Addis Ababa, July 12, 2026 (ENA) —Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed said the operationalization of the newly modernized Nigus Tekle Haimanot Airport in Debre Markos will significantly stimulate trade, investment, and tourism, opening a new chapter for economic growth in northwestern Ethiopia. The Prime Minister officially inaugurated the upgraded airport today, describing the project as a transformative investment that responds to a long-standing demand from the people of Debre Markos and surrounding communities. The Prime Minister further revealed that modernized airport will be strengthening the country's transport infrastructure. Constructed with a 2,400-meter runway and a width of 30 meters, the airport is designed to accommodate larger passenger and cargo aircraft, including the Bombardier Q400 and Boeing 737, substantially improving regional air connectivity.   Speaking at the inauguration ceremony, Prime Minister Abiy said the airport's operationalization will revitalize commercial activity, attract new investment, expand tourism, and improve access to domestic and international markets. He noted that the launch of air services marks an important milestone in Ethiopia's broader efforts to expand modern infrastructure and create new economic opportunities across the country. The Prime Minister added that while the commencement of regular air transport with the potential for up to three daily flights, will greatly improve mobility and connectivity, restoring normal land transportation remains equally important. The Premier stressed that lasting peace is essential to ensure citizens can travel safely and fully benefit from the country's expanding infrastructure. Emphasizing that sustainable peace is indispensable to Ethiopia's development, Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed reiterated the government's unwavering commitment to dialogue. He affirmed that it remains open to engaging with any group prepared to resolve differences through peaceful, constitutional, and democratic means.   He also underscored that sustainable development requires time, cooperation, mutual trust, and collective responsibility, calling on all Ethiopians to work together to close gaps in development, strengthen national prosperity, and build a better future for coming generations. Warning against attempts to divide citizens along ethnic or regional lines, he said such narratives only deepen fragmentation and undermine national unity. Instead, he urged Ethiopians to embrace dialogue, mutual respect, and cooperation as the most effective path toward lasting peace and inclusive development. Recalling Ethiopia's long history, Prime Minister Abiy observed that while the country has experienced both peace and conflict throughout the centuries, its greatest priority today is accelerating development and improving the well-being of its people.   He concluded by calling on all citizens to uphold the spirit of Medemer (synergy) through unity. In that regard, PM Abiy underscored that only through peace, cooperation, and shared purpose can Ethiopia fully realize its development aspirations and leave a more prosperous nation for future generations.

Addis Ababa, July 12, 2026 (ENA) —The inauguration of the modernized Debre Markos Nigus Tekle Haimanot Airport marks the fulfillment of a decades-long aspiration of the local community, Amhara Regional State Chief Administrator Arega Kebede said. Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed today inaugurated the airport in Debre Markos, marking a significant milestone in Ethiopia's efforts to expand modern transport infrastructure and accelerate regional economic development. Speaking at the airport's official inauguration ceremony, Arega described the project as a direct response to one of the region's longest-standing public demands, noting that residents of Debre Markos and the surrounding communities had waited many years to see air services restored. "The airport that the people of Debre Markos and the surrounding areas had requested for many years has now become operational," he said. According to the Chief Administrator, Debre Markos had enjoyed air transport services nearly three decades ago before operations were suspended, leaving the area without regular air connectivity ever since.   He recalled that, for many years, residents were told that restoring air services would be impractical because of the town's proximity to Addis Ababa and its challenging topography. Those explanations, he said, left little hope that the airport would ever be rebuilt until Ethiopia's ongoing reform efforts revived the project. Arega noted that the airport has now been reconstructed and upgraded to modern aviation standards, providing the region with state-of-the-art infrastructure capable of supporting expanded passenger and cargo services. He expressed appreciation to the federal government for delivering the project and commended Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed for his continued support in bringing the long-awaited airport into operation.   The Chief Administrator said the airport is expected to unlock the area's considerable economic potential by improving access to its rich agricultural production, mineral resources, tourism attractions, and investment opportunities. He added that, together with newly developed road and transport infrastructure, the airport will enhance regional connectivity, facilitate trade and investment, improve the movement of people and goods, and strengthen economic integration within the region and across Ethiopia.   Arega stressed, however, that the airport's full economic and social benefits will depend on maintaining lasting peace, expanding production, and making effective use of the region's natural resources. "The airport will achieve its intended purpose only if we safeguard peace, increase production and productivity, and responsibly utilize our abundant resources," he said. Calling for collective responsibility, the Chief Administrator urged government institutions, local communities, investors, and other stakeholders to work together to preserve peace and security while creating an enabling environment for investment and development. He also called on residents to reject violence and any attempts to undermine stability, emphasizing that protecting peace, promoting investment, boosting agricultural productivity, and ensuring the free movement of people and goods are shared responsibilities essential to the region's sustainable development.

Addis Ababa, July 12, 2026 (ENA) —Ethiopian Airlines has officially inaugurated its first direct flight from Addis Ababa to Port Louis, landing at Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam International Airport. The first-ever inaugural flight marks a historic milestone in air connectivity between Ethiopia and Mauritius. As Pulse of Africa reported from Port Louis, the arrival of Ethiopian Airlines' inaugural direct flight was marked by a vibrant ceremony attended by government officials, aviation executives, diplomats, business leaders, invited guests, and members of the public, who gathered at Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam International Airport to witness the beginning of a new chapter in Ethiopia–Mauritius relations. The new direct service will operate three times a week on Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays, it was learned. The new service is also expected to offer travelers greater convenience, while providing seamless connections through Ethiopian Airlines’ Addis Ababa hub to destinations across Africa and beyond.   Speaking at the inaugural ceremony, Ethiopian Airlines Group Chief Commercial Officer, Lemma Yadecha said the airline is delighted to launch the Addis Ababa–Mauritius service. The officer described it as an important step toward strengthening economic and social ties between the two countries. He said the new route will enhance business-to-business partnerships, expand tourism opportunities, encourage investment, and facilitate trade between Ethiopia and Mauritius, while reaffirming Ethiopian Airlines’ commitment to connecting Africa with itself and with the global community. For his part, Mauritius’ Minister of Tourism, Christian Harold Richard Duval, also welcomed the launch of the new route, describing it as the beginning of a new chapter for tourism, connectivity, and cooperation across Africa. He said the direct service will create new opportunities for tourism growth, deepen economic collaboration, and bring African nations closer together. The Minister further praised Ethiopian Airlines for its longstanding contribution to African aviation and its continued role in linking the continent with the wider world. With the launch of the Port Louis route, Ethiopian Airlines further expands its extensive African network, serving more than 60 destinations across the continent as part of its global passenger and cargo network of over 145 destinations across five continents.   The new connection is expected to boost tourism, facilitate trade and investment flows, and strengthen Mauritius’ role as a strategic gateway linking the Indian Ocean region with Africa and the global economy. Many observers view the Addis Ababa–Port Louis route as another milestone in Africa’s journey toward greater integration, highlighting the role of aviation as a powerful catalyst for economic cooperation, regional connectivity, and shared prosperity. More importantly, beyond the launch of a new air route, the historic flight represents a stronger bridge between Ethiopia and Mauritius, creating new opportunities for tourism, trade, investment, business partnerships, and people-to-people exchanges, it was indicated.

By Staff Writer Addis Ababa, July 12, 2026 (ENA) —Some weeks generate headlines. Others reveal the direction of a nation. The week that has just concluded belonged firmly to the latter. Across Ethiopia, a series of political, economic and diplomatic developments collectively painted the picture of a country seeking to consolidate reform, strengthen institutions and position itself for long-term stability and sustainable growth. From Parliament’s approval of the largest federal budget in the nation’s history to preparations for the landmark National Dialogue forum, Ethiopia’s agenda reflected a broader ambition: to build a resilient state capable of delivering prosperity, safeguarding sovereignty and advancing lasting peace. Rather than isolated events, the week’s developments formed a coherent narrative of a nation navigating a transformative period. One in which economic reform, democratic governance, regional cooperation and environmental stewardship increasingly reinforce one another. Parliament Sets the Tone for a News Fiscal Year The defining moment of the week came inside the House of People’s Representatives, where lawmakers approved a record 2.34 trillion Birr federal budget for the 2019 Ethiopian Fiscal Year. Presenting the government’s annual report, Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed delivered a wide-ranging address that reviewed Ethiopia’s recent achievements while outlining priorities for the year ahead. Covering virtually every major sector—from economic transformation and national security to healthcare, education and democratic governance, the speech provided the clearest picture yet of the government’s strategic direction.   At the heart of the address was an economy showing renewed momentum. Prime Minister Abiy announced that Ethiopia generated a historic 11 billion U.S. dollars in export earnings—the highest in the country’s history. He attributed the milestone to the success of ongoing macroeconomic reforms, improved productivity and sustained efforts to diversify exports while strengthening foreign exchange reserves. The newly approved budget aims to build upon those gains by financing infrastructure, expanding public services and supporting continued economic growth while maintaining fiscal discipline. Beyond economic indicators, the Prime Minister outlined a broader national vision anchored in strategic self-reliance. He explained that Ethiopia is advancing a three-pillar framework designed to strengthen national resilience, protect sovereignty and enhance the country’s capacity to address its own development and security challenges through strong domestic institutions. Democratic governance also featured prominently.   Reflecting on Ethiopia’s recent general election, Prime Minister Abiy described the peaceful exercise as another milestone in the country’s democratic evolution, noting that it demonstrated citizens’ growing confidence in resolving political differences through constitutional and democratic processes. Human development remained another central pillar of the government’s agenda. According to the Prime Minister, Ethiopia’s healthcare system has entered an advanced stage following sustained investment in expanding access and improving service delivery. Education reforms have likewise accelerated, with growing emphasis on improving quality, widening access and equipping young Ethiopians with the skills needed to compete in an increasingly knowledge-driven global economy. Taken together, the parliamentary session portrayed a government pursuing comprehensive national transformation—one that combines economic modernization with institutional strengthening, democratic development and investment in human capital. National Dialogue Nears a Historic Milestone While Parliament focused on shaping Ethiopia’s economic future, another nationally significant process moved steadily toward a defining moment. Preparations were finalized for Ethiopia’s main National Dialogue forum as delegates from across the country began arriving in Addis Ababa ahead of the long-anticipated gathering.   Throughout the week, coverage emphasized the Dialogue as a nationally owned process rooted in the sovereign will of the Ethiopian people, with citizens themselves expected to determine the country’s future through inclusive deliberation and peaceful consensus-building. Support for the initiative continued to broaden. Community representatives, civic leaders and participants described the Dialogue as a unique opportunity to strengthen reconciliation, reinforce national unity and establish durable foundations for peace. Religious leaders likewise urged Ethiopians to actively support the process, describing it as an important pathway toward national healing and shared understanding. As the forum prepares to commence, expectations remain high that it will help foster consensus on issues that have shaped Ethiopia’s political landscape for generations. Renewed Calls to Consolidate Peace in Tigray Developments in northern Ethiopia also remained high on the national agenda. Throughout the week, stakeholders from Tigray renewed calls to end forced conscription while reaffirming their commitment to sustaining peace and accelerating regional recovery. Media professionals argued that reports of forced recruitment and abductions illustrate diminishing public support for the illegal TPLF faction, describing what they characterized as a shift from economic disruption toward the trafficking and forced mobilization of Tigrayan youth. Adding to these concerns, former House of Federation Speaker Keria Ibrahim warned that the defunct TPLF continues to undermine the future of Tigray’s younger generation through actions that threaten lasting peace and stability.   Collectively, these developments reinforced growing calls to protect civilians, preserve the gains of the Pretoria Peace Agreement and ensure that recovery efforts remain firmly on course. Expanding Ethiopia’s Regional and Global Partnerships Diplomatic engagement remained equally dynamic throughout the week. The United States reaffirmed its commitment to enhanced security cooperation with Ethiopia in support of regional peace and stability. Meanwhile, the Ethiopian Federal Police and the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) strengthened collaboration through new initiatives aimed at deepening regional security cooperation.   Regional institutional development also advanced with the launch of a forensic science scholarship honoring IGAD Executive Secretary Workneh Gebeyehu, reflecting continued investment in professional capacity-building across the Horn of Africa. On the climate diplomacy front, Foreign Minister Gedion Timothewos held discussions with COP30 President-designate Ambassador André Corrêa do Lago as Ethiopia continued preparations related to hosting COP32. At the 62nd Session of the United Nations Human Rights Council, Ethiopia reaffirmed its commitment to constructive engagement on human rights while advocating stronger African cooperation in developing a future-ready health workforce.   Addressing the International Parliamentary Information and Security Forum, House Speaker Tagesse Chafo underscored the importance of renewed multilateralism and stronger international partnerships in addressing today’s increasingly interconnected security challenges. Together, these engagements reflected Ethiopia’s continued efforts to position itself as an active contributor to regional stability, continental cooperation and multilateral diplomacy. Sustainability, Heritage and Regional Integration Gain Further Momentum The week’s developments also highlighted Ethiopia’s continued investment in sustainable development and regional connectivity. Ethiopia strengthened cross-border electricity cooperation through an expanded energy partnership with Kenya, reinforcing regional integration and improving access to reliable power for communities along the shared border. Environmental leadership also remained in focus as delegates attending the International Parliamentary Information and Security Forum participated in Ethiopia’s Green Legacy Initiative by planting tree seedlings. International experts praised the initiative as an inclusive model for climate action with global relevance. Meanwhile, the Ethiopian Heritage Authority reported notable progress in preserving the country’s historical and cultural treasures, reaffirming Ethiopia’s commitment to safeguarding one of Africa’s richest civilizational legacies for future generations. A Nation Building for the Long Term Viewed independently, each development carried its own significance. Taken together, however, they revealed something far more consequential. The week’s events illustrated a country working simultaneously on multiple fronts: sustaining economic reform, strengthening democratic institutions, investing in people, advancing environmental stewardship and expanding constructive engagement with regional and global partners. Preparations for the National Dialogue demonstrated Ethiopia’s determination to pursue consensus through peaceful engagement. Parliamentary deliberations reinforced the government’s commitment to economic transformation and institutional resilience. Diplomatic initiatives underscored the country’s expanding regional and international role, while progress in climate action, cultural preservation and infrastructure reflected a development agenda extending well beyond economic growth alone. Ultimately, the week offered more than a summary of current affairs. It presented a portrait of a nation seeking to shape its next chapter through stronger institutions, greater resilience and a long-term vision of peace, inclusive development and national renewal. As Ethiopia enters a new fiscal year, the message emerging from the week’s events is increasingly clear: the country’s future is being built not through a single milestone, but through the steady convergence of reform, partnership and institution-building that together define the foundations of lasting progress.

Addis Ababa, July 12, 2026 (ENA) — Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed on Sunday inaugurated the newly modernized Nigus Tekle Haimanot Airport in Debre Markos city, Amhara region of Ethiopia. The project restores air connectivity to the area after nearly three decades, marking a major milestone in Ethiopia's ongoing efforts to modernize transport infrastructure and accelerate regional economic transformation. The Prime Minister wrote on X that the airport, long awaited by residents of Debre Markos and surrounding communities, has undergone a comprehensive reconstruction and upgrade after remaining out of service for almost 30 years.   The rehabilitated facility has been rebuilt to a higher operational standard and now features a 2,400-meter-long and 30-meter-wide runway, enabling it to accommodate larger passenger and cargo aircraft, including the De Havilland Canada Q400 and Boeing 737, PM Abiy pointed out. The upgraded airport is expected to enhance domestic connectivity while serving as a key driver of trade, investment, tourism and logistics in East Gojjam Zone and neighboring areas. Its reopening is also anticipated to strengthen market access, facilitate the movement of people and goods, and create new economic opportunities for businesses and local communities. Prime Minister Abiy further said the commencement of airport operations opens a new chapter for the economic development of the area while contributing to Ethiopia's broader national growth agenda through improved infrastructure and connectivity.   He emphasized that the government remains committed to delivering transformative development projects that directly address the needs of citizens and improve livelihoods across the country. "By turning challenges into opportunities, we will continue to demonstrate our commitment through action—responding step by step to our people's development needs and completing the mega projects we have launched with both quality and speed so they can be delivered for public use," the Prime Minister stated.   The inauguration of King Tekle Haymanot Airport underscores Ethiopia's continued investment in strategic infrastructure aimed at expanding domestic as well as regional connectivity, it was indicated.

  Addis Ababa, July 11, 2026 (ENA) — Ethiopian Airlines has officially launched a new direct passenger service between Addis Ababa and Port Louis, Mauritius, marking another milestone in the carrier’s expanding African network and reinforcing its commitment to enhancing regional connectivity. The inaugural flight is scheduled to depart on 12 July 2026 and will operate three times a week. The new route to the Indian Ocean island nation underscores Ethiopian Airlines’ strategic commitment to deepening continental integration while promoting economic growth across Africa. By expanding regional air connectivity, the service is expected to boost tourism, facilitate trade and investment, strengthen people-to-people ties, and provide an important gateway linking regional markets with Ethiopian Airlines’ extensive global network. Speaking at the launch ceremony, Ethiopia’s State Minister of Foreign Affairs, Hadera Abera said the new service reflects the shared commitment of Ethiopia and Mauritius to advancing African integration and strengthening bilateral cooperation.   “It is a great honour to celebrate the inauguration of Ethiopian Airlines’ direct service between Addis Ababa and Port Louis….I extend my sincere gratitude to the Government and people of Mauritius for their steadfast cooperation and invaluable support in making this important milestone a reality,” he said. The state minister stressed that the route represents far more than the launch of a new flight. “It is the opening of a new bridge connecting our two nations, our peoples and our economies. It reflects our shared commitment to promoting regional integration and creating new opportunities for trade, tourism, investment and cultural exchange,” he said. He added that the new connection will enable travelers from Mauritius to access destinations across Africa and beyond through Addis Ababa, one of the continent’s leading aviation hubs—while further strengthening the longstanding diplomatic and economic relations between the two countries. For his part, Ethiopian Airlines Group CEO Mesfin Tasew said the new route reflects the airline’s enduring commitment to expanding connectivity across Africa. “As a Pan-African airline, expanding our presence across the continent remains a key part of our mission and long-term strategy. This new service will create seamless connections between Mauritius, mainland Africa and destinations across our global network, while strengthening trade, tourism, investment and regional integration,” he said. Mesfin noted that Mauritius has become Ethiopian Airlines’ 41st destination in Africa, underscoring the airline’s continued expansion across the continent. He added that the new route will support the objectives of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) by improving mobility, facilitating commerce and enhancing economic cooperation among African countries. Mauritius’ Ambassador to Ethiopia, Indrarjeet Bambooa, described the launch as a historic milestone in bilateral relations, saying the direct air link represents “the beginning of a new chapter” between Mauritius and Ethiopia.   According to the ambassador, the new service will promote tourism, facilitate business and investment, strengthen educational and cultural exchanges, and improve connectivity between Africa and the Indian Ocean region. He also praised Ethiopian Airlines as Africa’s leading carrier and a symbol of African excellence, resilience and innovation, noting that its expanding network continues to bring African countries closer together while connecting the continent to the rest of the world. The new route is expected to reinforce Ethiopian Airlines' leadership in African aviation while contributing to deeper regional integration, greater intra-African trade and the continent's long-term economic development.

Addis Ababa, July 11, 2026 (ENA) —A new electricity supply agreement has been signed on Friday between Ethiopia and Kenya to strengthen cross-border electricity trade and improve reliable power supply. The expanded access to electricity is highly anticipated to benefit the communities living along the two countries' shared border. The agreement is also expected to deepen regional energy integration, setting the electricity tariff at 24.07 Ethiopian birr per kilowatt-hour (kWh). The deal was signed between the Ethiopian Electric Utility (EEU) and the Kenya Power and Lighting Company (KPLC) as part of ongoing efforts to enhance energy connectivity across East Africa. Ethiopia is further advancing regional power connectivity after signing a new electricity supply agreement with Kenya, strengthening cross-border energy cooperation and East Africa’s electricity integration efforts. The agreement, signed by Ethiopian Electricity Service Chief Executive Officer Getu Geremew and Kenya Electricity Company Chief Executive Officer Joseph Siror, enables Kenya to purchase electricity from Ethiopia at 24.07 Birr per kilowatt-hour. The deal aims to expand reliable power supply in border areas, enhance electricity trade between the two countries, and support the development of an interconnected regional energy system. Getu said the agreement demonstrates the benefits of cooperation among neighboring countries, noting that energy partnership is a key driver of sustainable economic growth and regional integration.   On his part, Kenya Power CEO, Joseph Siror said the agreement will strengthen Ethiopia-Kenya relations beyond energy cooperation by promoting peace, economic ties, and closer connections between communities along the border areas. The latest deal highlights Ethiopia’s growing role in promoting regional energy connectivity and supporting the vision of an integrated East African power market, ENA learned.

Addis Ababa, July 10, 2026 (ENA) — The Ethiopian Customs Commission (ECC) announced that it has collected 738.14 billion Birr in revenue in the just-ended Ethiopian fiscal year. In a press briefing to the media in connection with the commission’s annual performance, Commissioner Debele Qabeta elaborated on the operational breakthrough that drove the commission's fiscal success. The Ethiopian Customs Commission Commissioner Debele Qabeta gave a statement to the media regarding the implementation of the completed 2018 fiscal year plan of his institution. According to the commissioner, the commission had initially targeted 725.27 billion Birr for the fiscal year but surpassed its own benchmark to secure 738.14 billion Birr due to highly optimized collection strategies, the Commissioner noted. He further pointed out that the commission successfully executed its core mandates: securing rightful customs duties and taxes, clamping down on illicit smuggling networks, and smoothing the logistical path for national exports. The revenue stream was primarily generated from import-export duties, trade tariffs, and other specialized revenue-linked operations managed by the commission. He also credited the revenue surge to supportive government macroeconomic policies, aggressive institutional reforms, and the extensive digitization of customs clearance and auditing processes. Throughout the budget year, the commission doubled down on its anti-smuggling operations, ensuring that the state did not lose vital revenue to illicit trade pipelines, he noted. The commission managed to intercept illegal contraband and save over 380 billion Birr worth of national wealth from illicit diversion, due to coordinated joint operations with various security and regulatory stakeholders, the Commissioner concluded.

Addis Ababa, July 9, 2026 (ENA) —The "Bounty of the Basket" (Yelemat Trufat) initiative is yielding tangible achievements toward attaining food self-sufficiency and nutritional security targets, the Ministry of Agriculture announced. Briefing the media on the execution of the initiative, State Minister of Agriculture Fikru Regassa stated that the program is enhancing national economic capacity alongside ongoing efforts to guarantee food sovereignty. The state minister recalled that national milk production stood at 7.1 billion liters at the launch of the initiative, noting that it has remarkably surged to 15.7 billion liters this year. Prior to the rollout of the initiative, annual distribution of day-old chicks was limited to 26 million; however, this figure has grown exponentially to 184 million this year. He added that egg production jumped from 3.2 billion to 11.7 billion units, while poultry meat production grew significantly from 90,000 tons to 253,000 tons. Fikru also pointed out that highly encouraging results have been recorded in apiculture and honey production, noting that the diverse interventions have generated numerous jobs across all sub-sectors. Concurrently, aquaculture developments capitalizing on natural water bodies and artificial ponds are registering impressive outcomes. By strengthening the operational capacity of existing hatcheries, the distribution of fish fingerlings has risen from a mere 300,000 to an impressive 16.5 million. Consequently, overall fish production has quadrupled since the inception of the initiative. The program plays a pivotal role in meeting the dietary and nutritional goals of farming and pastoral communities, while simultaneously satisfying the growing urban market demand for animal products. By ensuring equitable socio-economic benefits for citizens, the initiative continues to serve as a vital instrument in stabilizing local food inflation. Regarding livestock productivity, breed improvement programs for dairy cows, combined with modern poultry operations, have unlocked extensive employment options for youth and women. Furthermore, advanced cattle fattening practices and enhanced veterinary vaccine distribution intended to boost foreign trade have significantly scaled up the country's meat export performance. The ministry continues to spearhead nation-wide efforts to optimize agricultural outputs through the adoption of modern farming technologies and improved breeds, with exceptional milestones already recorded in the dairy sector.

Addis Ababa, July 9, 2026 (ENA) —Ethiopia attracted 4.32 billion U.S. dollars in Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) during the 2025/26 Ethiopian Fiscal Year. The achievement has marked an eight percent increase from the previous year and underscored growing international investor confidence in the country's sweeping economic reforms. The figures were unveiled during the Ethiopian Investment Commission's (EIC) annual performance review, where Commissioner Zeleke Temesgen presented the institution's achievements and priorities for the coming fiscal year.   According to the Commissioner, the 4.32-billion-dollar inflow does not yet include investments pledged during the 4th Invest in Ethiopia 2026 Forum by companies that have since obtained investment licenses. He noted that the Commission is working closely with investors to ensure that pledged projects move rapidly from licensing to implementation. The performance review highlighted that the Commission issued 528 new investment licenses during the fiscal year, surpassing its annual target and achieving more than 100 percent of its planned performance. Ethiopia also recorded strong gains in export-oriented industrial production. Products worth 225 million U.S. dollars were exported from the country's Special Economic Zones (SEZs) during the fiscal year, meeting the Commission's annual target and representing an 80 percent increase compared to the previous year. Zeleke attributed much of the success to Ethiopia's ongoing macroeconomic reforms, which have improved the investment environment and accelerated project implementation. He noted that companies, including solar manufacturing firms that committed investments during the 3rd Invest in Ethiopia 2025 Forum—have moved swiftly into operation, contributing significantly to the country's investment performance.   The Commission also reported that more than 260 investment projects advanced into the implementation stage during the fiscal year, exceeding planned targets and reflecting improved investment facilitation. Public-Private Dialogue (PPD) platforms held throughout the year also played a key role in strengthening investor confidence, improving policy predictability and enhancing coordination among government institutions, the Commissioner said. He called for expanding these consultative mechanisms to further improve Ethiopia's investment climate. Beyond investment inflows, the Commission highlighted progress in accelerating licensed projects into operation, creating employment opportunities, expanding digital investment services, strengthening monitoring and evaluation systems, improving investment incentives, increasing domestic revenue collection and enhancing grievance-resolution mechanisms for investors. Commending the Commission's staff for the year's achievements, Zeleke stressed that sustaining the momentum will require continued reforms and stronger institutional collaboration.   He said the Commission's priorities for the new fiscal year will include making Ethiopia's investment environment more predictable, attracting higher-quality strategic investments, expediting project implementation and deepening coordination among public institutions. Observers say the latest investment figures reinforce Ethiopia's position as one of Africa's fastest-growing investment destinations, reflecting the positive impact of the country's ongoing economic reform agenda and its efforts to attract productive, export-oriented and technology-driven investments.

Addis Ababa, July 9, 2026 (ENA) —Ethiopia has assumed the chairmanship of the Eastern Africa Power Pool (EAPP) Council of Ministers, succeeding Egypt during the council's 22nd meeting held in Addis Ababa. The East African nation also reaffirmed its commitment to advancing regional electricity integration and strengthening energy cooperation across the region. Established in 2005 with seven founding members—Egypt, Ethiopia, Kenya, Rwanda, Sudan, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and Burundi, the EAPP has expanded into a 13-member regional platform dedicated to building an integrated electricity market and enhancing cross-border power trade. Opening the meeting, Ethiopia's Minister of Water and Energy, Eng. Habtamu Itefa, said the EAPP was founded on the shared vision that regional cooperation is strengthened when sovereign states voluntarily commit to common rules and coordinated action.   He pledged Ethiopia's full commitment to working closely with all member states to realize the organization's common objectives. "Ethiopia remains committed to deepening collaboration with member states to accelerate regional power connectivity and advance the Eastern Africa Power Pool's vision of an integrated regional electricity market," the minister said. The 22nd Extraordinary Session of the Council of Ministers and the 37th Steering Committee Meeting brought together ministers and senior energy officials to review key constitutional, legal and institutional matters, as well as measures aimed at accelerating regional electricity market development. Participants are also examining proposed amendments to existing Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs), together with related administrative guidelines and regulatory frameworks, with final recommendations expected to be adopted following the deliberations. Since its establishment, the EAPP has played a pivotal role in expanding cross-border electricity infrastructure and power trade across the region.   Among its flagship achievements are the Ethiopia–Kenya electricity interconnection, plans to extend the transmission network toward Tanzania, and broader initiatives to strengthen regional electricity exchange. Assuming the rotating chairmanship places Ethiopia at the forefront of efforts to promote reliable, affordable and sustainable energy cooperation, reinforcing the country's growing role in driving regional integration, energy security and economic development across Eastern Africa.

Addis Ababa, July 9, 2026 (ENA) —Ethiopia will continue advancing regional power connectivity in line with the Eastern Africa Power Pool’s (EAPP) vision of building an integrated regional electricity market, Water and Energy Minister Habtamu Itefa said. EAPP’s 37th Steering Committee meeting and 22nd Council of Ministers extraordinary session, which brought together senior officials to review key constitutional, legal, and regional power-market issues, is taking place in Addis Ababa. Speaking at the opening of the session, the Minister recalled that EAPP was established on the principle that regional cooperation strengthens when sovereign states voluntarily agree on common rules.   Those rules are reflected in the EAPP Intergovernmental Memorandum of Understanding signed in 2005, he added. The Minister noted that significant efforts have been made to operationalize the regional electricity market and continue institutional development of the organization. As Eastern Africa Power Pool's current chair, Ethiopia is advancing efforts and will work closely with all EAPP member states to pursue the shared goal of an integrated market grounded in constitutional governance, institutional integrity, regional solidarity, and the rule of law, Water and Energy Minister Habtamu said. Emphasizing the need for collective commitment to constitutional governance, institutional integrity, regional solidarity, and the rule of law, he encouraged members to seize the opportunity to strengthen both the organization and regional electricity market for the benefit of all.   On his part, Water and Energy State Minister Sultan Welle told the media that Ethiopia has been fulfilling its regional connectivity commitments by supplying electricity to Djibouti, Kenya, Tanzania, and Sudan. He added that Ethiopia intends to expand its interconnection role under the East Africa Power Pool framework. The power pool initiative will serve as an enabling platform to facilitate power transmission and ensure reliable electricity supply across the region, the State Minister said, adding that improved access to electricity can help drive social and economic benefits for local communities. The meeting is focused on discussing agreements among member countries to collaborate jointly and the terms governing electricity services, with decisions expected to be reached, he stated.   The Eastern Africa Power Pool (EAPP) is comprised of the following member countries: Burundi, Djibouti, Democratic Republic of Congo, Rwanda, Egypt, Ethiopia, Kenya, Sudan, Tanzania, Uganda, and Libya. South Sudan and Somalia joined recently.

Addis Ababa, July 8, 2026 (ENA) —Ambassadors and foreign trade representatives have commended Ethiopia’s ongoing macroeconomic reforms and rapid digital transformation. Approached by ENA, they said the changes are creating a more competitive business environment and positioning the country as an increasingly attractive destination for foreign direct investment (FDI). As part of its broad economic reform agenda, Ethiopia has introduced far-reaching policy measures aimed at strengthening macroeconomic stability, improving the ease of doing business, expanding digital services, and creating a more conducive environment for trade and investment. These reforms have contributed to rising investor confidence and a steady increase in foreign investment inflows. Diplomats from several countries highlighted Ethiopia’s improving investment climate and reaffirmed their countries’ commitment to expanding economic cooperation. Israel’s Ambassador to Ethiopia, Avraham Neguise, said Ethiopia and Israel continue to enjoy strong and growing economic relations, with Israeli companies actively investing in various sectors while deepening trade ties. He noted that Israel imports Ethiopian products, including coffee, teff, sesame, and other agricultural commodities, while sharing advanced technologies and expertise to support Ethiopia’s development efforts. According to the ambassador, Ethiopia’s macroeconomic reforms, coupled with its accelerated digitalization drive, have significantly enhanced the country’s appeal as an investment destination. “These reforms have created a favorable environment for Israeli investors and opened new opportunities to further expand our investment partnership with Ethiopia,” he said. Sri Lanka’s Ambassador to Ethiopia, Nirmala Paranavitana, also praised Ethiopia’s efforts to showcase its investment potential through international and regional engagement. She said the government’s investment incentives are playing a crucial role in attracting foreign investors and strengthening business confidence. The ambassador revealed that Sri Lankan companies have already made significant investments in Ethiopia’s textile industry and expressed her country’s strong interest in expanding cooperation into additional sectors. Similarly, Pakistan’s Trade and Investment Representative in Ethiopia, Basit Saleem Shah, underscored Ethiopia’s strategic geographic location as a major advantage for regional and international trade. He noted that Pakistan imports several Ethiopian products, particularly coffee and pulses, and said Ethiopia’s abundant natural and agricultural resources present considerable opportunities for expanding bilateral trade. Shah also highlighted Ethiopia’s rich tourism potential, reaffirming Pakistan’s readiness to deepen cooperation in tourism, trade, investment, and other areas of mutual interest. Many analysts say Ethiopia's ongoing economic reforms are strengthening international investor confidence and reinforcing the country's emergence as one of Africa's most promising destinations for foreign investment, trade, and long-term economic partnerships.

Addis Ababa, July 8, 2026 (ENA)—Ethiopia has reached another key milestone in its bid to join the World Trade Organization (WTO) after signing a Bilateral Market Access Protocol with Thailand at the WTO headquarters in Geneva. The move anticipated to strengthen the Ethiopia’s progress toward full membership in the global trading system. The agreement was signed by Ambassador Tsegab Kebebew Daka, Ethiopia's Permanent Representative to the United Nations Office and other International Organizations in Geneva, and Ambassador Pimchanok Pitfield, Thailand's Permanent Representative to the WTO and the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO). The signing ceremony was attended by senior officials from both countries, representatives of the WTO Secretariat, and Thailand's Vice Minister for Commerce, Dr. Kirida Bhaopichitr. Speaking at the ceremony, Ambassador Tsegab described the agreement as a significant breakthrough in Ethiopia's WTO accession negotiations. The ambassador also reaffirmed that WTO membership remains a strategic national priority under the government's comprehensive macroeconomic reform agenda.   He said the successful conclusion of the bilateral negotiations demonstrates Ethiopia's commitment to a transparent, predictable, and rules-based multilateral trading system while opening new opportunities for trade, investment, and sustainable economic growth. "The Protocol is more than the conclusion of bilateral negotiations," Ambassador Tsegab said. He further added that: "It reflects the enduring friendship between Ethiopia and Thailand, our shared confidence in the multilateral trading system, and our common commitment to expanding trade, investment, and economic cooperation." The ambassador noted that every successfully concluded bilateral market access agreement brings Ethiopia closer to WTO membership and reinforces international confidence in the country's ongoing economic reforms. Thailand's Vice Minister for Commerce, Dr. Kirida Bhaopichitr, welcomed the signing as another important milestone in the growing economic partnership between the two countries.   She reaffirmed Thailand's strong support for Ethiopia's WTO accession, expressing confidence that the agreement will deepen bilateral trade, stimulate investment, and unlock broader opportunities for economic cooperation. Dr. Kirida also reiterated Thailand's commitment to working closely with Ethiopia in promoting an open, transparent, inclusive, and rules-based multilateral trading system that advances sustainable development and shared prosperity. Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening the multilateral trading system and underscored the strategic importance of Ethiopia's WTO accession in accelerating the country's economic transformation, enhancing sustainable development, and deepening its integration into the global economy.   On the occasion, Ambassador Tsegab expressed Ethiopia's appreciation to the Government of Thailand for its constructive engagement and steadfast support throughout the negotiations. He also commended the WTO Secretariat, the Accessions Division, the Chair of the WTO Working Party on Ethiopia's Accession, and WTO members for their continued technical assistance and cooperation in advancing Ethiopia's accession process. The latest agreement is expected to add to Ethiopia's growing list of successfully concluded bilateral market access negotiations, bringing the country another step closer to securing WTO membership and reinforcing its commitment to an open, competitive, and globally integrated economy.

Addis Ababa, July 7, 2026 — Ethiopia has reaffirmed its commitment to bolstering Africa’s phytosanitary systems, underscoring that robust plant health measures are essential to ensuring food security, boosting agricultural productivity, and facilitating safe trade across the continent. The commitment was highlighted during the opening of the Strategic Partnership Forum for the African Phytosanitary Programme (APP) in Addis Ababa today. State Minister of Agriculture, Fikru Regassa, emphasized that while African nations are striving to transform their agricultural sectors, particularly under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), these ambitions face mounting threats from transboundary plant pests, invasive species, and climate change. "Plant health is far more than a technical concern; it is a strategic pillar of sustainable agricultural development," Fikru stated. He noted that Ethiopia, where agriculture remains the backbone of the economy, is fully integrated into the APP to enhance surveillance, diagnostic capabilities, and science-based decision-making. Launched in 2023, the APP has already expanded its reach to 20 countries across the continent. The initiative primarily focuses on strengthening national plant protection organizations by equipping them with digital surveillance tools for real-time monitoring and establishing harmonized pest survey protocols to ensure consistency across regions. Additionally, the programme prioritizes capacity building for personnel and institutional frameworks to foster long-term sustainability in safeguarding African agriculture. Enrico Perotti, Secretary of the International Plant Protection Convention (IPPC) noted that Africa is setting an example in advancing phytosanitary systems and stressed the need to build on the continent's successes to create greater global impact. The secretary underscored that sustaining the momentum will require continued national ownership, predictable financing, strong governance, and enhanced regional coordination. Saliou Niassy, Coordinator of the African Union Inter-African Phytosanitary Council, urged member states to prioritize the integration of these tools into national systems and to commit domestic resources to ensure the program's long-term sustainability. Echoing the urgency of the forum, Orlando Sosa, FAO Representative ad interim to Ethiopia, warned of the high stakes involved in plant biosecurity. "When a pest is detected too late, farmers lose their harvests and livelihoods," Sosa said, adding, “Traders lose opportunities, and exporters lose confidence." The forum, held under the theme "Empowering African Countries with Science and Digital Tools to Protect Plant Resources and Facilitate Trade," concluded with a call for scalable, science-driven solutions and stronger continental coordination to combat threats that recognize no national borders.

Addis Ababa, July 7, 2026 —The House of People's Representatives (HPR) has unanimously approved a 2.339-trillion Birr budget for the 2019 Ethiopian Fiscal Year. HPR Plan, Budget, and Finance Affairs Standing Committee Chairperson, Desalegn Wedaje, presented the committee's report and resolution to the floor. Of the total approved budget, 1.49 trillion Birr will be generated from tax revenues, while 93.7 billion Birr is slated to be covered by loans and grants from development partners, and 320 billion Birr will be financed through domestic borrowing, he explained. The Chairperson stated that the overall fiscal deficit is maintained at a mere 1.4 percent of the Gross Domestic Product (GDP), a clear reflection of the government's strategic policy orientation toward structural macroeconomic stabilization. Under the resource allocation framework, the lion's share of 30 percent is designated for education, road infrastructure, health, agriculture, energy expansion, and urban development, while 187.3 billion Birr, representing 15.1 percent, is allocated as budgetary subsidies to regional states. This subsidy allocation reflects an increase of 28.4 billion Birr or 17.8 percent compared to the preceding fiscal year. Over the last five years, Ethiopia's federal budget has grown significantly to absorb macroeconomic shifts and sustain national development initiatives. The year-on-year development in numbers and percentage growth reflects this steady fiscal expansion. In the 2021/22 fiscal year, the federal government budget stood at 561.67 billion Birr, which represented an 18 percent increase compared to the previous fiscal year. This initial allocation was later extended by a 122 billion Birr supplementary budget to handle post-conflict recovery and humanitarian needs. The budget grew to 786.61 billion Birr for the 2022/23 fiscal year, marking an increase of approximately 40 percent over the previous year's initial baseline. The 2023/24 fiscal year saw a more modest growth rate of 1.9 percent, with the total budget adjusting slightly to 801.65 billion Birr to focus on completing existing projects and implementing fiscal consolidation measures. A major upward shift occurred during the 2024/25 fiscal year, when the initial budget rose to 971.2 billion Birr, showing a 21.1 percent growth compared to the previous year. This was further expanded by a historic 581.98 billion Birr supplementary budget later in the year to support the implementation of comprehensive macroeconomic reforms. Building on this momentum, the 2025/26 fiscal year budget experienced a massive surge to 1.93 trillion Birr, representing a nearly 99 percent increase over the previous year's initial budget to fully accommodate structural adjustments and a market-determined foreign exchange system. This trajectory directly sets the stage for the newly approved 2019 fiscal year budget of 2.34 trillion Birr, which maintains a strong upward path with an increase of 411.6 billion Birr, or 21.3 percent, over the 2018 fiscal year.

Addis Ababa, July 7, 2026 —Ethiopia has generated a record 11 billion USD in export revenue during the just concluded fiscal year, Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed disclosed today. He added that the achievement is equivalent to the country's total export earnings over the past 17 years. The Prime Minister made the remarks while responding to questions from lawmakers during the 30th regular session of the House of People's Representatives. The country had surpassed its export target, the premier noted, describing the result as a collective victory for Ethiopians. "This is a major achievement recorded in a single year, exceeding our plan and reflecting the collective success of the Ethiopian people," the premier stated. He further revealed the strong performance of Ethiopia's gold sector, saying the country generated 5.5 billion USD from gold exports alone during the fiscal year. The progress achieved in this fiscal year exceeded what was accomplished over 27 years, the premier said, adding that this is genuine evidence of development. "It is not merely figures on paper, but tangible and visible economic growth." PM Abiy said the record performance demonstrates Ethiopia's growing capacity to expand export earnings and strengthen its foreign exchange reserves.

Addis Ababa, July 6, 2026 — Ethiopia and the Korea Export-Import Bank (KEXIM) have reaffirmed their commitment to deepen one of Africa's longest-standing development partnerships. Senior government officials and development stakeholders convened in Addis Ababa to accelerate the implementation of strategic infrastructure and economic transformation projects financed under Korea's Economic Development Cooperation Fund (EDCF), as ENA learned. The high-level tripartite meeting, hosted by Ethiopia's Ministry of Finance, brought together officials from KEXIM, Project Execution Agencies, and government institutions to assess the progress of ongoing projects, resolve implementation bottlenecks, and advance preparations for a new pipeline of investments aimed at supporting Ethiopia's long-term development agenda.   The meeting was co-chaired by State Minister of Finance Semereta Sewasew and Sunmyung Hwang, Country Chief Representative of EDCF-KEXIM. Opening the meeting, State Minister Semereta described Ethiopia and the Republic of Korea as trusted strategic partners whose cooperation has evolved into a model of long-term development collaboration built on mutual respect and shared aspirations for inclusive economic growth. She noted that Korea Exim Bank has played a pivotal role in supporting Ethiopia's national development priorities through investments spanning energy, transport infrastructure, irrigation, healthcare, higher education, and other critical sectors that strengthen the country's economic resilience. Highlighting the growing scale of bilateral cooperation, the state minister said projects worth approximately US1.7 billion USD were approved last year, underscoring the expanding confidence between the two countries and their shared commitment to advancing sustainable development.   "The Government of Ethiopia remains fully committed to ensuring that ongoing projects are implemented efficiently and deliver tangible results," she said, emphasizing stronger coordination among institutions, proactive resolution of implementation challenges, and faster preparation of future projects aligned with the country's development priorities. Representing Korea Exim Bank, Sunmyung Hwang reaffirmed the institution's long-term commitment to Ethiopia, expressing confidence that closer collaboration would accelerate project delivery and maximize the development impact of Korean-supported investments. The discussions also underscored the strategic role of concessional financing in supporting Ethiopia's economic reform program. Dereje Girma, Head of the Bilateral Cooperation Department at Ethiopia's Ministry of Finance, said financing provided through the Economic Development Cooperation Fund remains an important pillar in supporting the country's Homegrown Economic Reform Agenda while safeguarding fiscal sustainability. He noted that EDCF financing—offered on highly concessional terms with long grace periods and extended repayment maturities—continues to provide Ethiopia with sustainable resources for transformative national investments without placing undue pressure on public finances. Project Execution Agencies presented updates on implementation progress, exchanged lessons learned, and identified practical measures to improve delivery through stronger coordination, greater use of technology, and enhanced value-for-money approaches.   The meeting concluded with both sides reaffirming their shared commitment to accelerate the implementation of ongoing projects, advance the preparation of new strategic investments, and further strengthen the Ethiopia–Korea development partnership in support of sustainable, resilient, and inclusive economic growth. As Ethiopia continues to pursue ambitious economic reforms and infrastructure modernization, the expanding partnership with Korea Exim Bank is growing international confidence in the country's development trajectory and highlights the increasing role of concessional development finance in supporting Africa's long-term economic transformation.

Addis Ababa, July 6, 2026 (ENA) —The House of Federation said its activities during the 2018 Ethiopian fiscal year have made significant contributions to strengthening national unity and promoting more balanced regional development. The assessment was presented during the House's second regular session of its sixth parliamentary term and fifth working year, where members unanimously endorsed annual performance reports covering fiscal transfers, peacebuilding, intergovernmental relations, constitutional education and other key federal responsibilities. Opening the second regular session, Speaker of the House of Federation Agegnehu Teshager said the House of Federation achieved encouraging results during the fiscal year by strengthening evidence-based governance, enhancing cooperation between the federal government and regional states, and advancing more equitable national development.   The hose has increasingly relied on evidence-based decision-making to promote equitable development among Ethiopia's regional states, helping ensure that national policies are guided by data and practical outcomes. He said the House's efforts over the past fiscal year also contributed to reinforcing national unity by addressing identity-related tensions and administrative boundary disputes while strengthening the country's federal governance framework. Secretary of the Standing Committee on Intergovernmental Relations, Democratic Unity and Constitutional Education Banchiyirga Melese said the House expanded initiatives aimed at fostering democratic unity and broadening public understanding of Ethiopia's Constitution and federal system. Banchiyirga described constitutional awareness as an essential pillar for sustainable peace and national cohesion. Director General of the Center for Constitutional and Federalism Education Haileyesus Taye said the center intensified its public outreach through regular media engagement and educational initiatives, improving citizens' access to information and analysis on constitutional and federal affairs.   During the session, members also reviewed progress in fiscal transfers, peacebuilding, constitutional interpretation and intergovernmental cooperation before unanimously approving the institution's annual performance reports. The House further endorsed recommendations submitted by the Standing Committee on constitutional interpretation cases and issued additional directives to facilitate the resolution of pending constitutional matters, reaffirming its commitment to strengthening constitutional governance and Ethiopia's federal system.

Addis Ababa, July 6, 2026 (ENA) - The Ministry of Trade and Regional Cooperation announced that the achievements registered during the recently concluded fiscal year not only enabled it to meet and exceed most of its planned targets but also laid a strong foundation for sustained growth in Ethiopia's trade sector and export performance. The ministry and its affiliated institutions have begun evaluating their performance for the 2018 Ethiopian fiscal year. Opening the review meeting, Trade and Regional Cooperation Minister Kassahun Gofe said the ministry and its institutions delivered strong results across key priority areas, surpassing many of the targets set for the fiscal year. According to the minister, several national priority projects achieved results beyond initial expectations, while institutional reform initiatives were successfully implemented to enhance efficiency and improve service delivery. Kassahun said the ministry also made significant progress in creating a better working environment for employees and implementing capacity building programs designed to strengthen institutional performance. Highlighting one of the ministry's major accomplishments, the minister said its core services have now been fully digitalized. As a result, more than 3.4 million online services related to business licensing, business registration, amendments and license renewals were provided during the fiscal year, he said. Kassahun further stated that substantial progress had been made in modernizing Ethiopia's trade system and promoting export growth. The achievements recorded during the year have created favorable conditions for the country to achieve its export revenue target of 10.7 billion U.S. dollars in the current fiscal year, he noted. The minister also highlighted progress in expanding the country's modern trade infrastructure, stating that the number of modern trading centers nationwide has surpassed 31. He added that construction of 10 secondary livestock trading centers was launched during the fiscal year, with two facilities already completed and operational. According to Kassahun, the new livestock trading centers are expected to strengthen Ethiopia's livestock marketing system and boost the country's export trade.