Addis Ababa, September 22, 2026 (ENA) — The Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) has commended Ethiopia’s environmental restoration efforts, noting that the country’s experience offers valuable lessons for other member states seeking to strengthen environmental resilience and sustain community livelihoods. IGAD Deputy Executive Secretary Mohamed Abdi Ware highlighted watershed protection, tree planting, land restoration, and water harvesting among Ethiopia’s key environmental initiatives that could help address climate-related challenges across the region. Speaking to ENA on the sidelines of the IGAD Regional High-Level Forum on El Niño Preparedness for the Horn of Africa, held in Addis Ababa from September 15 to 17, 2026, Ware described Ethiopia’s environmental restoration efforts as very encouraging. “These things that Ethiopia has shown to be a leader really contribute not only to preventing problems in the short term, but will contribute to the long-term health of our environment,” Ware said. He said restoring degraded land, protecting watersheds, planting trees and harvesting water can improve communities’ access to clean water and productive land while reducing the risks of landslides and other environmental hazards, particularly in hilly and mountainous areas. According to Ware, such measures can also help reduce environmentally driven migration and displacement by strengthening communities’ resilience to climate related pressures. He further emphasized that environmental restoration has benefits that extend beyond ecological protection, noting that healthy ecosystems can support sustainable livelihoods and improve the economic wellbeing of communities. Ware said IGAD’s mandate includes facilitating the exchange of knowledge and experiences among member states, enabling countries to learn from successful initiatives implemented elsewhere in the region. In this regard, he identified Ethiopia’s environmental experience as an example that other IGAD member states could study and adapt to their own circumstances. He also noted that Kenya is undertaking significant environmental restoration initiatives. He said expanding such efforts across the region could strengthen environmental resilience while supporting sustainable livelihoods and reducing communities’ vulnerability to climate related shocks. Ware’s remarks came as the IGAD Regional High-Level Forum on El Niño Preparedness for the Horn of Africa brought together member states and stakeholders to strengthen regional preparedness and anticipatory action against climate related risks.

Addis Ababa, September 21, 2026 (ENA) —Ethiopia’s vast renewable energy resources and rapid shift toward electric mobility are drawing growing interest from Nordic investors and technology companies, according to industry stakeholders. The remark was made on the sidelines of the Nordic Africa EV Summit, held in Ethiopia from September 14 to 16, which brought together regional and international stakeholders to discuss electric mobility, charging infrastructure, and investment opportunities. Hosaena A. Samuel, CEO and co-founder of Easy Power, a Norwegian firm and Ethiopia’s first private electric vehicle charging operator, noted that Nordic investors are particularly focused on the country’s accelerating EV adoption and high potential for clean energy. According to Hosaena, more than 20 Nordic financiers engaged with Ethiopian officials and industry leaders during the summit to explore potential investments in grid reliability and EV charging infrastructure. The interest also extends to Nordic technology and technical expertise, which could help build resilient charging networks. She noted that Nordic partners were particularly impressed by Ethiopia’s bold policy decision to phase out internal combustion engine vehicles in favor of electric mobility, backed by its rich renewable resources. Nordic countries have extensive experience in developing EV charging infrastructure and reliable electricity systems, Hosaena said, adding that this expertise could offer valuable lessons as Ethiopia expands its national charging grid. She highlighted the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) and major wind power projects as key drivers drawing Nordic attention. Beyond infrastructure, she emphasized that Ethiopia’s expanding EV market opens strong avenues for technology transfer and bilateral investment. Echoing this sentiment, Kumeel Alsmail, Nokia’s Head of Industrial Solutions for the Middle East and Africa, noted that Africa’s growing EV ecosystem will unlock further opportunities for digital and technological cooperation between African nations and Nordic firms. Speaking to ENA on the sidelines of the event, Alsmail emphasized that reliable connectivity will be critical to powering EV charging networks, especially as nations work toward regional electric mobility corridors. He highlighted prospective corridors connecting Ethiopia, Djibouti, and Kenya, noting that these routes could support both passenger vehicles and electric heavy-duty transport. Alsmail stated that Nokia sees strong opportunities to supply digital connectivity solutions for charging networks, while stressing that Ethiopia’s growing renewable generation capacity must be paired with robust transmission and distribution systems. The summit highlighted the vital intersection of renewable energy, electric mobility, digital connectivity, and infrastructure, with participants agreeing that cross-border technology partnerships and private investment will be essential to driving Africa’s clean energy transition.

Addis Ababa, September 21, 2026 (ENA) —Ethiopia’s President Taye Atske Selassie called for a fundamental shift in the global renewable-energy agenda—from simply expanding power generation to building the grids, storage, financing and productive systems needed to turn clean electricity into economic transformation. Addressing the “Delivering Electrify Now” High-Level Leaders Dialogue of the Global Renewables Summit in New York, President Taye said countries endowed with abundant renewable resources need stronger international support to convert their energy potential into reliable electricity access, industrial growth and inclusive prosperity. “Generation without grids, storage and robust utility capacity cannot drive economic transformation,” the President said, stressing that international financing must support the entire electricity value chain—from generation and transmission to distribution, storage and last-mile connections. The Global Renewables Summit, held during Climate Week NYC alongside the UN General Assembly, is bringing together political leaders, businesses, investors and international institutions to accelerate renewable-powered electrification and address the infrastructure and investment barriers slowing the energy transition.   President Taye said Ethiopia brings substantial renewable-energy potential to the global discussion, with more than 95 percent of its installed generation capacity coming from renewable sources. He highlighted the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) and other renewable-energy investments as key foundations for expanding electricity access and powering the country’s industrialization. He outlined three interconnected priorities for Ethiopia: expanding and diversifying renewable generation, with installed capacity targeted to reach up to 14,000 MW by 2030 and non-hydro renewables accounting for at least 15 percent; using clean and affordable electricity to strengthen industrial competitiveness, including through industrial parks; and pursuing macroeconomic and energy-sector reforms to attract greater private investment, including increased private-sector participation in transmission and distribution. But the President emphasized that finance remains the critical link between renewable-energy potential and actual development. He called for more bankable projects supported by public resources and international partners, including the World Bank, African Development Bank and the European Union through Global Gateway. Particular attention, he said, should go to transmission infrastructure, substations, grid reinforcement, reconductoring and last-mile connections.   President Taye cited Ethiopia’s experience financing the GERD through domestic resources and broad public mobilization as an example of the importance of national ownership and commitment. At the same time, he stressed that international financial cooperation remains essential for developing countries seeking to build modern, reliable and interconnected electricity systems. He expressed appreciation for international support to Ethiopia’s power sector, including the European Union’s RISED programme, as well as assistance from the World Bank and African Development Bank in modernizing, rehabilitating and digitalizing electricity infrastructure. The President also warned that the global energy transition cannot deliver its full promise if renewable investment remains concentrated in a limited number of wealthy regions. For developing countries, he said, the ambition must go beyond generating renewable power: from energy potential to electricity access, from access to productive use, and from productive use to industrialization and job creation.   As Ethiopia prepares to host COP32 in Addis Ababa in 2027, President Taye said the country will work to help ensure that global climate and renewable-energy commitments translate into concrete implementation across Africa. His message comes as the international renewable-energy agenda increasingly focuses not only on expanding generation but also on scaling grids, storage and electrification to make clean power usable across economies.

Addis Ababa, September 19, 2026 (ENA) — With forecasts pointing to an El Niño event in December, IGAD says the priority has shifted from prediction to preparedness. El Niño is a climate phenomenon associated with unusual warming of Pacific Ocean waters. Speaking to ENA on the sidelines of the IGAD Regional High-Level Forum on El Niño Preparedness for the Horn of Africa, held in Addis Ababa from September 15 to 17, 2026, IGAD Deputy Executive Secretary Mohamed Abdi Ware stressed the need for urgent action based on scientific forecasts. “We are saying it's not a question of if, it's a question of ‘what do we do now?’” he said, underscoring the importance of timely preparedness. He also expressed confidence in the accuracy of climate information provided by the IGAD Climate Prediction and Applications Centre (ICPAC), noting that the previous May forecast was “almost exactly as predicted.” That confidence, he said, should encourage governments and other stakeholders to act early rather than wait for the impacts to unfold. The consequences, he noted, extend far beyond climate statistics, affecting people, livelihoods and communities across the region. Possible impacts include reduced grazing access for pastoral communities, livestock diseases, crops rotting in fields before harvest, damaged infrastructure and isolated communities. “These are not just figures. These are real people and real communities that will be impacted by this phenomenon,” he said. Presentations from IGAD member states showed that countries are already taking steps to prepare for the anticipated impacts, he said, adding that each state must tailor its measures to the specific risks it faces. ICPAC’s regional climate outlook has forecast wetter-than-normal conditions across much of the Greater Horn of Africa during the October–December 2026 season, with excessive rainfall expected to heighten the risk of flooding, crop losses and damage to critical infrastructure. The response will require financing to ensure that preparedness measures are implemented before the impacts materialize. “These activities will need financing,” he said, calling on development partners and finance ministries in IGAD member states to work with national disaster risk management agencies to mobilize local resources. Such resources would help countries take timely measures to protect vulnerable communities, he added. “After all, it is our people that will be impacted,” he said. Beyond preparedness, IGAD will continue facilitating knowledge and experience sharing among member states to strengthen climate-risk responses. Countries with effective response measures can offer lessons for others in the region and help scale up successful approaches, he said. Coordinated action among member states is essential, he added, because the anticipated impacts will affect countries and communities differently. Reliable scientific forecasts, he said, give the region an opportunity to move from reacting after disasters strike to taking timely action based on early warning. The immediate priority is to translate scientific information into practical preparedness measures capable of protecting people, livelihoods and communities from the anticipated El Niño impacts.

Addis Ababa, September 19, 2026 (ENA) —Foreign forestry researchers have praised Ethiopia’s Green Legacy Initiative as an outstanding example of environmental conservation, citing its wide-ranging contribution to climate action and food security. It was learned that Ethiopia has planted a total of 56.2 billion seedlings, further strengthening the country’s leadership in efforts to restore and protect natural resources. According to the foreign researchers interviewed by ENA, the initiative is not only helping Ethiopia lay the groundwork for greater resilience in food production and long-term sustainability, but is also addressing the impacts of global climate change. Dutch researcher Albert Schenk described the initiative as a practical demonstration of Ethiopia’s contribution to the fight against climate change. He said Ethiopia’s Green Legacy Initiative is an impressive model for development and urged other countries to support similar efforts. Schenk emphasized that protecting forests and natural resources is essential to building a climate-resilient economy, and argued that investment in green development delivers returns worthy of sustained attention. Ugandan forest resource development researcher Robert Atugonza said Ethiopia is pursuing ambitious forestry and natural resource protection plans while delivering tangible results. He added that the initiative continues to serve as a foundation for climate mitigation, environmental protection, and food security. He urged other African countries, particularly in East Africa, to learn from Ethiopia’s approach and maintain momentum through collective effort. Tanzania-based forestry protection program coordinator Almas Kashindye described Ethiopia’s sustained seedling planting and care efforts as a remarkable public initiative. He noted that protecting and nurturing natural resources offers multiple benefits, including safeguarding biodiversity and water bodies, while supporting climate mitigation and food security. Bolivian scholar Humberto Gómez Cerveró, the Thematic Lead on Participatory Forest Restoration and Programme Coordinator at Tropenbos International also praised Ethiopia’s citizens for their contributions, noting that the seedlings planted in recent years carry significant value for ongoing global climate efforts. The researchers said the initiative reflects a comprehensive development strategy that has achieved notable success in a short period.

Addis Ababa, September 18, 2026 (ENA) — The European Union (EU) will support Ethiopia’s preparations to host the 32nd United Nations (UN) Climate Change Conference (COP32) and strengthen cooperation on environmental protection and green economic development, an EU official said. Adrián Cano Guerrero, Program Officer for Trade, Economic and Private Sector Development at the EU Delegation to Ethiopia, told ENA that the EU remains committed to close engagement with Ethiopia ahead of the global climate summit. “The commitment of the Ethiopian government to organize COP32 here in Ethiopia is something that the EU will be supporting and we will be having a very strong engagement on that,” Guerrero said. He said the EU’s engagement with Ethiopia extends beyond COP32 preparations, with climate change, environmental protection and sustainable economic development emerging as important areas of cooperation. Guerrero noted that the EU is among the international partners working to address climate change and environmental degradation, adding that Ethiopia’s COP32 preparations could create opportunities to expand cooperation with Ethiopian institutions. He further said the EU is interested in supporting initiatives that integrate climate action into economic activities and contribute to sustainable development. The cooperation could cover areas including environmental standards, water management, climate resilient development and the expansion of green economic activities. Guerrero said the EU also intends to work with Ethiopian institutions to translate climate cooperation into broader economic and environmental outcomes. The EU official also welcomed Ethiopia’s ongoing macroeconomic and structural reforms, saying the changes have resulted in visible transformations in several areas. “We really see the transformation that has been taking place on several realms: on FX, on the governance of certain institutions and on the SOE reform. We are really happy about it and we are trying to support them with our own actions,” he said. Guerrero further elaborated that EU’s multisectoral engagement is aligned with Ethiopia’s national development priorities and includes support for sustainable agricultural value chains, digitalization, green energy, public private sector engagement and improvements to the business environment. He also highlighted the EU’s interest in Ethiopia’s financial sector reforms, particularly the liberalization and privatization measures and the operationalization of the country’s capital market. The EU’s planned engagement comes as Ethiopia steps up preparations to host COP32 while pursuing economic reforms and climate related development initiatives aimed at supporting sustainable and green growth.

Addis Ababa, September 18, 2026 (ENA) — The potential impacts of El Niño in 2026 require political leadership, national ownership and regional solidarity, Ethiopian Disaster Risk Management Deputy Commissioner Aydrus Hassan noted. He said they also require timely financing and early action beyond technical preparedness. In his opening remarks at the IGAD Regional High-Level Forum on El Niño Preparedness for the Horn of Africa, the Deputy Commissioner said Ethiopia is strengthening its disaster risk management system to become more multi-hazard, impact-based, anticipatory and multi-sectoral. The system links monitoring, forecasting, impact assessment, early warning, preparedness, anticipatory action and response, Aydrus added. Moreover, he said that Ethiopia is strengthening national self-reliance, including through its Disaster Risk Response Fund, which provides predictable financing for disaster preparedness, early warning, anticipatory action, response and resilience building. At the regional level, IGAD and ICPAC have been working to strengthen cross-border information sharing, joint risk analysis, inter-operable early-warning systems and coordinated anticipatory action. These efforts are important given risks affecting shared river basins, livestock corridors, markets and population movements. Aydrus urged IGAD member states to ensure that financing is available before disasters occur and translate the regional high-level call to action into concrete commitments. He added that international assistance should complement national leadership rather than substitute for it. The Deputy Commissioner further stressed the need to connect forecast, trigger, financing, and action to protect lives, livelihoods and development gains. The forum has brought together IGAD member states and partners to strengthen regional preparedness and early action. The 2026 El Niño is forecast by the World Meteorological Organization to become a very strong, potentially historic event peaking late in the year and extending into 2027.

Addis Ababa, September 16, 2026 (ENA) — Africa must ensure that its transition to electric mobility becomes an engine of industrial development rather than turning the continent into another market for imported products, Transport and Logistics Minister Alemu Sime said today. Opening the Nordic-Africa EV Summit 2026 in Addis Ababa, he added that Africa should participate across the electric-mobility value chain by strengthening local assembly and manufacturing. The Minister accordingly called for development of engineering and software capabilities, investment in research and development, integration of local supply chains, and establishment of battery management, second-life and recycling systems. “Most importantly, we must ensure that Africa’s transition to electric mobility becomes an engine of industrial development, not simply another market for imported products,” Alemu said. “The future of African electric mobility must be built for, built by, and owned by African institutions, African youth, and African communities,” he stressed. According to him, Ethiopia’s green transformation provides a strong foundation for the country’s transition to electric mobility. The country’s renewable energy potential can also help reduce dependence on imported petroleum products, improve urban air quality, create green industries and jobs, and support its climate commitments. The Minister, however, stressed that Ethiopia’s electric-mobility transition must go beyond increasing the number of electric vehicles. He noted that financing will be critical, with investment needed not only in vehicles but also in charging infrastructure, grid upgrades, digital platforms, manufacturing, maintenance and skills. But “government resources alone will not be enough,” he said, calling for partnerships among governments, development finance institutions, commercial banks, investors and industry, including patient capital and appropriate risk-sharing mechanisms. “Our goal must be to transform electric mobility from a promising opportunity into a bankable investment market,” he stated. The Minister also urged African countries to establish compatible standards, charging systems, payment platforms and communication technologies to facilitate cross-border mobility, regional trade and investment. “Africa should not become a collection of disconnected EV markets,” Alemu said, adding that “interoperability is, therefore, not merely a technical issue. It is a strategic issue.” The transition should extend beyond private passenger vehicles to electric buses, public transport, urban logistics, electric two- and three-wheelers and freight. The Minister also called for investment in universities, technical and vocational institutions, research centers and industry partnerships to develop the skills needed for the sector. “Research must guide policy, policy must enable investment, investment must support industry, and industry must create jobs for our youth.” The Nordic-Africa EV Summit, launched in Oslo in May 2026 and continuing in Addis Ababa in September, connects Africa’s electric-mobility transition with Nordic experience, technology and investment, focusing on infrastructure, financing, regional integration, manufacturing and scalable electric-mobility systems. The summit brings together African and Nordic governments, industry leaders, utilities, investors, development finance institutions, researchers and technology providers to advance electric mobility across Africa.

Addis Ababa, September 12, 2026 (ENA) —Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed called for stronger cooperation among BRICS members and deeper engagement with Africa. Addressing the 18th BRICS Summit in New Delhi, the Prime Minister emphasized the need to build resilience, expand value creation and accelerate climate and economic transformation. PM Abiy also thanked Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the Government of India for their leadership, saying the summit’s theme of resilience, innovation, cooperation and sustainability reflects the interconnected challenges facing the world. “Shocks rarely come alone,” the Premier said, stressing that resilience must be built into national governance and systems before crises emerge. He highlighted Ethiopia’s progress in food security, noting that the country has moved from dependence on imported wheat toward self-sufficiency.   Ethiopia, Prime Minister Abiy said, therefore approaches the proposed BRICS grain exchange not only as a consumer but also as a producer and potential supplier. The Prime Minister also underscored Ethiopia’s efforts to expand pharmaceutical manufacturing, strengthen digital public infrastructure and develop digital identification, payment and data-exchange systems. On artificial intelligence, PM Abiy called for a more inclusive next generation of AI that better understands Africa’s languages, communities and knowledge systems. He said Ethiopia’s Medemer University of Artificial Intelligence reflects the country’s ambition to work with BRICS institutions to develop AI that better serves Africa, while stressing that ethical governance must be matched by research capacity, computing infrastructure, skills and strong institutions. The Premier further highlighted the potential for BRICS cooperation to connect Africa’s natural resources with capital, technology and markets, particularly, he explained untapped potential in critical minerals, renewable energy and advanced manufacturing.   “Africa holds many of these resources,” he said, emphasizing the opportunity to create greater value where resources are found rather than exporting raw materials without sufficient local value addition. He also pointed to Ethiopia’s strategic connectivity, citing Ethiopian Airlines’ global network, electricity exports to neighboring countries and Addis Ababa’s role as the headquarters of the African Union as platforms for wider economic and strategic partnerships. In this regard, Prime Minister Abiy called for stronger consultation between BRICS and the African Union to ensure engagement with the continent is better aligned with Agenda 2063. Turning to global finance, the Prime Minister urged faster, more transparent and predictable mechanisms for debt resolution, drawing on Ethiopia’s ongoing economic reforms and external debt restructuring. PM Abiy also backed efforts within BRICS to facilitate cross-border payments and expand the use of local currencies where this can reduce transaction costs and promote trade. On climate change, Premier Abiy said Ethiopia views climate action and economic transformation as mutually reinforcing priorities. He highlighted the Green Legacy Initiative, renewable energy expansion, electric mobility and investments in resilient agriculture, cities and infrastructure.   Looking ahead to COP32 in Addis Ababa in 2027, PM Abiy said Ethiopia intends to make the conference a “COP of delivery and hope,” with a strong focus on climate adaptation, practical solutions, climate finance and responsible use of emerging technologies. He proposed establishing a BRICS coordinating track on the road to COP32 to translate shared priorities into practical areas of agreement ahead of the Addis Ababa climate summit. Concluding his remarks, Abiy said the future requires countries to manage differences while pursuing common objectives, stressing that BRICS’ strength lies in what its members can achieve together. “Ethiopia comes to its partnership ready to contribute,” he said, inviting BRICS members to Addis Ababa for COP32 in 2027.

Addis Ababa, September 9, 2026 (ENA)—Addis Ababa has emerged as one of the world’s most climate-resilient major cities, ranking second globally in a new assessment by geospatial artificial intelligence institute AlphaGeo. The ranking places Addis Ababa ahead of dozens of major cities worldwide, highlighting the Ethiopian capital’s relatively low residual exposure to climate risks after accounting for adaptation measures. AlphaGeo’s report, “How Climate Resilient Are the World’s Largest Cities?”, assessed 72 of the world’s largest cities using its Climate Risk & Resilience Index (CRRI). The index examines exposure to major physical climate hazards and evaluates how effectively adaptation measures reduce the risks facing cities.   Addis Ababa recorded a resilience-adjusted risk (RAJ) score of 10, the second-lowest score in the global assessment. Since a lower score indicates lower residual climate risk after adaptation is taken into account, the result places Addis Ababa among the strongest-performing cities in the study. Only Chicago, with an RAJ score of 8, ranked higher. Melbourne and Barcelona followed with scores of 11, while Paris and Buenos Aires recorded 12. Addis Ababa was also among several African cities performing strongly in the assessment. Nairobi recorded an RAJ score of 13, while Johannesburg scored 16. According to AlphaGeo, the strong performance of Addis Ababa, Nairobi and Johannesburg is linked in significant part to their elevation and climate geography, which provide relatively lower baseline exposure to several of the hazards measured by the index. Adaptation capacity also contributes to their overall resilience. The assessment examined six major physical climate hazards, including inland and coastal flooding, heat stress, drought, wildfires and hurricane winds. AlphaGeo compared each city’s physical exposure with its resilience-adjusted risk to determine what it calls an “adaptation delta”—the reduction in risk associated with existing adaptation measures. The findings underline that climate resilience is not determined by geography alone.   Cities with comparable levels of physical exposure can experience markedly different residual risks depending on the strength of their infrastructure, governance, planning and investment in adaptation. For Addis Ababa, the ranking offers a significant international recognition of the capital’s position in an era of intensifying climate pressures.   It also highlights the importance of sustaining investment in urban infrastructure and climate adaptation as African cities expand and face growing environmental and economic risks.   AlphaGeo cautions that its scores represent city-level averages and may not capture significant differences between individual neighborhoods. Climate exposure and resilience can vary considerably within the same urban area. The company says the assessment is intended to help policymakers, investors and infrastructure owners identify where climate adaptation is reducing risk and where additional investment may be required. For Africa, the results reinforce the growing importance of building climate-resilient cities capable of protecting communities, infrastructure and economic activity against an increasingly uncertain climate future, it was learned.

Addis Ababa, September 3, 2026 (ENA)— United Nations Under-Secretary-General and Executive Secretary of the Economic Commission for Africa (ECA), Claver Gatete, called on African nations to transition from a narrative of victimhood to positioning the continent as an active leader in global climate action. Speaking at the opening of the 14th Conference on Climate Change and Development in Africa (CCDA-XIV) in Addis Ababa, Executive Secretary Gatete stressed that while Africa contributes less than four percent of global greenhouse gas emissions yet bears the heaviest consequences, it must harness its strategic assets to influence global solutions. "While this remains an unfortunate reality for our continent, we must not allow it to limit Africa’s climate story to one of victimhood," Gatete declared. "We are also a continent of enormous renewable energy potential, critical mineral resources, a young population, expanding markets and growing technological capacity. But let’s also ask how we can harness these assets for our own development, and play a greater role in shaping the rules, investments and solutions that drive global climate action." The Executive Secretary noted that the annual theme, "From Pledges to Implementation," highlights a structural challenge where commitments and adaptation plans continue to outpace delivery. Turnaround, he argued, depends heavily on reforming how climate finance reaches the continent. Disclosing that Africa requires an estimated 277 billion US dollars annually through 2030 to implement its Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs)—with current flows covering merely 11 percent— Gatete raised alarm over financing terms that aggravate debt burdens. "The question is not simply how much finance we mobilize. We must also ask: At what cost? On what terms? And what development outcomes will it deliver?" Gatete cautioned. "For countries already grappling with high debt-service costs and limited fiscal space, the terms of climate finance matter enormously. Finance that adds to unsustainable debt will only make implementation harder." To break this bottleneck, he called for affordable climate finance anchored in grants and concessional funding, coupled with massive private capital mobilization. He emphasized that climate action must expand access to electricity for more than 600 million Africans without power, leveraging the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) to process local resources and build cross-border value chains at scale. Outcomes from the three-day gathering will shape the Addis Ababa Climate Action Messages, framing concrete proposals for COP31 in Antalya and paving the way toward COP32 in Addis Ababa in 2027.

Addis Ababa, Sep 3, 2026 (ENA) —Ethiopia’s Green Legacy Initiative is contributing to climate change adaptation and mitigation while supporting biodiversity and ecosystem restoration, Africa Union Sustainable Environment and Blue Economy Director Harsen Nyambe said. Nyambe noted that Ethiopia’s initiatives such as the Green Legacy Initiative provide multiple environmental benefits, including ecosystem services such as clean air, while also helping reduce carbon emissions that contribute to rising temperatures. Speaking to ENA, he stated that such initiatives support climate change mitigation by reducing emissions, while simultaneously contributing to adaptation through the restoration of ecosystems and land. “Basically, it’s multipurpose in terms of benefits, and it’s also supporting biodiversity,” the Director said. Additionally, he emphasized the importance of experience-sharing among African countries, noting that member states have significant opportunities to learn from one another. Nyambe cited Ethiopia’s Green Legacy as an example of an initiative from which other countries could draw lessons, particularly those facing similar environmental challenges and seeking to implement comparable projects. According to him, Ethiopia should share its experience and information with other African countries so they can learn from initiatives already being implemented in the country. “Ethiopia should take the floor and share the experience so that other countries can learn from them,” he stressed. The Green Legacy Initiative has been implemented as part of the country’s efforts to restore degraded landscapes and expand tree coverage with its environmental interventions contributing to ecosystem restoration and climate resilience.

Addis Ababa, Sep 3, 2026 (ENA) —Ethiopia is deploying young people to African Countries to share the country’s experience in implementing the Green Legacy Initiative (GLI). Speaking at a ceremony held last night, Prosperity Party Youth Wing Vice President and Head of the Main Office Abang Kumudan said the activities will be conducted under the theme “Plant Africa Fraternity Initiative.” According to Abang, the initiative is being implemented for the second time, with 24 Ethiopian youths set to travel to Zimbabwe, Ghana and Nigeria. Eight youths will be deployed to each country to share Ethiopia’s experience and knowledge in environmental conservation, afforestation and tree planting. Abang further emphasized that the initiative will subsequently be expanded to other African countries. Beyond sharing Ethiopia’s experience, the program will also contribute to strengthening Ethiopia’s diplomatic relations with the respective countries, she added. Abang noted that the initiative had previously been extended beyond Africa, with a similar tree-planting activity conducted in Pakistan last year. Meanwhile, Ethiopia planted 805.3 million tree seedlings on August 3, 2026 alone, surpassing the daily target of 800 million seedlings set under the ongoing Green Legacy campaign. Over the past seven years, Ethiopia has planted more than 48 billion seedlings nationwide, marking a major milestone in the country’s environmental restoration efforts. Launched in 2019 under the leadership of Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, the GLI has become a flagship environmental program focused on restoring degraded landscapes, expanding forest coverage and strengthening Ethiopia’s efforts to address climate change.

Addis Ababa, August 29, 2026 (ENA) —Ethiopia’s Green Legacy Initiative is contributing to the creation of a pollution-free environment and a healthier generation, the Executive Director of the African Constituency Bureau (ACB) for the Global Fund, Henry Fomundam said. The 76th Session of the World Health Organization (WHO) Regional Committee for Africa has successfully concluded in Addis Ababa. The forum, attended by African, regional, continental, and global health leaders, highlighted Ethiopia’s efforts to build a digital and artificial intelligence-supported health system, describing the initiative as a model for Africans in disease prevention and treatment. It was also stated that Ethiopia has planted more than 50 billion seedlings under its Green Legacy Initiative, with the program contributing to agricultural productivity, the production of medicinal plants, and climate resilience. Speaking to ENA on the sidelines of the forum, Henry Fomundam said cooperation is crucial to building strong and sustainable health systems in Africa. He said Africa’s knowledge, natural resources, and adequate human capital can enable the continent to build strong health institutions of its own by modernizing health financing and management systems. Fomundam also said the Green Legacy Initiative can help reduce health problems associated with climate change and improve citizens’ life expectancy. He noted that Ethiopia, as a leading African country in large-scale tree planting through the Green Legacy Initiative, is making a significant contribution to creating a healthy generation living in a pollution-free environment. He stressed that Africans should build their health systems through their own capabilities while maintaining partnerships with external stakeholders on an equal footing, rather than allowing such relationships to remain based on a donor-recipient model. He further emphasized that ensuring Africa’s health sovereignty and self-reliance would not only strengthen the continent’s health systems but also enhance its economic and political standing and global competitiveness. Fomundam also explained that the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) presents an important opportunity to create linkages among pharmaceutical and medical equipment manufacturing industries across the continent.

Addis Ababa, August 25, 2026 (ENA) —BRICS Environment and Climate Ministers have expressed support for Ethiopia’s presidency of the 32nd UN Climate Change Conference (COP32). The endorsement came in a Joint Ministerial Statement adopted at the 12th BRICS Environment Ministers’ Meeting in New Delhi on August 18, held under India’s 2026 BRICS Chairship. During the meeting, the Ethiopian delegation highlighted the country’s Green Legacy Initiative and its efforts to advance environmental protection, climate resilience and sustainable development. In its social media post, Ethiopian Embassy in New Delhi, India, said the endorsement reinforced the country’s growing role in shaping the global climate agenda. Ethiopia also presented progress in forest development, land restoration and sustainable land management as it prepares to assume the COP32 presidency. The support from BRICS countries adds diplomatic weight to Ethiopia’s upcoming leadership of the global climate process, while placing the country’s environmental initiatives within a broader framework of international cooperation. The meeting brought together environment and climate ministers and senior representatives from BRICS member states to advance cooperation on shared environmental challenges.   Discussions focused on four key areas including sustainable lifestyles; afforestation, forest-fire management and disaster resilience; the circular economy; and climate adaptation. The ministers adopted the Joint Ministerial Statement by consensus and launched four knowledge compendiums developed under the BRICS Environment Working Group. The outcome documents address sustainable lifestyles and integrated landscape management to combat desertification, strengthen sustainable land management and improve ecosystem resilience. They also cover forest-fire preparedness and response, as well as people-centered and community-based approaches to climate adaptation that draw on traditional knowledge. Held under India’s overarching BRICS theme, “Building for Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation and Sustainability,” the meeting underscored the bloc’s efforts to deepen environmental and climate cooperation through knowledge sharing, innovation and capacity building. For Ethiopia, the BRICS backing comes at a strategically important moment as it prepares to take the helm of COP32 and place Africa’s climate priorities, resilience needs and development aspirations more prominently on the global agenda, it was learned.

Addis Ababa, August 24, 2026 (ENA) —The World Health Organization (WHO) Ethiopia representative has commended Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed for his forward-looking approach in integrating Artificial Intelligence (AI) and digital health technologies with major national development initiatives. The major national development initiatives include the Green Legacy Initiative (GLI), urban renewal projects and riverside developments. Speaking to ENA, WHO Representative to Ethiopia, the African Union and the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA), Francis Chisaka Kasolo, described Ethiopia as a frontrunner in harnessing emerging technologies to advance public health. “Indeed, the Prime Minister is the champion for artificial intelligence and digital health, and an award that was given by the African Union,” Kasolo said. He further highlighted the institutional recognition of Ethiopia’s efforts to advance digital health. The representative said WHO is committed to supporting Ethiopia’s digital transformation in the health sector. “We want to work with the country and the government and the Ministry of Health to really push this digital agenda,” Kasolo said. He also stressed that AI and other digital tools should go beyond disease prediction and help transform how countries plan and deliver health services.   Kasolo also emphasized that health should be addressed as a cross sectoral issue extending beyond medical treatment. “The World Health Organization has recognized that health is no longer just about treatment. It's about addressing the determinants of health,” he said, citing climate change, environmental degradation and humanitarian shocks among the factors that significantly affect public health. He stressed the importance of prevention, saying, “We would want to prevent ill health before it happens.” According to Kasolo, improving air quality and creating safer and healthier environments can reduce respiratory diseases and contribute to preventing some forms of cancer, making environmental policies an important component of public health. He specifically linked Ethiopia’s Green Legacy Initiative and urban development projects to preventive health measures. “The GLI, for example, promotes, for instance, clean air. Clean air leads to good health and reduction in respiratory diseases,” he said.   Kasolo also highlighted the health benefits of Addis Ababa’s corridor development projects, particularly improvements in sanitation. “The corridor project, for instance, also improves sanitation,” he said, noting that expanding similar improvements across the country could help reduce waterborne diseases. “Such initiatives are what we would want the government of Ethiopia to invest in before we start treating conditions that emerge because of poor environment,” he said. Kasolo called for Ethiopia’s approach to be replicated across Africa, saying investments in green infrastructure and healthier urban environments can contribute significantly to improving public health. “Certainly, these initiatives are what we would want to see across the continent because they contribute to good health, not only beautifying the city, but also to good health,” he said. His remarks underscore the growing convergence between digital innovation, environmental protection and public health in Ethiopia’s development agenda, with WHO viewing such integrated approaches as important tools for strengthening health security across Africa.

Addis Ababa, August 20, 2026 (ENA) — Ethiopia’s expanding corridor development projects are contributing to healthier, happier and more socially connected communities by promoting walking, improving urban environments and transforming previously neglected riverbanks, State Minister of Health Frehiwot Abebe said. Speaking to ENA, Frehiwot said improvements in the country’s healthcare system have contributed to rising life expectancy, while also increasing the need to prevent chronic, non-communicable diseases through healthier lifestyles and improved urban environments. “Life expectancy is growing because our nation’s healthcare system is improving,” she said. She noted that longer life expectancy also increases people’s exposure to chronic, non-communicable diseases, which often require long-term medication. “A longer life expectancy also increases the chance of exposure to chronic, non-communicable diseases, which require long-term medication. This is a challenge experienced even by affluent nations around the world,” Frehiwot said. The State Minister emphasized that access to clean air, green spaces and safe places for walking is essential to preventing such diseases. She said the corridor development initiative is helping communities develop a culture of walking by creating attractive, accessible and well-maintained public spaces. “The corridor expansion currently taking place in Ethiopia has a significant role in preventing non-communicable diseases through its beauty, maintenance and walkability,” Frehiwot said. “Every neighborhood is being encouraged to embrace a culture of walking.” She added that the corridor projects are also strengthening family relationships and social interaction, as residents walk with their children and relatives, particularly in the evening. “It is healthy physical activity to take children outside and spend time walking with them,” she said. “It also strengthens family relationships.” Frehiwot further noted that riverside development has improved environmental conditions in areas that were previously affected by pollution and unpleasant odors. The transformation of riverbanks has created cleaner and more accessible public spaces, allowing residents to move more freely while reducing exposure to unhealthy surroundings. “From a health standpoint, this is extremely important for us,” she said, adding that Ethiopia is increasingly witnessing the benefits of integrated urban development and improved public spaces. She also underlined the close relationship between health and economic growth, saying national development and corridor initiatives are mutually reinforcing. “Our objective is to build a healthy and happy society,” Frehiwot said. “When the economy grows, it improves health; when health is improved, it strengthens the economy.” The corridor development program has expanded across Ethiopian cities, integrating pedestrian walkways, green areas, public spaces and riverside improvements to promote healthier lifestyles and enhance the overall quality of urban life, it was noted.

Addis Ababa, August 19, 2026 (ENA) — Ethiopia’s progress in expanding forest cover and its ongoing conservation efforts are vital not only for its own people but for the wider Horn of Africa, according to Live Jacob Sydness, Norway’s Climate Counsellor and Special Envoy for Climate and Forests. Speaking exclusively to ENA, Sydness said Ethiopia had achieved “massive” results in forestry over the past five years, describing the reported increase in forest cover as “very impressive.” “I’ve been here now for two years, and I’ve been following Ethiopia for longer than that. I’m very impressed by the results achieved, particularly in your forestry efforts,” she said. Sydness said cooperation between Norway and Ethiopia over the past decade had contributed to expanding forest cover and reducing deforestation. She stressed that the benefits of forest conservation go beyond protecting trees, particularly for communities living in and around forest areas. “The forests are crucial for the water systems,” she said, explaining that forests help prevent soil erosion, improve water absorption and regulate river flows. She added that forest conservation in Ethiopia’s highlands has direct implications for water access and food security across the region. “Your efforts in forestry in the highlands of Ethiopia are important for water access and food security not only for Ethiopia, but also for the region as a whole,” Sydness said, citing Somalia, northern Kenya and Djibouti among the areas that benefit from Ethiopia’s forest conservation efforts. The partnership focuses on landscape restoration, forest protection and efforts to reduce deforestation, with Norway serving as a key partner in Ethiopia’s Reducing emissions from deforestation and forest degradation and forest-related activities programs in developing countries. “Climate change has a very bad influence not only on agriculture, but also on the availability of water,” she said. She reaffirmed Norway’s support for Ethiopia’s Climate-Resilient Green Economy Strategy, launched in 2011, and said the two countries would continue working together on climate adaptation, forest restoration and sustainable development.

Addis Ababa, August 13 2026 (ENA) — Ethiopia’s Green Legacy Initiative (GLI) could position the country to attract substantial global climate finance over the next three to four years. Kindie Tesfaye, Head of Climate Adaptation and Resilience at the Alliance for a Green Revolution in Africa (AGRA), told ENA that Ethiopia is well positioned to attract substantial global climate finance. He further noted that climate adaptation financing for Africa remains severely inadequate despite the continent bearing significant impacts of emissions generated by industrialized countries. Kindie further emphasized the need for global climate finance mechanisms to urgently scale up funding for Africa to support its climate adaptation efforts. Ethiopia’s GLI demonstrates the country’s commitment to addressing climate change through large scale afforestation, he noted. According to him, Ethiopia has taken a leading role in combating climate change through its extensive tree planting program, which involves planting billions of seedlings annually. Kindie also highlighted the critical role of technological innovation in building a climate resilient green economy, noting that young Africans are developing various innovative solutions to address climate challenges. However, he said limited access to finance and inadequate professional networks have prevented many of these innovations from achieving wider impact across the continent. In this regard, the African Youth Innovation, Enterprise and Leadership in Climate Action Conference was held for two days to connect young African innovators working on climate solutions with potential investors. Kindie further noted that global climate finance has traditionally placed greater emphasis on mitigation than adaptation. He therefore urged international funders to give climate adaptation equal priority and allocate adequate resources to it. Scaling up youth led technological innovations, particularly those supporting climate resilient agriculture, is essential to generating tangible climate action across Africa, he said. He also stressed the need for African countries to expand access to finance for young entrepreneurs and strengthen collaborative networks among innovators to accelerate the development of a climate resilient green economy.

Addis Ababa, August 10, 2026 (ENA) — Ethiopia’s environmental conservation efforts under its Green Legacy Initiative (GLI) offer an exemplary response to the climate crisis facing Africa, Ambassador of the Sahrawi Republic to Ethiopia and the African Union Lamine Baali said. In an exclusive interview with ENA, Ambassador Baali commended Ethiopia’s efforts to restore degraded landscapes and expand green coverage across the country, describing the initiative as increasingly important as Africa faces worsening climate-related challenges. “Ethiopia has made a lot of achievements in the greening of landscapes,” Baali said, highlighting the country’s efforts to transform degraded and other areas into greener landscapes. He described the GLI as “a very good example for the rest of Africa,” particularly as African countries confront growing climate risks, including the potential impacts of El Niño. Baali called for stronger cooperation among African countries to address climate change collectively, emphasizing the importance of the African Union and its Agenda 2063 framework. He also emphasized that African countries should work together to ensure that the continent speaks with one voice at national, regional and international forums on climate related issues. “We have the African Union, and also we have Agenda 2063,” Baali said, stressing the need for member states to implement decisions and policies adopted under the continental framework, particularly those related to climate change and preparedness. The ambassador also urged international organizations and development partners to honor their commitments to support African countries in strengthening climate resilience and preparing for humanitarian crises associated with climate change. Stronger international cooperation is essential to help vulnerable African countries cope with the growing impacts of climate change, he said. Commenting on COP32, Baali said the conference would provide a critical platform for African countries to strengthen cooperation and develop common positions on climate change. COP32 could enable African countries to come together and identify collective priorities at the regional and international levels, he added. The ambassador further underscored the need to secure greater climate finance and resources for countries and communities affected by climate change, expressing hope that Ethiopia’s leadership would help advance African cooperation and integration. According to the ambassador, Ethiopia could play a leading role in helping Africa speak with one voice in international climate negotiations and secure increased resources to address the continent’s climate challenges. He further underscored that stronger continental cooperation is critical to building Africa’s resilience, improving preparedness for future climate related crises and advancing the implementation of Agenda 2063.