopia from poverty and backwardness," he said. The DPM further noted that the resource mobilization forum comes at a significant moment as the Prosperity Party prepares to form the next government following what he described as a strong public mandate. Sidama Regional State Chief Administrator Desta Ledamo, for his part, said the regional government is intensifying efforts to strengthen Hawassa's position as a leading industrial, commercial, and service center. He invited both domestic and international investors to take advantage of the city's growing investment opportunities across a wide range of sectors. Highlighting Hawassa's strategic location as a transport corridor and tourism gateway, the chief administrator encouraged investors to capitalize on the city's expanding economic potential. He also expressed appreciation to development partners and investors who have committed themselves to supporting the city's transformation. Describing Hawassa as the jewel of the south, Desta said the city is renowned for its peaceful environment, natural beauty, and welcoming community, which has earned it the reputation as the home of love. Comprehensive efforts are underway to transform the lakeside city into a modern destination for investment, tourism, recreation, and quality urban living, he added. Hawassa Mayor Tiratu Beyene, on his part, said the lakefront development project marks a historic milestone in the city's transformation and will redefine its urban landscape. According to the mayor, the first phase of the project will redevelop the Fikir Hayq, Amora Gedel, and the local fish market waterfront areas. The development will include modern pedestrian walkways, bicycle lanes, recreational parks, boat docking facilities, and other public amenities designed to enhance the city's attractiveness. Tiratu said the project will play a significant role in realizing Hawassa's long-term vision of becoming one of Africa's leading destinations for leisure tourism, investment, and international conferences.

Addis Ababa, July 4, 2026 (ENA) —Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed today inaugurated the Arba Minch Conference Resort, describing the landmark project as a testament to Ethiopia's continued development and a major milestone in tourism and conference economy. In a message shared on his official social media account, the Prime Minister said the newly inaugurated facility is another flagship achievement of the "Dine for Generations" initiative, emphasizing that "Ethiopia keeps developing."   The modern resort boasts world-class infrastructure, including a conference hall with a seating capacity of more than 1,300 participants and a distinctive floating restaurant overlooking the lake, offering visitors a unique hospitality experience. Prime Minister revealed that the new facility will reinforce Ethiopia's ambition to become a leading destination for international conferences by extending conference tourism beyond the capital, Addis Ababa, while generating substantial employment and economic opportunities for the local community. PM Abiy noted that expanding high-quality tourism infrastructure across the country is part of the government's broader strategy to unlock Ethiopia's cultural and natural assets, promote regional development, and strengthen the country's position as an emerging destination for global meetings, events, and investment.   The Prime Minister also invited Ethiopians, members of the diaspora, and international visitors to experience what he described as a new chapter in the growth of Ethiopia's tourism and conference industry.

Addis Ababa, July 3, 2026 (ENA) —Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed said Arba Minch continues to flourish as a hub of development, highlighting the city's ongoing transformation through major investment projects and expanding infrastructure. In a message shared on his official social media account, the Prime Minister disclosed that he visited the Kuriftu Resort and Spa in Arba Minch, which is under development on a 52,000 square meter site.   PM Abiy pointed out that the project comprises 53 luxury villas and is expected to create permanent employment opportunities for more than 300 people. He further noted that projects such as Kuriftu Resort illustrate how private investment can capitalize on the enabling infrastructure established through the government's development initiatives under the Medemer philosophy.   The Prime Minister also called on both local and international investors to seize the opportunities available in Ethiopia and invest in transformative projects that will further strengthen the country's tourism sector and unlock its vast potential.

Addis Ababa, July 3, 2026 (ENA) — Ambassadors and diplomats based in Addis Ababa, representing more than 40 countries and 10 international organizations, visited the historic town of Lalibela. They toured its world-renowned rock-hewn churches, which are among Ethiopia's most celebrated cultural and religious landmarks. The visit comes as Lalibela continues to receive growing international recognition. According to an international survey reported by Euronews, the UNESCO World Heritage site was ranked among the world's top five UNESCO World Heritage destinations by a group known as "UN Grandmasters," who are recognized for having visited numerous countries and heritage sites worldwide. Carved directly into solid rock more than 800 years ago, the churches of Lalibela are widely regarded as extraordinary achievements of architecture and engineering. They also remain living places of worship, preserving centuries of spiritual, historical, and cultural traditions. The Ministry of Tourism stated that the international recognition further strengthens Ethiopia's standing as one of the world's leading cultural tourism destinations, reflecting the country's rich civilization and unique historical heritage. Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed has consistently emphasized that tourism is more than just attracting visitors. He has stated that it is a means of showcasing Ethiopia's identity, preserving its heritage, and creating sustainable prosperity by harnessing the country's cultural and natural resources. Ethiopia has welcomed about 1.4 million international visitors so far this year, reflecting increasing global interest in the country's tourism sector. While Lalibela remains one of the country's most iconic attractions, officials noted that new tourism corridors and destinations are being developed across the country, expanding opportunities and supporting the government's strategy to make tourism a major driver of economic growth. The Ministry of Tourism also highlighted that efforts are being intensified to safeguard Lalibela from natural and human-induced threats. Conservation projects are advancing alongside improvements to tourism infrastructure to ensure the preservation of the historic site for future generations. For centuries, Lalibela has stood as a powerful symbol of faith, resilience, and architectural brilliance, and its growing international recognition reflects the world's renewed appreciation of Ethiopia's remarkable cultural heritage.

Addis Ababa, July 3, 2026 (ENA) — Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed today inspected the ongoing Chano–Chencha Road Project, highlighting infrastructure and tourism as drivers of growth. The 29-kilometer project consists of the 22-kilometer Chano–Chencha road and the 7-kilometer Ezo–Gircha branch road. The construction is progressing steadily, with 13.3 kilometers already completed. In a social media post following the visit, the Prime Minister expressed satisfaction with the pace of the project. "I am pleased to see the steady progress of the Chano–Chencha Road Project. The 29-kilometer project, comprising the 22-kilometer Chano–Chencha road and the 7-kilometer Ezo–Gircha branch road, is advancing well, with 13.3 kilometers already completed. Once finished, it will improve connectivity, facilitate travel, and support local economic development. I look forward to its successful completion," he stated. The Prime Minister also visited the recently renovated Dorze Lodge, a community-managed tourism destination that has welcomed visitors since 2005. Situated on a cool mountainous ridge covering 40,000 square meters, the lodge offers sweeping panoramic views of Lakes Abaya and Chamo, as well as the striking natural landmark known as God's Bridge. Highlighting the site's unique appeal, PM Abiy noted that the combination of upgraded transport infrastructure and enhanced tourism facilities will unlock the region's vast economic, environmental, and cultural potential. He emphasized that improved road access will not only make travel easier for residents and visitors alike but also create new opportunities for local businesses, promote tourism, and strengthen livelihoods across the area. Inviting both domestic and international visitors to explore the region, the Prime Minister said: "I invite our citizens, Ethiopians in the diaspora, and travelers from around the world to visit and experience this extraordinary natural beauty and rich cultural heritage."

Addis Ababa, July 3, 2026 (ENA) — Ethiopian Airlines has been honored with the prestigious ‘Connectivity Award’ at the 2026 Aviation & Tourism Award Ceremony hosted by Air Transport News. The continent's largest carrier secured the accolade in recognition of its masterful network expansion, seamless connectivity, and robust joint ventures strategically established throughout the African continent. This premier recognition adds to an illustrious portfolio of recent institutional milestones.   The continent's flagship carrier was crowned the Best Airline in Africa at the 2026 APEX Passenger Choice Awards, a distinguished title determined entirely by independently verified customer feedback. This major achievement highlighted the airline's steady focus on delivering exceptional cabin comfort, superb onboard services, and stellar operational reliability across its expanding global network. The airline also secured a remarkable triple victory at the 2026 PAX Readership Awards held in Hamburg, Germany. The carrier claimed top honors for Outstanding Food Service by a Carrier in Africa, Best Overall Passenger Experience in Africa, and Best Children's Amenity Kit. These accolades underscore a persistent commitment to blending renowned Ethiopian hospitality with global best practices to elevate the passenger journey.   Furthermore, the carrier maintains a historic multi-year streak as the recipient of the Skytrax World Airline Award for Best Airline in Africa, alongside holding an esteemed APEX Four-Star Global Airline rating. Guided by its ambitious Vision 2035 strategy, the aviation giant continues to invest in ultra-modern aircraft and robust infrastructure while successfully pursuing a multi-hub strategy through regional partnerships in Lomé, Lilongwe, Lusaka, and Kinshasa.

Addis Ababa, July 3, 2026 (ENA) — Ethiopia has achieved a historic milestone in its coffee industry, generating a record 3 billion USD in export earnings during the current fiscal year, its highest coffee export revenue on record. The achievement was announced by Minister of Agriculture Addisu Arega, who credited the success to the collective efforts of farmers, exporters, cooperatives, investors, and government institutions working across the coffee value chain. "It is accomplished! Ethiopia has successfully achieved its target of generating three billion USD from coffee exports this budget year. Congratulations to all!" the minister stated in a social media post. The milestone underscores the remarkable growth of Ethiopia's coffee sector over the past several years. Coffee export earnings rose from 1.4 billion USD in 2023 to 1.43 billion USD in 2024, before climbing sharply to 2.65 billion USD in 2025 and reaching the record 3 billion USD this fiscal year. The strong performance reflects a series of reforms aimed at boosting production, improving quality, expanding access to international markets, and increasing the competitiveness of Ethiopian coffee. The government has also placed greater emphasis on value addition, agro-processing, quality assurance, and traceability to meet growing global demand for premium and sustainably produced coffee. As the birthplace of Arabica coffee and home to one of the world's richest reservoirs of coffee genetic diversity, Ethiopia continues to strengthen its position in the global specialty coffee market by leveraging its unique heritage and reputation for high-quality beans. Environmental sustainability has also become a central pillar of the country's coffee development strategy. Through the Green Legacy Initiative, millions of coffee seedlings and indigenous trees have been planted across the country, helping restore ecosystems, strengthen climate resilience, and support the long-term productivity of coffee-growing areas in the face of climate change. Coffee remains one of Ethiopia's most strategic export commodities, accounting for roughly one-third of the country's export earnings and supporting the livelihoods of more than four million smallholder farmers. The record-breaking export performance highlights the sector's growing contribution to foreign exchange generation, rural incomes, and national economic development. The latest achievement reinforces Ethiopia's ambition to further expand its global coffee presence by investing in sustainable production, value addition, and market diversification, while building on its longstanding reputation as the birthplace of Arabica coffee.

Addis Ababa, July 3, 2026 (ENA) —Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed said Ethiopia's Corridor Development Program is designed to improve the quality of life for citizens by creating more comfortable, modern, and livable urban environments. Speaking after visiting the completed corridor development project in Arba Minch city, South Ethiopia region, the Prime Minister highlighted that the initiative features modern asphalt roads, energy-efficient street lighting, digital display screens, and upgraded public spaces. These facilities are already serving residents and enhancing the city's urban landscape, the Premier revealed.   "The primary goal of our Corridor Development Program is to make the lives of our citizens more comfortable and modern," Prime Minister Abiy shared on X. PM Abiy further noted that the completed infrastructure has been commissioned and is now delivering tangible benefits to the public. The Government of Ethiopia is currently implementing an ambitious nationwide urban transformation agenda aimed at creating more livable cities through the integration of high-quality infrastructure with environmentally sustainable development.   The initiative prioritizes modern transport networks, green public spaces, resilient infrastructure, and smart urban planning to enhance the quality of life for citizens while promoting sustainable economic growth, it was learned.

Addis Ababa, July 2, 2026 (ENA) —Ethiopia has saved about 5 billion USD in foreign currency during the current Ethiopian fiscal year through expanded domestic manufacturing and import substitution, Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed said. In the early hours of this afternoon, the Prime Minister visited the Yo Holding Coal Factory in the Gamo Zone, where he highlighted Ethiopia's growing success in replacing imported industrial inputs with domestic production. He recalled that only a few years ago Ethiopia relied heavily on imported coal, spending nearly USD 300 million annually to meet industrial demand.   Today, coal is being produced locally, supplying domestic industries while creating opportunities for future exports. The PM noted that the expansion of domestic manufacturing extends well beyond coal production, with a wide range of locally produced industrial goods contributing to the country's import substitution strategy. He said these combined efforts have enabled Ethiopia to save 5 billion USD during the current fiscal year. The success is hugely strengthening macroeconomic stability, reducing dependence on imports, and supporting the country's broader industrialization agenda, he added.   Prime Minister Abiy reaffirmed that Ethiopia will continue to deepen its industrial reforms, expand domestic production, and strengthen value-added manufacturing as key pillars of sustainable economic growth and national competitiveness.