Addis Ababa, August 24, 2026 (ENA) —An Indian investor, who is currently active in Ethiopia’s agriculture sector, underscored Ethiopia’s exceptional potential as a destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in agriculture, specifically within the export-oriented horticulture sector. The agribusiness investor and Gud Agro Plc Shareholder, Gajendra Singh Manpura, shared insights drawn from the company’s two years of operational experience near Boditi in the Wolaita Zone of Southern Ethiopia. The company has specialized in commercial avocado cultivation for export markets.   "We are currently working on approximately 150 hectares of land, with 30 to 35 hectares already planted with avocados," Manpura told ENA. He also explained that he selected Ethiopia after evaluating several alternative agricultural markets. He highlighted the country's fertile soil, favorable climate, reliable water resources, abundant sunlight, and strong support from both the government and local communities as primary catalysts for his decision.   Manpura urged new investors to look beyond the local market and leverage Ethiopia’s strategic access to global trade. "I would advise incoming investors not to focus solely on domestic sales," he noted. "By adopting an export-oriented mindset for fruits, vegetables, and other produce, investors can fully capitalize on Ethiopia's access to international markets." Drawing parallels to Ethiopia's established coffee legacy and Ecuador's global leadership in the banana trade, Manpura expressed strong confidence in the Ethiopia's potential to become a top international exporter of avocados and other horticultural crops.

Addis Ababa, August 24, 2026 (ENA) —The World Health Organization (WHO) Ethiopia representative has commended Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed for his forward-looking approach in integrating Artificial Intelligence (AI) and digital health technologies with major national development initiatives. The major national development initiatives include the Green Legacy Initiative (GLI), urban renewal projects and riverside developments. Speaking to ENA, WHO Representative to Ethiopia, the African Union and the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA), Francis Chisaka Kasolo, described Ethiopia as a frontrunner in harnessing emerging technologies to advance public health. “Indeed, the Prime Minister is the champion for artificial intelligence and digital health, and an award that was given by the African Union,” Kasolo said. He further highlighted the institutional recognition of Ethiopia’s efforts to advance digital health. The representative said WHO is committed to supporting Ethiopia’s digital transformation in the health sector. “We want to work with the country and the government and the Ministry of Health to really push this digital agenda,” Kasolo said. He also stressed that AI and other digital tools should go beyond disease prediction and help transform how countries plan and deliver health services.   Kasolo also emphasized that health should be addressed as a cross sectoral issue extending beyond medical treatment. “The World Health Organization has recognized that health is no longer just about treatment. It's about addressing the determinants of health,” he said, citing climate change, environmental degradation and humanitarian shocks among the factors that significantly affect public health. He stressed the importance of prevention, saying, “We would want to prevent ill health before it happens.” According to Kasolo, improving air quality and creating safer and healthier environments can reduce respiratory diseases and contribute to preventing some forms of cancer, making environmental policies an important component of public health. He specifically linked Ethiopia’s Green Legacy Initiative and urban development projects to preventive health measures. “The GLI, for example, promotes, for instance, clean air. Clean air leads to good health and reduction in respiratory diseases,” he said.   Kasolo also highlighted the health benefits of Addis Ababa’s corridor development projects, particularly improvements in sanitation. “The corridor project, for instance, also improves sanitation,” he said, noting that expanding similar improvements across the country could help reduce waterborne diseases. “Such initiatives are what we would want the government of Ethiopia to invest in before we start treating conditions that emerge because of poor environment,” he said. Kasolo called for Ethiopia’s approach to be replicated across Africa, saying investments in green infrastructure and healthier urban environments can contribute significantly to improving public health. “Certainly, these initiatives are what we would want to see across the continent because they contribute to good health, not only beautifying the city, but also to good health,” he said. His remarks underscore the growing convergence between digital innovation, environmental protection and public health in Ethiopia’s development agenda, with WHO viewing such integrated approaches as important tools for strengthening health security across Africa.

Staff Writer August 23, 2026 National Dialogue reaches a historic milestone as Ethiopia reasserts its sovereign right to develop the Abay, while diplomacy, security and strategic partnerships reinforce the country’s growing regional profile. The past week marked a defining chapter for Ethiopia, one shaped by historic political dialogue at home and an increasingly assertive posture on the regional and international stage. After 40 days of intensive deliberations involving nearly 4,000 Ethiopians from diverse backgrounds, the National Dialogue Conference concluded in Addis Ababa with approximately 400 recommendations addressing some of the country’s most pressing political, social and institutional challenges. At the same time, Ethiopia strongly reaffirmed its sovereign right to utilize its water resources, pushing back against criticism over plans to develop additional dams on the Abay (Nile) River. The message from Addis Ababa was unequivocal: Ethiopia will develop its resources to meet its national needs while pursuing cooperation with fellow Nile Basin countries.   Beyond these two defining developments, Ethiopia remained in the international spotlight through high-level engagement on security, diplomacy, regional affairs and strategic partnerships. National Dialogue: From Differences to a Search for Common Ground The conclusion of Ethiopia’s National Dialogue represented a significant milestone in the country’s attempt to address longstanding challenges through a nationally driven process. For 40 days, participants from different regions, political, social and professional backgrounds listened to competing perspectives, debated difficult questions and sought common ground. The process culminated in nearly 400 recommendations intended to contribute to a more peaceful, inclusive and stable Ethiopia.   The closing ceremony brought together senior government officials, former presidents, religious leaders, national figures and international guests, underlining the wider significance attached to the process. Former Kenyan President Uhuru Kenyatta described the dialogue as an important opportunity for Ethiopians to turn the country’s diversity into a source of strength and make inclusive dialogue a foundation for lasting peace and prosperity. He praised the Ethiopian National Dialogue Commission for bringing thousands of voices together, calling the initiative an “act of patriotism of the highest order.” Kenyatta also placed Ethiopia’s experience within a broader African context, recalling the country’s historic role in the continent’s political consciousness—from the victory at Adwa to Emperor Haile Selassie’s international leadership and Addis Ababa’s role in the establishment of the Organization of African Unity.   But he also stressed that lasting peace requires reaching those who remain outside the process. “Your peace is not a favor. Your peace is the condition of your own rest, and our peace is a condition for all of us in our region,” he said, linking Ethiopia’s stability directly to peace and security across the Horn of Africa. Former Nigerian President and African Union High Representative Olusegun Obasanjo likewise described Ethiopia’s National Dialogue as historic and potentially exemplary for the rest of Africa. Congratulating Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed and the National Dialogue Commission, Obasanjo said the ultimate objective of the process should be lasting peace, security and stability—conditions he described as essential for development and national growth.   “Peace is so important and it is worth giving everything,” he stressed, noting that preparations for the dialogue had taken four years. With its 40-day deliberations and thousands of participants, the process, he said, was “a serious and great undertaking” and “an example for the rest of us in Africa.” Abay: Ethiopia Draws a Clear Line on Sovereign Resource Development While the National Dialogue focused on finding common ground within Ethiopia, the country delivered an equally firm message abroad over the utilization of its water resources. Ethiopia has reaffirmed plans to develop additional dams on the Abay River, triggering strong reactions from Egypt and once again placing the Nile at the center of regional attention. Water and Energy Minister Habtamu Itefa made Ethiopia’s position clear: the country does not require permission from another state to develop its own water resources. “Ethiopia is a sovereign country,” the Minister said, pointing to the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam as an example of the country’s determination to pursue its development priorities.   In an exclusive interview with Pulse of Africa, Habtamu said the GERD was built primarily for electricity generation and is already contributing hydropower to Ethiopia while creating opportunities for regional energy cooperation. He categorically rejected proposals for joint management of the dam, arguing that Ethiopia would not accept arrangements that could give another country control over infrastructure built and financed by Ethiopians. “How come any entity asks to jointly manage the dam built by Ethiopians. This is impossible and unacceptable,” he underscored. Ethiopia’s broader position is that Nile Basin countries should pursue negotiation, cooperation and equitable development rather than arrangements that restrict Ethiopia’s ability to utilize its water resources. For Addis Ababa, the issue is ultimately tied to development: expanding electricity access for its population, generating economic opportunities and exporting power to neighboring countries. The Abay, therefore, is not simply a waterway in Ethiopia’s development discourse. It has become a central symbol of the country’s pursuit of energy security, economic transformation and sovereign decision-making. A Stronger Security Partnership with the United States   Ethiopia’s strategic engagement also expanded on the security front. A high-level Ethiopian delegation led by Major General Teshome Gemechu, Director General of Foreign Relations and Military Cooperation at the Ministry of Defense, visited the United States from August 19–20. During consultations at the Pentagon, Ethiopian officials met with senior U.S. defense and diplomatic officials to discuss bilateral security and defense cooperation. The talks, co-led with U.S. Deputy Assistant Secretary of War for African Affairs Brian J. Ellis, resulted in an agreement to elevate military and diplomatic cooperation between the two countries to a new level. The development signals Ethiopia’s interest in strengthening strategic partnerships at a time when security dynamics across the Horn of Africa and the wider Red Sea region are rapidly evolving. Ethiopia–China Ties: From Partnership to Strategic Alignment China also remained central to Ethiopia’s international engagement. Chinese Ambassador to Ethiopia Chen Hai described the two countries’ all-weather strategic partnership as a cornerstone of efforts to build a community with a shared future between China and Africa. In an exclusive interview with ENA, Ambassador Chen said the relationship had moved beyond traditional diplomacy, evolving into a broad partnership based on political trust, economic cooperation and mutual support.   “China and Ethiopia support each other politically and economically,” he said, emphasizing closer coordination to deliver benefits to both peoples. The partnership also carries significance beyond bilateral relations. Ethiopia’s role as a major African diplomatic center and China’s expanding engagement across the continent give the relationship wider implications for Africa-China cooperation. A Week That Signals a More Assertive Ethiopia Taken together, the week’s developments point to an Ethiopia seeking to balance national reconciliation at home with greater strategic confidence abroad. The conclusion of the National Dialogue offered a platform for Ethiopians to confront difficult questions through dialogue and compromise. The firm position on the Abay demonstrated Addis Ababa’s determination to defend its development interests and sovereign rights. Meanwhile, renewed engagement with the United States and China showed Ethiopia’s continuing effort to diversify and deepen strategic partnerships. The common thread is clear: Ethiopia is seeking greater national consensus, greater control over its development choices and a stronger voice in shaping the political and strategic future of the Horn of Africa. The coming months will reveal Ethiopia’s increasingly assertive approach to its resources, security and diplomacy can help reshape its role in the region. For a country at the crossroads of the Nile Basin, the Horn of Africa and the Red Sea, last week was more than a sequence of major events. It was a week that underscored Ethiopia’s determination to define its future on its own terms while remaining a consequential actor in Africa and beyond.

Addis Ababa, August 23, 2026 (ENA) —Ethiopia has called for stronger BRICS cooperation in tourism, positioning the sector as a strategic driver of economic growth, sustainable development and people-to-people ties. At the BRICS Tourism Ministers’ Meeting in Jaipur, the Ethiopian delegation highlighted the country’s cultural heritage and natural attractions while promoting cooperation in sustainable tourism, digital innovation, artificial intelligence and skills development, according to the Ethiopian Embassy in New Delhi.   Ethiopia proposed establishing a BRICS Travel Mart and a Tourism Centre of Excellence to facilitate joint tourism products, investment, research and capacity building. The delegation also highlighted Ethiopian Airlines’ role in connecting Africa with BRICS partner countries and promoted Addis Ababa as a potential international hub for meetings, incentives, conferences and exhibitions (MICE). Ethiopia expressed readiness to translate BRICS tourism cooperation into concrete initiatives, investment opportunities and joint ventures. The meeting, held under India’s 2026 BRICS Chairship, concluded with the adoption by consensus of the BRICS Tourism Ministers’ Communiqué 2026, known as the Jaipur Declaration.   The declaration prioritizes AI and tourism, sustainable and responsible tourism, skills and capacity building, and tourism exchanges and seamless travel facilitation, while encouraging cooperation in investment, infrastructure, destination management, data sharing and best practices. For Ethiopia, the initiative places tourism at the intersection of BRICS cooperation, economic diplomacy and the country’s broader effort to expand its global tourism and investment profile.

Addis Ababa, August 22, 2026 (ENA) —Ethiopian Airlines and Boeing have successfully concluded the fourth edition of their STEM School Program. The program was aimed at equipping Grade 11 students with practical skills, industry exposure and inspiration to pursue future careers in aviation, engineering and technology. The six-week program, hosted at the Ethiopian Aviation University, brought together young Ethiopian students for intensive, hands-on training designed to bridge classroom learning with the real-world demands of the aviation and technology industries. The fourth edition featured training in coding and robotics, Arduino and artificial intelligence, mobile and web development, and autonomous systems, while giving participants opportunities to gain first-hand exposure to Ethiopian Airlines’ aviation operations, including its maintenance and IT facilities. The initiative reflects a broader effort by Ethiopian Airlines and Boeing to build a strong pipeline of future STEM professionals capable of contributing to Ethiopia’s rapidly expanding aviation and technology sectors.   By combining Boeing’s global aerospace expertise with Ethiopian Airlines’ industry experience and the academic capacity of the Ethiopian Aviation University, the program is helping young Ethiopians turn their interest in science and technology into practical skills and career aspirations. The initiative also carries significance beyond Ethiopia. As Africa’s aviation sector expands and demand for skilled professionals grows, investing early in STEM education is increasingly vital to developing a homegrown workforce capable of driving the continent’s future aviation, engineering and technological transformation. The fourth edition therefore represents more than the completion of another student program. It also marks another step toward nurturing the innovators, engineers and aviation professionals who could shape the future of Ethiopia and Africa’s aerospace industry.

It Is Time to Stop Pretending Ethiopia Has No Stake in the Red Sea By Yordanos D. August 22, 2026 The strategic importance of Ethiopia’s maritime question has become increasingly difficult to separate from the wider security crisis unfolding across the Middle East, the Red Sea and the Horn of Africa. Recent disruptions around the Strait of Hormuz have demonstrated how quickly instability at a single maritime chokepoint can affect energy prices, shipping networks, insurance markets, supply chains and consumers thousands of kilometres away. These developments offer a wider lesson: maritime chokepoints are not simply geographical passages. They are arteries of the global economy. When their security deteriorates, the consequences can spread rapidly across continents. This raises a critical question for the Horn of Africa: what would happen if prolonged disruption in the Strait of Hormuz were accompanied by a major disruption at Bab el Mandeb? The consequences could be severe. Hormuz is vital to the movement of energy from the Persian Gulf, while Bab el Mandeb connects the Indian Ocean with the Red Sea and the Suez Canal, forming a crucial trade route between Asia and Europe. A simultaneous disruption at both chokepoints could force ships to choose between navigating dangerous waters and taking substantially longer routes around Africa. The resulting increase in fuel consumption, insurance costs, freight rates and transit times could create another major shock to global trade.   It is against this backdrop that Ethiopia’s pursuit of reliable access to the Red Sea assumes significance far beyond its own commercial interests. For a country of more than 130 million people, secure maritime access is an economic necessity. But Ethiopia’s return to the Red Sea could also have broader implications for regional connectivity, maritime security, investment and the resilience of international trade. Let us break down the calculus. The central question, therefore, is not simply whether Ethiopia should regain access to the sea. It is whether a stable and legally negotiated Ethiopian maritime presence could become part of a broader regional system capable of protecting one of the world’s most important trade corridors. Let us break down the strategic calculus. Hormuz and Rising Cost of Global Maritime The strategic importance of the Strait of Hormuz is enormous. In the first half of 2025, about 20.9 million barrels of oil and petroleum liquids per day passed through the strait, equivalent to roughly one fifth of global petroleum liquids consumption and about one quarter of global maritime oil trade. The strait also carries substantial volumes of liquefied natural gas, making it one of the world’s most important energy corridors. The disruption of these flows illustrates the vulnerability created by such dependence. By the second quarter of 2026, data from the U.S. Energy Information Administration showed that oil flows through Hormuz had fallen sharply compared with 2025 levels, reflecting the impact of regional conflict and maritime restrictions. Oil prices have responded to the uncertainty. Brent crude reached about $91.62 per barrel on August 19, 2026, and remained above $93 per barrel on August 21 amid continuing concerns over supply disruptions. The lesson is clear: instability at a strategically located maritime chokepoint can increase the cost of energy, transportation and insurance almost immediately. The significance of Hormuz, however, cannot be understood only through oil prices. The strait is embedded in a wider commercial system that connects energy producers in the Gulf with consumers across Asia, Europe and other regions. Any prolonged disruption can therefore generate secondary effects across manufacturing, transportation, electricity generation and food production.   Bab el Mandeb: The Other Critical Gateway Bab el Mandeb connects the Red Sea with the Gulf of Aden and the wider Indian Ocean. Together with the Red Sea and the Suez Canal, it forms part of one of the world’s most important maritime corridors linking Asia and Europe. When vessels cannot safely navigate the Red Sea, many are forced to travel around the Cape of Good Hope. The longer route requires more fuel, crew time and vessel capacity and significantly increases voyage times. According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration, disruptions around Bab el Mandeb or the Suez Canal can force ships onto the longer southern African route, increasing freight rates and shipping costs. Container ships carrying manufactured goods, bulk carriers transporting commodities, tankers carrying petroleum products and vessels carrying agricultural inputs can all be affected. A ship that spends several additional weeks at sea is also unavailable for another shipment during that period. Consequently, effective global shipping capacity can decline even when factories, warehouses and ports remain operational. The world has already experienced this problem following attacks on commercial vessels in the Red Sea, which prompted major shipping companies to divert vessels around Africa. The resulting increase in voyage distances and transit times demonstrated how quickly maritime insecurity can spread through freight markets, supply chains and consumer prices. For Africa, the implications are particularly serious. Many countries depend on imported fuel, fertilizers, machinery, food and manufactured products. Higher shipping costs can therefore translate into higher domestic prices and increased pressure on foreign exchange reserves. The Dual Chokepoint Crisis A simultaneous or successive disruption of Hormuz and Bab el Mandeb would transform two regional security problems into a potentially much larger global maritime crisis. Hormuz is principally critical for Gulf energy exports, while Bab el Mandeb is a key gateway for commercial vessels moving between the Indian Ocean and the Red Sea. If both were seriously disrupted, shipping companies could face a difficult choice between navigating insecure waters and taking dramatically longer alternative routes. Freight rates and insurance premiums could rise sharply. European manufacturers could experience delays in receiving Asian components and finished products, while Asian exporters could face higher costs in reaching European and North African markets. African economies would also be exposed because many depend heavily on imported fuel, fertilizers, machinery, food and manufactured goods. Governments could require more foreign currency to purchase the same volume of imports, while businesses could pass higher transportation, insurance and energy costs on to consumers. Recent shipping data further illustrates the sensitivity of the two corridors to regional insecurity. Reuters reported that only nine commodity vessels passed through the Strait of Hormuz on both August 18 and 19, 2026, while traffic through Bab el Mandeb fell from 32 to 27 vessels over the same period. By August 21, Reuters reported that Hormuz traffic had fallen further to seven commodity vessels, while Bab el Mandeb recorded 23 vessels. These figures do not establish that either waterway has been permanently closed. They do, however, demonstrate how quickly geopolitical uncertainty can change commercial shipping behaviour. Even without a formal blockade, heightened security risks can discourage operators, increase insurance costs and force vessels onto longer routes. A prolonged disruption at both chokepoints would therefore be more than a regional maritime crisis. It could become a major shock to global energy markets, international trade and supply chains.   Egypt’s Spoiler Role in Both Horn Africa and Red Sea Region Evidently, Egypt’s destabilizing activities in the Horn of Africa can be examined historically through its security and political engagement with countries surrounding Ethiopia. Its growing military cooperation with Somalia has particular strategic significance because Somalia lies close to the Bab el Mandeb, one of the world’s most important maritime chokepoints. The deployment or potential deployment of Egyptian military forces in Somalia could intensify strategic rivalry with Ethiopia and contribute to the militarization of an already fragile security environment. Egypt’s close political and security alignment with Sudan’s military establishment is another source of regional concern. The continuing war in Sudan has weakened state institutions, expanded armed networks and generated displacement and instability across the region. External military and political involvement risks prolonging the conflict and creating additional security pressures along Ethiopia’s western frontier and the Red Sea. A prolonged crisis in Sudan, where Egypt is behind this ongoing catastrophic civil war, could also create wider instability across the Horn, disrupting trade routes and increasing the movement of armed groups and illicit networks. Egypt has also supported Eritrea’s regime, whose strategic position on the Red Sea gives a leverage its proxy ambition. Closer Egyptian engagement with Eritrea, combined with its military cooperation with Somalia and its relationship with Sudan, could contribute to competing security alignments around Ethiopia and increase tensions across the Horn. The most serious concern is the strategic importance of the Bab el Mandeb. Egypt has a vital interest in the waterway because it provides access to the Suez Canal and is central to Egypt’s maritime trade. Egypt has an operational plan to physically close the Bab el Mandeb, the expansion of Egyptian military and political influence around the Horn raises concerns that the waterway could become an instrument of strategic pressure. Any attempt by Egypt or forces aligned with its interests to obstruct navigation through the Bab el Mandeb would have consequences far beyond the Horn of Africa. Such a disruption could create chaos in world trade. The Bab el Mandeb is a critical link between the Red Sea, the Gulf of Aden and the wider Indian Ocean trade system. Its disruption could force ships to take longer routes around the Cape of Good Hope, sharply increasing transportation costs, insurance premiums, delivery times and fuel consumption. It could also disrupt energy supplies and the movement of food, manufactured goods and essential commodities between Asia, Europe, Africa and the Middle East. Coming on top of instability around other major maritime chokepoints, a serious disruption at Bab el Mandeb could place additional pressure on already vulnerable global supply chains. Taken together, Egypt’s expanding military partnerships, political alliances and strategic positioning in Somalia, Sudan and Eritrea risk intensifying polarization in the Horn of Africa. If these relationships are used as instruments of confrontation with Ethiopia, they could contribute to greater militarization around the Red Sea and Bab el Mandeb. The consequence would not be limited to Ethiopia or the Horn. A crisis affecting Bab el Mandeb could escalate into a wider maritime emergency, threatening regional stability and creating severe disruption to international commerce and global trade. Why Ethiopia’s Maritime Return Matters? This is where Ethiopia’s maritime question takes on significance beyond national economic interests. Ethiopia’s dependence on external maritime gateways leaves its international trade vulnerable to disruption along regional transport corridors. More than 90 percent of Ethiopia’s import and export trade has historically moved through the Addis Djibouti corridor. Heavy dependence on a single principal gateway creates economic exposure when congestion, conflict, political disputes or maritime insecurity affect that route. A reliable and legally negotiated Ethiopian maritime presence could provide an additional option. It could diversify transport corridors, reduce dependence on a single gateway and strengthen Ethiopia’s ability to withstand regional disruptions. The objective should not be Ethiopian control of the Red Sea. Rather, it should be predictable and mutually agreed access established through arrangements that respect the sovereignty and territorial integrity of coastal states. Such an arrangement could provide benefits extending well beyond Ethiopia’s immediate maritime interests. It could strengthen the resilience of global trade by creating additional options for the movement of goods and reducing the risks associated with excessive dependence on a limited number of vulnerable maritime corridors. It could also contribute to stronger maritime security by encouraging greater cooperation among Red Sea and Horn of Africa countries in protecting shipping routes and responding to emerging security threats. At the same time, improved access to the Red Sea could reduce pressure on existing trade corridors, particularly those facing congestion, insecurity or rising transportation costs, while providing Ethiopia and neighbouring countries with more efficient routes to international markets.   Ethiopia’s maritime engagement could also deepen regional economic integration by linking its large domestic market with the economies and ports of the Horn of Africa and the wider Red Sea region. Greater connectivity could support cross border trade, logistics, manufacturing and infrastructure development, creating opportunities for countries to benefit from Ethiopia’s expanding economy while strengthening regional supply chains. Improved access to maritime trade would further enhance food and energy security by giving Ethiopia more reliable and diversified channels for importing essential commodities, fuel and industrial inputs. Such connectivity could also make the region more attractive to investors by improving access to markets, lowering logistics costs and encouraging investment in ports, transport networks, industrial parks and related infrastructure. Ethiopia’s maritime agenda should therefore be approached as part of a wider regional economic and security framework rather than as a contest for control over strategic territory. A negotiated arrangement could bring together Ethiopia’s need for reliable maritime access with the legitimate interests of coastal states. Ethiopia could secure predictable commercial access, while coastal states could benefit from transit revenues, infrastructure investment, employment, expanded markets and stronger economic links with one of Africa’s largest domestic markets. Such a framework could also help separate economic connectivity from military confrontation. Commercial maritime access does not necessarily require territorial control. A carefully negotiated arrangement can provide access while preserving the sovereignty of the coastal state and supporting the security interests of neighbouring countries. This distinction is critical. Ethiopia’s maritime return will be sustainable only if it is based on mutual interest, international law, transparency and respect for sovereignty. The wider strategic objective should be a Red Sea in which economic interdependence becomes a source of stability rather than a trigger for confrontation. Greater trade, infrastructure connectivity and shared maritime security could create incentives for countries to protect the same commercial system from which they benefit. In this sense, Ethiopia’s return to the Red Sea could become part of a broader effort to build a more resilient regional economy. The country’s large population, expanding domestic market and growing industrial and agricultural potential could generate substantial demand for maritime services, while improved access could help connect neighbouring economies to Ethiopian markets.   In a nutshell, the significance of Ethiopia’s return to the Red Sea extends far beyond the question of ports, trade routes or national economic interests. In an era when disruptions at Hormuz and Bab el Mandeb can reverberate through energy markets and global supply chains, the Horn of Africa needs a more resilient and balanced maritime system. Reliable Ethiopian access to the Red Sea, achieved through a peaceful, legally negotiated and mutually beneficial arrangement, could provide such an opportunity. It could diversify regional trade routes, reduce dependence on a single corridor, strengthen maritime security, attract investment, improve access to essential commodities and deepen economic integration across the Horn of Africa. For Ethiopia, maritime access would reduce a fundamental vulnerability associated with being landlocked. For coastal states, it could generate investment, transit revenues and expanded markets. For international shipping, it could contribute to a stronger regional security environment. For global markets, it could add another layer of resilience at a time when maritime chokepoints are increasingly vulnerable to geopolitical disruption. The strategic objective, therefore, should not be domination of the Red Sea by any single state. It should be the creation of a stable maritime order in which Ethiopia has legitimate and predictable access, coastal states retain their sovereignty, and international shipping enjoys greater security. In this sense, Ethiopia’s return to the Red Sea should be understood not merely as a national aspiration but as a potential contribution to regional stability and global trade resilience. A peaceful maritime settlement could turn Ethiopia from a vulnerable landlocked economy into a more active economic and security stakeholder in one of the world’s most consequential maritime regions.

Addis Ababa, August 21, 2026 (ENA) —Ethiopia’s Water and Energy Minister Habtamu Itefa revealed that opposition from Egypt and Sudan is slowing the establishment of a permanent Nile River Basin Commission, despite the entry into force of the Cooperative Framework Agreement (CFA). The Commission, ratified by six Nile Basin countries, is envisioned as the Nile Basin’s permanent legal and institutional mechanism for managing and developing shared water resources, replacing the transitional Nile Basin Initiative. Habtamu said Ethiopia is among the countries pushing for the Commission to become fully operational, but resistance from Egypt and Sudan has prolonged the process. “Because of this kind of mindset from that side, the Nile River Basin Commission is taking more time than what it’s used to be to be functional,” he told Pulse of Africa. He argued that the CFA represents a major shift from previous arrangements that, in Ethiopia’s view, excluded upstream countries from meaningful participation in Nile water management. The Minister said the CFA establishes a shared principle that the Nile belongs to all its basin countries, calling for joint management, development, protection and respect among riparian states. He said Egypt and Sudan oppose this approach, placing them at odds with the majority of Nile Basin countries.   “CFA is telling to the globe and to the beneficiary member countries to say, ‘The Nile belongs to all of us.’ We have to take care of it. We have to manage the river. We have to develop the river. We don't have to pollute the river. We have to respect each other. These are the contents. Our brothers from the downstream side, Egypt and Sudan, they oppose this idea. They are against the voice of the majority.” The Minister said the framework is designed around equitable and reasonable utilization, sustainable management and information sharing, rather than denying the interests of downstream countries. He has urged Egypt and Sudan to engage with the framework rather than oppose it. According to Habtamu, Ethiopia has supported efforts to give countries that had not joined the CFA additional time to participate. However, he said continued opposition to the Commission’s functionality is becoming an obstacle to advancing basin-wide cooperation. He maintained that Egypt’s resistance is also part of a longer pattern of opposition to Ethiopian development of Nile water resources, including projects that preceded the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD). The Minister rejected the idea that Ethiopia’s development of its Nile tributaries should depend on approval from downstream countries, arguing that Ethiopia has the right to pursue development while ensuring that its projects do not cause significant harm to other riparian states. At the same time, Habtamu emphasized that Ethiopia prefers cooperation over confrontation. Habtamu said Ethiopia remains willing to wait for countries that have not ratified the CFA or continue to oppose the Nile River Basin Commission. He stressed that cooperation, mutual understanding and flexibility are the only ways to resolve Nile water disputes, warning that continued disagreements could lead to a situation similar to the Tigris and Euphrates basins. He outlined Ethiopia’s position that the Nile should ultimately serve as a platform for shared development, with upstream countries benefiting from hydropower opportunities while downstream countries contribute expertise in areas such as irrigation and agricultural development.   The Nile Basin Initiative describes the CFA as a framework for integrated management, sustainable development and harmonious utilization of Nile waters, with the proposed Commission serving as the permanent institution to facilitate cooperation among basin states. For Ethiopia, Habtamu said, delays to the Commission will not stop the country from developing its water resources. “If they keep on opposing that, nothing will hinder Ethiopia not to develop its water resources and one of the tributaries of the Nile River Basin,” he stressed. For Ethiopia developing its Nile tributaries is essential to expanding electricity generation, driving industrialization and creating jobs, while upholding the principles of equitable and reasonable utilization of shared transboundary water resources.

Addis Ababa, August 21, 2026 (ENA) — Rural development must be measured not only by physical infrastructure but by meaningful improvements in quality of life, the Office of the Prime Minister said. The office highlighted that the rural corridors initiative is taking a practical, people-centered approach by "improving connectivity, creating better living conditions, and unlocking economic opportunities within rural communities." According to the Office, the ultimate goal of the initiative is "to move beyond fragmented interventions and build rural areas that are productive, connected, resilient, and attractive places to live and work."

Addis Ababa, August 20, 2026 (ENA) —“Ethiopia does not need permission from anyone to develop its water resources as it is a sovereign country,” Water and Energy Minister Habtamu Itefa said. “Who said that we need permission from anyone? Ethiopia is a sovereign country... Look, we built the GERD without the permission, and we will also build other dams on other river basins whenever the needs arise,” he elaborated. In an exclusive interview with Pulse of Africa, Habtamu noted that the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam was built solely for electricity generation and it is providing the region with hydro power. He categorically rejected calls for joint management of the GERD, saying Ethiopia would not accept arrangements that would give other countries control over the dam nor ask permission to build others. “How come any entity asks to jointly manage the dam built by Ethiopians. This is impossible and unacceptable,” the Minister underscored. Ethiopia’s position as regards the Nile is that the Basin countries negotiate and cooperate rather than seek to restrict the country's development using its own water resources. With respect to the GERD, Ethiopia's intention is to generate hydropower supply citizens with electricity and export energy to benefit the region, the Minister explained.   Accordingly, Ethiopia has been supplying electricity to neighboring countries including Djibouti, Kenya, and Sudan, while demand is also coming from Somalia and South Sudan. Moreover, “the Kenyans are demanding more than what really we could give them,” Habtamu said. “There is again a big demand from Somalia; but the country is not yet connected. So we are working on it. Besides, South Sudan also demands power.” He also defended Ethiopia’s approach to Nile Basin cooperation, citing the Nile Basin Initiative and the Cooperative Framework Agreement as examples of efforts to promote shared use of the river. Further elaborating on the generous move of Ethiopia in developing the Nile tributaries, the Minister stated that unlike in other transboundary river basins where downstream countries often lead cooperation efforts, Ethiopia has taken the lead in bringing Nile Basin countries together. “In the case of Nile, it is Ethiopia that has been trying to lead the initiative to cooperate and work together,” he noted.   He also revealed that Ethiopia has refrained from developing potentially irrigable land”, arguing that this demonstrates consideration for downstream countries. “Technically speaking, we have more than 230,000 hectares of irrigable land. But we are not irrigating that land because we know that there is a demand from the downstream side.” Habtamu pointed out that water released from the GERD continues to flow to downstream countries after electricity generation.

Addis Ababa, August 20, 2026 (ENA) —Ethiopia is seeking to turn its growing banana production into a major export by improving quality, productivity and market access, according to Ministry of Agriculture. Agricultural Investment and Input Supply Development Sector State Minister, Sofia Kassa, said Ethiopia has the potential to globally compete in the banana industry. It must, however, improve quality and meet international standards. While opening the National Banana Conference in Addis Ababa today, she noted that the country has “massive production; but quality is one of the main challenges to penetrate the world market”. The state minister called for stronger efforts to produce export-quality bananas and access international markets beyond Djibouti and Somalia, stressing that production alone cannot deliver the desired economic transformation.   According to Sofia, Ethiopia can build on its experience in the horticulture sector, particularly in flowers and vegetables, where cooperation among government, producers and the private sector has helped develop production, logistics and international market links. She reaffirmed the Ministry of Agriculture’s commitment to supporting the banana industry through the implementation of the 10-year National Horticulture Strategy and other agricultural policy and financing initiatives. The state minister also called for increased access to finance and stronger compliance with quality and phytosanitary standards, adding that these are essential to connect Ethiopian producers with global markets. Ethiopian Horticulture Producer Exporters Association Executive Director, Tewodros Zewdie, said Ethiopia can generate hundreds of millions of dollars, potentially reaching billions, from fresh and processed banana products if the sector’s major constraints are addressed.   “Banana is a multi-billion commodity industry globally. We have not benefited in a meaningful manner when we draw comparison with the potential of our country,” he noted. He identified certified planting materials, productivity improvement, capacity building, finance and stronger coordination among value-chain actors as key priorities for developing the industry. The Executive Director particularly stressed the need for virus-free banana plantlets and stronger tissue-culture and nursery systems to raise productivity. “Finance is the biggest elephant in the banana industry,” according to Tewodros, who called for greater support from financial institutions and closer cooperation among stakeholders. The National Banana Conference, organized by EHPEA under the theme “From Bunch to Breakthrough: Positioning Ethiopia as a Global Banana Export Powerhouse”, has brought together government institutions, producers, exporters, researchers, financiers and development partners to discuss production, quality, logistics, financing, market access and value addition.   The conference seeks to identify practical measures to unlock Ethiopia’s banana export potential and increase the crop’s contribution to income, employment and economic growth.

Addis Ababa, August 20, 2026 - Ethiopian Ambassador to the United States, Binalf Andualem, met with senior executives from The Boeing Company at the Ethiopian Embassy in Washington, D.C., to discuss ways to strengthen and expand the historic strategic partnership between Boeing and Ethiopian Airlines. During the meeting, Ambassador Binalf welcomed Mike Schnabel, Boeing’s Vice President for International Operations and Policy, Government Operations, alongside Rachel B. Peterson, Senior Manager for International Operations and Policy. According to a social media update shared by Ambassador Binalf, the discussions focused on deepening the decades-long strategic partnership among Ethiopian Airlines, Flyethiopian, and Boeing—an alliance grounded in mutual trust, innovation, and operational excellence. As part of the visit, the Boeing delegation presented Ambassador Binalf with a commemorative model of an Ethiopian Airlines Boeing 787. The gift marks the milestone celebrations of Ethiopian Airlines' 80th anniversary and honors eight decades of enduring partnership with Boeing. During the engagement, the Boeing leadership reaffirmed their ongoing commitment to support, advance, and elevate Ethiopia’s aviation sector for the future.

Addis Ababa, August 20, 2026 (ENA) —Ethiopia showcased its digital transformation agenda and the Digital Ethiopia 2030 Strategic Architecture at the 7th BRICS Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) Working Group Meeting held in Pune, India. In a social media, Ethiopian Embassy in New Delhi said Ethiopian delegation presented the country’s efforts to expand digital services, leverage technology to modernize public service delivery and support economic growth.   Highlighting the importance of strengthening ICT cooperation among BRICS countries, the delegation showcased key digital solutions, including Fayda Digital ID and MESOB, a one stop digital service platform designed to provide public services through a One Stop Shop approach. The initiatives were presented as part of Ethiopia’s broader efforts to build an integrated digital ecosystem, improve access to public services and promote innovation driven economic development. The meeting, held under India’s BRICS Chairship theme, “Building for Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation and Sustainability,” brought together representatives of member countries for strategic discussions on ICT cooperation and emerging digital technologies.   Ethiopia’s participation underscored its commitment to strengthening digital cooperation with BRICS countries, sharing experiences and advancing inclusive and sustainable digital transformation.

Addis Ababa, August 19, 2026 (ENA) —Chinese Ambassador to Ethiopia Chen Hai described Ethiopia as one of the most economically dynamic countries in Africa, noting that the country has been continuously easing access for foreign investment and actively promoting export diversification. Addressing the “Big Market for All: Export to China” Ethiopia session held in Addis Ababa today, the ambassador said China is Ethiopia’s largest trading partner and a major source of investment. “China has been continuously opening up its market to Ethiopia by extending zero tariff treatment and introducing a series of trade facilitation measures to transform its tax related reduction arrangements for Ethiopia into tangible, accessible and beneficial outcomes,” he emphasized.   According to the ambassador, these policies help Ethiopian small and medium sized enterprises lower market access costs and enable more Ethiopian products to enter the Chinese market. He further elaborated that the measures are contributing to the balanced development of bilateral trade and encouraging Chinese and other international investors to increase investment in Ethiopia’s competitive industries. Enhancing the competitiveness and reputation of Ethiopian products, enabling them to compete more effectively in global markets, and supporting Ethiopia’s agricultural modernization and industrialization are also among the priorities, Ambassador Hai underscored. China and Ethiopia have also maintained effective multilateral economic and trade coordination and cooperation, jointly promoting what he described as true multilateralism.   The ambassador highlighted China’s support for Ethiopia’s accession to BRICS and said China has completed bilateral negotiations on Ethiopia’s accession to the World Trade Organization (WTO), which he said would help Ethiopia further integrate into the global economic system. Last year, China launched a series of activities under the themes “Sharing the Big Market” and “Exporting to China,” aimed at creating a national level import promotion brand and making China’s large consumer market a more accessible market for countries around the world, according to the ambassador. The initiative reflects China’s efforts to expand opening up, increase imports and promote more balanced trade growth, he added.   “Today’s Ethiopian session demonstrates China’s emphasis on the bilateral relationship, its confidence in the potential of Ethiopia’s economic growth and our bilateral economic and trade cooperation,” the ambassador said. He reaffirmed China’s willingness to strengthen policy alignment and industrial cooperation with Ethiopia, further tap the potential of bilateral trade and jointly build a closer supply chain partnership.

Addis Ababa, August 19, 2026 (ENA) —Minister of Trade and Regional Integration Kassahun Gofe affirmed the rapidly growing Export-Import (EXIM) trade between Ethiopia and China is both a driver and a reflection of the two countries’ evolving economic ties. The minister made these remarks while addressing an event held in Addis Ababa today under the theme “Big Market for All: Export to China” Ethiopia session. The minister emphasized that the friendship between Ethiopia and China is an unshakable alliance forged through mutual trust, respect and a shared vision. The relationship between the two countries has been elevated to an all-weather strategic partnership, demonstrating the potential of international solidarity and mutually beneficial cooperation.   “Over the past decades, China's investment, technology, and industrial vision have played a foundational role in building Ethiopia's modern economic landscape, from high-speed expressways and clean energy grids to world-class industrial parks and the iconic Addis Ababa Djibouti railway,” Kassahun said. According to the minister, China’s initiatives to provide zero tariff market access for African exports have opened wider opportunities for Ethiopian businesses to access the world’s most dynamic market, with its 1.4 billion consumers. “By opening the vast Chinese market wider to Ethiopian goods, you are not only satisfying the growing demand of Chinese consumers for premium products, but you are also creating resilient, balanced, and mutually beneficial trade architecture,” he underscored. The minister clarified that Ethiopia’s trade relations with China have expanded significantly in recent years, with exports and imports reflecting the growing economic engagement between the two countries. In the 2025/26 fiscal year, Ethiopia’s exports to China reached 369 million USD, recording strong average annual growth over the past five years. Meanwhile, imports from China stood at nearly 21 billion USD, growing by an average of 13 percent annually, Kassahun said. He noted that while the growing trade volume demonstrates vibrant economic activity, the significant trade imbalance highlights the need for strategic measures to strengthen Ethiopia’s export competitiveness and diversify its export portfolio.   The minister also emphasized that Ethiopia is undertaking wide ranging economic reforms under its Homegrown Economic Reform agenda, including liberalizing key sectors, modernizing the financial system, streamlining export procedures and improving production quality. “These reforms have helped Ethiopia achieve an outstanding milestone, with national exports exceeding 11.2 billion USD in the 2025/26 fiscal year,” he said. The minister also described Ethiopia as an economy undergoing comprehensive transformation. “Under our ambitious Homegrown Economic Reform agenda, we are executing bold structural reforms across our economy,” Kassahun said. The minister also stated that Ethiopia is opening key commercial sectors, liberalizing the foreign exchange market and modernizing trade logistics to make trade and exports more efficient, faster and more competitive. Ethiopia’s accession to the World Trade Organization (WTO) is progressing with strong momentum, he noted.   He expressed Ethiopia’s gratitude to the Chinese government for its firm and continued support throughout the country’s WTO accession process, particularly for the successful conclusion and signing of bilateral market access negotiations. “As we enter the final stretch of this journey, we humbly request China's continued, unreserved support until Ethiopia takes its rightful place as a full member of the WTO,” he said.

Why Ethiopia Belongs in the Arab League? By Jibril Lamo August 19, 2026 The trajectory of global diplomacy is shifting toward historic truth and economic pragmatism, exposing the futility of outdated geopolitical vetoes. For decades, Egypt has extensively leveraged the Arab League to serve its own narrow interests and geopolitical agenda. Yet, this transactional dynamic begs a fundamental question: what has the Arab world received from Egypt in return? Let us confront the uncomfortable truth. The answer is virtually nothing. Rather than consistently advancing collective strength, Cairo’s policies and decades of authoritarian rule have, critics argue, contributed to instability across the region—weakening Sudan’s sovereignty while pursuing policies that have fueled tensions in East Africa and the Red Sea. These regions are not peripheral to Arab interests; they are strategically indispensable to the Arab world’s security, maritime trade, energy supplies and food security. One of the most consequential examples of Egypt’s divisive regional approach is its historical involvement in the Eritrean question and the broader struggle over Ethiopia’s territorial integrity. Cairo was overtly supporting separatist forces and political projects intended to weaken Ethiopia and constrain its regional influence. The eventual separation of Eritrea from Ethiopia remains a defining episode in the Horn of Africa’s turbulent history and a powerful reminder of how external geopolitical calculations can reshape the destiny of nations. Historical diplomacy reveals that Egyptian politician Boutros Boutros-Ghali, who served as acting Foreign Minister before becoming UN Secretary-General, played a pivotal role in advancing the Eritrean secession project to permanently weaken Ethiopia. Furthermore, Cairo’s active destabilization of the southern Red Sea basin presents a direct threat to global maritime trade and regional security. By stoking tensions around the Bab-el-Mandeb Strait and proxying armed factions, Cairo has transformed vital maritime passages into arenas of geopolitical confrontation, jeopardizing the broader security architecture essential for the energy and food logistics of the entire Arab world. While Egypt’s self-serving maneuvers generate regional friction, Ethiopia’s accession to the Arab League presents a transformative opportunity from which the Arab world stands to gain immensely. Under the visionary framework of the Medemer philosophy, Ethiopia possesses the diplomatic posture and inclusive vision needed to unite and integrate the Arab world far more effectively than Cairo ever could. As the undisputed diplomatic capital of Africa and the permanent headquarters of the African Union, Ethiopia brings unparalleled experience in multilateral consensus-building. Far from being a geopolitical gamble, Ethiopia’s aspiration to join the Arab League is a natural homecoming. As a Red Sea nation with a population exceeding 135 million, a booming economy, and deep civilizational ties, Ethiopia’s membership would establish an indispensable bridge between Africa and the Middle East. Ethiopia’s connection to the Middle East is built upon millennia of shared heritage, culture, and bloodlines. In academic institutions such as Harvard University, Ethiopian studies have historically resided within Oriental and Near Eastern departments, reflecting the deep historic entanglement between Habesha civilization and the Near East. The Bab-el-Mandeb Strait was never a barrier; it served as a vibrant corridor connecting commerce, culture, and communities across the Red Sea. From the reign of King Abraha to modern genetic studies confirming shared ancestry between Ethiopian and Middle Eastern populations, these foundational bonds remain undeniable. Linguistically and culturally, the structural bedrock of the Ethiopian state is Semitic. Ge'ez, the sacred classical language of Ethiopia, alongside its modern descendants Amharic and Tigrinya, belongs directly to the South Semitic branch of the Afroasiatic language family. This linguistic heritage inextricably links Habesha syntax, vocabulary, and literary traditions to classical Arabic, Aramaic, and Hebrew. The shared linguistic infrastructure between the Horn of Africa and the Arabian Peninsula offers continuous, tangible proof of a bi-directional civilizational flow. Beyond linguistics, Ethiopia holds a sacred and irreplaceable standing in the foundational history of Islam. When the companions of the Prophet Muhammad faced severe persecution in Mecca, it was to the Aksumite Kingdom that they fled for survival. The First Hijrah to Habesha, where the righteous Emperor Najashi extended royal dignity and sanctuary to the early Muslim community, saved the Islamic faith at its inception. This deep spiritual intertwining makes Ethiopia’s cultural identity inseparable from the broader Near East. Despite these undeniable facts, Cairo has systematically weaponized the Arab League as an instrument of institutional containment against Addis Ababa. For generations, Egyptian foreign policy has operated on an obsolete zero-sum doctrine that views any Ethiopian sovereign progress—whether the construction of the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam or the reclamation of direct maritime access—as a threat. By projecting its own hydropolitics onto the entire Arab bloc, Egypt has forced the League into a posture of artificial hostility toward its most powerful neighbor. In contrast to Cairo's policy of exclusion, contemporary realities demand total integration. Under the guiding principle of Medemer, Ethiopia offers the Arab world structural advantages that far surpass outdated rivalries. With an expanding industrial base and immense green energy capacity, Ethiopia serves as the primary stability anchor for the Horn of Africa and the Red Sea basin. While much of the Middle East faces severe water scarcity, desertification, and vulnerable food supply chains, Ethiopia’s highland ecology and abundant freshwater resources position it to become a vital agro-industrial partner for the entire Arabian Peninsula. Integrating Ethiopia into the Arab League transforms the Red Sea into a prosperous economic zone driven by Arab capital paired with Ethiopian land, energy, and labor scale. The League of Arab States must transcend twentieth-century nationalisms and embrace the civilizational reality of the Red Sea basin. Existing member states like Djibouti, Somalia, the Comoros, and Mauritania demonstrate the bloc's capacity to accommodate diverse regional realities. Full membership for Ethiopia does not diminish its proud African identity; rather, it elevates Ethiopia to its rightful role as the primary bridge connecting the African continent to the Middle East. It is time for the Arab League to move past Egyptian gatekeeping, leverage Ethiopia’s unifying synergy, and grant Addis Ababa its full and rightful seat.

Addis Ababa, August 19, 2026 (ENA) —Sudanese international water expert and former Minister of Water Resources, Prof. Seif al-Din Hamad, said Ethiopia’s planned additional cascading dams on the Abay (Blue Nile) River would not pose a threat to downstream countries. Speaking on the “Muqran al-Nilain” program aired by Al-Nilain News Channel, Prof. Hamad said the central it only matters their filling and operation are managed through effective coordination among the Nile Basin states. He stressed that cascade dam systems, when properly designed and managed, can contribute to regulating river flows, reducing flood risks and providing more predictable water supplies to downstream countries. According to the former minister, international experience demonstrates that a series of dams operated as an integrated system can help manage variations in seasonal flows and improve the reliability of water resources. “The main concern is not the existence of new dams but rather how we manage the initial filling and coordinate our efforts,” Prof. Hamad said. He argued that properly coordinated cascade dams could create significant benefits for Sudan by moderating the highly seasonal flows of the Blue Nile. Rather than receiving exceptionally high volumes of water during the rainy season followed by substantially lower flows, Sudan could benefit from a more regulated supply throughout the year. The Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD), he said, has already demonstrated the potential for such changes in flow patterns, creating opportunities that Sudan could harness for agriculture, hydropower and river transportation. Prof. Hamad said more predictable water flows could enable Sudan to improve the performance of existing hydropower facilities, including the Roseires and Sennar dams. Upgrading turbines and improving operational efficiency, he noted, could allow Sudan to generate more electricity while making better use of available water resources. He also highlighted potential benefits for Sudan’s agricultural sector, particularly through reduced pumping costs resulting from more stable river levels. According to Prof. Hamad, raising the river level by one meter during the summer could reduce agricultural pumping costs by around 30 percent, while a two-meter increase could cut costs by approximately half. He further dismissed concerns over the structural safety of the GERD and related infrastructure, pointing to the geological characteristics of the dam site and the engineering assessments underpinning its construction. Prof. Hamad said the GERD site is located roughly 600 kilometers from seismic fault lines associated with the East African Rift and is founded on solid granite with substantial load-bearing capacity. He also said engineering assessments have confirmed the structural soundness of Sudan’s Roseires Dam and its ability to safely accommodate regulated water flows. Beyond technical considerations, Prof. Hamad called on Sudan to adopt a more strategic and institutional approach to managing its water resources. He argued that uncertainty surrounding Nile water management should be replaced by stronger technical cooperation, data sharing and coordinated planning among the three countries. His assessment offers a different perspective on Ethiopia’s plans to expand hydropower generation, suggesting that additional dams need not be viewed solely through the lens of downstream risk. With effective coordination, he said, a more regulated Blue Nile could create opportunities for greater water security, expanded electricity generation, more efficient agriculture and improved regional economic integration. The broader lesson, Prof. Hamad emphasized, is that the Nile Basin’s future depends not simply on the infrastructure built along the river, but on how effectively the countries sharing its waters cooperate to manage it.

Addis Ababa, August 19, 2026 (ENA) —Ethiopians have demonstrated both the capacity and readiness to construct additional dams on the country’s rivers, Director General of the Office of the National Council for the Coordination of Public Participation in the Construction of GERD, said Speaking to ENA, Director General, Aregawi Berhe said the successful completion of GERD has demonstrated Ethiopia’s ability to mobilize its people and resources around major national development projects. The Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) Coordination Office played a key role in coordinating public participation throughout the construction of the landmark project, helping sustain nationwide support for the dam. Aregawi said the experience gained through the GERD has created an important foundation for Ethiopia to pursue further investments in hydropower and other major water infrastructure projects. He said Ethiopians have shown that they possess the determination, collective strength and practical experience needed to undertake additional ambitious development projects. Aregawi also said the GERD has helped correct a long-standing distorted perception regarding the equitable utilization of the Abay (Blue Nile) waters. The project, he noted, has provided practical evidence that Ethiopia can utilize its water resources for national development without harming any country. Instead, he said, the GERD is strengthening regional integration by expanding electricity generation and creating opportunities for greater economic cooperation. The recently inaugurated GERD, Africa’s largest hydropower plant, represents one of the continent’s most significant engineering achievements and a landmark in Ethiopia’s development journey. The completion of the project has also generated renewed calls among hydropower experts and policy observers for Ethiopia to build on the momentum by expanding investment in additional dams and energy infrastructure, particularly along the Abay River. Ethiopia contributes a substantial share of the Nile waters through the Abay River system, making the river central to the country’s hydropower potential, industrialization and broader economic ambitions. However, Aregawi criticized continued efforts by Egypt to deny the outcomes demonstrated by the GERD and to create confusion through public statements and campaigns. He stressed that the Abay is a shared resource of the Nile Basin that should be utilized responsibly and cooperatively by basin countries, rather than treated as the exclusive property of any single country. Ethiopia’s objective, he said, is development through cooperation and mutual benefit. Aregawi further emphasized that one of the GERD’s most important legacies is the experience Ethiopia gained in mobilizing public participation around a complex national project. The extensive public engagement during the dam’s construction demonstrated the potential of collective national action and generated valuable experience in mobilizing citizens and resources for major development initiatives. He said this experience will serve as an important asset for future projects, enabling Ethiopia to build on the unity, determination and public participation that helped turn the GERD from an ambitious national vision into a historic reality. Many hydropower experts say GERD stands not only as a major source of clean energy but also as a demonstration of Ethiopia’s growing capacity to pursue large-scale development projects through collective effort, national ownership and cooperation.  

Addis Ababa, August 19, 2026 (ENA) —Egypt must abandon its long-standing posture of seeking exclusive control over Abay (the Nile) waters and recognize Ethiopia’s natural rights as the source of 86 percent of the river’s total volume, according to the geopolitician Elias Abiy. In an exclusive interview with ENA, Elias Abi, an expert in geopolitics and writer, highlighted that 135 million Ethiopians rely on these vital resources for their livelihoods and national development. The analyst stressed that Cairo’s persistent attempts to block Ethiopian water utilization disregard both geographic reality and the principles of equitable water sharing.   Cairo’s reluctance to engage in fair water sharing stems from an outdated approach that views the Nile through a lens of exclusive entitlement, he elaborated. Despite Ethiopia generating the vast majority of the river’s volume through the Abay, Baro-Akobo, and Tekezé basins, Egypt has historically sought to restrict Ethiopian development initiatives, leveraging regional geopolitical tensions and international pressure to hinder hydro-development projects. According to the expert, this obstructive approach has long ignored the clear environmental and technical advantages of Ethiopian water infrastructure. Storing water in the deep, cool valleys of the Ethiopian highlands drastically minimizes evaporation losses compared to vast desert reservoirs like Lake Nasser, which loses between 10 and 15 billion cubic meters of water annually to extreme heat.   ‘‘Look at Lake Nasser behind the Aswan Dam. It covers nearly 6,000 km² in the Sahara Desert, one of the hottest regions in the world. It loses between 10 and 15 billion cubic metres of water a year through evaporation. That’s the equivalent of the entire flow of the Baro-Akobo into the White Nile. And with global warming, this evaporation is increasing even further.” Addressing the nation's strategic forward path, Elias emphasized that internal strength, rapid economic progress and national cohesion remain Ethiopia's most effective answers to external resistance. Accelerating comprehensive development and fostering open national dialogue naturally solidify stability, ensuring that a prosperous Ethiopia can serve as a dependable anchor for broader economic integration and peace across the Horn of Africa.

Addis Ababa, August 18, 2026 (ENA) —Implementation of the recent proclamation on Foreign Nationals’ Ownership Right of Residential House would contribute toward stimulating the development of cities and encouraging real estate development across cities in Ethiopia, Urban and Infrastructure Development Minister Chaltu Sani said. The Minister and respective stakeholder leaderships held discussion today on ways of collaborating in the implementation of the proclamation. Speaking on the occasion, she noted that the proclamation would stimulate the development of cities and encourage real estate development.   According to her, it will also contribute to housing access for the public, technological transfer, creating jobs and ensuring balanced development across regional cities. For his part, Foreign Affairs State Minister Berhanu Tsegaye said there is a need to provide efficient services for foreign nationals while they engage in house building process by establishing modern technological systems. He also emphasized the necessity of strengthening financial security and oversight to curb illicit financial flows and prevent illegal practices during the implementation. Furthermore, strict accountability measures must be enforced against those who violate regulations.   Ethiopian Investment Deputy Commissioner, Dagato Kumbe, said foreign nationals' house ownership in Ethiopia would contribute to boosting foreign currency earnings, foreign direct investment, and job creation. Highlighting the interest of foreign investors in engaging in the housing construction sector, the Deputy Commissioner stated that the proclamation will help to expand house construction across cities in the country.

Addis Ababa, August 17, 2026 (ENA) — Ethiopia is accelerating the transformation of its agricultural sector by combining large-scale land restoration with private investment, cluster farming, and expanded mechanization, according to the Ministry of Agriculture. Sofiya Kassa, State Minister of Agriculture, highlighted that increased private sector involvement brings essential capital, technology, and expertise to agriculture while strengthening cooperation with pastoralists and local farming communities. “When we say the private sector is entering agriculture, we mean first that it brings capital, and second, that it provides advanced technologies,” Sofiya said, adding that private investment also fosters "the sharing of knowledge and skills with pastoralists and indigenous farmers." According to Sofiya, the approach is expected to increase agricultural production, strengthen local markets and create employment while improving farmers’ access to modern technologies. She said the government has also made significant progress in promoting agricultural mechanization, including through tax free imports. “Over 555 pieces of agricultural mechanization are currently imported tax free,” she said, noting that the measure is aimed at encouraging the adoption of modern farming equipment and technologies. Sofiya further emphasized that Ethiopia’s Green Legacy Initiative goes beyond tree planting by linking environmental restoration with food security, agricultural productivity and economic development. “Green Legacy in the agriculture sector entails more than just planting trees,” she said, explaining that fruit tree seedlings now account for a significant share of plantings, alongside efforts to restore degraded land. “Once the land is restored, it must start bringing in money. It must produce food, supply goods for the market, and create jobs,” she said. “All of these elements are linked by Green Legacy.” Agricultural Transformation Institute Chief Executive Officer Mandefro Nigussie said cluster farming has also contributed significantly to improving agricultural productivity. “Everyone’s productivity has increased by at least 29% when farming is conducted in clusters,” he told ENA. Mandefro said livestock development has recorded even stronger growth following increased investment and policy attention. “Over the last five years, livestock has seen at least 200 percent growth,” he said. He also highlighted the environmental benefits of restoring degraded land, saying such efforts help stabilize local microenvironments and improve water retention. “By continuing to cover the degraded land, we aid in stabilizing the local microenvironment,” Mandefro said, adding that restored land can function more effectively as a water sink and contribute to replenishing surrounding water resources. The combined focus on private investment, mechanization, cluster farming and land restoration reflects Ethiopia’s broader effort to shift agriculture from subsistence-oriented production toward a more productive, market oriented and technology driven sector.