Addis Ababa, November 5, 2026 (ENA)—African Political Parties Summit delegates have toured Addis Ababa’s major urban development projects, witnessing the Ethiopian capital’s ongoing transformation into a modern, inclusive and more accessible city. Speaking at a reception hosted in their honor, Head of the Democracy Building Center Coordinator Office with the rank of Deputy Prime Minister and Prosperity Party Vice President Adam Farah described Addis Ababa as the political capital and beating heart of Africa, emphasizing its significance as a shared home for all Africans.   “When you are in Addis Ababa, you are not visiting a foreign city; you are returning home, to the heart of Africa,” he said. Adem underscored that Africa’s strength lies in the bonds of fraternity, solidarity and closer cooperation among its peoples, stressing the importance of shared political visions and aspirations in advancing the continent’s development and self-reliance. He also invited the delegates to experience Ethiopia’s renowned hospitality and rich cultural heritage, expressing hope that the summit would produce meaningful and tangible outcomes toward building a prosperous and united Africa. Meanwhile, the delegates concluded a series of field visits across Addis Ababa, touring major streets, modern urban corridors, public spaces and development projects that are reshaping the capital’s urban landscape. During the visits, they gained insights into Ethiopia’s integrated urban corridor development approach, which combines improved infrastructure, pedestrian-friendly spaces, accessibility and modern urban planning to create more functional and livable urban environments. Through museum visits and presentations, participants also explored the different phases of Addis Ababa’s urban development and the vision underpinning its ongoing transformation.   The programme concluded with a cultural reception featuring traditional music, artistic performances and songs reflecting Ethiopia’s rich cultural diversity and heritage. Delegates expressed admiration for the performances and the authenticity of Ethiopian culture. The visits and cultural activities formed part of the accompanying programme of the Second African Political Parties Summit, hosted in Addis Ababa under the theme: ““Governing for Growth: Political Parties as Architects of Africa’s Economic Future.”

Addis Ababa, November 5, 2026 (ENA)— Participants of the Second African Political Parties Summit have visited the headquarters of Ethiopia’s ruling Prosperity Party in Addis Ababa to learn about the party’s political philosophy, development initiatives and achievements. During the visit, the delegation toured the party’s permanent exhibition, where they received briefings on its history, the Medemer philosophy, major initiatives, key achievements and future vision. The participants also watched video presentations highlighting the Prosperity Party’s journey, major milestones and the development of its headquarters.   The delegation subsequently visited the MESOB Service Center, a government initiative designed to streamline public service delivery by bringing multiple government institutions together through an integrated platform. There, they received briefings on Ethiopia’s digital public services, technological advancements and ongoing efforts to modernize government service delivery. The participants expressed amazement at the level of digital development and technological progress, particularly the integration of multiple public services through a unified system. The visits were organized as part of the Second African Political Parties Summit, being held in Ethiopia under the theme: “Governing for Growth: Political Parties as Architects of Africa’s Economic Future.”   The three-day summit is taking place at the Adwa Victory Memorial Museum in Addis Ababa, bringing together political party leaders, heads of state and policymakers from across the continent. The summit, which opened today, November 5, 2026, is deliberating on strategies for advancing employment creation, inclusive development and the structural transformation of African economies. Earlier today, the joint opening session of the Africa Women Political Leadership Forum and the African Youth in Politics Forum was also held as part of the summit.

Addis Ababa, November 5, 2026 (ENA)— Ethiopia and China have signed a 15 million USD grant agreement to support supplementary works on the Ethio-Djibouti Railway, aimed at improving the railway's operational efficiency, reliability and long-term sustainability. The agreement was signed in Addis Ababa by State Minister of Finance Tiguist Fisseha on behalf of the Ethiopian government and Minister Counsellor at the Chinese Embassy in Ethiopia, Liu Xiaoguang, representing the Chinese government.   The grant package, provided through the China-Aid fund, will finance critical material assistance, equipment upgrades and technical capacity-building to strengthen the operation and maintenance of the strategic rail corridor. The support includes essential mechanical and electrical spare parts for electric locomotives, specialized track components and station-yard accessories to enhance the reliability of railway infrastructure. It also covers small-scale machinery for routine track inspections and maintenance. In addition, Chinese technical experts will visit Ethiopia to provide practical guidance, train railway personnel and strengthen local technical capacity.   The supplementary project is expected to improve the operational reliability of the Ethio-Djibouti standard gauge railway while enhancing the country's capacity to maintain the vital transport corridor. The agreement further underscores the longstanding economic and development partnership between Ethiopia and China, which extends beyond railway infrastructure to agricultural technical assistance, technical and vocational education and training (TVET), green development initiatives and technical studies for future capital projects.   Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to close coordination to ensure the smooth implementation of the railway support project.

Addis Ababa, November 5, 2026 (ENA)— Ethiopia’s Minister of Women and Social Affairs, Shawit Shanka, called on African countries to ensure women’s equal participation in political leadership and economic decision-making, saying the continent cannot realize its full development potential while marginalizing half of its population. The Minister made the remarks while addressing the joint opening session of the 2nd African Political Parties Summit 2026, which opened alongside the Africa Women Political Leadership Forum 2026 and the African Youth in Politics Forum 2026 in Addis Ababa.   “No continent can realize its potential when marginalizing half of its population,” she said. Shawit emphasized that women should be recognized not merely as beneficiaries of assistance but as producers, innovators, leaders and agents of peace and development. She noted that investing in women contributes to economic transformation, democratic governance, social cohesion and sustainable development. The Minister said Africa was undergoing major changes driven by geopolitical shifts, technological advancements, demographic trends, climate pressures and evolving economic relationships. She called on African countries to proactively shape these changes through visionary leadership, resilient institutions and collective action. She explained that Ethiopia’s development approach is guided by the principle of Medemer, which emphasizes synergy, togetherness and collective contribution. The minister added that women are equal stakeholders, productive agents and co-architects of the country's transformation.   “Women are producers, innovators, leaders and agents of peace and development, not merely beneficiaries of assistance,” she emphasized. Shawit said advancing women's leadership requires visionary leadership, sustained political commitment and strong institutional action, particularly within political parties. Political parties, she added, should strengthen women's participation in their structures, leadership positions and candidate selection processes to ensure their meaningful representation in decision-making. She also highlighted the commitment of Ethiopia’s Prosperity Party-led government, under the leadership of Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, to women’s empowerment, saying the Medemer philosophy demonstrates that women can lead at every level. Ethiopia, she noted, is sharing its experience not as a claim of perfection, but as evidence of what can be achieved through political will, an inclusive development philosophy and sustained action.   The Minister stressed that decisions made today would shape the future of generations, urging African countries to build a continent where women are equally represented in political leadership, economically empowered and protected by strong institutions. She further called for an Africa where every girl can aspire to become a leader, entrepreneur, scientist or policymaker without barriers imposed by gender or circumstances. Shawit officially opened the joint forum, calling for stronger collective efforts to advance women's political leadership across the continent.

Addis Ababa, November 4, 2026 (ENA)— Ethiopia’s ability to leverage renewable energy and self-funded infrastructure is not only attracting sustainability businesses but also serving as an inspiration for the rest of Africa, ESG360 CEO and Managing Director Bethlehem Hailu said. Speaking to ENA on the sidelines of the 36th African Hydro Symposium in Addis Ababa, Bethlehem noted that Ethiopia’s hydropower plants—most notably the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD)—are pivotal to climate action. By providing clean electricity, these projects substantially reduce carbon emissions. When a country’s electricity supply is predominantly derived from hydropower, it diminishes reliance on carbon-intensive energy sources, she explained. According to her, this shift makes Ethiopia an attractive destination for corporations committed to lowering their environmental footprint and meeting rigorous sustainability targets. She further pointed to Ethiopia’s nationwide tree-planting initiatives and its investment in human capital as essential, complementary pillars of the country’s broader sustainability strategy. Bethlehem highlighted that the "GERD model" of domestic financing serves as a transformative lesson for the continent. She noted that by funding such a massive project internally, Ethiopia has encouraged other African nations to explore their own financing capacities rather than relying solely on international aid. Echoing these sentiments, Lioko Sitali, Director of Transmission Operations and Trade at ZESCO Limited, stated that Ethiopia’s GERD experience offers invaluable insights for African nations planning similar energy infrastructure. Inspired by Ethiopia's experience with GERD, he said his delegation came to learn from the country's implementation of the large-scale project, adding that the knowledge gained could help facilitate similar initiatives in other African countries. Held under the theme "Climate-Resilient Hydropower and Water-Energy Security in Africa," the four-day symposium brings together governments, utilities, financiers, developers and researchers from Africa and beyond to discuss sustainable hydropower development and the continent's energy security.

Addis Ababa, November 4, 2026 (ENA)— Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed said advance preparations by the government and the public have helped sustain encouraging winter farming performance in Bale Zone despite concerns over insufficient rainfall. “We have reviewed the performance of winter farming in Bale Zone. Despite significant concerns over rainfall shortages this winter, good results have been recorded thanks to the advance preparations undertaken by the government and the public,” the Prime Minister wrote on social media pages.   PM Abiy emphasized that strengthening economic resilience against both human-induced and natural challenges requires proactive planning, preparedness, and the expansion of available options.   “Preparing in advance and expanding options are essential for ensuring that our economy remains resilient and withstands both human-made and natural challenges,” he added.

Addis Ababa, November 4, 2026 (ENA)— Ethiopia’s newly completed Gross Domestic Product (GDP) rebasing will provide a stronger foundation for the country’s long-term development ambitions, particularly its vision of building a prosperous nation, Minister of National Strategy Bereket Fesehatsion said. Ethiopia today unveiled its updated GDP figures as part of efforts to modernize economic measurement and reflect structural changes in the economy. With the 2017 Ethiopian fiscal year (2024/25) as the new base year, the country’s GDP reached 24.03 trillion Birr (201.42 billion USD). The figure further rose to 31.86 trillion Birr (210.7 billion USD) in the 2018 Ethiopian fiscal year (2025/26).   Speaking at the launch of the updated GDP rebasing results, Minister Bereket said the revised measurement system provides a more accurate picture of the country's economic structure by incorporating emerging economic activities and previously underrepresented sectors. He noted that the updated economic structure underscores the importance of moving beyond quantitative growth toward building a productive economy. He pointed out that the new GDP rebasing would help generate employment, strengthen domestic production capacity, and reduce excessive dependence on primary commodities. The minister further emphasized that reliable economic statistics are essential for improving policy formulation, budget allocation, investment decisions, and economic planning, while strengthening the confidence of domestic and international investors. He said the revised GDP framework would provide a more accurate benchmark for assessing national economic objectives, including foreign trade, revenue generation, investment, and employment creation.   The 2017 Ethiopian fiscal year, corresponding to 2024/25 in the Gregorian calendar, was selected as the new base year for the exercise, taking into account its relative macroeconomic stability, declining inflation, and the availability of comprehensive statistical data. The process incorporated findings from the agricultural census, the economic establishments census, and household surveys, among other sources, enabling the country to update its national accounts in line with contemporary economic realities. The minister stated that the exercise was conducted under the leadership of Ethiopian professionals, with technical assistance from the International Monetary Fund (IMF), to ensure alignment with the 2008 System of National Accounts and other international standards. He also highlighted the government's efforts to strengthen national statistical capacity by recruiting and training young graduates to work alongside experienced professionals, ensuring the transfer of technical knowledge and the sustainability of the process.   The government will institutionalize GDP rebasing every five years to maintain the reliability and relevance of national economic statistics, it was indicated. The minister said the updated measurement system would serve as a new foundation for Ethiopia's long-term development ambitions, particularly its vision of building a prosperous country by 2050 through strengthened domestic capacity and improved living standards for citizens.

Addis Ababa, November 4, 2026 (ENA)— Ethiopia has today unveiled its updated Gross Domestic Product (GDP) figures as part of efforts to modernize economic measurement and reflect structural changes in the economy. The newly launched GDP rebasing will strengthen national economic planning, fiscal and monetary policymaking, and domestic revenue mobilization by providing a more accurate picture of the country's economy, Finance Minister Fitsum Assefa said. Speaking at the official launch of the country's GDP rebasing results, the minister said the revised economic accounting framework would help the government better assess the size, structure, and performance of the economy while providing a reliable basis for development planning and policy decisions. Ethiopia's GDP, with the 2017 Ethiopian fiscal year ((2024/25) as the base year, reached 24.03 trillion Birr (201.42 billion USD), while the economy expanded to 31.86 trillion Birr (210.7 billion USD) in the 2018 Ethiopian fiscal year. Minister Fitsum noted that the updated GDP framework would have significant implications for assessing the country's debt sustainability, strengthening fiscal and monetary policies, and improving domestic resource mobilization. She further explained that a more accurate measurement of the national economy would enable the country to assess debt and tax ratios more effectively and identify opportunities to broaden the tax base and enhance domestic revenue collection. The revised GDP would also provide investors, development partners, and international financial institutions with a more reliable economic profile of Ethiopia, thereby supporting informed investment and development decisions, the minister added. Fitsum called on federal and regional government institutions, development partners, and the private sector to make effective use of the revised economic data in their planning, budgeting, investment, and policy decisions. She emphasized that the updated statistical framework would serve as an important feedback mechanism for implementing the targets of the Medemer Grand Strategy, strengthening transparency, accountability, and results-oriented performance across sectors. Regarding the process, Fitsum said the GDP rebasing was completed over one year, from September 2018 to September 2019 in the Ethiopian calendar, as one of the key milestones of the Ethiopian Statistics Development Program. The minister described the achievement as an important demonstration of the country's statistical sovereignty, noting that the revised accounts comply with the internationally recognized 2008 System of National Accounts (SNA 2008). She further noted that the revised framework incorporates structural changes in the Ethiopian economy, including the expansion of digital financial services and developments in modern trade, industry, and mining activities.

Addis Ababa, November 3, 2026 (ENA)— Stronger regional electricity networks and effective power markets would enable African countries to utilize their energy resources more efficiently while improving the resilience of their electricity systems, United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA) Executive Secretary Claver Gatete said today. The Executive Secretary made the call while speaking at the 36th African Hydro Symposium in Addis Ababa. According to him, energy security is increasingly a regional undertaking, requiring coordinated infrastructure planning and sustained cooperation among governments, utilities, regulators and regional organizations. Gatete further stressed that regional energy integration depends on climate-resilient hydropower development, calling for climate risk assessments, sustainable water management and stronger cooperation among countries sharing river basins.   He also highlighted the need to improve hydropower project financing and strengthen African technical and institutional capacity to support sustainable energy development. Echoing the call for stronger regional energy integration, Water and Energy State Minister Dinku Seyum said that Ethiopia views the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) and its broader hydropower portfolio as catalysts for regional energy integration.   He said surplus clean electricity from Ethiopia's hydropower resources would support cross-border power trade and foster more interconnected regional energy systems. The State Minister noted that the GERD demonstrates Ethiopia's commitment to harnessing its natural resources for sustainable development, ensuring domestic energy security while contributing to broader regional connectivity. Dinku called on African countries to strengthen cooperation in developing their hydropower resources and mobilize their own resources to overcome financing and technical capacity constraints. Ethiopia's Green Legacy Initiative and integrated watershed management efforts are important measures for protecting the environment and sustaining hydropower resources, he added, underscoring the need to diversify energy sources to strengthen climate resilience. The opening of the symposium has also seen the launch of African Union's Continental Energy Security Policy Framework which provides a common basis for advancing energy security at national and regional levels.   The framework, developed with support from UNECA, African Union Development Agency-NEPAD (AUDA-NEPAD) and the African Energy Commission, was approved by the AU Specialized Technical Committee on Transport and Energy in April this year. Held under the theme "Climate-Resilient Hydropower and Water-Energy Security in Africa," the three-day symposium has brought together governments, utilities, financiers, developers and researchers from Africa and beyond to discuss sustainable hydropower development and the continent's energy security.

Addis Ababa, November 3, 2026 (ENA)—Ethiopia and China have reaffirmed their commitment to further deepening their longstanding All-Weather Strategic Partnership, with a renewed focus on expanding cooperation in trade, investment, and capacity building. Minister of Foreign Affairs Gedion Timothewos held talks with Chinese Ambassador to Ethiopia Chen Hai today.   The two sides discussed ways to strengthen the longstanding and unwavering partnership between the two countries. During the meeting, the two sides exchanged views on enhancing bilateral relations and agreed to deepen cooperation across key areas, particularly trade, investment, and capacity building, according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Ambassador Chen Hai reaffirmed China's commitment to sustaining and expanding its support for the successful implementation of the Medemer Government's development plans.   The discussions underscore the two countries' shared interest in advancing their strategic partnership and broadening economic and development cooperation.

Addis Ababa, November 3, 2026 (ENA)— Ethiopia’s critical minerals and European expertise, technology, investment, and training can drive mutual growth, deepen economic ties, and create lasting institutional collaboration, Institute of Foreign Affairs (IFA) Executive Director Abdiwasa Abdilahi said. Speaking at a policy dialogue held to bolster strategic cooperation on critical raw minerals at the Institute today, the Executive Director stressed the strategic importance of this alliance. According to him, the cooperation between Ethiopia and the European Union becomes particularly relevant at this juncture. Stressing the immense value of shared knowledge, Abdiwasa noted that European Union's valuable experience in geological research, advanced technologies and professional training offers important opportunities for knowledge exchange and institutional collaborations. “By bringing together Ethiopia's rich resource base with European expertise, technology and investment, both sides can generate tangible benefits and strengthen their economic relations,” the Executive Director said. Echoing this vision, EU Delegation Green Deal Team Leader Julia Walschebauer highlighted Ethiopia's critical mineral reserves, robust renewable energy capacity, and commitment to a clean economy. Walschebauer noted that “this gives Ethiopia a distinctive role in the wider green transition and creates a strong basis for deeper cooperation with the European Union”.   Praising Ethiopia’s unique position in the global shift toward sustainability, the EU Delegation Green Deal Team Leader affirmed Europe's long-term commitment. “The European Union stands ready to continue engaging with Ethiopia in the spirit of partnerships, listening and practical cooperation.” For his part, Ministry of Foreign Affairs Political and Economic Diplomacy Affairs Advisor, Workalemahu Desta said the mining sector serves as a fundamental driver for Ethiopia’s economic diversification, job creation, and foreign exchange generation.   “Our economic diplomacy therefore focuses on attracting European companies to invest in the mineral sector in Ethiopia,” he added. Pointing to the country's strategic location, expanding domestic market, and continuous reforms, the Advisor concluded with a direct call to action: “We therefore encourage European companies and investors to explore the opportunities available in the Ethiopian mining sector and establish partnerships with Ethiopian public and private sectors.”

Addis Ababa, November 3, 2026 (ENA)— Ethiopia’s hosting of the global COP summit presents an unprecedented opportunity to amplify Africa's voice in international climate diplomacy and rebuild multilateral solidarity, UN-Habitat Regional Director for Africa Oumar Sylla said. In an exclusive interview with ENA, the Regional Director underscored that the upcoming conference comes at a critical juncture in global geopolitics, positioning Africa to demonstrate tangible progress in combating climate change and driving green investment. Ethiopia has been officially selected to host the 32nd UN Climate Change Conference (COP32) in Addis Ababa in November 2027, following the conclusion of COP30 in Belém, Brazil. Its selection demonstrates the country's practical commitment to implementing its climate change policies and strategies, it was learned. "We are all excited to see Ethiopia hosting one of the most critical and most important COP in the human story," Sylla asserted. He highlighted that Ethiopia, as the host nation and the seat of the African Union, offers a pivotal platform for African leaders, mayors, and ministers to forge a common action agenda while leveraging shared experiences to address climate vulnerabilities. "This COP happening in Africa, in Ethiopia, is a real opportunity for Africa to be more vocal, but also at the same time to build the solidarity we need," Sylla noted.   The Director added that multilateralism faces pressing global challenges that require unified continental leadership. With Africa experiencing the fastest rate of urbanization globally, Sylla stressed the urgency of securing international partnership, adaptation funding, and mitigation support to build resilient African cities. Sylla reaffirmed UN-Habitat's readiness to support the Ethiopian Government in successfully hosting the conference, adding that the organization had already engaged with the COP presidencies. Furthermore, he noted that UN-Habitat is working with the city of Addis Ababa to ensure that urban development and climate resilience receive due attention in the COP32 process. Regarding Ethiopia's growing role, Sylla commended the country's leadership and ongoing initiatives aimed at reducing emissions and promoting green development.   He particularly highlighted Ethiopia's efforts in clean cooking, cleaner energy for vehicles, the development of green corridors and large-scale tree-planting initiatives. Talking about leadership, he said "We can only commend the leadership of Ethiopia on those measures to curb emissions in the country, from clean cooking to cleaner energy for vehicles, all those green corridors as well with the goal of planting millions of trees in Ethiopia," he said. Sylla described these initiatives as valuable experiences that other African countries, cities and policymakers could learn from and replicate in their respective contexts.   He also pointed to Ethiopia's urban regeneration, greening and urban transformation efforts as important areas through which the country could demonstrate its development experiences during the conference. "We need to see what is happening in Ethiopia and how we can replicate it in our countries elsewhere in Africa," Sylla emphasized. Ethiopia’s proactive and ambitious domestic policies have positioned the nation as a prominent leader in continental and global climate action. The East African nation has made major progress in advancing its climate resilience and green economy framework through large-scale national initiatives and policy milestones, reports indicate.

Addis Ababa, November 3, 2026 (ENA)— Ethiopia must reinforce its ongoing efforts and determination to continue developing its water resources through major dam projects, Mohamed Al-Arousi, Advisor to the Ethiopian Minister of Water and Energy, said. He told ENA that the country would press ahead with its dam-building program, stressing that its development ambitions would not be deterred by political pressure or disputed narratives surrounding the shared river. “We have built dams, and, God willing, we will continue building a series of dams,” Al-Arousi said. He accused Egypt of mobilizing media outlets to portray Ethiopia’s water development agenda in a misleading manner. Al-Arousi argued that such narratives seek to generate international sympathy and support against Ethiopia’s legitimate development aspirations. The advisor said Ethiopia’s continued investment in water infrastructure reflects its determination to harness its natural resources for national development. He also rejected attempts to undermine the legitimacy of its projects through what he described as political pressure and distortion of facts in this regard. Addressing concerns raised by downstream countries, particularly over the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD), he said recurring accusations had failed to advance negotiations or bring the parties closer to a lasting agreement. He questioned allegations that Ethiopia was pursuing unilateral actions, asking which parties had withdrawn from negotiations, declared the process unsuccessful and suspended it without establishing a clear path for its resumption. “Who is refusing to negotiate and insisting on unilateral practices?” he asked, recalling Egypt repeatedly obstructing trilateral negotiations. Al-Arousi also questioned efforts to take the Nile issue to international forums through unilateral initiatives, despite the existence of the Declaration of Principles, which he said provides a framework for addressing issues surrounding the GERD. He said Ethiopia remains attentive to the concerns of other riparian countries but maintained that such concerns should be supported by scientific evidence rather than speculation, misrepresentation or politically motivated narratives. “If you approach the matter in good faith, sit at the negotiating table, and present scientific facts upon which your concerns are based, you do not need anyone's sympathy,” he said. Challenging those who question the GERD, Al-Arousi called on them to demonstrate scientifically how the dam would harm their countries, contribute to water shortages or undermine their access to the shared resource. He said discussions should instead focus on identifying ways to utilize the Nile's water resources to advance development, stability and prosperity across all riparian countries. Turning to Ethiopia’s broader water development ambitions, Al-Arousi said the country’s dam-building program would continue beyond projects already completed and those recently announced. He said Ethiopia’s announcement of another dam projects on the Blue Nile River demonstrated the country's continued commitment to expanding its water infrastructure. Al-Arousi also described Ethiopia’s experience in developing major dams as an opportunity for neighboring countries to draw lessons and harness their own natural resources for economic transformation and shared prosperity. He urged regional countries and the international community to assess Ethiopia’s water development policies based on facts and its stated commitment to regional cooperation, rather than narratives questioning the legitimacy of its development ambitions. He maintained that Ethiopia’s approach is rooted in utilizing its natural resources for national development while pursuing constructive relations with neighboring countries. Al-Arousi emphasized that cooperation, science-based dialogue and respect for the interests of all riparian states are essential to transforming the Nile from a source of political disagreement into an instrument of regional development, stability and shared prosperity.

Addis Ababa, November 2, 2026 (ENA) —Chairperson of the Emirates Businesswomen Council Aisha Mohammed Saeed Al Mulla has praised Ethiopia’s growing business potential. She highlighted expanding investment opportunities across multiple sectors and emphasized the strong prospects for deepened economic cooperation between Ethiopia and the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Reflecting strong economic ties, bilateral trade totaled 5.6 billion USD from 2021 to 2025. Speaking exclusively to ENA, Al Mulla noted that the council is seeking fresh investment opportunities in Ethiopia to boost Emirati women's involvement in the country's expanding market. She identified Ethiopia’s abundant natural resources, favorable climate,and large labor force as key factors that make the country an attractive destination for investment. The Ethiopian government's Homegrown Economic Reform Agenda, coupled with major infrastructure investments and reforms in transport, energy, logistics,and telecommunications, has further strengthened the country's business environment, she noted. Reflecting on the growing economic partnership, Al Mulla said trade and investment relations between Ethiopia and the UAE are gaining momentum, supported by the increasing commitment of business communities in both countries to expand cooperation. "Business collaboration between Ethiopia and the UAE is growing year by year, and it looks promising. We are looking forward to more collaboration," she said. She added that Emirati business representatives visiting Ethiopia are increasingly interested in exploring new business prospects and identifying emerging investment opportunities. "I think most of the people who came here from the UAE are looking for more chances, for more opportunities, for more new doors to approach. I think we are going in the right path and towards more success," she stated. Highlighting the council's future priorities, Al Mulla said Emirati businesswomen are keen to strengthen partnerships with Ethiopian women entrepreneurs and explore investment opportunities in sectors with significant growth potential. "We are also looking for more cooperation with Ethiopian women here as businesswomen, looking forward to finding many opportunities in agriculture, AI, merchandise, processed food or ready food, and many other things," she said. She emphasized that expanding business-to-business partnerships and identifying untapped investment areas would help create new opportunities for women entrepreneurs while further strengthening economic ties between the two countries.

By Staff Writer November 1, 2026 (ENA) The final week of October 2026 brought Ethiopia into sharper international focus, as the country advanced its defence modernization, strengthened strategic partnerships and renewed attention to its interests in the Abay (Nile) Basin and Red Sea region. From the announcement of the delivery of advanced fighter jets and plans to acquire sophisticated air defence systems to high-level diplomatic engagements at the Russia-Africa Summit, Ethiopia's activities reflected the growing intersection of national security, economic ambitions and regional geopolitics. Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed's participation in the Third Russia-Africa Summit in Moscow provided an important platform for advancing bilateral and continental cooperation. His announcement that Ethiopia had received its first 12 Su-35 fighter jets and was set to acquire four batteries of S-400 air defence systems also brought the country's military modernization into the international spotlight. Meanwhile, the Third Ethiopian Water and Energy Week highlighted the country's efforts to strengthen water-resource management amid rising demand from agriculture, industry and a growing population. In Addis Ababa, the introduction of the first 26 natural gas-powered city buses marked another step towards reducing fuel imports, lowering transport costs and expanding the use of locally sourced energy. Beyond these developments, discussions surrounding Ethiopia's interests in the Abay River and sustainable access to the Red Sea continued to feature prominently in national and international discourse. Together, these developments underscored Ethiopia's efforts to strengthen its national capabilities, diversify international partnerships and advance its economic and strategic interests in an increasingly interconnected regional environment. Defence Modernization: Ethiopia Advances Strategic Deterrence One of the week's most consequential announcements came from Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, who disclosed that Ethiopia had taken delivery of its first 12 Russian-made Su-35 4++ generation fighter jets and was preparing to receive four batteries of S-400 air defence systems.   The Prime Minister described the development as a significant milestone in the country's efforts to strengthen national defence and security capabilities, emphasizing the importance of building military readiness during peacetime to deter potential threats. "Today, in accordance with our prior agreement with the Russian government, we have taken delivery of the first twelve Su-35 4++ Generation fighter jets," he announced. He further disclosed that Ethiopia would receive four batteries of S-400 air defence systems, marking another major component of the country's military modernization programme. The Prime Minister elaborated that the delivery was expedited ahead of schedule following high-level engagements with the Russian government, including discussions with President Vladimir Putin. Highlighting the capabilities of the newly acquired aircraft, Abiy said the Su-35 combines advanced radar technology, high manoeuvrability and air-to-air and air-to-ground combat capabilities. He also pointed to its ability to detect and engage aerial threats, including cruise missiles and certain ballistic targets. The acquisition signals Ethiopia's intention to strengthen its air capabilities as part of a broader effort to modernize the Ethiopian National Defence Force (ENDF). Beyond acquiring sophisticated military platforms, the country's evolving defence priorities also place emphasis on operational readiness, technological capabilities and the institutional capacity required to maintain and sustain modern military systems. The announcement has consequently drawn international attention to Ethiopia's changing defence posture and its implications for the wider Horn of Africa and Red Sea security environment. Russia-Africa Summit: Advancing Ethiopia's Strategic Partnerships Ethiopia's defence announcement coincided with Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed's participation in the Third Russia-Africa Summit in Moscow, where he engaged in bilateral and multilateral discussions aimed at expanding cooperation across strategic sectors. Among the key engagements was his meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin, during which the two leaders discussed ways to deepen the longstanding relationship between their countries.   PM Abiy pointed out that the discussions explored opportunities for expanding cooperation in nuclear energy, healthcare, trade and other areas of mutual interest. The meeting reflected the two countries' continued interest in broadening their partnership beyond traditional diplomatic relations into sectors central to Ethiopia's long-term economic and technological ambitions. In a gesture underscoring the importance of intellectual exchange and mutual understanding, the Ethiopian Prime Minister also presented Putin with the Russian edition of his book, Medemer. PM Abiy described the presentation as reflecting the shared commitment of the two countries to dialogue, mutual understanding and the continued advancement of bilateral relations. Addressing the summit, the Prime Minister emphasized the importance of translating longstanding diplomatic relationships and strategic commitments into tangible development outcomes.   He identified food security and agricultural productivity, reliable energy supply, and skills and knowledge transfer as three essential pillars underpinning Ethiopia's development ambitions. He further noted that Ethiopia and Russia have maintained diplomatic relations for more than a century, founded on mutual respect and shared interests. As part of efforts to expand this historic partnership, the two countries are pursuing cooperation on the development of a nuclear power plant in Ethiopia, an initiative expected to contribute to the country's long-term energy ambitions. Prime Minister Abiy said the strategic partnership with Russia could help diversify Ethiopia's energy options, accelerate its development aspirations and strengthen cooperation in areas critical to national prosperity. Water and Energy: Strengthening the Foundation for Sustainable Development   While defence and diplomacy attracted considerable international attention, Ethiopia's water and energy agenda remained another important focus during the week. The Third Ethiopian Water and Energy Week brought together policymakers, technical experts and other stakeholders to examine the country's progress and challenges in managing its water resources and expanding access to essential services. The third day of the event was dedicated to Water Day under the theme "Evidence to Action: Science-Based Solutions for Integrated WASH and Water Resource Management." Discussions focused on strengthening the identification, documentation and sustainable management of Ethiopia's surface and groundwater resources as population growth, industrialization and agricultural expansion continue to increase national demand. The gathering also provided an opportunity to assess progress over the past decade in drinking water supply and sanitation, recognize achievements and identify remaining gaps. For Ethiopia, effective water-resource management is closely linked to food security, energy generation, industrial development and public health. With agriculture remaining central to the national economy, improved water management and expanded irrigation infrastructure are increasingly important to strengthening agricultural productivity and reducing vulnerability to climate-related shocks. The discussions therefore highlighted the importance of translating scientific evidence, research and policy commitments into practical solutions that can support the country's long-term development. Addis Ababa Introduces Its First Natural Gas-Powered City Buses   Another notable development during the week was the introduction of the first 26 natural gas-powered city buses into Addis Ababa's public transportation system. Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed announced that the buses, converted from conventional fuel to natural gas, had officially entered service, marking a new phase in the capital's efforts to modernize public transport and diversify its energy sources. The initiative is expected to reduce the country's fuel import bill, lower public transport operating expenses and make transportation more affordable for passengers. the Prime Minister revealed that the transition is projected to cut passenger fares by half while reducing foreign currency expenditure on conventional fuels. He explained that the initiative followed months of work to transport domestically produced natural gas to Addis Ababa, establish refuelling facilities and retrofit existing buses. Beyond its immediate transport benefits, the project demonstrates efforts to expand the domestic application of locally available energy resources and strengthen technological and industrial capabilities. The Premier also disclosed that an additional 400 natural gas-powered buses were expected to arrive soon, as the government seeks to accelerate the transition towards more affordable and diversified public transportation. The initiative forms part of broader efforts to improve urban mobility, reduce dependence on imported petroleum products and deliver tangible economic benefits to citizens. Abay and Red Sea: Ethiopia's Strategic Interests Gain International Attention   Alongside developments in defence, diplomacy and economic transformation, Ethiopia's interests in the Abay River and sustainable access to the Red Sea continued to attract attention from political leaders, analysts and international commentators. The country's geographical position, population size, economic ambitions and growing regional responsibilities have increasingly brought these issues into discussions about the future of the Horn of Africa. Former Prime Minister Hailemariam Desalegn described Ethiopia's pursuit of sustainable sea access as a legitimate national aspiration that should be addressed through dialogue, negotiations and mutually beneficial arrangements. He argued that the central question should not be whether Ethiopia needs access to the sea, but how such access can be secured peacefully while respecting the interests of all parties. With a population of approximately 130 million, a growing economy and a vast geographical area, Ethiopia is the world's most populous landlocked country. Hailemariam described the loss of direct maritime access as a historical development that continues to influence the country's economic and strategic interests.   He also traced the region's present geographical arrangements to the European scramble for Africa in the 1880s, arguing that the issue deserves serious consideration rather than being passed on to future generations. His remarks added to the growing discussion about Ethiopia's maritime interests and the importance of pursuing regional solutions through constructive engagement. Meanwhile, former African Union Commission Chairperson Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma highlighted Ethiopia's broader continental significance, particularly its homegrown development approach and investments in energy. Speaking to ENA in Moscow ahead of the Russia-Africa Summit, Dlamini-Zuma described Ethiopia as an important model of African development and self-determination. Having led the African Union Commission from its headquarters in Addis Ababa between 2012 and 2017, she emphasized the country's unique responsibility as the diplomatic capital of Africa. She said Ethiopia should continue contributing to the vision of an integrated, peaceful and prosperous continent, driven by African leadership and the aspirations of its people.   Her remarks highlighted the importance of Ethiopia's development experience and its role in advancing continental cooperation. A Week Reflecting Ethiopia's Expanding Strategic Priorities Taken together, the developments of the final week of October reflected several interconnected dimensions of Ethiopia's national priorities. The defence acquisitions highlighted efforts to strengthen military readiness and strategic deterrence. The Russia-Africa Summit provided an opportunity to expand international partnerships in energy, trade, healthcare and technology. The Water and Energy Week reinforced the importance of sustainable resource management, while the introduction of natural gas-powered buses demonstrated the practical application of domestic energy resources. At the same time, discussions surrounding the Abay River and Red Sea access underscored the enduring importance of geography, economic interests and regional cooperation in shaping Ethiopia's strategic outlook. These developments point to a broader national agenda in which security, economic transformation, technological advancement and diplomatic engagement increasingly intersect. As Ethiopia continues to pursue its development ambitions and navigate a changing regional and international environment, the challenge will be to translate these strategic priorities into sustainable economic gains, stronger national institutions and peaceful, mutually beneficial regional partnerships.

Addis Ababa, November 1, 2026 (ENA)— Ethiopia has enormous potential to advance agriculture and other development sectors through additional dams and other water-related projects, an Israeli water-technology expert said. The country has vast potential to harness its water resources, while investments in hydropower and expanding infrastructure offer enormous opportunities to transform its agricultural sector, boost energy production and accelerate broader economic development, he told ENA. Ravid Levy, Director of WaterEdge.IL, Israel’s national water innovation community, said Ethiopia has the potential to emerge as an agricultural powerhouse if its water resources and ongoing development projects are effectively harnessed.   In an exclusive interview with ENA on the sidelines of the Third Ethiopian Water and Energy Week in Addis Ababa, Levy highlighted the country's expanding infrastructure, hydropower development and growing economy as key foundations for unlocking its agricultural and economic potential. "Ethiopia has a huge potential with the dam, with other projects, with growing infrastructure, economy, and agriculture as well. It could be and can be an agriculture superpower," he said. Levy, an Israeli water-technology expert, noted that water and energy are closely interconnected. He further stressed that coordinated development of the two sectors is essential to expanding electricity generation, improving water management and supporting sustainable economic growth. The expert emphasized that effectively harnessing Ethiopia's water resources could generate wider economic and social benefits, particularly by strengthening agricultural productivity, food security and energy access. He also underscored the importance of modern water-management technologies, including smart monitoring, metering and systems to reduce non-revenue water, in improving the efficiency and sustainability of water utilities. Turning to bilateral cooperation, Levy said Israel's experience in water management, technological innovation and research offers significant opportunities for collaboration with Ethiopian institutions. He identified joint academic research, partnerships between technology companies and Ethiopian water utilities, and technology transfer as promising areas for advancing bilateral cooperation.   He explained that partnerships between Ethiopian and Israeli universities could combine their research capabilities to develop practical solutions to water-related challenges, adapting existing technologies and expertise to Ethiopia's specific needs and development priorities. Similarly, collaboration between Israeli technology companies and Ethiopian water utilities could help introduce innovative solutions in smart water monitoring, metering, water-loss reduction and improved service delivery. Highlighting the wider significance of water development, Levy said reliable water supply and effective wastewater management are essential not only for agriculture but also for public health, environmental protection and economic advancement.   He further stressed that strong government commitment, complemented by the active participation of universities, private companies and other stakeholders, is crucial to translating the two countries' shared development interests into tangible results. Levy said such cooperation could help both countries address their respective water challenges while advancing technological innovation and sustainable development.

Addis Ababa, November 1, 2026 (ENA)— Ethiopia’s growing renewable energy capacity and ambitious green development agenda are creating significant opportunities to deepen strategic cooperation with Denmark in clean energy, water management and climate resilience, a Danish diplomat has told ENA. Thomas Fleurine Sorensen, Counsellor at the Embassy of Denmark in Ethiopia, highlighted the longstanding partnership between the two countries during an interview with ENA on the sidelines of the Third Ethiopian Water and Energy Week in Addis Ababa. He said Ethiopia’s progress in renewable energy and its commitment to sustainable development provide a strong foundation for expanding bilateral cooperation, particularly through knowledge exchange, institutional partnerships, and greater private-sector engagement.   Sorensen identified the Assela Wind Farm as a flagship example of the two countries’ cooperation. He further underscored the importance of renewable energy investments in diversifying Ethiopia’s energy mix, increasing electricity generation, and advancing its green transition. The Counsellor reaffirmed Denmark’s commitment to supporting Ethiopia’s development priorities, emphasizing that stronger institutional and human-resource capacities are essential to ensuring sustainable progress. He particularly highlighted the importance of science-based, evidence-driven policymaking in the energy sector. Commending Ethiopia’s achievements in expanding its electricity grid and advancing universal energy access, the diplomat said the country’s experience offers valuable lessons for other African nations pursuing ambitious energy and development targets.   With Ethiopia preparing to host COP32 in 2027, Sorensen also stressed the importance of strategic planning and clear priorities in advancing the country’s climate ambitions, reaffirming Denmark’s readiness to support its global climate objectives. He further praised Ethiopia’s willingness to pursue bold policy decisions in renewable energy and green growth. For him, the country’s development trajectory could inspire neighboring countries to embrace more ambitious and sustainable development pathways.

Addis Ababa, October 31, 2026 (ENA) — More than 4.5 million hectares of land will be cultivated under this year’s summer irrigated wheat development program, according to Ministry of Agriculture. Lead Executive Officer for Crop Development at the Ministry, Teshome Geletu, said the target marks a significant scaling of the national initiative, which has become a cornerstone of Ethiopia’s strategy to ensure food sovereignty. Historically, Ethiopia faced an annual wheat demand exceeding 107 million quintals, necessitating the expenditure of 700 million USD to 1 billion USD each year to bridge the deficit. However, agricultural reforms introduced under the current administration have successfully shifted the narrative from aid dependency to self-sufficiency. The summer irrigated wheat initiative, championed by Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, has proven to be a transformative catalyst. Since the 2021/22 fiscal year, these efforts have enabled Ethiopia to cease wheat imports entirely and build the infrastructure required to enter the international export market, the Lead Executive Officer said. "The strides made in the agricultural sector have fundamentally decoupled our farmers and pastoralists from a total reliance on rain-fed agriculture," Teshome told ENA. "We are fostering a dynamic new development culture." The initiative has effectively dismantled the traditional practice of limiting wheat cultivation to a single season in highland and midland regions. By leveraging diverse irrigation methods, farmers are now empowered to harvest up to three times per year, extending productivity into vast lowland areas previously considered unsuitable for such crops, he explained. According to Teshome, the program’s growth has been rapid. What began as a pilot project covering just 20,000 hectares has expanded exponentially. During the 2025/26 season, the country successfully cultivated 3.78 million hectares, resulting in a bumper harvest of 149 million quintals. Looking ahead, the Ministry is preparing for the upcoming season, which commences in November. For this, the government has set a target to cultivate 4.5 million hectares, with a projected yield of 189 million quintals. Beyond the production figures, Teshome emphasized that the initiative has significantly bolstered the economic livelihoods of rural communities, effectively replacing long-standing mindsets of dependency with a focus on sustainable, high-yield productivity.

Addis Ababa, October 31, 2026 (ENA) — Ethiopia and Chinese technology giant Huawei have agreed to deepen their strategic cooperation in digital transformation. The agreement focuses on expanding ICT infrastructure, strengthening national technological capabilities, and accelerating the country's digital economy. Deputy Prime Minister Temesgen Tiruneh held discussions with Eric Yuan, the newly appointed Chief Executive Officer of Huawei Ethiopia, on the progress of Ethiopia's digital economy and prospects for further cooperation.   In a social media post, Temesgen said the discussions reflected a shared commitment to advancing Ethiopia's transformation into a more connected, inclusive, and competitive economy. He noted that Huawei has played an important role in Ethiopia's digital development, particularly through the expansion of ICT infrastructure and improved connectivity. Yuan commended the government's ongoing efforts to advance the country's digital economy and reaffirmed Huawei's commitment to supporting Ethiopia's national development ambitions, the Deputy Prime Minister said. The discussions also explored opportunities to expand collaboration as Ethiopia advances its Digital Ethiopia 2030 strategy, with particular emphasis on national ownership, mutual trust, sustainability, security, and local value creation.   Temesgen underscored that Ethiopia's digital transformation is not merely about adopting emerging technologies, but ensuring that they deliver tangible benefits to citizens, strengthen domestic technological capabilities, and create new opportunities for innovation and economic growth. He emphasized that although strong international partnerships are essential to advancing the country's digital ambitions, Ethiopia's technological future must remain firmly anchored in its own national priorities and aspirations. The two sides agreed to further strengthen their cooperation and translate their shared commitments into practical outcomes that contribute to Ethiopia's long-term development.   "Our ambition is clear: an Ethiopia that is not only more connected, but more capable, more competitive, and better positioned to shape its own future," Temesgen stated.

Addis Ababa, October 30, 2026 (ENA) — Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed has announced that the first 26 city buses converted from conventional fuel to natural gas have officially entered service in Addis Ababa. The move marks a new step in the transformation of the capital's public transport system. “This historic milestone slashes foreign currency spending on fuel, cuts public transit operational costs, and reduces passenger fares by half,” the Prime Minister wrote on his social media channel. PM Abiy said the milestone follows months of work to transport locally produced natural gas to Addis Ababa, establish refueling stations, and retrofit existing buses.   He noted that the transition will significantly reduce foreign currency expenditure on fuel, lower public transport operating costs, and cut passenger fares by half. The locally undertaken conversion also demonstrates Ethiopia's growing domestic technological capabilities and progress in technology transfer, he added. The Prime Minister further disclosed that 400 additional natural gas-powered buses are expected to arrive soon as the country moves to reduce its dependence on conventional fuels.   He reaffirmed the government's commitment to delivering tangible and lasting improvements in citizens' lives through continued progress in food security, housing, and transportation.