Brazil has opened a permanent office of its Trade and Investment Promotion Agency (ApexBrasil) in Addis Ababa, aiming to strengthen economic, trade and investment ties with Ethiopia and expand its business engagement across the African market. The inauguration of the office brought together senior Ethiopian and Brazilian government officials, business community representatives, diplomats. Commissioner of the Ethiopian Investment Commission, Zeleke Temesgen, said the establishment of the ApexBrasil permanent office in Addis Ababa marks the beginning of a tangible strategic alignment between Ethiopia and Brazil.   He said the office will play a significant role in removing information barriers for investors, providing market intelligence and strengthening business-to-business connections between the two countries. According to the Commissioner, the office will also create opportunities to combine Brazil’s technology-driven agricultural expertise with Ethiopia’s vast agricultural potential, particularly in coffee, improved seeds, livestock and modern agribusiness. He reaffirmed the Ethiopian Investment Commission’s commitment to providing the necessary support to Brazilian companies seeking to enter and invest in the Ethiopian market. On his part, Brazilian Ambassador to Ethiopia, Jandyr Ferreira dos Santos, said the opening of the permanent ApexBrasil office represents a new chapter in the economic relationship between the two countries.   “Much more than an opening of a new office, today we are opening a new chapter” in the relationship between Brazil and Ethiopia, the ambassador said. He said the establishment of the office reflects the progress achieved in bilateral relations and the two countries’ ambition to take their economic partnership to a higher level. He said the new office will enable Brazilian companies to better understand the Ethiopian market, identify local partners, access market intelligence and develop concrete trade and investment opportunities. Ambassador Jandyr said Addis Ababa was a natural choice for the office given Ethiopia’s position as one of Africa’s largest markets and the city’s role as the diplomatic capital of the continent. He identified agriculture and agribusiness, aviation, pharmaceuticals, infrastructure and renewable energy among the areas offering significant potential for cooperation. The ambassador also highlighted the growing political and institutional relations between Ethiopia and Brazil.   He noted that Ethiopia and Brazil’s shared membership in BRICS also provides an additional framework for strengthening economic cooperation, including trade, investment and joint industrialization projects. The permanent presence of ApexBrasil in Addis Ababa is expected to provide continuity to business engagement between the two countries, enabling potential opportunities to develop into concrete investments, partnerships and job-creating projects. The office will also serve as a bridge between Brazilian and Ethiopian businesses and a platform for expanding Brazil’s economic engagement with Ethiopia, East Africa and the wider African continent. Director General for Europe and the American at Ethiopia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Meles Alem, said the establishment of the ApexBrasil office marks a new era in the economic partnership between Ethiopia and Brazil.   He said the office will serve as a platform to further enhance trade and investment ties, facilitate business partnerships and promote concrete engagement between Ethiopian and Brazilian businesses. Ambassador Meles noted that Ethiopia and Brazil will celebrate 75 years of diplomatic relations this year, describing the longstanding relationship as one that has continued to develop across generations. He said Addis Ababa is a strategic location for the ApexBrasil office because of its role as the political and diplomatic hub of Africa and its position as a gateway to the continent’s business community. The ambassador highlighted Ethiopia’s direct air connectivity with Brazil and its potential to serve as a gateway to the African Continental Free Trade Area, providing Brazilian companies with access to the wider African market. The Ethiopian government, he said, will provide the necessary support for the effective and timely operationalization of the regional office. President of ApexBrasil, Laudemir Müller, on his part said the opening of the office marks a new chapter in Brazil’s partnership with Africa, particularly with Ethiopia.   He said Africa has become a priority for Brazil because of its young population, agricultural potential, critical mineral resources and longstanding cultural ties with Brazil. Müller said Ethiopia was selected for ApexBrasil’s first African office because of its economic growth, large population, BRICS membership and strategic position as a logistics hub connecting Africa and the Middle East.

Addis Ababa, Sep 2, 2026 (ENA) — The Ethiopia Commodity Exchange (ECX) achieved 167.8 percent of its annual target by trading 48.83 billion Birr worth of commodities during the 2018 Ethiopian fiscal year, according to the Ministry of Trade and Regional Integration. The ECX, an institution accountable to the Ministry, had set a target of trading export commodities worth 29.1 billion Birr during the fiscal year. Its actual performance exceeded the target by 19.73 billion Birr, according to a social media post by the ministry. The ministry also noted that the result represented a 79 percent increase from the 27.2 billion Birr worth of commodities traded during the 2017 Ethiopian fiscal year. The strong trading performance was accompanied by expanded quality inspection and certification services aimed at supporting standardized commodity grading and trading. During the fiscal year, the ECX issued quality inspection certificates for 14,327 samples, including 8,499 coffee samples and 5,828 samples of oilseeds and pulses. The Exchange also expanded quality inspection services to trading channels outside its platform. It inspected 2,314 vehicles carrying 38,710 tons of commodities for cooperatives and direct link traders and issued grading certificates for the inspected commodities. In addition, the ECX provided weighing services for 17,648 vehicles carrying 695,073 tons of commodities during the fiscal year. According to the ministry’s post, the Exchange is also expanding the range of commodities covered by its modern trading system. It has finalized contract specifications and quality standards for three new products: opal, cotton, and hides and skins. The expansion is expected to broaden the range of commodities traded through the Exchange and further strengthen standardized commodity trading in Ethiopia.

Addis Ababa, Sep 2, 2026 (ENA) — Ethiopia’s comprehensive macroeconomic reforms are creating more favorable conditions for the export sector, easing longstanding business constraints and helping investors access new international markets, business owners and industry leaders said. They said the reforms are generating positive momentum across investment and export activities by addressing structural bottlenecks, improving the business environment and facilitating access to emerging commercial destinations. Horticulture producer and exporter Tsegaye Abebe said bureaucratic hurdles that previously hampered business operations have been substantially reduced under the current economic framework. He said the ongoing reforms and improvements in the investment climate are enabling both domestic and foreign investors to operate more efficiently and improve their business performance. Tsegaye noted that, in addition to established investors from China, India and Europe, capital from Far Eastern countries such as Vietnam is increasingly flowing into various sectors, which he said reflects the growing impact of the reforms. General Manager of Beeco Agro Industry Tamirat Adugna said his company primarily exports fresh strawberries to markets in the Middle East, Far East, Africa and Europe. He said government incentives and structural support for export-oriented producers, combined with the macroeconomic reforms, are helping companies expand production and strengthen their competitiveness in international markets. Tamirat also highlighted improvements in financial and banking services, particularly access to foreign currency and the processing of Letters of Credit. According to him, streamlined banking procedures have made international transactions easier, facilitating entry into emerging markets and strengthening trade ties with Far Eastern destinations, including Singapore and Thailand. Export Manager of Shavamo Export PLC Tariku Guteta said Europe has historically been a major destination for Ethiopian coffee exports. However, he noted that changing trade restrictions and regulatory requirements within the European Union have made market diversification increasingly important for Ethiopian exporters. Tariku said government efforts to identify and open alternative export destinations are crucial for increasing the country’s overall export volume while reducing dependence on a limited number of markets and trading blocs. The industry representatives emphasized that sustaining the reform process, improving trade facilitation and expanding access to international markets would be essential to strengthening Ethiopia’s export competitiveness and supporting investment led economic growth.

Addis Ababa, Sep 2, 2026 (ENA) — Ethiopia’s agricultural modernization efforts are delivering significant gains in production and productivity while advancing the country’s drive toward food sovereignty, according to State Minister of Agriculture Sophia Kassa. The Ministry of Agriculture convened a consultative forum to assess the implementation of the 2025/26 fiscal year plan and set strategic priorities for 2026/27. Opening the forum, Sophia highlighted key achievements recorded during the 2024/25 harvest season, attributing higher farm productivity to improved agricultural practices and the timely provision of inputs. She noted that 20 million quintals of chemical fertilizer were distributed directly to smallholder farmers and agro-pastoralists nationwide, significantly enhancing access to essential supplies. The state minister emphasized that the expansion of dry-season irrigated wheat production has now become an established agricultural practice, crediting strong leadership and sustained commitment across all levels of administration. She also pointed to progress made under the "Bounty of the Basket" (Lemat Tirufat) initiative, which has driven substantial increases in domestic milk and egg production. On environmental conservation, Sophia reported that watershed management activities under the Green Legacy Initiative have expanded Ethiopia’s forest cover to 23.6 percent while creating employment opportunities for youth and women. Furthermore, she stated that agricultural exports generated 4.55 billion USD in foreign exchange earnings during the completed fiscal year. Coffee led agricultural exports and served as the primary source of foreign currency, accounting for 3.1 billion USD of total earnings. She linked this growth to ongoing afforestation and agroforestry efforts integrated into the Green Legacy Initiative. Looking ahead, Sophia called for intensified efforts to streamline input supply systems and accelerate the adoption of modern technologies to boost productivity and secure food sovereignty. She noted that the consultative forum serves as an essential platform to evaluate implementation gaps, review milestones, and formulate actionable strategies for the 2026/27 fiscal year. The forum convened regional agriculture bureau heads, sector leaders, and key stakeholders to assess performance and establish priorities for the upcoming year. It is previously reported that agricultural exports generated 4.55 billion USD in total revenue during the concluded budget year.

September 2, 2026 – The Minister of Finance, Ahmed Shide, met with Makhtar Diop, the Managing Director of the International Finance Corporation, to deepen collaboration and scale up private sector investment in Ethiopia. During the meeting, the Minister briefed on the Government of Ethiopia’s implementation of the bold macroeconomic reforms and their contribution to improving the investment landscape and creating new opportunities for the private sector. The Minister emphasized IFC's continued support as a catalyst for private capital. IFC has a portfolio of USD 500 million across diversified sectors including agribusiness, manufacturing, financial services, healthcare, tourism, and telecommunications. The Managing Director appreciated the bold reforms undertaken by the Government and reaffirmed IFC's strong commitment to supporting the country's development priorities. Both sides discussed priority areas for enhanced collaboration, including continued support through PPP arrangements and project investments across transport, energy, and housing. Mr. Diop also affirmed IFC’s commitment to continue working closely with the Government to advance other priorities such as the transformative Bishoftu International Airport project, and programmatic support for IPPs and mobilizing private capital at scale.

Addis Ababa, Sep 1, 2026 (ENA) — Ethiopia and China’s Yunnan Province are seeking to deepen cooperation in coffee trade, investment, and value addition, with Chinese businesses expressing growing interest in Ethiopian specialty coffee. Speaking at the China-Yunnan and Ethiopia Bilateral Trade Promotion Conference 2026 in Addis Ababa today, Investment Deputy Commissioner Zinabu Yirga stated that Ethiopia’s coffee sector offers significant opportunities for investors, particularly in processing and value addition. “This is not simply an opportunity to export Ethiopian coffee; it is an opportunity to invest, process, innovate, and create value in Ethiopia,” he emphasized. He highlighted opportunities across the coffee value chain, including commercial production, climate-smart agriculture, modern processing, roasting, instant coffee production, capsule manufacturing, and packaging. According to the Deputy Commissioner, Ethiopia seeks to transform its position as the birthplace of Arabica coffee into a stronger hub for coffee value addition and investment, creating opportunities for technology transfer, industrial development, employment, and access to new markets. Yunnan Provincial Department of Commerce Deputy Director-General Li Yi noted that Ethiopia’s unique geographical conditions have produced high-quality coffee with distinctive flavors, making it an important source of specialty coffee. Yunnan’s robust coffee-processing capacity and growing market create complementary opportunities with Ethiopia, she stated. The Deputy Director-General added that Yunnan businesses have a genuine demand for high-quality green coffee beans and proposed a cooperation model that combines Ethiopian coffee with deep processing in Yunnan to target both Chinese and global markets. Chinese Embassy Economic and Commercial Office Counselor Liu Xiaoguang remarked that China-Ethiopia friendly cooperation has continued to deepen, with growing opportunities to expand trade and market access for Ethiopian products. According to him, Ethiopia’s distinctive coffee varieties, combined with Yunnan’s processing capacity, commercial networks, and consumer market, create strong potential for cooperation, particularly as demand for premium coffee continues to grow in China. “Coffee-centered economic and trade cooperation between the two sides represents an excellent choice featuring complementary strengths and win-win results,” Xiaoguang stated. The conference brought together government officials, coffee exporters, industry representatives, and Chinese business delegates to explore trade and investment opportunities across the coffee value chain. Ethiopia, China’s Yunnan Province Striving to Deepen Coffee Trade and Value Addition.

Addis Ababa, Sep 1, 2026 (ENA) — Ethiopia’s Homegrown Economic Reform Agenda and the European Union’s Global Gateway initiative are complementary frameworks that can foster sustainable economic partnership, House of People's Representatives Foreign Relations and Peace Affairs Standing Committee Chairperson Dima Noggo said. The Chairperson made the remark while opening a dialogue organized by the Institute of Foreign Affairs (IFA) and the European Union in Ethiopia under the theme, “Strategic Partnerships for Transformation: The EU Global Gateway and Ethiopia’s Homegrown Economic Reform Agenda.” The two frameworks together demonstrate that effective partnership goes beyond the transfer of resources and require genuine alignment of priorities, purpose and responsibility, he said. Under the Homegrown Economic Reform Agenda II, the country has pursued macroeconomic stabilization, liberalized key sectors, modernized public institutions and worked to create an investment environment in which confidence is rewarded with opportunity. “The Government of Ethiopia has taken difficult but necessary decisions,” according to Dima, who noted that the country has undertaken currency exchange reforms, strengthened fiscal discipline and opened sectors that had long been protected from competition. These measures are aimed at laying a solid foundation for broad-based and durable prosperity through a private sector-driven, digitally enabled and industrially competitive economy. The Chairperson underscored that no country can transform its economy in isolation, emphasizing Ethiopia’s continued commitment to substantive partnerships with international partners. The complementarity between the Homegrown Economic Reform Agenda and EU’s Global Gateway is rooted in a shared conviction that development should be sustainable, partnerships transparent and mutually beneficial, and investments geared toward strengthening local capacity, Dima stated. The alignment between Ethiopia’s reform priorities and international partnership frameworks can help translate investment and cooperation into sustainable economic transformation, the Chairperson added. Addressing the occasion, Head of Partnership and Minister Counselor at the EU delegation to Ethiopia, Daniel Hachez, said Global Gateway is designed to support partner countries' own development priorities. Ethiopia is advancing its Homegrown Economic Reform Agenda II, a comprehensive reform framework aimed at addressing macroeconomic imbalances, moving from a public-led to a market-oriented economy, accelerating structural transformation, and strengthening the private sector. The complementarity between Ethiopia's reform priorities and the Global Gateway are significant as both place emphasis on sustainable development, Sustainable Development Goals that can hopefully be achieved by 2030, Hachez said. According to him, the European Union sees Ethiopia as a strategic partner. "We believe that by aligning the Global Gateway with Ethiopia's reform agenda, we can help lay the groundwork for a stronger, more resilient, and more competitive economy, while also contributing to the wider regional connectivity." He reaffirmed the European Union's commitment to work with Ethiopia in a spirit of partnership, shared ownership and mutual respect with the target of deepening the cooperation. Deputy Executive Director at the Institute of Foreign Affairs (IFA), Mohammedrafi Abaraya, for his part said Ethiopia and the European Union share longstanding historical and diplomatic ties. Relations between the two have expanded beyond diplomacy to encompass development cooperation, trade, and investment, peace and security, humanitarian assistance, research and institutional collaboration, he elaborated. Since Ethiopia embarked on its reform journey in 2018, the European Union has remained an important partner in supporting the country's development and reform priorities as the European Union Global Gateway offers a significant opportunity to further deepen this partnership, Mohammedrafi noted.

Addis Ababa, Sep 1, 2026 (ENA) — Water stored in Egypt’s downstream reservoirs suffers from high rates of evaporation due to the country’s hot desert climate, according to Fekahmed Negash, Chairperson of the Advisory Team on Transboundary Water and GERD at Ethiopia’s Ministry of Water and Energy. Fekahmed, a former member of Ethiopia’s GERD negotiation team and former Executive Director of the Eastern Nile Technical Regional Office (ENTRO), emphasized that Ethiopia’s deep and narrow highland gorges provide far more favorable conditions for water storage. Storing water in these cooler highland areas, he argued, could ultimately benefit the entire Nile Basin countries. He contrasted these conditions with the Aswan High Dam, whose vast reservoir lies in Egypt’s hot desert environment and is exposed to substantial evaporation losses. Fekahmed estimated that the Aswan High Dam loses about 15 to 16 billion cubic meters of water annually through evaporation. “Storing water in Ethiopia, where the gorges are deep and narrow and the temperature is ambient, can minimize this evaporation,” he said. He said shifting a greater share of water storage upstream to Ethiopia could save a significant volume of water that would otherwise be lost to evaporation, increasing the amount eventually released downstream. “This will definitely save a large part of the water lost to evaporation and increase the amount of water released downstream,” Fekahmed said. According to Fekahmed, the potential benefits of Ethiopian highland storage extend beyond reducing evaporation. He identified reduced sedimentation as another major advantage for downstream countries, particularly Egypt. Large quantities of silt transported from the Ethiopian highlands accumulate in Lake Nasser behind the Aswan High Dam, gradually reducing its storage capacity. “The construction of dams in Ethiopia can reduce the amount of silt arriving at the Naser Lake thereby extending its useful life,” he said. By trapping sediment upstream, Ethiopian dams could reduce the amount of silt reaching downstream reservoirs and help preserve their long term storage capacity, he added. Upstream storage could also provide downstream countries with greater protection against extreme flooding, Fekahmed said. Although severe floods are relatively infrequent, he noted that extreme events can pose serious risks to downstream infrastructure. He recalled that during a major flood event in 2005, Egyptian engineers opened the Western Spillway and diverted billions of cubic meters of water into the Toshka Valley. Greater storage capacity in Ethiopia could help regulate extreme flows within the basin and reduce the pressure of major floods on downstream infrastructure, according to Fekahmed. The benefits of Ethiopian reservoirs are not limited to water conservation, he said. Fekahmed said cascade hydropower development in Ethiopia could generate electricity beyond domestic requirements, creating opportunities for downstream countries to access clean and affordable energy. “The fourth benefit is access to cheap and clean electricity from Ethiopia,” he said. Such energy cooperation could provide an additional basis for economic integration among Nile Basin countries, he added. Fekahmed also linked increased upstream storage to the Nile Basin’s ability to cope with climate change. He said climate change is increasingly manifested through flooding, drought and variability in river flows. “Construction of cascade dams in Ethiopia will increase the storage capacity in the basin,” he noted. Water stored in Ethiopia could then be released downstream when needed, helping countries manage periods of excessive or reduced river flow, he added. Fekahmed further said studies indicate that shifting water storage toward Ethiopia’s highland gorges could save substantial quantities of water currently lost through evaporation. He estimated that evaporation from dams in Egypt and Sudan amounts to about 20 billion cubic meters annually. Fekahmed said the potential benefits of upstream storage highlight the need for greater cooperation among Nile Basin countries. He argued that water storage should be considered from the perspective of the entire basin rather than solely through the interests of individual countries. Ethiopian highland reservoirs, he said, can simultaneously contribute to reducing evaporation losses, controlling sedimentation, regulating floods, generating clean energy and strengthening climate resilience. “For this to happen, there is a need for trust and confidence to be built among the nations,” Fekahmed said. His comments come amid renewed debate over Ethiopia’s plans to develop additional dams on the Abay (Blue Nile). Fekahmed’s assessment presents upstream storage as an opportunity to improve water management across the Nile Basin, arguing that the favorable storage conditions of Ethiopia’s highlands could generate benefits extending well beyond Ethiopia’s borders.

Addis Aaba, September 1, 2026 (ENA)— Ethiopia’s role as the source of the Abay (Nile) River fueled plots by Egyptian politicians and their allies to weaken the nation and deny it Red Sea access, former Water Minister and Ambassador Shiferaw Jarso told ENA. He further stated that the country has been still actively seeking to undermine Ethiopia’s strategic interests in the Red Sea by exploiting internal divisions and supporting forces that weaken the country. Ambassador Shiferaw linked Ethiopia’s current geopolitical pressures over sea access to the circumstances surrounding Eritrea’s separation from Ethiopia, arguing that both external actors and internal political forces contributed to the loss of Ethiopia’s maritime and territorial interests. Many observers say one of the most consequential examples of Egypt’s divisive regional approach is its historical involvement in the Eritrean question and the broader struggle over Ethiopia’s territorial integrity. Cairo was overtly supporting separatist forces and political projects intended to weaken Ethiopia and constrain its regional influence, according to them.   The eventual separation of Eritrea from Ethiopia remains a defining episode in the Horn of Africa’s turbulent history and a powerful reminder of how external geopolitical calculations can reshape the destiny of nations. Historical diplomacy reveals that Egyptian politician Boutros Boutros-Ghali, who served as acting Foreign Minister before becoming UN Secretary-General, played a pivotal role in advancing the Eritrean secession project to permanently weaken Ethiopia, it was learned. Shiferaw said the loss of access to the Red Sea ports of Massawa and Assab has imposed profound economic and strategic costs on Ethiopia for nearly three decades, describing the development as a historic injustice with lasting consequences for the country. Ambassador Shiferaw further argued that a government without a strong popular mandate lacked the legitimacy to make decisions that would permanently reshape Ethiopia’s maritime position. According to him, efforts to constrain Ethiopia’s regional influence have persisted despite the country’s position as the source of the Nile, with maritime isolation compounding broader geopolitical and economic pressures.   He described reliable sea access as an existential and generational issue for Ethiopia, saying it is fundamentally tied to national security, economic growth, sovereignty and long-term regional stability. “Ethiopia cannot remain permanently disconnected from the sea,” Ambassador Shiferaw said, pointing to the country’s population, expanding economy, growing import-export trade, geographical proximity to the Red Sea and historical ties to regional ports. Ethiopia historically administered Massawa and Assab and maintained naval capabilities before Eritrea’s separation. Ambassador Shiferaw said these historical links, together with Ethiopia’s present-day economic weight and geographic realities, reinforce the country’s case for pursuing sustainable maritime access. He commended the Ethiopian government’s ongoing diplomatic efforts to bring the issue of sea access to greater international attention, saying Ethiopia should continue pursuing the matter through peaceful and legally grounded channels. The ambassador stressed that Ethiopia’s quest for sea access should be resolved through dialogue, mutual understanding, international law and mutually beneficial arrangements, rather than confrontation.   He also underscored the importance of Ethiopia’s transboundary rivers to downstream countries, arguing that the same principle of shared benefit should guide discussions over maritime access. A peaceful, balanced and legally grounded solution, he said, would not only address Ethiopia’s strategic interests but could also contribute to greater stability and economic cooperation across the Red Sea and Horn of Africa region.

Addis Ababa, August 31, 2026 (ENA) — African visitors expressed admiration for Addis Ababa's infrastructure, modern urban landscape, and warm hospitality, stating their experience far exceeded expectations. The visitors were in the Ethiopian capital from August 25 to 28 for the Continental Youth Capacity Building Programme on African Union Shared Values Instruments. For many, the event offered a firsthand opportunity to experience Ethiopia and contrast popular outside perceptions with the reality on the ground. Nigerian participant Ekejiuba Daberechi, who visited Addis Ababa for the first time, said he was particularly impressed by the hospitality and warmth of the people. “I am interested in the warmth from the people. Very amazing people, and I am so happy to connect with them,” he said. He also praised the city’s infrastructure, particularly what he observed while traveling from Bole International Airport. “Some of the infrastructure on our way here from the airport, I was really impressed. Addis Ababa is doing pretty well, and I’m really happy,” Ekejiuba said. He said he had limited expectations before arriving in Ethiopia because it was his first visit to East Africa. “As this is my first time in East Africa as a subregion, I didn’t have any expectations, but I was looking forward to really witnessing Addis Ababa in its full colors, and I was really impressed with what I observed,” he said. Ekejiuba said the city could serve as an example of Africa’s ongoing urban development and provide an opportunity for young Africans to exchange experiences and contribute to the continent’s growth. “We are able to see for ourselves how other parts of the continent are growing, and we can also see how we can contribute to that growth as well, and we can all work together as a unit to advance the continent as a whole,” he said. Cameroonian Tourists Engelbert Suh, also visiting Addis Ababa for the first time, said the city’s infrastructure had challenged some of the perceptions about Ethiopia he had encountered while growing up. He said his previous understanding of Ethiopia had been shaped by information portraying the country primarily through poverty and food insecurity. However, his experience in Addis Ababa presented a different picture. He said the city’s roads, buildings and overall urban environment particularly caught his attention. “When I saw the reality about Ethiopia, I would wish to go back and encourage more people to come to the country, especially Addis Ababa. Because it’s a good place, and it’s a nice place,” Suh said. The visitors’ impressions come as Addis Ababa undergoes major changes under the city’s Corridor Development Initiative. Launched by Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed in 2024, the initiative is a large-scale urban renewal programme aimed at transforming roads, transportation systems, public spaces and other urban infrastructure across the capital. The development has introduced newly asphalted roads, pedestrian walkways, bicycle lanes, running tracks and facilities designed to improve movement and accessibility across the city. The initiative has also incorporated modern underground pedestrian crossings, bus and taxi terminals, recreational facilities, children’s playgrounds, public plazas, green spaces and parks. Improved drainage infrastructure has also been incorporated into the projects to strengthen flood management and improve the city’s resilience during heavy rainfall. The ongoing transformation has contributed to a more vibrant urban environment, while providing visitors with a different perspective on Addis Ababa and Ethiopia. For the young African participants, the experience offered more than an opportunity to see the capital. It also provided a chance to challenge perceptions, discover common experiences and consider how African countries can learn from one another as they pursue urban development and continental integration.

Addis Ababa, August 30, 2026 (ENA) —Thailand is seeking to deepen its strategic engagement with Ethiopia and expand its partnership with Africa, with Addis Ababa emerging as a key bridge between Southeast Asia and the African continent, Thailand’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Sihasak Phuangketkeow told ENA. Following his official visit to Ethiopia, Phuangketkeow said his visit to Addis Ababa had two strategic objectives: strengthening Thailand’s bilateral relationship with Ethiopia and expanding Thailand’s engagement with Africa through the African Union (AU), whose headquarters are located in the Ethiopian capital. “Today, after my meeting with the foreign minister of your country, we sign an MOU establishing regular political consultations at the high level between our two countries. So this will help give us the political impetus. It will underscore the political will and give us the impetus to enhance the other dimensions of our relations,” he added. Elaborating on elevating the political engagement of Ethiopia and Thailand, the Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister stated that the two countries signed a MoU to establish regular high-level political consultations, giving fresh momentum to bilateral ties. The mechanism would reinforce political commitment and provide new impetus for cooperation across multiple areas. “More contacts at the high level and more exchange of visits” are essential to strengthening ties, he noted. Thailand has also decided to establish an embassy in Addis Ababa with a resident ambassador who will represent Thailand in Ethiopia while also serving as the country’s representative to the African Union.   The move marks a significant step in Thailand’s effort to strengthen its diplomatic presence in Africa and use Addis Ababa as a platform for broader engagement with the continent. Against this backdrop, Thailand is advancing its Thailand-Africa Initiative, aimed at deepening economic, political and development partnerships with African countries. Thailand is reaching out to new partners while also strengthening long-standing relationships, he elaborated. Recognizing Africa’s growing economic and geopolitical weight, the Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister said, “we need to reach out to new friends, new partners, and even partners that we have known for a long time. We think that we can do much more together”. Phuangketkeow underscored that Africa is no longer viewed through the lens of its past, but as a continent of rising economies and an increasingly influential force in global affairs. “Africa is not like the past anymore. Many of the African countries are emerging economies; and Africa is an important and strong voice in the Global South.” Stressing Addis Ababa as a bridge between the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) that has 11 member states and Africa, Phuangketkeow said Ethiopia and Thailand can play an important role in building stronger bridges between the African Union and ASEAN. With Timor-Leste becoming ASEAN’s 11th member, the Southeast Asian bloc represents a market and political grouping of nearly 700 million people. As both the ASEAN and the AU expand their influence in global affairs, the DPM and Minister pointed out that stronger interregional cooperation is increasingly important in addressing shared global challenges. “We need to build bridges within regions and bridges across regions,” he said. The DPM and Minister identified safeguarding the rules-based international order, preserving free trade and strengthening the multilateral trading system under the World Trade Organization (WTO) as key areas where ASEAN and African countries can work more closely. Phuangketkeow warned that the increasing use of tariffs and bilateral trade pressure as instruments of leverage could undermine the multilateral trading system. The Thai Deputy PM and foreign minister also welcomed Ethiopia’s progress toward joining the WTO, describing deeper integration into the international trading system as beneficial to Ethiopia’s economic development. He said WTO accession would encourage Ethiopia to engage more actively with international trade rules and the global economy.   Thailand, he added, is interested in expanding bilateral trade and investment while sharing its development experience with Ethiopia, particularly in industrialization and agricultural value addition. “We want to see more economic ties, greater trade and more investment,” Phuangketkeow said. He emphasized that stronger economic growth in Ethiopia would create greater opportunities for businesses from both countries.

Addis Ababa, August 30, 2026 (ENA) —The strong comparative advantages of Ethiopia and Thailand provide a solid foundation for expanding trade and investment partnerships, according to Arthayudh Srisamoot, Advisor to the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Thailand. Speaking to ENA, Srisamoot emphasized that Ethiopia’s large, youthful population, abundant natural resources, and growing workforce offer significant opportunities for Thai investors. Thailand, with a population under 70 million, faces an aging demographic and limited population growth. This makes countries like Ethiopia, with a large and dynamic labor force, increasingly attractive for Thai investment, he added. “Ethiopia has a large population and most of the population is very young, very dynamic,” Srisamoot said, identifying the country’s workforce as one of its major investment advantages. The official praised Ethiopia’s hospitality, workforce efficiency, communication skills and ability to adapt to international working environments as qualities that could encourage greater foreign investment.   According to him, Ethiopia’s natural resources and economic assets, including gold, iron ore, agricultural products, coffee and hydropower, are areas offering substantial opportunities for cooperation. In addition, Ethiopia’s relatively low cost of electricity and educated workforce are additional advantages that could support investment and industrial development. At the same time, he stressed that further improvements in the ease of doing business would be important to attracting more Thai investment. The Advisor said such reforms could include simplifying procedures for foreign companies to establish businesses, transfer capital into the country, bring in managers and technical experts, introduce technology and repatriate profits. Clearer rules governing partnerships between foreign and Ethiopian companies, as well as greater clarity on sectors open to foreign investment, would also help investors make informed decisions. Srisamoot elaborated that Thai companies are particularly interested in sectors where Thailand has established expertise, especially food production, manufacturing and small and medium-size enterprises. “These are areas that we are interested to invest in Ethiopia,” he said. The Advisor expressed optimism that closer cooperation between the two governments and business communities could help unlock the significant investment and trade potential between Ethiopia and Thailand. Srisamoot emphasized that Thailand’s extensive experience in exports, manufacturing, agriculture, infrastructure development and domestic consumption has given its companies expertise that could complement Ethiopia’s investment potential.   Thailand is a major producer and exporter of agricultural and manufactured products and has developed into a regional hub for the automobile and electronics industries. Thai companies also work closely with international partners in areas including machinery, manufacturing and agricultural technology, he noted. In this regard, “we have a lot to offer the Ethiopian business community,” Srisamoot said. He also stressed the need for continued efforts to improve market access and facilitate the movement of capital, technology and businesspeople between the two countries. “We’re hoping to work with the Ethiopian side on how we can provide better market access, better joint partnerships and investment between the two countries.”   Srisamoot recalled that existing trade between Ethiopia and Thailand, which he described as approaching 1 billion U.S. dollars, remains below the level that could be achieved given the size of the two economies and Ethiopia’s strategic position in Africa. He underscored that stronger institutional cooperation, improved investment conditions and expanded business to business ties could help the two countries translate their complementary economic strengths into greater trade and investment.

Addis Ababa, August 30, 2026 (ENA) —Ethiopia’s progress in infrastructure, urban development, agricultural transformation and climate resilience has earned praise from African experts, who say the country is offering practical lessons for the continent’s development agenda. In an exclusive interview with ENA, Principal Programme Officer for Agriculture and Rural Transformation at the African Union Development Agency (AUDA-NEPAD), Clement Adjorlolo, described Ethiopia’s transformation over the past decades as remarkable. He pointed to advances in infrastructure, connectivity and hospitality as key features of the country’s progress. “I have been to Ethiopia. My first time seeing Addis Ababa was in 1999. From 1999 to today, I see what is called transformation, true transformation,” he said. Adjorlolo said Ethiopia’s infrastructure and connectivity, particularly Ethiopian Airlines’ extensive network, have made Addis Ababa more accessible for meetings and other activities. Improvements in the hospitality sector are further supporting economic activities and tourism, He said. Adjorlolo said the country is offering a broad range of opportunities across different sectors, adding that Ethiopia’s progress is encouraging broader economic activity. “I think Ethiopia is offering a whole package that consumers will choose, whether it be in agriculture, information and so many other things that Ethiopia has to offer,” he said. He further said that “Africa is moving in the right direction as much as Ethiopia is moving in the right direction.” Paul Guthiga, Head of the Regional Strategic Analysis and Knowledge Support System (ReSAKSS) unit at AKADEMIYA2063, highlighted Ethiopia’s investment in urban development as particularly relevant to Africa’s future as the continent undergoes rapid urbanization. Guthiga told ENA that with more than half of Africa’s population expected to live in urban areas in the coming decades, countries need to invest in urban infrastructure, housing, recreational areas and public transport. “Therefore, investing like Ethiopia is doing, I think, is very important,” he said. He also stressed the importance of connecting urban centers with rural production areas, noting that while cities are major consumption centers, much of Africa’s food will continue to be produced in rural areas. According to Guthiga, stronger urban-rural linkages can create ready markets for farmers, improve productivity and enable rural producers to benefit from better prices, while ensuring that development associated with urbanization does not leave rural communities behind. He said Ethiopia’s efforts to develop both urban and rural areas, while linking the two, are therefore important for inclusive development. Assistant Commissioner for Food and Nutrition Security at Uganda’s Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries, Alex Bambona, also pointed to Ethiopia’s experience as a source of lessons for other African countries. He highlighted Ethiopia’s progress in building resilience and adapting to climate change, saying the country has performed strongly in climate resilience. Bambona cited Ethiopia’s Green Legacy initiative and planned new airport among developments he said reflect efforts related to resilience and climate change adaptation. The experts highlighted Ethiopia’s progress in infrastructure, urban development, urban-rural linkages, agricultural policy implementation and climate resilience as areas offering useful lessons for other African countries.

Addis Ababa, August 29, 2026 (ENA) —Ethiopia’s sea access is a justifiable quest that requires understanding from neighbors, Thailand’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Sihasak Phuangketkeow said. Phuangketkeow, who was on an official visit to Ethiopia, talked with ENA on a wide range of issues, including Ethiopia’s quest for sovereign sea port on the Red Sea. Deep sea ports are important for trade, for investment, the Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister noted, adding that Ethiopia’s sea access is therefore a legitimate quest that requires understanding from neighbors. His remarks come at a time when Ethiopia is actively seeking to access the Red Sea, given its geographical, historical and economic circumstances. Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed has repeatedly underlined that Ethiopia's quest for access to the sea is peaceful but its status quo of 'geographical prisoner' will no longer continue.   The Premier explained that Ethiopia's pursuit of access to the Red Sea is an over-due national aspiration. “A population of over 130 million people cannot remain landlocked. A generation of today will not bequeath a geographically imprisoned nation to posterity,” he stressed. The country’s geographical proximity to the Red Sea, together with its historical links to the region’s ports, has remained central to its argument for pursuing a sustainable maritime outlet. The PM recalled Ethiopia's historically administered ports of Massawa and Assab and its naval capabilities before Eritrea’s separation. Thailand's Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Phuangketkeow told ENA that Ethiopia shares common interest and prosperity with its neighbor. And there are possible ways of talking with the leaders and the policymakers to see how you can work and arrangement whereby Ethiopia would have access to the port facilities, he stated. He further noted that I’m sure that if we talk in a very frank and constructive way, and we don’t mean any ill will, it’s real progress. Countries have to learn how to move beyond conflict. Phuangketkeow also placed Ethiopia’s aspirations within a broader call for stronger cooperation among developing countries.   According to him, “many of the conflicts that we face are not conflicts created by us. (They are) conflicts created by the major powers. So we have to be able to weave those who are like-minded. We have to get together to maintain the rules-based international system, to maintain international cooperation. You know, that’s for us. That’s the only way to go”. He further noted that nations of the Global South need to work together more effectively to ensure their interests and receive greater weight in the international system. “Well, I think what’s most important now is that those of us in the Global South, those of us among developing countries should make our voice heard and heard louder these days,” Phuangketkeow stressed. The Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister said many conflicts affecting developing countries are shaped by the interests of major powers and called for greater solidarity among like-minded nations to uphold international cooperation and a rules-based international system. Underscoring a broader diplomatic vision for mutual growth, he said Ethiopia’s pursuit of sea access could be transformed from a potential source of geopolitical tension into an opportunity for regional cooperation, deeper economic integration and shared prosperity.

Addis Ababa, August 29, 2026 (ENA) —Ethiopia has the sovereign right to utilize its natural resources, including its water resources, for the benefit of its people and national development, Ustath Jemal Bashir, Founder and Director of the Kings of Abbay media channel noted. “Ethiopia has every right to utilize its water resources and build more dams. Its water development projects should not be limited to the GERD (Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam) alone,” he stressed. In an exclusive interview with ENA, Ustath Jemal said that “Ethiopia possesses abundant water resources and numerous rivers that originate within its territory. It is therefore unreasonable to expect the country to refrain from utilizing these resources or to seek permission from any other party to do so”.   The current escalation of the Egyptian media and the political noise over the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) amounts to domestic political and media consumption rather than an instrument capable of changing the reality, the Director noted. According to Ustath Jemal, Ethiopia’s water development plans should not be limited to a single project, the GERD. He pointed out that the current Egyptian escalation comes after years of threats and political pressure that have failed to halt Ethiopia’s development trajectory. Ustath Jemal explained that the current Egyptian rhetoric is reproducing the same approaches that have been pursued over the past years regarding the GERD. He pointed out that the escalation was not limited to political and media rhetoric, but was previously accompanied by military activities and joint exercises with Sudan. In this regard, he cited the various rounds of the “Eagles of the Nile” military exercises, in addition to what was called the “Guardians of the Nile.” He stressed that all these moves failed to stop the construction of the GERD or change Ethiopia’s position regarding its right to development and to benefit from its water resources.   “All this bluster and all these desperate moves have failed. They achieved nothing. They only filled the Egyptian people with arrogance and empty bravado.” Egypt had also attempted to internationalize the GERD issue through various diplomatic and political channels. He noted that Egypt had raised the issue at the UN Security Council and sought support from several international actors. However, he said those efforts failed to halt Ethiopia’s project or alter its development course. Ethiopia continued implementing its project despite all the pressure, until the GERD became an established reality that neither media noise nor political threats can change. Ustath Jemal also rejected claims that Egypt would be the primary victim of prolonged drought, stressing that Ethiopia and other upstream countries suffer first. He pointed at the devastating droughts that struck Ethiopia in the 1980s, adding that these experiences show that drought begins in the source regions, placing Ethiopia among the first countries to suffer. Meanwhile, Egypt was able to cushion the effects of drought through water reserves in Lake Nasser and the Aswan High Dam. “Drought does not begin in Egypt. When drought hits the source regions, Ethiopia is among the first to suffer,” Ustath Jemal stressed. He stressed that Ethiopia has therefore the right to develop water infrastructure and strengthen its storage capacity against drought and climate variability.

Addis Ababa, August 29, 2026 (ENA) —Ethiopia and Thailand have expressed their commitment to elevate business cooperation to higher levels at the business-to-business (B2B) meeting held in Addis Ababa today. Speaking at the Ethiopia-Thailand Business Bridge forum, which brought together company representatives and diplomats of both countries, Middle East, Asia and Pacific Affairs Director-General, Dewano Kedir, said the forum is a critical platform for creating real pathways that enable companies from both countries to invest, expand their businesses, and strengthen practical partnerships.   He described the occasion as a meaningful opportunity to bring Ethiopia and Thailand together once again through a dedicated platform for business, partnership, and mutual opportunity. The two sides are witnessing renewed and active engagement, he added, noting that the business bridge reflects the spirit of cooperation and reaffirmed a commitment to strengthen bilateral relations—particularly people-to-people and business-to-business ties. Thailand is an important partner for Ethiopia, the Director-General said, adding that friendship and cooperation between the two countries extend beyond diplomacy. He highlighted that many Ethiopians travel to Thailand for medical treatment and business linkages through trade, tourism, and investment are expanding.   According to Dewano, the Business Bridge is not just about speeches, but about practical collaboration through matchmaking, networking, and creating actionable pathways for companies. He assured Thai business leaders that Ethiopia is ready to support their efforts, welcoming companies in sectors including finance, petroleum and energy-related areas, agriculture and value chains, industrial development, and consumer goods and services. The Director-General also encouraged investment in Ethiopian coffee and other opportunities in agriculture, agro-processing, mining, and industry as areas where partnerships can create jobs and value addition. For his part, Arthayudh Srisamoot, Advisor to Thailand’s Foreign Minister, stated that bilateral trade and investment ties remain below their potential; and said the business bridge aims to strengthen the foundation for greater economic and developmental cooperation turning shared opportunities into practical partnerships.   The Advisor added that recent high-level engagements include meetings between Ethiopia and Thailand’s senior leadership as well as discussions on strengthening coordination between governments and private sectors. Initiatives witnessed by both sides at the foreign affairs level include the establishment of a political consultation dialogue and strengthened cooperation between chambers of commerce. Srisamoot also revealed plans for Thailand to establish a Thai embassy with residence in Addis Ababa, describing it as an important step to facilitate closer linkages between the two countries. Ambassador-Designate of Thailand to Ethiopia, Jirusaya Birananda said the event reflects growing interest and confidence in strengthening economic and commercial ties. Noting that both nations share long-standing friendly relations grounded in trust, she described Ethiopia’s Homegrown Economic Reform and the development momentum as major opportunities for investment across sectors such as agriculture and agro-processing, food and beverages, pharmaceuticals and healthcare, manufacturing, tourism, digital technology, and services.   According to Birananda, nine Thai companies attending the forum represent credible business participation, and she called for partnerships beyond buyers and suppliers—toward investors, technology partners, and co-creators of value.

Addis Ababa, August 28, 2026 (ENA) — Modernizing logistics infrastructure and reducing trade frictions are critical to Africa’s economic transformation, with Ethiopia’s Mojo Dry Port serving as a practical model for the continent, according to World Bank (WB). WB Vice President for Eastern and Southern Africa Ndiamé Diop made the remarks at the launch of the World Bank report titled “Integrating Africa: From Threads to Hubs”. The vice president emphasized that reducing non-tariff barriers, including border delays, inefficient payment systems and high transportation costs, is essential to boosting regional trade and expanding cross-border supply chains. Diop further noted that 85 percent of Africa’s current trade is conducted with countries outside the continent, with more than half consisting of primary commodities. In contrast, more than 60 percent of intra-African trade comprises manufactured and other higher value products. “To the world we sell raw materials; to each other, we sell higher value products,” Diop noted, emphasizing that deeper regional market integration would enable African enterprises to achieve economies of scale, specialize, build larger industries and compete more effectively in global markets. “Integrating regional markets will give African firms the scale they lack in national markets, an ability to specialize, an ability to link production across borders, and an ability to build larger industries that create more jobs,” he emphasized. As a practical example of efforts to reduce trade frictions, Diop highlighted the World Bank’s joint project with the Government of Ethiopia at the Mojo Dry Port, which handles nearly 95 percent of Ethiopia’s land-based trade. “In Ethiopia, I visited a few months ago the Mojo Dry Port, which handles some 95 percent of Ethiopia’s land-based trade,” he said. He also said the WB, together with the Ethiopian government, invested more than 200 million USD to modernize the dry port, digitize its operations, improve regulatory frameworks and strengthen coordination among agencies. “Together with the Government of Ethiopia, the WB invested over 200 million USD to modernize that dry port and to upgrade its capacity,” Diop noted. As a result, Mojo Dry Port’s handling capacity doubled, while the average container dwelling time declined sharply from 60 days to 15 days. “Mojo’s capacity has doubled, and average container dwelling time fell from 60 to 15 days. That is what reducing trade frictions can do and look like in practice and it can be done,” he added. Diop also said the most ambitious aspect of the project was not the physical infrastructure alone, but the reforms aimed at improving regulations for private sector participation, digitizing port operations and connecting ports and government agencies along the corridor to facilitate information sharing. According to the vice president, such measures demonstrate how reducing logistical and regulatory barriers can improve the efficiency of trade corridors and strengthen regional economic integration.

Addis Ababa, August 28, 2026 (ENA) — Ethiopian Airlines has launched a scheduled freighter service connecting Chengdu in southwest China directly with Addis Ababa, creating a new air cargo corridor between western China and Africa. According to a social media post by Ethiopian Airlines, the service opens a direct cargo link designed to strengthen trade and economic exchanges between southwest China and Africa. The Chengdu–Addis Ababa freighter route is operated with a Boeing 777 freighter and is initially scheduled to run twice a week. The launch marks an important expansion of air cargo connectivity between China’s rapidly growing western manufacturing hub and the African market. The service is expected to facilitate the movement of a wide range of commodities in both directions. Cargo from Chengdu and surrounding manufacturing centers includes electronics, machinery, and other high-value manufactured goods, while exports from Africa can be sent to the Chinese market through the new connection. The route also strengthens the role of Addis Ababa as a major cargo gateway between China and Africa. Through Ethiopian Airlines’ extensive African network, cargo arriving in Addis Ababa can be distributed onward to major commercial centers across the continent. According to media reports from Chengdu, the service is expected to provide additional capacity for time-sensitive and high-value cargo, while reducing logistics costs and transit times for businesses in western China seeking access to African markets. The launch builds on Ethiopian Airlines’ longstanding connectivity with China. The airline has maintained air links between Ethiopia and China for decades and has continued expanding both passenger and cargo operations in the country.

Addis Ababa, August 27, 2026 (ENA) —Former Water Minister Shiferaw Jarso called on the Ethiopian government to press Egypt for compensation over its use of Abay (Nile) water resources, stressing that Ethiopia contributes about 86 percent of the river’s flow. Speaking to ENA, the former minister stated that Egypt’s recent threats over Ethiopia’s plans to build more water infrastructure on the Abay River were nothing new. He stated that Egypt’s growing escalation over the Abay River will not stop Ethiopia from moving ahead with building additional dams on the river. “Egypt keeps escalating the Nile issue,” he said, noting that Ethiopia has consistently maintained its position on equitable utilization of Nile waters.   Ethiopia has long had plans to make use of its share of Abay waters, and building additional dams is part of those established plans. According to the former water minister, Ethiopia has already included several new dams in its water development master plan, and their construction should not be seen as a new move targeting downstream countries. Most of the planned dams are intended for hydropower generation rather than large-scale water consumption, Shiferaw revealed. “If we construct new dams for hydropower, there is no additional water that we are using,” he noted, adding that “the same water that we harvest in the GERD can produce energy again and again as it moves from one dam to another.” The former water minister pointed out that Ethiopia’s dams could actually benefit downstream countries by regulating water flow and reducing water losses, including those caused by evaporation. Shiferaw also emphasized that Ethiopia continues to release water downstream from the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD), noting that the country’s goal is equitable utilization not depriving Egypt of water.   The former minister said GERD has already demonstrated Ethiopia’s ability to finance and implement major development projects on its own. He recalled that during his tenure as minister Ethiopia was told that even a small water supply project in Gambella would require Egypt’s permission. “That history has already passed,” Shiferaw said. “Now, we have the capacity. They are not stopping us from anything.” Ethiopia’s continued hydropower development could ultimately benefit Egypt and other countries through electricity supply through regional energy cooperation that could create mutual economic gains, he elaborated. Therefore, Egypt should support Ethiopia’s efforts to develop its water resources, particularly in hydropower and watershed management. Particularly, Shiferaw called on the Ethiopian government to press Egypt to compensate Ethiopia for the use of its water resources. Ethiopia, as the principal source of the Nile’s waters, should not merely provide the resource while downstream countries reap the bulk of its benefits; instead, he says, Ethiopia should seek an arrangement that recognizes the economic value of its water resources and ensures fair compensation and benefit-sharing.   He further explained that Ethiopia’s highland geography limits its ability to use all of its water for irrigation and consumption, meaning a significant amount naturally continues downstream. For that reason, Ethiopia’s dam construction should be viewed not as a threat to Egypt but an opportunity for broader regional cooperation. Addressing the wider tensions between Ethiopia and Egypt, including diplomatic pressure and regional political disputes, Shiferaw accused Egypt of pursuing policies aimed at blocking Ethiopia’s development. He said such efforts have existed for decades, particularly in relation to the Abay Basin, and called on both the international community and Ethiopians to reject attempts to obstruct Ethiopia’s progress.   The former water minister added that Ethiopia’s diplomatic position has strengthened in recent years and that the international community increasingly understands the country’s argument for equitable use of Abay waters. “Ethiopia will continue to develop. No one can stop us from pursuing our development, including building dams and other projects.”

Addis Ababa, August 27, 2026 (ENA) —Egypt’s stance on Abay (Nile) River violates fundamental African Union principles on consultation, cooperation and equitable utilization of transboundary water resources, Political Science and International Relations Professor Yacob Arsano, said. Professor Yacob, who has extensive research experience in water politics and Nile Basin affairs, also served as a member of Ethiopia’s negotiating team during the tripartite negotiations over the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD). In an exclusive interview with ENA, Professor Yacob said Egypt has consistently pursued a position that does not adequately prioritize consultation, cooperation and equitable utilization of the Nile waters. He described Egypt’s claim to be the sole owner and beneficiary of the Abay as unjustified, arguing that such a position constitutes an obstacle to the joint development and sustainable utilization of the river. The professor also rejected calls for third-party mediation in Nile disputes, saying they undermine the African Union’s principle of “African solutions to African problems.” He said recent narratives and propaganda surrounding the Nile issue should be viewed in the context of Egypt’s longstanding position on the river. Noting that more than 86 percent of Abay (Nile) waters originate in Ethiopia, Professor Yacob emphasized that Ethiopia’s water diplomacy is based on joint development, equitable utilization and cooperation among Nile Basin countries. He further stressed that Egypt’s objections and opposition cannot prevent Ethiopia from utilizing its water resources for national development. According to Professor Yacob, the construction, filling and management of the GERD have been carried out in accordance with relevant international principles and agreements. Ethiopia has consistently maintained that the project will not cause significant harm to downstream countries.   He said Ethiopia remains at an early stage of developing its water resources and has the sovereign right to undertake additional water development projects in the Nile Basin beyond the GERD. “Ethiopia does not need anyone’s permission to develop its water resources,” he said, while emphasizing that Ethiopia remains committed to cooperation. However, Professor Yacob stressed that Ethiopia’s position on utilizing its water resources should not be interpreted as opposition to cooperation with downstream countries. “Ethiopia’s door is always open to cooperation,” he said. He also underscored the importance of dialogue, mutual understanding and equitable utilization of the Nile waters. He said sustainable management of the Abay requires all basin countries to move away from unilateral positions and work toward a cooperative framework that recognizes the interests and development needs of all Nile Basin states.