Addis Ababa, August 21, 2026 (ENA) — Rural development must be measured not only by physical infrastructure but by meaningful improvements in quality of life, the Office of the Prime Minister said. The office highlighted that the rural corridors initiative is taking a practical, people-centered approach by "improving connectivity, creating better living conditions, and unlocking economic opportunities within rural communities." According to the Office, the ultimate goal of the initiative is "to move beyond fragmented interventions and build rural areas that are productive, connected, resilient, and attractive places to live and work."

Addis Ababa, August 20, 2026 (ENA) —“Ethiopia does not need permission from anyone to develop its water resources as it is a sovereign country,” Water and Energy Minister Habtamu Itefa said. “Who said that we need permission from anyone? Ethiopia is a sovereign country... Look, we built the GERD without the permission, and we will also build other dams on other river basins whenever the needs arise,” he elaborated. In an exclusive interview with Pulse of Africa, Habtamu noted that the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam was built solely for electricity generation and it is providing the region with hydro power. He categorically rejected calls for joint management of the GERD, saying Ethiopia would not accept arrangements that would give other countries control over the dam nor ask permission to build others. “How come any entity asks to jointly manage the dam built by Ethiopians. This is impossible and unacceptable,” the Minister underscored. Ethiopia’s position as regards the Nile is that the Basin countries negotiate and cooperate rather than seek to restrict the country's development using its own water resources. With respect to the GERD, Ethiopia's intention is to generate hydropower supply citizens with electricity and export energy to benefit the region, the Minister explained.   Accordingly, Ethiopia has been supplying electricity to neighboring countries including Djibouti, Kenya, and Sudan, while demand is also coming from Somalia and South Sudan. Moreover, “the Kenyans are demanding more than what really we could give them,” Habtamu said. “There is again a big demand from Somalia; but the country is not yet connected. So we are working on it. Besides, South Sudan also demands power.” He also defended Ethiopia’s approach to Nile Basin cooperation, citing the Nile Basin Initiative and the Cooperative Framework Agreement as examples of efforts to promote shared use of the river. Further elaborating on the generous move of Ethiopia in developing the Nile tributaries, the Minister stated that unlike in other transboundary river basins where downstream countries often lead cooperation efforts, Ethiopia has taken the lead in bringing Nile Basin countries together. “In the case of Nile, it is Ethiopia that has been trying to lead the initiative to cooperate and work together,” he noted.   He also revealed that Ethiopia has refrained from developing potentially irrigable land”, arguing that this demonstrates consideration for downstream countries. “Technically speaking, we have more than 230,000 hectares of irrigable land. But we are not irrigating that land because we know that there is a demand from the downstream side.” Habtamu pointed out that water released from the GERD continues to flow to downstream countries after electricity generation.

Addis Ababa, August 20, 2026 (ENA) —Ethiopia is seeking to turn its growing banana production into a major export by improving quality, productivity and market access, according to Ministry of Agriculture. Agricultural Investment and Input Supply Development Sector State Minister, Sofia Kassa, said Ethiopia has the potential to globally compete in the banana industry. It must, however, improve quality and meet international standards. While opening the National Banana Conference in Addis Ababa today, she noted that the country has “massive production; but quality is one of the main challenges to penetrate the world market”. The state minister called for stronger efforts to produce export-quality bananas and access international markets beyond Djibouti and Somalia, stressing that production alone cannot deliver the desired economic transformation.   According to Sofia, Ethiopia can build on its experience in the horticulture sector, particularly in flowers and vegetables, where cooperation among government, producers and the private sector has helped develop production, logistics and international market links. She reaffirmed the Ministry of Agriculture’s commitment to supporting the banana industry through the implementation of the 10-year National Horticulture Strategy and other agricultural policy and financing initiatives. The state minister also called for increased access to finance and stronger compliance with quality and phytosanitary standards, adding that these are essential to connect Ethiopian producers with global markets. Ethiopian Horticulture Producer Exporters Association Executive Director, Tewodros Zewdie, said Ethiopia can generate hundreds of millions of dollars, potentially reaching billions, from fresh and processed banana products if the sector’s major constraints are addressed.   “Banana is a multi-billion commodity industry globally. We have not benefited in a meaningful manner when we draw comparison with the potential of our country,” he noted. He identified certified planting materials, productivity improvement, capacity building, finance and stronger coordination among value-chain actors as key priorities for developing the industry. The Executive Director particularly stressed the need for virus-free banana plantlets and stronger tissue-culture and nursery systems to raise productivity. “Finance is the biggest elephant in the banana industry,” according to Tewodros, who called for greater support from financial institutions and closer cooperation among stakeholders. The National Banana Conference, organized by EHPEA under the theme “From Bunch to Breakthrough: Positioning Ethiopia as a Global Banana Export Powerhouse”, has brought together government institutions, producers, exporters, researchers, financiers and development partners to discuss production, quality, logistics, financing, market access and value addition.   The conference seeks to identify practical measures to unlock Ethiopia’s banana export potential and increase the crop’s contribution to income, employment and economic growth.

Addis Ababa, August 20, 2026 - Ethiopian Ambassador to the United States, Binalf Andualem, met with senior executives from The Boeing Company at the Ethiopian Embassy in Washington, D.C., to discuss ways to strengthen and expand the historic strategic partnership between Boeing and Ethiopian Airlines. During the meeting, Ambassador Binalf welcomed Mike Schnabel, Boeing’s Vice President for International Operations and Policy, Government Operations, alongside Rachel B. Peterson, Senior Manager for International Operations and Policy. According to a social media update shared by Ambassador Binalf, the discussions focused on deepening the decades-long strategic partnership among Ethiopian Airlines, Flyethiopian, and Boeing—an alliance grounded in mutual trust, innovation, and operational excellence. As part of the visit, the Boeing delegation presented Ambassador Binalf with a commemorative model of an Ethiopian Airlines Boeing 787. The gift marks the milestone celebrations of Ethiopian Airlines' 80th anniversary and honors eight decades of enduring partnership with Boeing. During the engagement, the Boeing leadership reaffirmed their ongoing commitment to support, advance, and elevate Ethiopia’s aviation sector for the future.

Addis Ababa, August 20, 2026 (ENA) —Ethiopia showcased its digital transformation agenda and the Digital Ethiopia 2030 Strategic Architecture at the 7th BRICS Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) Working Group Meeting held in Pune, India. In a social media, Ethiopian Embassy in New Delhi said Ethiopian delegation presented the country’s efforts to expand digital services, leverage technology to modernize public service delivery and support economic growth.   Highlighting the importance of strengthening ICT cooperation among BRICS countries, the delegation showcased key digital solutions, including Fayda Digital ID and MESOB, a one stop digital service platform designed to provide public services through a One Stop Shop approach. The initiatives were presented as part of Ethiopia’s broader efforts to build an integrated digital ecosystem, improve access to public services and promote innovation driven economic development. The meeting, held under India’s BRICS Chairship theme, “Building for Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation and Sustainability,” brought together representatives of member countries for strategic discussions on ICT cooperation and emerging digital technologies.   Ethiopia’s participation underscored its commitment to strengthening digital cooperation with BRICS countries, sharing experiences and advancing inclusive and sustainable digital transformation.

Addis Ababa, August 19, 2026 (ENA) —Chinese Ambassador to Ethiopia Chen Hai described Ethiopia as one of the most economically dynamic countries in Africa, noting that the country has been continuously easing access for foreign investment and actively promoting export diversification. Addressing the “Big Market for All: Export to China” Ethiopia session held in Addis Ababa today, the ambassador said China is Ethiopia’s largest trading partner and a major source of investment. “China has been continuously opening up its market to Ethiopia by extending zero tariff treatment and introducing a series of trade facilitation measures to transform its tax related reduction arrangements for Ethiopia into tangible, accessible and beneficial outcomes,” he emphasized.   According to the ambassador, these policies help Ethiopian small and medium sized enterprises lower market access costs and enable more Ethiopian products to enter the Chinese market. He further elaborated that the measures are contributing to the balanced development of bilateral trade and encouraging Chinese and other international investors to increase investment in Ethiopia’s competitive industries. Enhancing the competitiveness and reputation of Ethiopian products, enabling them to compete more effectively in global markets, and supporting Ethiopia’s agricultural modernization and industrialization are also among the priorities, Ambassador Hai underscored. China and Ethiopia have also maintained effective multilateral economic and trade coordination and cooperation, jointly promoting what he described as true multilateralism.   The ambassador highlighted China’s support for Ethiopia’s accession to BRICS and said China has completed bilateral negotiations on Ethiopia’s accession to the World Trade Organization (WTO), which he said would help Ethiopia further integrate into the global economic system. Last year, China launched a series of activities under the themes “Sharing the Big Market” and “Exporting to China,” aimed at creating a national level import promotion brand and making China’s large consumer market a more accessible market for countries around the world, according to the ambassador. The initiative reflects China’s efforts to expand opening up, increase imports and promote more balanced trade growth, he added.   “Today’s Ethiopian session demonstrates China’s emphasis on the bilateral relationship, its confidence in the potential of Ethiopia’s economic growth and our bilateral economic and trade cooperation,” the ambassador said. He reaffirmed China’s willingness to strengthen policy alignment and industrial cooperation with Ethiopia, further tap the potential of bilateral trade and jointly build a closer supply chain partnership.

Addis Ababa, August 19, 2026 (ENA) —Minister of Trade and Regional Integration Kassahun Gofe affirmed the rapidly growing Export-Import (EXIM) trade between Ethiopia and China is both a driver and a reflection of the two countries’ evolving economic ties. The minister made these remarks while addressing an event held in Addis Ababa today under the theme “Big Market for All: Export to China” Ethiopia session. The minister emphasized that the friendship between Ethiopia and China is an unshakable alliance forged through mutual trust, respect and a shared vision. The relationship between the two countries has been elevated to an all-weather strategic partnership, demonstrating the potential of international solidarity and mutually beneficial cooperation.   “Over the past decades, China's investment, technology, and industrial vision have played a foundational role in building Ethiopia's modern economic landscape, from high-speed expressways and clean energy grids to world-class industrial parks and the iconic Addis Ababa Djibouti railway,” Kassahun said. According to the minister, China’s initiatives to provide zero tariff market access for African exports have opened wider opportunities for Ethiopian businesses to access the world’s most dynamic market, with its 1.4 billion consumers. “By opening the vast Chinese market wider to Ethiopian goods, you are not only satisfying the growing demand of Chinese consumers for premium products, but you are also creating resilient, balanced, and mutually beneficial trade architecture,” he underscored. The minister clarified that Ethiopia’s trade relations with China have expanded significantly in recent years, with exports and imports reflecting the growing economic engagement between the two countries. In the 2025/26 fiscal year, Ethiopia’s exports to China reached 369 million USD, recording strong average annual growth over the past five years. Meanwhile, imports from China stood at nearly 21 billion USD, growing by an average of 13 percent annually, Kassahun said. He noted that while the growing trade volume demonstrates vibrant economic activity, the significant trade imbalance highlights the need for strategic measures to strengthen Ethiopia’s export competitiveness and diversify its export portfolio.   The minister also emphasized that Ethiopia is undertaking wide ranging economic reforms under its Homegrown Economic Reform agenda, including liberalizing key sectors, modernizing the financial system, streamlining export procedures and improving production quality. “These reforms have helped Ethiopia achieve an outstanding milestone, with national exports exceeding 11.2 billion USD in the 2025/26 fiscal year,” he said. The minister also described Ethiopia as an economy undergoing comprehensive transformation. “Under our ambitious Homegrown Economic Reform agenda, we are executing bold structural reforms across our economy,” Kassahun said. The minister also stated that Ethiopia is opening key commercial sectors, liberalizing the foreign exchange market and modernizing trade logistics to make trade and exports more efficient, faster and more competitive. Ethiopia’s accession to the World Trade Organization (WTO) is progressing with strong momentum, he noted.   He expressed Ethiopia’s gratitude to the Chinese government for its firm and continued support throughout the country’s WTO accession process, particularly for the successful conclusion and signing of bilateral market access negotiations. “As we enter the final stretch of this journey, we humbly request China's continued, unreserved support until Ethiopia takes its rightful place as a full member of the WTO,” he said.

Why Ethiopia Belongs in the Arab League? By Jibril Lamo August 19, 2026 The trajectory of global diplomacy is shifting toward historic truth and economic pragmatism, exposing the futility of outdated geopolitical vetoes. For decades, Egypt has extensively leveraged the Arab League to serve its own narrow interests and geopolitical agenda. Yet, this transactional dynamic begs a fundamental question: what has the Arab world received from Egypt in return? Let us confront the uncomfortable truth. The answer is virtually nothing. Rather than consistently advancing collective strength, Cairo’s policies and decades of authoritarian rule have, critics argue, contributed to instability across the region—weakening Sudan’s sovereignty while pursuing policies that have fueled tensions in East Africa and the Red Sea. These regions are not peripheral to Arab interests; they are strategically indispensable to the Arab world’s security, maritime trade, energy supplies and food security. One of the most consequential examples of Egypt’s divisive regional approach is its historical involvement in the Eritrean question and the broader struggle over Ethiopia’s territorial integrity. Cairo was overtly supporting separatist forces and political projects intended to weaken Ethiopia and constrain its regional influence. The eventual separation of Eritrea from Ethiopia remains a defining episode in the Horn of Africa’s turbulent history and a powerful reminder of how external geopolitical calculations can reshape the destiny of nations. Historical diplomacy reveals that Egyptian politician Boutros Boutros-Ghali, who served as acting Foreign Minister before becoming UN Secretary-General, played a pivotal role in advancing the Eritrean secession project to permanently weaken Ethiopia. Furthermore, Cairo’s active destabilization of the southern Red Sea basin presents a direct threat to global maritime trade and regional security. By stoking tensions around the Bab-el-Mandeb Strait and proxying armed factions, Cairo has transformed vital maritime passages into arenas of geopolitical confrontation, jeopardizing the broader security architecture essential for the energy and food logistics of the entire Arab world. While Egypt’s self-serving maneuvers generate regional friction, Ethiopia’s accession to the Arab League presents a transformative opportunity from which the Arab world stands to gain immensely. Under the visionary framework of the Medemer philosophy, Ethiopia possesses the diplomatic posture and inclusive vision needed to unite and integrate the Arab world far more effectively than Cairo ever could. As the undisputed diplomatic capital of Africa and the permanent headquarters of the African Union, Ethiopia brings unparalleled experience in multilateral consensus-building. Far from being a geopolitical gamble, Ethiopia’s aspiration to join the Arab League is a natural homecoming. As a Red Sea nation with a population exceeding 135 million, a booming economy, and deep civilizational ties, Ethiopia’s membership would establish an indispensable bridge between Africa and the Middle East. Ethiopia’s connection to the Middle East is built upon millennia of shared heritage, culture, and bloodlines. In academic institutions such as Harvard University, Ethiopian studies have historically resided within Oriental and Near Eastern departments, reflecting the deep historic entanglement between Habesha civilization and the Near East. The Bab-el-Mandeb Strait was never a barrier; it served as a vibrant corridor connecting commerce, culture, and communities across the Red Sea. From the reign of King Abraha to modern genetic studies confirming shared ancestry between Ethiopian and Middle Eastern populations, these foundational bonds remain undeniable. Linguistically and culturally, the structural bedrock of the Ethiopian state is Semitic. Ge'ez, the sacred classical language of Ethiopia, alongside its modern descendants Amharic and Tigrinya, belongs directly to the South Semitic branch of the Afroasiatic language family. This linguistic heritage inextricably links Habesha syntax, vocabulary, and literary traditions to classical Arabic, Aramaic, and Hebrew. The shared linguistic infrastructure between the Horn of Africa and the Arabian Peninsula offers continuous, tangible proof of a bi-directional civilizational flow. Beyond linguistics, Ethiopia holds a sacred and irreplaceable standing in the foundational history of Islam. When the companions of the Prophet Muhammad faced severe persecution in Mecca, it was to the Aksumite Kingdom that they fled for survival. The First Hijrah to Habesha, where the righteous Emperor Najashi extended royal dignity and sanctuary to the early Muslim community, saved the Islamic faith at its inception. This deep spiritual intertwining makes Ethiopia’s cultural identity inseparable from the broader Near East. Despite these undeniable facts, Cairo has systematically weaponized the Arab League as an instrument of institutional containment against Addis Ababa. For generations, Egyptian foreign policy has operated on an obsolete zero-sum doctrine that views any Ethiopian sovereign progress—whether the construction of the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam or the reclamation of direct maritime access—as a threat. By projecting its own hydropolitics onto the entire Arab bloc, Egypt has forced the League into a posture of artificial hostility toward its most powerful neighbor. In contrast to Cairo's policy of exclusion, contemporary realities demand total integration. Under the guiding principle of Medemer, Ethiopia offers the Arab world structural advantages that far surpass outdated rivalries. With an expanding industrial base and immense green energy capacity, Ethiopia serves as the primary stability anchor for the Horn of Africa and the Red Sea basin. While much of the Middle East faces severe water scarcity, desertification, and vulnerable food supply chains, Ethiopia’s highland ecology and abundant freshwater resources position it to become a vital agro-industrial partner for the entire Arabian Peninsula. Integrating Ethiopia into the Arab League transforms the Red Sea into a prosperous economic zone driven by Arab capital paired with Ethiopian land, energy, and labor scale. The League of Arab States must transcend twentieth-century nationalisms and embrace the civilizational reality of the Red Sea basin. Existing member states like Djibouti, Somalia, the Comoros, and Mauritania demonstrate the bloc's capacity to accommodate diverse regional realities. Full membership for Ethiopia does not diminish its proud African identity; rather, it elevates Ethiopia to its rightful role as the primary bridge connecting the African continent to the Middle East. It is time for the Arab League to move past Egyptian gatekeeping, leverage Ethiopia’s unifying synergy, and grant Addis Ababa its full and rightful seat.

Addis Ababa, August 19, 2026 (ENA) —Sudanese international water expert and former Minister of Water Resources, Prof. Seif al-Din Hamad, said Ethiopia’s planned additional cascading dams on the Abay (Blue Nile) River would not pose a threat to downstream countries. Speaking on the “Muqran al-Nilain” program aired by Al-Nilain News Channel, Prof. Hamad said the central it only matters their filling and operation are managed through effective coordination among the Nile Basin states. He stressed that cascade dam systems, when properly designed and managed, can contribute to regulating river flows, reducing flood risks and providing more predictable water supplies to downstream countries. According to the former minister, international experience demonstrates that a series of dams operated as an integrated system can help manage variations in seasonal flows and improve the reliability of water resources. “The main concern is not the existence of new dams but rather how we manage the initial filling and coordinate our efforts,” Prof. Hamad said. He argued that properly coordinated cascade dams could create significant benefits for Sudan by moderating the highly seasonal flows of the Blue Nile. Rather than receiving exceptionally high volumes of water during the rainy season followed by substantially lower flows, Sudan could benefit from a more regulated supply throughout the year. The Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD), he said, has already demonstrated the potential for such changes in flow patterns, creating opportunities that Sudan could harness for agriculture, hydropower and river transportation. Prof. Hamad said more predictable water flows could enable Sudan to improve the performance of existing hydropower facilities, including the Roseires and Sennar dams. Upgrading turbines and improving operational efficiency, he noted, could allow Sudan to generate more electricity while making better use of available water resources. He also highlighted potential benefits for Sudan’s agricultural sector, particularly through reduced pumping costs resulting from more stable river levels. According to Prof. Hamad, raising the river level by one meter during the summer could reduce agricultural pumping costs by around 30 percent, while a two-meter increase could cut costs by approximately half. He further dismissed concerns over the structural safety of the GERD and related infrastructure, pointing to the geological characteristics of the dam site and the engineering assessments underpinning its construction. Prof. Hamad said the GERD site is located roughly 600 kilometers from seismic fault lines associated with the East African Rift and is founded on solid granite with substantial load-bearing capacity. He also said engineering assessments have confirmed the structural soundness of Sudan’s Roseires Dam and its ability to safely accommodate regulated water flows. Beyond technical considerations, Prof. Hamad called on Sudan to adopt a more strategic and institutional approach to managing its water resources. He argued that uncertainty surrounding Nile water management should be replaced by stronger technical cooperation, data sharing and coordinated planning among the three countries. His assessment offers a different perspective on Ethiopia’s plans to expand hydropower generation, suggesting that additional dams need not be viewed solely through the lens of downstream risk. With effective coordination, he said, a more regulated Blue Nile could create opportunities for greater water security, expanded electricity generation, more efficient agriculture and improved regional economic integration. The broader lesson, Prof. Hamad emphasized, is that the Nile Basin’s future depends not simply on the infrastructure built along the river, but on how effectively the countries sharing its waters cooperate to manage it.

Addis Ababa, August 19, 2026 (ENA) —Ethiopians have demonstrated both the capacity and readiness to construct additional dams on the country’s rivers, Director General of the Office of the National Council for the Coordination of Public Participation in the Construction of GERD, said Speaking to ENA, Director General, Aregawi Berhe said the successful completion of GERD has demonstrated Ethiopia’s ability to mobilize its people and resources around major national development projects. The Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) Coordination Office played a key role in coordinating public participation throughout the construction of the landmark project, helping sustain nationwide support for the dam. Aregawi said the experience gained through the GERD has created an important foundation for Ethiopia to pursue further investments in hydropower and other major water infrastructure projects. He said Ethiopians have shown that they possess the determination, collective strength and practical experience needed to undertake additional ambitious development projects. Aregawi also said the GERD has helped correct a long-standing distorted perception regarding the equitable utilization of the Abay (Blue Nile) waters. The project, he noted, has provided practical evidence that Ethiopia can utilize its water resources for national development without harming any country. Instead, he said, the GERD is strengthening regional integration by expanding electricity generation and creating opportunities for greater economic cooperation. The recently inaugurated GERD, Africa’s largest hydropower plant, represents one of the continent’s most significant engineering achievements and a landmark in Ethiopia’s development journey. The completion of the project has also generated renewed calls among hydropower experts and policy observers for Ethiopia to build on the momentum by expanding investment in additional dams and energy infrastructure, particularly along the Abay River. Ethiopia contributes a substantial share of the Nile waters through the Abay River system, making the river central to the country’s hydropower potential, industrialization and broader economic ambitions. However, Aregawi criticized continued efforts by Egypt to deny the outcomes demonstrated by the GERD and to create confusion through public statements and campaigns. He stressed that the Abay is a shared resource of the Nile Basin that should be utilized responsibly and cooperatively by basin countries, rather than treated as the exclusive property of any single country. Ethiopia’s objective, he said, is development through cooperation and mutual benefit. Aregawi further emphasized that one of the GERD’s most important legacies is the experience Ethiopia gained in mobilizing public participation around a complex national project. The extensive public engagement during the dam’s construction demonstrated the potential of collective national action and generated valuable experience in mobilizing citizens and resources for major development initiatives. He said this experience will serve as an important asset for future projects, enabling Ethiopia to build on the unity, determination and public participation that helped turn the GERD from an ambitious national vision into a historic reality. Many hydropower experts say GERD stands not only as a major source of clean energy but also as a demonstration of Ethiopia’s growing capacity to pursue large-scale development projects through collective effort, national ownership and cooperation.  

Addis Ababa, August 19, 2026 (ENA) —Egypt must abandon its long-standing posture of seeking exclusive control over Abay (the Nile) waters and recognize Ethiopia’s natural rights as the source of 86 percent of the river’s total volume, according to the geopolitician Elias Abiy. In an exclusive interview with ENA, Elias Abi, an expert in geopolitics and writer, highlighted that 135 million Ethiopians rely on these vital resources for their livelihoods and national development. The analyst stressed that Cairo’s persistent attempts to block Ethiopian water utilization disregard both geographic reality and the principles of equitable water sharing.   Cairo’s reluctance to engage in fair water sharing stems from an outdated approach that views the Nile through a lens of exclusive entitlement, he elaborated. Despite Ethiopia generating the vast majority of the river’s volume through the Abay, Baro-Akobo, and Tekezé basins, Egypt has historically sought to restrict Ethiopian development initiatives, leveraging regional geopolitical tensions and international pressure to hinder hydro-development projects. According to the expert, this obstructive approach has long ignored the clear environmental and technical advantages of Ethiopian water infrastructure. Storing water in the deep, cool valleys of the Ethiopian highlands drastically minimizes evaporation losses compared to vast desert reservoirs like Lake Nasser, which loses between 10 and 15 billion cubic meters of water annually to extreme heat.   ‘‘Look at Lake Nasser behind the Aswan Dam. It covers nearly 6,000 km² in the Sahara Desert, one of the hottest regions in the world. It loses between 10 and 15 billion cubic metres of water a year through evaporation. That’s the equivalent of the entire flow of the Baro-Akobo into the White Nile. And with global warming, this evaporation is increasing even further.” Addressing the nation's strategic forward path, Elias emphasized that internal strength, rapid economic progress and national cohesion remain Ethiopia's most effective answers to external resistance. Accelerating comprehensive development and fostering open national dialogue naturally solidify stability, ensuring that a prosperous Ethiopia can serve as a dependable anchor for broader economic integration and peace across the Horn of Africa.

Addis Ababa, August 18, 2026 (ENA) —Implementation of the recent proclamation on Foreign Nationals’ Ownership Right of Residential House would contribute toward stimulating the development of cities and encouraging real estate development across cities in Ethiopia, Urban and Infrastructure Development Minister Chaltu Sani said. The Minister and respective stakeholder leaderships held discussion today on ways of collaborating in the implementation of the proclamation. Speaking on the occasion, she noted that the proclamation would stimulate the development of cities and encourage real estate development.   According to her, it will also contribute to housing access for the public, technological transfer, creating jobs and ensuring balanced development across regional cities. For his part, Foreign Affairs State Minister Berhanu Tsegaye said there is a need to provide efficient services for foreign nationals while they engage in house building process by establishing modern technological systems. He also emphasized the necessity of strengthening financial security and oversight to curb illicit financial flows and prevent illegal practices during the implementation. Furthermore, strict accountability measures must be enforced against those who violate regulations.   Ethiopian Investment Deputy Commissioner, Dagato Kumbe, said foreign nationals' house ownership in Ethiopia would contribute to boosting foreign currency earnings, foreign direct investment, and job creation. Highlighting the interest of foreign investors in engaging in the housing construction sector, the Deputy Commissioner stated that the proclamation will help to expand house construction across cities in the country.

Addis Ababa, August 17, 2026 (ENA) — Ethiopia is accelerating the transformation of its agricultural sector by combining large-scale land restoration with private investment, cluster farming, and expanded mechanization, according to the Ministry of Agriculture. Sofiya Kassa, State Minister of Agriculture, highlighted that increased private sector involvement brings essential capital, technology, and expertise to agriculture while strengthening cooperation with pastoralists and local farming communities. “When we say the private sector is entering agriculture, we mean first that it brings capital, and second, that it provides advanced technologies,” Sofiya said, adding that private investment also fosters "the sharing of knowledge and skills with pastoralists and indigenous farmers." According to Sofiya, the approach is expected to increase agricultural production, strengthen local markets and create employment while improving farmers’ access to modern technologies. She said the government has also made significant progress in promoting agricultural mechanization, including through tax free imports. “Over 555 pieces of agricultural mechanization are currently imported tax free,” she said, noting that the measure is aimed at encouraging the adoption of modern farming equipment and technologies. Sofiya further emphasized that Ethiopia’s Green Legacy Initiative goes beyond tree planting by linking environmental restoration with food security, agricultural productivity and economic development. “Green Legacy in the agriculture sector entails more than just planting trees,” she said, explaining that fruit tree seedlings now account for a significant share of plantings, alongside efforts to restore degraded land. “Once the land is restored, it must start bringing in money. It must produce food, supply goods for the market, and create jobs,” she said. “All of these elements are linked by Green Legacy.” Agricultural Transformation Institute Chief Executive Officer Mandefro Nigussie said cluster farming has also contributed significantly to improving agricultural productivity. “Everyone’s productivity has increased by at least 29% when farming is conducted in clusters,” he told ENA. Mandefro said livestock development has recorded even stronger growth following increased investment and policy attention. “Over the last five years, livestock has seen at least 200 percent growth,” he said. He also highlighted the environmental benefits of restoring degraded land, saying such efforts help stabilize local microenvironments and improve water retention. “By continuing to cover the degraded land, we aid in stabilizing the local microenvironment,” Mandefro said, adding that restored land can function more effectively as a water sink and contribute to replenishing surrounding water resources. The combined focus on private investment, mechanization, cluster farming and land restoration reflects Ethiopia’s broader effort to shift agriculture from subsistence-oriented production toward a more productive, market oriented and technology driven sector.

Addis Ababa, August 17, 2026 (ENA) —The African Union has called for stronger seed banks to conserve indigenous crop varieties and increased investment in domestic fertilizer production to boost agricultural productivity across the continent. Moses Vilakati, African Union Commissioner for Agriculture, Rural Development, Blue Economy and Sustainable Environment, said Africa has 60 percent of the world’s uncultivated arable land, yet spends more than 100 billion USD annually on food imports. A two-day consultation on agricultural transformation among member states of the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) and the implementation of the Kampala Declaration, which will run from 2026 to 2035, began in Addis Ababa today. The consultation is reviewing the two-year implementation report of the fifth Comprehensive Africa Agriculture Development Programme (CAADP) and assessing progress at the regional level within IGAD. Speaking at the forum, Commissioner Vilakati said the two-year review period under the Malabo Declaration had come to an end, stressing that the next phase should focus on effective implementation and delivering tangible results. He said the Kampala Agenda has set targets for Africa to increase agricultural production by 45 percent by 2035, triple intra-African trade, reduce post-harvest losses by 50 percent and mobilize 100 billion USD in investment. Vilakati emphasized the need to improve soil health, strengthen seed banks that conserve indigenous crop varieties and develop domestic fertilizer production by utilizing Africa’s phosphate and potash resources. He said achieving the targets would require stronger investment in agricultural inputs, technologies and systems that can increase productivity and strengthen the continent’s food security. The Commissioner also stressed that the success of the Kampala Agenda should ultimately be measured by the improvements it brings to the lives and livelihoods of people across the continent. Meanwhile, Sylvia Henga, who delivered remarks on behalf of the Director of IGAD’s Agriculture and Environment Division, said conflict, carbon emissions, climate change and displacement are adversely affecting the agricultural sector in the region. She noted that irrigation use in the region remains below 20 percent and said IGAD is implementing soil information systems and early warning mechanisms to strengthen agricultural resilience. Zena Habtewold, Advisor to the Minister of Agriculture and Ethiopia’s representative for the programme, said Ethiopia is working with various stakeholders to translate the Kampala Agenda into locally driven approaches. He added that Ethiopia is implementing a number of programmes aimed at contributing significantly to the agricultural sector, including the “Lemat Tirufat” initiative.

By Staff Writer August 16, 2026 (ENA) Ethiopia’s week unfolded around two questions that go to the heart of the country’s future. It revolved how to build consensus at home and how to secure the strategic foundations needed to sustain that future. As the National Dialogue entered a new and consequential phase, participants reached consensus across all eight thematic agenda pillars, before a harmonization team began integrating the recommendations emerging from the deliberations. At the same time, renewed discussion over Ethiopia’s quest for sovereign access to the sea brought the country’s historical, economic and strategic interests firmly back into the national conversation. Beyond these defining issues, the week also brought developments in economic reform, regional security, renewable energy, health, climate action, skills development and diplomacy—reflecting an Ethiopia seeking to strengthen its domestic foundations while expanding its role in regional and continental affairs. National Dialogue Moves From Deliberation Toward Consensus The National Dialogue remained the most significant domestic development of the week as the process moved from deliberation toward the consolidation of recommendations. Participants reached consensus across all eight thematic agenda pillars, marking an important milestone in a process intended to address major national questions through dialogue, collective deliberation and the search for common ground. The achievement ushered in a new phase. A harmonization team began integrating recommendations generated across the different thematic pillars, moving the process from individual discussions toward a more unified set of proposals. That progression is significant. The National Dialogue is no longer simply a forum for identifying differences and airing competing perspectives. Its latest phase is increasingly focused on bringing together ideas, identifying areas of convergence and preparing recommendations for the next stage. Earlier in the week, one participant described the conference as laying the foundation for a generation grounded in the supremacy of ideas. The observation captured a broader aspiration of the dialogue to strengthen a political culture in which competing views can be debated through ideas and discussion rather than confrontation. The movement from deliberation to harmonization therefore gives the National Dialogue a new character. What began as a national effort to bring Ethiopians together around difficult and long-standing questions is becoming an exercise in translating diverse perspectives into areas of common ground. For a country whose political history has often been marked by deep disagreement, consensus across all eight thematic areas carries significance beyond the conference hall. It places greater emphasis on the ability of Ethiopians to debate differences, identify shared interests and work toward common solutions. The process has also faced misinformation and negative narratives in some media spaces. The National Dialogue Commission has urged the public to approach such reports with caution and rely on verified information about the process. The next challenge will be equally important: ensuring that the consensus reached through dialogue can be translated into credible recommendations and, ultimately, meaningful outcomes. The Sea Access Question: A Strategic Interest With Historical Weight Alongside the National Dialogue, Ethiopia’s quest for sovereign access to the sea again emerged as a major strategic issue. In an exclusive interview with ENA, Gashaw Ayferam, Senior Researcher on the Horn of Africa and Water Geopolitics at the Institute of Foreign Affairs, described sovereign maritime access as a matter of profound national importance, linking it to Ethiopia’s historical trajectory, economic development and long-term strategic interests. Gashaw recalled that Ethiopia had direct access to the sea until several decades ago and highlighted the historical importance of maritime connectivity to the country’s trade and external relations, particularly during the Axumite civilization and subsequent periods. He argued that the absence of sovereign seaport access has created significant challenges for Ethiopia’s economic development, trade, investment and import-export operations, while the country’s landlocked status has also contributed to higher logistical and port-related costs. The researcher further connected maritime access to the wider security environment of the Horn of Africa, arguing that the issue extends beyond commerce to encompass broader strategic considerations. For Gashaw, Ethiopia’s pursuit of sovereign maritime access should therefore be understood as a major national interest rather than a luxury. He called for intensified diplomatic engagement based on mutual benefit, arguing that greater maritime connectivity could also support regional economic integration, continental cohesion, peace and shared prosperity. The argument places the sea-access question within a much broader strategic context. For Ethiopia, the issue intersects with history, trade, economic competitiveness, security, regional integration and the country’s long-term position in the Horn of Africa. Economic Reform Seeks Greater Inclusion and Stability The economy also featured prominently during the week as Ethiopia continued implementing reforms aimed at strengthening the financial sector, expanding economic participation and improving resilience. ENA reported that financial-sector reforms are accelerating digital banking inclusion and contributing to economic stability, highlighting the growing role of technology in widening access to financial services. The development comes alongside efforts to strengthen Ethiopia’s technical capacity in renewable energy and regional power-grid interconnection, linking financial and technological transformation with the country’s wider development ambitions. The week’s economic coverage also highlighted efforts to expand skills training in response to changing domestic and global labour-market demands. Minister of Labour and Skills Muferihat Kamil said Ethiopia is expanding skills training to respond to evolving employment requirements, underscoring the importance of preparing citizens for opportunities in an increasingly competitive and technology-driven global economy. Taken together, these developments point to an economic transformation that depends not only on capital and infrastructure, but increasingly on skills, digital inclusion, technological capacity and human capital. Regional Security Takes Center Stage in Addis Ababa Regional security was another major theme of the week. Military leaders of the Eastern Africa Standby Force was held to review regional peace and security protocols, while the 36th EASF Policy Organs Meeting opened with an emphasis on partnership, preparedness and security innovation. The meeting concluded with renewed security commitments, reinforcing the importance of collective regional mechanisms in responding to shared security challenges. The gathering came against a backdrop of conflicts, geopolitical rivalries and economic pressures contributing to an increasingly complex international and regional environment. For Eastern Africa, the discussions carry particular weight as security challenges increasingly transcend national borders. The emphasis on partnership and institutional preparedness reflects a growing recognition that regional security cannot be addressed effectively through isolated national responses. The strengthening of regional security institutions therefore remains closely connected to the wider ambitions of stability, economic integration and development across the Horn and Eastern Africa. Ethiopia Strengthens Energy and Climate Agenda Energy and environmental issues also remained central to the week’s developments. Ethiopia continued efforts to strengthen technical capacity for renewable-energy development and regional power-grid interconnection, reinforcing its broader ambition to expand clean-energy generation and deepen electricity cooperation across borders. The Green Legacy Initiative likewise remained an important component of the country’s development agenda, with a regional state administration outlining its next priorities for green development and urban renewal. International recognition of Ethiopia’s climate and urban-development efforts also featured during the week, as renowned international economists commended aspects of the country’s urban transformation and climate-resilience efforts. Diplomatic missions further reaffirmed support for Ethiopia’s sustainable-development initiatives, underscoring the growing international interest in the country’s environmental, climate and development programs. These developments reflect an increasingly interconnected agenda in which energy security, climate resilience, urban development and economic growth are being pursued as complementary rather than separate priorities. Health Cooperation Expands as Addis Ababa Prepares for Continental Forum Health was another area in which Ethiopia’s regional role continued to grow. Addis Ababa is set to host the 13th East Africa Health Federations Conference and Exhibition, bringing renewed attention to regional cooperation and private-sector engagement in the health sector. At the same time, the groundbreaking of a Fetal Diagnostic Center at St. Paul’s Hospital Millennium Medical College marked another step in expanding specialized healthcare infrastructure. Together, the developments placed both domestic healthcare capacity and regional health cooperation on the week’s agenda, linking improvements in specialized medical services with Ethiopia’s broader role in continental health affairs. A Week Defined by Consensus, Capacity and Strategic Ambition From the National Dialogue to the question of maritime access, Ethiopia’s major stories this week revolved around long-term national interests. At home, the National Dialogue moved from broad deliberations toward the difficult work of harmonizing recommendations after participants reached consensus across all eight thematic pillars. In the strategic arena, the debate over sovereign access to the sea continued to frame questions of history, economic competitiveness, security and regional integration. Meanwhile, financial-sector reform, digital inclusion, skills development, renewable energy, regional security, healthcare and climate action demonstrated the breadth of Ethiopia’s development agenda. The common thread is building national capacity—to strengthen dialogue, expand opportunity, advance technology and security, and pursue Ethiopia’s strategic interests through diplomacy and regional cooperation. As the National Dialogue enters its next phase, the central test will be whether consensus reached around the table can be translated into recommendations and outcomes capable of resonating far beyond it. And as Ethiopia continues to pursue its broader strategic interests, the week’s developments suggest that the country’s next chapter will not be shaped by a single issue. It will be shaped by how effectively Ethiopia can bring together national consensus, economic strength, institutional capacity and strategic sovereignty and turn them into a coherent foundation for a more stable, competitive and influential role in the Horn of Africa and beyond.

Addis Ababa, August 16, 2026 (ENA) —Foreign visitors said that the development of new tourism destinations across Ethiopia is enhancing the country’s appeal and strengthening its position as a competitive tourism hub in Africa. Under the Homegrown Economic Reform Program, tourism is one of five development pillars identified by the government to promote economic diversification and generate sustainable sources of growth. The concept of “Medemer,” meaning synergy, has also shaped a new approach to utilizing Ethiopia’s spiritual, cultural and natural assets for tourism while preserving their intrinsic value. Urban corridor and riverside development projects implemented in several cities have contributed to this transformation. In Addis Ababa, the projects have significantly changed the city’s landscape and expanded its appeal as a tourism and leisure destination. Addis Ababa, the seat of the African Union and one of the world’s major diplomatic hubs, has evolved beyond its traditional role as a commercial and administrative center. Urban corridor development projects extending from Bole International Airport have given the capital a renewed appearance and created more attractive spaces for residents and visitors. Belgian visitor Derrick Dele told ENA that Addis Ababa’s beauty, cleanliness and the warm hospitality of its people encourage visitors to extend their stays and return to the city. Derrick, who visited Entoto Park and the National Museum during his stay, also praised the city’s hotel services, saying they reflect Ethiopian hospitality. Italian national Alessandro Bozo, who first visited Ethiopia 20 years ago, said he was impressed by the rapid transformation of Addis Ababa. He noted that riverbanks that previously had an unsightly appearance have been transformed into cleaner and more attractive public spaces, creating a greater sense of safety. He added that he was enjoying his time in the city with his family. Lukas Kupfernagel of Germany also praised the progress recorded in Ethiopia’s tourism sector during his two-year stay, saying developments in Addis Ababa and other parts of the country have been remarkable. The development of new tourist destinations and improvements in service standards, he said, demonstrate Ethiopia’s potential to become a leading tourism hub in Africa. Another German visitor, Hermann Gröhe, said the development of new tourism destinations in Addis Ababa has made the city more convenient and attractive for international visitors. He said the human fossils he saw at the National Museum demonstrated Ethiopia’s long history of civilization and left a lasting impression on him. Gröhe added that the development of new tourism destinations provides an opportunity to better showcase Ethiopia’s rich cultural and natural heritage to the world. He also expressed interest in visiting other tourist destinations across the country in the future. Ethiopia is developing systems to modernize the utilization of its natural and cultural assets, with the aim of transforming tourism into a source of economic growth, job creation and community benefits, while also strengthening the country’s international image.

With analysis from Pulse of Africa (POA) Aug 16, 2026 (ENA)   By Mathias Bule Ethiopia’s alienation to its once-sovereign territory of the port of Assab has been fraught with shady deals, and complicated by the presence and involvement of colonial forces in the Horn of Africa region. Ethiopia’s quest to regain access to the sea is not merely a territorial ambition; it is a fundamental claim rooted in centuries of colonial subjugation, legal deceit, and political betrayal. The history of Ethiopia’s lost port of Assab is a stark testament to how imperial powers, through clandestine deals and manipulative treaties, deliberately and systematically deprived a sovereign nation of its maritime rights. This injustice must be recognized, rectified, and finally corrected. The modern story of it begins in 1869, when local Afar sultans sold a strip of land in Assab to Giuseppe Sapeto, representing Italy’s Società Rubattino. The deal was struck in secret, for a paltry sum of just 6,000 Italian lire—conducted entirely outside Ethiopian knowledge or approval. At the time, Ethiopia’s central government, under Emperor Menelik II, was unaware of this transaction. The sale was a clandestine act by local authorities seeking economic advantage, but it was exploited by colonial powers to establish Italy’s foothold in the Horn of Africa. Italy’s subsequent annexation of Assab in 1882 marked the beginning of a colonial empire that would dominate the region for decades. This early act of territorial theft was a clear violation of Ethiopia’s sovereignty, yet it laid the foundation for future injustices. The most infamous chapter in Ethiopia’s loss of access to the sea is the 1889 Wuchale Treaty. Drafted amidst Italy’s expansion into the region, this treaty contained a deceptive mistranslation. The Italian version declared Ethiopia a protectorate, effectively stripping it of sovereignty, while the Amharic version purportedly maintained Ethiopia’s independence. This language trickery was designed to facilitate Italian colonization. Although Ethiopia later nullified the treaty following its victory at the Battle of Adwa, Italy had already cemented control over Assab and surrounding territories through subsequent treaties in 1900, 1902, and 1908. These agreements formalized Italy’s colonial borders and made Assab a vital part of Italian Eritrea, cutting Ethiopia off from its historical coast. Post-World War II, the international community attempted to rectify colonial wrongs by dissolving Italian rule and federating Eritrea with Ethiopia under UN Resolution 390A. However, this process was, according to some political scientists and historians, marred by negligence and political expediency. During the 1950s negotiations, Ethiopian leaders failed to assert Assab’s status as an independent Ethiopian port. Instead, they treated Eritrea as a whole—along with Assab—merely as a territory to be integrated, ignoring the port’s strategic importance and its distinct ethnic and historical identity. This omission was a grave oversight, one that left Assab vulnerable to future loss. The latest blow came with the overthrow of Ethiopia’s military regime in 1991. The rebel groups that seized power—the Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF/EPRDF) and the Eritrean People’s Liberation Front (EPLF)—fought as allies against colonial and imperial forces. Yet, their hasty, unlegislated decision to cede Assab to Eritrea in 1993 was a betrayal of Ethiopia’s sovereignty. The transition government, led by Meles Zenawi, acted without parliamentary ratification or public consultation. Consequently, Ethiopia was left landlocked, stripped of its sovereign access to the sea and its vital port infrastructure. This was not just a territorial loss; it was a blow to Ethiopia’s economic independence, national pride, and strategic security. Ethiopia’s historical narrative is one of resilience and sovereignty. The loss of Assab was not an inevitable fate but the result of colonial greed, diplomatic deception, and political negligence. It is time for Ethiopia to reclaim its rightful access to the sea—an essential element of its sovereignty and future prosperity. Restoring Ethiopia’s maritime rights is not only a matter of rectifying historical injustices but also a crucial step toward national dignity and economic independence. Ethiopia’s seas are its birthright, and the time has come to fight for that legacy—justice demands no less.

Addis Ababa, August 15, 2026 (ENA) —Ethiopian Airlines executive Aman Wole has been appointed Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Zambia Airways, bringing more than 19 years of international aviation experience to the airline. Zambia Airways is a joint venture owned 55 percent by Zambia's state-backed Industrial Development Corporation (IDC) and 45 percent by Ethiopian Airlines. According to Zambia Airways, Aman took up the position on August 1, 2026, after serving in senior positions at Ethiopian Airlines across Africa, Europe and Asia. His experience covers airline leadership, commercial strategy, sales, market development and strategic partnerships, according to the airline’s statement. As CEO, Aman will focus on improving operations and customer experience, expanding routes, strengthening partnerships and ensuring financial sustainability. He will also promote a high-performance culture based on safety, innovation and professionalism, it was learned. Welcoming the appointment, Zambia Airways Board Chairperson Jomo Matululu expressed confidence in Aman’s international experience and leadership. “This appointment reflects the Board’s commitment to strong leadership and our vision of building a competitive, safe, customer-focused and market-driven airline that connects Zambia to regional and global opportunities,” Matululu said. Aman said he was honored to lead the airline at an important stage of its development. His appointment highlights the aviation connection between Ethiopia and Zambia.

Addis Ababa, August 15, 2026 (ENA) — Ethiopia’s Ambassador to the United States, Binalf Andualem and U.S. Assistant Secretary of State for African Affairs, Frank Garcia, held a productive meeting that focused on strengthening bilateral ties and expanding cooperation on shared strategic priorities. In a social media post, the Ethiopian Embassy in Washington DC said the two officials held wide-ranging discussions on current national and regional developments. The discussion underscored the importance of sustained engagement and close collaboration in addressing complex political, economic, and security challenges. They also explored opportunities to deepen economic cooperation, with particular emphasis on Ethiopia’s critical mining sector, which both sides identified as a key area for investment, value addition, and long-term partnership. The meeting reflected the growing momentum in Ethiopia–U.S. relations and a shared commitment to advancing mutually beneficial cooperation, promoting regional stability, and expanding economic engagement between the two countries.

Addis Ababa, August 15, 2026 (ENA) — The Distinguished American professor, Edward Miguel, and the Cameroonian Economics professor, Linus Nyiwul, have commended Ethiopia’s rapid urban transformation, infrastructure development, and its growing commitment to climate resilience. In an exclusive interview with ENA, Edward Miguel, a Distinguished Professor of Economics at the University of California Berkeley, said he was impressed by the changes he observed in Addis Ababa since his previous visit to the capital city nine years ago. “I think Ethiopia is very impressive,” he stated, adding that he could hardly recognize large parts of the city while driving around Addis Ababa. The professor attributed the transformation to extensive infrastructure investment, underscoring that the government's prioritization of investment was crucial for economic development. “Clearly the government has prioritized that investment. I think it is really impressive and important for economic growth. Without investment, there will not be growth,” he stated. Distinguished Professor Miguel also appreciated Ethiopia’s economic reform efforts, saying that the country has become known for undertaking major reforms across key sectors in recent years. He described Ethiopia’s approach of learning from the experiences of other countries as a “very smart approach.” “In terms of economic reform, I think Ethiopia has become well-known for reform. There have been big reforms in major sectors in the past several years. And I think it is a very smart approach to learn from other countries.” The professor also highlighted Ethiopia’s initiatives that are aimed at strengthening climate resilience, including new social programs and financing mechanisms. “Ethiopia really has taken a lot of actions in terms of new social programs, financing mechanisms to promote climate resilience. It is extremely important. As the world warms, extreme climate becomes more common, and this region is very susceptible to those problems.” Such measures are increasingly important as global temperatures rise and extreme weather events become more frequent, particularly in regions vulnerable to droughts and floods. Emphasizing the importance of strengthening capacity to withstand climate-related shocks, Professor Miguel commended the Ethiopian government’s commitments to promoting climate resilience, stressing the need for continuing such encouraging efforts. Similarly, the Cameroonian Economics professor at Gettysburg College in Pennsylvania (USA), Linus Nyiwul, commended Ethiopia’s transformation, citing the progress achieved by the country as evidence. Witnessing the transformation that Ethiopia has undergone, you can tell that a lot of progress has been made, he said. Professor Nyiwul particularly welcomed the country's policy initiatives to address climate change, saying the measures could provide useful lessons for other African countries. The policy initiatives that Ethiopia is taking to address issues related to climate change are pivotal actions that other African countries can copy from, he stated. “The policy initiatives that Ethiopia is taking to address issues related to climate change are actions that other African countries can copy from, and I am pretty confident that the Ethiopian government will continue to lead in that direction.” He also expressed his confidence that Ethiopia would continue to advance its climate-related initiatives and maintain leadership in this area. Furthermore, the professor underscored the relationship between economic growth and the availability of resources needed to finance climate action. “In many ways, you could say economic growth can help to provide the resources that are needed to put into sectors that are highly vulnerable to climate change,” Professor Nyiwul concluded.