Addis Ababa, August 5, 2026 (ENA) —Ethiopia’s digital transformation is an exemplary model that other African countries can learn from, Benin’s Minister of Digital Transformation and Innovation, Mahuna Akplogan revealed. Akplogan, who led a Beninese delegation, made the remarks after visiting the Modern Ethiopian Service for Organized Benefits (MESOB) and National ID service centers. According to the minister, the visit is part of the growing cooperation between Ethiopia and Benin in technology and digital innovation. It focused on sharing experiences and strengthening institutional partnerships on the development, expansion and accessibility of digital public services for citizens and businesses, he added. Speaking to journalists, the minister described Ethiopia’s digital transformation efforts as a “textbook case” for Africa. He further elaborated that Benin is interested in learning from Ethiopia’s experience and adopting best practices in digital service delivery. “Ethiopia has recently demonstrated that the country has been able to be very effective in digital transformation and in innovating the services offered to citizens,” he said.   The minister also said Ethiopia’s Digital Ethiopia 2025 strategy provided a strong foundation for the country’s digital advancement, paving the way for Digital Ethiopia 2030, which sets more ambitious objectives. He also added that Benin aims to understand Ethiopia’s approach to digital transformation while exploring areas of cooperation between the two countries. “The two countries are entering a phase of learning from one another and exploring broader areas of cooperation,” Akplogan noted. MESOB Service CEO Yonas Alemayehu on his part said that the visit provided an opportunity to share Ethiopia’s experience in building an integrated digital government service platform.   MESOB has evolved within a year from a one-stop service center into a unified digital platform and is preparing to launch a self-service smart MESOB system, he emphasized. Yonas said the Beninese delegation showed particular interest in MESOB’s institutional integration model, which they identified as a possible approach to addressing similar challenges in their own digital service systems. Meanwhile, Ethiopia’s National ID Executive Director Yodahe Zemichael also noted that the delegation learned about Ethiopia’s experience in building domestic technological capacity for digital identity services. According to him, the initiative aligns with the African Union’s vision of facilitating the movement of people across the continent and supporting trade and economic integration.   Yodahe added that discussions were held on possible future cooperation between Ethiopia and Benin in digital identity and other technology-driven projects. The visit underscored the growing partnership between the two countries and highlighted opportunities for collaboration in digital transformation, innovation, technology development and knowledge exchange.

Addis Ababa, August 5, 2026 (ENA) —Egyptian authorities have intensified their media campaign against the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) to divert domestic economic and political pressures, President of Ethiopian Institute for Public Diplomacy (EIPD), Yassin Ahmed told ENA. The renewed focus on the dam is aimed at diverting public attention from economic and livelihood challenges facing the Egyptian people, he underscored. Yassin said the GERD issue has increasingly become a political and media tool for domestic consumption in Egypt rather than a matter centered on water resource management. He stressed that Ethiopia’s disagreement is not with the Egyptian people but with policies pursued by successive Egyptian governments, which he said have not been based on partnership, cooperation, and regional integration. "The GERD is now being used domestically in Egypt to distract the Egyptian people from the country's internal and regional challenges," Yassin said, adding that Egyptian authorities revive the issue whenever economic, political, and security pressures intensify.   He said the Egyptian government has attempted to associate the GERD with challenges unrelated to the project, including flooding and declining water levels, while noting that some Sudanese experts have attributed such issues to dam management practices in Sudan. According to Yassin, the GERD has become "a scapegoat" used by Egyptian authorities to shift responsibility for domestic and regional challenges as part of a political and media campaign against the project. He also alleged that Egypt has benefited from the circumstances created by the ongoing conflict in Sudan, which has limited Khartoum’s ability to fully utilize its allocated share of Nile waters, leaving a significant portion stored behind Egypt’s High Aswan Dam. Yassin referred to previous remarks by Egyptian Minister of Water Resources and Irrigation Hani Sewilam regarding the strategic reserves of the High Aswan Dam, saying these statements indicate, in his view, that Egypt does not face an immediate water security threat from the GERD. "The GERD has become a political and media card used to pressure Ethiopia. Whenever Ethiopia makes progress in convincing the international community of its legitimate rights, Egypt resorts to the GERD issue to tarnish Ethiopia's image and demonize the dam," he said. He further claimed that renewed attention to the GERD coincides with Ethiopia’s diplomatic efforts to promote its positions on regional issues, including what he described as Ethiopia’s legal and historical right to access the sea.   Yassin said Cairo has sought to reactivate the GERD dispute to weaken Ethiopia’s position and exert pressure in broader regional matters. He emphasized that the GERD is a strategic development project designed to support regional integration, provide electricity to neighboring countries, and advance shared interests among Nile Basin countries, rejecting claims that the dam threatens downstream nations. The EIPD president also argued that Egypt’s continued refusal to resume negotiations serves political and media objectives by keeping the issue unresolved and diverting attention from domestic economic and social challenges. He stressed that Nile Basin issues should be addressed through dialogue, cooperation, and mutual respect rather than political pressure and media campaigns. "Ethiopia remains committed to pursuing shared development and mutual benefit for the region," Yassin underscored.

Addis Ababa, August 5, 2026 (ENA) —Ethiopia is well positioned to become Africa's future energy hub by harnessing its vast renewable energy resources, extensive hydropower expertise, and expanding regional electricity interconnections, Minister of Water and Energy Habtamu Itefa said. In an exclusive interview with ENA, the minister said Ethiopia has an estimated 60 gigawatts of hydropower generation potential, only a fraction of which has been developed, leaving significant room for future expansion. According to Habtamu, the country's favorable topography and abundant water resources provide a strong comparative advantage over many neighboring countries, several of which have limited hydropower potential and continue to depend on diesel-generated electricity. "Ethiopia is fortunate to possess the natural resources and geographical conditions needed to generate large-scale renewable energy," he said. "These advantages place the country in a strategic position to supply clean energy across the region." The minister noted that Ethiopia has emerged as one of Africa's leading producers of renewable electricity, with hydropower accounting for the vast majority of its power generation. He added that Ethiopia currently exports electricity to Djibouti, Sudan and Kenya, while working to expand power interconnections with additional neighboring countries. Habtamu said the country's decades of experience in developing and operating major hydropower projects, including Melka Wakena, Koka, Tekeze, Fincha and the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD), have enabled it to build strong technical and institutional expertise that distinguishes it within the region. He stressed that hydropower remains one of the cleanest and most cost-effective sources of electricity, producing energy without carbon emissions while supporting Ethiopia's climate and sustainable development objectives. Beyond hydropower, Ethiopia also possesses substantial solar, wind and geothermal resources, the minister said. "By combining these resources, Ethiopia can become not only the energy hub of East Africa but ultimately the energy hub of the African continent," he stated. Habtamu observed that rising electricity demand across neighboring countries further strengthens Ethiopia's strategic position, noting that regional nations can significantly improve access to reliable and clean energy through cross-border electricity interconnections. He also said demand for Ethiopian electricity continues to grow alongside rapidly increasing domestic consumption, driven by industrial expansion, urbanization and the country's transition to electric mobility. "The assignment before us is clear. We must continue building more dams and generating more electricity," the minister said. "Our responsibility is first to meet Ethiopia's growing energy needs and then to supply our neighbors." The minister further noted that recent geopolitical developments have underscored the strategic importance of water and energy resources, with competition over these assets increasingly shaping global affairs. He said Ethiopia is strengthening its energy security by accelerating the transition from fossil fuels to renewable electricity, including expanding the use of electric vehicles to reduce dependence on imported petroleum products. According to Habtamu, scaling up electric mobility requires sustained investment in electricity generation, transmission infrastructure and nationwide charging networks. To support this transition, Ethiopia has revised its National Energy Policy to encourage greater private sector participation in the energy sector, he said. The revised policy, recently approved by the Council of Ministers and endorsed by Parliament, provides a more favorable framework for private investment in power generation, transmission and renewable energy development. Habtamu said increased private sector participation will help meet rising domestic electricity demand, strengthen resilience against global energy market shocks and expand electricity exports to neighboring countries, further reinforcing Ethiopia's role as a regional supplier of clean energy. As part of the Homegrown Economic Reform Agenda, Ethiopia has introduced wide-ranging policy reforms to liberalize the energy sector and attract private investment. The reforms could accelerate renewable energy development, expand electricity infrastructure, advance the transition to electric mobility, meet growing domestic demand, deepen regional energy integration and support Africa's broader transition to clean energy.

Addis Ababa, August 5, 2026 (ENA) — Ethiopia’s metal industry is gaining renewed momentum as stakeholders say the “Made in Ethiopia” initiative is helping local manufacturers access finance, expand market opportunities and modernize production facilities. Industry leaders and factory representatives who spoke to ENA said the government-backed initiative is also addressing longstanding challenges that have constrained sector growth, creating new opportunities for local producers to scale up and compete in domestic and regional markets. President of the Ethiopian Machinery and Equipment Manufacturers Association (EMEMA), Yohannis Girma, said manufacturers are continuing to produce a wide range of metal products to meet local demand while working toward becoming exporters to neighboring countries. He said the Ministry of Industry has been supporting the sector through two key areas: import substitution and export promotion. “The ‘Made in Ethiopia’ program has contributed to the wider use of locally manufactured products while creating opportunities for business expansion,” Yohannis said. “We are moving forward with great momentum under the theme of ‘Made in Ethiopia’ to promote the use of local products. We have demonstrated our capabilities through exhibitions and various events, and now the focus is on expansion,” he added. Yohannis said Ethiopia has significant potential to develop export-oriented metal industries by combining local skills and experience with modern technologies from abroad. “By using latecomer advantages, bringing technologies from abroad and combining them with our local capacity and knowledge, I can say we are doing commendable work in recent years,” he said. He further noted that the quality and competitiveness of locally manufactured products have been improving steadily through modernization and innovation. “The change is very clear. We have managed to make many of our new products competitive, not only in terms of production capacity but also in quality through modernization,” he said. Beyond manufacturing, EMEMA provides consulting and engineering services, including construction machinery support and spare parts production for textile machinery, automotive equipment, food processing, agriculture, medical industries and other metal workshops, according to Yohannis. Meanwhile, Hiwot Damenu, Marketing Manager of Met Petrochemicals Manufacturing PLC in Dukem, said the company is expanding its operations in response to growing market demand, particularly for welding electrodes. “We are getting a lot of support from the government and private sectors. They are appreciating our work,” she said. She added that the company plans to upgrade its production capacity to include MIG wire manufacturing, a product widely used by metal industries, marking another step toward sector expansion. Since the 2014 Ethiopian Fiscal Year, the “Made in Ethiopia” program and continued government support have helped revive inactive factories, attract new investments and increase production capacity across the manufacturing sector.

Addis Ababa, August 5, 2026 (ENA) —Ethiopia will host the 76th Session of the WHO Regional Committee for Africa (RC76) in Addis Ababa from August 24 to 28, 2026. The session will be organized in collaboration with the World Health Organization (WHO) Regional Office for Africa. According to a post on WHO African Region Pages, the summit will assemble over 600 delegates, including health ministers, senior officials from the 47 member states of the WHO African Region, global health leaders, development partners, donors, and WHO representatives to address regional health priorities and foster continental cooperation. Over the five-day session, participants will evaluate progress on regional health goals, deliberate on new strategies and resolutions, and outline collective actions to strengthen health systems, advance universal health coverage, improve health security, and enhance emergency preparedness. Professor Francis Chisaka Kasolo, WHO Representative to Ethiopia, the African Union, and UNECA said, “The meeting will provide an important opportunity for Member States to shape the Region's health agenda, strengthen partnerships, and accelerate progress towards healthier, safer, and more resilient communities across Africa". The representative added that hosting the session reflects Ethiopia's commitment to regional solidarity and collective action. The gathering will also highlight Ethiopia’s health system achievements, including recent successes in expanding essential services and containing the Marburg virus disease outbreak. As the diplomatic capital of Africa, housing both the African Union and the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA), Addis Ababa offers a strategic stage for coordinated action on shared health challenges. Throughout the week, the program will feature technical discussions, exhibitions, bilateral meetings, and public engagement activities highlighting health innovations and knowledge sharing across African institutions. The WHO Regional Committee for Africa serves as the governing body for the regional office, meeting annually to determine regional health policy, review WHO's work, and establish priorities for health outcomes across the continent.

Addis Ababa, August 5, 2026 (ENA) — Ethiopia's Green Legacy Initiative (GLI) is playing a significant role in expanding the country's ecotourism potential in addition to its contribution to environmental conservation, Tourism State Minister Sileshi Girma said. Launched in 2019 under the leadership of Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, the GLI has become a flagship environmental movement focused on restoring degraded landscapes, expanding forest coverage, and strengthening climate resilience nationwide. As part of the current rainy season campaign, Ethiopia held a historic tree-planting drive on August 3, 2026, aimed at planting 800 million seedlings in a single day. The event drew millions of participants from all walks of life, including high-level government officials led by Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed. On the same day, the Ministry of Tourism and its stakeholders planted various indigenous plant species, fruit trees, and coffee seedlings. By the conclusion of the drive, the campaign surpassed its target, planting 805.3 million seedlings nationwide with the active participation of over 26.2 million Ethiopians. In an exclusive interview with the Ethiopian News Agency (ENA), State Minister Sileshi emphasized that planting diverse flora, especially native plants, substantially supports ecotourism development by preserving biodiversity. He noted that Ethiopia is endowed with unique indigenous flora and fauna, and the continued annual initiative plays a vital role in conserving these natural assets. Furthermore, Ethiopia has developed major ecotourism projects under the "Dine for Ethiopia" program, including Gorgora, Wonchi, Koysha, Halala Kella, and Chebera Churchura. These projects are driving tourist activity, generating foreign currency, creating job opportunities, and preserving the nation's natural heritage. Highlighting that tourism is a central pillar of the Homegrown Economic Reform Agenda, the state minister underscored the sector's expanding role in accelerating national economic growth.

Addis Ababa, August 4, 2026 (ENA) — The Cable News Network (CNN) has featured the hugely anticipated Ethiopian Airlines' major expansion project designed to expand the country's aviation capacity and strengthen its role as a major air transport hub in Africa. The airline, described by the host as one of Africa's most successful carriers connecting the continent to destinations around the world, is planning its next major expansion. The state-of-the-art Bishoftu International Airport, with a price tag of more than 12 billion USD, will have a capacity of handling 110 million passengers per year and about 4 million tons of cargo. "From diggers to excavators, bulldozers, and trucks, this is one of the largest building sites on the continent. This greenfield site is located about 40 km from Addis Ababa; and if everything goes to plan, by 2030, the state-of-the-art Bishoftu International Airport will stand here," Connecting Africa host Victoria Rubadiri reported. The modern airport is set to be a major driver of the country's economic transformation. Bishoftu International Airport Project General Manager, Abraham Tesfaye, told CNN that Bishoftu International Airport development will bring significant macro-economic development. ''It will basically support trade, it will facilitate tourism, it will make Bishoftu and the surrounding area, including Addis Ababa, a destination to come in the near future.'' Discussing the airline's expansion plans and the future of aviation on the continent, Ethiopian Airlines Group CEO, Mesfin Tasew, said the economic capacity of the existing Bole International Airport is 25 million passengers, and within a year or two it will reach the maximum limit. "That is why we decided to develop a new airport in another location. The new airport will help to develop the aviation industry further in Ethiopia and in the continent." According to him, this Ethiopian fiscal year alone, Ethiopian Airlines has transported 20.7 million passengers. And when the passengers served by other airlines who fly here are added together, it is around 22 million passengers using this terminal per year. Moreover, he noted that the airline would like to expand its network throughout the world, including into Europe and Africa. "Africa is our home market—we will continue opening new routes into Africa and increasing frequencies as well." In this regard, the CEO stressed that the AfCFTA is a promising initiative among African countries for coordinated economic growth. For AfCFTA to be successful, there should be a means for people and goods to move from one African country to another. So, the African air transport industry has to develop to play its part in enabling the AfCFTA initiative to be successful. Bishoftu International Airport is designed to become Africa's largest aviation hub that serves up to 110 million passengers annually.

Addis Ababa, August 4, 2026 (ENA) — Ethiopia remains a credible example for other nations seeking to keep urban environments greener and cleaner, UNECA Communication Officer, Ernest Chi Cho, told ENA. Cho noted that Addis Ababa has achieved a holistic transformation through major infrastructure expansion alongside green urban policies. He highlighted electrification and large-scale tree planting under Ethiopia’s Green Legacy efforts, noting visible improvements in the city of Addis Ababa's streets, parks, and public amenities. Cho said that since moving to Addis Ababa around 10 years ago, he has witnessed significant changes in the city’s development, highlighting improved electrification, widespread tree planting, and efforts by government leadership to promote greenery. "I moved to Ethiopia, Addis Ababa, 10 years ago. Over the years, I have seen how the city has evolved," he stated. The Communication Officer pointed to the availability of public facilities such as parks and recreational areas for children, describing the overall transformation of the road network and urban amenities as remarkable, compared to earlier years. The modern city offers safer roads, greener public spaces, and improved facilities, Cho said, adding that Ethiopia’s efforts extend beyond beautification to the “brilliant endeavor” of promoting electric vehicles that support climate action and keep the environment green. According to him, the country remains a credible example for other nations seeking to keep urban environments greener and cleaner. Beyond infrastructure and environmental policy, Cho said Ethiopia’s aviation sector has also earned admiration, describing Ethiopian Airlines as a model of stable long-term management and steady growth. He cited the experience of visiting Bole International Airport as evidence of the standards Ethiopia has reached in airport development and city beautification. Ethiopia has earned international recognition for its aviation sector, Cho said, describing Ethiopian Airlines as a model that Africans should be proud of. The Communication Officer underscored that the standards of urban beautification offer a replicable template for other African countries seeking sustainable urban development and environmental sustainability. Cho also stressed that policymakers need to work on approaches to ensure that development remains inclusive.

Addis Ababa, August 3, 2026 (ENA) —The U.S.-based Cable News Network (CNN) has spotlighted Ethiopia’s Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) as one of Africa’s most remarkable engineering achievements. The media company also portrayed the project as a symbol of the country’s broader economic transformation and infrastructure-driven development strategy. In a feature on its Connecting Africa program, CNN journalist Victoria Rubadiri traveled to the GERD site in western Ethiopia, where she explored the scale of the dam and interviewed its Project Manager, Engineer Kifle Horo.   The documentary noted that while Ethiopia has long been known globally for its coffee exports, the country is increasingly diversifying its economy through major investments in renewable energy, mining, tourism, and large-scale infrastructure projects aimed at driving long-term growth and regional trade. CNN described GERD as an unprecedented hydroengineering accomplishment on the African continent. “Thousands of construction workers and engineers have transformed a remote valley to build Africa’s largest hydroelectric dam. Today, at a height of 145 meters and stretching 1.8 kilometers across the Blue Nile, the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam is truly a sight to behold,” the network reported. Engineer Kifle Horo, Project Manager of GERD, said the power plant has an installed generation capacity of about 5,150 megawatts, making it the largest hydroelectric facility in Africa and a major contributor to Ethiopia’s electricity production. It contributes more than 50 precent, he pointed out.   Built on the Blue Nile River, construction of GERD began in 2011, and the project officially entered operation in September 2025. Moreover, Kifle told CNN that one of the greatest challenges during construction was logistics. “We are around 1,400 kilometers from the port of Djibouti. Transporting heavy equipment to the site took between 60 and 90 days,” he said, highlighting the complexity of building a mega-infrastructure project in a remote location. CNN also emphasized what it described as the dam’s most distinctive feature: its financing model. Unlike many large infrastructure projects in developing countries, GERD was built primarily through domestic financing, with Ethiopians contributing through public donations, government-issued bonds, and national budget allocations. “We have no single coin from outside Ethiopia. This project was constructed by Ethiopians, and the total cost—estimated at between 4.2 and 5 billion U.S. dollars—was financed entirely by Ethiopians,” Kifle said. The report presented GERD not only as a massive energy project but also as a rare example of a nationally funded mega-dam built through broad public participation. Addressing concerns raised by Egypt as a downstream country, Kifle reiterated Ethiopia’s position that the dam is designed for hydropower generation rather than water consumption.   “This is not a water-consumptive project. Whatever water comes in goes out. The main challenge was during the filling period, which took five years. Ethiopia advocates equitable and sustainable use of shared water resources without causing significant harm to downstream countries,” he said. CNN’s feature framed GERD as more than a dam, portraying it as a transformative infrastructure project that has turned a once-isolated valley into a strategic energy hub with the potential to support industrialization, expand electricity access, and strengthen regional economic integration across East Africa. By highlighting both the engineering scale of the project and its domestically financed construction, the network underscored GERD’s significance as one of the continent’s most consequential infrastructure achievements of the 21st century, it was learned.

Addis Ababa, August 2, 2026 (ENA—Ethiopia's Green Legacy Initiative (GLI) is not only delivering measurable improvements in water resources, dam sustainability and agricultural productivity through scientifically proven environmental restoration, but also benefiting neighboring and downstream countries, Water and Energy Minister Habtamu Itefa said. In an exclusive interview with ENA, the Minister also underscored the need to explore internationally recognized Payment for Ecosystem Services (PES) mechanisms. According to Habtamu, the environmental restoration program has transformed degraded watersheds, enabling more rainfall to infiltrate the soil instead of being lost as destructive surface runoff. Vegetation cover plays a critical role in the hydrological cycle by increasing groundwater recharge, reducing soil erosion and improving river flows.   He said the ministry has scientifically verified the impact of the Green Legacy Initiative through satellite data and watershed studies conducted in several river basins. Studies undertaken in Upper Awash, the Abay (Blue Nile) Basin and the Hawassa catchment have shown significant improvements in vegetation cover, accompanied by the re-emergence of springs and streams that had previously dried up. "There are areas where rivers and small streams had disappeared because of deforestation. Following large-scale reforestation, these water sources have begun to recover, and springs are flowing again," the Minister said. Improved vegetation has also enhanced water quality by reducing sedimentation as tree roots and ground cover stabilize soil and prevent erosion.   The reduced sediment load entering rivers and reservoirs has become increasingly important for Ethiopia's hydropower infrastructure. "The more water we store in our dams and the less sediment entering them, the greater our capacity to generate electricity while extending the operational life and safety of the dams." Habtamu noted that the initiative is also improving agricultural productivity by increasing dry-season water availability for irrigation. Communities across Ethiopia are increasingly cultivating wheat, vegetables and fruits using rivers and springs that have become more reliable due to watershed rehabilitation, he added. Beyond its national benefits, the Minister said Ethiopia's Green Legacy Initiative is contributing to climate change mitigation by increasing carbon sequestration while improving water availability across the region. "Ethiopia is not only planting trees for itself. By restoring our watersheds, we are reducing carbon emissions, increasing oxygen production and improving water flows that benefit neighboring countries." Neighboring countries like Kenya, Somalia, South Sudan are benefiting from improved river flows and reduced flood risks resulting from Ethiopia's watershed conservation efforts, the Minister elaborated.   He noted that nearly 30 percent of the more than 48 billion seedlings planted under the Green Legacy Initiative are in the Abay, Baro and Tekeze river basins, which contribute significant transboundary water resources. These investments help regulate river flows during dry seasons while reducing flooding downstream, the Minister added. Both Sudan and Egypt are benefitting from the investments as they could get more water, Habtamu said, calling for greater international recognition of Ethiopia's investment in environmental restoration that provides ecosystem services which extend well beyond its borders. The Minister further underscored the need to explore internationally recognized Payment for Ecosystem Services (PES) mechanisms, arguing that Ethiopia's investments in watershed protection generate measurable environmental and water-resource benefits for downstream countries. "Ethiopia is investing land, resources, time and labor to protect these watersheds. This creates benefits that have economic value, and such contributions should be scientifically assessed under internationally accepted Payment for Ecosystem Services frameworks," Habtamu said. He emphasized that any future discussions on ecosystem compensation should be supported by rigorous scientific research and international best practices.   Habtamu concluded by saying Ethiopia's Green Legacy Initiative has evolved beyond a tree-planting campaign into a comprehensive environmental restoration program that is strengthening water resources, supporting food security, improving renewable energy generation and contributing to regional environmental sustainability.

Addis Ababa, August 2, 2026 (ENA—Ethiopia is a strategically significant nation for trade and investment in the region and the continent at large, Duncan Onyango, Trade Catalyst Africa CEO, said. Speaking to ENA, the Trade Catalyst Africa, a financing facility that addresses the challenge of access to finance for trade infrastructure, CEO noted Ethiopia’s large size, youthful population and strong economic potential for sectors including agriculture, health, education, and financial services. He described the nation whose substantial share of population is young and poised for growth as a huge economy not only within its region but also the continent. This demographic advantage positions the country to deliver broader value to African economies through expanded production and services, the CEO added. "Ethiopia is actually a very significant country, not just in the region but also in the continent. It's a huge economy. It's a large population. A lot of the population is young people who are aspiring for great things." According to him, Ethiopia’s ability to extract value from its resources depends on attracting investment capable of supporting development and production. The CEO pointed to trade routes and logistics as a central focus for investors, arguing that infrastructure investment could reduce the high cost of doing business in key corridors.   "The world now is talking about critical minerals, and that is an area that can be unlocked with the right type of capital for Ethiopia as a country to be able to then extract value and be able to deliver on the promise it has made for its people." Onyango also highlighted new opportunities linked to Gulf-Africa economic cooperation, particularly in areas such as critical minerals, an area he said could be unlocked with the right long-term capital. The CEO said Gulf capital could play a role in addressing infrastructural and financing gaps not just in Ethiopia, but across parts of Africa to help open up export corridors, lower transportation costs, and strengthen economic competitiveness. In his view, Gulf investors' capital needs to align with Ethiopia’s ambitions to attract investment into competitive value chains, job creation, and improved household incomes. Onyango underscored that there is a symbiotic relationship between those with capital and countries with development needs, suggesting that targeted investment can benefit both Gulf economies and local Ethiopian communities. He further stressed that access to finance is a key driver of economic activity, enabling small businesses to innovate, scale, and export.

Addis Ababa, August 1, 2026 (ENA—Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed said Ethiopia has developed the capacity and institutional resilience to counter any threat to its national existence, while calling for internal disputes to be resolved through dialogue. In a wide-ranging interview with the Amhara Media Corporation (AMC), the Prime Minister said Ethiopia has learned from the failures and divisions of its past and is better prepared to withstand efforts aimed at destabilizing the country or derailing its reform agenda. "Today’s Ethiopia is not the Ethiopia of yesterday," PM Abiy said, arguing that the country is now more aware of its historical vulnerabilities and better equipped to respond to challenges. The Prime Minister criticized armed groups operating in parts of the Amhara and Oromia regions, saying their claims of acting in the public interest are contradicted by their actions on the ground. Drawing on Ethiopia’s historical experience, the Premier said internal actors who aligned with external forces had contributed to major national setbacks, including the loss of access to the Red Sea, which he described as a strategic and historical blow with consequences that extended across generations. He urged Ethiopians to reject a recurring pattern of destructive alliances and instead resolve political differences through the country’s longstanding traditions of reconciliation, dialogue, and community-based conflict resolution.   "Our disagreements can be settled by Ethiopians," he said. "Bringing external forces into internal disputes has never produced lasting peace or national progress," the Prime Minister underscored. Addressing the 2022 Pretoria Agreement that ended the war in northern Ethiopia, PM Abiy described it as a turning point that benefited the entire country by silencing the guns and allowing development to resume. He said the agreement had created conditions for expanded infrastructure, investment, and economic activity in the Amhara, Tigray, and Afar regions, as well as across Ethiopia more broadly. The Prime Minister rejected claims that the Amhara region neither participated in nor benefited from the Pretoria Agreement, calling such assertions false and politically motivated. He said representatives from the region were involved in deliberations at both government and Prosperity Party levels and that implementation of the agreement had supported development in the region. Prime Minister Abiy also framed Ethiopia’s broader national transformation as a long-term process requiring broad public participation, patience, and sustained institutional commitment. "Change is not the achievement of one individual," he said. "It is the result of the sacrifices and efforts of many Ethiopians." He acknowledged that some citizens have legitimate concerns about aspects of the government’s reform agenda and said responding to those concerns remains a government responsibility. At the same time, he argued that conspiracy-driven political narratives detached from facts threaten national cohesion and undermine the country’s future. The Prime Minister further elaborated that Ethiopia’s reform process has generated differing reactions among domestic political actors and members of the diaspora, with some opposition driven by personal interests, misinformation, or unrealistic expectations about the pace and direction of change. He urged citizens to engage constructively in the reform process and evaluate developments based on evidence rather than speculation, warning that short-term political gains should not come at the expense of long-term national interests. Reflecting on Ethiopia’s political history, the PM said the country has repeatedly experienced attempts to seize power through violence, while also possessing a deep tradition of coexistence, integration, and nation-building.   He cited the June 22, 2019, assassinations of senior officials in the Amhara Region as one of the darkest episodes in recent Ethiopian history and warned against politicizing historical tragedies or distorting facts for partisan purposes. "We must learn from both the positive and negative chapters of our history," he said, emphasizing that selective interpretations of history can deepen divisions and harm future generations. PM Abiy concluded that Ethiopia’s future will depend on perseverance, national unity, factual understanding, and the ability to sustain reforms through peaceful political engagement and inclusive development. He also stressed that the country’s transformation must be built collectively rather than through conflict or external intervention.

Addis Ababa, August 1, 2026 (ENA—The outgoing ambassadors of India and Finland praised Ethiopia’s reform momentum and its rising global investment appeal. The diplomats said they had witnessed Ethiopia’s economic transformation firsthand during their tenure, noting that the country’s expanding infrastructure and institutional reforms are strengthening its position as an increasingly attractive destination for international investment and long-term strategic partnerships. Speaking to ENA, the ambassadors highlighted Ethiopia’s progress in economic modernization, democratic governance, and peace-building, expressing confidence that the country’s reform trajectory will continue to deepen. They also expressed confidence that Ethiopia’s reform trajectory would continue to deepen engagement with global investors and development partners. India’s Ambassador to Ethiopia, Anil Kumar Rai, said Ethiopia’s ongoing reforms and major infrastructure projects are laying the foundation for sustained economic growth and enhanced international competitiveness. Drawing on India’s own development experience, Rai said Ethiopia’s rapid urbanization and large-scale infrastructure expansion, including the construction of the new international airport in Bishoftu. He considered it vital mega project to significantly strengthen the country’s attractiveness to foreign investors, particularly in high-value sectors such as information technology, artificial intelligence, and financial technology.   He revealed that additional Indian investments are already in the pipeline, reflecting growing business confidence in Ethiopia’s economic prospects. Rai also described Ethiopia as one of the more stable countries in the Horn of Africa and credited it with playing an important role in promoting regional peace and security. On Ethiopia’s democratic progress, the ambassador commended the strong voter participation in the June 1 general election, particularly the active engagement of young people. He also welcomed the National Dialogue process, describing it as a credible institutional mechanism for resolving differences through peaceful, inclusive, and nationally owned engagement. “The National Dialogue witnessed broad participation from people across all walks of life,” Rai said. He added that: “It demonstrates Ethiopia’s commitment to addressing differences peacefully while preserving national unity and sustaining its development trajectory.” He further recalled the close cooperation between Ethiopia and India at the United Nations during the challenging period between 2020 and 2023, noting that the two countries consistently shared common positions on major international issues. Rai added that Ethiopia’s membership in BRICS has created new opportunities for strategic cooperation between Addis Ababa and New Delhi, with leaders of both countries maintaining close engagement through BRICS platforms. On her part, outgoing Finnish Ambassador Sinikka Antila also praised Ethiopia’s transformation during her three-year diplomatic assignment, saying the scale of change has been both visible and significant. “Ethiopia is opening. Ethiopia is modernizing. We can physically see the transformation. During my three years in Addis Ababa, the city has changed remarkably,” she said.   Antila said Finland sees expanding opportunities to deepen cooperation with Ethiopia beyond traditional development assistance, particularly in trade, investment, innovation, digital technology, and entrepreneurship. She noted that Finnish companies, including Nokia and Vaisala, are already operating in Ethiopia and emphasized the potential for stronger collaboration in technology, startups, innovation ecosystems, and green economic development. The ambassador also reaffirmed Finland’s support for Ethiopia’s development priorities, including preparations for hosting the 32nd United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP32) next year. She disclosed that the Nordic countries are planning to organize a Nordic Electric Vehicle Summit in Ethiopia, further expanding cooperation in sustainable mobility and green technology. While underscoring Finland’s continued support through development cooperation and humanitarian assistance, Antila said future engagement would increasingly focus on business partnerships, private-sector investment, and technology-driven collaboration.

Addis Ababa, July 31, 2026 (ENA) —Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed said that advancing toward prosperity through Medemer — Ethiopia’s philosophy of synergy, unity, and collective progress, is the country’s only viable path to ensuring sustainable development and lasting stability. In an interview with the Amhara Media Corporation (AMC), the Prime Minister said Ethiopia’s reform process has been shaped by extensive national consultations aimed at forging a shared vision for nation building, economic transformation, and political stability. He said following the launch of the reform agenda in 2018, the government conducted broad consultations with institutions, experts, political actors, and communities across the country.   The endeavors have hugely helped explore Ethiopia’s development potential and the conditions necessary for collaborative nation building, PM Abiy pointed out. Particularly, the Premier these consultations enabled to establish a clear national direction by building consensus around the need for inclusive political and economic reforms. He noted that public consultations held across Ethiopia enabled the government to better understand citizens’ aspirations and concerns. The discussions, including those conducted in the Amhara Region, showed that Ethiopians share fundamentally similar aspirations for peace, development, justice, and national progress. The Prime Minister said political fragmentation and economic division emerged as two of the most pressing challenges identified during the consultation process. The reform discussions, he added, generated ideas aimed at healing these divisions and fostering a more cohesive national future. PM Abiy stressed that opening either the political sphere or the economy in isolation would not be sufficient to produce lasting change. Sustainable progress, he argued, requires simultaneous political and economic transformation founded on cooperation, inclusion, and a shared national purpose. “As a result, we adopted a framework that recognizes that marching together toward prosperity through Medemer is the only path capable of guaranteeing Ethiopia’s survival,” the prime minister said. Given the historical context of Ethiopia’s state formation, Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed devoted significant attention to the longstanding relationship between the Amhara and Oromo peoples. He described them as foundational pillars of the country’s nation-building process and national development. He said the two communities have been interconnected for centuries through intermarriage, political alliances, trade, cultural exchange, and shared institutions, making their relationship one of the cornerstones of Ethiopia’s historical evolution. The Prime Minister elaborated that the Amhara and Oromo, who together constitute a substantial share of Ethiopia’s population and territory — have developed deep social and political ties through traditional marriages, customary adoption systems, and longstanding alliances.   He cited historical examples including the Shewa and Yifat Sultanates, as well as the Gondar, Yeju, and Were Himenu dynasties, as evidence of the extensive integration that has shaped Ethiopia over centuries. PM Abiy said Ethiopia’s peoples have advanced, struggled, and dreamed together throughout history, and that modern Ethiopia emerged from this long process of integration and collective endeavor. “It is impossible to imagine Emperor Menelik II without Ras Gobena, or Ras Gobena without Emperor Menelik II,” he said. “Modern Ethiopia was built through the integration and joint efforts of these great peoples.” The Prime Minister described the Victory of Adwa as the clearest expression of Ethiopia’s national unity. He stated that leaders from different regions and communities fought side by side to defend the country’s sovereignty and secure a historic victory against colonial aggression. He also cited the Gojam and Bale peasant uprisings as examples of the shared struggle of Ethiopians against feudal oppression and for justice and social transformation. PM Abiy concluded that centuries of coexistence, trade, intermarriage, and social integration have created a distinctive Ethiopian tradition of unity in diversity. This historical legacy remains one of the country’s greatest strategic strengths as Ethiopia pursues peace, prosperity, and national renewal, the Premier stated.

Addis Ababa, July 31, 2026 (ENA) — The Amhara National Regional State supplied 357 kilograms of gold to the National Bank of Ethiopia (NBE) for the first time during the 2018 Ethiopian fiscal year. According to a post on the Amhara Communications Social Media Page, the supply has marked a significant milestone as the regional government stepped up efforts to formalize the mining sector and curb illegal mineral trade. The remarks were made by Amhara Region Chief Administrator Arega Kebede while presenting an annual performance report to the Amhara Regional Council during its 12th regular session. The Chief Administrator emphasized that the achievement resulted from strengthened regulation of the mining sector and coordinated measures to combat illegal mining and illicit mineral trading. According to Arega, the unprecedented gold supply will enhance the region's contribution to the national economy while supporting Ethiopia's foreign exchange earnings and overall financial stability. The chief administrator said the regional government also intensified enforcement against illegal mining activities throughout the fiscal year. As part of the crackdown, authorities seized more than 133,500 cubic meters of illegally extracted minerals, he clarified, adding that the enforcement campaign also generated more than 27.19 million Birr through corrective measures and confiscations, with the proceeds deposited into the government treasury. The Chief Administrator further revealed that mineral exploration and reserve verification identified an estimated 5,148 tons of iron ore within a 10 square kilometer area. He added that exploration activities also confirmed reserves of approximately 2.5 billion tons of granite and 1.625 billion tons of basalt across a 440 square kilometer area, highlighting the region's vast mineral resource potential. The chief administrator said the regional government will continue strengthening regulatory oversight to prevent the illegal exploitation of mineral resources, improve governance in the mining sector, increase the legal supply of minerals, and ensure greater availability of raw materials for domestic industries.

Addis Ababa, July 30, 2026 (ENA) — The Development Bank of Ethiopia (DBE) is set to disburse a 31 million Euro soft-loan package to be extended to micro, small and medium enterprises operating in conflict-affected regions across the country. The European Union and the German Development Bank (KfW) provided a 31 million Euro grant to fund the low-interest credit line. DBE Director of MSMEs and Green Economy Projects Tefera Befekadu stated that the financing will be made available under highly favorable interest rate structures. Tefera explained that the soft loan will initially be channeled through four selected commercial banks and one microfinance institution to ensure efficient distribution. The credit line targets enterprises located in the Afar, Amhara, and Tigray regions, spanning key sectors such as manufacturing, services, commerce, construction, and agro-processing. Priority allocation under the financing scheme will be granted to enterprises founded or led by women and youth. To establish the implementation framework, the "Post-Conflict MSMEs Recovery & Inclusion Baseline Validation Workshop," financed by the EU and KfW, took place at DBE headquarters. DBE previously signed a strategic agreement with development partners in May 2026 to deliver concessional funding to businesses affected by regional conflict. In related development, DBE Vice President for External Funds and Wholesale Financing Aida Erkihun highlighted that the bank has consistently delivered capacity building, financial backing, and technical assistance to enterprises. She noted that previous intervention programs have significantly expanded financial access, enhanced operational efficiency, and driven economic growth among small and medium businesses. The bank is placing special emphasis on rehabilitating and revitalizing small and medium enterprises situated in conflict-impacted zones. Aida added that the economic rehabilitation program is designed to build resilient enterprises capable of fueling inclusive economic development. Emphasizing the initiative's vital role in job creation and sustainable growth, the Vice President called on all stakeholders to foster strong collaboration to meet project objectives. The announcement reaffirms DBE’s ongoing rollout of the 31 million Euro soft-loan package dedicated to reviving MSMEs in conflict-affected areas.

Addis Ababa, July 30, 2026 (ENA) —The Ministry of Industry has set a target of generating 1 billion USD in manufacturing export earnings during the 2019 Ethiopian Fiscal Year, following a significant increase in export performance that saw revenues reach 607 million USD in the recently concluded fiscal year. Speaking at the Manufacturing Export Performance Review and Recognition Program, Industry Minister Melaku Alebel said the government has given special attention to the manufacturing sector as one of the five key pillars identified to transform the country’s economy. He noted that remarkable efforts have been made over the past five years of reform to expand the sector’s contribution and ensure manufacturing secures a significant share of the national economy. According to the minister, manufacturing export earnings have increased from 385 million USD before the launch of the “Made in Ethiopia” initiative to 607 million USD in the 2018 Ethiopian Fiscal Year. He said the growth reflects the impact of government reforms aimed at strengthening the manufacturing sector, improving production capacity, and expanding Ethiopia’s presence in international markets. The minister added that the government is committed to building on these achievements and reaching the 1 billion USD manufacturing export target under the leadership of Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed. "The manufacturing sector's export earnings have almost doubled compared to the previous fiscal year. While the results are encouraging, they do not mean all the sector's challenges have been resolved," the minister said. He also said that these achievements show that the country is moving in the right direction and must sustain the efforts to improve productivity and expand exports. Melaku said the manufacturing sector has also made significant progress in job creation, with annual employment increasing from about 162,000 at the beginning of the reform program to more than 433,000 currently. He stressed that expanding exports is critical to Ethiopia's long term economic transformation and competitiveness. "Export is a matter of our national survival. Ethiopia cannot become competitive through diplomacy or politics alone. We must produce goods that can compete in international markets," he said. The minister said the government has prepared a new manufacturing export strategy based on Ethiopia's production potential, market opportunities and international best practices to accelerate export growth. He called on government institutions, manufacturers and other stakeholders to use the strategy as a practical roadmap for expanding exports, attracting investment, creating jobs and improving the competitiveness of Ethiopian products. According to the minister, the recognition program is intended not only to honor manufacturers with outstanding export performance but also to encourage more industries to strengthen their competitiveness in international markets. Reaffirming the government's commitment to the sector, Melaku said manufacturers and exporters will continue to get policy and institutional support to increase production and expand access to foreign markets. "The government's support will continue in all your efforts. I urge you to increase exports and strengthen Ethiopia's competitiveness in the global market," he said. The minister noted that the government has given manufacturing special priority through the "Made in Ethiopia" initiative and the import substitution program, both of which are designed to strengthen domestic production while boosting export competitiveness. He added that achieving the 1 billion USD export target will require coordinated efforts by government institutions, manufacturers, exporters and other stakeholders. The forum reviewed the manufacturing export performance of the 2018 Ethiopian Fiscal Year, discussed the 2019 export plan and the new manufacturing export strategy, identified policy and implementation gaps, explored ways to strengthen public and private sector collaboration, and recognized manufacturers that recorded outstanding export performance. The export performance review and recognition program brought together state ministers, senior officials from the Ministry of Industry and affiliated institutions, manufacturing exporters, private sector representatives, development partners and other stakeholders attended the event.

Addis Ababa, July 29, 2026 (ENA) —Ethiopia and the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA) have agreed to strengthen collaboration under the Transforming Health Financing in Africa Initiative (THFAI), with Ethiopia joining as one of the initiative’s four early-adopter countries to advance sustainable and innovative health financing reforms. The initiative aims to help African countries build resilient health systems by strengthening domestic resource mobilization, supporting policy and structural reforms, and promoting innovative financing mechanisms that expand investment in the health sector while ensuring fiscal and debt sustainability.   During a meeting with UNECA Executive Secretary Claver Gatete, Ethiopia’s Minister of Finance Ahmed Shide welcomed the initiative, describing it as timely and aligned with the government’s efforts to enhance domestic health financing, improve resource efficiency, and explore innovative financing options for social services. According to the ministry’s post on social media , the two sides emphasized the need to view health financing as a strategic investment in human capital, productivity, and long-term economic growth rather than merely as social expenditure. “Ethiopia welcomes the opportunity to become one of the initiative’s early-adopter countries. This timely initiative aligns with our efforts to strengthen domestic health financing, attract private sector investment, improve value for money, and mobilize innovative financing while safeguarding fiscal and debt sustainability,” Ahmed Shide said.   Through the initiative, Ethiopia will receive technical and analytical support, including a comprehensive assessment of macroeconomic and fiscal factors affecting health financing. The findings are expected to guide evidence-based policies and strategies aimed at improving sustainable health investment and identifying practical financing solutions. Ahmed reaffirmed Ethiopia’s commitment to working closely with the Ministry of Health, UNECA, and other relevant stakeholders to implement the initiative and share the country’s experiences with other African nations. Gatete commended Ethiopia’s commitment and highlighted the importance of developing innovative and sustainable health financing approaches to support Africa’s development goals.   The two sides agreed to establish a joint technical team to oversee implementation, coordinate analytical work and policy dialogue, and support efforts to strengthen health sector financing while positioning Ethiopia’s experience as a potential model for other African countries.

Addis Ababa, July 29, 2026 (ENA) —The Ministry of Industry affirmed that “Made in Ethiopia” initiative, along with targeted policy measures and improved access to finance, has contributed to significant growth in manufacturing production, exports and import substitution. Speaking at the manufacturing export performance review and recognition program, Industry Minister Melaku Alebel said the sector’s progress demonstrates the impact of the national “Made in Ethiopia” campaign and the government’s continued support for industrial development. He said the forum provides an opportunity to review the manufacturing sector’s performance during the 2018 Ethiopian Fiscal Year and identify priorities for the 2019 Ethiopian Fiscal Year. The minister noted that the event also serves as a platform to refine the country’s export strategy and recognize companies that have made outstanding contributions to manufacturing and export development.   During the program, Melaku presented certificates and crystal-level awards to companies recognized for their strong export and manufacturing performance during the concluded fiscal year. He commended the top-performing companies, saying their achievements offer important lessons for domestic and foreign investors working to strengthen Ethiopia’s manufacturing sector. “The government gave special attention to manufacturing because it can transform the country’s economy. Manufacturing has been identified as one of the five priority sectors,” Melaku said. The minister attributed the sector’s improved performance to the “Made in Ethiopia” initiative and sustained government support introduced since the 2014 Ethiopian Fiscal Year, which he said helped revive idle factories, attract new investment and expand production capacity. He highlighted improved access to finance as one of the major achievements of the initiative, noting that manufacturing enterprises received 40 billion Birr in credit when the program was launched, while annual financing available to the sector has now increased to more than 115 billion Birr.   According to Melaku, the manufacturing sector’s share of total bank lending has increased from 12 percent to 18.8 percent, while financing allocated to small and medium manufacturing enterprises has reached 5.4 percent. He further stated that the sector has expanded the production of exportable manufactured goods and achieved about 5.9 billion USD in import substitution within a single year. The minister added that Ethiopia generated more than 607 million USD in annual export earnings from key manufacturing products, including meat and dairy products. Despite the progress, Melaku acknowledged persistent challenges, including limited foreign currency availability, shortages of machinery and constraints in accessing industrial raw materials. He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to addressing these challenges through continued policy support, expanded financing and targeted interventions aimed at improving competitiveness, increasing production and further strengthening manufacturing exports.

Addis Ababa, July 29, 2026 (ENA) —Ethiopian Airlines Group announced that it earned 9.1 billion USD in revenue during the 2025/2026 fiscal year, marking a significant milestone in the airline’s continued growth. During the reported period, Ethiopian Airlines Group also transported a total of 20.7 million passengers. Speaking at the airline’s annual performance briefing, Ethiopian Airlines Group Chief Executive Officer Mesfin Tasew said passenger traffic increased by 8 percent compared to the previous fiscal year. The airline also recorded a 10 percent increase in passenger kilometers compared to the previous fiscal year, achieving 99 percent of its planned target, while cargo capacity grew by 8 percent. Ethiopian Airlines transported 897,000 tons of cargo during the fiscal year, marking a 16 percent increase compared to the previous year and underscoring continued growth in its cargo business. To expand its network, the airline launched services to four new international destinations, bringing the total number of international destinations to 150, while it also serves 25 domestic destinations. It further strengthened its fleet by adding nine aircraft and purchasing eight pilot training aircraft to enhance aviation training capacity. Mesfin said the airline’s financial performance was affected by flight cancellations caused by conflicts in the Gulf region, the suspension of services to some destinations due to U.S. travel restrictions, and the cancellation of flights to the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Despite these challenges, the airline maintained strong operational performance throughout the year. The CEO noted that the first nine months of the fiscal year were particularly successful and contributed significantly to sustaining the airline’s overall performance. On the infrastructure front, Ethiopian Airlines continued expanding its facilities at Addis Ababa Bole International Airport, including the expansion of the domestic terminal, passenger lounges, cargo terminal, and data center, while also carrying out beautification works at the airport. Mesfin said construction of the new Bishoftu Airport is progressing as planned and is expected to be completed by January next year. He added that the relocation of residents affected by the project has already been completed. The CEO also stated that construction of new domestic airports is advancing and is expected to be completed next year, further strengthening Ethiopia’s aviation infrastructure.