Addis Ababa, February 6, 2026 (ENA)—Ethiopia continues to stand out as one of Africa’s most dynamic and promising economies, driven by bold reforms and expanding international partnerships, Brazilian Ambassador to Ethiopia Jandyr Ferreira dos Santos said. Addressing the largest ever Brazil-Ethiopia Economic Cooperation Forum in Addis Ababa, Ambassador Jandyr emphasized that Ethiopia’s reform agenda has positioned the country as an attractive destination for investment and strategic cooperation. He noted that bilateral relations between Brazil and Ethiopia have reached a new level of political density and strategic trust in recent years. According to the ambassador, this progress is clearly reflected in the historic visit by the leaders of the two countries, which he described as sending a powerful signal of mutual confidence and a shared vision for deeper South-South cooperation. Highlighting Brazil’s economic profile, the ambassador also elaborated the country is among the world’s leading emerging economies, with a diversified structure that includes a globally competitive agricultural sector, a solid industrial base and a dynamic service economy. Brazilian agriculture, he added, plays a critical role in global food security through major exports such as soybeans, sugar, meat and a wide range of value-added products. He also underscored Brazil’s position as the world’s largest coffee producer and exporter, noting that this creates natural opportunities for cooperation and knowledge exchange with Ethiopia, the birthplace of coffee itself. Beyond agriculture, the ambassador pointed to Brazil’s strong capabilities in automotive production, manufacturing, machinery, mining, steel and aerospace, including Embraer, one of the world’s leading aircraft manufacturers. Turning to Ethiopia, Ambassador Jandyr said the government of Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed has undertaken bold and commendable reforms aimed at liberalizing markets, strengthening macroeconomic stability, modernizing the financial sector and attracting both domestic and foreign investment. He added that these reforms are reshaping the country’s economic landscape, supported by a rapidly growing population. “Ethiopia offers a strong labor force, a fast-expanding consumer market and significant opportunities in agro processing, logistics and infrastructure,” he said. He also highlighted the recent signing of the Brazilian market access protocol as an important milestone in supporting Ethiopia’s accession to the World Trade Organization. Ethiopia, he noted, is now at an advanced stage of WTO accession, with completion expected in 2026. Director General for European and American Affairs at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Meles Alem, on his part commended the long-standing commitment of both countries to sustainable development. “Our cooperation has been a testament of South–South partnership, and today we stand ready to elevate it to unprecedented heights,” Ambassador Meles said. He added that Ethiopia is on a transformative journey, with comprehensive reforms opening space for strategic partnerships across sectors ranging from agro processing and renewable energy to manufacturing, mining and technology. “The potential for cooperation is immense. It’s up to us to tap that potential. We are here to facilitate, to inform and to support your investment desires,” he said.

Addis Ababa, February 6, 2026 (ENA)—Ethiopia-Brazil partnership is reaching unprecedented heights, marked by the largest-ever Ethiopia-Brazil Trade and Investment Forum held in Addis Ababa today. Addressing the Ethiopia-Brazil Economic Cooperation Forum, Ethiopia’s Minister of Trade and Regional Integration Kassahun Gofe highlighted the forum’s significance in deepening the historic ties between the two nations—a pivotal moment in their bilateral relations. “This is a moment to reflect on our shared past, assess our dynamic present, and envision an ambitious future for trade and economic cooperation,” he said. “Today, our partnership is firmly anchored in the principles of South-South cooperation,” he further elaborated. Kassahun praised the remarkable economic progress achieved by both countries in recent years. He also described Ethiopia as one of Africa’s fastest-growing economies, attributing its success to a committed reform agenda and strategic focus on sustainable development through targeted investment sectors. “Collaboration between Ethiopia and Brazil moves beyond symbolism,” he said, noting that the forum provides a vital platform to strengthen business partnerships. The minister also commended Brazil’s support in Ethiopia’s historic accession to the World Trade Organization, adding, “After more than two decades of delays, we are now in the decisive phase of this journey.” Highlighting the reforms underpinning Ethiopia’s growth, the minister cited the liberalization of key sectors, including finance and telecommunications. He further emphasized the transformative potential of the Africa Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), which promises a unified market of 1.4 billion people, offering a pathway to a more inclusive and sustainable development future for Africa. “I strongly encourage Brazilian investors to recognize and harness this unprecedented opportunity, using Ethiopia as a strategic gateway to access the vast African market,” Kassahun said. For his part, Ambassador Alex Giacomelli, Director of Trade Promotion, Investment, and Agriculture at Brazil’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, underscored that the forum reflects a top priority of Brazilian foreign policy: deepening economic and political ties with Africa. “Ethiopia, as the second most populous nation in Africa, one of the world’s fastest-growing economies, and home to the African Union headquarters, has established itself as a regional hub for innovation, logistics, and international diplomacy,” he said. Ambassador Giacomelli added that Brazil and Ethiopia share key priorities, including sustainable growth, poverty reduction, and a strong commitment to multilateralism.

Addis Ababa, February 6, 2026 (ENA)—Addis Ababa city has recorded a major economic boost from tourism, with 155 billion Birr injected into the city’s economy from foreign visitors over the past six months, Mayor Adanech Abiebie announced. Presenting a tourism performance report at Addis Ababa city council 5th year working year 2nd regular assembly, the mayor said the figures reflect the capital’s accelerating transformation into a leading tourism and conference destination in Africa. According to the report, 699,761 foreign tourists visited Addis Ababa during the six-month period, generating the 155 billion Birr in revenue. In addition, the city welcomed 4.9 million domestic tourists, underscoring the growing appeal of Addis Ababa as both a national and international destination. Mayor Adanech attributed the strong performance to the development of new and upgraded tourism destinations designed to maximize the sector’s social and economic impact. She highlighted the expanding role of public and religious street festivals, alongside the growing popularity of sports and health tourism, as key drivers of visitor growth. The mayor further noted that ongoing development works and flagship mega-projects aimed at positioning Addis Ababa as a hub for conference and event tourism have significantly increased the number of high-level gatherings hosted in the city. Over the past six months alone, nearly 150 international and continental events were held in Addis Ababa—representing a 50 percent increase compared to the same period last year. The latest figures underscore tourism’s rising contribution to Addis Ababa’s economy and its growing stature as a gateway city for Africa.

Addis Ababa, February 4, 2026 (ENA)—Efforts are intensified to promote value-added coffee products for the international market in order to further strengthen Ethiopia's coffee export trade, Agriculture State Minister Melese Mekonnen said. A three-day Africa Fine Coffee Exhibition and Conference opened in Addis Ababa today. Opening the conference, the state minister said Ethiopia holds a unique position in the global coffee industry by possessing nearly 90 percent of the world’s African coffee genetic diversity that provides a strong foundation for quality, resilience, and market differentiation. According to him, the government’s policy priorities include increasing productivity, improving quality, expanding value addition, and strengthening agro-processing in close collaboration with a dynamic and well-regulated private sector. ​​​​​​Despite global market volatility, Ethiopia’s coffee exports have shown strong growth, reaching over 1.4 billion USD in 2023, 1.43 billion USD in 2024, and 2.65 billion USD in 2025. The state minister noted that the performances have been driven by policy reforms, quality improvements, and market diversification. The growing global demand for specialty, sustainable, and traceable coffee presents further opportunities for Ethiopia and Africa at large, he added. According to Melese, the Green Legacy Initiative has mobilized communities nationwide to plant millions of seedlings, including coffee and indigenous tree species. “The Green Legacy Initiative is not merely an environmental campaign, but also a strategic investment in the long-term productivity and sustainability of Ethiopian and African coffee.” The state minister further said transforming Africa’s coffee sector requires strong continental coordination among governments, producers, private sector actors, development partners, and regional institutions to unlock the full value of African coffee. In this regard, he underscored the need for stronger political leadership, enhanced intra-African trade, and the development of regional value chains that go beyond raw exports to include processing, grinding, and value creation within Africa. International Coffee Organization (ICO) Executive Director, Vanusia Nogueira, stressed for her part the urgent need to tackle the sector’s challenges through collaboration, innovation, and inclusive growth. Coffee should be recognized as part of the global solution, rather than viewed as a problem, she said. The Executive Director highlighted challenges, including the limited inclusion of girls and women, the impacts of climate change, regulatory constraints, restricted access to finance, job insecurity, and the growing debt burden faced by coffee-producing countries. According to her, prosperity in the coffee sector should not be measured solely in economic terms, but also through social development and improved livelihoods for farming communities. The three-day event, running from February 4 to 6, 2026, has brought together producers, exporters, traders, roasters, investors, policymakers, and development partners to promote African coffee excellence and strengthen global market linkages.

Addis Ababa, February 5, 2026 (ENA)—Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed said Ethiopia’s ongoing financial sector reforms are delivering tangible and measurable gains, citing strong improvements in liquidity, savings, and private sector lending over the past six months. Speaking to members of the House of People’s Representatives on Tuesday while presenting the government’s six-month performance report, the Prime Minister said large-scale reforms aimed at modernizing the financial system are beginning to transform the broader economy. “The reform measures being implemented to modernize the financial sector are yielding tangible results,” Prime Minister Abiy told lawmakers. Over the past several years, the government has rolled out a comprehensive macroeconomic and financial reform program designed to modernize Ethiopia’s financial system, strengthen macroeconomic stability, and stimulate private sector-led growth. Key measures include the liberalization of the foreign exchange regime, a shift toward market-based exchange rates, the easing of foreign exchange controls, and the modernization of monetary policy through the introduction of a central bank policy rate and open market operations. The reform agenda has also updated banking laws to improve governance and competition, expanded digital and inclusive financial services, strengthened regulatory and supervisory frameworks, and opened the sector to foreign bank entry for the first time in Ethiopia’s history, with the aim of attracting investment and improving access to credit. Official reports indicate substantial gains, including an increase of around 40 percent in bank deposits and more than 20 percent growth in domestic credit, alongside improved foreign exchange inflows and expanded digital financial services. Prime Minister Abiy noted that banks are now able to conduct both cash and foreign currency transactions among themselves, adding that more than half a trillion birr was traded through interbank transactions over the past six months alone. He described the development as a major new source of funding for the economy. According to the Prime Minister, the money supply expanded by more than 10 percent during the period, while national savings grew by over 44 percent. Loan collections increased by 68 percent compared to the previous year, while new lending rose by 123 percent. Total loans disbursed also grew by 123 percent year-on-year, with approximately 90 percent directed to the private sector, a trend the Prime Minister said reflects growing confidence in the financial system. On the opening of the sector to foreign banks, Prime Minister Abiy said the move would help attract capital and modern technology, strengthening both the financial sector and the wider economy. He noted that domestic banks currently account for only five to seven percent of the economy, underscoring the need for foreign participation to enhance competition and technological advancement. He assured lawmakers that safeguards are in place to protect domestic institutions, including a cap of 49 percent on foreign ownership. In that regard, “The economic progress that Ethiopia has exhibited is undeniable by any criteria,” Prime Minister Abiy underscored. The Prime Minister concluded that the ongoing reforms will further strengthen Ethiopia’s financial capacity and expand opportunities for citizens and the business community.

Addis Ababa, February 4, 2026 (ENA)—Ethiopia is fast-tracking trade and investment integration at both regional and global levels, driven by the country’s comprehensive homegrown economic reform agenda, Minister of Trade and Regional Integration Kassahun Gofe said on Wednesday. The minister made the remarks while opening a five-day international trade fair at Meskel Square in Addis Ababa, aimed at promoting Ethiopian products and strengthening market linkages. Kassahun said ongoing reforms, including opening key sectors to foreign investors, simplifying business start-up and operational procedures, and revising the foreign exchange system—are playing a critical role in improving the country’s business climate. These measures, he noted, are modernizing strategic sectors, fostering innovation and enhancing competitiveness. The minister underscored Ethiopia’s strong commitment to regional and global economic integration, emphasizing that the homegrown reform agenda is being implemented through practical and results-oriented initiatives. According to him, the international trade fair brings together buyers, sellers, and business leaders, serving as a platform to facilitate market linkages and strengthen regional and international partnerships. He added that such fairs are instrumental in promoting fair and competitive trade, improving market access, and deepening economic integration. The Ethiopian government remains committed to advancing trade and investment as key drivers of economic growth and shared prosperity, Kassahun said. Expanding export markets, promoting value addition, and strengthening trade competitiveness are among the country’s top priorities. He also stressed the importance of stronger collaboration between public institutions and the private sector to achieve national development goals. During the first six months of the current budget year, Ethiopia earned 5.1 billion U.S. dollars from export trade, while inflation declined to single-digit levels, the minister noted. The country is targeting 10.2 percent economic growth by the end of the 2025/2026 fiscal year, supported by the ongoing economic reforms. Sebsib Abafira Abajobir, President of the Ethiopian Chamber of Commerce and Sectoral Associations (ECCSA), said the trade fair plays a pivotal role in promoting Ethiopian products and strengthening linkages among stakeholders. Organizers stated that the international trade fair serves as a gateway for both domestic and international participants to showcase products and build partnerships. About 50 major companies from 20 countries are expected to take part, while more than five foreign companies have already expressed interest in investing in Ethiopia. In addition, over 300 local companies are participating in the event, ENA learned.

Addis Ababa, February 4, 2026 (ENA)—Ethiopia and China have further deepened their longstanding development partnership following a high-level bilateral meeting held on Tuesday between Ethiopia’s Finance Minister, Ahmed Shide and Chanese Ambassador to Ethiopia, Chen Hai. During the meeting, the two sides signed a development cooperation grant agreement and held discussions on ongoing and future areas of Ethiopia–China collaboration. Minister Ahmed Shide expressed Ethiopia’s strong appreciation to the Government of China for its continued support through public project financing and foreign direct investment. He reaffirmed Ethiopia’s commitment to strengthening the historic partnership between the two countries and called for enhanced cooperation in financing priority development initiatives, including Ethiopia’s new international airport project. Ambassador Chen Hai reaffirmed China’s commitment to supporting Ethiopia’s development agenda. He highlighted continued cooperation in key areas, including the AI Sovereign Model and Application Project, supplementary works on the Ethio–Djibouti Railway, and sustained engagement under the Comprehensive Agreement on Development and Economic Partnership for Africa (CADEPA). At the conclusion of the meeting, the two parties signed a 200 million RMB grant agreement, which will finance “small but beautiful” development projects designed to deliver quick, tangible results and direct benefits to the Ethiopian people.

Addis Ababa, February 3, 2026 (ENA)—The Ethiopian Agricultural Transformation Institute (ATI) has launched Ethiopia OpenAgriNet (Ethiopia OAN), a national digital initiative designed to establish an interoperable digital public infrastructure that enables secure and consent-based sharing of agricultural data. Officials speaking at the launch said that achieving interoperability and unlocking the full value of agricultural data will require strong collaboration among all stakeholders across the digital ecosystem. Ethiopia OpenAgriNet is expected to play a central role in modernizing the country’s agricultural sector. Ethiopia OpenAgriNet represents a strategic step forward in strengthening agricultural data systems and improving the livelihoods of millions of farmers across the country. The platform is designed to bring together farmers, extension services, markets, climate intelligence, financial services, and government programs into a single, open, interoperable, and trusted digital network. Speaking at the event, Dawit Philipos, Chief Operating Officer of the Agricultural Transformation Institute, said that in agriculture, data has the power to transform productivity, resilience, and livelihoods. However, he noted that agricultural data in Ethiopia continues to face significant challenges. According to Dawit, data gaps and shortages persist, while existing information is fragmented across government institutions, the private sector, and development partners. Much of this data is stored in siloed systems, limiting the ability to develop a comprehensive view of the sector. He also cited limited mechanisms for data verification and validation as a key constraint. He emphasized that Ethiopia OpenAgriNet is designed to address these challenges by integrating fragmented data systems into a unified and interoperable digital framework, enabling more effective and efficient use of agricultural data across the sector. As part of the Digital Ethiopia 2030 strategy, Dawit added that OpenAgriNet will integrate with national digital systems such as Fayda, the country’s digital identification platform, and align closely with the government’s Digital Agriculture Roadmap. ATI Director for Technology and Digital Innovations, Girum Ketema, said the initiative is focused on making technology—particularly artificial intelligence and digital infrastructure—work for smallholder farmers, rather than expecting farmers to adapt to complex digital systems. By combining farmer-controlled data rights with a simple, voice-based interface, he explained, the platform will deliver AI-enabled advisory services, financial solutions, and market linkages to communities that have historically been excluded from the digital economy. For his part, Protean eGov Technologies Ltd Chief Business Officer, Ashish Chatterjee, said the company brings more than three decades of experience in designing and operating India’s Digital Public Infrastructure, including systems for taxation, foundational identity, eKYC, eSign, open digital ecosystems, and e-commerce, along with deep expertise in deploying artificial intelligence at population scale.

Addis Ababa, February 3, 2026 (ENA)—Ethiopia’s Minister of Finance, Ahmed Shide, today held discussions with Gallina Vincelette, World Bank Vice President for Operations Policy and Country Services, aimed at advancing a new Country Partnership Framework to deepen the longstanding strategic partnership between Ethiopia and the World Bank. The talks focused on strengthening collaboration and aligning future cooperation with Ethiopia’s national development and reform priorities under the World Bank’s new Country Engagement Framework. In a press release sent to ENA, the Ministry of Finance stated that both sides exchanged views on how the evolving framework could more effectively support Ethiopia’s development objectives through a more selective and results-oriented approach. Minister Ahmed Shide welcomed the World Bank’s renewed approach to country engagement, noting that its emphasis on impact and outcomes presents an important opportunity to enhance the effectiveness of the partnership. Gallina Vincelette commended the Government of Ethiopia for its ongoing reform efforts and strong economic management, and reaffirmed the World Bank’s commitment to a robust and forward-looking partnership focused on delivering transformative results. Both parties underscored the importance of a collaborative and inclusive process in the preparation of the new Country Partnership Framework.

Addis Ababa, February 3, 2026 (ENA)—Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed said Ethiopia’s inflation rate has declined to 9.7 percent, marking what he described as a “major achievement” following years of sustained macroeconomic and structural interventions. Responding to questions from members of the House of People’s Representatives today, the Prime Minister outlined the comprehensive measures undertaken to curb inflation and stabilize the cost of living. Through targeted subsidies and income adjustments, alongside reforms in the supply chain and improvements in essential utilities such as electricity and water services, the government has managed to bring inflation down to single digits for the first time in many years. “Through subsidies, income increments, and improvements in the supply chain —including work done in electricity and water—Ethiopia has, for the first time, cut inflation to 9.7 percent. This is a significant achievement. It is a major victory,” PM Abiy stated. However, he acknowledged that further reductions are necessary to ease pressure on citizens. The Prime Minister identified key sectors where sustained, long-term interventions are underway to address the root causes of inflation and alleviate burdens on citizens. The first priority, he said, is ensuring adequate food production and efficient distribution. In this regard, the government has established hundreds of food booths in connection with corridor development projects to improve market access and stabilize prices, he elaborated. The second critical issue is housing. Stabilizing rental prices, even at a moderate level, would significantly relieve workers and urban residents facing escalating living costs, PM Abiy noted. ''We are actively working on a national initiative to construct 1.5 million housing units over the coming years. While this target is ambitious, it remains modest in relation to the country's vast housing demand.'' Transport is the third major area of focus, he pointed out, adding that the government is transitioning public transportation systems to operate on natural gas fuel. “We are removing existing engines from buses we manufacture and installing natural gas-powered engines in the buses we are producing. We are manufacturing buses that run on natural gas,” the Prime Minister elaborated. He acknowledged that the process has been technically demanding due to shortages of skilled and adequately trained professionals. Converting conventional engines to gas-powered systems initially required considerable time and expertise. “Although the process has been challenging, in the next six months we will complete the majority of the conversions. Beginning next year, at least in Addis Ababa — and progressively in other cities and regions— we will expand natural gas-powered vehicles that reduce transportation costs,” he said. Education and school feeding programs also form part of the government’s inflation mitigation strategy, he said. Expanding feeding programs is essential to protect vulnerable communities and ensure that poverty does not prevent children from attending school, he noted. Beyond price stabilization, the Prime Minister underscored the importance of raising incomes as a durable solution to inflationary pressures. “Income grows when the economy grows,” he said, linking macroeconomic expansion with improved household purchasing power. He added that the combined impact of current reforms and structural measures will gradually ease inflationary challenges. “The results we have achieved are impressive. But the work that remains is substantial,” the Prime Minister concluded. The government’s approach signals a shift from short-term stabilization measures toward long-term structural solutions aimed at enhancing supply capacity, reducing systemic bottlenecks, and strengthening citizens’ purchasing power.

Addis Ababa, February 3, 2026 (ENA)—Some 2.6 million Ethiopians have benefited from job opportunities over the past six months, according to Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed. Speaking on employment creation today, he told the House of People's Representatives that this achievement reflects the government’s commitment to expanding work opportunities across the country. He stated that more than 670,000 citizens have secured employment in just the last 20 days alone. This happened due to corridor deployments in the capital city and regional cities, industry, and agriculture, mines, and mega projects as well as the new free trade zones. The PM added that overseas employment in six months grew to 350,000, out of which up to 10,000 were skilled professionals. Compared to the same period last year, PM Abiy said, jobs have increased significantly in the past six months.

Addis Ababa, February 3, 2026 (ENA)—The Government of the Ethiopia and the European Investment Bank (EIB) have signed a 110-million Euro loan agreement to support the implementation of the Rural Finance and Development Project. The project aims to improve access to finance for micro-enterprises and small businesses to promote sustainable agricultural and economic practices across all regions. Accordingly, the Development Bank of Ethiopia will channel funds to Rural Financial Institutions, including microfinance institutions and cooperatives, it was learned. The project's financing is further complemented by ongoing co-financing from the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), including a grant of 35.1 million USD and a loan of 4.8 million USD, as well as additional European Union (EU) support, comprising a Technical Assistance Grant of 8.5 million euros and a separate grant of 8.26 million euros, implemented by IFAD. According to Ministry of Finance, the signing of this landmark support shows a significant strengthening of the longstanding partnership between Ethiopia and the European Investment Bank (EIB). The agreement was signed by Finance Minister Ahmed Shide and Diederick Zambon, European Investment Bank Public Sector Division Head.

Addis Ababa, February 3, 2026 (ENA)—The federal revenue collected in the first six months of the fiscal year has reached 709 billion Birr, prompting the government to revise its annual target upwards from 1.2 trillion Birr to 1.5 trillion Birr, Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed told the House of People's Representatives today. Presenting the government’s mid-year fiscal performance, the Prime Minister recalled that the administration submitted a plan to collect 1.2 trillion Birr annual revenue. However, performance during the first half of the fiscal year indicates stronger-than-anticipated momentum. “In six months alone, we have collected 709 billion Birr,” PM Abiy stated. Moreover, revenue mobilization has accelerated in recent weeks as 85 billion Birr was collected in just the past 25 days. Based on the trends, the Prime Minister noted that revenue collection is projected to reach between 810 and 815 billion Birr in the remaining months of the fiscal year, positioning the government to significantly exceed its original target. “As a result, we are revising our plan upward —from 1.2 trillion Birr to 1.5 trillion Birr,” he announced. The premier further stated that total combined federal and regional collections would reach 2.5 trillion Birr, if regional states mobilize 1 trillion Birr in revenue. Such performance would increase the government revenue to approximately 9 percent of gross domestic product (GDP), reflecting strengthened domestic resource mobilization and improved fiscal capacity. Prime Minister Abiy underscored that the enhanced revenue performance demonstrates growing economic activity, improved tax administration, and expanding compliance, reinforcing the government’s efforts to build a more self-reliant and resilient economy.

Addis Ababa, February 3, 2026 (ENA)—Ethiopia’s industrial sector is demonstrating sustained recovery and expansion with production capacity rising to 66.3 percent from 47 or 48 percent three years ago, PM Abiy said. Responding to questions during the 10th regular session of the House of People's Representatives, the premier elaborated on the progress achieved under the “Ethiopia Tamirt” (Made in Ethiopia) manufacturing movement launched nearly three years ago. “When we began the Ethiopia Tamirt movement about three years ago, industries in Ethiopia were operating at only 47 to 48 percent capacity. Today, they have reached 66.3 percent, and the trend shows no sign of slowdown,” he stated. He further revealed that industrial energy consumption alone increased by 16 percent over the past six months, reflecting expanding production activity. A recent nationwide business census conducted to better understand national wealth and strengthen revenue administration identified 2.6 million enterprises. Of these, 17 percent —approximately 413,000, are engaged in manufacturing activities. The Prime Minister noted that reforms in access to credit, land provision, and technology transfer have significantly improved the sector’s performance. He further recalled informing the House about the government’s strategy to attract and prioritize anchor investors capable of substantially expanding export capacity. “If we identify and bring in anchor investors strategically, they will significantly enhance our export potential.” The PM cited as an example a solar panel manufacturing company brought from Vietnam, which exported products worth 66 million USD in just six months. “In terms of export performance, this company has delivered results that many companies have not achieved,” he emphasized. In addition, five anchor investors engaged in solar cell manufacturing have been secured, with some already commencing operations and all expected to become fully operational next year. “From solar energy products alone, we expect to generate 900 million USD next year,” the premier disclosed. Furthermore, industrial export performance has doubled over the past two years, according to PM Abiy. Through the Ethiopia Tamirt initiative, the country has achieved substantial import substitution. Products that previously required 3.4 billion USD in foreign exchange have now been replaced with domestic production, he stated. Beginning next year, Ethiopia will, for the first time in its history, launch industrial sector investments measured in billions of dollars, PM Abiy added. Moreover, excluding import substitution gains, industrial growth this year is projected to double last year’s expansion.

Addis Ababa, February 3, 2026 (ENA)—The successful completion of the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) proves that Ethiopia possesses the institutional capacity to execute world-class infrastructures independently, Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed said today. Ethiopia built the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) entirely without external aid or loans, he stated, noting that the dam is a collective national triumph realized through unity, financial contributions, and resilience of the Ethiopian people. “We have not received a single Birr in aid or loans for the GERD. The project has been realized entirely through the hard work, dedication, and contributions of our people,” the premier stated, stressing that the dam is fully executed and owned by the Ethiopian government and its citizens. Responding to questions posed by members of the House of People’s Representatives, the Prime Minister also said Ethiopia’s ongoing development momentum has not stopped with GERD. “Construction is already underway on Africa’s third-largest Koysha Dam, alongside wind power plants, the continent’s largest airport, and a fertilizer plant as well as a gas refinery whose first phase is complete and the second underway.” According to PM Abiy Ethiopia is setting a model for project execution across Africa, highlighting the government’s approach of managing mega-projects from construction to completion. He added that the culture of working around the clock, seven days a week, is taking root and expanding across various regions, fueled by ongoing projects and corridor development.

Addis Ababa, February 3, 2026 (ENA)—Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed said Ethiopia’s comprehensive economic reform is delivering broad-based gains across key sectors, enabling the country to target 10.2 percent economic growth in the current Ethiopian fiscal year. Addressing the House of People’s Representatives today, the Prime Minister underscored that the nation’s economy is experiencing tangible and sustained growth, driven by bold and far-reaching reform measures designed to stabilize the macroeconomy, enhance the quality of growth, and ease the national debt burden. According to Prime Minister Abiy, the reform agenda has recorded substantial achievements in all spheres of national development. For him, Ethiopia is one of the countries that have achieved leading economic growth without having oil resources. Based on a review of the growth performance over the past six months of the current fiscal year, the plan has been revised to project that Ethiopia will record 10.2 percent growth by the end of the year. This forecast is closely aligned with the projection of the International Monetary Fund. Central to these gains has been a strong emphasis on technology, particularly artificial intelligence—and early childhood education. He further highlighted both areas as standout success stories, noting that long-term development can only be sustained through robust skills development and human capital investment. The Prime Minister also cited mega infrastructure development that are being executed including corridor development and climate-resilient economic growth as major pillars of progress. What began as a modest initiative has now expanded nationwide, reshaping urban and economic landscapes across the country. Complementing this effort, Ethiopia’s Green Legacy Initiative has earned international recognition, emerging as a model for environmental stewardship across Africa and beyond. Turning to fiscal year projections, Prime Minister Abiy revealed that Ethiopia has revised its growth target upward—from an initial 9.2 percent to 10.2 percent—following a review aligned with International Monetary Fund projections, which estimate growth at 9.3 percent. The adjustment reflects confidence in the country’s economic momentum and reform trajectory. The financial sector, too, has undergone significant transformation, with progressive and comprehensive reforms driving notable improvements and reinforcing broader economic gains, the Prime Minister said. Looking ahead, Prime Minister Abiy noted that five of the world’s ten fastest-growing economies in 2025 are expected to be African nations, a powerful indication, he emphasized, of the continent’s vast and growing potential for economic expansion in the years to come.

Addis Ababa, February 3, 2026 (ENA)—Ethiopia’s mobile money ecosystem has expanded at an unprecedented pace, with 58 million citizens using digital wallet services, Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed told the House of People's Representatives. Responding to questions of lawmakers today, the PM underscored that Ethiopia’s transition from a cash-dominated economy to a digitally driven financial system represents one of the most significant structural shifts in the country’s recent economic history. “It has been only three years since we introduced mobile money. Today, 58 million Ethiopians are using mobile money services,” PM Abiy said. He noted that prior to the reform, financial transactions were cash-based. However, the introduction of mobile money has fundamentally altered the landscape. Describing the pace of change as transformative, the premier stated that Ethiopia is moving from cash to mobile wallets at a “leapfrogging speed,” emphasizing that the achievement is the outcome of deliberate policy direction. According to him, digital payments have increased by 60 percent over the past six months alone, marking a similarly strong 60 percent growth compared to the previous year. The expansion of mobile-based financial services is also driving broader financial sector improvements. Savings has grown by 15 percent, financial inclusion by 11 percent, and mobile-based lending services reached 15 percent penetration. The rapid uptake of mobile money has been supported by parallel growth in telecommunications infrastructure. At the beginning of the reform period, only 37 million Ethiopians had mobile subscriptions. Today, more than 97 million citizens use mobile services, creating a strong foundation for digital finance expansion.

Addis Ababa, February 3, 2026 (ENA)—Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed said Ethiopia’s long-term national reform agenda is delivering notable results, particularly in the expansion of early childhood education, planned urban development, and investments in future-oriented technologies, including artificial intelligence. Addressing members of the House of People's Representatives during the 10th regular session of its fifth year, the Prime Minister said the government is increasingly focused on building future-ready citizens by investing early in education and technology. “Early childhood education is one of our top priorities,” Prime Minister Abiy said, stressing that early investment is key to creating a competitive and capable generation prepared for the demands of tomorrow. According to the Prime Minister, more than 34,000 kindergartens have been constructed nationwide over the past five to six years, enabling over four million children to access early childhood education programs across the country. “These children are the hope of Ethiopia,” he said, noting that early preparation will allow future generations to compete effectively in a rapidly changing global environment. Looking ahead, Prime Minister Abiy said Ethiopia is preparing for the rapid urbanization expected across Africa by 2050, with a strong emphasis on planned, inclusive, and sustainable city development. Urbanization is inevitable, PM Abiy underscored. And he argued that: “What matters is that our cities are planned, built by plan, and lived in by plan.” The premier pointed to visible progress in Addis Ababa and several regional cities, where corridor development and urban renewal projects are currently underway. While acknowledging that the initiatives began on a modest scale, he said the transformation is now expanding to multiple urban centers. “This may be a humble beginning, but we kept our word,” the Prime Minister said. “We started from our immediate surroundings, and today the change is spreading to many cities.” He cautioned against overconcentration of development in a single city, emphasizing that sustainable growth requires adequate infrastructure, sound planning, and balanced urban expansion. “All people cannot live in one city,” Prime Minister Abiy said, warning that poor planning and insufficient infrastructure would make long-term urban development unsustainable

Addis Ababa, February 3, 2026 (ENA)—Members of Ethiopia’s House of Peoples’ Representatives (HPR) on Tuesday directed questions to Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed during a regular parliamentary session, as he appeared before the House to present clarifications on the federal government’s performance report for the first half of the 2018 Ethiopian fiscal year. During the session, lawmakers raised a wide range of issues, including preparations for the upcoming 7th general election, the ongoing national dialogue process, and the country’s overall economic development trajectory. Peace and security matters also featured prominently, particularly recent developments in the Tigray region. Several MPs underscored the importance of ensuring a peaceful, inclusive, and democratic general election scheduled for June, while also highlighting the need to advance the nationwide dialogue process. They called on political elites to refrain from conflating partisan political discourse with national interests, stressing that prolonged political polarization has come at a significant cost to the country. In addition, lawmakers questioned the Prime Minister on government efforts related to employment and job creation, disarmament, demobilization and reintegration (DDR), the return and resettlement of internally displaced persons, improvements in the health sector, rising living costs, and measures being taken to address these challenges. At the same time, members of the House expressed appreciation for the government’s leadership under Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, noting its role in steering the country through unprecedented internal and external challenges in recent years. MPs commended the government’s performance in sustaining economic growth and advancing strategic development projects across key sectors. They specifically cited achievements in riverside development projects, energy infrastructure expansion, corridor development initiatives, aviation sector growth, and other mega projects. According to the lawmakers, Ethiopia has recorded notable progress in macroeconomic stability despite mounting global and domestic pressures. Further praise was extended to success stories in economic diplomacy, infrastructure development, and social sectors. MPs highlighted flagship initiatives such as the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD), the Green Legacy Initiative, agricultural transformation efforts, and tourism development programs. The House of Peoples’ Representatives is holding its 6th regular meeting and 10th regular session of the fifth year of its current term, with Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed attending the session in person.

Addis Ababa, February 2, 2026 (ENA)—The Ethiopian Ministry of Agriculture has reaffirmed that coffee is far more than an export commodity, describing it as a living cultural heritage, a cornerstone of social life and a strategic economic asset for both Ethiopia and Africa. The remarks were made during a high-level policy forum held on Tuesday as part of the 3rd African Coffee Week in Addis Ababa. Speaking at the forum, State Minister of Agriculture Meles Mekonnen said coffee sustains the livelihoods of more than four million smallholder farmers in Ethiopia and plays a critical role in connecting African communities to global markets. “Coffee is far more than a tradable commodity. It is and will remain one of Africa’s most powerful symbols and strategic assets,” Meles said. Despite its immense economic and cultural significance, he warned that the sector is facing growing challenges, particularly due to climate change. Shifting rainfall patterns, rising temperatures and increasing pest pressures are already threatening the fragile ecosystems that support coffee production, he noted. Meles stressed that smallholder farmers are on the frontline of these impacts, underscoring the urgency of building climate resilience and sustainably transforming Africa’s coffee sector. As Africa’s largest coffee producer, Ethiopia has placed the sector at the center of its national development agenda, according to the state minister. He said the government is investing in climate-smart agriculture, quality assurance systems and market transparency, while ensuring women and youth remain key beneficiaries of ongoing reforms. He also called for a structural shift in Africa’s position within the global coffee value chain, urging the continent to move beyond exporting raw beans toward producing high-value, branded coffee products. Meles highlighted the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) as a historic opportunity to build regional value chains and create quality employment, particularly for young people. “Investments in climate-smart production systems and sustainable land management are not optional; they are economically prudent,” he said. “Together, we can cultivate a coffee industry that is economically vibrant and deeply rooted in Africa’s rich heritage.” AU Commission Chief of Staff Mohamed El Amine Souef emphasized the need for strong collaboration to translate strategies into tangible benefits for farmers, processors and exporters. He pointed to recent initiatives, including the launch of harmonized African coffee standards, aimed at strengthening the continent’s competitiveness in global markets. “Coffee brings people from diverse cultures together for mutual benefit,” Souef said, calling for sustained efforts to elevate Africa’s coffee sector worldwide. UNIDO Representative and Director of the Sub-Regional Office, Stephen Kargbo, noted that coffee remains one of the world’s most traded agricultural commodities and is vital for economic development. He said coffee accounts for up to one-third of Ethiopia’s export earnings, yet continues to face challenges such as climate change, price volatility and structural constraints. “No single institution or government can address these issues alone,” Kargbo said, stressing the importance of collective action and innovative financing mechanisms. Italian Ambassador to Ethiopia, Sem Fabrizi, highlighted coffee’s deep cultural roots in the country, describing it as a living repository of biodiversity and tradition. He said Italy has long supported Ethiopia’s coffee sector through development cooperation, technical assistance and research partnerships. Fabrizi underscored the importance of sustainable practices, improved access to finance for smallholder farmers and value addition at origin. He reaffirmed Italy’s commitment to significantly increase financial support for Ethiopia’s coffee sector through the Italian Climate Fund, noting that Italy will continue partnering with Ethiopia to meet growing global demand for quality, traceability and sustainability in coffee production.