Addis Ababa, May 13, 2026 — Investors say the conducive environment created by the government is enabling them to expand production of export oriented and import substitution products. Among the investors, Ras Guba Flour and Biscuit Factory Manager Daniel Abera said the government has been giving greater attention to private investors by addressing key investment related challenges. According to him, initiatives such as the “Made in Ethiopia” Expo have encouraged investors and helped create solutions to challenges facing the sector. The factory currently produces more than 600 quintals of wheat flour and nearly 10,000 cartons of biscuits per day for the local market. Daniel noted that, in addition to contributing to import substitution efforts, the factory is also working to enter the international export market. On his part, Walia Cork Factory representative Tamiru Alebachew said the government’s support for investors enabled the factory to begin operations quickly and become productive within a short period. The factory is contributing to import substitution by producing more than 6,000 soft drink bottle caps daily, he added. Mohamed Amin Yusuf, Mayor of Kombolcha City Administration, said significant achievements have been registered in the investment sector due to the attention given by the government in recent years. He stated that industries participating in the “Made in Ethiopia” initiative have increased their production capacity from 47 percent to 60 percent. According to the mayor, during the past nine months industries in the city generated more than 40 million USD from export products and over 70 million USD through import substitution products.

By Henok Tadele HAILE Addis Ababa, May 13, 2026 —Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed on Wednesday officially welcomed French President Emmanuel Macron at the historic National Palace as the French leader began his latest official visit to Ethiopia, signaling the continued strengthening of relations between the two nations. Sharing moments from the welcoming ceremony at the National Palace, Prime Minister Abiy posted on social media that he had formally received President Macron, whose latest trip underscores France’s growing strategic interest in Ethiopia and the wider Horn of Africa region. The two leaders later visited the Ethiopia Science Museum, where discussions focused on innovation, technology, and future opportunities for cooperation. In another social media post following the visit, PM Abiy said Ethiopia and France are “walking ahead to the future,” describing the Science Museum tour as a reflection of both nations’ shared commitment to innovation and technological advancement.   Welcoming President Macron on his third official visit to Ethiopia, Prime Minister Abiy said France’s friendship with Ethiopia “speaks for itself,” emphasizing that bilateral ties continue to deepen. Beyond the ceremonial engagements, the visit produced tangible diplomatic outcomes. The two leaders held substantive bilateral talks at the National Palace, addressing a broad range of issues of mutual interest. Among the key agreements signed was a 54.6 million Euro loan for Ethiopia’s Renewable, Integrated, Sustainable Energy and Digitalization Program, which is expected to support the country’s green energy transition and digital transformation agenda. Additional cooperation agreements were also exchanged, reinforcing collaboration in sustainable development, energy, and technological modernization. Macron’s latest visit comes at a time when relations between Ethiopia and France are gaining remarkable momentum across political, economic, cultural, and development sectors.   The relationship between the two countries dates back to the 19th century when Ethiopia and France signed the Treaty of Friendship and Commerce in 1843. Formal diplomatic relations were established in 1897 following agreements signed between Emperor Menelik II and French representative Léonce Lagarde. That same year also marked the beginning of construction of the historic Djibouti–Addis Ababa Railway, one of the earliest major infrastructure partnerships between Ethiopia and France. France later opened its diplomatic legation in Addis Ababa in 1907 on land granted by Emperor Menelik II. Throughout the 20th century, cooperation expanded into infrastructure development, legal reforms, education, administration, and cultural exchanges. One of the most notable milestones came in 1966 when former French President Charles de Gaulle visited Addis Ababa, resulting in the signing of a cultural convention that remains active today. Relations entered a new phase in 2018 following Prime Minister Abiy’s rise to power. His visit to Paris later that year opened a new chapter in bilateral engagement, followed by Macron’s state visit to Ethiopia in 2019, during which both countries signed agreements on heritage preservation, security, and infrastructure development. Diplomatic engagement continued in subsequent years. In 2023, French and German foreign ministers visited Addis Ababa in support of Ethiopia’s peace process following the northern conflict. Abiy also visited Paris that same year, further strengthening dialogue between the two governments. The momentum continued in 2024 when French Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs Jean-Noël Barrot visited Ethiopia. Macron later returned to Addis Ababa in December of that year for the inauguration of the restored National Palace, which was renovated with French support and transformed into a museum. Prime Minister Abiy’s visit to France in May 2025 and France’s hosting of a Europe-Ethiopia investment forum later that year further demonstrated the growing strategic importance of the partnership.   Economic cooperation has increasingly become one of the strongest pillars of Ethiopia-France relations. The partnership is particularly active in aerospace, energy, infrastructure, and manufacturing sectors. According to diplomatic sources, bilateral trade reached 812.6 million Euros in 2024, making Ethiopia one of France’s major trading partners in East Africa. The aviation sector remains especially significant, with Airbus supplying aircraft to Ethiopian Airlines. French investments have also expanded into logistics, agriculture, energy, infrastructure, and digital services. The Franco-Ethiopian Chamber of Commerce continues playing an important role in strengthening business partnerships between companies from both countries. Renewable energy cooperation remains another critical area of engagement. France previously supported Ethiopia through the development of the Ashegoda Wind Farm, one of the country’s major wind energy projects and a symbol of growing cooperation in sustainable development.   Cultural ties remain equally strong. Alliance Française Addis-Ababa and Alliance Française Dire Dawa continue promoting French language education and cultural exchange through exhibitions, language programs, concerts, and film screenings. France has also supported Ethiopia’s creative industries through initiatives such as the Habesha Creative Lab, which helps young Ethiopian innovators and entrepreneurs expand their creative potential. President Macron’s latest visit reflects more than diplomatic tradition. It signals a partnership increasingly focused on innovation, sustainable development, investment, and future opportunities. As Ethiopia continues pursuing economic reform and technological transformation, its growing partnership with France appears poised to play an increasingly important role in shaping that future.

Addis Ababa, May 13, 2026 — Ethiopia and France have signed a 54.6 million Euro concessional loan agreement aimed at digitalizing and modernizing Ethiopia’s national electricity transmission network. Ethiopia’s Minister of Finance, Ahmed Shide, and France’s Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs, Jean-Noël Barrot signed the agreement today in Addis Ababa. The strategic investment, financed by the French Treasury, is intended to strengthen Ethiopia’s energy infrastructure through advanced digital technologies. According to a statement issued by the French Embassy, the project will be implemented by GE Vernova France and RTE International in close collaboration with Ethiopian Electric Power. The initiative will focus on automating substations, improving grid asset management, and enhancing maintenance systems and training capacity at the National Grid Control Centre. The financing forms part of the 270 million Euro Renewable Integrated Sustainable Energy and Digitalization (RISED) programme, a flagship initiative under the European Union Global Gateway strategy. According to the embassy, the programme is designed to support Ethiopia’s green and digital transition by building a more resilient and sustainable power grid. The project is expected to expand electricity access to more than four million people while reducing the frequency and duration of power outages by 50 percent. It is also projected to support Ethiopia’s climate ambitions by cutting an estimated 150,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions annually and reducing energy losses through the modernization of ageing infrastructure.

Addis Ababa, May 13, 2026 —Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed and French President Emmanuel Macron held substantive bilateral discussions at the National Palace in Addis Ababa today, focusing on a wide range of issues of mutual interest between Ethiopia and France. The leaders also oversaw the exchange of key cooperation agreements between the two countries, marking a significant step in strengthening bilateral ties in the areas of sustainable development, energy, and digital transformation.   Among the agreements exchanged was a €54.6 million loan for the Renewable, Integrated, Sustainable Energy and Digitalization Program, aimed at supporting Ethiopia’s green energy transition and digital development agenda. In addition, the two sides exchanged a new Framework and Roadmap for the 150MW Geothermal Public–Private Partnership (PPP), designed to advance Ethiopia’s renewable energy expansion and attract private sector investment in geothermal power development.   Prime Minister Abiy, in a social media post, noted that the discussions and agreements reflect the growing partnership between Ethiopia and France and their shared commitment to sustainable growth and cooperation. The talks underscore deepening Ethiopia–France relations, particularly in strategic sectors such as energy, infrastructure, and technology.

Addis Ababa, May 13, 2026 —Africa is advancing plans to establish a continental credit rating institution aimed at addressing long-standing concerns over perceived biases in global rating systems, according to the African Union Commission. The Chairperson of the African Union Commission, Mahamoud Ali Youssouf, said the continent is preparing to launch the Africa Credit Rating Agency (AfCRA) in Mauritius in June as part of broader efforts to reform the global financial architecture and improve Africa’s access to international capital markets.   Speaking at the 10th African Union–United Nations Annual Conference, Youssouf said existing international financial institutions, largely designed after the Second World War—no longer fully reflect Africa’s economic realities, development priorities, and financing needs. The proposed Africa Credit Rating Agency is expected to operate as an independent, private-sector-led institution under African Union backing. It will focus on providing context-sensitive credit assessments for African sovereign, sub-sovereign, and corporate borrowers. Officials say the initiative is intended to strengthen local capital markets, improve investor confidence, and potentially reduce borrowing costs across the continent.   Youssouf confirmed that the agency is expected to be formally launched in June in Mauritius, describing it as a key milestone in Africa’s push for financial sovereignty and reform of global credit rating structures. He said the initiative aligns with broader continental priorities, including the implementation of Agenda 2063 and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. During the conference, discussions also focused on peace and security, governance challenges, and the impact of global economic shifts on African economies. Youssouf expressed concern over ongoing conflicts in regions including Somalia, South Sudan, and the Sahel, warning that terrorism, separatist movements, and organized crime continue to undermine stability across the continent. He also highlighted delays in implementing UN Security Council Resolution 2719, saying they have limited Africa’s capacity to finance peacekeeping and conflict resolution operations. “Peacekeeping and conflict resolution is very costly,” he noted.   On the economic front, Youssouf warned that rising global food and fuel prices—driven in part by geopolitical tensions in the Middle East—are placing significant pressure on African economies. Citing preliminary assessments prepared with the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa, he said fuel prices have surged by up to 150 percent in some countries. He added that prolonged instability in strategic shipping routes such as the Strait of Hormuz could reduce GDP in several African economies by as much as 4 percent. Youssouf urged G7 nations to support mitigation measures for vulnerable economies, including mechanisms similar to the Special Drawing Rights introduced during the COVID-19 pandemic. He also praised cooperation between the African Union and the United Nations, thanking UN Secretary-General António Guterres for supporting Africa’s development and peace priorities. Concluding his remarks, Youssouf reaffirmed Africa’s commitment to multilateral cooperation and called for stronger global partnerships to address the continent’s interconnected peace, security, and development challenges.

Addis Ababa, May 13, 2026 —French President Emmanuel Macron has arrived in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia in the early hours of the afternoon for an official visit aimed at strengthening bilateral relations. Upon his arrival at Bole International Airport, Macron was warmly received by Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, who welcomed him in a message shared on social media. “My brother Emmanuel Macron, President of the Republic of France, it is always a pleasure to welcome you back to Ethiopia, and on your third official visit, France’s friendship with our nation speaks for itself. As we look ahead to meaningful conversations, one thing is certain—the ties that bind Ethiopia and France only grow stronger,” Abiy wrote.   The visit marks Macron’s third official trip to Ethiopia, underscoring ongoing diplomatic engagement between the two countries. Discussions are expected to focus on strengthening cooperation in areas including development, regional stability, investment, and cultural exchange. The French leader’s arrival highlights the continued expansion of Ethiopia–France relations at a time when both countries are seeking deeper collaboration on economic and geopolitical priorities in the region.

Addis Ababa, May 12, 2026 — Ethiopia’s Minister of Foreign Affairs Gedion Timothewos on Tuesday engaged with researchers and regional experts from leading think tanks during a roundtable discussion hosted by the Hudson Institute. During the discussion in the United States, Gedion outlined Ethiopia’s economic growth and prosperity model, while also providing insights into the country’s political trajectory. He also briefed participants on recent regional developments and the evolving geopolitical dynamics shaping the Horn of Africa. During an extensive question-and-answer session, the foreign minister emphasized that peace, stability, and security remain central to Ethiopia’s national vision and are critical to ensuring sustainable prosperity for both Ethiopia and the wider region. “Peace, stability, and security are the cornerstones of Ethiopia’s vision and essential foundations for advancing all-round prosperity for both Ethiopia and the wider region,” Gedion emphasized. Earlier in the day, an Ethiopian delegation led by Gedion—including Macroeconomic Advisor to the Prime Minister Girma Birru and Director General of the National Intelligence and Security Service Redwan Hussein—held discussions with senior U.S. officials. As part of the visit, Gedion also met with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio to discuss ways of strengthening the longstanding bilateral relationship between Ethiopia and the United States, while addressing regional issues of mutual interest. Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to deepening cooperation and advancing a stronger strategic partnership between the two countries.

United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres has called for urgent reforms to global climate financing. The secretary-general warned that Africa is bearing the harshest consequences of climate change despite contributing the least to global emissions. Speaking at the Africa Forward Summit in Nairobi, Kenya, Guterres said African nations are facing devastating climate-related challenges, including prolonged droughts, severe flooding, food insecurity, and economic instability. The summit, co-hosted by Kenyan President William Ruto and French President Emmanuel Macron, brought together African leaders, global investors, and development partners to discuss sustainable growth and climate resilience across the continent.   During discussions on green industrialization and energy transition, Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed highlighted Ethiopia’s growing role in renewable energy development and sustainable industrialization. He said Ethiopia continues to play a major role in advancing Africa’s green growth agenda. Guterres urged wealthy nations and international financial institutions to overhaul existing climate funding systems and deliver meaningful support to vulnerable countries.   He stressed that Africa contributes less than four percent of global greenhouse gas emissions but continues to suffer disproportionately from climate disasters. Meanwhile, French President Macron announced a 27 billion USD investment package aimed at supporting Africa’s energy transition, artificial intelligence, maritime infrastructure, and agricultural modernization.   Guterres warned that without immediate action and stronger financial commitments, millions of lives and livelihoods across Africa remain at risk as the climate crisis deepens.

Addis Ababa, May 12, 2026 —The Ministry of Finance today convened a high-level meeting of the Development Partners Group (DPG) Heads of Agencies to deliberate on Ethiopia’s accession to the World Trade Organization (WTO) and the implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), underscoring the country’s deepening commitment to global and regional economic integration. Opening the session, State Minister Semereta Sewasew underscored that WTO accession is firmly embedded within the government’s Homegrown Economic Reform Agenda 2, strengthening Ethiopia’s position in international trade negotiations and enhancing its integration into global value chains.   Trade and Regional Integration Minister, Kassahun Gofe, emphasized that trade integration is a strategic pathway to achieving national development objectives, attracting foreign direct investment, and creating job opportunities for Ethiopia’s youth. He highlighted the "sustained momentum" of the WTO accession process, which has transitioned from a 23-year slow-moving process into an advanced stage, with a clear target to complete the accession by the end of 2026.   The meeting highlighted notable strides in Ethiopia’s dual-track trade integration efforts. Over the past year alone, Ethiopia has made remarkable progress with the WTO, hosting three Working Party meetings, culminating in the pivotal 7th meeting in Geneva in April 2024, it was learned. Bilateral negotiations have advanced significantly, with agreements reached with nine out of seventeen members to date. Meanwhile, it was noted that Ethiopia has officially launched shipments under the AfCFTA framework in October 2025, opening trade channels to Kenya, Somalia, and South Africa. This move grants access to a combined market of over 1.4 billion people, bolstering Ethiopia’s export potential. In addition, Kassahun told development partners that the government has taken steps to strengthen institutional support by establishing the Fund and Project Coordination Office (FPCO) within his ministry. This dedicated unit serves as a centralized platform for trade initiatives, promoting transparency, accountability, and better coordination of partner funding with national priorities, he added.   He also called on development partners to collaborate closely with the Ministry in addressing constraints faced by private sector actors. He reaffirmed the government’s full commitment to advancing WTO accession and accelerating the effective implementation of the AfCFTA, according to the Face Book of Ministry of Finance. Representatives from the World Bank, Germany, and UNCTAD commended Ethiopia’s progress. The World Bank praised the country’s economic reforms, Germany highlighted support for customs and SMEs, and UNCTAD emphasized efforts to enhance Ethiopia’s manufacturing capacity, particularly in agro-processing and leather products.

Addis Ababa, May 12, 2026 —Ethiopia and Cyprus have expressed commitment to deepen cooperation across multiple sectors following their first-ever bilateral political consultations launched in Addis Ababa on Tuesday. The meeting, hosted at Ethiopia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, marked a new phase in relations aimed at elevating diplomatic and economic engagement between the two countries. Opening the talks, Ambassador Mulie Tarekegn, Deputy Director General for European and American Affairs said the consultations reflect a shared commitment to strengthening ties built on mutual respect, friendship, and expanding cooperation at both bilateral and multilateral levels.   He noted that recent high-level exchanges, including the 2025 visit of Cyprus Foreign Minister Constantinos Kombos, helped reinvigorate momentum in relations. He also highlighted Cyprus’s support for efforts to ease European Union visa measures affecting Ethiopia. On economic cooperation, he stressed that while trade remains limited, both countries see significant untapped potential in sectors such as agriculture, manufacturing, ICT, mining, tourism, energy, and logistics. Cyprus currently has a growing presence in Ethiopia, particularly in pharmaceuticals, and both sides agreed on the need to expand trade and investment flows.   The talks also underscored shared positions on global issues, including climate change, migration, counterterrorism, and international peace and security. Ethiopia’s flagship environmental initiative, the Green Legacy Initiative, and its upcoming role as host of COP32 were highlighted as areas for potential cooperation. For Cyprus, Head of the African Department at its Foreign Ministry, Stelios Makriyiannis, described the consultations as a milestone in bilateral relations, noting intensified diplomatic engagement in recent months, including visits and high-level meetings in Addis Ababa. He said the new dialogue framework will focus on implementing existing agreements, particularly in education and higher education—as well as exploring fresh opportunities in investment, trade, agriculture, tourism, and cultural exchange.   Makriyiannis also pointed to the strategic importance of Ethiopia–EU relations and ongoing progress in easing visa restrictions, adding that Cyprus supported efforts to lift remaining EU visa measures on Ethiopia during its presidency of the Council of the European Union. Both sides emphasized that the consultations mark the beginning of a more structured and forward-looking partnership, with a shared commitment to deepening political dialogue and expanding cooperation in a changing global landscape.

Addis Ababa, May 12, 2026 —Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, at the Africa Forward Summit held in Nairobi, highlighted Ethiopia’s growing role in advancing green industrialization and the global energy transition. The summit, co-hosted by Kenyan President William Ruto and French President Emmanuel Macron, brought together leaders to discuss sustainable development pathways across Africa. During a session focused on green industrialization and energy transition, Prime Minister Abiy shared Ethiopia’s experiences and policy direction in these sectors.   He emphasized that Ethiopia is actively contributing to Africa’s broader efforts in clean energy development and sustainable industrial growth. He also noted that Ethiopia continues to play a significant role in shaping and advancing both green industrialization and energy transition agendas on the continent. More than 2,000 participants are attending at the event, including representatives from the European Union, African Union, global financial institutions, and development banks.   The summit is focused on addressing shared challenges while creating new opportunities for innovation-driven growth, with a strong emphasis on amplifying the voices of Africa’s young leaders and shaping the continent’s future.

Addis Ababa, May 12, 2026 —Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed arrived in Nairobi early this morning to attend the Africa Forward Summit, a major gathering aimed at strengthening partnerships between African nations and France on various spheres. Co-hosted by Kenya and France on May 11–12, the summit brings together heads of state and government officials from France and dozens of African countries, alongside business leaders, civil society representatives, youth leaders, and international institutions.   More than 2,000 participants are expected at the event, including representatives from the European Union, African Union, global financial institutions, and development banks.   The summit is focused on addressing shared challenges while creating new opportunities for innovation-driven growth, with a strong emphasis on amplifying the voices of Africa’s young leaders and shaping the continent’s future.

Addis Ababa, May 12, 2026 —Ethiopia and the United States held high-level bilateral consultations in Washington, D.C. on Monday, reaffirming their commitment to strengthening longstanding ties and expanding cooperation on key strategic priorities. The Ethiopian delegation, led by Foreign Minister Gedeon Timothewos and comprising Macroeconomic Advisor to the Prime Minister, Ambassador Girma Birru and Director General of National Intelligence and Security Service (NISS), Ambassador Redwan Hussein, held discussions with their counterparts from the United States.   The delegation met with senior officials from the United States Department of State and other U.S. counterparts. The structured dialogue centered on three major areas of cooperation: boosting economic growth through trade and investment, enhancing defense and security collaboration, and advancing efforts to promote regional peace and stability. Officials from both countries emphasized the importance of maintaining strong diplomatic engagement and deepening cooperation on issues of mutual interest, ENA learned.   The newly established bilateral consultation framework is expected to provide a more consistent platform for dialogue and help strengthen the long-standing partnership between Ethiopia and the United States.

Addis Ababa, May 11, 2026 —The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has praised Ethiopia for making strong progress in its ambitious economic reform efforts despite ongoing global economic pressures. Earlier today, Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed met with IMF Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva to discuss Ethiopia’s economic progress, partnership, and shared priorities. After the meeting, Prime Minister Abiy shared that the discussion focused on Ethiopia’s reform journey and areas of cooperation with the IMF. “We exchanged views on economic progress, partnership, and shared priorities,” he said in a social media post. Speaking on Ethiopia’s reform efforts, Georgieva acknowledged the country’s resilience in navigating difficult global conditions. “At a difficult time, Ethiopia is making impressive progress on an ambitious economic reform program,” she said. She also reaffirmed the IMF’s continued backing for Ethiopia’s economic transformation. “I reaffirmed the Fund’s strong support for that effort and overall commitment to Ethiopia and the region,” Georgieva added. Ethiopia has been pursuing broad economic reforms aimed at stabilizing the economy, attracting investment, and creating sustainable growth, with continued support from the International Monetary Fund.  

Addis Ababa, May 11, 2026 — Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed announced that he held discussions with International Monetary Fund (IMF) Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva on Ethiopia’s economic progress, partnership, and shared priorities. “We exchanged views on economic progress, partnership, and shared priorities,” the Prime Minister stated in a social media post following the meeting. PM Abiy also expressed appreciation for the discussions held with the IMF chief, noting that he was “grateful for the insightful conversation and continued engagement.”

Addis Ababa, May 10, 2026 —More than 57 billion Birr worth of marketing arrangements were made at the 4th “Made in Ethiopia” Expo 2026 held at the Addis International Convention Center (AICC) early last week, according to Industry Minister Melaku Alebel. The closing ceremony of the expo was held at the end of the week in the presence of Deputy Prime Minister Temesgen Tiruneh and senior government officials. Speaking during the occasion, the industry minister said Ethiopia’s self-sufficiency is a matter of survival and sovereignty. According to him, leveraging artificial intelligence for productivity and innovation is the key to the future. More than 350 industries participated in all the five sectors, in which start-ups were also made to participate in order to encourage them. Some 20 start-ups displayed their products at the expo, he added. According to him, 22 industries displayed innovative products for display. More than 12 thousand marketing had been made between manufacturers. Over 57 billion Birr of marketing agreements were made between 16 government institutions and manufacturing industries, it was learned. The Minister noted that the expo is a showcase of the government’s attention to the manufacturing sector. He further stated that the expo showed Ethiopian manufacturers needed to join African markets, and a decision was made to improve financial access for actors in the sector.

Addis Ababa, May 10, 2026 —For many African digital creators visiting Ethiopia this week, the trip has been more than just attending a summit—it has been an emotional connection to history, culture, and a sense of shared African identity. During their stay in Ethiopia for an African social media influencers summit, several content creators from across the continent spoke passionately about their experiences, describing the country as a place of deep historical significance, extraordinary hospitality, and cultural richness. Tanzanian digital creator, zerobrainer0 said Ethiopia left a lasting impression on him, calling it a country he deeply admires. “Ethiopia is a good country. I love it from the bottom of my heart. It is wonderful and amazing,” he said. Beyond its landscapes and historical sites, zerobrainer0 highlighted what stood out most to him, the warmth of Ethiopian people. He described the country as a powerful symbol of African identity and unity, referring to Ethiopia as the “motherland of Africans.” According to him, Ethiopia represents a shared origin story for many Africans and serves as a reminder of the continent’s rich legacy. He also urged fellow African creators to take digital storytelling seriously and use their platforms to elevate Africa’s global voice. “We need to start now,” he said, encouraging creators not to delay building their digital presence and influence. Somali digital content creator Mr Abdifatah echoed similar sentiments, praising Ethiopia’s cultural heritage and strong sense of community. “Ethiopia is a beautiful country and its people have good hearts. They support each other,” he said. He pointed to Ethiopia’s unique place in African history, noting its long-standing independence and resilience. For Abdifatah, Ethiopia’s ability to preserve its culture, traditions, and identity while navigating historical challenges makes it especially remarkable. He also praised the African social media influencers summit for creating opportunities for collaboration among creators from different countries. The event, he said, allows digital storytellers, tech innovators, and content creators to build relationships, exchange ideas, and strengthen Africa’s growing digital ecosystem. “Africa is now surprising. We are so happy to be in Africa,” he said. The creators said their experience in Ethiopia sends a broader message to the world—that Africa is diverse, vibrant, innovative, and deeply connected through culture and shared aspirations. As Africa’s digital economy continues to expand, they believe creators have an increasingly important role in shaping global narratives about the continent and Ethiopia, they said, is helping lead that conversation through its hospitality and cultural pride.

Addis Ababa, May 10, 2026 —Ethiopian Member of Parliament Mohammed Al-Arousi has said Ethiopia’s pursuit of access to a seaport is a peaceful strategic priority driven by economic necessity, regional integration, and long-term national security concerns. He further stressed that this approach has become a necessity amid ongoing geopolitical and economic challenges. In an exclusive interview with the Ethiopian News Agency, Al-Arousi said Ethiopia’s continued dependence on neighboring countries’ ports leaves more than 130 million citizens vulnerable to political and economic disruptions beyond their control. “Ethiopia’s lack of direct maritime access represents a major strategic challenge that requires solutions based on dialogue and mutual understanding,” he said. According to the MP, “Any solution should advance shared interests and strengthen regional stability.” Ethiopia became landlocked following Eritrea’s independence in 1993, losing direct access to the Red Sea through key ports such as Port of Assab and Port of Massawa. Since then, more than 90 percent of Ethiopia’s international trade has relied on Port of Djibouti, creating significant dependence on a single trade corridor. As Africa’s second-most populous country and one of the continent’s fastest-growing economies in recent decades, Ethiopia argues that relying heavily on one port increases transportation costs, limits trade flexibility, and creates national security vulnerabilities. Al-Arousi also pointed to growing instability in global maritime corridors, including the Strait of Hormuz, saying such tensions highlight the importance of securing diversified trade and energy routes. “Ethiopia’s fate should not remain dependent on external factors,” he said. He emphasized that Ethiopia’s position is firmly rooted in diplomacy and regional cooperation, stressing that the country has neither pursued nor intends to pursue military means to gain sea access. According to Al-Arousi, Ethiopia’s strategy is based on regional integration and mutual benefit, including exploring innovative partnerships with neighboring countries through economic cooperation and shared development initiatives. He said improved maritime access could lower import and export costs, diversify logistics routes, strengthen Ethiopia’s negotiating power, and support key sectors such as manufacturing, agriculture, and energy. However, he acknowledged that the issue remains highly sensitive in the Horn of Africa, where competing interests involve countries such as Somalia, Eritrea, and Djibouti, alongside global powers with strategic interests in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden. He warned that mischaracterizing Ethiopia’s position as a threat could inflame tensions and damage regional relationships. “Some actors are attempting to distort Ethiopia’s intentions and create unnecessary tensions among the peoples of the region,” he said. Al-Arousi reiterated that Ethiopia views the stability of neighboring countries as closely linked to its own security and prosperity, highlighting the importance of stronger cooperation with Djibouti and Somalia to advance regional development. He concluded by calling for constructive and responsible dialogue on Ethiopia’s maritime ambitions, urging regional stakeholders to move away from hostile rhetoric and focus on long-term peace, economic cooperation, and stability across the Horn of Africa.

Addis Ababa, May 9, 2026 —Ethiopia’s capital is becoming a powerful symbol of Africa’s transformation, helping to challenge long-standing stereotypes and reshape global perceptions of the continent, African Social Media Influencers said Participants at the African Social Media Influencers Summit (ASMIS 2026) in Addis Ababa emphasized that Addis Ababa reflects a new African reality marked by modern infrastructure, rapid urban development, improved security, and a growing creative economy. In an exclusive interview with ENA, Liberian influencer Isaac S E Warrak, popularly known as Young15, said his visit to Addis Ababa had significantly changed his perception of Africa’s development. “Since I came to Ethiopia, especially Addis Ababa, I have seen that Africa is really improving,” he said. He noted that the city’s modern roads, clean environment, green public spaces, and strong sense of security sharply contrast with outdated global narratives about Africa. “The narrative people have about Africa is completely different from what I am seeing here,” he added. Young15 said the content he shared from Addis Ababa generated strong engagement from international audiences, many of whom expressed surprise at the city’s level of development. “Most of the comments are like, ‘Wow, we didn’t know Africa is this beautiful,’” he said. He stressed that when creators from different countries share similar experiences from Addis Ababa, it strengthens credibility and helps reshape global perceptions of the continent. “When people see the same thing from many influencers from different countries, they will know this is not AI. Africa is really rising,” he said. According to him, Africa is increasingly emerging as a destination for tourism, investment, and long-term residence, with Addis Ababa standing out as one of the continent’s leading examples of urban progress. Another participant, Nigerian political satirical comedian KevinBlac, popularly known as Governor Amuneke, said hosting the summit in Addis Ababa demonstrates the city’s growing role as a center for African unity, culture, and creative collaboration. “This is amazing to witness, bringing African creators together in Addis Ababa,” he said. “It should not be a one-time event. It should happen every year, in different countries, to strengthen African collaboration.” He added that Addis Ababa offers a strong platform for showcasing Africa’s cultural richness and development, while encouraging greater cooperation among creators across the continent. Also speaking at the summit, Nigerian content creator and digital strategist Brain Jotter said African influencers have a responsibility to challenge outdated narratives and present the continent more accurately to the world. “There is a very positive change in that dark narrative about Africa,” he said. “Influencers are already projecting Africa exactly as it is.” Brain Jotter, who has more than 34 million followers across social media platforms, said digital platforms and artificial intelligence are helping creators produce high-quality content more efficiently and at lower cost, enabling them to reach wider global audiences. “AI has been extremely helpful in advancing creativity and reducing limitations,” he said. He noted that while artificial intelligence can be misused to spread misinformation, it also provides powerful opportunities for responsible storytelling when used properly.

Addis Ababa, May 9, 2026 — The Ethiopian Agricultural Transformation Institute has recognized its development partners for their contributions to transforming Ethiopia’s agriculture sector over the past 15 years. At a recognition dinner held Thursday at the Ethiopian Skylight Hotel, government officials, international partners, and farmers gathered to reflect on years of collaboration that have helped improve agricultural productivity and rural livelihoods across the country. Speaking at the event, Semereta Sewasew said Ethiopia’s agricultural progress has been driven by partnerships built on more than just financial support.   “Your contributions have gone beyond financing by strengthening institutions, fostering innovation, and advancing sustainable and inclusive growth for millions of Ethiopians,” she said. She added that agriculture continues to play a vital role in Ethiopia’s economy, supporting livelihoods, strengthening food security, creating jobs, and boosting exports. ATI Director General Mandefro Nigussie said the institute’s achievements would not have been possible without consistent support from development partners.   According to him, ATI has reached nearly five million smallholder farmers and launched more than 60 innovative projects aimed at improving Ethiopia’s food systems and agricultural value chains. The event also featured an exhibition highlighting farmers whose lives have improved through ATI-led initiatives. During the ceremony, ATI awarded recognition certificates to 14 development partners for their role in supporting Ethiopia’s agricultural transformation efforts.   Seven organizations received special recognition for what ATI described as exceptional contributions, including the World Bank, Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, Mastercard Foundation, the embassies of Denmark and Netherlands, Agence Française de Développement, and Global Energy Alliance for People and Planet. Closing the event, Semereta said Ethiopia still faces challenges including climate change and market uncertainty, but stressed the importance of continued collaboration to ensure sustainable growth and better livelihoods for farmers. Formerly known as the Agricultural Transformation Agency, ATI works to accelerate agricultural growth while improving the income and resilience of smallholder farmers across Ethiopia.