Addis Ababa, October 21, 2026 (ENA) —International cooperation can help Ethiopia strengthen public accountability and improve public financial management through institutional capacity development, knowledge-sharing ,and the adoption of international best practices, Muhammed Dabo, Senior Manager at the INTOSAI Development Initiative (IDI) Bilateral Support Unit, has said. International cooperation is vital for Ethiopia to further enhance public financial management through institutional capacity development and the adoption of global best practices, according to the INTOSAI Development Initiative (IDI). Muhammed Dabo, Senior Manager at the IDI Bilateral Support Unit, stated that Ethiopia stands to gain significantly from its active membership in regional and international organizations of supreme audit institutions. He emphasized that by accessing professional guidance, technical resources, and shared expertise, the nation can effectively bolster its institutional development and elevate the overall quality of its audit processes. “Ethiopia is doing quite well already, but there is always room for improvement,” Dabo noted, underscoring the necessity of sustained cooperation to help audit institutions overcome operational challenges and enhance their effectiveness. He further highlighted that international cooperation creates a platform for countries to exchange technical expertise. This enables Ethiopia not only to share its own experiences but also to adapt successful lessons from other nations to its specific institutional context. According to the Senior Manager, supreme audit institutions serve as a cornerstone for safeguarding public resources by providing rigorous oversight of government budgets, income, expenditure, and financial statements. Through evidence-based findings and recommendations, these institutions enable the government to identify financial irregularities and improve public financial management. Dabo, however, stressed that the impact of auditing extends beyond identifying problems; it requires that relevant authorities take decisive action on audit findings. “The core mandate of supreme audit institutions is to audit,” he said, adding that meaningful improvements are achieved when audit work is supported by coordinated efforts among other accountability pillars. He pointed out that the parliament, the judiciary, law enforcement, and anti-corruption agencies play critical roles in ensuring that irregularities identified through audits receive appropriate follow-up. Integrated action among these institutions is essential to strengthening national accountability and intensifying the fight against corruption. Furthermore, Dabo highlighted Ethiopia’s potential to contribute to the development of audit institutions across the African continent. He noted that through its participation in regional and global professional networks, Ethiopia can foster a mutually beneficial relationship—sharing its own best practices while learning from international counterparts to refine its audit standards. The expert reaffirmed that Ethiopia’s continued engagement in these networks remains a key factor in advancing the effectiveness and transparency of its audit systems.

Addis Ababa, October 21, 2026 (ENA) —African countries must ensure that reliable, timely, and relevant statistics directly inform public policy, investment decisions, and national development, United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (ECA) Executive Secretary Clever Gatete said. Speaking at the opening of the 10th Session of the Statistical Commission for Africa in Addis Ababa, Gatete warned that outdated, incomplete, or unavailable data could lead governments to misallocate limited public resources, overlook underserved communities, and miss economic growth opportunities. He said African statistical systems must move beyond producing data primarily for reporting purposes and ensure that statistical information reflects the continent’s economic and social realities while guiding development priorities.   To achieve this, Gatete called for modernized and adequately financed statistical systems, highlighting the 2030 round of population and housing censuses, a United Nations-led decennial initiative, as an opportunity to strengthen the evidence underpinning national development decisions. He stressed the need to connect census data with national identification systems, civil registration, business registers, and geospatial information to help governments better understand population distribution, settlement patterns, and gaps in access to essential services. Gatete also emphasized the importance of statistics that accurately capture African labor markets and poverty, noting that unemployment figures alone cannot adequately reflect employment conditions across the continent. He cited Africa’s 6.3 percent unemployment rate and 84.4 percent informal employment share in 2025, highlighting the need for more comprehensive data to inform employment policies and economic planning. He further urged countries to harness artificial intelligence, satellite imagery, and digital records to improve statistical systems while establishing safeguards to protect confidentiality, assess emerging data sources, and preserve statistical integrity and professional independence. Integrating statistical and geospatial information, he said, could help governments identify communities vulnerable to floods and droughts, improve land-use planning, and direct climate adaptation investments where they are most needed. Such data could also inform industrial policy, trade, and the development of regional value chains. Gatete reaffirmed that ECA would continue working with member states and development partners to promote adequate financing, integrate statistical and geospatial systems, and advance practical commitments that translate data into tangible development outcomes. Addressing the same session, Rwanda’s Minister of Finance and Economic Planning, Yusuf Murangwa, reinforced the importance of reliable statistics in government decision-making, noting that while Africa had made progress in developing its statistical systems, significant gaps remained.   Drawing on his experience as both a former producer and a current user of official statistics, Murangwa said decisions made without sound evidence carry significant costs. He called for strong political commitment, adequate financing, and technical and operational independence for national statistical offices. The minister also urged statistical institutions to produce relevant, timely, and high-quality information, communicate findings effectively, and expand their role beyond statistics production to coordinating broader national data ecosystems.

Addis Ababa, October 21, 2026 (ENA) —Ethiopia has reformed its statistical legislation and established an independent statistical service to strengthen the production and coordination of official data, President Taye Atske Selassie said. Taye underscored the importance of reliable statistics in driving evidence-based development in Africa. Addressing the opening of the 10th Session of the Statistical Commission for Africa and the 12th Meeting of the Regional Committee of the United Nations Global Geospatial Information Management for Africa in Addis Ababa, the President said Ethiopia’s development planning is anchored in measurable targets and reliable data. He emphasized that development cannot be effectively planned, sustained, or scaled up without accurate measurement, noting that official statistics are essential for shaping development strategies, tracking progress, and strengthening accountability.   The President also highlighted Ethiopia’s reforms in the financial and digital sectors, including the National Digital Payment Strategy, financial sector liberalization, interoperable payment infrastructure, and the national digital identification program, Fayda. He said Fayda enables secure electronic verification and expands access to banking, mobile money, telecommunications, and other essential public services, demonstrating how digital infrastructure can improve service delivery and financial inclusion. According to the President, mobile money and mobile banking accounts in Ethiopia reached 257 million and processed more than 24 trillion birr in transactions during the first nine months of 2026, reflecting the expansion of the country’s financial and digital systems. Drawing lessons from these reforms, he stressed that statistics must serve as practical tools for sustainable development and be communicated clearly and accessibly to policymakers and citizens, rather than being treated as an end in themselves. He also called for statistical institutions to integrate and safeguard diverse data sources without compromising statistical integrity, emphasizing that innovation must reinforce data quality, institutional independence, and public trust. The President urged African governments to protect the professional independence of official statistics, strengthen legal and institutional frameworks, invest in national statistical systems, and ground policy decisions in scientific evidence.   He cautioned that poor-quality data undermines evidence-based policymaking, impedes development, and weakens accountability. Taye further emphasized the need for timely, detailed statistics and the adoption of new technologies and emerging data sources, while acknowledging the resource constraints facing statistical institutions. President Taye reaffirmed Ethiopia’s readiness to share its experiences with other African countries while learning from theirs. He also called for stronger continental cooperation to reinforce official statistics as a public good and ensure that every community is represented in the evidence guiding development. Running for five days, the joint meetings bring together African statistical and geospatial information stakeholders to advance the continent’s efforts to strengthen data systems, improve evidence-based policymaking, monitor development progress, and address Africa’s priorities.

Addis Ababa, October 21, 2026 (ENA) — Egypt’s efforts to obstruct the construction of the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) was a mistake, Egyptian analyst Magdi Khalil said, calling for stronger strategic relations based on mutual interests between Ethiopia and Egypt. In an exclusive interview with ENA, the analyst said “GERD does not pose threat to Egypt. Rather, it is a development project. I regret that Egypt has greatly obstructed the construction of a dam intended to generate electricity. This was an Egyptian mistake.”   He noted that Ethiopia is one of the most important countries for Egypt because of the Nile River’s vital role in sustaining life and development in both countries. Recognizing this reality should encourage Egyptian decision-makers to place Ethiopia among the countries with which Cairo needs to build closest relations, Khalil stressed. Khalil criticized the persistence of conspiracy theories in Egyptian perceptions of Ethiopia, noting that fears of Ethiopia diverting the Blue Nile date back centuries. Such historical narratives have contributed to a negative outlook that continues to hinder the development of relations between the two countries. The Egyptian analyst noted that persistent negative perceptions and mutual suspicions have prevented relations between Ethiopia and Egypt from improving, stressing the need to move beyond such thinking and adopt an approach grounded in cooperation, trust, and shared interests. Egypt can safeguard its water interests while respecting Ethiopia’s right to utilize its natural resources for development and electricity generation, Khalil added, emphasizing that one country’s gains should not come at the expense of the other. In this regard, he called for the adoption of a mutual-benefit approach, which he described as a “win-win situation,” instead of a confrontational mindset in which one side seeks to prevail at the expense of the other. The analyst emphasized that cooperation between Ethiopia and Egypt can generate shared benefits by taking Egypt’s water interests into account while enabling Ethiopia to harness its resources to support development and meet its energy needs. Highlighting Ethiopia’s strategic importance to Egypt, Khalil said: “I consider Ethiopia the most important country for Egypt, the most important country, because where the waters of the Nile originate, life originates.” Regarding the legal frameworks surrounding the Nile water dispute, the analyst questioned the validity of historical agreements invoked by Egypt in its position on Ethiopia’s water rights, referring to the agreements of 1902 and 1929 and 1959 between Egypt and Sudan. He recounted that Egypt’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs had, at one point, summoned Egyptian legal expert Georges Abi-Saab, a former judge at the International Court of Justice, to seek his assessment of the validity of historical Nile agreements under international law. According to Khalil’s account, Abi-Saab cautioned against relying on such agreements, citing legal principles concerning agreements concluded during the colonial era. These agreements generally do not carry the same legal standing as boundary agreements, the Egyptian analyst said, arguing that the 1959 agreement between Egypt and Sudan on the allocation of Nile waters cannot be binding on Ethiopia as Ethiopia was not a party to the bilateral agreement. Instead, Khalil called for a new agreement that takes the interests of both Ethiopia and Egypt into account and is consistent with international law and the principle of mutual benefit, while respecting Ethiopia’s development rights and Egypt’s water interests.   He stressed that building strong relations between Ethiopia and Egypt requires moving beyond hostile attitudes and suspicion and establishing a strategic partnership based on mutual respect and the principle of avoiding harm to either side. Khalil concluded that a fair approach to the Nile water issue requires recognizing Ethiopia’s right to development and the use of its natural resources while taking Egypt’s water needs into consideration. Cooperation between the two countries offers a constructive path toward stable and sustainable relations.

Addis Ababa, October 21, 2026 (ENA) —Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed has visited the Ethiopian Nuclear Energy Commission to review progress in developing the country’s nuclear energy program. The Premier highlighted the role of advanced technology in Ethiopia’s long-term development ambitions. In a social media post following the visit, the Prime Minister said Ethiopia’s next chapter of development would focus on translating its vast potential into tangible progress.   “Ethiopia’s next chapter is about transforming its immense potential and abundant natural resources into tangible development, technological advancement, and shared prosperity,” he underscored. He emphasized that reliable and sustainable energy is fundamental to industrialization, manufacturing, digital infrastructure, and broader economic transformation. He further noted that nuclear technology presents an opportunity to strengthen the country’s energy security while supporting progress across multiple sectors. Beyond electricity generation, nuclear technology can contribute to advancements in healthcare, agriculture, industry, and environmental protection, opening new pathways for scientific innovation and sustainable development.   The Ethiopian Nuclear Energy Commission plays a central role in establishing the institutional and technical foundations for the country’s national nuclear energy program. Developing skilled human capital, advancing scientific research, and transferring knowledge to future generations will be critical to realizing its potential. Prime Minister Abiy underscored the importance of ensuring that nuclear energy development proceeds peacefully, safely, responsibly, and sustainably, as Ethiopia seeks to expand its energy capacity and harness emerging technologies to support its long-term economic transformation.

Addis Ababa, October 20, 2026 (ENA) — Scholars have noted that Ethiopia’s sovereign access to seaport plays a crucial role in ensuring regional shared prosperity. Ethiopia was one of the world's prominent civilizations in international trade and diplomacy due to its secured sovereign sea access and ports. However, the country had lost its natural, historical, and legal resources due to internal and external political conspiracies as well as various historical circumstances. However, the present generation has risen with strong determination to regain this historical right of ownership and to safeguard the nation's core interests. Efforts being made by the government to address the issue through peaceful and diplomatic means are also showing promising results. The international community has also given due support and attention to Ethiopia’s fair demand. In an exclusive interview with ENA, Logistics Researcher Temesgen Walelign said access to the sea plays a significant role in strengthening commercial activities, cargo transport, and global market integration countries.   As a result, Ethiopia’s lack of port has been incurring additional logistics costs and burdens, preventing products from reaching the global market on time and at competitive prices, he explained. These extra costs affect not only export trade but also cause price hikes on imported goods, ultimately impacting consumers, the researcher added. Moreover, Ethiopia’s claim for sea access is appropriate taking into consideration the historical, legal, and long-term development ambitions of the country beyond it geographical location and population. He also praised Ethiopia’s efforts in working with neighboring countries to achieve this demand by adhering to principles of give-and-take, peaceful diplomacy, and mutual benefit.   Beyond strengthening Ethiopia's commercial and economic capacity, this contributes significantly to fostering lasting regional peace and economic cooperation, Temesgen underscored. Overall, he emphasized that the demand goes beyond current economic needs and forms the foundation of the country's future strategic survival. For his part, the economist Nemomsa Mengesha said Ethiopia's quest for sovereign seaport plays a crucial role in boosting economic competitiveness.   This, he noted, will streamline the overall economic activities and play a major role in easing living cost for citizens. Therefore, securing seaport is a fundamental solution for achieving the country's long-term development goals and improving the living standards of its people.

Addis Ababa, October 20, 2026 (ENA) — Industry State Minister Hassan Mohammed has urged UAE businesses to consider long-term ventures involving local production, technology transfer and job creation beyond importing and distributing goods. Opening the Ethiopia-UAE Business and Investment Forum held in Addis Ababa today, he said Ethiopia’s natural resources, workforce, strategic location and ongoing economic reforms offer a foundation for expanded investment.   The state minister identified agro-processing, food and beverage production, textiles, leather, pharmaceuticals, chemicals, metals, construction materials, packaging and agricultural machinery as areas with potential for cooperation. The government is ready to provide investment information, connect investors with relevant institutions and help address challenges in accordance with Ethiopian laws, Hassan added. Trade and Regional Integration Ministry representative, Bereket Meseret, said bilateral trade between Ethiopia and the UAE totaled 5.6 billion USD from 2021 to 2025, the former exporting 1.2 billion dollars’ worth of goods and importing 4.4 billion USD during the period. Coffee is Ethiopia’s leading export to the UAE, followed by sesame seeds, meat products, cut flowers and fresh produce, Bereket noted, adding that petroleum products accounted for the largest share of Ethiopian imports from the UAE, followed by urea fertilizer. He added that Ethiopia has been pursuing reforms to attract foreign investment, improve trade and logistics, and strengthen export base, highlighting the African Continental Free Trade Area as an opportunity to expand regional trade and build value chains. Middle East, Asia and Pacific Affairs Director General at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Dewano Kedir urged the UAE business delegation to learn about the Ethiopian market and consider developing business relationships from trade into manufacturing and investment.   For his part, Sharjah City (UAE) Chamber of Commerce and Industry Chairman Abdulla Sultan Al Owais said the forum could open a new chapter in cooperation and support mutual development. According to him, the delegation has interest in exploring opportunities in trade, investment, industry, agribusiness and tourism sectors. The Chairman pointed out that the city chamber will continue to boost business engagement and future trade missions.   Addis Ababa Chamber of Commerce and Sectoral Associations Secretary-General, Zekarias Assefa, highlighted the importance of the forum’s business-to-business sessions to pursue concrete partnerships, joint ventures and trade agreements. He emphasized that Ethiopia and the UAE have complementary economies, indicating opportunities for cooperation in agriculture, agro-processing, manufacturing, mining, energy, information and communications technology, and tourism sectors. The Secretary-General pointed out that Ethiopia’s natural resources and strategic location, combined with the UAE’s investment capacity, technology, logistics and access to global markets, could create new opportunities for businesses in both countries.   The forum under the theme “Fostering New Partnerships and Driving the Future Together” brought together senior government officials, ambassadors, business representatives from both Sharjah and Addis Ababa cities.

Addis Ababa, October 20, 2026 (ENA) —Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed said Eritrean people have lost much of its industrial capacity and urban vitality since secession, urging good neighborliness and development cooperation as the path forward. During an interview with the Ethiopian Broadcasting Corporation (EBC), the Prime Minister said Eritrean cities were once thriving economic centers when Eritrea was part of Ethiopia. However, these assets have significantly deteriorated since Eritrea’s secession, with some cities losing much of their former urban character.   Recalling that Eritrea had more than 300 industries during that period, the Premier said the region had a substantial industrial base, contrasting its former economic strength with what he described as its present decline. Citing Asmara, PM Abiy said the capital had become smaller than many developing Ethiopian cities such as Arba Minch and Jigjiga. Speaking about the Red Sea port cities of Massawa and Assab, the Prime Minister said their economic activity had declined significantly, leaving their potential largely underutilized.   “Massawa has been emptied, while Assab has been reduced to a ghost town,” Prime Minister Abiy said. The Prime Minister attributed the situation to the Eritrean government’s failure to prioritize development and institution-building, adding that its policies had instead drawn the country into serving the interests of forces opposed to Ethiopia. He said Eritreans, whom he described as industrious and welcoming, were now facing displacement and hardship, underscoring that external factors supporting confrontation would not resolve the country’s underlying challenges. Such involvement, the Premier said, offers no lasting solution to Eritrea’s problems, as those supporting confrontation are more likely to provide ammunition than contribute to addressing the country’s difficulties. He stressed that friendship, good neighborliness and development cooperation remain the viable path forward, noting that decades of experience have demonstrated the limitations of alternative approaches.   The Prime Minister warned that continued disregard for calls to pursue partnership and development, rather than allowing the region to become an arena for external rivalries, could have serious consequences.

Addis Ababa, October 19, 2026 (ENA) — Ethiopia has highlighted its efforts to expand artificial intelligence (AI) and digital skills, strengthen job-oriented training, and mobilize private investment in human capital development. Speaking at the Human Capital Ministerial Conclave on Private Capital for Skills, Governor of the National Bank of Ethiopia (NBE), Dr. Eyob Tekalign, outlined the country’s policy initiatives and digital learning programs aimed at preparing young people for an evolving labor market.   He highlighted key initiatives, including the National AI Policy, the Ethiopian Artificial Intelligence Institute, Digital Ethiopia 2030, the Five Million Coders initiative, and Medemer AI University, as part of Ethiopia’s efforts to build its AI and digital skills ecosystem. Dr. Eyob also pointed to pilot programs introducing AI Coaches and AI Tutors in secondary schools, as well as collaboration with the World Bank on an AI-enabled, gender-responsive skills-for-jobs platform for technical and vocational education and training institutions. The platform is designed to support skills development and employment opportunities, including for young people from refugee and host communities.   He emphasized that skills development requires shared responsibility among governments, employers, and training institutions, stressing that the impact of training should be measured by the relevance of the skills acquired and improvements in employment prospects rather than the number of people trained. Dr. Eyob further underscored that mobilizing private capital for skills development must be guided by clear public priorities, quality standards, and equitable access to ensure that investment delivers meaningful and inclusive outcomes. The Conclave is convened by the World Bank Group’s Human Capital Project, a network that brings together policymakers from countries committed to investing in people.   Ethiopia has been an active member since the Conclave’s establishment.

Addis Ababa, October 19, 2026 (ENA) — Airbus has forecast a sixfold rise in Ethiopia’s air passenger traffic over the next 20 years, saying Ethiopian Airlines is well placed to turn Addis Ababa into one of Africa’s leading aviation hubs. It cited Ethiopian Airlines’ expanding network, growing demand and planned airport infrastructure as key factors positioning Addis Ababa to become a leading aviation hub in Africa Airbus Vice President for Market Analysis and Forecast Antonio Da Costa told ENA that Ethiopia has strong growth potential, with Ethiopian Airlines well positioned to capitalize on rising passenger numbers and expanding regional and international connectivity. “We’re obviously extremely proud to be a partner of Ethiopian Airlines,” Da Costa said. “Ethiopian Airlines are our first A350 customer in Africa and have been a great customer of the 350 over the last 10 years.” Da Costa said the airline’s established network, fleet capabilities and hub strategy would help it accommodate the projected increase in passenger traffic. “We obviously see a very good and strong potential of growth in Ethiopia with over six times more passengers coming over the next 20 years,” he said. “So we believe that Ethiopian Airlines is well placed to cover and to take advantage of that growth.” Airbus also projects that African air traffic will triple over the same period, creating opportunities for airlines and airports to expand capacity and strengthen connections across the continent and beyond. Da Costa said Addis Ababa’s role in African aviation would become increasingly significant as Ethiopia develops its planned airport infrastructure, including the new airport project in Bishoftu. Ethiopia has described the Bishoftu airport project as the largest aviation infrastructure undertaking in Africa’s history. Upon completion and full operation, the airport is expected to accommodate up to 110 million passengers annually and serve as Ethiopian Airlines’ principal operating base. “We expect that Addis Ababa and with the new airport to become more and more a central hub for the traffic in Africa,” Da Costa said. “We expect that growth of trans-African traffic for the Ethiopian coverage will be increasing by about six times over the next 20 years.” Ethiopian Airlines became the first African operator of the Airbus A350 in 2016 and subsequently became the first African customer for the larger A350-1000, strengthening its position in the continent’s long-haul aviation market. Da Costa described Ethiopian Airlines as a historic African carrier and reaffirmed Airbus’s commitment to supporting its expansion with modern, fuel-efficient aircraft suited to its growing operational needs. “As we want to continue to grow with new aircraft, better aircraft, we’re always open to hear from Ethiopian Airlines what their needs are,” he said. “We will do our utmost to make sure that we can provide the best aircraft to serve the growing needs of the airline.” He noted that connecting passengers account for nearly two-thirds of Ethiopian Airlines’ traffic, highlighting Addis Ababa’s importance as a transfer point linking destinations across Africa with Europe, Asia, the Americas and other international markets. “We’re delighted that we have aircraft like the A350 that is capable of connecting Addis Ababa to effectively the whole world,” Da Costa said. “By doing so, we believe that we’re providing Ethiopian Airlines with the right tools to continue this strong growth.” He added that Airbus would continue working with Ethiopian Airlines to provide aircraft, technical support and operational solutions to help the carrier expand efficiently and sustainably as demand for air travel increases. The projected growth would further strengthen Ethiopia’s ambitions to consolidate its position as a major gateway for African aviation, while the planned airport infrastructure is expected to provide additional capacity to support the airline’s long-term expansion.  

Addis Ababa, October 19, 2026 (ENA) — The Ethiopian high-level delegation met with Eric Meyer, Deputy Assistant Secretary for Africa and the Middle East at the U.S. Department of the Treasury, on the sidelines of the 2026 IMF–World Bank Group Annual Meetings in Bangkok. According to the social media post by National Bank of Ethiopia, the high-level engagement focused on exploring expanded avenues of technical and financial support, including within international financial institutions, to help sustain and accelerate Ethiopia’s ongoing economic reforms. The two sides also exchanged views on political and security developments in the region. During the session, Deputy Assistant Secretary Meyer commended Ethiopia’s commitment to structural economic reforms and underscored the United States’ continued dedication to a constructive bilateral partnership. Both delegations concluded the meeting by agreeing to maintain regular, constructive dialogue to advance mutual development goals and foster regional stability.

By Staff Writer   October 18, 2026 (ENA) Ethiopia has concluded the week with a series of significant political, diplomatic, economic and security developments, underscoring its determination to consolidate domestic stability, deepen international partnerships and strengthen its strategic role in the Horn of Africa and the Red Sea region. From establishing a six-month caretaker administration in Tigray to advancing economic diplomacy at the 2026 International Monetary Fund (IMF) and World Bank Group Annual Meetings in Bangkok, Ethiopia has pursued multiple priorities aimed at strengthening national stability and accelerating development. Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed’s telephone conversations with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio further highlighted Ethiopia’s active bilateral engagement. Meanwhile a security briefing for foreign military attachés underscored the government’s emphasis on safeguarding national sovereignty and addressing information gaps surrounding the country’s security situation. Beyond immediate political and security priorities, the week also featured renewed calls for national unity, stronger technological capacity and climate resilience, alongside a broader national ambition to secure reliable maritime access and expand Ethiopia’s contribution to regional peace and economic integration. As Ethiopia begins a new five-year political chapter under the Medemer Government, these developments reflect an interconnected agenda: consolidating peace at home, mobilizing resources for development and advancing the country’s interests through regional cooperation and international engagement. Caretaker Administration in Tigray Region Ethiopia’s federal government has established a six-month caretaker administration for the Tigray Region, with a mandate to restore peace, revive public institutions and services, rebuild war-damaged infrastructure and prepare the ground for free and transparent elections. The decision followed a resolution by the House of Federation and a subsequent binding decision by the Council of Ministers to establish a provisional administration for the region. According to a statement from the Office of the Prime Minister, the measure came after repeated efforts to resolve the conflict through the Pretoria Agreement encountered obstacles attributed to the TPLF leadership. The statement accused the leadership of undermining the peace process and returning to conflict, arguing that the region’s population should not be trapped in a recurring cycle of violence. The federal government emphasized that lasting peace requires prioritizing development, strengthening Tigray’s place within Ethiopia’s federal system and deepening cooperation with the country’s other peoples. The caretaker administration is expected to restore the functioning of government institutions, facilitate the resumption of essential social services, rehabilitate damaged infrastructure and support the return of internally displaced people to their homes. The initiative places institutional recovery, peace and the restoration of essential services at the center of efforts to address the region’s challenges. Its implementation and progress toward credible elections will be important indicators of whether the transitional arrangement can help establish a more stable political environment. Ethiopia Intensifies Economic Diplomacy, Seeks Fresh Investment Capital Ethiopia has stepped up its international economic engagement at the 2026 IMF and World Bank Group Annual Meetings in Bangkok, Thailand, seeking to translate ongoing economic reforms and progress on debt restructuring into stronger investment partnerships and development financing. The Ethiopian delegation, led by National Bank of Ethiopia Governor Dr. Eyob Tekalign and including State Minister of Finance Tiguist Fisseha, engaged with international financial institutions, development partners and senior financial officials on the country’s economic priorities. The meetings provided a platform to discuss macroeconomic reforms, financial stability, debt sustainability, private investment and financing for Ethiopia’s development ambitions. Governor Eyob emphasized that Ethiopia is increasingly looking beyond debt restructuring toward attracting fresh investment capital and building high-value international partnerships that reflect the country’s market size, economic potential and development priorities. The shift comes as Ethiopia advances negotiations with external creditors. According to the delegation’s account, agreements with bilateral creditors have been finalized, while negotiations with commercial lenders are progressing following an agreement in principle with Eurobond holders. The delegation also held engagements with representatives of international financial institutions and partner countries to explore opportunities for closer cooperation and investment. For Ethiopia, the objective extends beyond securing additional financing. It is also about strengthening investor confidence, expanding access to development resources and ensuring that international partnerships support the country’s long-term economic transformation. As the country continues implementing economic reforms, the ability to convert international commitments into productive investment, employment opportunities and improved livelihoods will remain a central test of its economic diplomacy. Ethiopia Reaffirms Sovereignty as Foreign Military Attachés Receive Security Briefing Ethiopia has reiterated its commitment to safeguarding its sovereignty and territorial integrity as foreign military attachés received an update on the country’s security situation at Bishoftu Air Force Base. The briefing provided foreign military representatives with information on developments over the preceding three weeks, including security incidents and measures taken by the Ethiopian National Defense Force (ENDF). The representatives were also shown weapons reportedly captured during recent security operations in Tigray and adjoining areas. According to accounts of the briefing, the military attachés described the direct exchange as useful in clarifying information gaps and addressing reports circulating on social media and other media platforms. They also expressed support for Ethiopia’s right to protect its sovereignty and territorial integrity. High-Level Telephone Diplomacy Strengthens Ethiopia’s International Engagement Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed held separate telephone conversations with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, discussing bilateral relations and regional and multilateral issues of mutual interest. Following his conversation with Netanyahu, the Prime Minister described the exchange as fruitful and constructive, noting that the two leaders discussed bilateral relations and key regional developments. He also reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening cooperation. In his conversation with Rubio, PM Abiy discussed opportunities to translate the longstanding Ethiopia–United States relationship into a more strategic and practical partnership. The Prime Minister welcomed Washington’s assurance of continued support for Ethiopia and emphasized the shared interest in advancing bilateral cooperation and addressing regional and multilateral priorities. The engagements reflect Ethiopia’s continued efforts to maintain high-level dialogue with international partners while advancing its diplomatic and strategic interests. For a country whose economic and security priorities are closely connected to developments across the Horn of Africa, the Red Sea and the wider Middle East, sustained diplomatic engagement remains important to building partnerships, addressing shared concerns and supporting regional cooperation. National Flag Day Renews Call for Unity, Consensus and Shared Prosperity Ethiopia marked its 19th National Flag Day on October 12 under the theme “Our Flag for National Consensus and Unity,” renewing calls for national cohesion, respect for diversity and collective responsibility for the country’s future. In his message marking the occasion, Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed emphasized that national unity is fundamental to Ethiopia’s pursuit of prosperity and that the national flag represents the country’s shared history, sovereignty and strength in diversity. The observance came at a time when consolidating peace, strengthening public institutions and broadening national consensus remain important priorities for Ethiopia’s political transition. Beyond its symbolic significance, National Flag Day offered an opportunity to highlight the importance of dialogue, mutual understanding and cooperation among Ethiopia’s diverse communities. The message reinforced the idea that sustainable development requires more than economic growth: it also depends on social cohesion, shared responsibility and the ability to pursue common national objectives while respecting the country’s diversity. Technology and Meteorological Capacity Advance Climate Resilience Ethiopia has underscored the growing importance of scientific research, technological advancement and reliable data infrastructure in strengthening climate resilience and supporting national development. During a visit to the Ethiopia Meteorology Institute, Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed highlighted the institution’s role in generating meteorological information and improving the country’s capacity to anticipate and respond to changing weather conditions. The Prime Minister emphasized the need for continuous data collection, scientific research and technological modernization to strengthen institutional capacity and improve the use of weather and climate information. Reliable meteorological services are critical to several key sectors of the Ethiopian economy, particularly agriculture, water management, energy, transportation and disaster preparedness. Improved forecasting and early-warning systems can help communities and public institutions prepare for extreme weather events, reduce potential losses and make better-informed development decisions. As climate-related risks increasingly affect African economies, strengthening national forecasting and early-warning capacity will also contribute to wider efforts to protect livelihoods and support sustainable development. Ethiopia’s New Political Chapter Places Sea Access and Regional Integration in Focus As Ethiopia enters a new five-year political chapter under the Medemer Government, sovereign sea access remains a prominent national strategic and economic ambition. As one of the world’s most populous landlocked countries, Ethiopia has a substantial interest in securing dependable access to maritime trade routes through mutually beneficial arrangements with regional partners. Reliable sea access could help reduce logistical constraints, improve export competitiveness, attract investment and strengthen Ethiopia’s integration into regional and global markets. The issue also carries wider regional significance. Ethiopia’s economic growth, population size and position at the heart of the Horn of Africa mean that maritime connectivity has implications for trade, infrastructure development and cross-border economic cooperation. Ethiopia’s pursuit of maritime access therefore intersects with a broader national agenda: strengthening economic resilience, diversifying trade routes and building regional partnerships that can generate shared prosperity. Ethiopia’s Maritime Ambition Linked to Red Sea Stability Ethiopia’s pursuit of reliable maritime access featured prominently in the week’s strategic agenda, reflecting the country’s economic interests and the Red Sea’s critical role in global trade and security. With its strategic position, economic potential and longstanding peacekeeping record, Ethiopia could contribute to regional maritime security and protect vital trade routes through constructive cooperation with coastal states, respect for international law and mutually beneficial arrangements. Reliable maritime access, stronger regional cooperation and a stable Red Sea are interconnected priorities that could unlock trade, investment and shared prosperity across the Horn of Africa. Tana Forum Positions Ethiopia at the Center of Africa’s Peace and Security Dialogue Ethiopia is preparing to host the 12th Tana High-Level Forum on Security in Africa in Bahir Dar from October 23 to 25, bringing African leaders, policymakers, researchers and security experts together to examine the continent’s evolving peace and security challenges. The forum’s theme, “Pathways to Peace in Africa: Economic Sovereignty and Geopolitical Transformation,” reflects growing recognition that sustainable peace is closely linked to economic independence, institutional strength and Africa’s capacity to navigate intensifying global geopolitical competition. Across the continent, conflicts, political instability, external rivalries and economic vulnerabilities continue to complicate efforts to achieve lasting peace and development. The Tana Forum offers an opportunity to examine how African countries can strengthen locally driven responses, deepen regional cooperation and align peace and security strategies with the continent’s development priorities. Its emphasis on economic sovereignty also highlights the importance of mobilizing domestic resources, building resilient economies and ensuring that African countries have greater capacity to shape decisions affecting their futures. For Ethiopia, hosting the forum reinforces Addis Ababa’s and the country’s wider role in continental diplomacy and provides an additional platform for advancing dialogue on African-led solutions to shared challenges. Looking Ahead: Connecting National Stability with Regional Opportunity This week’s developments illustrate the interconnected nature of Ethiopia’s domestic priorities and international ambitions. The caretaker administration in Tigray region places peace, institutional recovery and the restoration of public services at the center of the country’s internal challenges. Economic diplomacy in Bangkok reflects an effort to turn reform and debt-restructuring progress into fresh investment and development financing. High-level telephone conversations and military briefings demonstrate continued engagement with international partners on diplomatic and security issues. At the same time, National Flag Day, investments in meteorological capacity and preparations for the Tana Forum highlight the importance of national cohesion, technological modernization and African-led approaches to peace and development. Ethiopia’s pursuit of sovereign sea access adds a longer-term strategic dimension to this agenda, linking economic competitiveness with regional connectivity and the stability of the Red Sea. All in all, these priorities point to a broader national objective: consolidating stability at home, mobilizing resources for inclusive development and building international partnerships that advance Ethiopia’s interests while contributing to regional cooperation.

By Ambaye Woretaw   October 18, 2026 (ENA) Ethiopia has a long history of contributing to regional, continental and international peacekeeping missions, guided by its commitment to collective security, Pan-Africanism and regional stability. Its pursuit of reliable maritime access presents an opportunity to expand this role by contributing to maritime security, protecting international trade and promoting lasting peace across the Red Sea region. Situated at the heart of the Horn of Africa, Ethiopia possesses substantial human resources, economic potential and security capabilities that could contribute to safeguarding one of the world’s most important commercial corridors. Through constructive regional engagement, institutional partnerships and appropriate maritime security cooperation, the country could help address shared security challenges while advancing collective security, economic integration and regional prosperity. Ethiopia’s potential contribution extends beyond protecting its economic interests. Its engagement in regional maritime initiatives could support efforts to combat illicit trafficking, deter maritime threats, protect commercial shipping and improve coordination among regional actors. Moreover, Ethiopia’s maritime engagement could strengthen regional capacity to respond to emerging threats and contribute to a more coordinated security architecture.   Regional Integration Chief of Staff and Senior Researcher on the Horn of Africa at the Institute of Foreign Affairs (IFA), Gizachew Asrat, underscored the strategic importance of Ethiopia’s pursuit of reliable and sovereign access to the sea in a recent exclusive interview with ENA, linking the issue to regional peace, integration and collective security. “Ethiopia's return to reliable sea access is vital for peace, regional integration and collective security of the Horn of Africa and beyond,” he asserted. As one of Africa’s most populous countries and a major economic actor in the Horn of Africa, Ethiopia has a significant stake in the security and efficiency of regional maritime trade routes. Reliable access to these routes could improve commercial competitiveness, strengthen regional connectivity and support the resilience of interconnected economies. Gizachew also emphasized that Ethiopia’s participation in regional maritime initiatives should be viewed as an opportunity for the wider region. “Engaging Ethiopia on the Red Sea platform is an asset for the region,” he said, highlighting the importance of cooperation and partnership in addressing shared challenges. His assessment points to the potential benefits of a regional approach in which Ethiopia’s economic weight and institutional capabilities complement the efforts of neighboring countries to secure maritime routes and promote regional integration.   Security Cooperation Ethiopia’s potential contribution to maritime security rests not only on its strategic position but also on its human resources, security capabilities and economic potential. These capacities could support regional initiatives aimed at protecting commercial shipping, improving information sharing and strengthening responses to cross-border threats. As Gizachew explained, Ethiopia’s “human resources, strong security-wise operation capacity, and a better economic potential as well as growth will add additional asset for the regional cooperation frameworks on maritime connectivity and security issues to be managed in partnership.” Ethiopia determines to translate these capabilities into practical contributions through sustained dialogue, institutional cooperation and arrangements. By aligning its national priorities with shared regional objectives, Ethiopia could help strengthen maritime security cooperation and build confidence among neighboring states. Such engagement could also encourage closer coordination between maritime security institutions and regional economic initiatives. Cooperation on information exchange, the prevention of illicit activities and the protection of commercial shipping could help address common threats more effectively than isolated national efforts. Maritime Connectivity The strategic significance of Ethiopia’s renewed maritime engagement extends beyond shipping routes and port infrastructure. It also concerns the broader challenge of overcoming persistent insecurity, improving regional connectivity and establishing a more cooperative order in the Horn of Africa.   For decades, infrastructure gaps, recurring conflicts and fragmented transport networks have constrained the region’s economic potential. Improved maritime connectivity, supported by reliable access arrangements and coordinated regional planning, could help reduce these barriers, facilitate trade and strengthen economic interdependence. For Ethiopia, dependable access to maritime trade routes is closely linked to economic resilience, export competitiveness and integration into global markets. For neighboring countries, stronger transport and trade connections could create opportunities for investment, logistics development and expanded commercial exchanges. Ethiopia’s pursuit of access to the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden corridors therefore has both national and regional implications. If pursued through peaceful negotiations, mutually beneficial agreements and respect for international law, it could complement wider efforts to establish a more secure, interconnected and prosperous Horn of Africa. Global Trade The security of the Red Sea is a matter of international importance because the corridor connects major commercial routes linking Europe, Asia and Africa. Disruptions can delay shipments, increase transportation costs, affect energy markets and place additional pressure on economies that depend on predictable trade flows. Instability along these routes can also expose commercial vessels and seafarers to security threats, underscoring the need for effective coordination among regional and international stakeholders. Ethiopia’s constructive participation could broaden the economic and institutional base of regional security cooperation. Its human resources, economic potential and strategic position could complement existing initiatives, provided that its engagement is developed through appropriate regional mechanisms and mutually agreed arrangements. Gizachew Asrat’s assessment captures the central opportunity: Ethiopia’s participation in the Red Sea security framework could benefit the wider region when grounded in partnership, mutual benefit and a shared commitment to stability. A more inclusive approach to maritime security could help regional countries coordinate their responses to common threats while strengthening the relationship between security, trade and economic development. Given the corridor’s international significance, the benefits of such cooperation could extend well beyond the Horn of Africa.   Strategic Opportunity Ethiopia’s pursuit of reliable maritime access is driven by economic development, national resilience and the need for stronger integration into regional and global trade networks. At the same time, it presents an opportunity to deepen the country’s contribution to peace and security in the Horn of Africa and the wider Red Sea region. With its substantial human resources, economic potential and strategic position, Ethiopia could play a constructive role in protecting maritime commerce, strengthening regional cooperation and addressing shared security threats. Realizing this potential, Ethiopia has been executing sustained diplomacy, practical institutional partnerships and arrangements that serve the legitimate interests of all parties. Ultimately, Ethiopia’s maritime aspirations and the security of the Red Sea need not be competing priorities. Through peaceful engagement and mutual benefit, the pursuit of reliable sea access could become part of a broader regional effort to promote stability, expand economic opportunities and build a more integrated and prosperous Horn of Africa.

Addis Ababa, October 18, 2026 (ENA) — Ethiopia has reaffirmed its commitment to accelerating development financing and translating investments into tangible economic opportunities, with job creation, poverty reduction, and sustainable growth among its key priorities. Governor of the National Bank of Ethiopia (NBE) Eyob Tekalign made the remarks while participating in the Ministerial Roundtable on “Accelerating Implementation for More and Better Jobs,” highlighting the importance of ensuring that development financing delivers measurable benefits for people and the economy.   Drawing on Ethiopia’s partnership with the World Bank, Eyob emphasized the need to improve project readiness, streamline implementation processes, and strengthen institutional capacity to accelerate development outcomes. He also reaffirmed Ethiopia’s commitment to working closely with the World Bank to enhance the effectiveness of development financing, expand employment opportunities, reduce poverty, and support sustainable economic growth.

Addis Ababa, October 17, 2026 (ENA) —The Nile River and the Red Sea are inseparable strategic pillars capable of driving regional cooperation, economic integration, and shared security across the Horn of Africa, according to researchers. The insights were shared during a high-level panel discussion held at the Nile and Red Sea Strategic Forum today. Opening the panel under the theme “Nile, Red Sea and the New Politics of Survival in the Horn of Africa: Water Geography and Power in a Changing Horn”, Aregawi Berhe, CEO of the Office of the National Council for the Coordination of Public Participation in the Construction of the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD), said that the two water bodies are inseparable components that strategically foster cooperation in the region.   Although the Abay is known as the Blue Nile beyond Ethiopia’s borders, its source lies in Ethiopia, giving the country an undeniable and tangible stake in the river, he noted. However, Ethiopia has not benefited equitably from this resource as the country has not yet fully utilized the Blue Nile’s waters, he added. Having maintained international relations through the Red Sea for centuries, the CEO pointed out that Ethiopia has a historical and natural connection to the Red Sea. He recalled that Ethiopia has developed and utilized ports, including Adulis, Zeila, and Assab, along the Red Sea since ancient times. Aregawi stated that the Red Sea has long served as a security guarantee for Ethiopia, underscoring that history supports this assertion. Ethiopia's separation from the Red Sea was the result of conspiracy, according to the CEO who stressed that respecting Ethiopia's sovereignty and interests requires collective participation.   He underscored the importance of developing a common understanding and urged that Ethiopians must strive for the respect of their sovereignty and national interests. Highlighting the evolving geopolitical landscape, Shimelis Hailu, a Maritime Diplomacy Researcher at the Institute of Foreign Affairs, addressed the complexities surrounding the Red Sea. He described the region as a vital global shipping lane characterized by both immense economic opportunity and acute security challenges, including illicit activities and the weaponization of maritime chokepoints like Bab el-Mandeb. The researcher noted that securing diversified, and sustainable access to the sea is an existential necessity for Ethiopia’s long-term economic survival, prosperity, and status as a regional anchor state. He outlined three potential modalities for achieving this: de facto sovereign access through shared transit corridors, joint port ownership and co-development, and full sovereign ownership. Similarly, Senior African Affairs Researcher at the Institute of Foreign Affairs, Gashaw Ayferam, said water security and maritime access must be evaluated within a unified strategic framework. He pointed out that the successful completion of the GERD marks a major technical milestone that has been translated into geopolitical and geo-economic victories. Nile can play a decisive role in the region’s energy security, agriculture, food production, tourism, and economic development. In this regard, the Renaissance dam is poised to foster broader geopolitical and economic benefits through regional electricity trade, infrastructure development, and cooperation among Nile Basin countries. Stressing the need to strengthen regional water governance and establishing effective institutions to ensure equitable and cooperative utilization of the river, he emphasized on transforming Nile water from a source of historical tension into a catalyst for regional integration and cooperation. The researcher underscored the need for regional cooperation like the Nile River Basin Cooperative Framework Agreement (CFA) anchored in equitable utilization. For his part, Mulugeta Ayele, a Peace and Security Researcher at Addis Ababa University, analyzed the intersection of water diplomacy and maritime strategy under the "politics of survival."   He warned that intersecting security risks, climate pressures, and the rising involvement of global powers underscore the urgency of cooperative governance in the Horn of Africa. According to Mulugeta, trans-boundary water resources and maritime access should not inevitably breed conflict, provided that regional actors prioritize institutionalized legal agreements, mutual benefits, and transparent dialogue over zero-sum competition. He underlined that the future stability of the Horn of Africa relies on shifting the regional paradigm away from competition and toward cooperation, transforming shared natural resources into instruments of collective prosperity and enduring peace.

Addis Ababa, October 17, 2026 (ENA) —Ethiopia and the International Finance Corporation (IFC) have discussed ways to mobilize private investment in key economic sectors, including affordable housing, energy transmission and agribusiness. The discussions took place on the sidelines of the 2026 IMF–World Bank Group Annual Meetings in Bangkok, Thailand, where the Ethiopian delegation met with Makhtar Diop, Managing Director of the IFC, to strengthen cooperation on private sector-led development initiatives. The talks focused on attracting private capital to strategic sectors that are vital to Ethiopia’s economic transformation, infrastructure expansion and sustainable growth. The engagement underscores Ethiopia’s efforts to attract international investment and expand private sector participation in key development areas, complementing public investment and supporting the country’s ongoing economic reforms.

Addis Ababa, October 17, 2026 (ENA) —Egypt’s opposition to Ethiopia’s quest for sovereign Red Sea access and its position on Abay (Nile) waters reflect a broader strategy to constrain Ethiopia’s economic development and regional influence, Ethiopian American scholar Emeritus Professor Alemayehu G. Mariam, underscored. Speaking The Pulse of Africa, Al Mariam, who taught at California State University, San Bernardino, said Egypt’s strategic concerns extend beyond water security to the wider balance of power in the Horn of Africa and the Red Sea region. He traced Egypt’s ambitions concerning Ethiopia and the Nile Basin to the 1820s, when Egyptian forces advanced through Sudan in an unsuccessful attempt to extend control over the Nile region. Egypt subsequently launched military expeditions against Ethiopia in 1875 and 1876, suffering defeats at the battles of Gundet and Gura, respectively. These historical confrontations reflect a longstanding pattern of Egyptian efforts to secure strategic advantages over Ethiopia, particularly regarding the Nile waters originating in the Ethiopian highlands, he stated. He argued that successive Egyptian governments have sought to preserve their country’s dominant position in Nile water utilization, while colonial-era agreements and subsequent diplomatic initiatives have been used to reinforce arrangements that Ethiopia considers restrictive. The professor maintained that Ethiopia’s right to use its natural resources for development has long been at odds with Egypt’s efforts to preserve its historical position on the Nile. He further argued that Egypt’s strategic calculations extend beyond the river, with Ethiopia’s potential economic transformation and growing regional influence increasingly central to the geopolitical rivalry. In his assessment, a stronger Ethiopia could emerge as an economic engine for the Horn of Africa, expand its international commercial connections and become a major regional power. Al Mariam contended that securing reliable access to the Red Sea would strengthen Ethiopia’s economic prospects by expanding trade opportunities, improving access to international markets and supporting the development of commercial corridors. He argued that Egypt’s opposition to Ethiopia’s maritime ambitions reflects concerns that greater economic and commercial connectivity could enhance Ethiopia’s geopolitical influence. The professor characterized this opposition as part of an effort to keep Ethiopia economically constrained and limit its emergence as a more influential regional actor. He also argued that Egypt has increasingly sought to advance its regional interests through political alliances and relationships, particularly involving Eritrea and Sudan, rather than direct military confrontation. According to Al Mariam, such regional maneuvering risks increasing pressure on Ethiopia and complicating its efforts to achieve domestic stability, economic growth and greater regional influence. Turning specifically to maritime access, he emphasized that Ethiopia’s landlocked status affects more than its geography, imposing economic costs and limiting its options for international trade. He pointed to Ethiopia’s historical connection with the Red Sea, including its federation with Eritrea in 1952, to underscore that maritime access has long been a significant issue in the country’s political and economic history. Al Mariam further noted that reliable access to a seaport could help Ethiopia expand imports and exports, strengthen regional trade and increase its economic weight across the Horn of Africa and the wider Red Sea region. He also highlighted what he considers a contradiction in Egypt’s position: while Egypt emphasizes its dependence on Nile waters originating largely in Ethiopia, he argued, it opposes Ethiopia’s efforts to secure maritime access. The professor cited the presence of military bases operated by multiple countries in Djibouti as evidence of the Red Sea region’s strategic importance and the geopolitical interests surrounding maritime routes. Al Mariam stressed, however, that his criticism is directed at the policies and strategic ambitions of Egypt’s political leadership, not the Egyptian people. His assessment frames the disputes over Nile waters and Ethiopia’s access to the Red Sea as interconnected dimensions of a broader regional competition involving economic development, resource utilization and geopolitical influence.

A Pre-Tana Forum Dialogue held in Bahir Dar emphasized the need for African-led solutions, diplomacy and dialogue to address the continent’s growing peace and security challenges amid shifting global geopolitical dynamics. The dialogue, held under the theme “Navigating a Changing World: The Role of Diplomacy and Dialogue in Advancing Peace and Security in Africa,” highlighted the importance of strengthening African agency, building mutual trust and advancing coordinated approaches to sustainable peace. Delivering opening remarks on behalf of Foreign Minister Gedion Timothewos, Chief of Staff Adam Tesfaye underscored the importance of dialogue as Africa navigates rapid geopolitical shifts, global fragmentation and growing uncertainty.   He noted that the changing international landscape requires African countries to champion their own solutions, reinforce their collective agency and rely on durable instruments such as diplomacy, dialogue and mutual trust. Adam also emphasized the strong interconnection between economic sovereignty, development, peace and security, noting that lasting stability depends on Africa’s ability to build economic resilience through regional integration, industrialization and expanded trade under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). He further highlighted the role of platforms such as the Tana Forum in fostering strategic dialogue, strengthening trust, building a shared understanding and advancing coordinated, African-led responses to the continent’s security challenges. Reaffirming Ethiopia’s longstanding commitment to collective security and peaceful coexistence, he stressed that dialogue remains the only viable path to achieving durable peace and security.   The dialogue brought together diplomats, scholars and other stakeholders to assess changing global and regional dynamics, explore the role of preventive diplomacy and inclusive dialogue, and examine how platforms such as the Tana Forum can advance practical approaches to peace and security across Africa. The Pre-Tana Forum Dialogue precedes the 12th edition of the Tana High-Level Forum on Security in Africa, scheduled to take place in Bahir Dar from October 23 to 25, 2026, under the theme “Pathways to Peace in Africa: Economic Sovereignty and Geopolitical Transformation.”

By Bruno Jomba   October 17, 2026 (ENA) For more than a century, Cairo’s policy toward the Horn of Africa and the strategic waters of Bab-el-Mandeb has been defined by a single, zero-sum security doctrine: total control over the Nile Basin and absolute dominance over the maritime choke-points of the Red Sea and Bab-el-Mandeb. Cairo’s national security framework explicitly securitizes both the Nile River and the Suez–Bab-el-Mandeb maritime corridor, treating any autonomous development along these lifelines as a direct challenge to its hegemony. Under this strategic view, a strong, unified, and economically thriving Ethiopia—the natural geographic anchor of East Africa, is perceived not as a partner for shared growth, but as an existential threat. To prevent Ethiopia from realizing its true potential and securing its natural position along the Red Sea and Bab-el-Mandeb corridor, Egypt has consistently sought to project instability onto Ethiopian soil. Whether supporting armed secessionist movements, exploiting internal fractures, or backing anti-state elements across different eras, Cairo's strategy in the Horn of Africa has remained unchanged: keep Ethiopia turned inward, consumed by domestic crises, and stripped of its sovereign maritime reach. The Asmara Axis: A Proxy Regime Designed to Encircle The enduring nature of the Shabia regime in Eritrea must be understood within a wider geopolitical framework. During the colonial era, Eritrean patriots fought valiantly against fascist Italian occupation, rallying behind the rallying cry "Ethiopia or Death"—a testament to their desire for unity and independence. So what happens after Eritrean secession from Ethiopia? Well, the rise of Shabia in Cairo was not merely a domestic development but a calculated geopolitical move aimed at weakening Ethiopia. In the mid-twentieth century, as Ethiopia asserted its sovereignty and regional influence—particularly over the vital Nile headwaters—Egypt sought to extend control over the Red Sea corridor and counter Ethiopia’s growing regional role. By providing safe haven, financial support, and diplomatic infrastructure to exiled political groups and students in Cairo, Egypt effectively fostered a political base that transformed internal grievances into external armed rebellion. State-backed media outlets, such as Cairo-based radio broadcasts, amplified secessionist narratives deep into northern Ethiopia, fueling divisions and eroding national unity. This strategy created a protracted conflict—lasting decades—that drained Ethiopia’s human and material resources, deliberately fragmenting its national fabric and distracting the country from long-term development and regional leadership. Even after secession from Ethiopia, Shabia instead of channeling its resources into infrastructure, economic development, or the welfare of its citizens, the regime in Asmara turned the state into a tool for regional destabilization. The Cairo-backed axis engineered a geopolitical strategy aimed at permanently severing Ethiopia from its historic coastlines at Assab and Massawa. Since its inception, the Eritrean regime has served as a strategic hub for foreign interests intent on keeping Ethiopia landlocked, vulnerable, and economically constrained. Its record across the Horn of Africa speaks volumes: provoking armed clashes with Yemen, engaging in border disputes with Djibouti, waging devastating wars against Ethiopia, and repeatedly intervening in the internal affairs of Sudan and Somalia. External Aggression in Sudan and Regional Impunity The real-world consequences of this aggressive intervention are starkly evident across the region today. In Sudan, as the nation suffers through a devastating internal conflict, foreign meddling has reached alarming levels. Recent Egyptian military strikes targeting civilian artisanal gold miners in Sudan—conducted without mercy for human life—demonstrate a severe disregard for international norms and regional sovereignty. The Sudanese authorities, entangled in an existential conflict, feel compelled to exercise restraint rather than forcefully confront these violations underscores how deeply Egypt exploits regional vulnerabilities to project power without accountability. From the Nile Valley to the Red Sea coast, external interference continues to delay peace and tear apart the social fabric of the Horn. The Heavy Economic Toll of Forced Landlockedness The most severe consequence of this geopolitical containment has been the artificial stripping of Ethiopia’s sea access, turning a proud nation of over 135 million people into the most populous landlocked country on Earth. The loss of Ethiopia’s Red Sea access after 1991 remains an unpardonable betrayal of Ethiopia’s sovereignty. An un-elected transitional administration, lacking any mandate or constitutional authority, unilaterally acquiesced to the separation of Eritrea and the surrender of vital ports like Assab without consulting the Ethiopian people. By endorsing that referendum while denying the nation a voice, this rushed and illegal process stripped a historic power of its coastline without due legal process, leaving over 135 million Ethiopians landlocked and dependent on foreign ports. Every year, Ethiopia is forced to siphon billions of USD out of its national treasury into foreign port and transit fees. This massive financial drain strips the nation of capital that should be building modern hospitals, expanding universities, constructing industrial parks, and modernizing agriculture. High logistics costs burden domestic producers, make Ethiopian exports less competitive on the global market, and leave the economy vulnerable to external supply chain shocks. Had Ethiopia not been systematically cut off from its maritime outlets, those billions of USD would have been reinvested directly into domestic development, elevating Ethiopia into a vastly larger economic superpower and uplifting the entire Horn region. Ethiopia's Two-Water Doctrine To secure its future and guarantee regional stability across the Horn of Africa, the Red Sea, and the Bab-el-Mandeb corridor, Ethiopia stands firmly on its fundamental Two-Water Doctrine: First, Ethiopia asserts its absolute right to equitably utilize the waters of the Blue Nile. Projects like the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) represent a triumph of self-reliance, designed to generate clean hydro-energy, power regional industrialization, and lift millions out of poverty without harming downstream nations. Second, Ethiopia maintains its imperative for direct, reliable, and sovereign access to the Red Sea and Bab-el-Mandeb. Sovereign sea access is not a luxury; it is a core requirement for national defense, economic growth, and regional integration. No sovereign nation of over 135 million people can be expected to accept permanent maritime imprisonment or surrender its natural geographic rights. A Peaceful Horn Anchored by Ethiopia Despite decades of foreign intervention, proxy aggression, and deliberate encirclement, Ethiopia remains the resilient anchor state of East Africa. The future of the Horn of Africa, the Red Sea, and the strategic Bab-el-Mandeb must not be dictated by foreign subversion or zero-sum military doctrines. The peoples of Ethiopia, Sudan, Eritrea, Somalia, and Djibouti share intertwined histories, cultures, and destinies. When Ethiopia thrives, the entire region gains through shared clean energy grids, cross-border trade corridors, and collective security. The Horn of Africa deserves lasting peace, uncompromised sovereignty, and sustainable development—and an empowered, secure Ethiopia with guaranteed access to the sea is the key to unlocking that prosperous future.

Addis Ababa, October 16, 2026 (ENA) —Ethiopia and the United Kingdom have reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening bilateral cooperation, focusing on macroeconomic stability, long-term growth and regional development. The commitment was underscored during a meeting between an Ethiopian delegation led by Governor of National Bank of Ethiopia, Eyob Tekalign and Kirsty McNeill MP, the UK Minister for International Development and Africa, on the sidelines of the 2026 IMF–World Bank Group Annual Meetings in Bangkok.   The discussions focused on recent economic developments and Ethiopia’s priorities for sustaining macroeconomic stability and advancing long-term growth. The two sides also exchanged views on current regional and global developments.   McNeill acknowledged Ethiopia’s principled efforts and reaffirmed the UK’s commitment to continued bilateral cooperation, recognizing Ethiopia’s strategic importance in promoting regional stability and development.   Both sides expressed their commitment to maintaining constructive engagement and deepening cooperation in areas of mutual interest, ENA learned.