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

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

Addis Ababa, August 14, 2026 (ENA) —Egyptian media coverage of the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) has become increasingly inconsistent, often diverging from the assessments of several Egyptian scientists and water experts, journalist and writer Zahid Zidan, said. Speaking to ENA Arabic, Zahid noted that public debate surrounding the GERD has frequently been shaped by contradictory media narratives rather than by scientific and technical analysis. He cited a number of Egyptian experts who, according to him, have publicly stated that the dam does not pose a direct threat to Egypt. Among them is Egyptian geologist Dr. Abbas Sharaqi, whom Zahid identified as one of the experts who has repeatedly argued that the GERD does not inherently harm Egypt. He also referred to Egyptian scientist Dr. Sameh Armanious, who has described the project as a hydropower dam that returns water to the river system after electricity generation. Zahid further cited Egyptian space scientist Dr. Farouk El-Baz, saying that El-Baz has indicated the dam could contribute to protecting the interests of Sudan and Egypt, as well as Ethiopia, through more regulated water management. He argued that water availability and hydrological conditions should be assessed through scientific observation rather than political interpretation. “Discussions about water abundance or scarcity cannot be based on scientific criteria before the end of the water season,” Zahid said. According to him, some Egyptian media outlets have at different times linked the GERD to entirely opposite phenomena, first associating it with flooding and infrastructure damage, and later blaming it for declining water levels and drought.   He said attributing contradictory hydrological events to the same project reveals significant inconsistencies in parts of the Egyptian media discourse. At the same time, Zahid argued that claims by some Egyptian officials and media outlets that the GERD poses a threat to downstream countries are politically driven and lack a consistent scientific basis. He said such narratives have, for decades, sought to obstruct Ethiopia’s sovereign right to pursue development through the utilization of its natural resources, particularly the Abay (Blue Nile), which contributes about 86 percent of the Nile waters that flow to downstream countries. In that regard, he contended that media narratives should be distinguished from scientific assessments. Zahid said the views of several Egyptian and Sudanese experts suggest that the GERD should be evaluated primarily through technical and hydrological evidence rather than through sensational or politically driven narratives. He also cited Sudanese specialists, including Professor Saif al-Din Hamad and former Sudanese Minister of Irrigation and Water Resources Dr. Osman Al-Tom, saying their assessments have emphasized the importance of evidence-based analysis in discussions over the Nile. The journalist stressed that the GERD was principally designed as a hydroelectric project intended to generate electricity and utilize Ethiopia’s water resources for development.   “The technical nature of the project differs from the portrayal presented by some Egyptian media outlets,” he said. Zahid stated that the shift from describing the dam as a project that could contribute to water management to occasionally portraying it as a “dam of destruction” illustrates a widening gap between scientific discourse and parts of the media narrative. He added that annual water volumes cannot be accurately assessed until several months after the rainy season has ended. “The annual volume of water cannot be accurately assessed until March or April of next year,” he said, stressing that early judgments about water abundance or scarcity do not provide a comprehensive hydrological picture. Zahid called for more balanced and scientifically grounded reporting on the GERD and the Abay urging media organizations to rely on technical studies and verified data rather than rhetoric that could further complicate regional discussions over Nile water management.

Addis Ababa, August 13 2026 (ENA) — The Ministry of Water and Energy has signed a contract worth over 933.6 million Birr with Bigeta Business PLC for a major water well drilling and construction project. State Minister for Drinking Water and Sanitation Ambassador Asfaw Dingamo signed the agreement on behalf of the ministry, alongside representatives of the contracting company. The project will be implemented in Angacha Woreda of Kembata Zone, in the Central Ethiopia Regional State, with funding fully covered by the federal government. According to the agreement, the project is expected to be completed within 18 months. The scope of work includes civil works, as well as the procurement, supply and installation of water pipes, fittings and valves, and electro-mechanical equipment. The project will be carried out under the Climate-Resilient WASH (CR-WASH) program, which aims to expand and improve water supply infrastructure in the area. It is expected to play an important role in improving livelihoods by increasing access to safe drinking water for the community. Speaking at the signing ceremony, Ambassador Asfaw urged the contractor to strictly adhere to quality standards and complete the project within the agreed timeframe. He stressed the importance of carrying out the work with diligence and accountability to ensure lasting benefits for the public. The ministry also reaffirmed its commitment to closely monitor the project to ensure full compliance with contractual requirements. For its part, Bigeta Business PLC said it has extensive experience in similar large-scale water infrastructure projects and pledged to complete the work on schedule while maintaining the required quality standards.

Eritrea’s Stagnation by Design: Proxy Legacies, Anti-Ethiopian Policies and the Cost of Isolation August 12, 2026 (ENA) By Jibril Lammo In an era defined by dynamic continental transformation, fast-tracked socio-economic shifts, and modern infrastructural revolutions across East Africa, the realities visible just across Ethiopia’s northern border present a stark and sober study in contrasts. Guided by the overarching vision of Medemer, Ethiopia continues to execute expansive development projects, redefine urban spaces, and build enduring national institutions. Yet, directly adjacent to this rising economic engine, Eritrea remains trapped in a self-inflicted cycle of economic decay, institutional isolation, and historical stagnation. Recent visual documentation produced by independent international content creators and global travel vloggers has brought this divide back into sharp clarity. Public dispatches published by creators such as Davud Akhundzada alongside British and Russian travel vloggers Matt and Julia present an unvarnished window into a society frozen in time. Observers continuously describe an environment that appears to have retrogressed by over half a century, completely disconnected from the digital finance networks, modern telecommunications, and industrial infrastructure that now define the region. In one notably striking sequence broadcast to a global audience, a young Eritrean citizen in Asmara is captured on live camera directly soliciting a visitor for a single loaf of bread. This moment provides an undeniable reality check that completely dismantles the state-sponsored propaganda of self-sustained food security and agrarian self-reliance long promoted by the ruling establishment in Asmara. The Egyptian Proxy Roots and a Legacy of Hostility To understand why Eritrea continues to deteriorate while neighboring economies like Ethiopia, record unprecedented expansion, one must analyze its foundational political origins. Historically conceived and nurtured with Cairo’s backing during the mid-twentieth century, the Shabia movement—an outgrowth of the original Jebeha structure established in Egypt, was specifically engineered as an anti-Ethiopian proxy project. The primary strategic objective of its external sponsors was simple: sever Ethiopia’s direct access to the Red Sea, tie down its national resources, and permanently impede its capacity to utilize its natural water assets along Abay (Nile) basin. In the three decades following its formal separation from Ethiopia, the ruling clique in Asmara has consistently refused to transition from a belligerent rebel outfit into a constructive state apparatus focused on internal nation-building. Rather than devoting its national budget to domestic infrastructure, education, and health systems, the regime transformed the nation into a primary base for regional destabilization. Nearly every major security threat, internal subversion effort, and armed insurgency faced by Ethiopia over the past thirty years has been planned, financed, or sheltered within Eritrean territory. This singular obsession with undermining Ethiopia has devastated Eritrea’s internal capacity. Today, the country operates in near-total isolation, marked by an absolute absence of modern banking systems, automated teller machines, commercial internet connectivity, democratic elections, and basic civil liberties. The artificial pegging of its national currency offers a paper-thin facade that fails to mask runaway domestic inflation, severe supply shortages, and profound structural poverty. The Unholy Alliance: The "Tsimdo" Conspiracy and Subversion Nothing reveals the regime's singular focus on destabilizing Ethiopia more clearly than Asmara’s recent backing of the coalition known as Tsimdo. In a remarkable turn of geopolitical opportunism, the Eritrean leadership has forged an unholy alliance with hardline TPLF factions and associated armed groups—the very entities with which it previously engaged in devastating armed conflict. This alignment demonstrates that Asmara operates entirely without ideological consistency, guided solely by a destructive agenda against Ethiopian national unity. Assembled through clandestine meetings across Asmara, Mekelle, and regional border hubs, this Tsimdo alliance offers zero benefit to the ordinary citizens of Eritrea. Instead of directing scarce foreign currency reserves toward domestic food security, health services, or economic relief, the regime in Asmara channels its limited resources into funding, arming, and sheltering these insurgent elements. The strategic calculation behind Tsimdo is to keep Ethiopia perpetually distracted, bogged down in internal friction, and unable to fully project its economic and diplomatic strength. For the ruling circle in Asmara, any setback for Ethiopia is misconstrued as a victory, reflecting a narrow and zero-sum mindset that prioritizes regional hostility over the basic survival needs of its own populace. The High Price of Rejecting Regional Economic Integration Under standard economic logic, proximity to a rapidly expanding market of over 130 million people represents an extraordinary trade advantage. Ethiopia’s booming industrial footprint, expanding urban centers, and soaring demand for goods and services offered Eritrea a natural pathway toward sustained economic prosperity. By integrating into regional transport corridors, supplying complementary port logistics, and catering to Ethiopian consumer demand, Eritrea could have secured long-term economic stability for its population. Instead, the leadership in Asmara chose to remain a regional pawn for external interests, prioritizing geopolitical sabotage over the material welfare of its people. The structural consequence of this choice is an economy drastically poorer today than it was when unified with Ethiopia. The human toll of this policy is reflected in a devastating demographic drain. Today, nearly half a million Eritreans reside in Ethiopia, with the vibrant population of young Eritreans living and working in Addis Ababa now outnumbering the youthful population remaining in Asmara. As entire generations flee the country, the domestic human resource capacity of the nation continues to erode. This massive exodus underscores a basic truth: the regime in Asmara views its own citizenry as entirely expendable. For the ruling circle, domestic suffering is secondary to the pursuit of its foundational mandate—acting as an external wedge to contain Ethiopia's sovereign potential and disrupt its regional standing. Post-Pretoria Realities and Shifts in Asmara When the reform government under Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed assumed office, Ethiopia extended an historic olive branch to Asmara, initiating a peaceful reconciliation process that earned international acclaim and a Nobel Peace Prize. This diplomatic effort was rooted in a genuine desire to build a peaceful, interconnected, and economically integrated Horn of Africa where neighboring populations could thrive together. However, the structural limits of Asmara’s political leadership became starkly apparent following the end of the conflict in Northern Ethiopia. The signing of the historic Pretoria Peace Agreement successfully ended active hostiles, preserved Ethiopia's constitutional order, and established a peaceful framework for dialogue and reconstruction—a comprehensive win-win outcome for national integrity and regional stability. Yet, this peaceful resolution was met with profound hostility by the Eritrean regime, which was intent on driving the conflict toward absolute regional destruction rather than a negotiated political settlement. Resentful of Ethiopia’s successful diplomatic resolution, Asmara promptly reversed its foreign policy alignments, forming tactical partnerships with the very political entities it previously fought. This blatant opportunism further proved that the regime's actions are governed solely by an unyielding desire to punish and fragment Ethiopia rather than any consistent geopolitical principle. An Unstoppable Trajectory and the Path Ahead The Ethiopia of the Medemer era is fundamentally different from the vulnerable state of past decades. Today, Ethiopia stands as one of the fastest-growing economies on the African continent, having successfully expanded its foreign exchange earnings, doubled its overall economic throughput, and consolidated its national defense capabilities. Guided by a clear long-term vision, Ethiopia is actively advancing its two-water strategy to correct historical injustices and secure its rightful economic and maritime standing. The state capacity built within Ethiopia—spanning large-scale civil engineering, digital economy integration, agricultural productivity, and poverty alleviation—remains a powerful resource that could benefit the broader region. Should the leadership in Asmara choose to abandon its obsolete proxy role and govern for the tangible well-being of its population, there is immense structural expertise available across the border to emulate and share. Ethiopia’s sovereign march toward national prosperity, regional integration, and economic leadership will not be delayed or deterred by external hostility. It is entirely up to the authorities in Asmara to correct their historical course and embrace constructive regional partnership, or remain trapped in self-imposed isolation while the rest of the Horn of Africa advances forward.

Addis Ababa, August 12, 2026 (ENA) — Ethiopia has set an ambitious target of generating 13.4 billion USD in export revenue during the Ethiopian fiscal year 2026/27. The target signals Ethiopia’s determination to accelerate export-led growth by expanding value-added exports, broadening global market access, and increasing foreign exchange earnings. A high-level consultation with exporters, where government officials and business leaders reviewed the country’s export performance in the previous fiscal year and agreed on priorities to accelerate export growth.   Ethiopia generated more than 11.2 billion USD in export earnings during the 2018 Ethiopian fiscal year (2025/26), a performance that Minister of Trade and Regional Integration Kassahun Gofe said provides a strong foundation for achieving the country’s new export target. He said the export sector had gained significant momentum over the past year and played an important role in supporting the country’s macroeconomic stability and foreign exchange generation. “Our exporters played a crucial role in registering this encouraging result, and we have reached a common understanding to focus heavily on promoting Ethiopian products more deeply in the global market moving forward,” Kassahun said. The minister emphasized that the government and exporters had agreed to work jointly to remove operational bottlenecks and improve export performance.   The goal would help achieve the 13.4 billion USD target and expanding the country’s foreign currency earnings, the minister noted. According to Kassahun, Ethiopia’s export strategy for the new fiscal year will focus on value addition, product quality, and competitiveness, rather than relying primarily on higher export volumes. He said the government also plans to diversify export destinations, expand access to new international markets, strengthen existing trading partnerships, and modernize export systems through digital and data-driven trade platforms. The consultation forum provided exporters with an opportunity to raise concerns affecting production, logistics, market access, and trade facilitation. The minister said the ministry would work closely with the private sector to address those challenges and create a more conducive business environment for exporters.   The export revenue target forms part of Ethiopia’s broader economic reform agenda, which seeks to expand manufacturing and agro-processing exports, improve external trade competitiveness, and strengthen the country’s position in regional and global markets. Kassahun reaffirmed the government’s commitment to supporting exporters through policy coordination, market promotion, and measures aimed at improving the quality and international competitiveness of Ethiopian products.

Addis Ababa, August 12, 2026 (ENA) —Ethiopian American scholar Emeritus Professor Alemayehu G. Mariam has described the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) as “the crown of the earth and the crown of Africa” following a visit to the landmark project with members of the Ethiopian diaspora. Al Mariam made the remarks in a post on his X page after visiting the GERD in the Benishangul Gumuz Region with diaspora members who attended the Ethiopian National Dialogue Conference. The delegation visited the dam last weekend as part of a trip organized by the Ethiopian Diaspora Service in collaboration with the Ministry of Tourism. For many participants, the visit was their first opportunity to see the project, which has become one of Ethiopia’s most prominent symbols of national development and self-reliance. Reflecting on the visit, Al Mariam said he had witnessed the transformation of the project from an unfinished construction site into what he described as one of Africa’s significant infrastructure achievements. “I saw the GERD when the site was little more than a dumpsite filled with rusted metal, equipment, and machinery, with construction virtually halted,” he said. He added that he had since watched the project rise into “the crown of the earth and the crown of Africa.” The delegation also toured the surrounding landscape, including the vast reservoir and the GERD Saddle Dam. Al Mariam highlighted the natural beauty of Benishangul Gumuz, particularly its forests, wildlife and riverine landscapes, saying the area has considerable potential for tourism development. Built on the Abay River, the GERD rises more than 145 meters and stretches nearly two kilometers across the riverbed. Its reservoir has a storage capacity of more than 70 billion cubic meters, while the dam has an installed electricity generating capacity of 5,150 megawatts. Beyond its power generation capacity, Al Mariam said the GERD represents the collective contribution of Ethiopians at home and abroad. He noted that farmers, workers, students, civil servants, businesses and members of the diaspora contributed to the project through bond purchases, donations and fundraising campaigns. “The dam became an expression of national ownership in the fullest sense that Ethiopians were not merely waiting for development to arrive; they were financing and building it themselves,” he said. He described the GERD as a symbol of perseverance and self reliance, noting that Ethiopia continued construction despite challenges in securing international financing. The dam was officially inaugurated on September 9, 2025, following 14 years of construction. Al Mariam said the project has since become a major pillar of Ethiopia’s electricity generation capacity and regional power ambitions. He said the GERD is expected to support Ethiopia’s electrification, industrialization and economic development while enabling increased electricity exports to neighboring countries. Ethiopia currently exports electricity to Djibouti, Kenya, Sudan and Tanzania, while discussions are underway to expand electricity exports to other countries in the region. Al Mariam also urged Ethiopia to develop the GERD and its surrounding areas as a major tourism destination through investment in roads, accommodation, environmental conservation and community-based tourism. “A visit to the GERD is far more than an ordinary sightseeing excursion. It is a pilgrimage to the beating heart of modern Ethiopian pride and perseverance,” he said. Reflecting on the visit, Al Mariam said the experience strengthened his belief in Ethiopia’s development potential. “To stand before the awesome GERD is to witness the meeting of ancient geography and modern ambition,” he said, adding that the project demonstrates “what unity and determination can achieve.” He expressed appreciation to the Ethiopian Diaspora Service, Ministry of Tourism, GERD management and staff, Ethiopian Airlines personnel and others involved in organizing the visit. Al Mariam concluded by describing the GERD as a living symbol of Ethiopia’s aspirations, resilience and confidence in its future.

Addis Ababa, August 11, 2026 (ENA) —House of People’s Representatives (HPR) Foreign Relations and Peace Affairs Standing Committee members and a Saudi Arabia tour operators delegation have held discussion today. During the meeting, the Standing Committee Chairperson Dima Nogo said Ethiopia and Saudi Arabia share long-standing historical ties across various spheres, adding that the relation between the two countries in tourism has also been growing due to the special attention given to the sector by the Ethiopian government.   Highlighting that tourist destinations are being developed to higher standards and that necessary infrastructure is being put in place for visitor convenience, he said the country will work with focus to further expand the sector and elevate the bilateral relationship to a higher level. For his part, member of the Saudi delegation team and a social media expert, Ali Dawud, said that Ethiopia and Saudi Arabia enjoy close historical relations and expressed commitment to working jointly to enhance cooperation in tourism. He added that the visit confirmed Ethiopia's dedicated effort toward developing the sector.   Similarly, Alid Ali, a delegation member and manager at Djibouti Airlines, noted observing Ethiopia's focused initiatives to advance tourism, citing the rapid development of recreational parks in Addis Ababa and other tourist sites as prime examples. A member of the group and founder of Trust Travel, Lina Mohammed, said efforts are being made to strengthen ties in tourism, stating that the team will work attentively to promote Ethiopia's tourist attractions and historical heritages globally.

Addis Ababa, August 11, 2026 (ENA) —Ethiopia’s future is inseparable from the Abay River and the Red Sea, with both serving as strategic pillars for national development and regional connectivity, Minister of Water and Energy Habtamu Itefa said. Speaking to ENA, the minister described the Abay (Blue Nile) and the Red Sea as two water bodies that have shaped Ethiopia’s history, influenced regional power dynamics, and continue to define the country’s economic and strategic trajectory. “The issue of these two waters should not be viewed simply in terms of whether water exists or not,” Habtamu said. He added that: “It must be understood in a much broader historical, economic, and geopolitical context.” Ethiopia is a major contributor to the Abay Basin, with about 86 percent of the Blue Nile’s flow originating in the Ethiopian highlands.   At the same time, the country has intensified diplomatic efforts to secure peaceful and mutually beneficial access to the Red Sea, a move that has increasingly gained regional and international momuntem. The minister said the wellbeing and future prosperity of Ethiopia’s more than 130 million people are closely linked to both the Abay and the Red Sea. The two water bodies are strategic assets with implications that extend beyond Ethiopia’s borders, he noted. Habtamu recalled that, for decades, Ethiopia was prevented from fully developing and utilizing the Abay River amid external political pressures. “Ethiopians have paid a heavy price because of these two waters,” he said, referring to historical constraints that limited the country’s development aspirations. He described the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) as a transformative national project that has fundamentally changed Ethiopia’s position. The dam, he said, has enabled the country to realize a long-held national aspiration while strengthening energy security and regional economic integration. GERD is now generating around 5.15 gigawatts of electricity, allowing Ethiopia to meet growing domestic demand and expand electricity exports to neighboring countries. This makes the country a key driver of regional power interconnection. On the Red Sea, the minister said Ethiopia’s current approach is based on diplomacy, peaceful engagement, and the principle of mutual benefit. He argued that the country’s pursuit of sea access should not be viewed as a short-term political agenda but as a strategic national objective that spans generations.   “The Red Sea issue is not the work of a government or a political party,” Habtamu said. He underscored that: “It is a long-term, intergenerational undertaking.” He added that improved Ethiopian access to the Red Sea could contribute not only to the country’s economic transformation but also to regional stability, maritime security, and reduced geopolitical competition in one of the world’s most strategically significant waterways. Amid East Africa’s shifting geopolitics, Habtamu said the Abay and Red Sea are interconnected strategic assets vital to Ethiopia’s growth and regional cooperation.

Addis Ababa, August 11, 2026 (ENA) —Ethiopia’s rapid infrastructure development and growing openness to foreign investment are strengthening its potential to emerge as a major investment hub in Africa, Fabrizio Grasso, CEO for Africa at Reportage Group, told ENA. Grasso said Ethiopia’s growth is increasingly visible across Addis Ababa, where the scale and speed of ongoing infrastructure development demonstrate the country’s promising prospects. “We believe that Ethiopia will become the center of Africa, not only geographically, but as an international hub under many aspects, plus industrial and not only,” he said in an exclusive interview with ENA. He praised the Ethiopian government’s efforts to attract foreign investment, noting that the country is gradually but quickly opening up to the international market. This opening is creating opportunities for companies such as Reportage to expand into the Ethiopian market. Reportage’s entry into Ethiopia is part of its broader expansion across Africa. The company is currently present in eight countries and is seeking to expand further on the continent, according to Grasso. He said Reportage sees strong potential in Ethiopia’s rapidly growing real estate market and wants to contribute to the country’s development. “Definitely, the real estate market in Ethiopia is growing very, very quickly, and we want to be part of that,” he said. To align its projects with Ethiopia’s Green Legacy initiative, Grasso said Reportage plans to apply its experience in green building and advanced technologies, particularly renewable energy solutions. He said that the company has implemented green-building technologies in projects in Masdar City in the UAE and intends to bring similar approaches to its developments in Ethiopia. Grasso said the company’s first project in Ethiopia is particularly significant, expressing confidence that the development will become a landmark in Addis Ababa. He said Ethiopia holds a special place for Reportage because launching a first project in a new country represents a particularly important moment for the company. The partnership between Reportage Group and the Ethiopian Defense Army Foundation, reached after discussions between the two sides over time, paved the way for the company’s first project in Ethiopia.

Addis Ababa, August 11, 2026 (ENA) —Friendship Park in the heart of Addis Ababa has become a national model for the new generation of public spaces emerging across Ethiopia, Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed said. In a social media post, the Prime Minister said Friendship Park has been serving as a catalyst for economic opportunity, social inclusion, and urban transformation, generating nearly one billion Birr in revenue over the past four years. The PM further stated that Friendship Park was among the first multi-purpose public spaces developed under the Medemer Government over the past eight years. The effort has demonstrated how strategic urban investment can generate broad public value, he revealed.   Friendship Park has generated nearly one billion Birr in revenue over the past four years alone while creating employment and economic opportunities through both direct and indirect activities, he pointed out. The park has also evolved into a vibrant civic space that brings together people from all walks of life, including families, children, sports groups, wedding parties, digital content creators, and local and international visitors. Beyond its economic contribution, Friendship Park has become a center for recreation, health, wellness, and community engagement, illustrating how well-planned public spaces can strengthen social cohesion while supporting Addis Ababa’s wider urbanization agenda.   The Prime Minister said the park now serves as a model for similar public spaces being developed across the capital and the country, creating value, expanding opportunity, and ensuring that high-quality urban spaces remain accessible to all citizens.

Staff Writer   August 9, 2026 (ENA) Some weeks are measured by the events they produce. Others are remembered for the direction they reveal. For Ethiopia, the past week was marked by a series of developments that reached far beyond individual announcements. From millions of citizens gathering under heavy rains to plant the seeds of an ecological future, to the country crossing the 50-million mark in its national digital identity system, and from renewed efforts to forge political consensus to a broader campaign against economic crimes, the week offered a picture of a country steadily building the foundations of its next chapter. Across environment, technology, governance, security and infrastructure, a common thread emerged: the pursuit of greater national capacity, resilience and self-reliance. Planting Hope, One Seedling at a Time Perhaps nowhere was the scale of that national mobilization more visible than in Ethiopia’s Green Legacy Initiative. In a remarkable 12-hour campaign conducted under the theme “Let Us Plant Hope,” Ethiopia planted more than 805.3 million tree seedlings, setting a new environmental record. The operation covered some 291,400 hectares and brought together an extraordinary 26.2 million citizens across the country. The scale was impressive. But the deeper significance lay in what stood behind the numbers. Millions of Ethiopians turned out despite torrential seasonal rains, transforming what could have been an ordinary environmental campaign into a nationwide demonstration of civic participation and collective responsibility. Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed captured the spirit of the day, saying: “Despite the formidable challenge of planting seedlings throughout the day in torrential rains, over 26.2 million Ethiopians stepped forward to plant hope for tomorrow. This extraordinary spirit proves that when we unite around a shared vision, no hurdle is insurmountable.” The achievement also placed the week within the broader trajectory of the Green Legacy Initiative. More than 6.5 billion seedlings have already been planted during the current Ethiopian year, leaving another 1.5 billion to reach the seasonal target of 8 billion seedlings. Yet the initiative is increasingly becoming about more than planting trees. Across regions, government officials and local communities have linked the campaign to soil conservation, watershed rehabilitation, food security and the protection of critical water infrastructure. Cabinet members and regional leaders also used the mobilization to strengthen anti-siltation efforts around dams. What began as a tree-planting campaign is increasingly taking the shape of a national climate-resilience strategy—one that seeks to connect environmental restoration with the country's long-term economic and ecological security. Strengthening Ethiopia’s Digital Frontiers As Ethiopia accelerates its digital transformation, the government is moving to secure the infrastructure underpinning it. This week, the Critical Infrastructure Cybersecurity Proclamation No. 1426/2026 was highlighted as a major step toward protecting strategic digital systems from growing cyber threats. INSA Director General Tigist Hamid said the law establishes a comprehensive framework for monitoring cyber risks and coordinating responses across 12 critical sectors, including finance, telecommunications, health, energy, water, transport and government services. The proclamation requires critical infrastructure operators to strengthen risk assessments, cyber audits and security governance, while establishing a dedicated cybersecurity fund to support resilience, innovation and skills development. As digital identity, electronic payments and online public services expand, the new framework seeks to ensure that Ethiopia’s digital transformation is matched by stronger protection of its national data, critical systems and digital sovereignty. The Search for Consensus Beyond technology and environmental restoration, Ethiopia's most consequential project remains political: finding a durable framework for national consensus. That effort moved another step forward this week as consultations under the National Dialogue framework brought more than 4,000 delegates representing different sections of society to the Addis International Convention Center. The significance of the gathering lies not merely in the number of participants, but in the difficult questions being placed on the table. Ethiopia's political history has been shaped by competing interpretations of power, identity, representation and economic opportunity. The National Dialogue seeks to move those disagreements from confrontation toward structured discussion—and ultimately toward a political culture capable of managing differences without repeatedly turning them into crises. In an extended broadcast interview, Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed reflected on the historical roots of popular struggles and the failures that helped produce them. He argued that understanding the past is essential not for perpetuating old divisions, but for addressing the structural problems that produced them. “The historic popular struggles of our past were fundamentally directed at rectifying system-level governance failures and economic marginalization—not at dismantling national unity. True state-building requires us to acknowledge these historical realities while constructively channeling our efforts into building a shared, equitable democratic future.” That distinction is central to the country's search for consensus: recognizing grievances without allowing them to become permanent political fault lines. The challenge now is to translate dialogue into institutions, agreements and a political culture capable of sustaining the country's unity while accommodating its diversity. Protecting the Economic Front Ethiopia’s economic transformation is also facing a battle against the networks seeking to exploit weaknesses in the system. This week, the government launched decisive measures against individuals, businesses and officials accused of corruption and illegal economic activities undermining the ongoing macroeconomic reform. Government Communication Service Minister Enatalem Melese said such networks had contributed to foreign-currency shortages, inflationary pressures, contraband trade and artificial shortages of essential goods. The crackdown has already seen more than 7,000 businesses and warehouses sealed, while 169 people accused of illegal money transfers, hawala activities and black-market currency transactions were brought before the law. Authorities also targeted illicit gold trading, fuel and fertilizer-related corruption, tax fraud, illegal financial flows and unauthorized electricity sales, with hundreds of suspects facing investigation or legal action. The breadth of the operation underscores a central message of the reform agenda: economic transformation requires not only new policies and investment, but also institutions capable of protecting the system from corruption, illicit markets and the misuse of national resources. Energy, Water and the Regional Horizon Ethiopia's infrastructure ambitions continued to intersect with its wider regional role, particularly in energy and water. Following the latest milestones associated with the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam, water-resource engineers and energy analysts emphasized the importance of sustaining momentum through further hydropower development along the Abay River basin. The argument extends beyond domestic electricity generation. Additional generation capacity, combined with stronger transmission infrastructure, could reinforce Ethiopia's position as a major electricity supplier to neighboring countries and contribute to the gradual integration of East Africa's power markets. The strategic equation is increasingly clear: Ethiopia's water and energy resources are not only national development assets; they can also become instruments of regional economic integration. At the same time, progress in localized clean-water systems and disease-surveillance networks added another dimension to the country's resilience agenda. From public health to environmental protection, the common objective is increasingly one of preparedness—building systems capable of absorbing shocks before they become national crises. A Week That Revealed a Direction Taken separately, the week's developments might appear to belong to entirely different worlds. Tree planting belongs to the environment. Digital identity belongs to technology. National Dialogue belongs to politics. Economic enforcement belongs to security. Hydropower belongs to infrastructure. But viewed together, they tell a more coherent story. They point toward a country seeking to strengthen the foundations of its sovereignty—from the restoration of its land and protection of its water resources to the security of its digital systems, the integrity of its economy and the institutions through which political differences are managed. The most important achievement of such a week, therefore, may not be any single record, platform or consultation. It is the emerging recognition that national transformation requires capacity on every front at once. A greener landscape. A more connected citizenry. Stronger institutions. A more secure economy. Greater energy capacity. And, above all, a political culture capable of turning Ethiopia's diversity from a source of recurring confrontation into a foundation for common purpose. That is what made the week significant. It was not simply a week of milestones. It was a week that offered another glimpse of the Ethiopia being built for tomorrow.

Addis Ababa, August 9, 2026 (ENA) —Members of the Ethiopian Diaspora visited GERD today, expressing pride as they witnessed firsthand the scale of the country’s landmark hydropower project. Speaking to Pulse of Africa, the diaspora members hailed the dam as “Ethiopia’s liquid gold.” The Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD), Africa’s largest hydropower project, has entered operation, marking a major milestone in Ethiopia’s drive to expand electricity generation and meet rising power demand at home and beyond. Members of the Diaspora who traveled from cities including Denver, London, Toronto and Washington described the visit as an emotional moment after years of supporting the project from abroad. More than 50 diaspora members visited the dam, which has served as a powerful rallying point for Ethiopians worldwide since construction began in 2011. Their support has included fundraising, advocacy and international engagement aimed at defending the project and promoting Ethiopia’s development aspirations. For Mamy Worku, who traveled from Denver, Colorado, seeing the GERD in person was difficult to put into words.   “It is beautiful, gigantic, ginormous. I don’t think I have words to explain how excited I am,” she said. Worku called the dam “Ethiopia’s liquid gold,” recalling the sacrifices made by Ethiopians abroad to help finance its construction. She said some diaspora families reduced personal expenses and even sacrificed money intended for gifts to their children to contribute to the project. For Dr. Leulseged Abebe of London, the visit represented the fulfillment of a dream built over years of advocacy. “It is a dream come true,” he said.   Abebe recalled the role played by Ethiopians in the United Kingdom in supporting the GERD, including the creation of the “It Is My Dam” app, a global fundraising initiative that helped channel contributions from Ethiopians around the world. “We have struggled a lot for the completion of the dam,” he said, reflecting on years of campaigning and mobilization. From Toronto, Alfia Ibrahim Abdulahi expressed similar excitement. “It is unbelievable. I can’t believe I am here, and I invite everyone to come and see,” she said. She highlighted the Canadian diaspora’s financial mobilization and stressed the importance of unity in supporting the project.   “Unity is everything,” she said, noting that Ethiopians from diverse ethnic, religious and political backgrounds came together around the GERD. On his part, Director General of Ethiopian Diaspora Service, Ambassador Fitsum Arega, said the diaspora’s contribution went far beyond financial support. Ethiopians abroad wrote letters, lobbied U.S. congressmen and senators, mobilized funds and engaged in international advocacy to support the project and communicate Ethiopia’s position to the global community, he said. The ambassador further revealed that diaspora communities mobilized 3.2 million USD after the completion of the project, demonstrating that their commitment to Ethiopia’s development has continued beyond the construction phase.   He said the diaspora’s engagement has also expanded into international promotion and advocacy, helping communicate Ethiopia’s development story abroad and respond to what he described as misinformation surrounding the country and its projects. For many of those visiting the GERD, the towering structure on the Abay River represents much more than electricity generation. It is a physical manifestation of years of sacrifice, fundraising, advocacy and collective determination.

Addis Ababa, August 9, 2026 (ENA) —Ethiopia is strengthening its technical and vocational education system to produce a competitive workforce capable of meeting the demands of both domestic and international labor markets, Labor and Skills Minister Muferihat Kamil said. The minister made the remarks today during a graduation ceremony at the FDRE Technical and Vocational Training Institute (TVTI). The minister said the technical and vocational education sector plays an indispensable role in advancing Ethiopia’s comprehensive development. She further noted reforms implemented in recent years have strengthened the sector, particularly in research, education, technology transfer and the development of skill parks.   The sector’s capacity to develop problem solving technologies and equip trainees with skills aligned with labor market demands would enable it to make a greater contribution to the country’s development. She added that additional skill parks and training infrastructure are being developed to help produce graduates who can compete in international labor markets. Addressing the graduates, Muferihat urged them to move beyond seeking employment and focus on creating jobs, emphasizing perseverance, discipline, hard work and patriotism as essential qualities for success. TVTI Director General Biruk Kedir on his part said the institute graduated 1,898 students in various professional programs. He said the institute has introduced new regular and short-term training programs as part of efforts to improve the quality and relevance of technical and vocational education. Biruk also noted the institute is working to establish joint programs with international institutions, with a focus on practical training, skills development, knowledge transfer, technology incubation and vocational education from an early stage.   The institute is also providing training in collaboration with the private sector, including in the fashion industry and other fields, he added. Among the graduates, Asnakech Wondimu said she is determined to create her own employment opportunities rather than rely solely on government jobs. Bizuye Zinabu, a top honors graduate, also said her studies provided extensive practical knowledge in addition to theoretical training and that she plans to serve the country through her profession. Rebika Engel, a graduate from South Sudan, expressed gratitude to the Ethiopian government for providing her with a scholarship. She said her experience in Ethiopia offered opportunities beyond academic studies, allowing her to learn about the country’s diverse cultures and traditions.

Addis Ababa, August 9, 2026 (ENA) —Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed said the Prosperity Party (PP) will place citizens’ wellbeing and tangible improvements in their daily lives at the center of its priorities over the next five years. In an interview with the Oromia Broadcasting Network (OBN), Prime Minister Abiy outlined an ambitious agenda spanning food sovereignty, public services, technology, energy, agriculture and urban development. The Premier revealed that the government will pursue a range of initiatives designed to ensure that the benefits of development reach citizens more directly and improve their quality of life. He identified the ongoing national dialogue as a key instrument for addressing Ethiopia’s longstanding political and social challenges, saying it could help resolve problems that have accumulated over generations and contribute to lasting solutions. The Prime Minister also underscored food sovereignty as a strategic priority for Ethiopia’s economic transformation, both at the regional and national levels. He said the government will intensify efforts to improve public service delivery while taking stronger measures against corruption, theft and inefficiency.   Elected officials, he added, have a responsibility to honor the commitments they made to citizens during the election and deliver meaningful results. Technology, according to Abiy, will be central to this effort. The government plans to expand the use of digital technologies across sectors to make public services more accessible, efficient and responsive to citizens’ needs. Speaking on the nation’s energy ambitions, the Prime Minister highlighted major energy initiatives expected to shape Ethiopia’s development trajectory over the coming years, including the country’s ambition to generate nuclear power for the first time. He described the nuclear energy program as a historic undertaking for Ethiopia and Africa, saying it could lay an important foundation for future generations. Abiy also pointed to Ethiopia’s emerging natural gas sector, noting that the country had pursued the development of its gas resources for decades but had previously struggled to fully utilize them.   He said Ethiopia is now extracting natural gas and developing industries that can use it as an industrial input. Some vehicles previously powered by diesel are also being converted to natural gas, with wider deployment of natural-gas-powered vehicles expected in the coming months. Acknowledging agriculture as central to Ethiopia’s food sovereignty, the Prime Minister said the sector remains a cornerstone of the country’s economy, livelihoods and national production. He emphasized expanding farmers’ access to fertilizer, irrigation, agricultural machinery and modern technologies to raise productivity and strengthen food sovereignty. Machinery is being imported to support the construction of fertilizer production facilities, while irrigation schemes are being expanded in different parts of the country, he said. The Premier noted that increased land cultivation and cluster farming have already contributed to higher agricultural output, adding that the government will continue to expand these efforts. Expanding irrigation, he stressed, is particularly important to enable farmers to produce throughout the year rather than relying predominantly on seasonal rainfall. Domestic fertilizer production, the PM added, will help reduce dependence on external supplies while strengthening Ethiopia’s capacity to meet its agricultural input needs.   The Prime Minister also highlighted Bishoftu International Airport under construction in Bishoftu as a landmark project with significance extending beyond Ethiopia, describing it as a major investment in the country’s future air transport and economic development. On urban development, PM Abiy said the government’s urban modernization and corridor development programs are ultimately aimed at transforming cities and improving the quality of services available to residents. The initiatives are designed to expand access to housing, clean water, electricity, street lighting and other essential services, while bringing education and healthcare facilities closer to communities. Beyond infrastructure, the projects are expected to generate employment, stimulate innovation and create more livable urban environments, he said. Pm Abiy said the experience gained from Addis Ababa’s urban modernization efforts will provide a foundation for transforming cities across Ethiopia’s regions during the next five years.

By Yimer Ayele (from POA) August 9, 2026 (ENA) Contrary to popular belief and the UN's designation of Egypt as water-scarce, the nation possesses immense water potentials that remain largely underreported and misunderstood. Egypt’s water security is often portrayed as precarious, primarily due to its heavy reliance on the Nile River and the challenges posed by climate change and population growth. However, a closer examination reveals a wealth of hidden resources and strategic infrastructure that position Egypt as a water rich nation with significant untapped potential. These resources include the vast reservoirs behind the Aswan High Dam, the immense Nubian Sandstone Aquifer System, advancements in desalination technology, and regional cooperation through the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD). Recognizing and harnessing these resources is essential not only for Egypt’s future but also for redefining regional water narratives across Africa and beyond. At the core of Egypt’s water resilience is Lake Nasser, stored behind the Aswan High Dam. This massive reservoir holds approximately 169 billion cubic meters of water, acting as a strategic buffer against both seasonal flooding and periods of drought. The dam’s ability to regulate flow has historically safeguarded Egypt’s agriculture, industry, and domestic water needs. Yet, the story does not end there. Beyond Lake Nasser lies the Nubian Sandstone Aquifer System (NSAS), the world’s largest known fossil water underground reservoir. Spanning over two million square kilometers across Egypt, Libya, Sudan, and Chad, the NSAS contains an estimated 150,000 cubic kilometers of water. This underground aquifer is a silent, yet potent, resource that far exceeds the Nile’s discharge over five centuries, representing a strategic reserve that Egypt and neighboring countries can tap into for decades to come. The sheer scale of this resource underscores Egypt’s hidden water wealth and potential for long-term resilience. The aquifer’s existence challenges the narrative of water scarcity and opens avenues for sophisticated, sustainable extraction strategies that can complement surface water sources. In addition to these underground and surface reserves, Egypt has made significant strides in desalination—producing roughly 1.5 to 2 million cubic meters of desalinated water daily. The country has launched a strategic master plan through 2050 that aims to multiply desalination capacity utilizing public-private partnerships, green grants, and coastal expansion projects. The integration of renewable energy, especially solar power, into desalination facilities can be a cornerstone of Egypt’s sustainable water future, aligning with global efforts to reduce carbon footprints and harness green energy sources. Egypt’s water strategy should also encompass regional cooperation, exemplified by Ethiopia’s Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD). This mega hydropower project, while primarily aimed at electricity generation, exemplifies regional collaboration that benefits downstream countries. The dam helps regulate the Blue Nile’s flow, trapping sediments, and reducing downstream siltation that historically degraded reservoirs like Lake Nasser. It also ensures a more consistent water release, reducing extreme floods and droughts and extending reservoir lifespan through sediment trapping. Ethiopia’s focus on hydropower for electricity rather than mass diversion for irrigation exemplifies a sustainable approach that aligns with Egypt’s needs and regional stability. Egypt’s water story must shift to one of resilience, strategic resource management, and regional cooperation. It must shift to a narrative that highlights the immense hidden potential—vast underground aquifers, advanced desalination capacity, and collaborative water governance—that must be communicated globally. The misconception of Egypt as a water-scarce country overlooks these critical resources and innovations. Recognizing and harnessing Egypt’s true water potential is essential for ensuring sustainable development, regional stability, and a resilient future for all. The world must be told the truth: Egypt is not just a water-scarce country but a water-rich nation with enormous, largely untapped resources that can secure its future for generations to come. However, Egypt is actively pursuing massive desert development projects—such as the New Delta agricultural scheme and the new city of Jirian—by shifting the natural course of the Nile and reallocating billions of cubic meters of Nile water to supply new farming and urban areas. The Egyptian desert where Nile waters have been diverted (such as through the Toshka Project or spillways from Lake Nasser) is the Western Desert. This vast arid region experiences extreme heat, leading to high evaporation rates in artificial lakes and open irrigation canals. Egypt must be more transparent not only in the wasteful practice observable in the ways that the northern Africa country is diverting the natural course of the Nile, but also in declaring truth concerning the immense water buried underground across vast area of land.It is spectacular how Egypt managed to bamboozle the whole world, portraying itself as a water-scarce country. It is not!

Addis Ababa, August 8, 2026 (ENA) — The Ethiopian Army Foundation and the real estate developer Reportage Properties have launched a mixed-use development project that blends residential spaces with commercial function. The housing development project rests on 23,000 square meters, with two residential towers that will have 1,086 apartments and about 15,000 square meters of commercial space, recreational facilities, and landscaped green areas, it was learned. Ethiopian Army Foundation Board Chairperson, Martha Luwigi, stated that the project will create employment opportunities, improve living standards, and facilitate the transfer of modern construction technologies and expertise. Speaking at the ground-breaking ceremony, she said the project will contribute to Addis Ababa’s economic and social transformation by stimulating investment and improving the city’s urban landscape. The project is a potential model for future international investment and stronger investor confidence in Ethiopia, Martha added. The Chairperson also highlighted Ethiopia’s progress in implementing major development projects under the leadership of Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed. “Project execution, characterized by stronger leadership, effective coordination, close supervision, improved accountability, and more efficient utilization of resources, has undergone significant transformation under the leadership of Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed,” she noted. Martha emphasized that international cooperation and partnerships among government institutions, the private sector, international investors and development partners are essential to accelerate sustainable growth, attract quality investment, and facilitate technology and knowledge transfer. Reportage Group Chairman, Aref Ismail Al Khoori, said Ethiopia has “tremendous potential” and that the company is committed to supporting the country’s growth through developments that create value and opportunities. The partnership also reflects growing economic and investment cooperation between Ethiopia and the United Arab Emirates, bringing together an Ethiopian institution and a UAE-based international real estate developer. CEO and Group Managing Director of Reportage, Andrea Nucera, said that the UAE developer already has more than 70 employees in Ethiopia; and “we will be an Ethiopian company operating in Ethiopia”. Reportage Properties operates in 25 countries and employs nearly 15,000 people globally. The company has delivered more than 55,000 units and has about 45,000 units under development, according to the CEO.

Addis Ababa, August 7, 2026 (ENA) —Many hydropower experts and policy observers are urging Ethiopia to consolidate the momentum created by the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) by expanding investment in additional mega dams on the Abay (Blue Nile) River. Ethiopia has recently inaugurated the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD), the largest hydropower plant in Africa and one of the continent’s most significant engineering achievements. Most importantly, Ethiopia’s achievement through GERD has brought about a major shift in the narrative surrounding the Abay (Nile) River, challenging the long-standing dominance that Egypt has sought to maintain over the Nile waters and strengthening the principle of equitable utilization of shared water resources. Ethiopia contributes a substantial share of the Nile waters through the Abay River system, making the river central to the country’s hydropower and development ambitions. For Solomon Zena, Executive Director of the Policy Innovation Research Center (PIRC), GERD has vividly demonstrated what Ethiopians can accomplish through unity, and the country must sustain that momentum by building on the critical experience gained from the historic success of the dam. In an exclusive interview with ENA, Solomon said Ethiopia has repeatedly demonstrated its capacity to undertake transformative national projects. He added that the successful completion of GERD stands as a powerful example of the country’s determination, resilience, and collective commitment.   The Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam is a major clean-energy project that significantly boosts renewable hydropower generation and serves as a strategic foundation for advancing regional economic integration. According to Solomon, GERD is generating renewable electricity that is not only transforming Ethiopia’s energy sector but also strengthening the country’s climate actions and providing energy that can support regional development. He further elaborated on the significance of GERD in mitigating climate change by producing large-scale renewable energy and reducing dependence on fossil fuels. Solomon stressed that Ethiopia should move forward by sustaining the momentum in developing its water resources, drawing on the valuable institutional, technical, and financial experience gained through the GERD project. “The nation needs to move ahead and build more dams,” he underlined. Solomon added that: “The successful completion of GERD clearly demonstrates what Ethiopians can accomplish through unity and determination.” Ethiopia has recently planned to build additional hydropower and irrigation dams. The plan aimed at accelerating economic development, enhancing food security, expanding electricity generation, and strengthening the country’s leading role in regional integration through cross-border power connectivity. Meanwhile, Egyptian officials have continued to oppose Ethiopia’s dam development agenda through diplomatic pressure and public statements. For instance, Egypt’s Minister of Water Resources and Irrigation, Hani Sewilam, said that Egypt “will not allow” Ethiopia to build new dams on the Nile River.   Many Ethiopian observers viewed the statement as a significant escalation in Egypt’s rhetoric, arguing that such positions seek to constrain the upstream nation’s sovereign right to pursue development projects within its own territory. Moreover, analysts argue that Egypt has sought to build regional political and security partnerships aimed at increasing pressure on Ethiopia over Nile-related issues and broader regional influence. They contend that Cairo has attempted to strengthen anti-Ethiopia’s alignments with regional actors as part of its effort to influence the balance of power surrounding Nile negotiations and broader Horn of Africa geopolitics. It is a public knowledge that Egyptian irredentist and militaristic regime is already organizing and financing military and diplomatic alliances with Sudanese Armed Forces, the Eritrean regime, local extremist and terrorist forces in Amhara, Oromia and Tigray regions locally known as Tsimdo in a bid to contain the successful economic, diplomatic and regional and national development programs currently spearheaded by Ethiopia. Egypt is supporting a regional conspirators and sabre rattlers to obstruct the peaceful economic development in Ethiopia and chock the nation from having access to ports and the Red Sea international commercial route open to all countries across the world. This clearly indicates how Egypt has been the major catalyst for military and political instability in the region and more particularly in Sudan. However, Egypt’s increasingly aggressive opposition to Ethiopia’s hydropower ambitions has sparked widespread discontent among Ethiopians, intensifying debates over sovereignty, equitable water utilization, and the right of nations to pursue sustainable development. And Solomon emphasized the need to maintain that momentum by expanding the efforts that produced GERD and by applying the same spirit of national cooperation to future development projects across the economy. “Ethiopia has to keep its momentum as long as the people and the government believe that it promotes development without harming others,” Solomon underscored. “We need to go ahead and do what we did with the Grand Renaissance Dam. I understand that we need more dams,” he added. Energy expert Mikael Alemu also questioned the political framing of Egypt’s opposition to GERD.   “Egypt’s argument on the Grand Renaissance Dam sounds much more political,” Mikael told the Ethiopian News Agency. “It has become a very convenient issue in Egyptian politics,” he said, arguing that domestic political pressures can encourage governments to sustain external disputes. “Frequently, Egypt’s political situation seeks an outside enemy. It is politically useful to have an external adversary when domestic politics becomes challenging,” Mikael argued. For him, the claim that Ethiopia would deliberately seek to deprive Egypt of water is fundamentally irrational. The Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam is widely regarded as indispensable for advancing regional economic integration, expanding renewable energy generation, and strengthening Ethiopia’s position as a major clean-energy hub in East Africa. For many experts and observers, the completion of GERD is not the end of Ethiopia’s hydropower journey but the beginning of a broader strategy to harness the Abay River for sustainable development, energy security, climate resilience, and shared regional prosperity.

Addis Ababa, August 7, 2026 (ENA) — The Ethiopian Electric Utility (EEU) surpassed its annual target by collecting 118.91 billion Birr in revenue during the 2018 Ethiopian fiscal year, the utility disclosed. Generated from electricity sales, new customer connections, and other operational streams, the revenue helped finance infrastructure development, enhance service delivery, and expand access across the nation. Presenting its annual performance report to the media, EEU highlighted key achievements in revenue generation, grid expansion, customer service, digital transformation, and strategic targets for the upcoming fiscal year. Getu Geremew, Chief Executive Officer of EEU, stated that the utility made significant progress across revenue collection, access expansion, service quality, and digital adoption throughout the reporting period. Against a planned revenue target of 115.86 billion Birr, EEU generated 118.91 billion Birr. The utility also contributed 12.39 billion Birr in taxes and government revenues, marking a 56 percent increase compared with the previous fiscal year. Getu noted that total expenditure reached 133.6 billion Birr, covering operations, infrastructure construction, maintenance, and capital investments. Additional internal resources were also mobilized to support network upgrades and capacity expansion. Over the course of the fiscal year, EEU connected 664,505 new customers, bringing its total customer base to 5.88 million. Electricity access was extended to 205 rural towns and villages through both grid and off-grid solutions. The utility expanded its distribution network by 13,269 kilometers and rehabilitated 4,892 kilometers of existing lines. To reinforce grid reliability, it installed 8,834 distribution transformers, adding 1,621 MW of capacity. EEU purchased and distributed 18,319 gigawatt-hours of electricity for domestic and export markets—achieving 100.5 percent of its target and reflecting a 15.5 percent surge in power demand compared with the previous fiscal year. The report highlighted notable strides in digital transformation, with digital payment usage climbing to 95.3 percent. EEU further expanded digital services, introducing smart metering, electronic receipts, and multi-channel self-service platforms. Power reliability improved as the frequency of interruptions declined, driven by routine inspections, proactive maintenance, and infrastructure upgrades. However, operational hurdles such as infrastructure theft, vandalism, power theft, and right-of-way constraints continue to pose challenges. Looking ahead to the 2019 Ethiopian fiscal year, EEU aims to connect 1.1 million new households, extend the distribution network by 12,549 kilometers, electrify 317 rural villages, and boost energy sales volume to 21,331 gigawatt-hours while pursuing further service enhancements.

Addis Ababa, August 7, 2026 (ENA) — Prominent Indian international digital news platform Firstpost has released a major feature detailing Ethiopia’s sweeping economic transformation, underscoring how massive infrastructure investments and key economic reforms are propelling the nation forward as a powerhouse in the Horn of Africa. In a segment dedicated to the nation's development trajectory, the channel highlighted Ethiopia's shift away from historic challenges toward a future powered by multi-sectoral growth spanning energy, aviation, mining, agriculture, and digital technology. The report emphasized the central role of the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD), identifying it as the foundation of the nation's industrial ambitions. The news feature underscored the dam's unique national character, emphasizing that the project was realized through domestic resource mobilization. "Ethiopia never took a single Birr in terms of aid or loan for constructing the Renaissance Dam," the report highlighted, noting that by exporting clean power to Kenya, Djibouti, and Sudan, the nation is turning electricity into vital foreign currency while strengthening regional integration. Turning to the logistics sector, the program highlighted the construction of the 12.5 billion USD Bishoftu International Airport, which is projected to handle up to 110 million passengers and nearly 4 million tons of cargo annually. The initiative aims to solidify Addis Ababa's position as a premier global aviation hub linking Africa with Europe, Asia, and West Asia. "Reports say the new 12.5-billion-dollar Bishoftu International Airport currently under construction will eventually handle up to 110 million passengers every year and nearly 4 million tons of cargo… If completed as planned, it will rank among the largest aviation hubs in the world... designed to position Addis Ababa as a major gateway linking Africa, Europe, Asia, as well as West Asia.", the report said. In the agricultural and industrial sectors, the report drew attention to large-scale efforts toward food self-sufficiency, including a 2.5 billion USD fertilizer project in the Somali region designed to produce 3 million tons of urea annually. It also noted the expansion of gold production through projects like Kurmuk Gold as key drivers for foreign exchange diversification. "Beneath Ethiopia's soil, another economic revolution is underway. The country is expanding its mining industry with projects like Kurmuk Gold emerging as new sources of foreign currency." Furthermore, the broadcast cited structural policy moves that have opened previously restricted sectors—including telecommunications, banking, real estate, and capital markets—to private capital. The feature concluded by affirming that Ethiopia's ambitious project implementation and pragmatic economic policy continue to reshape the broader economic landscape of the continent.