Addis Ababa, December 17, 2025 (ENA) —The airline’s commitment to maintaining its strong reputation and enhancing its international competitiveness, according to Lieutenant General Yilma Merdasa, Commander of the Ethiopian Air Force and Board Chairman of Ethiopian Airlines Group.     The Ethiopian Airlines Group recently inaugurated a new premium lounge at Addis Ababa Bole International Airport, representing a significant investment of over 16 million USD with a capacity to accommodate up to 1,000 passengers simultaneously, it is now the largest lounge at the airport. The lounge is accessible to Platinum and Gold members of the Ethiopian ShebaMiles loyalty program, Star Alliance Gold members, and eligible frequent flyer members from partner airlines.     This latest facility strengthens Ethiopian Airlines’ efforts to provide world-class airport experiences to travelers passing through Addis Ababa from more than 145 destinations worldwide. At the inauguration, Lieutenant General Yilma Merdasa emphasized the government’s focus on developing skilled human resources and infrastructure to support excellent service delivery and elevate international competitiveness. He stated, “The continued infrastructure development effort will enable the airline to realize its ambitious goals.”     He added that the new premium lounge “is a showcase for the airline’s commitment to providing remarkable service.” Ethiopian Airlines Group CEO Mesfin Tasew on his part described the lounge opening as “a transformative step in our mission to elevate every part of the travel experience.”     He emphasized that by combining comfort, convenience, and luxury, the facility will take travel through Addis Ababa Bole International Airport to a new level. “This move reflects our unwavering commitment to deliver end-to-end, world-class hospitality to our customers,” he said. Transport and Logistics State Minister Dange Boru praised the airline’s dedication to service excellence and infrastructure expansion. He remarked that Ethiopian Airlines’ continued efforts would not only uphold its status as Africa’s leading airline but also promote Ethiopia’s image on the global stage.

Addis Ababa, December 17, 2025 (ENA) —Recently accredited ambassadors from several countries have reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening their respective nations’ bilateral relations with Ethiopia across multiple sectors. Speaking to the Ethiopian News Agency, the envoys of Indonesia, Switzerland, Sweden, and Canada expressed their dedication to expanding cooperation in agriculture, trade, development, peace, and multilateral diplomacy. Indonesia’s Ambassador to Ethiopia, Faizal Chery Sidharta, highlighted expanding agricultural cooperation, including cattle artificial insemination, as a foundation for broader engagement in agri-processing and aquaculture. He emphasized Ethiopia’s strategic role in boosting economic ties between Africa and Southeast Asia and noted growing Indonesian interest in tourism and business, aided by direct flights between Jakarta and Addis Ababa. “We want to move beyond our shared history of anti-colonial struggle into mutually beneficial development cooperation,” he said, emphasizing the importance of business-to-business ties. He highlighted that strengthening links between chambers of commerce, the Ethiopian Investment Commission, and Indonesian institutions would further deepen ties between the two countries. On her part, Switzerland’s Ambassador, Riccarda Chanda, outlined plans to make Addis Ababa a regional hub for health, food systems, migration, and humanitarian cooperation. She emphasized that the city’s role as a multilateral capital, hosting the African Union and major UN institutions, gives it significant strategic leverage. Sweden’s Ambassador, Magnus Lennartsson, praised the countries’ long-standing relationship, with 80 years of diplomatic ties next year. “Our business ties go back more than 100 years, but the economy here is growing very rapidly. There are strong economic reforms going on, and we are optimistic about future commercial relations,” he said. Sweden and Ethiopia share strong alignment on multilateralism, peace and security, and development cooperation, the ambassador noted. He highlighted opportunities for Swedish companies amid Ethiopia’s rapid economic growth and reforms, as well as strong people-to-people connections through the Ethiopian diaspora in Sweden. He also renewed his country’s commitment to support Ethiopia’s national dialogue, transitional justice process, and broader development agenda. Canada’s Ambassador, Nicolas Simard, said Canada aims to expand collaboration into economic sectors such as aerospace, mining, and education, building on existing development and peace partnerships. “We want to build on this strong foundation to develop new areas of economic partnership with Ethiopia,” he said. Observers say the renewed commitments from these nations underscore Ethiopia’s rising role as a hub for regional cooperation, trade, and sustainable development.

Addis Ababa, December 17, 2025 (ENA) —India and Ethiopia will elevate their bilateral relationships to the level of strategic partnership to unleash potentials of the two nations, India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi said. In his address to the joint session of the House of People's Representatives and the House of Federation today, PM Modi said Ethiopia and India are the cradles of ancient civilizations walking confidently into the future together. Peoples of the two nations traded cotton, coffee, and gold, among other items, across the Indian Ocean. Moreover, they exchanged idea, stories and ways of life, he noted. The two nations were also trade centers of the world and bridges between civilizations. According to him, peoples of the two nations had already started writing a new chapter together before formal diplomatic relations began. “Our formal diplomatic relations begins soon after India become independent. Even before embassies were set up, our people had already started writing a new chapter together.” Currently, Ethiopia and India are expanding their bilateral relation in socioeconomic and political spheres. “Today, Indian companies are among the largest foreign investors in Ethiopia. They have invested more than 5 billion US dollars in diverse sectors like textiles, manufacturing, agriculture, health, and more. They have created more than 75,000 local jobs. Our partnership has unlocked more potential,” he stated. Furthermore, leaders of the two countries have taken a big step forward and decided to elevate the bilateral relations of the two countries to the level of strategic partnership. PM Modi said, “We decided to elevate the bilateral relations of the two countries to the level of strategic partnership. This will unleash the potentials of our economy through cooperation in technology, innovation, mining, sustainable and green energy." This, he stressed, will secure the future of the peoples of the two countries by cooperating in food security, health security, and capacity building. "We will also enhance our trade and investment cooperation as well as on defense and security matters,” the PM said. He finally underlined that Ethiopia and India will walk, build, and succeed together as equals, partners and friends.

Addis Ababa, December 17, 2025 (ENA) —Ethiopia and India are poised to build modern and capable states for the next generation as this shared outlook opens wide opportunities, Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed noted. Addressing the state banquet held in honor of Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday, PM Abiy said the visit of India's Prime Minister Modi is beyond a diplomatic occasion. It is a meeting of two nations that understand how careful planning and bold ideas can fuel transformation, he added. “Our history is long, our bonds are deep but the most important chapter of our journey lies ahead,” he stated, stressing that Ethiopia, like India, believes in building strength at home and engaging the world while safeguarding its dependence. PM Abiy also noted that “Prime Minister Modi’s vision of self-reliant India anchored in practical governance and broad strategic partnership speaks directly to us and resonates with our philosophy of Medemer, the belief that when we are together, we multiply our strength.” According to him, Ethiopia and India are poised to build modern and capable states for the next generation as this shared outlook opens wide opportunities. Factories can create dignified jobs, digital platforms can reach communities across the countries, clean energy can power industries and transform farms, Abiy said. Furthermore, entrepreneurs from Addis Ababa to Bengaluru can build global competitive companies where young people are ready to innovate, to lead and to shape the future. “Ethiopia and India share more than interests, we share values, a commitment to sovereignty, human dignity and development that lifts all people. Our partnership is strategic, long-term and rooted in mutual respect.” When Ethiopia and India advance with shared ambition, they show the world the true potential of the Global South, Abiy underscored. “Progress grounded in dignity, development anchored in sovereignty and nations shaping their own future with purpose, vision, and lasting impact.”

Addis Ababa, December 16, 2025 (ENA) —Ethiopia and India have reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening Africa’s voice in global decision-making, said Sudhakar Dalela, Secretary (Economic Relations) in India’s Ministry of External Affairs. Speaking to the media after Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Ethiopia, Dalela highlighted the warm reception by Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed and described the discussions as “productive and wide-ranging,” covering the full spectrum of the bilateral partnership. The two leaders held one-to-one talks, followed by delegation-level discussions, round-table meetings, and a state banquet hosted by Prime Minister Abiy. Both nations agreed to deepen collaboration in trade and investment, agriculture, renewable energy, health, education, skill development, defence, mining, artificial intelligence, and digital public infrastructure. On international cooperation, Dalela said, “We both believe, India and Ethiopia, that international institutions must reflect contemporary global realities rather than outdated structures.” He added that India supports Africa’s rightful place in the UN Security Council and a stronger role for the continent in global financial institutions, while promoting African perspectives on climate adaptation, trade, technology, and development. Ethiopia, a key African Union member and recent BRICS partner, will coordinate closely with India across multilateral forums. Dalela noted that India will host BRICS activities starting January next year and that PM Modi has invited Prime Minister Abiy to participate in the upcoming BRICS summit. Speaking on longstanding ties, India and Ethiopia share a long history of friendly relations, underpinned by people-to-people ties, growing trade, and development cooperation. Indian companies are active in agriculture, pharmaceuticals, manufacturing, textiles, and education in Ethiopia. The visit marks India’s continued engagement with Africa, working with partners like Ethiopia to push for reforms in global governance and deepen cooperation through platforms such as BRICS.

Addis Ababa, December 16, 2025 (ENA) —Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed has expressed gratitude to Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi for his visit to Ethiopia, announcing that Ethiopia and India have elevated their relations to a strategic partnership. In his social media post, Prime Minister Abiy also highlighted PM Modi’s visit to Ethiopia as a milestone that opens a new chapter of deeper cooperation and shared progress between the two countries. “Thank you, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, for your visit to Ethiopia and for your continued efforts to strengthen India–Ethiopia relations. Our elevated ties to a strategic level mark an important milestone and opens a new chapter of deeper cooperation and shared progress between our two countries,” PM Abiy revealed. Ethiopia and India have reaffirmed their growing strategic partnership following high-level talks between the two leaders here in Addis Ababa. Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed yesterday welcomed PM Modi at the National Palace during an official welcoming ceremony, followed by a tour of the Palace Museum. The visit underscored the strong and longstanding ties between the two nations. The two leaders held a productive tête-à-tête meeting, which was followed by a bilateral session involving their respective delegations. Discussions focused on exploring renewed avenues of cooperation that reflect the expanding partnership and shared priorities of Ethiopia and India. During the visit, the two Prime Ministers also presided over the exchange of key bilateral agreements.

Ethiopia and Russia have taken a significant step toward developing Ethiopia’s first nuclear power plant after signing a Non-Disclosure Agreement (NDA) in Moscow. The agreement was signed by Ethiopian Nuclear Energy Commission Commissioner Sandokan Debebe and ROSATOM Energy Projects Director General Andrey Rozhdestvin during their first official meeting. The NDA forms part of a broader bilateral framework aimed at advancing nuclear energy development in Ethiopia, marking a major milestone in the country’s long-term energy and industrial development strategy. Discussions also include the presentation of a Road Map aligned with the Comprehensive Action Plan signed in September 2025 during World Atomic Week in Moscow. The meeting, held from 15–19 December 2025, builds on earlier high-level talks between Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed and Russian President Vladimir Putin, who agreed to strengthen cooperation in the peaceful use of nuclear technology as a reliable energy source for Ethiopia.

Addis Ababa, December 17, 2025 (ENA) —Ethiopia will strive for the realization of its Green mobility strategy and the building of maritime transport by securing access to sea, Transportation and Logistics Minister Alemu Sime said. Briefing the House of People's Representatives on Tuesday about the activities of the ministry, Alemu emphasized the national resolve to ensure its ambitious developmental goals and access to sea. To boost trade efficiency, the nation has increased competition in its logistics sector, expanding the number of licensed multi-modal transport operators from one to seven. Complementing this, the Minister announced the swift digitalization of processes saying the initiative is set to create a highly efficient, seamless digital trade corridor as a paperless system developed by INSA integrates with Djibouti's logistics network within weeks. These reforms are foundational to stronger regional ties with Ethiopia actively establishing shared transport corridors with both Djibouti and South Sudan, strengthening seamless trade and enhanced connectivity across the Horn of Africa. “Guided by Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed's vision, the government is driving a decisive shift toward a climate-resilient economy. This includes strong incentives for electric vehicles and decisive new laws to restrict the entry of older, high-polluting vehicles to curb emissions and urban congestion,” Alemu noted. The strategy also pushes for natural gas adoption by buses and heavy-duty trucks, alongside substantial investments in pedestrian and bicycle pathways. Asked about maritime transport, the Transport and Logistics Minister said Ethiopia's landlocked status is a "historical colonial sabotage" that this generation must shatter —backed by UN recognition and the Awaza Programme of Action. The Ethiopian delegation at the Tukmeistan meeting has made clear that Ethiopia needs a maritime transport through access to the Red Sea for its development. House of People's Representatives (HPR) Foreign Relations and Peace Affairs Standing Committee Deputy Chairperson, Fetih Mahdi, highlighted the necessity of utilizing various forms of transportation.   "As one of the world's 32 Landlocked Developing Countries, Ethiopia is poised to gain immense, critical benefits from this program," Mahdi affirmed, reduced transportation costs and accelerated trade flows through enhanced transit corridors. In this regard, Alemu said the ministry is committed to leveraging multilateral cooperation and utilizing various ports while streamlining transit through digital systems—all signaling a strong national drive toward an efficient, sustainable, and connected future,it was noted.

Addis Ababa, December 16, 2025 (ENA) —Ethiopia and India have reaffirmed their growing strategic partnership following high-level talks between Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Addis Ababa. Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed today welcomed PM Modi at the National Palace during an official welcoming ceremony, followed by a tour of the Palace Museum. The visit underscored the strong and longstanding ties between the two nations. The two leaders held a productive tête-à-tête meeting, which was followed by a bilateral session involving their respective delegations. Discussions focused on exploring renewed avenues of cooperation that reflect the expanding partnership and shared priorities of Ethiopia and India. In a social media post, Prime Minister Abiy noted: “We held a productive tête-à-tête meeting, followed by a bilateral session with our respective delegations, exploring renewed avenues of cooperation that reflect the growing partnership and shared priorities between Ethiopia and India.” During the visit, the two Prime Ministers also presided over the exchange of key bilateral agreements. These included an Agreement on Mutual Administrative Assistance in Customs Matters, a Memorandum of Understanding on the Establishment of a Data Centre within Ethiopia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and an MoU on United Nations Peacekeeping Cooperation, reinforcing the two countries’ joint commitment to international peace and security. “India has been a longstanding partner of Ethiopia, and today’s meetings underscore our shared commitment to expanding collaboration across multiple sectors for the mutual benefit of our nations,” Prime Minister Abiy stated. The discussions highlighted both countries’ intent to further strengthen cooperation across diplomacy, technology, trade, and global peace initiatives, marking a new chapter in Ethiopia–India relations.

Addis Ababa, December 16, 2025 (ENA) —Earlier today, Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed welcomed Prime Minister Narendra Modi of India at the National Palace during an official welcoming ceremony, followed by a tour of the Palace Museum. This was followed by a tête-à-tête meeting between the two Prime Ministers, and subsequently a bilateral meeting with their respective delegations. The discussions focused on enhancing cooperation in trade and investment, digitization, and tourism, highlighting the shared priorities of both nations, according to Office of the Prime Minister. Recall that Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has arrived in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, earlier this afternoon for an official visit. Upon his arrival, Prime Minister Modi was warmly welcomed by Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed at Bole International Airport. Prime Minister Abiy said PM Modi’s presence underscores the growing ties between the two countries and expressed optimism about strengthening bilateral relations.

Addis Ababa, December 16, 2025 (ENA) —Ethiopia's ongoing economic transformation and reforms are setting the tone for progressive financial and capital markets, according to Cecilia Bjerborn Murai, Sustainable Finance Principal Specialist at the Financial Sector Deepening (FSD) Africa. In an exclusive interview with ENA, the Principal Specialist noted that the economic transformation and reforms in Ethiopia establish the tone for progressive financial markets. “The economic transformation and reforms in Ethiopia really set the tone for progressive financial and capital markets that can attract both African institutional capital as well as international capital,” she stated. Recall that the country has been carrying out continued endeavors to create a more favorable business climate through significant government initiatives and economic reforms. As global and continental investors are increasingly looking for sustainable oriented investment opportunities, there are massive amounts of capital available for such projects and sectors, Murai elaborated. The country’s initiatives in ensuring a favorable business climate really create opportunity for Ethiopia to attract that kind of capital, she added. Ethiopia is actively pursuing reforms to create a more favorable business and investment climate through the Homegrown Economic Reform Agenda, involving liberalizing key economic sectors and enhancing the legal framework. The operationalization of a capital market is a central pillar of the government's economic reform strategy, which is part of its broader Homegrown Economic Reform Agenda. For the Principal Specialist, operationalizing capital markets is key to attract large, diversified pools of capital and allocate it to where it is needed. Realizing the capital markets is also pivotal across all economic sectors and different sizes of companies and organizations. “With the development of different investment products and instruments that different investors can take part in, this creates an efficient allocation of capital, which is critical for real sector economic development.” Murai said Ethiopia's economic priorities are well aligned with sustainable finance, adding that the priorities in agricultural development, renewable energy, and digital infrastructure are really core to addressing areas of climate change and adaptation. The comprehensive Homegrown Economic Reform (HGER) program, launched in 2019, is well underway and yielding tangible results across several key sectors, including strong GDP growth, record exports, and increased foreign investment. Key policy shifts, including the adoption of a market-based foreign exchange system, the implementation of new fiscal and monetary policies, and legal reforms promoting investment, have collectively contributed to the positive results.

Addis Ababa, December 16, 2025 (ENA) —Ethiopian Airlines Group has inaugurated a new premium lounge built with a total cost of over 16 million USD at the Addis Ababa Bole International Airport. Speaking at the inauguration ceremony today, Ethiopian Airlines Group CEO Mesfin Tasew said the opening of the premium lounge represents a transformative step in the airlines' mission to elevate every part of the travel experience for its passengers. Combining comfort, convenience and luxury, the facility is set to take traveling through Addis Ababa Bole International Airport to the next level. According to the CEO, this move further reflects the unwavering commitment of Ethiopian to deliver an end-to-end, world-class hospitality to customers. With a total investment cost of more than USD 16 million and a capacity to accommodate up to 1,000 passengers at a time, the lounge has become the largest lounge at the airport, it was learned. The new lounge is open for Platinum and Gold members of Ethiopian ShebaMiles loyalty program, Star Alliance Gold members, as well as eligible frequent flyer program members of other partner airlines. With this latest facility, Ethiopian Airlines continues to create world-class airport experiences for its passengers traveling via Addis Ababa Bole International Airport from across its global network of more than 145 destinations. The inauguration of the premium lounge was attended by high- level government officials, the Ethiopian Group Board Chairman and board members, the executive management, and stakeholders.

Addis Ababa, December 16, 2025 (ENA) —Ethiopia’s State Minister of Finance, Semereta Sewasew, held discussions with Patricia Llombart Cussac, Managing Director for Africa at the European External Action Service (EEAS), focusing on bilateral relations as well as regional and global issues of mutual interest. During the meeting, State Minister Semereta outlined key elements of Ethiopia’s ongoing Homegrown Economic Reform, emphasizing the need to encourage European investors to take advantage of the country’s macroeconomic reforms and the wide range of emerging investment opportunities. She reaffirmed Ethiopia’s commitment to strengthening partnerships with the EU and its Member States in the areas of economic development, peace and security, and migration. Semereta also highlighted challenges affecting the smooth conduct of business and political dialogue, underscoring the government’s efforts to address these issues and create a more conducive environment for investment and cooperation. Addressing regional developments, she stressed Ethiopia’s commitment to peace, security, and economic integration in the Horn of Africa. Lthe state minister further underlined the country’s proactive approach toward fostering regional interdependence and cooperation for mutual benefit. On her part, Managing Director Llombart Cussac commended Ethiopia’s role in promoting peace and stability in the region and welcomed its commitment to peaceful coexistence. She reiterated the European Union’s continued support for regional stability and sustainable development, while also expressing appreciation for Ethiopia’s ongoing macroeconomic reforms. The two officials agreed to further strengthen the longstanding partnership between Ethiopia and the European Union and reaffirmed their commitment to enhanced cooperation on bilateral, regional, and global issues of shared interest.

Addis Ababa, December 16, 2025 (ENA) —African coffee exports hit a historic 1.18 million tons in the 2024/25 season, marking the first time continental shipments surpassed one million tons, according to the International Coffee Organization (ICO). Ethiopia and Uganda drove the surge, with Ethiopia’s exports climbing 27.3% to 442,200 tons, while Uganda’s rose 29.6% to 495,600 tons, together accounting for nearly 80% of Africa’s coffee exports. Ethiopia’s growth is attributed to strong harvests, government reforms, better exporter access, high global prices, and large released inventories. Strategic market engagement—including key buyers such as Germany, the U.S., Saudi Arabia, and China’s zero-tariff policy—also fueled the expansion. The continent’s strong performance stands in contrast to a 0.3% global decline in coffee shipments, largely due to weaker South American output. African producers, currently representing 11.6% of global exports, aim to increase their share to 20% by 2030, supported by initiatives in Tanzania, Kenya, and other nations to expand production and modernize auction systems. ICE data highlights robust demand, with arabica prices surging 51% over the year, closing at $8.26/kg on September 30, 2025. At the national level, several countries are advancing their own expansion strategies. In April 2025, Tanzania, Africa’s third-largest exporter after Uganda and Ethiopia, began developing a plan to quadruple its production by 2030. In October 2025, Kenya announced the digitization of its coffee auctions as part of a national program to triple output over the next three years.

When Oumou Sangaré—the globally celebrated Malian artist and a lifelong advocate for African culture and women’s empowerment—recently visited Ethiopia, she was struck by the unprecedented transformation of Addis Ababa, the political capital of Africa. She found a city reinventing itself, where modern infrastructure meets historic neighborhoods, vibrant public spaces reshape daily life and a renewed confidence defines its identity. Her reaction captured more than personal surprise. It reflected a broader moment in which Addis Ababa is challenging expectations and signaling a new chapter in Africa’s urban and cultural narrative. Oumou Sangaré, born in Bamako, Mali (1968), is the "Songbird of Wassoulou," a Grammy-winning Malian singer known for powerful vocals and lyrics addressing women's issues like forced marriage, blending traditional Wassoulou music with modern sounds. Rising from humble beginnings—singing on the streets to support her mother—she became an international voice for African women, social justice, and cultural pride. Her music, spanning acclaimed albums such as Moussolou, Ko Sira, Timbuktu, and Mogoya, has earned her continental and global recognition, including a prestigious UNESCO International Music Award in 2001. Against this background, Sangaré’s impressions of Addis Ababa carry symbolic weight. During her stay, she visited landmarks such as Entoto Park and various museums, spaces that reflect Ethiopia’s effort to merge historical identity with modern urban design. What stood out to her most, however, was the scale and pace of change unfolding across the city. In recent years, the city, which also serves as the political capital of Africa, has embarked on an ambitious wave of infrastructure development and urban transformation. Large-scale corridor projects, expansive green initiatives, upgraded transportation networks, and thoughtfully designed public spaces are reshaping the city’s landscape. Aging structures are giving way to modern high-rises, while redesigned sidewalks, illuminated public squares, and improved traffic systems are fostering a city that feels more connected, accessible, and visually cohesive. For Oumou Sangaré, Addis Ababa’s transformation was so striking that she likened the experience to being in New York City—an observation that underscores how the city is beginning to defy long-held assumptions often attached to African capitals. Her reflection points to a broader shift: Addis Ababa’s evolution is not merely infrastructural, but deeply symbolic. As the diplomatic capital of Africa, the city has long stood as a symbol of political unity. Today, it is also positioning itself as a model of urban renewal, environmental responsibility, and cultural confidence. This evolution challenges outdated global narratives that portray African cities as static or underdeveloped, instead highlighting their dynamism, ambition, and capacity for reinvention. Sangaré’s reflections extended beyond urban development into the cultural sphere. She emphasized that African musicians, particularly the younger generation—carry a responsibility to present Africa to the world through art that is both innovative and grounded in research, history, and tradition. In her view, African music possesses an inherent richness that must be expressed deliberately, drawing from the continent’s diverse cultural heritage rather than mimicking external trends. Her message resonates powerfully with Ethiopia’s current moment. As Addis Ababa modernizes, it faces the delicate challenge of embracing global standards while safeguarding cultural authenticity. Sangaré’s call for art that reconnects young creators with their roots mirrors the city’s own balancing act: modernization without cultural erasure. Eventually, Oumou Sangaré’s experience in Addis Ababa is more than a celebrity observation. It is a cultural affirmation of transformation guided by vision, identity, and purpose. Her “beyond expectation” reaction signals how cities like Addis Ababa are not only changing physically, but also redefining how Africa is seen, heard, and understood on the global stage.

Addis Ababa, December 16, 2025 (ENA) —Political science and international relations experts at Samara University assert that no international legal framework prevents Ethiopia from regaining the maritime access it was stripped of through discriminatory historical processes. The Red Sea issue remains inextricably linked to Ethiopia’s historical legacy, its ancient civilization, the very architecture of its statehood, its national security, and its long-term economic aspirations. Given its geographical, historical, economic backgrounds, the country has initiated discussions to secure sea outlet based on the principle of mutual benefits and partnership that provide amicable opportunities to strengthen shared development. Consequently, Ethiopia continues to pursue persistent diplomatic and legal avenues to address the sovereign right of sea access —a quest that has spanned generations. In an exclusive engagement with ENA, scholars from Samara University’s Department of Political Science and International Relations stressed that Ethiopia’s claim to sea access constitutes a legitimate demand anchored in law, moral reasoning, and diplomacy. Muktar Toyib, Head of the Department, argues that Ethiopia’s separation from the Red Sea, formerly a legal component of its sovereign territory—occurred through mechanisms lacking international legitimacy. For him, there is no global statute prohibiting Ethiopia from reclaiming a access to seaport lost through historical bias. Muktar further characterized the government’s current agenda and the collective demand of the citizenry for maritime access as both "accurate and appropriate." He pointed out a critical legal vacuum: at the time Ethiopia lost its coastline, there was no signed treaty or formal covenant authorizing such a total deprivation of sea access. Under international law, he noted, such a lack of transparency and formal agreement renders the current status quo illegitimate. "When Eritrea seceded from Ethiopia, it should not have unilaterally incorporated the entirety of the Red Sea maritime body that previously belonged to the Ethiopian state," Muktar stated. He added that this monopoly contradicts the fundamental principle of "equitable utilization" enshrined in international water and maritime laws. Echoing these sentiments, fellow lecturer Kassahun Abera maintained that Ethiopia’s quest for a sea outlet is not a sudden provocation but a response to an ongoing injustice. Because the nation was deprived of its coastline in an inequitable manner, its contemporary pursuit is a restorative measure. Kassahun underscored that since Ethiopia’s claim is grounded in legal reality, the nation must remain steadfast in its commitment to resolving the matter through formal diplomatic channels and international legal frameworks.

Addis Ababa, December 15, 2025 (ENA) —The Ministry of Labor and Skills is pursuing an ambitious target, aiming to facilitate overseas employment for 800,000 Ethiopian citizens during the current fiscal year, Labor and Skills Minister Muferihat Kamil said. Minister Muferihat Kamil made the remark at a meeting of Public Expenditure Administration and Control Affairs Standing Committee of the House of People’s Representatives (HPR), where the performance audit report of the ministry was reviewed. Muferihat said that the Ministry actively facilitates overseas employment as a key part of its job creation strategy, securing opportunities for a significant number of citizens in foreign countries while ensuring the safety, benefits, and rights of these workers. She emphasized the remarkable growth in overseas job placements, noting that opportunities surged from 40,000 in the 2014 EFY (Four Years ago) to over 500,000 by 2017 EFY, last June. “In 2014, only 40 Ethiopians secured job opportunities abroad. However, that number skyrocketed to 503,000 citizens employed overseas. The ministry is now actively working to send an additional 800,000 Ethiopians to work abroad in the current fiscal year,” she stated. In addition to increasing job opportunities, the ministry has entered into agreements with various destination countries over the past three years, including recent collaborations with Italy and a German company. She added that a satisfaction survey conducted among citizens working abroad is significantly increasing with their new found jobs. “We conducted a satisfaction survey among citizens working in Saudi Arabia, a key overseas job destination for Ethiopia. The results revealed that 90 percent of employees are satisfied with their jobs,” Muferihat said. Public Expenditure Administration and Control Affairs Standing Committee at the Ethiopian House of People’s Representatives, Yeshemebet Demsie commended the ministry's efforts, noting that the rise in legally employed Ethiopians overseas is encouraging. However, she emphasized the need for extensive work in deploying skilled manpower, enhancing training quality, and coordinating with relevant stakeholders. Yeshemebet also stressed the importance of leveraging local resources to create job opportunities, expanding training centers, and improving the data management of job seekers.

Addis Ababa, December 15, 2025 (ENA) —Addis Ababa has been accelerating coordinated efforts to position itself as a vibrant and globally competitive tourism destination. City leaders underscore renewed political commitment, institutional reforms, and flagship urban projects aimed at transforming the capital into a leading frontier city for international tourism. The first Addis Ababa City Tourism Forum opened in the capital today. A two-day dialogue brought together tour operators, hotel owners, federal and regional officials, and tourism experts to discuss the opportunities, challenges, and strategies shaping the city's tourism future. Addressing the forum, Addis Ababa City Council Speaker Buzena Alkedir emphasized Ethiopia’s vast and diverse tourism resources had long remained underutilized due to the absence of platforms that bring stakeholders together to jointly unlock the sector’s potential. “Despite our immense tourism endowments, there has been a gap in coordination and dialogue,” she said. “This forum is designed to fill that gap and create a shared vision for developing Addis Ababa as a competitive tourism destination.” She noted that the forum is expected to strengthen public private collaboration, encourage innovation, improve access to finance, enhance tourism marketing and promotion, facilitate information exchange and address pressing sectoral challenges. Buzena said the City Administration has intensified its efforts to boost tourism alongside major urban transformation initiatives, including corridor development and riverside development projects, which have already contributed to increased tourist inflows into the city. Addis Ababa Tourism Commissioner Hunde Kebede, on his part, said the federal government has given special attention to tourism as a key pillar of the economy under the homegrown economic reform agenda. “Tourism is now treated as a strategic economic sector,” he said. “For the first-time, large-scale tourism projects initiated by Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed have been developed, contributing not only to sector growth but also to the country’s image building.” Hunde added that city level initiatives such as corridor development, riverbank projects and the construction of grand conference halls are reshaping Addis Ababa’s urban landscape and enhancing its visibility as a tourism and meetings destination. “Beyond addressing infrastructure needs, corridor development is playing a critical role in expanding tourism opportunities and improving the city’s global appeal,” he said. As part of its institutional reform, the city administration recently established the Addis Ababa Tourism Commission to lead and coordinate tourism promotion, destination development, hospitality standards and stakeholder engagement. Since its establishment, the Commission has undertaken efforts to promote both newly developed and existing tourism destinations, which includes the "Visit Addis Ababa" website and social media platforms as well as mobile application is currently under development, he mentioned.

Addis Ababa, December 15, 2025 (ENA) —Minister of Agriculture, Adisu Arega, announced today that a range of critical initiatives are being rigorously implemented to realize Ethiopia’s agricultural transformation agenda and ensure national food security. The announcement came during a handover ceremony of essential field vehicles, motorbikes, and motorized water pumps to regional states and federal executive institutions. As Ethiopia continues to advance its agricultural transformation agenda, the country is increasingly embracing mechanized farming as a cornerstone of its development strategy. Agriculture remains the backbone of Ethiopia’s economy, employing a large share of the population and contributing significantly to national GDP. Mechanized farming has been instrumental in expanding wheat production and generating surplus supplies, marking notable successes in the sector, it was indicated. The equipment, procured under the Ministry of Agriculture's Food System Resilience Program and the Ethiopia Climate-Resilient Wheat Value Chain Development Project, includes 267 field vehicles, 1,854 motorbikes, and 2,289 water pumps, with a total value of approximately 2 billion Ethiopian Birr, funded by various development partners. During the handover ceremony, Minister Adisu emphasized the government’s ongoing commitment to agricultural transformation. He outlined plans to bring previously uncultivated land into production and promote multi-cropping systems, enabling farmers to harvest more than twice a year. Complementary efforts are also underway to expand mechanization and enhance financial accessibility for farmers. “These holistic initiatives are vital not only for ensuring food security but also for stimulating rural economic growth,” Minister Adisu said, underscoring the transformative impact of the government’s agricultural programs. According to him, these holistic efforts, Adisu concluded, are vital for guaranteeing national food security and stimulating the rural economy.

Addis Ababa, December 15, 2025 (ENA) —Award-winning African journalists have praised Addis Ababa for its unprecedented development surge, describing Ethiopia’s capital as a fast-evolving city marked by modern infrastructure, cultural vibrancy, and inclusive growth. The journalists shared their impressions with the Ethiopian News Agency (ENA) after being recognized at the prestigious African Media Awards, jointly organized by the African Union of Broadcasting (AUB) and the Patrice Lumumba Foundation. The awards ceremony, hosted in Addis Ababa last week, evaluated more than 800 media entries from over 40 African countries, honoring 21 finalists and special award recipients in the presence of senior politicians and media leaders. Participants expressed surprise at the city’s rapid progress, citing new high-rise developments, improved services, a growing economy, strong connectivity, and a dynamic cultural scene. Ethiopia’s capital, Addis Ababa, also the political capital of Africa as host of the African Union—has in recent years embarked on an ambitious and wide-ranging infrastructure development program aimed at transforming the city into a smart, modern urban center. Driven by rapid urbanization and the need for sustainable growth, the initiative focuses on upgrading transport networks, expanding digital connectivity, modernizing public services, and developing smart governance systems to improve efficiency and quality of life, it was learned. Observers note that these efforts are designed to strengthen Addis Ababa’s role as a continental diplomatic hub, support economic expansion, enhance service delivery, and position the city as a model for smart urban development in Africa. In that regard, Ayanda Holo, President of TV BRICS Africa, said Addis Ababa’s transformation is increasingly visible with each visit. He emphasized that the city’s progress is driven by local residents and praised its inclusive urban development approach that strengthens community ties and ensures peaceful access to public spaces. RT correspondent Athi Mtongana described Addis Ababa as a city where natural beauty, rich history, and modern architecture coexist seamlessly. She highlighted the warmth of the people, vibrant markets, and lively music, noting the city’s unique blend of tradition and modernity. First-time visitor Francis Nyerere, grandson of Tanzania’s founding father Julius Kambarage Nyerere, said he was deeply impressed by the hospitality of Addis Ababa’s residents and the city’s historical landmarks, which he described as culturally enriching. Arise News Nigeria award winner Favour Barbara George also shared her admiration, pointing to landmarks such as Unity Park and the city’s modern AI complex as symbols of Addis Ababa’s balanced development. She underscored the strong cultural ties between Ethiopia and Nigeria and encouraged Africans to experience the city firsthand. The journalists collectively described Addis Ababa as a city of opportunity, resilience, and transformation—positioning it as a leading hub of Africa’s urban and cultural renaissance.