Addis Ababa, October 6, 2026 (ENA)—President Taye Atske Selassie has outlined Ethiopia’s major national priorities for the 2019 Ethiopian year, placing peace, structural transformation, quality public services, institutional coordination and stronger foreign relations among the key areas of focus. Addressing the 7th joint session of the House of People’s Representatives and the House of Federation, the President said the priorities were identified based on an assessment of the country’s previous performance, achievements and gaps, with the aim of better safeguarding Ethiopia’s national interests and accelerating the country’s progress. Peace will remain a foremost priority, with efforts focused on strengthening unity and cooperation and putting Ethiopia’s national interests first. The President said Ethiopia will also pursue a comprehensive structural transformation based on quality, while accelerating citizen-centered development in education, health and social protection by shifting the focus from expanding access to improving quality.   According to him, strengthening the country’s capacity to produce key industrial and agricultural inputs as well as infrastructure, will also receive attention. Project and project-finance implementation will be made more modern, faster, efficient and accountable, President Taye added. He further said efforts will focus on modernizing the tax base, properly managing public debt and strengthening the government’s capacity to manage revenues and expenditures. The President also emphasized the need to strengthen coordination between the federal government and regional states, ensuring that implementation is unified, supported, efficient and effective. On foreign relations, President Taye said Ethiopia will seek to move from acceptance to greater influence, particularly by strengthening its friendships, engaging those with differing views and giving priority to regional peace and economic integration. Building on these priorities, he said Ethiopia expects to make progress across social, economic and service sectors. Electricity access is targeted to reach 65 percent, while efforts will be made to expand access to water services. Health insurance coverage is also targeted to increase to 85 percent. Regarding forest coverage, it will be expanded from its current level of 26 percent.   The number of Mesob one-stop service centers will be expanded and school feeding coverage will increase to 70 percent. The justice sector will be further modernized, while recommendations emerging from the national dialogue will be translated into practical action. President Taye also stressed the importance of promoting a culture of dialogue, compromise and peaceful resolution of differences based on mutual understanding and common interests. The implementation of these priorities will require stronger coordination, commitment and focus on results across government institutions. The President finally called on officials responsible for implementing the 2019 plan to put the interests of the public first, make effective use of time and resources, and demonstrate commitment and diligence in carrying out their responsibilities.  

Addis Ababa, October 6, 2026 (ENA)— Addressing the joint opening session of the House of People's Representatives and the House of Federation, President Taye Atske-Selassie unveiled Ethiopia's aspirations to achieve a robust 10.1 percent economic growth rate in the 2019 Ethiopian fiscal year. The President's announcement underscores the nation's commitment to fostering a thriving economy, bolstered by strategic fiscal measures aimed at augmenting domestic revenue collection, expanding the tax base, and effectively managing national debt. The President outlined that the country's gross domestic product (GDP) is anticipated to expand to a substantial 9.6 trillion Birr. Looking ahead to the 2019 fiscal year, the government is poised to prioritize structural transformations driven by quality and efficiency across key economic sectors. The government aims to increase national electricity coverage to 65 percent, enhance access to water for the populace, increase health insurance coverage to 85 percent, and raise forest cover to 26 percent. Additionally, comprehensive initiatives will be implemented to attract over 1.6 million international tourists during the fiscal year. President Taye emphasized the government's commitment to refining project execution, modernizing project finance mechanisms, and improving inter-governmental coordination between the federal government and regional states. These efforts are crucial for sustaining the national development momentum and ensuring that Ethiopia remains on a trajectory of economic growth and development. As of the current date, October 6, 2026, these plans are set to propel Ethiopia forward, marking a significant step in the country's economic development journey. Reflecting on past achievements, President Taye highlighted the significant surge in annual crop production, which has impressively grown from 335 million quintals seven years ago to a remarkable 1.3 billion quintals in the 2018 fiscal year. Furthermore, export trade revenue reached an unprecedented high of 11.2 billion USD, while foreign direct investment inflows totaled 4.5 billion USD over the same period. The manufacturing sector has demonstrated exceptional performance, boasting a growth rate of 15.8 percent. Concurrently, credit supply has expanded to 1.3 trillion Birr, and total domestic revenue has reached nearly 1.98 trillion Birr. Notably, inflation has been successfully contained to 13.4 percent as of May 2026, showcasing the resilience of the national economy in the face of internal and external pressures.

Addis Ababa, October 6, 2026 (ENA)— The joint session marking the opening of the 7th year of the House of Peoples’ Representatives and the House of Federation officially opened today, with President Taye Atske-Selassie presenting the government’s plans in various areas. The President highlighted the economy, security, social affairs, diplomacy and regional affairs, as well as a number of pressing national issues. The 7th House of Peoples’ Representatives held its founding first regular meeting for its first annual working term yesterday. During the session, the House of Peoples’ Representatives re-appointed Dr. Abiy Ahmed as Prime Minister of the FDRE. The joint session of the two houses was held today. Speaking at the opening session, President Taye Atske-Selassie stated that achievements recorded in the economic sector sustainably guarantee economic sovereignty. In his opening speech to the two houses, President Taye Atske-Selassie stated that the results achieved in the economic sphere over the past five years have laid the foundation for future endeavors.   He indicated that successes registered in agriculture, export trade, tourism, industry, the digital sector and various other areas have accelerated economic growth. He noted that the government’s cessation of commercial borrowing and its increased capacity to efficiently execute long-delayed infrastructure projects have played a vital role in this growth. He also highlighted that positive results have been achieved through the multi-sectoral economic direction pursued under the government’s 10-year development plan. As evidence, he cited the enhancement of revenue-collection capacity achieved through a tight monetary and fiscal system.   President Taye emphasized that the achievements realized in the economy not only help overcome challenges and obstacles, but also guarantee economic sovereignty.

Biography presented by Deputy Prime Minister Temesgen Tiruneh during the appointment of Dr. Abiy Ahmed as Prime Minister of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia   Honorable Speaker, Distinguished Members of the House, Honorable Invited Guests, Today, before this honored Parliament, and in accordance with Article 73, Sub-Article 2 of the Constitution of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia, I have the immense honor, pride and privilege, on behalf of the Prosperity Party—which has secured the profound trust of the Ethiopian people and won a parliamentary majority in the 7th General Election—to nominate a great Ethiopian of our time for the position of Prime Minister of Ethiopia.   At this defining moment, when the foundation of a new chapter in Ethiopian civilization is being laid, our party, Prosperity, demonstrates its unwavering determination to place Ethiopia firmly on the foundation of her greatness by presenting this great Ethiopian for the Premiership. He is a leader created for Ethiopia, called to serve, untiring and undaunted; a leader who knows no fatigue, endless in innovation, tireless with his pen, rich in compassion and defined by resilience. From his parents, he learned patriotism and respect for the people at an early age. Raised among Ethiopia's diverse peoples and faiths, history shaped him to belong to all and to serve all. From the small village of Beshasha, he looked far beyond his immediate surroundings and dreamed of a greater Ethiopia. Whether she was grieving or rejoicing, whether facing hardship or moving forward, he longed for the day when he could serve this great nation and help her rise to the height of her history and prosper to the full measure of her riches. It was for this reason that, at the tender age of 14, he entered the armed struggle to serve his country and make sacrifices for it. He possesses a character that fights to the very end against anything he believes is not beneficial to Ethiopia. After the fall of the Derg regime, he joined the regular military. During the Ethio-Eritrean War, he served on the front lines in defense of his country's sovereignty.   Yet, inside the foxholes of the Badme front, he did more than fight. He wept, he reflected, he planned, and he weighed ideas about change. His military journey, which took him to the rank of Lieutenant Colonel, became a chapter in which he came to know Ethiopia intimately and, in doing so, contemplated the fate of tomorrow's Ethiopia. He paid the price of service by traveling to different parts of the country and observing Ethiopia firsthand. As he looked upon her, his love for her deepened; her weariness concerned him; her poverty angered him; and the fact that this great country was not yet truly great gave him no rest. In particular, when he was deployed to Rwanda as part of a United Nations peacekeeping mission to help halt the genocide, he began to see Ethiopia through a comparative lens. He reflected: If we do not preserve our multinational unity, if each of us does not respect the rights of all, if we do not make our unity our strength and our diversity our ornament, and if we do not resolve our problems through consultation and dialogue, how will our fate differ from Rwanda's?   From that point onward, he sought to live by this conviction. He demonstrated that it is possible to live together by resolving differences through peace, dialogue and reconciliation. In the small town of Beshasha, he played a remarkable peacebuilding role, helping resolve faith-based tensions through dialogue, counsel and forgiveness. It was from this experience that he resolutely declared that the sword of reconciliation—carrying peace, forgiveness and love—is far better than the sword that beheads. He holds a Bachelor's Degree in Computer Engineering from Microlink Information Technology College, an MBA in Transformational Leadership from Leadstar Management and Leadership College, an MA from the University of Greenwich, and a PhD in Peace and Security Studies from Addis Ababa University. In addition to numerous national and international awards, he was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize. He also sought to usher Ethiopia into a new chapter of transformation through his former membership and leadership in the Ethiopian People's Revolutionary Democratic Front (EPRDF), his role as founder of the Information Network Security Agency (INSA), and his service as Minister of Science and Technology. Cultivating people and transforming lives, providing leadership and service free from corruption and theft, working alongside employees like a brother, and turning every responsibility—no matter how small—into a center of change for a greater Ethiopia became his daily way of life. Eight years ago, Ethiopia yearned for change. Poverty and backwardness had embittered the people. Division and fragmentation distressed the nation. Growth was being stifled, and grievances were accumulating. Fairness had vanished, the dominance of a single faction prevailed, and the country was suffering. Projects had stalled. Rights had been suppressed. Prisons were filled. Political divisions had sharpened. Ethiopia had entered a period of profound trial. At that critical moment, Ethiopia needed not merely change, but an apostle of change—a leader who would not draw the sword, incite revolution, demand destruction or build upon the grave of another. She needed a leader who would unite the people, bring partners and affiliates together as one, safeguard the rights of all peoples equitably, and focus on tomorrow rather than yesterday. At that critical hour, from within the EPRDF leadership, among its intellectuals, from the Oromia Region and from the womb of Ethiopia, a man named Abiy emerged. With wisdom and skill, through peaceful struggle, by aligning the people behind a shared purpose, strengthening the multinational bonds among Ethiopians, and challenging the dominance of a single faction, he brought about the envisioned change. Change was achieved through organizational appeal, public struggle and popular momentum. Ethiopia had repeatedly experienced bloody and destructive revolutions. This time, however, through reform, she sought to uproot only the thorn. She ceased demolishing her existing capacities simply to build anew. Erasing yesterday completely proved painful, yet accepting it exactly as it was offered no solution. Thus, building upon yesterday's foundation, she repaired what was broken, uprooted the weeds and embarked upon a new path toward tomorrow. Eight years ago, before this very Parliament, the name of the Creator was invoked with honor. The name of Ethiopia was called with love and respect. Opponents were described as competitors. A call for peace was extended to all engaged in conflict. Mothers were honored and appreciated.   The herald of an Ethiopia embarking on a new journey toward prosperity was proclaimed. Forgiveness was sought for all misdeeds committed in the name of the EPRDF. Peace, forgiveness and love were declared. A fresh breeze swept across modern Ethiopian politics. Since that time, this man has remained at work. He introduced a new tradition into Ethiopian political history. He enabled competing political parties and the governing party to serve together in one government. He traveled across America, Europe, Africa and the Middle East, calling upon Ethiopians and partners to embrace peace and development. He secured pardons and the release of numerous political prisoners. Media outlets opened more freely. Politicians who had been living in exile returned home and were even entrusted with positions of government leadership. He worked to reconcile the separated fathers of the Orthodox Synod and the Islamic Affairs leadership. He ensured legal recognition for the Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs and the Evangelical Council. He sought to make security institutions free from political bias and transform them into guardians of the constitutional order. The Election Board and the Ethiopian Human Rights Commission became independent and impartial institutions. Laws considered oppressive and restrictive—laws deemed unfitting for a modern Ethiopia—were amended, while judicial and court independence was upheld. He traveled from district to district to consult directly with the people. He facilitated efforts to resolve regional statehood demands in Southern Ethiopia. He transformed the concept of the Ethiopian revolution from a political revolution into a wheat and rice revolution. Through the Gebeta le Sheger (Dine for Sheger), Gebeta le Hager (Dine for the Nation), and Gebeta le Twolde (Dine for Generations) initiatives, he brought to fruition visionary projects designed to protect Ethiopia's heritage while creating new destinations for the future. He transformed Ethiopia through initiatives such as Clean and Green Ethiopia, Bountiful Development, Rural-Urban Corridors, Summer Wheat, Ease of Doing Business, Sharing Meals, Winter Volunteerism and Digital Ethiopia. Through writing, publishing and training, he worked tirelessly to build competent leadership for Ethiopia. He conceived the Moseb One-Stop Service initiative and expanded it across all regions. Under the Green Legacy Initiative, he oversaw the planting of 56 billion trees. He published four Medemer books and used the proceeds to build schools across all regions. He enabled Ethiopia to stop importing wheat and move toward self-sufficiency. He expanded fruit production and positioned it for export markets. He lifted Ethiopia's mining sector out of backwardness, enabling it to generate five years' worth of output compared with the previous century. Through Digital Ethiopia, he made it possible for money to reside in our mobile phones. By guiding macroeconomic reform, he restored balance to Ethiopia's fragile economy.   Through a fiercely challenging struggle, he navigated the completion of the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD). He built a strong and modern defense force for Ethiopia. He raised Ethiopian industries from the brink of decline and positioned them as drivers of the economy. He initiated and successfully guided the National Dialogue to fruition—an idea that had once been dismissed and criticized. He dismantled the separation between "allies" and "core affiliates" in order to build a unified multinational party. He emerged from the trials of the COVID-19 pandemic, recurring conflicts, locust invasions and severe droughts refined like a diamond and stronger through adversity. From his youth, he has shown little tolerance for anyone who deliberately rises against Ethiopia. He endures much and tolerates much; but when it comes to Ethiopia's sovereignty, he tolerates no one. That is why, when enemies rose believing they could destroy Ethiopia, he set aside his office as Prime Minister, exchanged his tie for fatigue uniforms and marched to the front line. Today, this is a man fighting for Ethiopia to secure access to the sea. He is leading Ethiopia toward the construction of the massive Bishoftu International Airport. He is working tirelessly, day and night, to ensure Ethiopia achieves food self-sufficiency. He is enabling Ethiopia to become interconnected through digital identity. He is paving the way for Ethiopia to build a civilization that connects yesterday, today and tomorrow. He is facilitating the transition of farmers toward modern cluster farming. He is crafting a new rural strategy to enable pastoralists to transition into modern ways of living. He works day and night so that urban dwellers can enjoy better and more comfortable urban infrastructure. In Addis Ababa, for instance, he has sought to turn into action his promise: "We will make her new and a flower, just like her name." He is a priceless leader. He is enabling the structural transformation of the Ethiopian economy. He is building a political culture in which governing and competing parties can lead the nation together and collaborate on matters of national interest. Girding his loins and dedicating his time to the country, he works relentlessly to make a great Ethiopia even greater. He has reshaped Ethiopia's foreign relations beyond rigid notions of "enemy" and "friend," pursuing instead a pragmatic and action-oriented diplomacy. This is why, today, before this august assembly, I nominate Honorable Dr. Abiy Ahmed Ali to serve as Prime Minister of Ethiopia. He has envisioned change. He has led change. And he has lived change for all to see. Born in Beshasha town, Jimma Zone, Oromia Region of Ethiopia, he is now 50 years old. He has dedicated three-quarters of his life to national service. He is married, a father of four children, and a friend to millions. Distinguished Members of the House, As our Prosperity Party nominates Honorable Dr. Abiy Ahmed Ali—a gifted son of Ethiopia who has emerged refined like gold through the furnace of change, who has not merely lived through history but changed its course, and whom Ethiopia has sought and found across the eras—to serve as Prime Minister of Ethiopia, we do so with the greatest honor, pride and sense of privilege. I thank you.

Addis Ababa, October 5, 2026 (ENA)—Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed said Ethiopia will continue to assert its national interests on its own terms and strengthen its role as a decisive anchor state in the region, drawing on the country’s national strength and growing economic potential. The Prime Minister made the remarks as he was sworn in for a new term following the establishment of the Medemer Government under Ethiopia’s seventh parliamentary term. Addressing the House of People’s Representatives, PM Abiy said the past few years had been a critical period for laying fundamental foundations, enabling Ethiopia to build a resilient political-economic system capable of withstanding both domestic and external pressures. Speaking on sea access, he emphasized that Ethiopia’s long-term national and developmental vision is closely linked to securing reliable maritime access. He said his administration will actively pursue a gateway to the sea through dialogue, mutual benefit and give-and-take, while continuing to advance national development and major infrastructure projects. Reviewing Ethiopia’s recent political and economic trajectory, the Prime Minister outlined how the country had navigated complex internal and external pressures that sought to disrupt its development path. “When COVID-19 arrived and the world shut down, we continued with resolve. While campaigns were opened against us, as the world turned its back on us and repeatedly showed its injustice, we did not falter for a second,” he said.   He added that Ethiopia had also faced pressure while asserting its right to use its river and complete the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD). “When they pulled us with a long rope to prevent us from bringing our dam to completion, we stumbled, but we did not fall, nor will we fall,” Abiy said. The Prime Minister said these experiences had demonstrated Ethiopia’s capacity to withstand obstacles and continue pursuing its national objectives. “We have proven in practice that we are building an invincible political-economy system that responds appropriately without falling to obstacles,” he said. Speaking on turning ambition into results and illustrating the feasibility of Ethiopia’s long-term vision, PM Abiy pointed to progress across key economic, agricultural and infrastructure sectors. He highlighted the expansion of wheat production, saying the initiative had helped replace imported wheat with domestic production and demonstrated the potential for large-scale agricultural self-sufficiency. He also cited progress on major water and development projects, including the completion of the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam, advances on projects such as Megech, and the activation of the Tana Beles development initiative. Major corridor development programs, he added, have accelerated infrastructure expansion and urban modernization across the country, turning long-standing development plans into visible projects and operational realities. For the Prime Minister, these achievements demonstrate that Ethiopia’s ambitions are not limited to political declarations but can be translated into practical outcomes through sustained national effort. Addressing a new parliamentary chapter, looking ahead, Prime Minister Abiy outlined a broad agenda for the new parliamentary term aimed at consolidating the foundations laid in recent years and turning them into lasting national institutions.   The administration plans to pursue constitutional updates through the National Dialogue process, maintain a competitive political environment and engage constructively with opposition parties. On the economic front, the government will continue macroeconomic reforms, strengthen oversight of public expenditure and undertake civil service reforms aimed at improving measurable performance and modernizing public service delivery. In foreign policy, Abiy said Ethiopia will pursue cooperative relations with neighboring countries based on mutual interests and shared benefits, while continuing its efforts to secure reliable access to the Red Sea. He also pledged stronger institutional measures against corruption and nepotism, alongside the expansion of digital systems at lower levels of administration to improve efficiency, reduce bureaucracy and modernize government services. The Prime Minister’s address therefore placed national resilience, economic transformation, political dialogue, institutional reform and maritime access at the center of Ethiopia’s next phase.    

Addis Ababa, October 5, 2026 (ENA)—Ethiopia is fully prepared to effectively confront and repel threats directed against the country, Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed affirmed today, pledging that the newly established Medemer Government will remain firmly focused on protecting Ethiopia’s national interests and advancing its ambitions. Prime Minister Abiy made the remarks in his address following his appointment for a second term during the government-formation session of the first working year of the seventh House of People’s Representatives. He subsequently took the oath of office, formally beginning his second term. The government-formation session marks a new chapter in Ethiopia’s political and institutional journey following the June 1 Seventh General Election, in which more than 54 million citizens participated, according to the National Election Board of Ethiopia.   In his address, Prime Minister Abiy expressed gratitude to the millions of Ethiopians who participated in the election, saying their votes had contributed to strengthening the nation. He described the seventh general election as more than a routine electoral exercise, saying it carried broader significance and demonstrated what he characterized as the growing maturity of Ethiopia’s democratic culture. The Prime Minister said Ethiopia and the wider world are experiencing rapidly changing and increasingly unpredictable national, regional and global dynamics, stressing that preparedness is essential in such an environment. According to PM Abiy, Ethiopia has paid a heavy price in the past because of inadequate preparation in a number of areas. He said now the country has learned from those experiences and has now made the necessary preparations to confront challenges and what he described as hostile acts directed against Ethiopia. “Getting tripped up by an obstacle once is natural, but stumbling repeatedly is not normal,” he said, emphasizing the importance of learning from past experiences.   The Premier further stressed that Ethiopia can overcome its challenges only through unity and collective effort, calling on citizens to move forward together as equals. He also assured Ethiopians that the country’s development trajectory should create opportunities for all citizens, declaring that “Ethiopia will have only winning citizens, not losers.” Reflecting on the country’s development experience, the Prime Minister said Ethiopia’s progress in recent years had demonstrated that determined efforts could turn national aspirations into practical achievements. He cited the expansion of summer wheat production as an example, recalling that when the government launched the initiative as part of its drive toward food sovereignty and reducing dependence on imported wheat, some dismissed the ambition as unrealistic. He said the results have since demonstrated the potential of Ethiopia’s agricultural transformation. The Prime Minister also pointed to the government’s ability to work with competing political actors in pursuit of national interests, saying Ethiopia had demonstrated in practice that political differences need not prevent cooperation on matters of national importance.   Speaking on sea access, Prime Minister Abiy said Ethiopia’s long-standing pursuit of reliable access to the sea remains a major national priority. “We will work tirelessly to ensure Ethiopia secures a sea outlet,” he said, reiterating the government’s commitment to pursuing the issue. Ethiopia has repeatedly stated that it seeks sea access through peaceful engagement, negotiation and mutually beneficial arrangements. PM Abiy framed the issue within Ethiopia’s broader national aspirations, saying the country should not merely transform itself but should aspire to grow into a country capable of contributing to transformation beyond its borders. He also invoked the country’s recent history of political and security challenge, recalling periods when Ethiopia’s unity and survival were portrayed as being at risk. According to the Prime Minister, those challenges have instead strengthened Ethiopia’s determination to preserve its unity and pursue its national ambitions. He underscored that concerns about Ethiopia’s future have increasingly shifted toward its ambitions in the Red Sea, rather than the prospect of the country disintegrating.   Against this backdrop, PM Abiy’s message was centered on readiness, unity and national resilience. As Ethiopia begins a new five-year political and institutional chapter, the Prime Minister said the country must draw lessons from its past, remain prepared for emerging challenges and continue pursuing its national aspirations. “Yesterday has passed, and tomorrow is yet to come; but today has arrived favorably,” he said, portraying the new political chapter as an opportunity for Ethiopia to turn its ambitions into tangible achievements. The establishment of the new Medemer State government and the formal appointment of the Prime Minister mark a significant institutional milestone following the country’s latest general election.

Addis Ababa, October 5, 2026 (ENA)— Citizen participation in Ethiopia’s emerging capital market is steadily growing, with an increasing number of investors opening accounts and trading securities, according to Hana Tehelku, Director General of the Ethiopian Capital Market Authority (ECMA). Speaking to the ENA, Hana highlighted that the Homegrown Economic Reform Agenda is delivering tangible results. She noted that the development of a national capital market is a key milestone, opening new opportunities for citizens to invest in and benefit from the country's expanding financial sector. Since the establishment of the ECMA, a landmark achievement of the nation's economic reforms, extensive foundational work has been undertaken to establish a transparent, predictable, and secure regulatory framework. "Over the past two years, we have demonstrated that a capital market can successfully operate in Ethiopia," Hana said, emphasizing the efforts made to establish a strong, credible and capable institution. Today, ECMA oversees 26 registered companies, including seven in the securities market. Market modernization is accelerating: roughly 187,000 physical security records have been digitized into the central depository system, and nearly 38,000 citizens have opened investment accounts, most of whom actively trade. Daily transaction volumes consistently surpass 50 million Birr, at times topping 60 million Birr. To protect investors, ECMA applies rigorous pre-licensing vetting alongside continuous post-licensing oversight. The Authority has also deployed a state-of-the-art tech surveillance system to monitor trading, flag irregularities, and enforce market integrity. Coupled with public education campaigns on illegal market practices and penalties, ECMA is ensuring a stable environment for sustainable financial growth.  

By Staff Writer September 27–October 3, 2026 Ethiopia closed the week with a series of developments that underscored its increasingly assertive role in shaping the political, economic and strategic future of the Horn of Africa, the Red Sea region and the Nile Basin. From advancing regional economic integration and moving its long-awaited National Dialogue toward implementation to launching a formal assessment of economic losses linked to Nile projects obstructed by Egypt, Ethiopia demonstrated a growing determination to pursue development, national consensus and what it regards as its legitimate regional and water-resource interests. The week also saw Ethiopia take firm diplomatic measures against Eritrea and Egypt, while continuing to emphasize peaceful coexistence, regional stability and cooperation. Regional Integration: Ethiopia Looks Beyond Its Borders Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed’s participation in the groundbreaking ceremony for Kenya’s multibillion-dollar Lamu Petroleum Refinery highlighted Ethiopia’s continued push for deeper regional economic integration.   The refinery, backed by the Dangote Group, is expected to become a major addition to East Africa’s energy infrastructure. Located along the strategic Lamu Port-South Sudan-Ethiopia Transport (LAPSSET) Corridor, the facility is designed to process crude oil and supply refined petroleum products—including petrol, diesel and aviation fuel—to regional markets. Speaking at the ceremony attended by African heads of state and government, industrialist Aliko Dangote, ministers, ambassadors and other dignitaries, Prime Minister Abiy said the project would give Ethiopia an additional regional source of refined petroleum while creating new opportunities for trade and investment. For years, African economies have remained heavily dependent on fuel refined outside the continent, exposing them to global market disruptions and price volatility. As African cities expand and industrial demand rises, Abiy stressed the importance of developing refining capacity closer to African consumers and building more resilient regional supply systems. “The Lamu refinery offers a way to change that balance,” he said, noting that the project could bring refining capacity closer to regional markets. The project’s strategic importance extends beyond fuel production. Its position along the LAPSSET Corridor could strengthen connections between production centers, transport networks and regional markets, further linking East Africa’s economies. According to the Dangote Group, Kenya’s 16 billion USD Lamu oil refinery, with a planned capacity of 700,000 barrels per day, represents a major step in Africa’s industrialization drive. For Ethiopia, the project signals something broader: regional infrastructure is increasingly being viewed not simply as a national asset, but as a foundation for shared economic growth and greater regional resilience. National Dialogue Enters a New Chapter At home, Ethiopia’s National Dialogue moved from deliberation toward implementation. The Ethiopian National Dialogue Commission (ENDC) formally handed over its consolidated agenda items and recommendations to the House of People’s Representatives, the federal government and regional governments in the presence of Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed.   The handover marks a critical transition—from nationwide consultation and consensus-building to institutional consideration and implementation of the recommendations. Prime Minister Abiy said he attended and oversaw the formal handover, describing it as an important milestone in the country’s National Dialogue process. Chief Commissioner of the ENDC Professor Mesfin Araya said the process demonstrated that Ethiopians are capable of engaging in civilized dialogue, bridging differences and building consensus around shared national concerns. Established under Proclamation No. 1265/2021, the Commission was mandated to help address longstanding historical grievances and differences through an inclusive, peaceful and structured national process. The Commission conducted consultations across Ethiopia’s 12 regional states and the two city administrations of Addis Ababa and Dire Dawa, collecting more than 2,000 agenda submissions from citizens. The National Dialogue subsequently reached consensus across its eight thematic pillars before the agenda items and recommendations were harmonized and consolidated. The challenge now is no longer simply reaching consensus—it is translating that consensus into meaningful institutional action. The development comes as Ethiopia enters a new political phase following the conclusion of the 7th General Election and the establishment of newly elected regional and city councils. Regional councils have completed the formation of their governments and elected chief administrators, laying the institutional groundwork for the next phase of governance. Ethiopia’s Bold Nile Move: Assessing the Cost of Obstructed Development Perhaps the week’s most consequential development on the Nile came from the Ministry of Water and Energy. Ethiopia has established a national committee to assess economic losses and foregone development opportunities associated with water projects that the country says were “blocked or obstructed by Egyptians.” In an exclusive interview with ENA, Minister of Water and Energy Habtamu Itefa said the committee had so far identified more than 22 development projects, including the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD), that Ethiopia says faced obstruction from Egypt. “We have established a national committee. And as a committee, we counted more than 22 projects that have been blocked or obstructed by Egyptians, including the GERD project,” the minister said.   The committee is now compiling evidence and examining the basis for Ethiopia’s potential compensation claims. According to Habtamu, the assessment involves experts, former ministers, advisers and legal professionals who are examining the scale of the alleged losses, foregone opportunities and possible approaches for addressing them. “We are already collecting the evidence,” he said, adding that Ethiopia has documented projects it says Egypt opposed, including the GERD. The move adds a new dimension to Ethiopia’s longstanding position on the equitable utilization and development of the Nile Basin. Rather than limiting the debate to the construction and operation of individual dams, Ethiopia is now seeking to quantify what it considers the broader economic and developmental costs of decades of restrictions on its utilization of Nile waters. The establishment of the committee could therefore mark the beginning of a more structured Ethiopian effort to place the economic dimension of Nile politics at the center of future discussions. A Sharper Diplomatic Front Ethiopia also adopted unusually firm diplomatic measures during the week. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced the closure of Ethiopia’s embassy in Asmara and declared 10 Eritrean diplomats persona non grata, ordering them to leave Ethiopia within 48 hours.   The ministry said the decision followed what it described as Eritrea’s direct and indirect acts of hostility and belligerence against Ethiopia, including activities it said posed a threat to national security and violated the principles governing diplomatic relations. Despite the measures, Ethiopia reiterated that it values the historical, cultural and people-to-people ties between the two countries and remains committed to peaceful coexistence, regional stability and integration. In another diplomatic development, Ethiopia declared an Egyptian diplomatic staff member, persona non grata and ordered him to leave the country within 48 hours. The Ethiopian Foreign Ministry said the decision was taken in accordance with the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations, the international framework governing relations between states. The twin diplomatic measures involving Eritrea and Egypt came against the backdrop of Ethiopia’s increasingly assertive regional and Nile diplomacy. Yet Addis Ababa continued to frame its broader approach around peaceful resolution of disputes, sovereign equality, regional cooperation and long-term stability in the Horn of Africa. Cultural Aspect Hundreds of thousands of people celebrated Hora Finfinnee, part of the annual Irreechaa thanksgiving festival, in Addis Ababa, bringing together tens of thousands of people in a vibrant display of Oromo culture, tradition and unity. Dressed in colorful traditional attire, people from different parts of Ethiopia gathered at Hora Finfinnee on Saturday morning to mark Irreechaa, a traditional Oromo thanksgiving ceremony celebrated at the end of the rainy season and the beginning of the harvest season.   On the following day, Irreechaa Hora Arsedi, the Oromo thanksgiving festival, was celebrated colorfully in Bishoftu, drawing large crowds to the lakeside and public gathering places across the town. This year’s celebration was attended by various segments of society, including Aba Gadas and Hadha Sinqes, as well as cultural and community representatives. A Week That Signals a Broader Direction Taken together, the developments of the week reveal a country moving simultaneously on several strategic fronts. Economically, Ethiopia is deepening regional integration and seeking stronger links to East Africa’s emerging infrastructure and energy networks. Politically, the National Dialogue has entered its most consequential phase, with recommendations moving from national consultation into the hands of institutions responsible for implementation. On the Nile, Ethiopia has introduced a potentially new dimension to the longstanding dispute with Egypt by establishing a formal mechanism to assess alleged economic losses and foregone development opportunities. Diplomatically, Addis Ababa has demonstrated a willingness to take firm measures when it believes its national security and sovereign interests are being challenged, while maintaining that peaceful coexistence and regional cooperation remain its preferred course. As Ethiopia moves toward the formation of a new federal government following the 7th General Election, these developments point to a broader strategic direction: greater economic integration, stronger national institutions, a more assertive approach to Ethiopia’s water and development interests, and a determined effort to shape the future of the Horn of Africa from a position of greater confidence. The week was therefore more than a collection of separate political and economic events. It offered a glimpse into Ethiopia’s emerging posture, integrating where cooperation serves development, building consensus at home, defending its strategic interests and seeking a stronger voice in the affairs of the region.

Addis Ababa, October 4, 2026 (ENA)— Ethiopia, consistent with its sovereign right and water policy as well as international laws, is completing a big dam on Magech River for irrigation and water supply purposes, Water and Energy Minister Habtamu Itefa told ENA. “It is shameful to hear Egyptian politicians say that Ethiopia should get consent from them to build dams that do not have significant harm on the country,” he added. Egyptian policymakers should revisit the history of the Aswan High Dam and consider whether Ethiopia was consulted before its construction. “If so, they should have consulted Ethiopia when they built Aswan Dam. But they didn’t.” Habtamu argued that the Nile cannot be treated as the exclusive preserve of downstream countries, stressing that Ethiopia, as an upstream riparian state, has the right to develop its water resources. Egypt’s continued insistence on prior consent reflects an outdated approach to Nile governance and a lingering reliance on arrangements established during the colonial era, the Minister stressed. “They say, ‘We belong to the Nile, the Nile belongs to us.’” the Minister said, adding that such a view overlooks the interests of Ethiopia’s population and the country’s contribution to the Nile system. The Minister also rejected the argument that Ethiopia’s water-development projects amount to “abstraction” of Abay (Nile) water, saying the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) was primarily constructed for hydropower generation. Megech is also an indirect tributary of the Nile that causes no significant harm on Egyptians. “Ethiopia has the right to use irrigation as well,” he said, adding that the country would continue developing water infrastructure according to its national priorities. He cited the ongoing development of the Magech project as an example of Ethiopia’s exercise of its sovereign development rights. “Ethiopia is a sovereign country. We do have our system, we do have our policy, we do have our government,” Habtamu said. At the same time, the Minister stressed that Ethiopia’s position does not amount to hostility toward downstream populations. “We consider our brothers on the downstream side. Egyptians, and particularly Sudanese, are our brothers,” he said, adding that Ethiopia maintains close social, cultural and historical ties with Sudan and South Sudan. Ethiopia’s approach is therefore based on development alongside consideration for downstream countries, he noted, rejecting the “colonial mentality” and “hydro-hegemony.” The Minister also argued that opposition to Ethiopia's water-development projects has persisted for decades, including during different political periods in Ethiopia. Egypt had opposed Ethiopian water projects as far back as the 1950s and 1960s and linked such opposition to instability surrounding earlier development initiatives. Habtamu said Ethiopia’s response should be continued development rather than abandoning its water-development ambitions. “As the Minister of Water and Energy, and as a citizen and a professional, the only thing we do is keep developing, keep moving.” The Minister's remarks come amid Egyptian officials saying Ethiopia can’t build additional dam without their consent. For instance, the Ministry of Water and Energy recalled the recent statement of Egyptian Minister of Water Resources and Irrigation suggesting that Ethiopians lack education, which is a manifestation of crude colonial mentality that defines Cairo’s policy in its relations with African states. Ethiopia maintains that it has a sovereign right to develop its water resources under the principle of equitable and reasonable utilization. ENA reported on October 3 that Habtamu also criticized the historical legacy of the Aswan High Dam, saying it was constructed without Ethiopia’s consent. The 1959 Nile Waters Agreement was concluded between Egypt and Sudan and provided for the allocation of Nile waters between the two countries, while Ethiopia was not a party to the agreement. Ethiopia has repeatedly challenged the relevance of arrangements that exclude upstream Nile Basin states and has asserted its right to equitable and reasonable utilization of the river. The remarks also follow Ethiopia’s announcement that it had established a national committee to assess economic losses and foregone development opportunities associated with more than 22 water projects that the government says were blocked or obstructed by Egypt.

Addis Ababa, October 3, 2026 - Targeted policy measures and practical interventions have elevated the manufacturing capacity utilization of domestic industries beyond 69 percent, State Minister of Industry Hassan Muhammed disclosed. Speaking to ENA, Hassan stated that industrial policy adjustments and broader macroeconomic reforms implemented over recent years have vitalized the manufacturing sector, yielding significant economic results. He noted that key national initiatives, including the Ethiopia Tamrt (Made in Ethiopia) Movement and The National Manufacturing Industry Council , are actively dismantling operational bottlenecks across the sector. Hassan explained that targeted measures are resolving critical infrastructure and input constraints—such as electricity, water supply, capital, and raw material shortages—enabling previously closed factories to return to full operation. He added that the Ethiopia Tamrt Movement is executing these interventions in close coordination with regional and city administration structures. Through domestic import substitution, the country saved nearly 5.9 billion USD in foreign exchange over the past fiscal year, Hassan revealed, noting that local production expanded rapidly across textiles and apparel, food and beverage, metallurgy, and leather sectors. He stated that substituting imports not only conserves foreign currency, but also improves the national trade balance, generates employment, and increases manufacturing’s share in the broader economy. As a result of these concerted steps, Hassan pointed out, total industrial capacity utilization has risen to 69.2 percent. He further explained that the industrial sector is currently focusing on enhancing product quality and productivity, expanding value addition, strengthening backward and forward linkages with agriculture, and accelerating technology transfer. Hassan stressed that ongoing efforts aim to build Ethiopia into a leading African manufacturing hub by boosting competitiveness through productivity, quality, and technology adoption. He added that Ethiopia is working to position itself as a continental industrial training center, sharing its expertise and expanding the Kaizen management philosophy across Africa. Looking forward, Hassan stated that strategic plans are in place to increase manufacturing's contribution to national growth through job creation, investment, and export expansion. Under the 10-Year Perspective Development Plan, he recalled, the government aims to boost industrial export revenue to 9 billion USD, create 5 million jobs in the sector, and increase manufacturing's GDP share to 17.2 percent. Hassan emphasized that the comprehensive macroeconomic reform has created vital opportunities to eliminate structural hurdles, particularly foreign currency shortages that previously constrained the sector. He explained that foreign currency access for importing essential spare parts, heavy machinery, and industrial technology has improved, while revised laws, regulations, and directives continue to establish a favorable operating environment. He noted that the manufacturing sector is progressively expanding its capacity to capture international markets and generate foreign currency for the country. Hassan underscored that industrial development cannot be accomplished by a single institution alone, calling for continued and reinforced coordination among regional authorities, city administrations, and federal bodies.  

Addis Ababa, October 3, 2026 (ENA)— The Damerjog-Dewele Petroleum Products Pipeline Project will accelerate Ethiopia’s economic growth, strengthen fuel security and deepen economic ties between Ethiopia and Djibouti, scholars said. The 120-kilometer petroleum products pipeline, which will connect Damerjog in Djibouti with Dewele in Ethiopia, is among the major infrastructure projects being undertaken to support Ethiopia’s economic transformation and improve the efficiency of fuel supply. The construction of the project was recently launched by Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, Djiboutian President Ismail Omar Guelleh and Dangote Group President Aliko Dangote. The project is being implemented through a partnership between Ethiopian Investment Holdings and the Dangote Group. During the launching ceremony, it was stated that the pipeline will have the capacity to store and transport more than one million cubic meters of refined petroleum products. Professor Tassew Woldehanna, President of the Ethiopian Economics Association and a lecturer in the Department of Economics at Addis Ababa University, told ENA that the newly launched Ethiopia-Djibouti petroleum pipeline demonstrates Ethiopia’s growing commitment to strategic investment and economic infrastructure.   He said Ethiopia’s longstanding reliance on road transport to import petroleum products from Djibouti has posed challenges to maintaining a reliable and efficient national fuel supply. The Damerjog-Dewele pipeline is therefore expected to help address these challenges by providing a dedicated infrastructure system for transporting petroleum products into Ethiopia, he said. Professor Tassew also emphasized that the significance of an investment should be assessed not only by its contribution to economic growth but also by the employment and business opportunities it creates. In this regard, he said, the pipeline project could generate economic opportunities while supporting activities across various sectors. Economist Birhanu Alemu, for his part, said Ethiopia’s expanding infrastructure development and economic activities require the country to strengthen its petroleum storage and distribution capacity.   Given the growing scale of commercial and productive activities, increasing national fuel reserves is essential to ensuring the continuity of economic operations, he said. From this perspective, the Damerjog-Dewele pipeline will play an important role in ensuring a more reliable and stable fuel supply and reducing disruptions associated with conventional fuel transportation, Birhanu noted. He further explained that a dependable petroleum supply is critical to manufacturing industries, mechanized agriculture and the transport sector, all of which are essential to increasing productivity and supporting economic growth. The scholars said major infrastructure projects being initiated and implemented by Ethiopia could contribute not only to the country’s economic transformation but also to broader regional development. They cited the Damerjog-Dewele pipeline as an example of how infrastructure cooperation between neighboring countries can create shared economic benefits. The project is also expected to strengthen economic interdependence between Ethiopia and Djibouti by improving the movement of strategic commodities and expanding opportunities for investment and trade. According to the scholars, such joint infrastructure initiatives can further consolidate the longstanding relations between the two countries while contributing to regional economic integration. Overall, they said the Damerjog-Dewele Petroleum Products Pipeline reflects Ethiopia’s broader development drive under its national vision of transforming infrastructure, strengthening productive capacity and creating the foundations for sustained economic growth.

Addis Ababa, October 3, 2026 (ENA)—Minister of Water and Energy Habtamu Itefa underscored that the historical legacy of Egypt’s Aswan High Dam and its construction caused major social disruption while proceeding without Ethiopia’s consent. In a social media post early today, Minister Habtamu described the Aswan High Dam as one of Africa’s most consequential mega-dam projects, saying its construction displaced more than 100,000 Nubians and profoundly affected their communities, livelihoods and ancestral lands.   He argued that the history of the Aswan project should be considered in the current debate over Abay (Nile) development and Ethiopia’s right to utilize its water resources. “Ethiopia has a sovereign right to develop and utilize its Nile water resources based on the principle of equitable and reasonable utilization,” Habtamu said, rejecting calls for Ethiopia to obtain prior consent from downstream countries for its water-development projects. The Minister said Ethiopia had repeatedly called for consultation over Nile-water projects, while revealing that historical records from the 1950s documented Ethiopian objections to the lack of broader consultation surrounding the Aswan project and earlier Nile-water arrangements. Against this historical backdrop, Habtamu said the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) is governed by a more recent regional framework — the 2015 Declaration of Principles (DoP) signed by Ethiopia, Sudan and Egypt. “Before criticizing Ethiopia, Egypt should explain why it built the Aswan High Dam without Ethiopian consent,” Habtamu said, linking the historical experience of the Aswan project to the contemporary debate over the GERD.   He further stated that Egypt’s historical record weakens its criticism of Ethiopia solely on the grounds of downstream consultation, pointing to the displacement of Nubian communities associated with the Aswan project. “Egypt’s historical record gives it NO moral basis for criticizing Ethiopia solely on the grounds of downstream consultation, because in 1950’s Ethiopia itself formally objected to the lack of consultation over the Aswan High Dam and earlier Nile-water arrangements, while the Aswan project caused large-scale displacement of Nubian communities,” he elaborated.   The GERD, by contrast, was addressed through the 2015 Declaration of Principles signed by Ethiopia, Sudan and Egypt, Minister Habtamu said.

Addis Ababa, October 2, 2026 (ENA)— Ethiopia has been building a more dynamic financial system and economy through a series of macroeconomic reforms aimed at addressing structural distortions, expanding financial access and strengthening institutions, National Bank of Ethiopia (NBE) Governor Eyob Tekalign said. Speaking during a fireside conversation at the conclusion of the three-day Ethiopia Finance Forum 2026 in Addis Ababa, Eyob described the reform process as a multi chapter undertaking rather than a series of isolated policy announcements. He said the reforms are being implemented through disciplined execution and a focus on delivering tangible results. The governor also clarified that the NBE has taken measures to address distortions in the foreign exchange market, noting that previous approaches had created constraints to building a competitive and dynamic economy. The introduction of a more flexible foreign exchange regime and related measures has laid the foundation for a more functional and market oriented foreign exchange system, he said. Eyob also highlighted the national bank’s efforts to contain inflation. He said the NBE’s policy committee meets quarterly to assess inflation trends and determine appropriate measures to bring price pressures under control. He emphasized that financial sector reform must also expand access to finance for different segments of society. According to the governor, reforms are extending financial services to smallholder farmers through microfinance institutions while efforts to promote financial inclusion are also supporting rural women. Eyob further highlighted housing finance and mortgage policy, describing the cost of housing as a major burden for many households. He said addressing the challenge requires stronger institutions and greater openness to competition across the financial sector, including banking and insurance. On digitalization, the governor stressed that rapid technology adoption must be accompanied by trusted and reliable infrastructure. Trust is essential to ensure digital systems work effectively and securely, he said. Eyob said the reforms are also strengthening financial capacity across insurance, microfinance and other parts of the financial system. He emphasized the importance of financial literacy in enabling citizens to understand financial services and make effective use of expanded access to finance. The governor stressed that the reform process should not be viewed as a collection of slogans or public statements, but as a process that requires sustained implementation, monitoring and accountability. He further urged investors, development partners and Ethiopians across different sectors to work together toward national development objectives, cautioning that waiting for complete certainty could result in missed opportunities. Eyob also called for collective efforts to build an economy and financial system capable of creating better opportunities for future generations, saying the country should learn from the shortcomings of previous generations and work toward leaving a stronger foundation for those to come.

  Addis Ababa, October 2, 2026 (ENA)—Egypt has been attempting to hinder Ethiopia's integrationist role in the region and to obstruct its development, fearing that these might pull the rug out from under its feet, Abdulshakur Abdulsamad, a Senior Researcher at the Center for Strategic Studies and Regional Integration Initiative said. Egypt mistakenly believes that Ethiopia's continuous accelerated pace of development and growth is ominous for its growth, he added. This fear is flawed, the senior researcher stressed. Instead "looking at the matter through the lens of integrated development, cooperation, and partnership saves a great deal of effort and time as it helps harness joint action to achieve mutual benefits and interests for all." According to Abdulshakur, Ethiopia's lack of access to the sea has adversely affected the entire integrated system, which could have fostered and supported regional security and stability in the area. "Before 1993, when Ethiopian naval forces were present in this region, there were no manifestations of piracy, nor was there any maritime tension. Any observer of security and military affairs recognizes the real role played by the Ethiopian Navy in maintaining security and stability in the region," he elaborated. For the senior researcher, Ethiopia's presence at the sea serves as a safety valve and is a genuine guarantee for security and stability, in partnership with the countries of the region. "This direction is reaffirmed by the recent UN-sponsored meeting in Nairobi, which brought together Ethiopia, Somalia, Djibouti, and Yemen to discuss ways to develop this aspect as one of the messages promoting the path," he stated. Abdulshakur argued that the evidence from the past three decades in the Gulf of Aden, Bab al-Mandab, and the Red Sea shows that the escalation of piracy operations did not begin until after Ethiopia became a landlocked nation. "Today, regional and international requirements dictate that Ethiopia be a primary partner in maintaining maritime security and stability," he said. The senior researcher further noted that for Ethiopia a sea outlet is tantamount to the lung through which it breathes. ''It is an indispensable economic, security, and developmental necessity. Added to this is the geopolitical weight represented by Ethiopia as the second most populous nation in Africa, and its economy being one of the strongest developing economies on the continent,"Abdulshakur underscored. He concluded that Ethiopia's significant development growth achieved over the past decades, along with its regional importance and in alignment and consistent with its vision based on shared growth and regional integration with neighboring countries, warrants a sea outlet.

Addis Ababa, October 2, 2026 (ENA)— Ethiopia’s sweeping financial-sector reforms are attracting interest from foreign banks, signaling growing confidence in the country’s financial market, Global Alliance for Banking on Values Executive Director Martin Rohner said. In an exclusive interview with ENA, the Executive Director stated that the reforms being undertaken by the National Bank of Ethiopia (NBE) are creating a more attractive environment for foreign banks and direct investment. Rohner noted that recent changes in capital market, monetary policy and foreign-exchange regulations constitute important building blocks of a comprehensive financial-sector reform package. “These are all building blocks of a much more comprehensive financial sector reform package which were necessary to make Ethiopia attractive for foreign direct investors and foreign banks to come into the market.” According to Rohner, initial interests from foreign banks in entering the Ethiopian financial market is already emerging. “It’s encouraging to see that there are initial banks interested in moving into the Ethiopian financial market,” he added. The Executive also commended the NBE for engaging with the private sector and listening to the concerns and needs of financial institutions. “I am very impressed by not just the momentum that is happening with the financial sector reform, but also the willingness of the National Bank of Ethiopia to engage with the private sector, listen to the private sector, and to adapt their regulation to the needs of the private sector,” Rohner said. He further said domestic banks are also encouraged by the reforms, noting that changes in the financial sector are making business conditions easier and contributing to increased business activity. Rohner further highlighted Ethiopia’s large and untapped financial market, particularly in digital financial inclusion. The entry of foreign financial institutions could accelerate digital financial inclusion while encouraging domestic banks to become more dynamic and expand access to financial services, he said. “With the advent of foreign players in the Ethiopian financial market, you will see acceleration in that respect.” He explained that greater competition and improved access to finance could help unlock Ethiopia’s broader economic potential. “Ethiopia is a huge country. It has tremendous economic potential, which still is untapped,” Rohner said, adding that he “thinks the future is bright. The vision is clear. The policy framework is pointing in the right direction”.

By Staff writer What the 2nd Ethiopian Finance Forum 2026 Signals for Ethiopia’s Reform Path Ethiopia is advancing its economic transformation through broad structural reforms aimed at strengthening financial stability, expanding investment, boosting domestic production, and building stronger institutions. These reforms are designed to create a more resilient and self-reliant economy capable of generating employment, attracting investment, and supporting sustainable development. The opening of the Second Ethiopian Finance Forum 2026 on Tuesday at the Adwa Victory Memorial Museum highlighted this strategic direction, bringing together key priorities in economic reform, financial sector development, and private sector participation. The forum also focused on ways to transform the country’s human, natural, and institutional resources into powerful drivers of growth and prosperity. Running through October 1, the forum provides a platform to highlight progress in macroeconomic management, expand financing for private enterprises, strengthen agricultural production, and modernize financial services. The key contributors to this progress include ongoing economic reforms, an expanded role for the private sector, enhanced agricultural financing, a declining inflation rate and digitalizing finance. National Economic Reform Ethiopia’s macroeconomic reform program represents a major step toward building an economy aligned with national development priorities while strengthening the state’s capacity to mobilize resources, expand employment and improve citizens’ living standards. Deputy Prime Minister Temesgen Tiruneh said Ethiopia is implementing economic and financial reforms aimed at moving the country from stabilization toward economic transformation. The measures include reforms to the foreign exchange market, monetary policy and financial sector regulation, as well as opening sectors to greater competition and investment. As part of efforts to strengthen national institutions, Ethiopia established Ethiopian Investment Holdings to improve the performance of strategic national assets and institutions, including Ethiopian Airlines, the Commercial Bank of Ethiopia and Ethio Telecom. These institutions have a significant role in expanding services, supporting economic growth and strengthening Ethiopia’s participation in regional and international markets. Ethiopia has also strengthened cooperation with development partners while implementing an economic reform program designed around its national priorities. The program has enabled the country to secure support from the International Monetary Fund to address balance of payments pressures, ease economic imbalances and sustain the reform process. Expanding Private Sector Expanding the role of the private sector has emerged as a major component of Ethiopia’s financial sector reforms, particularly through changes in lending policies that have enabled more resources to reach productive enterprises. The Commercial Bank of Ethiopia increased its annual lending to the private sector from about 30 billion Birr to nearly 300 billion Birr. The number of small and medium sized enterprises benefiting from financing also increased from around 5,000 to 35,000, strengthening their capacity to expand operations, invest and create employment. The bank has also provided financing for home and vehicle purchases by reducing the required down payment to 10 percent and allowing repayment periods of up to 20 years at an interest rate of 14 percent. To support innovation and entrepreneurship, the bank allocated five billion Birr for loans of up to 10 million Birr to emerging entrepreneurs without requiring collateral or an initial contribution. The initiative is intended to create additional opportunities for new businesses and emerging enterprises. These measures reflect efforts to create a financial system that responds more effectively to the needs of the productive economy and enables individuals and institutions to turn ideas into viable economic activities. Agricultural Financing Expanding agricultural financing is another important element of Ethiopia’s economic transformation, given the sector’s contribution to food security, employment, production and trade. The volume of loans extended to agriculture and related sectors increased from 28 billion birr last year to 189 billion Birr. The government is also investing in irrigation development, agricultural mechanization, improved land use and productivity enhancement. Minister of Planning and Development Fitsum Assefa said reform measures have contributed to easing inflationary pressures. She noted that average annual inflation declined from more than 26 percent before the reforms to slightly above 16 percent one year after their implementation, attributing the improvement to coordinated monetary and fiscal measures. Wheat production has emerged as one example of the transformation Ethiopia is seeking to consolidate. According to data presented at the forum, increased domestic wheat production has enabled the country to reduce its dependence on imports and move toward self-sufficiency. The Green Legacy initiative has also contributed to efforts to strengthen agricultural resources and food production while linking environmental protection with long term economic development. Declining of Inflation The decline in average annual headline inflation from about 26 percent in 2024 to nearly 16 percent during the 12 months following the reform reflects progress in efforts to address economic pressures and create a more stable environment for businesses and investors. The reforms included gradual adjustments to the ceiling on bank credit growth, which rose from 14 percent to 18 percent and then 24 percent before the ceiling was abolished. The government also shifted toward instruments such as securities sales to finance budget deficits rather than relying on direct borrowing from the National Bank of Ethiopia. Tax policy reforms have further strengthened the government’s capacity to mobilize and manage domestic revenue, supporting public expenditure and improving coordination between fiscal and monetary policies. Minister of Finance Ahmed Shide said the comprehensive macroeconomic reform has produced tangible results in easing the national debt burden and reducing inflation. He added that completing debt restructuring agreements would help ease pressure on public finances and reduce foreign exchange constraints. At the same time, direct and indirect fuel subsidies have exceeded 600 billion Birr over the past eight years. The government allocated 130 billion Birr for petroleum products during the current fiscal year, in addition to 100 billion birr to support fertilizer supplies, with the stated objective of protecting consumers and maintaining the productive capacity of farmers and businesses. Digitalizing Finance The digital transformation of banking services is another important component of Ethiopia’s financial sector modernization, expanding access to financial services, facilitating transactions and creating new financing opportunities. Services such as CBE Birr and CBE Fast Loan have expanded digital financial services to millions of customers, contributing to financial inclusion and facilitating access to banking services, particularly for small and medium sized enterprises. The forum also witnessed the official launch of the Ethiopian Finance Academy, formerly known as the Ethiopian Financial Studies Institute, following the expansion of its capabilities and the adoption of a new organizational structure. The academy is expected to prepare professionals capable of responding to developments in banking, capital markets and digital finance through training programs, professional certifications and specialized research on financial policy. It will also provide capacity building programs for leaders of financial institutions. The launch was attended by National Bank of Ethiopia Governor Eyob Tekalign, senior bank officials, heads of banking and insurance institutions and other invited guests. Governor Eyob said Ethiopia is working to build a strong and dynamic financial sector capable of supporting the country’s development ambitions and sustainable economic growth. He said strengthening the banking sector includes increasing capital, encouraging mergers and acquisitions, expanding financing and facilitating the participation of foreign banks. Conclusion The discussions at the Second Ethiopian Finance Forum demonstrate an integrated approach to economic transformation that combines macroeconomic stability, institutional development, private investment, increased production and financial modernization. The expansion of private sector lending, the growing number of small and medium sized enterprises accessing finance, increased agricultural financing and the expansion of digital financial services are contributing to a broader economic base and greater participation in national development. The decline in inflation, the development of alternative instruments for budget financing, improved domestic revenue mobilization and progress in debt restructuring are also important components of efforts to create a more stable economic environment. As Ethiopia continues implementing its reform program, greater integration of finance, production, technology and human capital development will be important to ensure that macroeconomic improvements translate into increased employment, higher productivity and improved living standards. The Second Ethiopian Finance Forum therefore provides a platform for assessing the progress of the country’s economic reforms while highlighting the financial sector’s role in mobilizing resources, supporting productive investment and strengthening the foundations for long term economic development.

Addis Ababa, October 1, 2026 (ENA)—Ethiopia and the World Bank have agreed to deepen their strategic partnership and accelerate cooperation aimed at driving private sector-led growth, creating jobs and strengthening the country’s economic resilience. Minister of Finance Ahmed Shide and National Bank of Ethiopia Governor Eyob Tekalign held discussions today with World Bank Managing Director of Operations Anna Bjerde and Regional Vice President for Eastern and Southern Africa Ndiamé Diop. In its press release sent to ENA, the Ministry of Finance said the minister highlighted the government’s ongoing economic reform agenda, including efforts to boost domestic revenue mobilization, improve the business environment and expand opportunities for private sector development. Ahmed also expressed appreciation for the World Bank’s continued support to Ethiopia, including through budget support operations. Bjerde welcomed the progress made under Ethiopia’s reform program, noting the government’s commitment to private sector-led growth and job creation.   She reaffirmed the World Bank’s commitment to further strengthening its partnership with Ethiopia and supporting the country’s development priorities, particularly its transition toward a stronger private sector-led economy under the new Country Partnership Framework. The two sides agreed to expand cooperation in key areas, including Mission 300, the AgriConnect Compact, the E-Mobility Program and the Water Forward Initiative. They also discussed expanding Ethiopia’s access to additional financing windows to strengthen the country’s resilience to climate-related and external shocks.   Both sides emphasized the need to improve implementation efficiency and accelerate development outcomes through the Development Ready Initiative, with a focus on delivering timely and tangible benefits to the Ethiopian people. The discussions reaffirmed Ethiopia and the World Bank’s shared commitment to advancing the country’s economic transformation, strengthening resilience and fostering sustainable and inclusive private sector-led growth.

Addis Ababa, October 1, 2026 (ENA)—The rapid expansion of digital financial services, coupled with comprehensive macroeconomic reforms, is creating a major turning point for the growth and transformation of Ethiopia’s banking sector, according to the National Bank of Ethiopia (NBE). Speaking on the second day of the Ethiopia Finance Forum 2026, Gemechis Dugasa, Director of Regulation, Licensing and Approval at the NBE, said simultaneous structural changes in the economy and the emergence of capital markets are reshaping Ethiopia’s financial landscape.   Dugasa made the remarks while opening a session titled “Partnering for Growth: An Enabling Policy and Regulatory Environment for Banking Sector Investment.” He said the rapid expansion of mobile banking, digital payments, mobile money and agent based financial services is creating new business models while raising the standard of financial services available to customers across the country. “Digital finance is changing the way financial services are delivered in Ethiopia,” Dugasa said, noting the continued growth of mobile banking, mobile money, digital payments and agent-based services. Ethiopia recorded digital financial transactions worth 33 trillion birr during the 2025/26 fiscal year, reflecting the rapid expansion of digital financial services, particularly mobile money and digital banking. Dugasa, however, stressed that the rapid digitalization of the financial sector must be accompanied by strong cybersecurity, effective data protection, reliable digital infrastructure and strengthened operational governance. He said Ethiopia has also been modernizing its banking regulatory framework while establishing a legal basis for foreign participation in the financial sector. Developments in capital markets and digital financial infrastructure are further expanding opportunities for investment and innovation, he added. According to Dugasa, foreign investors entering Ethiopia’s financial sector are expected to bring more than capital.   They are expected to contribute long term investment commitments, advanced technologies, knowledge transfer, human capital development, sound governance practices and international financial connectivity. He also emphasized the need to adapt international financial practices to Ethiopia’s economic circumstances rather than adopting them without consideration of local realities. Such an approach, he said, would help support sustainable and responsible growth while strengthening the resilience and capacity of the national financial system. Ethiopia is undertaking broad economic reforms aimed at strengthening macroeconomic stability, expanding financial inclusion, mobilizing investment and accelerating digital transformation. The financial sector is at the center of these efforts, playing a critical role in mobilizing savings, financing investment, supporting innovation and expanding access to financial services. The NBE is hosting the Ethiopia Finance Forum 2026, which brings together policymakers, financial institutions, development partners, private sector representatives and financial sector experts to examine the modernization and structural transformation of Ethiopia’s financial system. The forum provides a platform for stakeholders to discuss policy and regulatory reforms, investment opportunities and the future direction of the financial sector while promoting collaboration among domestic and international actors. The discussions are also expected to help build greater alignment on the future of Ethiopia’s financial system and identify opportunities for investment and partnership as the country advances its broader economic transformation agenda.

Addis Ababa, October 1, 2026 (ENA)— Ethiopia has established a national committee to assess economic losses and foregone development opportunities linked to water projects that have been “blocked or obstructed by Egyptians” over the Nile River, Minister of Water and Energy Habtamu Itefa announced. In an exclusive interview with ENA, Habtamu said the committee has so far identified more than 22 development projects, including the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD), that Ethiopia were obstructed by Egypt. “We have established a national committee. And as a {committee}, we counted more than 22 projects that have been blocked or obstructed by Egyptians, including the GERD project,” the Minister disclosed. Ethiopia’s longstanding concerns over Nile Basin development inequalities are gaining growing scholarly support, strengthening its case for redress over historical economic losses and foregone development opportunities. In that regard, Minister Habtamu said the newly established committee is compiling evidence on the projects and examining the basis for Ethiopia’s compensation claims. The assessment involves experts, former ministers, advisers and legal professionals who are examining the scale of the losses and possible approaches for addressing them, he pointed out. “We are already collecting the evidence. We have documented as many of the projects as possible that they (Egyptians) opposed, including the GERD, over which they even attempted to threaten Ethiopia, to say as if they have a giant military power and then come to exercise something, which is really a crime in front of the international community,” Habtamu stated. Habtamu further elaborated that the review will consider not only projects that were prevented from being implemented, but also Ethiopia’s environmental conservation efforts and the benefits its water-management infrastructure provides downstream. He cited the Green Legacy Initiative, under which more than 50 billion trees have reportedly been planted, noting that substantial activities have taken place in major river basins, including the Baro, Abay and Tekeze. Habtamu said this conservation efforts should be considered in assessing Ethiopia’s contribution to protecting water resources and addressing climate-related impacts across the Nile Basin. He also highlighted the GERD’s potential role in regulating river flows, saying its operation could help reduce downstream flooding and maintain water availability during periods of lower rainfall. The Minister pointed to current El Niño-related rainfall conditions as an example of the importance of coordinated water management, saying flow regulation could provide benefits to downstream countries, including Sudan and Egypt. Outlining possible scenarios for securing compensation, the Minister said Ethiopia’s approach would have clear milestones, with negotiation and mutual understanding as the preferred option, while other scenarios would involve Ethiopia taking further action.

Addis Ababa, September 30, 2026 (ENA) —Ethiopia is harnessing digital technology and artificial intelligence (AI) to unlock its tourism potential, enhance visitor experiences, and create economic opportunities for local communities and businesses, Tourism Minister Selamawit Kassa said. Speaking at the launch of the 6th Oromia Tourism Week in Addis Ababa on Tuesday, the Minister noted that the government is advancing the digital transformation of the tourism sector through policy measures, strategic partnerships, and technology-driven initiatives. Ethiopia's new tourism policy, which came into effect this year, identifies key directions for transforming the sector through digital technology and AI. Selamawit stated that AI is increasingly reshaping how tourism destinations are marketed, trips are planned, businesses operate, heritage sites are interpreted, and visitors experience destinations. Emphasizing the importance of inclusive digital transformation, the Minister said the adoption of AI and digital technologies should remain open, inclusive, and human-centered, ensuring that the benefits of tourism are not concentrated in a limited number of destinations and digital platforms. She highlighted the role of digital platforms in connecting visitors with tourism businesses, tour operators, hotels, and other stakeholders, The establishment of a Smart Tourism Information Center at the Ministry of Tourism's headquarters is another initiative demonstrating the government's commitment to digitalizing the sector. The Minister also said the country's upcoming AI University would contribute to building artificial intelligence capabilities in Ethiopia and across Africa, with potential benefits for the tourism industry. Highlighting Ethiopia's diverse tourism resources, she said the country is endowed with abundant natural and cultural heritage, including its status as the cradle of humanity, the birthplace of coffee, and the source of the Blue Nile. Selamawit described Oromia as an important part of Ethiopia's tourism landscape, citing its natural attractions, diverse wildlife, cultural heritage, and potential to create opportunities for local communities and businesses. Tourism development requires strong collaboration among federal and regional governments, the private sector, local communities, development partners, and international markets, the Minister underscored. For her part, Oromia Tourism Commissioner Lelise Duga said the Week is growing into an annual platform connecting domestic and international tourism stakeholders. Representatives from more than 20 countries are participating in this year's Tourism Week and the event is creating opportunities for tourism and investment by bringing together tourism professionals, tour operators, partners, and private-sector actors. The three-day event features various programs, including panel discussions focusing on digital tourism, artificial intelligence, and inclusive tourism.