Addis Ababa, November 29, 2025 (ENA) — UNESCO Representative to Ethiopia, Rita Bissoonauth, has emphasized the critical role of diplomatic engagement in promoting Ethiopia's tourism and vast cultural wealth. After visiting the ancient walled city of Harar Jugol along with more than 35 members of the diplomatic community residing in Addis Ababa, Bissoonauth said the fundamental purpose of the visit is to bring the diplomats to the different UNESCO sites. Ethiopia boasts an impressive record, holding the highest number of tangible UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Africa—thirteen—along with six intangible sites, she added. “When you become a UNESCO World Heritage Site, it is a universal value. That means that you don't have it anywhere in the world. It is the most beautiful. So, we need to showcase”.     The UNESCO Representative underscored the significance of this status, stating that when a site achieves World Heritage designation, it possesses a universal value, meaning it is unique and unparalleled globally, and must therefore be showcased and protected. The diplomatic tour serves as both touristic promotion and affirmation that the sites are safe and worthy of international attention. The last such trip was to the Bale National Park. Bissoonauth noted the direct link between heritage preservation, tourism, and local prosperity through job creation, emphasizing that the presence of the diplomatic community demonstrates that the locations are safe to visit, thereby enhancing tourism. According to her, the UNESCO strategy is to leverage the sites’ global prestige to deliver tangible economic benefits right down to the community level, ensuring that the preservation of world heritage actively supports those who live within it.

Addis Ababa, November 29, 2025 (ENA) — Ethiopia is central to the transformation of the continent as the completion of GERD gives African countries extra motivation that demonstrates a spirit of possibility by showcasing national unity and self-reliance, East Africa Law Society CEO David Sigano said. In an exclusive interview with ENA, East Africa Law Society CEO David Sigano said Ethiopia, in addition to its very important role in the history of Africa, is still central to where Africa is going. Ethiopia has had a very important role in the history of Africa already, he noted, adding that Africans feel that Ethiopia has a very significant role in the future, just like it played a very important role in the past. Stating that the whole continent is undergoing economic, social and political transformation, the CEO said that a lot of it is driven from the seat of the continent, which is Addis Ababa. So, Ethiopia is essentially a key core in where the African Union is going and where African countries are going. “We are very impressed with the transformation that has undergone. I was in Ethiopia a few years ago, but coming back again I can see huge, maybe a massive transformation.” According to Sigano, Ethiopia, a country with very rich history and culture, will influence the development of the continent. The CEO also commended Ethiopia for the role it has played in the Pan-African movement and in ensuring that the continent gets its independence and grows. On the completion of Ethiopia’s historic Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam, he said “I am very proud of Ethiopia for building the Grand Renaissance Dam. We are proud of the fact that Ethiopia developed that dam using its own resources.”     Many projects in the continent are developed or done through borrowing and through international cooperation, Sigano noted, pointing out that a self-financed project of such magnitude as GERD shows that it is possible for the African continent to do same. He stressed that it is possible for other countries in the continent to copy Ethiopia and implement mega projects without needing a lot of external assistance. “So, the fact that Ethiopia was able to complete this is something that gives us motivation that it is possible. That is part of the transformation that the continent is looking for, even in terms of clean energy.” Africa has been striving to industrialize, and energy is the biggest catalyst for that industrialization, the CEO noted. GERD, the largest hydroelectric power plant in Africa is expected to facilitate regional energy integration through power exports and promote stability, cooperation, and shared prosperity. The hydroelectric power plant is widely celebrated as a potential "game-changer" for the continent's energy and development landscape.

Addis Ababa, November 29, 2025 (ENA) — The high-level familiarization trips geared towards showcasing Harar’s rich cultural and natural assets with focus on the UNESCO World Heritage site of Harar Jugol are aimed at engaging the diplomatic community residing in Addis Ababa, Tourism Minister Selamawit Kassa said. The initiative is organized by Ministry of Tourism, in collaboration with UNESCO, it was learned. The trips are designed to give ambassadors and international organization leaders a direct sense of Ethiopia and encourage their support in promotion and image building. The current focus on Harar Jugol, the ancient walled city, is intended to highlight Ethiopia’s commitment to preserving its historical heritage in accordance with global standards. “We want them to see how elevated everything is; how it's now more accessible for tourists; how it is well preserved; and how everything has been done according to the international standard,” the Minister said. According to her, the recent corridor development project aligns with the conservation of the UNESCO site, demonstrating the nation’s effort to make its historical and cultural treasures more accessible while ensuring protection. Beyond Harar, the ministry is actively promoting the country’s diverse offerings. Just a few months ago, a group of foreign dignitaries was taken to Bale National Park, a site celebrated for its natural beauty and wildlife conservation. Selamawit stressed that Ethiopia's strategy sets a precedent for African nations by unleashing its tourism resources, given its status as having the highest number of UNESCO registered heritages. “So, finding all these three in one country is a very unique gift. That's what we want to show to the world,” she stressed, signaling a robust and diversified strategy to make Ethiopia a global tourism powerhouse.

Addis Ababa, November 28, 2025 (ENA) —Ethiopia and Germany have successfully concluded high-level negotiations on bilateral development cooperation in Berlin, with the signing of an agreement between Reem Alabali Radovan, Federal Minister for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ), and Ethiopia's Finance State Minister Semereta Sewasew. The signing of the agreement, in the presence of KfW Development Bank leadership, confirms Germany’s continued support for Ethiopia’s reform and development agenda, according to a press release of Ministry of Finance.     The negotiations between the two sides highlighted the importance of private sector engagement for Ethiopia’s economic transformation, it added. German companies have expressed strong interest in participating in strategic infrastructure projects, including the Bishoftu Airport. Furthermore, both sides emphasized the significance of Ethiopia’s ongoing tax, customs, and financial sector reforms in creating a conducive business environment and promoting inclusive growth.

Addis Ababa, November 28, 2025 (ENA) — Ethio telecom Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Frehiwot Tamru said the company will intensify efforts to expand EV charging stations nationwide as part of Ethiopia's green economy initiative. Ethio Telecom today inaugurated its third super-fast electric vehicle charging station in Addis Ababa. The facility features 16 super-fast chargers with up to 180KWH capacity each, accommodating 16 vehicles simultaneously. Speaking at the event, CEO Frehiwot Tamru said the expansion demonstrates the company's commitment to Ethiopia's green legacy and supporting the growing electric vehicle ecosystem.     "As our country Ethiopia accelerates its transition toward a green economy and sustainable mobility, Ethio telecom continues to play its leading role by deploying reliable, efficient, and future-ready infrastructure," she said. The CEO added that the station represents the company's continued effort to transform Ethiopia's transportation through digital solutions and innovation. The new AI-powered station uses cutting-edge technology with chargers that automatically diagnose and adapt to vehicle specifications. It specifically supports European EV models, addressing a critical market gap. The company previously built charging stations serving up to 32 vehicles at once along the Bole-Megenagna corridor. Since launching on 11 February 2025, these have served over 165,000 electric vehicles, dispensing 4,349,761.54 kilowatt-hours. "This initiative has successfully prevented the emission of 6,081,447.62 kilograms of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere - an environmental contribution equivalent to planting more than 30,444 trees," she added. The company's combined capacity now reaches 48 vehicles across three stations.

Addis Ababa, November 27, 2025 (ENA) — Ethiopia and the African Development Bank (AfDB) have reaffirmed their long-standing partnership, following a high-level meeting on the sidelines of the African Finance Forum underway in Rabat, Morocco. Finance Minister Ahmed Shide and African Development Bank President Sidi Ould Tah have held meeting on the sidelines of the African Finance Forum in Rabat, Morocco. According to a press release of the Ministry of Finance, the discussion reaffirmed the strong and long-standing partnership between Ethiopia and the Bank, with both sides expressing commitment to deepening collaboration across key national priorities. The meeting focused on three strategic areas of cooperation: Enhanced support for Ethiopia’s preparations for hosting COP32, strengthened budget support operations, and the expansion of coordinated investment in high-impact development programs, including the financing of the new Bishoftu International Airport. The President of the African Development Bank commended Ethiopia’s progress in advancing reforms and reiterated the Bank’s readiness to scale its engagement, particularly in areas that unlock private investment, strengthen macroeconomic stability, and accelerate regional integration. Both sides have agreed to intensify technical and policy dialogue with a focus on advancing regional infrastructure programs and strengthening Ethiopia’s reform agenda through coordinated financing and advisory support. The meeting concluded with a shared commitment to pursuing a forward-looking partnership that accelerates sustainable development, regional connectivity, and private-sector-led growth.

Addis Ababa, November 27, 2025 (ENA) —The Ethiopian Quality Award Organization has announced that the 12th Ethiopian Quality Award (EQA) ceremony will take place on November 29, 2025 with the aim to recognize organizations for their excellence in quality. The annual quality award is considered a key initiative for realizing Ethiopia's economic transformation by promoting a national culture of quality and excellence. Sectors that participate in the EQA include manufacturing, service provider, public institutions, higher education, construction and Non-governmental Organizations (NGOs). Briefing the media today, Ethiopian Quality Award Organization CEO, Tewodros Mebratu, said the Ethiopian Quality Award was established with the goal to boost quality and competitiveness at the national level. A wide range of organizations can participate in the Ethiopian Quality Award (EQA) as the competition is open to entities across various sectors, including both private and public institutions. In the 12th round of the EQA, 65 organizations (institutions) registered and 63 organizations and institutions made it to the final of the competition. For the CEO, the quality award is a key initiative for ensuring quality across sectors, a catalyst for realizing Ethiopia's economic transformation through fulfilling the standards required in quality and competitiveness. Since its commencement, the Ethiopian Quality Award has been instrumental in nurturing a national culture of quality and increasing the competitiveness of Ethiopian companies on the global stage, he elaborated. According to him, recognizing organizations that give prior attention to implement quality systems on their products and services is pivotal to boost quality and competitiveness, develop the culture of quality and excellence. Furthermore, developing the culture of quality and excellence in turn will be critical for the overall transformation of the country. The quality award aims to enhance the country's global competitiveness by establishing a national benchmark for quality, fostering a culture of continuous improvement, and encouraging organizations to adopt world-class quality standards. Promoting quality awareness, driving business improvement, enhancing competitiveness, fostering continuous learning, and recognizing excellence were also stated among the major objectives of targets of the quality award. The EQA has been pivotal in driving quality improvements across Ethiopia's business landscape over the years with a goal of creating a national quality brand as the awards are presented annually based on the EQA Excellence Model, it was learned.

Addis Ababa, November 27, 2025 (ENA) —Ethiopia has presented the flagship Bishoftu International Airport (BIA) project to global financiers and investors at the Africa Investment Forum held in Rabat, Morocco, drawing strong interest from global financiers and investors, according to a press release sent to ENA today. The presentation drew strong interest development financial institutions, commercial banks, export-credit agencies, and institutional investors from Africa, Europe, North America, Asia, and Middle East, reaffirming BIA’s potential to become a major aviation hub for the continent and the world, the release of Ministry of Finance added. BIA is a new mega-project led by Ethiopian Airlines Group (EAG), in collaboration with the African Development Bank (AfDB), alongside technical and financial advisors situated near Abusera, about 40 km south of Addis Ababa. The project aims to handle 60 million passengers annually in Phase I, with an estimated 12.5 billion USD. It has the capacity of expanding to 110 million passengers per year; and to become the largest airport in Africa upon full development-positioning. During the showcase, the investors have expressed robust interest, reflecting growing confidence in Africa’s infrastructure pipeline and the strategic role BIA will play in trade, travel, and regional integration, it was learned. Representatives from multilateral institutions, export-credit agencies, and engineering firms reviewed the Project Information Memorandum, financial model, and risk-allocation structure is an important step as the project transitions from design to procurement and implementation, it was learned. BIA is expected to be a catalyst for economic development, tourism, trade, and regional connectivity. It aligns with Africa’s broader goals of strengthening intra-continental mobility and integration, the press released further stated. The new airport will also alleviate congestion at Bole International Airport, enabling Ethiopia and the continent to expand global connectivity. The surrounding airport city is also projected to generate thousands of jobs during construction and operation, attracting investment in logistics, hospitality, and commercial services as well as rail and expressway links to Addis Ababa. Showcasing the project at the Africa Investment Forum represents a pivotal moment, providing lenders and investors with a detailed overview of BIA’s financial, technical, and strategic framework. Ethiopian Airlines Group officially shared the Project Information Memorandum and financial model with potential financiers. On the occasion, Ethiopia’s Minister of Finance, Ahmed Shide, highlighted the significance of the project as a historic advancement in Africa’s aviation sector, with advanced technology, sustainable design, and unmatched connectivity, adding that “it will establish Ethiopia as the continent’s aviation capital and a key gateway to the world.” Ethiopian Airlines and its partners are inviting financiers, institutional investors, commercial lenders, and export-credit agencies to review the investment package and join one of Africa’s most ambitious infrastructure ventures which poised to deliver transformative economic impact.

Addis Ababa, November 26, 2025 (ENA) — State Minister of Finance, Semereta Sewasew, invited German investors to explore the abundant opportunities within Ethiopia's dynamic, reforming economy. Speaking at the 2025 Ethiopia–Germany Business Forum in Berlin, Semereta highlighted Ethiopia’s ambitious six-year Homegrown Economic Reform Agenda, which is actively focused on stabilizing the macroeconomic environment, modernizing the economy, and strengthening the private sector's role.     State Minister Semereta emphasized Ethiopia’s commitment to creating a predictable and enabling investment environment by restructuring state-owned enterprises, liberalizing key sectors such as telecom, energy, air transport, banking, and logistics, and advancing regulatory reforms to strengthen contract enforcement and intellectual property protection. The high-level Forum, organized by the Government of Germany in collaboration with Afrika-Verein and DIHK, brought together senior policymakers and key business leaders. The event served to reaffirm the long-standing partnership between the two nations, emphasizing shared priorities for industrial cooperation and sustainable economic growth. State Minister Semereta was joined by a high-level Ethiopian delegation, including State Ministers from Agriculture, Industry, and Justice, who engaged with German counterparts to discuss specific opportunities and the evolving regulatory framework.     She highlighted progress in key areas, including stabilizing inflation, strengthening foreign reserves, and boosting investor confidence. Institutional modernization was also a key point, with the State Minister noting the establishment of the Ethiopian Securities Exchange and the expansion of digital public services like e-tax systems and online business registration. State Minister Semereta reaffirmed Ethiopia’s openness to investment and collaboration, inviting German companies to be active participants in the country’s ongoing economic transformation. She also extended an invitation to the Invest in Ethiopia High-Level Business Forum 2026 for investors seeking to establish further partnerships. The Forum provided a platform for direct business-to-business engagement, with German business leaders expressing optimism about the investment climate and pointing to opportunities in renewable energy, manufacturing, digital innovation, pharmaceuticals, and agro-processing. Niels Annen, State Secretary of the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development, underscored Germany’s interest in deepening technological cooperation, recognizing Ethiopia’s reform trajectory and its potential as a gateway to regional African markets.  

Addis Ababa, November 25, 2025 (ENA) — The Ethiopian Airlines Group is building a pan-African aviation industry that drives the continent's growth, Transport and Logistics State Minister Dhenge Boru said. Speaking at the opening of the 5th General Assembly of Association of African Aviation Training Organizations (AATO) today, the State Minister said Ethiopian Airlines is a pan-African institution that continues to shape the trajectory of the aviation industry across the continent through disciplined investment, long-term planning and professional excellence.     He highlighted the launching of the construction of the new Bishoftu International Airport, with an investment of more than 12 billion USD, as part of the country's strategic leadership plan in the development of the aviation sector in the continent. The State Minister emphasized that aviation remains a vital economic engine for Africa by connecting nations, enabling trade, facilitates tourism, and ensuring the timely delivery of life-saving supplies.     The International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) has indicated a potential need for over 2 million new aviation professionals globally by 2030, it was learned. Africa’s aviation growth, driven by frameworks such as the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) and the Single African Air Transport Market (SAATM), is expected to generate substantial new opportunities for employment, training, and investment. According to Dhenge, the Ethiopian Airlines Group's Vision 2035 targets to reach more than 67 million passengers and 3.73 million tons of cargo by 2035 through increased capacity and upgrading airports and aviation facilities, cargo terminals, streamlining airport services and the flow of passengers, and expanding the network of Ethiopian airports to ensure greater aviation capacity and connectivity throughout Ethiopia and the broader African continent. Association of African Aviation Training Organizations (ATTO) President Tendani Ndou said Africa’s aviation training organizations have developed digitalization and modernization roadmaps that are enhancing the type of infrastructure to train aviation personals. Building skilled and strong human capital development is crucial for resilient aviation and sustainable air transport growth which is difficult without modernizing the aviation sector from paperless to automated as the global aviation is changing rapidly, she added. She praised the Ethiopian Aviation University and the Civil Aviation Authority for their “dedicated effort, time, and resources” in elevating ATTO’s work on the continent. Ethiopian Aviation University President, Leake Tadesse, said on his part that Africa will rank among the world’s fastest-growing air travel regions by 2035 and this growth is driven by rising population, increasing urbanization and expanding economic activities.     “Africa must (therefore) invest aggressively in building a highly skilled aviation workforce to unlock its full potential,” he added. Recognizing the continent-wide shortage of skilled aviation workers, more than 25,000 aviation professionals were trained and over 280,000 personnel kept up to date through recurrent training programs, the President revealed. Ethiopian Aviation University now provides training in over 50 African countries, offering specialized programs across multiple aviation disciplines, it was learned.

Addis Ababa, November 26, 2025 (ENA) — Ethiopia’s Special Economic Zones (SEZs) have emerged as leading destinations for capable and high-quality foreign investors, according to State Minister of Industry Tarekegn Bululta. He noted that the country’s homegrown macroeconomic reform program has revitalized commerce and investment, creating conditions that are drawing both domestic and international investors to opportunities within the SEZs. Industrial production remains one of Ethiopia’s primary pillars of growth, alongside agriculture, mining, digital technology, and tourism, he said, adding that the government’s strong focus on developing SEZs is enabling the sector to play a constructive role in national development. According to the State Minister, rising industrial productivity and the expansion of integrated agro-industrial parks are driving significant progress in import substitution, job creation, and export competitiveness. Currently, Ethiopia hosts thirteen government-managed SEZs and seven operated by private developers. Tarekegn said these zones are making a positive contribution to sectoral output, particularly in processing agricultural products. According to him, improvements in power-supply infrastructure are ensuring that SEZ developers can operate at full capacity while maintaining high product quality. As an example, he highlighted the Japanese solar manufacturer TO Solar, based in the Hawassa Special Economic Zone, which is helping position Ethiopia as an emerging player in the global renewable energy market. The state minister reaffirmed that the government will intensify efforts to attract high-caliber developers through Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) and provide them with strong support. At the same time, a new operational framework is being rolled out to boost local investor participation in industrial parks, strengthening the sector’s ongoing transformation. This investor-friendly approach, he noted, is already resulting in a substantial increase in domestic engagement across the parks. Tarekegn concluded that the revival of the industrial sector, particularly agro-processing, is significantly reinforcing import substitution and export competitiveness, while helping cultivate a stronger culture of consuming locally-produced goods.

Addis Ababa, November 25, 2025 (ENA) — The Farmer Field Schools (FFS) has significantly raised yields by 34 percent and family earnings by 43 percent since the launching of the program in 2016 in three phases, according to Professor Ali Mohammed, Advisor to the State Minister of Agriculture. A two-day Horticultural Livelihood, Innovation and Food Safety in Ethiopia (Horti-LIFE) Learning Event is underway in Addis Ababa. Opening the event today, Professor Ali said horticultural projects have assisted more than 31,000 farmers in 200 areas across the country through the FFS program under Horti-LIFE. "We have accordingly improved the farming of fruits and vegetables, which helps our exports and supports food businesses," he added. According to him, FFS has changed thinking, especially for women and young people, transforming small-scale farming. Deputy Head of Mission at the Netherlands Embassy in Ethiopia, Paula Schindeler, praised the success of the Horti-LIFE III after just one year by undertaking over 2,200 FFSs and exceeding their goals by 186 percent, helping 70,000 small farmers directly.     According to her, they have produced 1.5 million fruit plants on orchards over 2,000 hectares. “The creation of over 1,200 jobs, mainly for women and young people, shows the social strength of horticulture,” Schindeler noted. Stating that the project works on building national systems for planting certification and horticultural standards as well as ensuring sustainability, she said Dutch partnerships focus on helping the private sector grow by linking experts and businesses with Ethiopian farmers. She also revealed that many Farmer Field Schools are run by women, and new businesses by youth are developing, encouraging inclusive growth. Julie Graham, Director of SNV Ethiopia on her part recalled that SNV has been working for more than 50 years in Ethiopia alongside the government and businesses to create programs that enhance people's lives and support solutions.     These cooperations reflect families earning more and local governments driving change, she added. Graham emphasized the need to maintain partnerships, expand successes, and empower young people for the future of modern horticulture. According to the organizers, the program that spans seven regional states has reached over 200,000 farmers and supported numerous agri-businesses.

Addis Ababa, November 26, 2025 (ENA) — Ethiopia’s Deputy Commissioner of the Investment Commission, Dagato Kumbe, announced that the country granted investment licenses to 525 foreign investors in the 2017 Ethiopian fiscal year alone, representing a total capital of 4 billion USD. The Deputy Commissioner highlighted the clear surge in interest, stating, “The interest of foreign investors to make direct foreign investment in Ethiopia has been increasing recently.” Dagato pointed to the year-over-year growth to underscore this trend. "In the 2016 Ethiopian fiscal year, 326 investors came to Ethiopia. However, in 2017 (Ethiopian fiscal year), some 525 investors took licenses to invest in Ethiopia, marking a significant increase." The rise in FDI flow is attributed primarily to the country’s Homegrown Economic Reform agenda. Dagato explained that the reform is designed to boost FDI and sustain economic growth, driven by a two-pronged approach. First, he noted the commission’s efforts to proactively market the country. “Promotional work is being done to ensure that investment options in Ethiopia are properly identified and known. Targeted promotion is being carried out.” Second, he detailed the comprehensive nature of the reform. “Various macroeconomic reforms have been undertaken. For instance, various sectors have been liberalized. New sectors, including financial institutions, have been opened for foreign investors to enter and participate.” Dagato also affirmed that procedural and legal gaps that were not conducive to investment have been identified through studies and subsequently revised. These steps, coupled with shifting the foreign exchange management system toward a more market-oriented structure, have created a favorable environment for investment and trade, stimulating private sector participation. The positive outcome of the reform echoes a recent statement by Fitsum Assefa, the Minister of Planning and Development, who noted that, despite challenges, the Ethiopian economy has managed to achieve significant growth under the implemented Homegrown Economic Reform.

Addis Ababa, November 26, 2025 (ENA) — Leading coffee exporters report that the government’s renewed focus on productivity and recent policy reforms are generating concrete improvements in the sector's export revenue. The remarks were made during a ceremony hosted by the Ethiopian Coffee and Tea Authority to honor stakeholders who played a pivotal role in achieving the sector's performance goals for the 2017 Ethiopian fiscal year. Speaking at the event, CEO Abdella of SA Bagresh Coffee Exporters highlighted the significant revitalization of the trade following national reforms.     Abdella, whose company was recognized for its substantial contribution to export volume and revenue, emphasized that the government’s corrective measures are paying off. He specifically noted that policy adjustments introduced by the National Bank have boosted the sector's performance. Abdella also credited the Coffee and Tea Authority's consistent monitoring and support as key factors enabling exporters to deliver high-quality Ethiopian coffee to the global market. "Following the national reforms, we have seen a significant revitalization in the coffee sector. The policy adjustments made by the National Bank, in particular, have notably boosted our performance. Furthermore, the consistent monitoring and support from the Coffee and Tea Authority have been instrumental in allowing us to supply high-quality Ethiopian coffee to the global market, resulting in higher volumes and revenue." MIDROC Investment Group’s Agriculture Deputy CEO, Feleke Tadese , described the recognition as a strong motivator for further excellence.     He pointed out that the government's initiatives to rejuvenate aging coffee trees and plant new saplings are already yielding effective results. Feleke further observed that the country's recent macroeconomic reforms have been instrumental in encouraging more businesses to pivot toward the export market. The positive impact of value addition was also a central theme. "This recognition serves as a powerful motivator for us to achieve even greater results. The government’s work to ensure productivity—specifically the initiative involving stumping old coffee trees for rejuvenation and planting new saplings—is yielding tangible fruit. Additionally, the recent macroeconomic reforms have played a major role in encouraging more businesses to pivot toward the export sector." Esset Barega, Manager of Esset Coffee, attributed her company's success to government policies that incentivize processing coffee before export.     She affirmed her commitment to doing her part in helping the nation achieve its future targets. "By supplying value-added coffee to the market, we have been able to register effective performance. The government’s policy reforms and incentives have contributed significantly to the growth of our business. Moving forward, we are committed to playing our part in helping the country achieve the ambitious goals set for the sector." Sharing this sentiment, Chaka Coffee Founder and Owner, Bisrat Belay, stated that the company directly benefited from the incentive packages designed for value-added exporters. "I have been a direct beneficiary of the government’s incentive packages designed for those of us adding value to our coffee before export. I am determined to use this favorable opportunity to work toward even greater success."     The CEO expressed determination to leverage these favorable conditions to achieve even greater success in the industry.

Addis Ababa, November 25, 2025 (ENA) — Family-owned firms play a crucial role in the growth of Ethiopia’s capital market, Tilahun Esmael, CEO of the Ethiopian Securities Exchange (ESX), said at the Third Ethiopian Family Business Forum (EFBF) 2025. The forum, organized by HST Consulting in partnership with ESX and the EFBF Advisory Council, took place in Addis Ababa on Tuesday, under the theme “Embracing Change for Growth and Innovation.”     The event assembled business leaders, industry experts and strategic partners to discuss how family businesses can scale, access finance and professionalize governance to ensure long-term sustainability. Tilahun Esmael, CEO of ESX, said family businesses’ substantial presence in the private sector makes them key to expanding the country’s capital markets. With the Ethiopian economy showing signs of progress, ESX offers a modern, regulated platform that enables companies to raise long-term capital through equity and debt instruments. ESX, he added, is committed to mobilizing financial resources for both public and private institutions and to building a well-regulated, efficient market. The conference concentrated on three interlinked pillars including financing, Innovation and governance Solomon Gizaw, HST Chairman and CEO, said family businesses are the backbone of Ethiopia's private sector, contributing significantly to job creation, innovation, and long-term economic stability. Therefore, recognizing their importance, HST launched the Ethiopian Family Business Forum (EFBF) in 2023 as a dedicated platform to support and strengthen family enterprises in Ethiopia, he noted.     Noting most of family business faced challenges to sustain at second and third generation, he stressed, the need for concerted efforts with respect to policy wise, to empower youths to the leaderships and leveraging innovations extensively to enable business sustain through generation. HST trains, supporting technical support for family businesses to enable them transform to modernizations operation system, he added. In his keynote as guest of honor, celebrated athlete Haile Gebrselassie said family businesses are more than commercial entities — they are legacies founded on shared values.     He underscored that innovation for family firms is not limited to technology adoption; it includes rethinking operating models, promoting a culture of creativity, and embracing digital transformation to remain resilient in a dynamic environment. The Third Ethiopian Family Business Forum (EFBF) builds on the inaugural forum launched in March 2023 and the 2024 edition, continuing efforts to support family firms through peer learning, research and locally relevant governance practices. The forum’s objectives include helping family businesses access diverse funding sources, professionalize governance, manage succession and foster innovation. Family enterprises are a critical pillar of Ethiopia’s private sector, with important implications for employment and economic development.

Addis Ababa, November 25, 2025 (ENA) — Even if the policy and regulatory frameworks of Ethiopia demonstrate a strong alignment with the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) commitment and protocols, functional and operational readiness is low, leaving Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) unprepared to exploit continental opportunities, according to a research released today. A session, which discussed Ethiopia's progress towards AfCFTA and the role of SMEs in regional integration, was held at the Sky Light Hotel this morning. The research entitled "Policy and Regulatory Harmonization of SME Competitiveness: Ethiopia's Journey towards AfCFTA Implementation" revealed that the policy and regulatory frameworks of Ethiopia demonstrate a strong alignment with AfCFTA commitment and protocols across trade in goods and services, digital trade, competition, empowerment and dispute settlement. However, functional and operational readiness is low, leaving Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) unprepared to exploit continental opportunities.     According to the research, the policy alignment is not yet matched by institutional capacity, regulatory implementation, and SME-focused operationalization. It pointed out that the main readiness gaps directly affecting SME competitiveness are consumer protection rules; lack of legal protection against dominant regional firms; lack of regional integrated SME, women and youth policies; and absence of domestic continental dispute settlement linkages. The findings stated that SMEs readiness and awareness for participating in intra-continental trade under the AfCFTA remain limited. Out of 355 surveyed SMEs, only 11.4 percent are currently involved in trade within Africa, 60 percent doing so informally while the vast majority (88 percent) continues to focus solely on domestic markets. Furthermore, the findings stated that just 13.99 percent of SMEs consider themselves fully prepared to engage under the AfCFTA, whereas 17.78 percent have no knowledge of the agreement at all. The findings also underscored the urgent need for targeted capacity building, stronger policy coordination and enhanced awareness initiatives. Speaking on the occasion, Foreign Affairs State Minister Hadera Abera emphasized the importance of continuous research, policy engagement, and stakeholder dialogue to effectively guide both national actions and continental initiatives.     Hadera said intra-African trade stands at around 17 percent but with full AfCFTA implementation, this figure is expected to exceed 50 percent, noting that Ethiopia has commenced trading goods as part of this initiative and is making headway in negotiations regarding its services tariff offer. The State Minister, who praised the joint efforts of the Institute of Foreign Affairs and UNDP in conducting the research, called for continued collaboration with UNDP and other stakeholders to bolster capacity building efforts and informed policy decisions. On his part, Trade and Regional Integration State Minister Abdulhakim Mulu noted that the gathering represents a strategic milestone for Ethiopia, particularly in recognizing SMEs as pivotal to our economic transformation.     To maximize the opportunity AfCFTA offers to access a market with a combined GDP exceeding 3.4 trillion USD, the State Minister emphasized the need to modernize and harmonize SME policies and regulatory frameworks in line with continental standards. Institute of Foreign Affairs Executive Director Jafar Bedru said the readiness for AfCFTA implementation is not solely the responsibility of one ministry or sector; it necessitates collective engagement from policymakers, researchers, practitioners, and partners. The Executive Director stated that while Ethiopia has ratified the agreement, political commitment must be matched with institutional strength, regulatory clarity, and logistical efficiency for effective implementation.     He pointed out that the launch of the research marks a critical step in Ethiopia’s approach to enhance its integration into the AfCFTA framework, emphasizing that rigorous, country-level research is crucial to identify gaps and develop actionable strategies that facilitate effective participation in the Continental Free Trade Area Agreement. On his part, UNDP Ethiopia Resident Representative Samuel Doe emphasized the pivotal role that SMEs play in fostering inclusive growth, job creation, and the Sustainable Development Goals, noting that SMEs globally account for approximately 90 percent of all businesses and contribute to more than half of employment in Africa. With Ethiopia's significant youth population and ambitious industrialization agenda, he said supporting SMEs is not merely an option but a strategic imperative. Although AfCFTA represents an unprecedented opportunity for Africa to strengthen intra-continental trade and create a unified economic voice in a rapidly evolving global landscape, opportunities alone are insufficient for realizing the potential benefits of the AfCFTA.     Doe stressed that Ethiopian entrepreneurs face ongoing challenges, including limited access to funding, inadequate logistics and infrastructure, and fragmented regulatory frameworks, which could hinder many SMEs from benefiting from the AfCFTA. In this respect, UNDP is prepared to assist Ethiopia in translating its political will into actionable outcomes for SMEs, he pledged, outlining the three-pillar approach focused on entrepreneurship, access to funding, and enhanced business management. This includes targeted training, incubation, and mentorship programs aimed at empowering women and youth, alongside initiatives to build digital skills and foster product innovation. Doe underscored the importance of these interventions in helping SMEs transition from informal to competitive enterprises, ultimately increasing their survival rates and facilitating access to funding.

Addis Ababa, November 25, 2025 (ENA)— Ethiopia's green development initiative has been the key driver of the country's historic and record-breaking export earnings from coffee during the 2024/2025 budget year, Deputy Prime Minister Temesgen Tiruneh noted. The government of Ethiopia has given significant and renewed attention to the coffee sector, recognizing its critical importance to the national economy and the livelihoods of millions of people.   This focus is formalized in national strategies and has resulted in record export revenues in recent years. The sector is experiencing a significant boom, with record-breaking export revenues of over 2.65 billion USD by exporting 470,000 tons of coffee in the last fiscal year, driven by various initiatives undertaken by the government. The coffee sector's recent strides are supported by government reforms, improved supply chain efficiency, large-scale planting initiatives, and new international market access. Addressing the National Coffee Exhibition and Recognition event held in Addis Ababa today, Deputy Prime Minister Temesgen Tiruneh said Ethiopia's green growth path prioritizes the significance of water, soil, and ecosystem, among others.   Citing the nation's historic strides in its green legacy initiative, he said the green development path has been instrumental for the coffee sector's growth, noting the increase in export earnings and productivity. The Deputy PM also attributed the role of the reform endeavors undertaken by the government, commending all stakeholders in the coffee value chain for the historic success of the sector. Enhancing quality and productivity are among the next priorities outlined by the Deputy PM as the country plans to secure 3 billion USD by exporting more than 600, 000 tons of coffee. During the occasion, Minister of Trade and Regional Integration Kassahun Gofe for his part commended the immense role of Ethiopian farmers for their valuable contribution for the coffee sector.   Noting the significant role of the coffee sector for its export earnings and supporting the nation's economy, he said the sector is also the source of livelihood for more than 25 million citizens. Market expansion, quality enhancement and promotion are among the next priorities, he said, adding the AfCFTA is also bringing huge market opportunities for the coffee sector. Similarly, Director-General of the Ethiopian Coffee and Tea Authority Adugna Debela commended the government's unwavering commitment to the history of the coffee sector.   Stating that identifying and resolving challenges in the coffee sector played a significant role, he said the endeavors undertaken in the coffee value chain also played a significant role in the progress of the sector. Ethiopia's coffee is deeply integrated with resilience and development through sustainable agroforestry systems that support biodiversity, climate adaptation, and community livelihoods, while initiatives like reforestation projects and improved stoves tackle deforestation and improve daily life. Key factors also include the Green Legacy Initiative, streamlined direct trade between farmers and exporters, adherence to sustainability and quality standards like those for EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR) compliance, and a national strategy to expand market reach.

Addis Ababa, November 24, 2025 (ENA)— President Taye Atske Selassie is in Luanda to attend the seventh AU–EU Summit, taking place under the theme “Promoting Peace and Prosperity Through Effective Multilateralism.” Leaders from African Union (AU) and European Union (EU) member states have gathered in the Angolan capital for the two-day summit, which marks 25 years of AU–EU partnership and coincides with the 50th independence anniversaries of Angola and several other African countries. The summit is being co-chaired by Angolan President João Lourenço and President of the European Council António Costa. Several leaders, including South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, have already arrived in Luanda for the high-level meeting.

Addis Ababa, November 23, 2025 (ENA)— Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed held bilateral discussions with Netherlands Prime Minister Dick Schoof and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni. In a message shared on social media, PM Abiy stated: “During our meeting with Prime Minister of the Netherlands, Dick Schoof, we discussed ways to further strengthen the strong ties between Ethiopia and the Netherlands.” He noted that as one of Ethiopia’s key export destinations, the Netherlands presents significant potential to expand investment and economic cooperation. PM Abiy also emphasized collaboration on climate action and explored opportunities to deepen bilateral relations through visits and exchanges. Regarding Italy, he added, “The final bilateral meeting I held at the G20 Summit was with Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, where we discussed global and regional affairs, as well as key bilateral issues between our countries.”

Addis Ababa, November 23, 2025 (ENA)— Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed held bilateral discussions with Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva on the sidelines of the G20 Summit in South Africa. The talks focused on strengthening economic cooperation and advancing sustainable infrastructure initiatives between Ethiopia and Brazil. Reflecting on the upcoming COP32, which Ethiopia is set to host, PM Abiy noted that Brazil’s experience from COP30 offers valuable lessons. “We plan to consolidate these insights to ensure a well-prepared and impactful hosting that advances global climate action,” he said. Earlier in the day, the Prime Minister also met with CAF President Dr. Patrice Motsepe to discuss the development of African football and Ethiopia’s role in the sport. “We highlighted our commitment to youth development, infrastructure, and partnerships with CAF to elevate African football on the global stage,” PM Abiy added.