By Staff Writer Sept. 27, 2026 (ENA) Ethiopia’s diplomacy is entering a new era—less confined to traditional political relations and increasingly driven by economic interests, strategic partnerships and a wider global footprint. Over the past eight years, Ethiopia has significantly broadened the arenas in which it engages the world. From Addis Ababa’s role as the diplomatic capital of Africa to its entry into BRICS, from the Pretoria peace process to the Ankara Declaration, from renewed WTO negotiations to a seat on the UN Human Rights Council, Ethiopia has expanded the platforms through which it seeks to shape regional and international affairs. The story is not about one diplomatic breakthrough. It is about the widening of Ethiopia’s diplomatic space. From Addis Ababa to BRICS One of the clearest symbols of this expansion is Ethiopia’s entry into BRICS. At the Johannesburg Summit in August 2023, BRICS leaders invited Ethiopia to become a full member, with membership taking effect on January 1, 2024. For Addis Ababa, BRICS opened another channel to engage major emerging economies and participate in discussions spanning politics and security, economic and financial cooperation, and people-to-people relations. More importantly, the move reflected a broader diplomatic strategy: diversification. Ethiopia has sought to deepen relations simultaneously with African partners, emerging economies, Western countries, Gulf states and Asian powers rather than allowing its international engagement to depend on a narrow circle of partners. Diplomacy With an Economic Purpose Perhaps the most important change has been the growing weight of economic diplomacy. Foreign policy is increasingly being connected to investment, trade, tourism, technology, infrastructure and market access. Diplomatic missions are expected not only to represent Ethiopia politically, but also to help connect the country with capital, markets and commercial opportunities. That shift mirrors Ethiopia’s own economic transformation. As the country seeks greater export capacity, investment and industrial development, diplomacy increasingly becomes an economic instrument. The embassy is no longer only a political bridge; it is increasingly part of the economic bridge. Regional Diplomacy Under Strategic Pressure Ethiopia’s geographic position makes regional diplomacy unavoidable. The country sits at the intersection of the Horn of Africa, the Nile Basin and the Red Sea, where security, trade, migration, infrastructure and political interests overlap. The Ankara Declaration with Somalia in December 2024 demonstrated the role of dialogue in addressing difficult regional questions. Ethiopia and Somalia reaffirmed respect for each other’s sovereignty, unity, independence and territorial integrity and agreed to pursue cooperation toward shared prosperity. The significance extends beyond one declaration. It illustrates Ethiopia’s attempt to keep contentious regional questions within diplomatic channels while pursuing its strategic and economic interests. From Conflict Management to African Diplomacy Pretoria put Ethiopia at the center of one of Africa’s most consequential peace efforts. But even under the scrutiny of African and international mediators, the TPLF repeatedly came under fire for actions that threatened to undermine the commitments of the agreement—exposing the difficult path from a signed peace deal to durable stability. The broader lesson is that Ethiopia’s diplomatic weight is not derived only from its size or geographic position. It also comes from its role in continental institutions. Addis Ababa hosts the African Union headquarters, making the city a permanent meeting point for African leaders, diplomats and international organizations. That institutional position gives Ethiopia a distinctive platform from which to engage debates on peace, security, development and continental integration. A Seat at the Global Table Ethiopia’s election to the UN Human Rights Council for the 2025–2027 term further expanded its multilateral presence. The UN General Assembly elected Ethiopia among 18 members on October 9, 2024; the Council consists of 47 states. Such positions provide Ethiopia with additional opportunities to participate directly in international policymaking and multilateral diplomacy. The significance is therefore not simply symbolic. Representation creates another diplomatic channel through which Ethiopia can present its positions, negotiate interests and participate in shaping international discussions. The WTO Door Is Opening Wider Ethiopia’s long-running WTO accession process has also regained momentum. The WTO said in September 2025 that the process had entered a “decisive phase.” By April 2026, the organization described the negotiations as having reached a “decisive juncture,” with Ethiopia reporting further domestic reforms and continued engagement with WTO members. The accession process matters because it connects diplomacy directly to the structure of Ethiopia’s economy. Joining the multilateral trading system would deepen Ethiopia’s engagement with global markets while requiring continued reforms to trade-related institutions and regulations. In this sense, WTO diplomacy is not simply about Geneva.It is about transforming how Ethiopia trades with the world. The Red Sea Enters the Diplomatic Equation Few issues demonstrate the changing character of Ethiopian diplomacy more clearly than the Red Sea. For a landlocked country whose economy depends heavily on maritime trade, developments around the Red Sea and Bab el-Mandeb have direct economic and strategic consequences. Maritime connectivity has consequently moved higher on Ethiopia’s diplomatic agenda. The issue intersects with trade, logistics, regional security and economic integration, bringing Ethiopia into discussions that extend well beyond its borders. The Red Sea question therefore illustrates the central feature of Ethiopia’s evolving diplomacy: national economic interests and regional strategy are becoming increasingly intertwined. A Wider Circle of Partners Ethiopia’s engagement with China, India, Russia, the United States, European countries and Gulf states has developed alongside its relationships with African neighbors and its participation in BRICS. The objective is not necessarily to choose one geopolitical camp. It is to expand Ethiopia’s room for diplomatic and economic engagement. That wider network gives Addis Ababa more channels for cooperation in investment, infrastructure, trade, technology, security and development. The result is a foreign policy increasingly built around multiple partnerships rather than a single diplomatic axis. The Real Test Begins Now Yet diplomatic expansion is not an end in itself. The coming years will determine whether Ethiopia can convert diplomatic access into concrete economic opportunities, stronger regional connectivity, expanded investment, deeper trade and durable partnerships. Memberships, declarations, elections and summits create platforms. What matters next is what Ethiopia builds on those platforms. The past eight years have nevertheless marked a notable expansion of Ethiopia’s diplomatic reach. BRICS has opened another global platform. The Human Rights Council has strengthened its multilateral presence. Pretoria demonstrated the potential of African-led diplomacy. Ankara created a framework for renewed engagement with Somalia. WTO negotiations have gained fresh momentum. Economic diplomacy has become increasingly central to foreign policy, while the Red Sea has emerged as a strategic priority. Consequently, these developments point to a broader transformation. Ethiopia is no longer approaching diplomacy simply as a means of maintaining relationships. It is increasingly using diplomacy to pursue markets, partnerships, connectivity, security and national development. From the African Union headquarters in Addis Ababa to the BRICS table, from regional peace initiatives to global trade negotiations, Ethiopia’s diplomatic map has expanded considerably. The next chapter will be defined not by how many doors Ethiopia has opened, but by how effectively it turns those openings into lasting national and regional gains.

By Neway Abay S. Ethiopia has never truly been a stranger to the Red Sea. Long before modern borders redrew the map of the Horn of Africa, Ethiopian civilization was connected to the Red Sea through trade, diplomacy and coastal gateways linking the highlands with Arabia, the Mediterranean and the wider Indian Ocean world. That historic connection was eventually severed. But geography was not. Today, Ethiopia is a country of more than 130 million people, one of Africa’s largest economies and a major economic center in the Horn of Africa—yet it remains without a coastline. For decades, its international trade has depended heavily on neighboring ports, particularly Djibouti. The World Bank continues to describe Djibouti as Ethiopia’s primary maritime gateway, while recent assessments underline how disruptions along the corridor can translate directly into higher logistics costs and economic pressure inside Ethiopia. That reality has turned maritime access from a historical question into a contemporary economic, security and strategic one. Geography Cannot Be Negotiated Away Ethiopia’s loss of direct access to the sea did not erase its geographic position. The country remains at the center of the Horn of Africa, immediately adjoining one of the world’s most consequential maritime regions. The Red Sea, Gulf of Aden and Bab el-Mandeb connect Africa with the Middle East, Asia and Europe and disruptions there can reverberate through global trade, energy markets and supply chains. For Ethiopia, the consequences are particularly direct.   A landlocked economy of this scale cannot treat maritime connectivity as a peripheral concern. Every container entering or leaving the country ultimately depends on a corridor connecting the interior to the coast. The current system has created an important economic relationship with Djibouti, but it has also exposed the structural vulnerability of relying overwhelmingly on a single maritime gateway. The Addis-Djibouti corridor remains vital to Ethiopian trade, while the World Bank notes that disruptions and inefficiencies along the wider logistics chain can affect businesses and consumers. The question, therefore, is no longer whether Ethiopia is interested in the sea. It is how a country of Ethiopia’s demographic and economic weight can build reliable, diversified and sustainable maritime connectivity. Most importantly, the rapidly shifting political and military dynamics in the Red Sea and Horn of Africa have made sovereign sea access not merely desirable for Ethiopia, but increasingly unavoidable. The Red Sea Is No Longer Just a Trade Route The strategic importance of the Red Sea has become impossible to ignore. The Bab el-Mandeb is a critical maritime chokepoint. Recent disruptions have demonstrated how quickly insecurity at sea can become an economic problem on land, raising freight costs, extending shipping times and disrupting supply chains. UN Trade and Development has recently warned that renewed disruptions around Bab el-Mandeb are creating longer routes, higher fuel consumption, greater costs and additional pressure on global trade. For Ethiopia, this creates a striking paradox. Although the country has no coastline, instability along the Red Sea can affect its economy directly.   Ethiopia therefore has a substantial stake in the security of a maritime space in which it currently has limited direct presence. This is why the Red Sea question cannot be reduced to the search for a port. It is about connectivity, economic security and regional stability. From a Port to a Corridor Ethiopia’s maritime ambition makes greater sense when viewed not as a search for a single coastal facility, but as part of a much larger economic corridor. A functioning maritime connection would link the coast to Ethiopia’s roads, railways, dry ports, industrial parks, agricultural production centers and consumer markets. The objective would not simply be to move containers andiIt would be to move an economy. That distinction matters. A port without an efficient inland network is only a point on a map. A port connected to production, manufacturing, agriculture and regional markets becomes an engine of economic integration. Ethiopia’s experience with the Djibouti corridor already demonstrates the importance of this wider system. The World Bank’s recent work on Modjo Dry Port, for example, highlights how improvements in inland logistics can reduce processing delays and strengthen Ethiopia’s links to international markets. The next stage of Ethiopia’s maritime thinking can therefore be understood as the search for multiple corridors, multiple gateways and greater resilience. Economic Security Is Maritime Security The Red Sea has also exposed another reality: maritime security and economic security are increasingly inseparable. When shipping routes are threatened, insurance costs rise. When vessels divert around dangerous waters, delivery times increase. When freight costs rise, the consequences eventually reach factories, farmers, traders and households far from the coastline.   Ethiopia does not need to be a coastal country to experience these consequences. Indeed, its landlocked position makes reliable maritime access even more important. A diversified maritime strategy could give Ethiopia greater resilience against disruptions while creating additional opportunities for trade, investment and industrial development. It could also strengthen the economic interests that Ethiopia shares with its coastal neighbors. A Return to the Sea Need Not Mean a Return to Rivalry There is another dimension to Ethiopia’s maritime question that deserves greater attention. Access to the sea does not necessarily have to become another source of regional competition. It can become an instrument of regional integration. A port serving Ethiopian trade can generate business for a coastal state. A road or railway linking the interior to the coast can connect multiple economies. Industrial and logistics zones can create jobs and investment on both sides of a border. In that sense, Ethiopia’s maritime aspirations can be framed not simply as a national demand, but as part of a broader Horn of Africa economic equation. The region has spent decades treating geography as a source of strategic rivalry. It can also treat geography as an opportunity for integration. Ethiopia’s Maritime Question Is Growing, Not Fading Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed has repeatedly underscored that Ethiopia’s desire for sea access in terms of geography, economic necessity, dialogue and mutually beneficial cooperation rather than military expansion. The Ethiopian government has stated that the country’s demographic and economic scale makes dependable maritime connectivity an important national interest. That argument sits within a broader reality. Ethiopia is not the same country it was three decades ago. Its population and economy have expanded. Its trade ambitions have grown. Its industrial and agricultural production is becoming more integrated with international markets. And its exposure to disruptions along global shipping routes is increasing. The maritime question will therefore become more—not less—important as Ethiopia’s economy expands. The revival of attention to maritime affairs, including the re-establishment of the Ethiopian Navy in 2018, reflects this broader strategic shift. But the ultimate objective need not be the projection of power. It can be the protection of economic interests, participation in regional maritime security and the creation of durable commercial links between the Ethiopian interior and the global economy. The Geography of the Future The central fact remains remarkably simple: Ethiopia’s landlocked status is a historical tragedy shaped by external forces and political decisions made during a turbulent period—decisions that profoundly altered the country’s relationship with the sea. Yet the giant nation has never truly been disconnected from the Red Sea. Its economy depends on maritime trade. Its security environment is shaped by the Red Sea and Bab el-Mandeb. Its geographic position places it at the heart of the Horn of Africa. And its growing population and economy make dependable access to international trade routes increasingly consequential. The challenge, therefore, is not to recreate history exactly as it was. It is to build a new relationship with the sea suited to the realities of the 21st century. That means ports—but also corridors. It means trade—but also security. It means national interest—but also regional cooperation.   And above all, it means recognizing that the Red Sea is not a distant body of water separated from Ethiopia by political boundaries. It is part of the strategic geography in which Ethiopia’s future is being shaped. For a country whose civilization has been connected to the Red Sea for centuries, the renewed search for maritime connectivity is not simply a journey backward into history. It is Ethiopia looking toward the future and back toward the sea.

Addis Ababa, September 26, 2026 (ENA) —Ethiopia’s BRICS membership is opening new opportunities across various sectors, Senior Researcher at the Foreign Affairs Institute (FAI) Himanot Eshetu told ENA. Himanot emphasized that Ethiopia’s BRICS membership is gaining momentum, creating greater leverage to strengthen economic partnerships, attract investment, diversify development financing, and advance its national interests globally. Ethiopia's active engagement with major emerging economies, coupled with its participation in high-level discussions concerning global economic and geopolitical issues, renders its BRICS membership profoundly strategic, she added. “BRICS is not just an economic grouping. Especially for Ethiopia, it is an additional platform for diplomatic engagement,” she said. The platform also enables Ethiopia to advance its national interests while championing African priorities across critical sectors, including global finance, technology, trade, sustainable development, and security. A major advantage of this membership is access to the BRICS New Development Bank (NDB), which Himanot noted will significantly expand funding for infrastructure and sustainable development.   The country can successfully diversify its development finance sources as the bank’s financing goals align closely with Ethiopia's national needs. “If we have more sources of finance, Ethiopia will get an opportunity and flexibility to implement its development priorities,” she said, emphasizing that NDB funding is meant to complement, rather than replace, existing partnerships. Since joining the bloc in 2024, Ethiopia has actively engaged in BRICS initiatives, ranging from heads of state summits and ministerial meetings to expert-level discussions and working groups. Beyond finance, Himanot highlighted the potential to connect with major emerging markets, expanding trade and investment horizons. To capitalize on these prospects, she stressed the importance of promoting competitive domestic sectors, such as agriculture, agro-processing, textile manufacturing, energy, tourism, and mining. Furthermore, the platform offers an avenue to deepen economic cooperation and advocate for the broader interests of the Global South. Ultimately, Himanot concluded, maximizing these benefits will require coordinated institutional engagement, a sharp focus on tangible economic outcomes, and proactive promotion of Ethiopia's trade and investment potential.

Addis Ababa, September 26, 2026 (ENA) —Ethiopia has reaffirmed its longstanding partnership with the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), increasing its contribution to the Fund’s 14th Replenishment (IFAD14) tenfold. President Taye Atske-Selassie made the commitment during a high-level gathering attended by African Heads of State and Government, United Nations Deputy Secretary-General Amina Mohammed and IFAD President Alvaro Lario. The renewal commitment came as Ethiopia steps up efforts to transform rural livelihoods and strengthen agricultural development. President Taye highlighted Ethiopia’s nearly five-decade partnership with IFAD, which has supported efforts to improve the livelihoods and resilience of millions of people across the country’s rural and pastoralist communities.   Through successive programmes, the partnership has reached nearly 10 million people, backed by 227 million USD in national contributions and approximately 1.2 billion USD in total co-financing. Demonstrating Ethiopia’s renewed commitment to the partnership, the government has increased its contribution to IFAD14 from 100,000 USD to 1 million USD, a tenfold increase. The move underscores Ethiopia’s continued focus on rural transformation, agricultural development and strengthening opportunities for rural and pastoralist communities, it was learned.

Addis Ababa, September 25, 2026 (ENA) —The newly launched Ethiopia-Djibouti petroleum products pipeline will transform fuel logistics by reducing reliance on tanker trucks, cutting transport costs, easing corridor congestion and accelerating fuel deliveries, Ethiopian Investment Holdings (EIH) CEO Brook Taye said. Ethiopia, Djibouti and the Dangote Group on Thursday announced plans to develop a 120-kilometre refined petroleum products pipeline linking Damerjog in Djibouti to Dewele in Ethiopia, with combined capacity of more than one million cubic metres. The project is being developed through a partnership between Ethiopian Investment Holdings and the Dangote Group.   The announcement was made in the presence of Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, Djibouti President Ismail Omar Guelleh and Dangote Group President Aliko Dangote. Ethiopian Investment Holdings CEO Brook told The Pulse of Africa that the planned 120-km petroleum pipeline will reduce reliance on tanker trucks, cut logistics costs, ease congestion and speed fuel delivery. The project is expected to improve Ethiopia’s competitiveness while strengthening the strategic Ethiopia-Djibouti trade corridor. The project is focused on finding a more efficient way of transporting refined petroleum products from Djibouti to Ethiopia. He said Ethiopia currently imports petroleum products through Djibouti, where vessels unload the products into storage depots before they are transported to Ethiopia by tanker trucks. According to Brook, the current system involves transporting petroleum products by road for about 750 kilometers, which he described as “the most inefficient way” of transporting the products. “The most efficient way of doing it would be pipeline,” Brook said, adding that pipeline transportation is safer, more secure and more competitive in terms of cost. He said the infrastructure would allow Ethiopia to transport what he described as its most expensive import in a more efficient way. Brook also pointed to the costs associated with delays at Djibouti's port under the current system. He said vessels can be delayed when tankers or storage facilities are not available, resulting in significant demurrage costs. “When the vessel arrives in Djibouti right now, the vessel will be stuck and will pay a huge amount of demurrage because the tankers are not there, the depot is not ready, or there are many different issues,” Brook said. He said the new infrastructure would allow vessels to unload their cargo immediately into the depot, after which the petroleum products could be transported through the pipeline toward Ethiopia. Brook said the system would also reduce the time required to move petroleum products from the arrival of a vessel in Djibouti to their delivery in Ethiopia. “This would enable us to be efficient, reduce the amount of time it would take from unloading the vessel all the way to get it to Ethiopia by a significant number of days,” he said.   Brook also highlighted the large number of trucks currently used to transport petroleum products along the Djibouti-Ethiopia corridor. He said around 35 percent of the trucks operating on the corridor are transporting petroleum products, amounting to more than 1,000 vehicles a day. According to Brook, this contributes to congestion and high carbon emissions along the corridor and is one of the reasons Ethiopia is seeking to shift petroleum transportation toward pipeline infrastructure. Brook said the project would provide both direct and indirect revenue and economic benefits. “There are two important revenue streams,” he said. “One is the direct income that will generate as a result of using the pipeline and the tank farm.” He said the second benefit would come from efficiency gains across the economy. Brook explained that companies using diesel, benzene and other petroleum products would benefit from lower costs and improved competitiveness as transportation becomes more efficient. He said Ethiopian Investment Holdings will participate in the investment as an equity partner alongside the Dangote Group and will represent the government's interests in the project.   The Ethiopian Investment Holdings CEO said the pipeline project is part of a broader effort to ensure that different products are matched with the most appropriate form of transportation. “The fundamental understanding now when it comes to logistics is unless otherwise you build the right type of infrastructure, unless otherwise you develop and match the product type with the right type of logistics and transportation model, your economy will lag and your competitiveness will be reduced,” Brook said.

By Henok Tadele Haile Sept. 25, 2026 (ENA) The Horn of Africa is on the cusp of a significant transformation, driven by a new 660 million USD infrastructure project. This project promises to revolutionize the way Ethiopia receives, stores, and distributes petroleum products. At the heart of this project is a 120-kilometer refined petroleum pipeline linking Damerjog in Djibouti with Dewele in Ethiopia. The project is expected to reduce the journey time for fuel from five days to just one day, significantly improving the efficiency of fuel distribution in the region. Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed noted: "Ethiopia, Djibouti and the Dangote Group will develop a 120-kilometer pipeline connecting Demerjog to Dewele with more than 1 million cubic meters of combined storage capacity at the two ends."   The storage infrastructure is substantial, with 375,000 cubic meters at Damerjog and 875,000 cubic meters at Dewele. Dr. Brook Taye, CEO of Ethiopian Investment Holdings, explained, "The Dewele depot will play a dual role - first, it gives Ethiopia a major strategic reserve within our borders capable of sustaining the country for months; second, because it connects directly with our railway line, fuel distribution will occur via rail in addition to trucks, significantly cutting transit friction and overall transport costs."   The project is a result of a partnership between Ethiopian Investment Holdings and the Dangote Group, with an estimated investment cost of USD 660 million. The partnership reflects a broader approach to using public assets and strategic investment to attract capital, technology, and management expertise. Aliko Dangote, the founder of the Dangote Group, has been a key player in this partnership, bringing his expertise and resources to the table. The economic interdependence between Ethiopia and Djibouti is growing, with Djibouti providing Ethiopia with its principal maritime gateway and strategic access to international trade routes.   This partnership is a prime example of how regional integration can create mutually beneficial opportunities for economic growth and development. The two countries are working together to create a more integrated and connected economy, with the pipeline project being a key component of this effort. At the inauguration speech, President Ismail Omar Guelleh of Djibouti emphasized the importance of regional integration, saying, "We are committed to working together with our Ethiopian counterparts to create a more integrated and connected economy. This pipeline project is a key component of this effort, and we believe it will have a significant impact on the regional economy."   He also noted: "The development of our infrastructure is crucial to our economic growth, and we are working tirelessly to create a more favorable business environment." President Guelleh also highlighted the potential benefits of the project, saying, "This pipeline will not only reduce the journey time for fuel, but it will also create new opportunities for trade, investment, and economic growth. We believe that this project will be a game-changer for our region, and we are committed to seeing it through to completion." The project will have a significant impact on the regional economy, creating new opportunities for trade, investment, and economic growth. According to Aliko Dangote's vision, infrastructure gaps limit industrial growth and discourage investments. However, he views these gaps as an opportunity to build the foundations for economic transformation. With infrastructure, industry can thrive, jobs are created, and prosperity flows. In conclusion, the 660 million USD petroleum project is a significant development that promises to transform the economic landscape of the Horn of Africa. The project will create a new economic geography, connecting Djibouti's maritime gateway with Ethiopia's inland economy, and demonstrate how infrastructure can turn regional integration into a business reality.   Key Benefits of the Project Key Benefits of the Project includes reduced journey time for fuel from five days to one day, improved efficiency of fuel distribution, increased storage capacity, with 1.25 million cubic meters of combined storage, creation of a multimodal supply chain, connecting ports, storage facilities, pipelines, railways, and markets and enhanced economic interdependence between Ethiopia and Djibouti. The project is expected to be completed within two years, and its success will depend on the ability of the partners to deliver on their commitments. As Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed said, "Announcements create expectations; delivery earns trust. We must now turn this commitment into a working pipeline." If delivered as planned, the project will have a lasting impact on the region, driving economic growth, and promoting regional integration. Future Prospects The project has the potential to create a new economic geography in the Horn of Africa, connecting Djibouti's maritime gateway with Ethiopia's inland economy. This will create new opportunities for trade, investment, and economic growth, and demonstrate how infrastructure can turn regional integration into a business reality. The success of the project will also depend on the ability of the partners to attract new investments, and to create a favorable business environment.   Regional Integration The project is part of a larger effort to promote regional integration in the Horn of Africa. The region has significant potential for economic growth, with a large and growing market, and abundant natural resources. However, the region also faces significant challenges, including infrastructure gaps, and limited economic diversification. The project will help to address these challenges, by creating a new economic geography, and promoting regional integration.

By Al-Aghbari (Djibouti) from POA On Thursday, in Djibouti's Damerjog Industrial Park, , Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, President Ismaïl Omar Guelleh and Aliko Dangote of the Nigerian billionaire laid the foundation of a 160 million USD fuel storage and pipeline project. This was not a groundbreaking. It was a declaration. Ethiopia and Djibouti are not neighbors who trade. They are partners bound by something deeper — an organic economic relationship inseparable from the survival and prosperity of both nations. No unfounded allegation, from any partial source, can undo what was sealed today. A Bond Written in Necessity More than 95% of Ethiopia's petroleum products pass through Djibouti. More than 70% of Djibouti's electricity flows from Ethiopia. In 2025 alone, 4.23 million metric tonnes of refined fuels crossed Djiboutian soil bound for Ethiopian markets. This is not commerce. It is symbiosis. When Djibouti's port breathes, Ethiopia's economy inhales. When Ethiopia's turbines turn, Djibouti's homes illuminate. Such a bond is not renegotiated at will. It is lived — daily, by millions on both sides of the border. What Was Laid Today Eighty hectares. 375,000 m³ of storage. 5 million tonnes of annual transit. A 120-kilometre pipeline carrying Jet A-1, Gasoil, and Essence from Damerjog to Dawanleh. It will complement road and rail, not replace them. It will cut corridor logistics costs by 10 to 30%. It will remove nearly 1,000 tanker journeys from the roads each day. It will spare the atmosphere 15,000 to 20,000 tonnes of CO₂ a year. It will create up to 1,200 direct jobs at peak construction, and 110 to 120 permanent ones after. These are not abstractions. They are the measurable pulse of a partnership that delivers. The Facts Outlast the Rumours There are voices — partial, ill-informed, or both — that whisper of imbalance, of dependency, of hidden designs. Their allegations collapse under the weight of the obvious. The benefits are not decreed from above. They are embraced below — by governments and populations alike. Visible in the fuel that reaches Ethiopian stations. In the current that lights Djiboutian homes. In the livelihoods created on both sides of the frontier. An organic bond is not severed by insinuation. It strengthens with every shipment, every project, every shared achievement. Today, it was strengthened again — in full view of the world. A Model, Not an Exception What Ethiopia and Djibouti are building is not merely a bilateral success. It is a template. At a moment when Africa is urged to deepen intra-continental trade and harden its supply chains, these two nations show what integration actually looks like when rooted in geography, necessity, and trust. Sovereignty and interdependence are not adversaries. National interest and regional cooperation can march together. Mutual benefit is not a slogan. It is a lived, measurable fact. The Stone That Answers Yesterday, three men laid a first stone. They did not simply inaugurate a project. They reaffirmed a bond. They answered — with deeds, not words — those who traffic in doubt. As President Guelleh declared: " Energy independence is the condition of every other independence. " This project is a brick in that sovereignty, transforming a shared vulnerability into a shared strength. The stone has spoken. Ethiopia and Djibouti are not merely neighbours. They are partners in destiny. Their ties are organic. Their gains are shared. Their future is one.

By Staff Writer As geopolitical and politico-military dynamics reshape the Horn of Africa and the Red Sea corridor, Ethiopia’s economic weight, strategic location and expanding regional engagement continue to make it a central actor in the region’s evolving balance. Ethiopia is undergoing a transformation that reaches far beyond economic growth. Across its economy, cities, digital infrastructure, environmental restoration, tourism, investment, energy and regional connectivity, the country is pursuing a broad development agenda aimed at reshaping its domestic foundations while expanding its role in the Horn of Africa and the wider continent. Under the leadership of Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, the government has placed economic reform, infrastructure development, digitalization, environmental restoration and regional integration at the heart of its development strategy. The transformation is unfolding against a complicated geopolitical backdrop. The Horn of Africa and the Red Sea corridor have become increasingly important arenas for global trade, maritime security, strategic competition and shifting political alignments. Conflicts and political transitions in neighboring countries, competition over strategic ports and shipping routes, and the growing involvement of external powers have further elevated the region's geopolitical importance. In that changing environment, Ethiopia’s sheer demographic and economic weight, geographic position and expanding infrastructure make its trajectory consequential well beyond its borders. The question is therefore not simply how rapidly Ethiopia is growing. It is how the country's economic transformation, technological modernization, environmental agenda and search for deeper regional connectivity could reshape its position in a strategically vital part of Africa. Growth as the Foundation of Transformation Ethiopia’s economic reform program has become one of the central pillars of this transformation. The government has pursued a series of macroeconomic and structural reforms under the Homegrown Economic Reform agenda, seeking to move the economy toward greater private-sector participation, stronger exports, increased investment and a more market-oriented system. The government projects economic growth of around 10.2 percent for the current Ethiopian fiscal year, placing Ethiopia among the world's fastest-growing economies. Behind the headline figure is a broader structural effort. Infrastructure investment, agriculture, manufacturing, services, trade and construction are increasingly interconnected within a development strategy designed to expand productive capacity and create new economic opportunities. The reform process has also sought to address longstanding macroeconomic challenges, including foreign-exchange shortages, inflationary pressures and limited private-sector participation. The significance of the reforms lies not only in short-term growth, but in the attempt to change the underlying architecture of the economy. Ethiopia is seeking to move from a predominantly state-led economic model toward one in which private investment, competition and market mechanisms play a larger role. This represents one of the most consequential economic shifts in the country's recent history. Cities as Engines of a New Ethiopia The transformation is perhaps most visible in Ethiopia’s cities. What began as a major corridor-development program in Addis Ababa has evolved into a broader urban-development drive extending to cities across the country. The initiative combines road and transport infrastructure with pedestrian corridors, public spaces, greenery, recreational facilities and other urban improvements. Addis Ababa has become the most visible expression of this transformation. The capital is simultaneously Ethiopia’s political center, a diplomatic hub hosting the African Union and numerous international institutions, and an increasingly important commercial and investment center. The broader objective is to create cities capable of supporting a rapidly growing population and an expanding economy. Urban development is consequently being treated not simply as beautification, but as an economic and social infrastructure strategy. The Digital Leap Another defining feature of Ethiopia’s transformation is the rapid expansion of its digital economy. For decades, many public and financial services depended heavily on physical documents, face-to-face transactions and cash. That is changing. Digital public services, mobile money, electronic payments and national digital identification are increasingly becoming part of everyday economic and administrative life. The government's Mesob one-stop digital service initiative represents this shift toward integrated public services, bringing multiple services together through digital platforms and expanding access beyond the capital. At the foundation of this emerging ecosystem is Fayda, Ethiopia’s national digital identification system. A reliable digital identity can support access to financial services, social protection, government services and a growing range of digital applications. Meanwhile, mobile-money adoption has expanded rapidly. More than 58 million Ethiopians are reported to be using mobile-money services, while digital payments have recorded significant increases. The importance of this transformation goes beyond convenience. Digitalization can reduce transaction costs, widen financial inclusion, improve access to government services and create new opportunities for businesses and citizens. For a country of Ethiopia’s size, that represents a potentially significant change in the relationship between the state, the economy and its citizens. Investment and Tourism: Unlocking Untapped Potential Ethiopia’s economic transformation is also increasingly linked to investment and tourism. The country combines a large domestic market, a young population, substantial agricultural potential, a strategic geographic location, unique cultural heritage and diverse natural landscapes. Government initiatives have sought to turn those assets into economic opportunities. Projects associated with Dine for Sheger, Dine for Nation and Dine for Generation have contributed to a broader effort to develop urban tourism, hospitality, recreation and cultural destinations. Ethiopia is simultaneously seeking to expand its tourism offering beyond traditional historical routes by developing natural, cultural and urban destinations. The objective is increasingly clear: tourism is being positioned not merely as a source of foreign exchange, but as part of a wider urban-development, employment and investment strategy. The same logic applies to investment. Economic reforms are intended to create greater space for private capital and international investors while infrastructure expansion seeks to improve the conditions for doing business. The challenge is converting Ethiopia’s enormous potential into sustained investment, competitive exports and productive employment. Green Legacy: Development with an Environmental Dimension Perhaps no initiative better captures Ethiopia’s attempt to connect development with environmental restoration than the Green Legacy Initiative. Launched in 2019, the program has mobilized millions of Ethiopians around large-scale tree planting and environmental rehabilitation. More than 56 billion seedlings have been planted since the initiative began. But the significance of Green Legacy extends beyond the number of seedlings. The initiative increasingly encompasses watershed protection, land rehabilitation, climate resilience, biodiversity and efforts to restore degraded landscapes. It has also become an important component of Ethiopia’s international climate diplomacy. For a developing country facing the effects of climate change while seeking rapid economic growth, the underlying proposition is significant: environmental restoration and economic development do not necessarily have to be competing objectives. Ethiopia is attempting to demonstrate that ecological restoration can itself become part of a national development strategy. Energy and Regional Integration Energy is another area where Ethiopia’s domestic transformation intersects directly with regional ambitions. With more than 95 percent of its electricity generated from renewable sources, Ethiopia is seeking to position itself as an important clean-energy producer in East Africa. The Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam is central to that strategy. Beyond meeting domestic electricity needs, Ethiopia has increasingly emphasized the potential of cross-border electricity trade to support economic integration. Power interconnections with neighboring countries can create new markets for electricity while providing energy-deficient economies with access to renewable power. The broader vision is therefore regional. Ethiopia is seeking to build infrastructure that connects markets rather than simply serving national consumption. Roads, electricity networks, aviation, telecommunications and trade corridors can collectively create a more integrated regional economy. This is where Ethiopia’s development agenda intersects with its regional diplomacy. The Red Sea Quest Few issues demonstrate this intersection more clearly than Ethiopia’s pursuit of reliable maritime access. As one of Africa’s most populous countries and a major economy in the Horn of Africa, Ethiopia has repeatedly argued that dependable access to maritime trade routes is important for its long-term economic development and regional integration. The issue has acquired greater significance as the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden have become increasingly important to global trade and maritime security. For Ethiopia, maritime access is fundamentally connected to logistics, trade competitiveness and integration into international markets. For the region, Ethiopia’s maritime aspirations intersect with questions of port infrastructure, shipping routes, security and regional economic cooperation. The challenge is therefore not merely geographic. Ethiopia’s approach has increasingly emphasized diplomatic engagement and negotiated arrangements, while presenting maritime connectivity as part of a broader regional integration agenda. A Strategic Actor in a Changing Region The Horn of Africa is experiencing a period of profound geopolitical change. The Red Sea shipping corridor has become increasingly important to global commerce. Competition over ports and maritime infrastructure has intensified. External powers are expanding their diplomatic, economic and security engagement. At the same time, conflicts and political instability continue to affect the region. Against this backdrop, Ethiopia remains one of the region’s central actors. Its large population, expanding economy, strategic location, military and institutional capacity, diplomatic role and infrastructure ambitions give it considerable regional weight. That does not mean Ethiopia is insulated from regional pressures. Far from it. The country continues to confront complex security, economic and diplomatic challenges, while its development ambitions are sometimes unfolding amid competing regional interests. But Ethiopia’s response has increasingly centered on strengthening its own economic foundations while expanding connectivity with its neighbors. Growing with the Region At the heart of Ethiopia’s development strategy is an increasingly visible proposition: national prosperity and regional prosperity are interconnected. Energy corridors can connect power markets. Transport infrastructure can connect economies. Digital networks can connect people and businesses. Tourism can connect cultures. Maritime connectivity can connect landlocked economies to global markets. And regional trade can create opportunities that individual countries may struggle to generate alone. This explains why Ethiopia’s development agenda increasingly extends beyond its national borders. The country is seeking to grow not in isolation, but through deeper economic and infrastructure connections with the Horn of Africa, East Africa and the wider continent. Taken together, these developments point to something larger than a collection of individual projects. They represent an attempt to redefine Ethiopia’s economic foundations and its regional role simultaneously.

Addis Ababa, September 24, 2026 (ENA) —Dangote Group President and Chief Executive Aliko Dangote has outlined the company’s role in developing Africa's energy self-reliance, including the Ethiopia-Djibouti strategic infrastructure project announced today. Speaking at the groundbreaking ceremony of the strategic project, Dangote said the project is intended to move petroleum products more efficiently while reducing reliance on long-distance road haulage. The project, which connects coastal storage at Damerjog in Djibouti with inland storage and distribution facilities at Dewele in Ethiopia, will combine a 120-kilometre multi-product pipeline with 400 million litres of storage capacity. “It will connect the marine and coastal storage facilities at Damerjog to the inland storage and distribution facilities at Dewele. A modern multi-product pipeline will receive, store, transport and distribute refined petroleum products. It will do so in a very safe, efficient and reliable manner, ” the CEO said. “In the first phase, the project will support the movement of key petroleum products. This includes jet fuel, automobile gas, and premium motor spirit, which will further strengthen supply and improve inventory management and strategic reserve stock. It will also reduce pressure on existing transport system.” Dangote stated that the project is intended to move petroleum products more efficiently while reducing reliance on long-distance road haulage. He said it would also create opportunities for local businesses and workers, from construction and supply services to permanent technical and administrative positions. The project will create jobs during the construction. It will also transfer skills to local people. It will also support permanent technical and administrative jobs when operations begin. Contractors, service providers, transport operators, suppliers and host community will benefit, the CEO elaborated. “This is Africa building the infrastructure it needs. It will help African economies trade more with one another. It will also allow us to process more what we produce while creating and retaining more value within the continent. It will also complement road haulage and drive improvements in safety and environmental management.” Dangote also used the occasion to outline his broader vision for African industrial development, saying the continent should rely more on its own investment, infrastructure and financial institutions. The Group’s investments across Africa are aimed at reducing dependence on imports and expanding local production, he said. As Africa’s leading industrial conglomerate, our investments across the continent are driven by a firm belief that Africans must take the lead in developing Africa. “We must understand the terrain, the challenges, the culture and the opportunities. We are committed to reducing Africa’s dependence on imports. We want our content to become more self-sufficient in finished goods. Manufacturing and infrastructure must remain the central of this transformation.” Dangote Group plans to continue investing in African industrialization under its Vision 2030 program, which, the CEO said is backed by 50 billion USD in planned investment across the continent. The Ethiopia-Djibouti project adds to Dangote Group’s growing industrial footprint in Ethiopia and its wider push to develop infrastructure and production capacity across Africa.

Addis Ababa, September 24, 2026 (ENA) —Djibouti President Ismail Omar Guelleh has called for greater Africa self-reliance in energy and infrastructure, saying the continent must reduce its dependence on exporting raw resources and importing refined products. Ethiopia amnd Djibouti have announced today a major strategic infrastructure project to develop a refined petroleum products pipeline linking Damerjog in Djibouti with Dewele in Ethiopia. The project, backed by storage terminals at both ends, is being developed through a partnership between Ethiopian Investment Holdings and the Dangote Group. It is designed to strengthen energy security, reduce logistics costs and improve the efficiency of the Ethiopia-Djibouti corridor. Speaking at the launching of the project, President Guelleh said Africa has significant energy resources but has for decades exported crude and imported fuel at prices largely determined elsewhere. “That dependence is not a fate. It is a choice that one we can unmake,” he said, stressing that energy independence is a condition for broader economic independence. The President stressed that the new project represents more than infrastructure, describing it as part of a wider Pan-African vision in which African energy is processed, transported and supplied through African facilities and pipelines to serve African markets. The project will include a storage terminal with a capacity of more than 375,000 cubic meters and the ability to handle five million tons of petroleum products annually. The pipeline will strengthen energy security, ease pressure on road corridors, reduce the carbon footprint and create opportunities for investment, jobs, skills and technology transfer, Guelleh noted. He also emphasized the importance of African expertise, saying the young people who will operate and maintain the infrastructure must gain the necessary skills. “A pipeline we cannot maintain ourselves is not independence”. According to Guelleh, the partnership between Djibouti and Ethiopia demonstrates how national strengths can support regional integration, linking Ethiopia’s industrial potential with Djibouti’s strategic port infrastructure. The President further called for the African Continental Free Trade Area to be supported by physical infrastructure, including corridors, ports, pipelines and railways, to turn the continent’s single market into a practical reality. The project reflects a shared vision for a more integrated, self-reliant and economically connected Africa, he said. Guelleh also said Dangote’s investment demonstrates confidence in Djibouti and reflects a broader Pan-African vision in which African private-sector actors work together with governments to build competitive infrastructure.

Addis Ababa, September 24, 2026 (ENA) —Ethiopia, Djibouti and the Dangote Group have announced a major infrastructure investment aimed at improving fuel transportation, strengthening energy security and unlocking greater economic potential along the Ethiopia-Djibouti corridor. Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed made the announcement alongside Djibouti President Ismail Omar Guelleh and Dangote Group President Aliko Dangote during a ceremony marking the launch of the petroleum infrastructure project. The project will be developed through a partnership between Ethiopian Investment Holdings - Africa's largest sovereign wealth fund, dedicated to advancing national development through the strategic management of public asset and the Dangote Group.   The initiative will establish a 120-kilometre refined petroleum products pipeline linking Damerjog in Djibouti with Dewele in Ethiopia, supported by more than one million cubic meters of combined storage capacity at both ends. In his remarks, PM Abiy said the geographic connection between the two countries has created a shared corridor linking Djibouti with Ethiopia’s vast market and connecting Ethiopia to global trade, but stressed that the corridor’s full potential must now be converted into shared prosperity. The Prime Minister pointed to delays, inadequate storage and inefficient fuel transportation as major obstacles that increase costs for households, businesses and producers. He said fuel travelling to Addis Ababa currently spends about five days on trucks, while the new pipeline is expected to cut that journey to approximately one day. The improved system will also allow Ethiopia to build larger fuel reserves and strengthen its ability to maintain supplies during periods of global uncertainty. Abiy also highlighted the strategic importance of the project amid disruptions affecting international shipping routes.   For Ethiopia and Djibouti, whose economies are closely connected to Red Sea trade, he said stronger infrastructure and supply-chain resilience are increasingly important. Abiy said the benefits will extend across Ethiopia's economy, supporting manufacturing, transportation, agriculture and urban centers. Djibouti, meanwhile, is expected to see increased transit activity, greater utilization of its energy infrastructure and further development of its role as a regional logistics hub. He emphasized that the pipeline should not operate in isolation. The highway, railway, Mojo Modern Logistics Centre, storage facilities and pipeline need to function as an interconnected logistics network. Greater integration, he said, would shorten transportation times, facilitate trade and improve the competitiveness of the wider region. The partnership combines the strategic location and port infrastructure of Djibouti, Ethiopia's large and growing market and investment mobilization capacity through Ethiopian Investment Holdings, and the Dangote Group's capital and industrial expertise. During the occasion, the Premier praised the Dangote Group for bringing capital and industrial experience to the project.   Addressing Aliko Dangote, PM Abiy said African businesses can match ambition with action and compete globally, describing the investment as “African capital building African infrastructure for African roads.” He said the project must deliver visible results, including faster fuel deliveries, stronger reserves, lower costs and greater competitiveness for businesses. Prime Minister Abiy also thanked President Guelleh for Djibouti's longstanding partnership with Ethiopia and Dangote for his confidence in Ethiopia and Africa's economic future. The investment marks a significant step toward strengthening East Africa's energy resilience, trade connectivity and regional economic integration, while reinforcing the strategic economic relationship between Ethiopia and Djibouti.

Addis Ababa, September 24, 2026 (ENA) — A strategic infrastructure project aimed at further strengthening economic ties and cooperation between Ethiopia and Djibouti was officially announced today in the presence of Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed and President Ismail Omar Guelleh. The project connecting Damerjog in Djibouti to Dewele in Ethiopia through a new refined petroleum products pipeline is supported by storage terminals at both ends. In his social media post, Prime Minister Abiy wrote: ''Together with President Ismail Omar Guelleh and Aliko Dangote, we announce today a major strategic investment connecting Damerjog in Djibouti to Dewele in Ethiopia through a new refined petroleum products pipeline, supported by storage terminals at both ends.'' The project will be developed through a partnership between Ethiopian Investment Holdings and the Dangote Group, he added. This landmark infrastructure will reduce logistics costs and delays, strengthen energy security, and enhance the efficiency and resilience of the Ethiopia–Djibouti corridor, the PM noted. Prime Minister Abiy said further more than a pipeline, this is an investment in future growth, regional integration and a more secure shared economic future—with African investment at its center.

Addis Ababa, September 24, 2026 (ENA) —Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed arrived in Djibouti, where he was welcomed by Djiboutian President Ismaïl Omar Guelleh. The two leaders are expected to preside over the announcement of a joint project aimed at further strengthening economic ties and cooperation between Ethiopia and Djibouti, according to Office of the Prime Minister.   Moreover, the project is anticipated to add momentum to the longstanding economic partnership between the two neighboring countries and deepen cooperation in areas of shared strategic interest.

Addis Ababa, September 24, 2026 (ENA) —Ethiopia has used the 81st United Nations General Assembly to put a broader strategic question before the international community: can a global system facing profound geopolitical, economic, technological and environmental change remain credible without giving greater weight to Africa and the Global South? For President Taye Atske Selassie, the answer is increasingly tied to how the international system distributes voice, opportunity and responsibility.   Addressing the General Debate in New York on September 23, President Taye linked Ethiopia’s national priorities to a wider case for stronger multilateralism, greater African representation in global institutions, peaceful regional integration, reliable maritime connectivity, climate justice, energy transformation, food security and technological inclusion. His message came as the 81st General Assembly meets under the theme “Restoring Trust, Managing Transformation: A United Nations That Delivers for All.” The theme itself reflects an international system under pressure from armed conflicts, widening inequalities, climate emergencies, rapid technological change and declining confidence in multilateral institutions. Against that backdrop, Ethiopia’s intervention was more than a statement of national interests. It was an attempt to place those interests within a larger African and Global South agenda. Africa’s Voice and the Question of Global Legitimacy At the center of Ethiopia’s message is the longstanding question of African representation in global decision-making. President Taye renewed Ethiopia’s call for reform of the United Nations Security Council, arguing that Africa cannot remain structurally underrepresented in an institution whose decisions have profound consequences for international peace and security.   Ethiopia has consistently supported the African Common Position, including the call for two permanent African seats with full rights and responsibilities as well as veto power, alongside additional non-permanent representation. President Taye articulated that position explicitly in earlier engagements with UN leadership and has continued to frame Security Council reform as an issue of fairness, representation and institutional credibility. The argument has gained renewed relevance during this year’s General Assembly. The President of the 81st General Assembly, Khalilur Rahman, has himself identified inclusive global governance and UN reform as central pillars of his programme. In his opening remarks, he said reform must make the Organization more representative and responsive, while emphasizing that Africa’s underrepresentation in the Security Council is particularly significant. For Ethiopia, therefore, the issue is not simply about obtaining a larger African presence in New York. It is about whether institutions created in a very different geopolitical era can adequately represent the world as it exists today. Africa’s demographic weight, economic potential and growing strategic importance have expanded considerably, while its formal representation in the UN’s most powerful decision-making body remains limited. That tension lies at the heart of Ethiopia’s diplomatic argument.   From Multilateralism as Principle to Multilateralism as Security Ethiopia’s position also draws on its own diplomatic history. The country’s experience with the League of Nations and the failure of the international system to prevent fascist aggression in the 1930s has long shaped Addis Ababa’s view of collective security. That history gives Ethiopia a particular reason to treat multilateralism not simply as diplomatic architecture, but as a mechanism whose effectiveness can have direct consequences for national and regional security. The lesson Ethiopia draws is straightforward: international institutions lose credibility when their principles are applied selectively or when entire regions remain inadequately represented in decisions concerning war, peace and security. This perspective also fits Ethiopia’s longstanding diplomatic identity as an African state with deep multilateral engagement and as host of the African Union headquarters in Addis Ababa. The result is a foreign-policy narrative in which Ethiopia seeks to speak simultaneously as a national actor and as part of a broader African diplomatic constituency. Sea Access: From National Interest to Regional Connectivity Perhaps the most strategically consequential dimension of President Taye’s message is Ethiopia’s renewed emphasis on reliable sea outlet. For Africa’s second-most populous country and one of the continent’s largest economies, dependence on external maritime infrastructure is not simply a logistical matter. It affects trade costs, supply chains, industrial competitiveness and the country’s ability to integrate more deeply into global markets. President Taye has therefore linked Ethiopia’s economic ambitions with the need for dependable maritime connectivity, while emphasizing diplomatic engagement and arrangements that can serve wider regional interests. That framing matters. Ethiopia is increasingly presenting maritime access not merely as a national demand, but as part of a broader regional connectivity equation involving security, trade, infrastructure, ports, logistics and economic integration across the Horn of Africa. This places the issue within the strategic geography of the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden, one of the world’s most important maritime corridors. The Ethiopian argument is that a large landlocked economy cannot fully realize its economic potential without predictable access to international maritime trade. At the same time, Addis Ababa has sought to frame connectivity as potentially mutually beneficial: coastal states can gain from investment, logistics, infrastructure and expanded trade generated by stronger links with Ethiopia. The question, therefore, is increasingly about how maritime connectivity can be incorporated into a regional economic architecture and a security lens.   Energy: Turning Africa’s Resources into African Growth President Taye’s message on energy follows a similar logic. Africa possesses enormous renewable-energy potential, yet millions of people remain without reliable electricity and many countries lack the transmission networks, financing and infrastructure required to convert generation capacity into productive economic activity. Ethiopia has sought to position itself at the center of this debate through its renewable-energy expansion and the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD). For Addis Ababa, the GERD is not presented simply as a national power project. It is part of a broader development model centered on domestic resource mobilization, renewable energy and regional electricity connectivity. The larger challenge, however, extends beyond generation. Africa needs transmission lines, interconnected grids, storage capacity, investment and industries capable of using electricity productively. This is where Ethiopia’s argument intersects with the wider global debate over energy access: building generation capacity is only one part of an energy transition. The more difficult question is how to finance and connect that capacity so that electricity becomes a foundation for industrialization, digital services, agriculture and employment. In that sense, Ethiopia is attempting to shift the conversation from Africa’s renewable-energy potential to Africa’s ability to convert that potential into economic transformation.   Climate Diplomacy and the Politics of Development Climate change provides another bridge between Ethiopia’s domestic priorities and its international diplomacy. President Taye has emphasized the disparity between countries’ historical contributions to global emissions and their exposure to climate-related consequences, placing questions of climate finance, equity and development at the center of Ethiopia’s position. Ethiopia’s selection to host COP32 in 2027 gives Addis Ababa an additional platform from which to pursue that agenda. The country’s Green Legacy Initiative, renewable-energy expansion and environmental restoration efforts form part of the domestic narrative Ethiopia is taking into international climate diplomacy. But the strategic question extends beyond tree planting or emissions. For many African countries, the climate debate is fundamentally connected to development finance. The continent requires resources not only to mitigate emissions but also to adapt infrastructure, strengthen food systems, expand energy access and protect vulnerable communities. Ethiopia’s message therefore seeks to connect climate responsibility with development opportunity. Food Security as Economic and Strategic Resilience Food security occupies a similar position. President Taye’s reference to Ethiopia’s expansion of wheat production reflects a broader effort to portray domestic agricultural production as a pillar of resilience. The lesson Ethiopia is advancing is that food security cannot be separated from economic stability, national resilience and geopolitical vulnerability. The disruptions of recent years—from conflicts and supply-chain shocks to climate-related disasters—have demonstrated how quickly dependence on international food markets can become a strategic concern. For Ethiopia and other African states, increasing domestic agricultural productivity is therefore increasingly framed not simply as an agricultural policy, but as part of a wider strategy to strengthen economic sovereignty and withstand external shocks. Technology and the Battle Over the Future Technology introduces another dimension to Ethiopia’s international message. Artificial intelligence is rapidly changing economies, labor markets, education, security and global competitiveness. Yet access to computing infrastructure, data, skills and investment remains highly unequal. The danger for Africa is not simply being left behind in the next technological revolution. It is becoming permanently dependent on technologies designed, owned and controlled elsewhere. President Taye’s emphasis on initiatives such as Ethiopia’s 5 Million Coders programme and the country’s efforts to expand digital and AI capabilities reflects an attempt to position technology as a development instrument rather than merely a consumer market. The question is increasingly whether African countries can participate in the creation of the next generation of technologies—and whether global AI governance will give developing countries a meaningful voice. That debate is particularly relevant at this year’s UNGA, where AI governance and the digital divide are prominent elements of the wider discussion on transforming multilateral cooperation. The General Assembly presidency has identified “Innovation with Inclusion” as one of its six pillars, emphasizing inclusive governance and investment to close the digital divide.   The Horn of Africa: Connectivity Cannot Be Separated from Stability Ethiopia’s global message ultimately returns to its immediate neighborhood. The Horn of Africa is simultaneously a zone of immense economic potential and persistent geopolitical vulnerability. Conflict, maritime insecurity, fragile political settlements and competition over strategic infrastructure continue to shape the region. President Taye’s engagement with UN Secretary-General António Guterres on the margins of UNGA 81 focused on peace and security in the Horn of Africa, regional connectivity and sustainable development. Guterres also reaffirmed UN support for Ethiopia’s preparations to host COP32. That combination is revealing. For Ethiopia, security and development are increasingly presented as interconnected rather than separate policy tracks. A stable Horn facilitates trade and infrastructure. Improved connectivity creates economic incentives for cooperation. Greater economic integration can, in turn, strengthen the foundations for regional stability. This is the broader logic behind Ethiopia’s emphasis on maritime access, regional integration and diplomatic engagement. Ethiopia’s UN Message Is About More Than Ethiopia Taken together, President Taye’s UN message forms a relatively coherent strategic picture. Ethiopia is seeking to connect Africa’s voice in global governance with Africa’s ability to drive its own development. Security Council reform addresses political representation. Maritime access addresses connectivity and trade. Renewable energy addresses industrialization and energy access. Food production addresses resilience. Technology addresses future competitiveness. Climate diplomacy addresses development finance and environmental vulnerability. Regional diplomacy addresses the stability required for these ambitions to advance. The common thread is agency. Ethiopia’s argument is that Africa should have greater influence not only over how global institutions make decisions, but also over how the continent’s resources, markets, technologies and development priorities are integrated into the global economy. That makes the message broader than a conventional foreign-policy statement. It is an argument about the architecture of the international system itself. From New York Rhetoric to Concrete Outcomes The harder question begins after the speeches. Calls for reform, representation, connectivity and equitable development are increasingly common in international diplomacy. Their significance ultimately depends on whether they generate institutional changes, financing, infrastructure, partnerships and durable political agreements. For Ethiopia, that means translating its growing diplomatic engagement into tangible outcomes: expanded trade and investment, stronger regional infrastructure, reliable maritime connectivity, renewable-energy partnerships, climate finance, technological capacity and a greater African role in global decision-making. The challenge is substantial. But so is the opportunity. At a moment when the UN itself is confronting questions about relevance, representation and trust, Ethiopia has chosen to place its national interests inside a much larger African and Global South conversation. The message from New York is therefore not simply that Ethiopia wants a stronger voice. It is that Africa wants a greater role in defining the rules of the international system—and Ethiopia intends to be part of that conversation. The measure of the strategy will now be what follows: whether diplomatic principles can be converted into practical partnerships, regional connectivity, development gains and institutional change. That is where Ethiopia’s UN message moves from rhetoric to strategy.

Addis Ababa, September 24, 2026 (ENA) —Ethiopia has placed digital financial inclusion at the center of its development strategy, highlighting the country’s rapid expansion of digital payments, national digital identity and digital public infrastructure as key tools for accelerating progress toward the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The message came at a high-level side event held on the margins of the 81st Session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA 81) in New York, jointly convened by the Permanent Mission of Ethiopia to the United Nations and the United Nations Capital Development Fund (UNCDF). The event brought together government officials, development partners and private-sector representatives to examine how Ethiopia’s digital transformation is opening new avenues for economic opportunity, enterprise development, productivity and improved livelihoods.   At the heart of the discussions was a broader shift in Ethiopia’s approach: digital finance is increasingly being treated not simply as a financial product, but as part of the country’s foundational economic infrastructure. Welcoming participants, Ethiopia’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Ambassador Tesfaye Yilma, highlighted the country’s digital transformation journey and the progress made in establishing an ecosystem for digital payments, digital identity and digitally enabled public services. On her part, Minister of Planning and Development Fitsum Assefa, delivering the keynote address, said Ethiopia’s policy frameworks and digital initiatives are positioning financial inclusion as an important catalyst for SDG implementation.   She pointed to Digital Ethiopia 2030, the National Financial Inclusion Strategy, Fayda, interoperable payment systems and BRIDGE 2030 as key pillars of the country’s efforts to build an increasingly integrated digital economy. Ethiopia’s national digital identity system, Fayda, has emerged as a particularly important component of this transformation, providing a foundational platform through which citizens can increasingly access financial and public services. Minister and Advisor to the Prime Minister Getachew Reda underscored the wider economic implications of digital financial inclusion, emphasizing its potential to strengthen economic dynamism, broaden participation and raise productivity. For development partners, the challenge now extends beyond simply connecting people to digital financial services. UNCDF Executive Secretary Pradeep Kurukulasuriya stressed the importance of capital in enabling small businesses and emerging enterprises to invest, expand and create jobs, while drawing attention to persistent financing constraints in developing economies.   Navid Hanif, Assistant Secretary-General for Economic Development at the UN Department of Economic and Social Affairs (UNDESA), meanwhile, commended Ethiopia’s progress and emphasized the wider role of digital transformation and financial inclusion in advancing inclusive and sustainable development. The discussions pointed to a critical next phase for Ethiopia’s digital transformation: moving from access to productive use. That means ensuring that digital financial tools translate into tangible economic gains — enabling businesses to grow, supporting entrepreneurship, expanding access to capital, improving productivity and creating opportunities for people who have traditionally remained outside formal financial systems. The side event also highlighted the importance of taking successful national innovations beyond domestic applications through greater investment, stronger public-private partnerships, South-South cooperation and regional integration. For Ethiopia, the message at UNGA 81 underscored an emerging development model in which digital identity, payments, financial services and public infrastructure are increasingly interconnected as building blocks of economic transformation and SDG delivery, it was learned.

Addis Ababa, September 24, 2026 (ENA) — Ethiopia has placed its pursuit of reliable maritime access firmly on the global diplomatic agenda, with President Taye Atske-Selassie telling the United Nations that securing access to the sea is essential to sustaining the country’s economic transformation and deepening its integration into global trade. Addressing the General Debate of the 81st Session of the UN General Assembly today, President Taye said Ethiopia is pursuing all possible diplomatic avenues to secure access to and from the sea. He also stressed that the issue can be addressed in a way that serves the common interests and development of countries in the region.   “Despite these tremendous achievements, Mr. President, we have come to recognize that our efforts to build a strong economy cannot generate a sustained development without reliable and dependable access to the sea,” he said. The President framed Ethiopia’s sea outlet aspiration within a broader vision of regional connectivity, economic integration and shared prosperity, rather than as an isolated national objective. He said Ethiopia remains committed to strengthening cooperation and integration in the Horn of Africa through infrastructure development, trade and people-to-people relations, while urging respect for the region’s right to peace and development. President Taye’s address also linked Ethiopia’s maritime ambitions to its expanding economic and infrastructure agenda, highlighting a planned 12.5 billion USD international airport designed to handle up to 110 million passengers and about four million tons of cargo annually. He said the project would strengthen Ethiopia’s connectivity and contribute to the implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area.   Opening his address with a reference to Emperor Haile Selassie’s historic 1963 UN speech, President Taye said lasting peace depends on cooperation grounded in sovereign equality rather than domination. He warned that the international community must reinforce collective security and reform multilateral institutions to reflect today’s global realities. President Taye also renewed Ethiopia’s call for comprehensive reform of the UN Security Council, arguing that Africa has waited too long for equitable representation in global decision-making. He highlighted Ethiopia’s progress in renewable energy, food security, environmental restoration and digital development, including the Green Legacy Initiative and the 5 Million Coders program, while reaffirming Ethiopia’s readiness to host COP32 in 2027.   The President called for sustained regional and international cooperation to advance renewable energy, connectivity, food security, manufacturing and urban development. Concluding his address, President Taye reaffirmed Ethiopia’s commitment to multilateralism, human dignity, justice and solidarity, saying stronger international cooperation is essential to confronting the challenges facing current and future generations.

Addis Ababa, September 23, 2026 (ENA) —Ethiopian President Taye Atske Selassie called for a stronger and more equitable multilateral system, urging the international community to reinforce collective security, address global inequality and give Africa a meaningful voice in global decision-making. Addressing the General Debate of the 81st Session of the United Nations General Assembly, President Taye said lasting peace can only be achieved through cooperation based on sovereign equality, recalling Emperor Haile Selassie’s historic appeal to the UN in 1963. He warned that weakening collective security and rising power politics are undermining the foundations of the international order, stressing that multilateralism must remain a central safeguard against conflict. President Taye identified climate change, artificial intelligence and widening inequality among the defining challenges facing humanity, calling for greater political commitment to ensure that technological and economic progress benefits the Global South. He reaffirmed Ethiopia’s readiness to host COP32 in 2027, inviting world leaders and international stakeholders to Ethiopia to advance practical and inclusive climate solutions. The President also renewed Ethiopia’s call for comprehensive UN reform, particularly reform of the Security Council, saying Africa has waited too long for equitable representation in global decision-making. “Africa has waited far too long in the shadows of global decision-making,” he said, questioning how the denial of meaningful representation to more than 1.6 billion Africans can be justified. On regional affairs, President Taye reaffirmed Ethiopia’s commitment to peace, regional integration and development in the Horn of Africa, while calling for a Sudanese-led and Sudanese-owned solution to the conflict in Sudan. He also highlighted Ethiopia’s progress in food security, renewable energy, environmental restoration and digital development, including the Green Legacy Initiative, the 5 Million Coders program and the country’s clean-energy ambitions. The President described the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam as a major Pan-African clean-energy project capable of contributing to regional prosperity. He further emphasized Ethiopia’s pursuit of reliable maritime access, saying dependable access to the sea is essential to sustaining the country’s economic transformation and integration into global trade. “We are pursuing all possible diplomatic avenues to secure access to and from the sea to ensure Ethiopia’s integration into the global trading system,” he said. President Taye concluded by reaffirming Ethiopia’s commitment to multilateralism, human dignity, justice and solidarity, urging nations to collectively reshape international cooperation to meet the challenges facing current and future generations.

Addis Ababa, September 23, 2026 (ENA) — Ethiopia welcomed more than 1.6 million international tourists during the 2018 Ethiopian Fiscal Year (EFY), generating over 5 billion US dollars in revenue, according to the Ministry of Tourism. Tourism Minister Selamawit Kassa disclosed the figures today during a press briefing on Ethiopia’s preparations for World Tourism Day, which will be celebrated on September 27, 2026. According to the Minister, international tourist arrivals increased by more than 300,000 compared with the previous fiscal year, while foreign exchange earnings rose by more than 21 percent. This year’s World Tourism Day theme, “Digital Agenda and Artificial Intelligence to Redesign Tourism,” highlights the growing role of technology in improving visitor services, streamlining tourism value chains and enhancing destination marketing. In line with the theme, the Ministry has officially inaugurated a new Tourist Information Center near Bole International Airport. Strategically located to engage transit passengers passing through Addis Ababa, the center provides regularly updated digital information on Ethiopia’s tourist attractions, cultural and natural heritage sites, and upcoming events. The center is equipped with digital maps and multimedia displays designed to showcase Ethiopia’s tourism offerings to passengers during brief layovers. The government has also introduced a seven day visa free policy for eligible transit visitors, seeking to capitalize on Addis Ababa’s position as a major regional aviation hub and promote stopover tourism. The Minister also highlighted the rapid expansion of MICE tourism, covering Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Exhibitions. Last year, Addis Ababa hosted more than 220 international events, significantly exceeding the initial target of 120 events. The government is also developing new tourist destinations, restoring historical and cultural landmarks, and upgrading tourism infrastructure, including specialized conference facilities, to sustain the sector’s growth. Domestic tourism has also been expanding, particularly during the peak September and October holiday season, as regional states improve local infrastructure and services to accommodate increased visitor flows. In addition, the Ministry has launched an international “Land of Origins” artistic competition to engage the public and promote Ethiopia’s rich cultural heritage. Concluding her remarks, Selamawit emphasized that tourism remains a key pillar of Ethiopia’s ongoing economic reforms, with the revised national tourism policy placing digital innovation and Artificial Intelligence at the center of the sector’s future development.  

Addis Ababa, September 23, 2026 (ENA) —The Ethiopian Chamber of Commerce and Sectoral Associations (ECCSA) has stated that, as one of the stakeholders, it is intensifying efforts to scale up national readiness for broader regional economic engagement under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). In an exclusive interview with ENA, ECCSA Secretary General Kenenisa Lemi highlighted that AfCFTA stands as one of the continent's most transformative economic integration initiatives, unlocking vital pathways for expanding intra-African trade. Ethiopia has been participating in the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) market since last year; it has been trading with countries including South Africa, Kenya, and Somalia, and has intensified its efforts to expand trade with other countries across the continent, he noted. According to him, the Ethiopian Chamber of Commerce and Sectoral Associations (ECCSA) is partnering with government bodies, private organizations, and other stakeholders to provide specialized training aimed at enabling Ethiopian companies to compete effectively in the AfCFTA market in terms of quality, branding, and price. Therefore, he stressed the need to improve market understanding, boost competitiveness, and help businesses maximize the opportunities presented by AfCFTA. "Our use of technology, our utilization of human resources, and our innovation activities need to be strengthened," he said. "Our customer management practices also need to be improved, and our marketing and communication efforts need to be enhanced." Therefore, when discussing "readiness," it is important not only to focus on the products manufactured and the services provided but also to undertake the various supporting activities that are necessary. The Secretary General further stated that, to support these preparations, the Ethiopian Chamber of Commerce and Sectoral Associations is working with government and non-governmental organizations. Companies themselves also need to invest in strengthening their employees' capacities in marketing, communication, and digital literacy, as well as allocating sufficient budgets for research and innovation, he emphasized. Therefore, he said, a great deal of work needs to be done in a coordinated manner, from individual companies to the government, to prepare for the African Continental Free Trade Area. Noting the continent's massive economic potential, Kenenisa pointed out that Africa has a population of more than 1.4 billion and an economy valued at over 3.5 trillion USD. However, intra-African trade currently accounts for less than 18 percent of the continent's total trade volume, underscoring the vast potential for growth as nations increasingly shift toward intra-continental commerce. Kenenisa noted that the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) holds immense potential to strengthen intra-African economic ties by enabling nations to better leverage their own markets, resources, and production capacities. While efforts to establish the framework began in 2018, implementation gained significant momentum in 2021; Ethiopia has actively entered this emerging market, officially launching exports under the AfCFTA framework. "AfCFTA provides Ethiopia with a vital gateway to deepen its integration into the wider African and international trading systems," Kenenisa concluded. "It has challenged us to step up our preparations, ensuring our private sector is fully equipped to succeed."  

Addis Ababa, September 23, 2026 (ENA) — Ethiopia’s long-standing bid to join the World Trade Organization (WTO) is entering its final stretch, according to the Ministry of Trade and Regional Integration. After series of discussions for a long period, the ministry emphasized that successfully concluding the negotiation process and securing full WTO membership will bolster the nation's ongoing economic reforms and drive sustainable economic growth. The Ministry stated that the accession process remains a high national priority, built on two core pillars: multilateral negotiations and bilateral market access agreements. Under the multilateral framework, Ethiopia has navigated multiple rounds of reviews, addressing macroeconomic and trade-related inquiries from WTO member states. These efforts have successfully advanced the country to the final stage of drafting the Working Party Report. In parallel, Ethiopia has pursued bilateral market access negotiations with 17 countries. Formal agreements have been finalized with 11 of them, while discussions with the remaining six continue through diplomatic channels. According to the Ministry, WTO membership will provide Ethiopia with a modern, predictable trading system, enabling the nation to safeguard its interests and participate actively in the legal and legislative processes governing global trade. By making export procedures more predictable and non-discriminatory, the country will unlock greater opportunities to attract foreign direct investment. Furthermore, membership will expand market access, support the transition from raw material exports to deeper integration into global value chains, and strengthen institutional capacity by aligning domestic laws with international standards. To ensure the country reaps the full benefits of membership, the government has carried out extensive preparatory work. This includes boosting the international competitiveness of domestic manufacturing and agriculture, enacting vital legal reforms, and raising awareness among the local business community. Looking ahead, the Ministry outlined key priorities to finalize the accession process swiftly, including preparing for the eighth Working Party meeting, wrapping up bilateral talks with the remaining six nations, and resolving issues that require high-level government decisions. Sustained momentum across these areas will be critical to bringing Ethiopia's long-running WTO accession journey to a successful close.