Addis Ababa, November 14, 2026 (ENA)— The successful execution of the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) has amply demonstrated the nation's capacity to overcome challenges and bring to fruition its water development projects, Water and Energy Minister Habtamu Itefa told ENA. The Minister added that any future development and infrastructure projects in Ethiopia will be significantly smoother and less burdensome than past endeavors. "Challenges for any further development projects in Ethiopia will be much simpler than that we passed through; because we built Africa’s biggest dam overcoming many difficulties," he stated. Habtamu noted that external pressure and attempts to prevent Ethiopia from utilizing its water resources for development have ironically strengthened national unity and determination. “The more pressure is exerted on Ethiopia from outside, the more united Ethiopians become,” he said, citing the construction of the GERD as evidence of the country's collective commitment to safeguarding its national interests.   The Minister criticized Egypt’s approach to the Nile River, noting that its continued opposition to Ethiopia’s water development projects disregards the contributions of upstream countries. Ethiopia, for instance, contributes over 86 percent of the Nile’s water. Similarly, the other upstream countries contributing to the river have the right to utilize their water resources for development. Habtamu argues that Egypt’s political rhetoric over the Nile is partly intended to divert public attention from domestic challenges and create the impression that its government is protecting national interests. However, the truth is that Ethiopia’s development projects are not intended and do no harm to downstream countries. On the contrary, the GERD for example provides benefits to both Sudan and Egypt. Among the benefits he mentioned improved water regulation, increased water availability during dry seasons, and reduced evaporation losses compared with the Aswan High Dam.   The Minister reiterated that Ethiopia remains committed to utilizing its natural resources for development while respecting the interests of other countries. Recall that Ethiopia signed the 2015 Declaration of Principles on the GERD with Egypt and Sudan to exchange information and cooperation during the dam's construction and filling process. On the other hand, Egypt had undertaken several water development projects without adequately considering Ethiopia's interests, including the construction of the Aswan High Dam and other water-transfer schemes, Habtamu elaborated. The Water Minister insisted that Egypt abandon such unilateral approaches to Nile water development and engage Ethiopia and all other Nile Basin countries through meaningful negotiations and cooperation based on mutual understanding, compromise and the recognition of the legitimate development interests of all Nile Basin countries. He urged Egypt to move beyond opposing Ethiopia's development initiatives and instead participate in joint water development projects across the Nile Basin.   Furthermore, Habtamu advised Egypt to re-evaluate domestic water consumption policies, pointing to water intensive agricultural practices such as extensive rice and sugarcane cultivation, as well as water diversion projects directed toward desert areas like the Toshka Valley and the Sinai Peninsula, rather than placing sole focus on upstream development. Egypt needs to improve its water management practices, including adopting modern irrigation technologies and reconsidering water-intensive agricultural activities, he said.

Addis Ababa, November 14, 2026 (ENA)— President Taye Atseke Selassie has appointed 32 Ambassadors Plenipotentiary today. According to a press statement sent to ENA, the following Ambassadors Plenipotentiary were appointed. 1.Mr. Tagesse Chafo 2.Mr. Agegnehu Teshager 3.Mr. Zadig Abrha 4.Ambassador Siraj Rashid Jundi 5.Ambassador Meles Alem Tekie 6.Ambassador Anteneh Alemu Senbete 7.Ambassador Zerihun Abebe Yigzaw 8.Mr. Melaku Alebel 9. Dr. Ergogie Tesfaye 10. Dr. Sintayehu W/Michael 11. Dr. Seman Tiruneh 12. Prof. Mesfin Araya 13. Dr. Kassahun Gofe 14. Dr. Alemu Sime 15. Mr. Adam Tesfaye Abera 16. Mr. Amha H/Giorgis Ayele 17. Mr. Samuel Addis Alemayehu 18. Mr. Belachew Anshiso Kembecha 19. Mr. Abebe Mebratu Kibret 20. Mr. Melaku Bedada Senbeta 21. Mrs. Ubah Mohamed Hussein 22. Mr. Daniel Tenkir Arega 23. Dr. Ambaye Ogato 24. Mrs. Worknesh Biru 25. Dr. Yonas Adaye 26. Mr. Melaku Fenta Balcha 27. Mr. Jantirar Abay 28. Mr. Temesgen Tilahun 29. Mr. Tadele Negisho 30. Mr. Zerihun Megersa Jima 31. Mr. Shimelis Adugna Balcha 32. Mr. Abdurahman Jamal Nurlign

Addis Ababa, November 14, 2026 (ENA)— Ethiopia is calling for concrete global action and increased investment in Africa’s green future. Foreign Minister Gedion Timothewos made the call in an interview with Türkiye’s TRT World One on One program on the sidelines of the 31st United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP31) in Antalya, Türkiye, urged developed countries to translate climate commitments into tangible support for green infrastructure, industrialization and sustainable development across the continent. He further emphasized the need for meaningful outcomes at the current summit ahead of Ethiopia’s hosting of COP32 in 2027. The minister said Ethiopia’s immediate priority is to support the COP31 presidency and ensure successful negotiations that generate positive momentum for the next climate conference in Addis Ababa. Gedion said Ethiopia expects COP31 to deliver consensus and meaningful decisions across key negotiation tracks, particularly on climate adaptation, mitigation, implementation plans and other measures requiring operationalization. Addressing Africa’s climate priorities, he stressed that developed countries must demonstrate their commitment through concrete investments in green infrastructure, industrialization and a sustainable economic future for the continent.   Gedion noted that Ethiopia’s experience demonstrates that climate action can go hand in hand with economic growth, creating jobs, improving livelihoods and expanding development opportunities. Through its nationwide tree-planting campaign, green mobility and sustainable urbanization initiatives, Ethiopia is demonstrating how environmental protection can also serve as a driver of economic transformation, he added. The Foreign Minister said Ethiopia intends to translate this commitment into concrete outcomes through climate negotiations, its action agenda and initiatives under its COP32 presidency. He emphasized that the upcoming summit should go beyond declarations and pledges to advance the implementation of existing climate agreements and deliver the financing needed by developing countries. Gedion called for stronger political will and international cooperation, stressing the need to strengthen existing mechanisms, improve access to affordable capital, address credit-rating challenges and expand direct budgetary support and official development assistance. He also underscored the importance of advancing international cooperation under the Paris Agreement and other relevant legal instruments to ensure that climate commitments translate into meaningful action. Speaking on Ethiopia-Türkiye relations, Gedion described the partnership as strong and historic, founded on longstanding ties, mutual understanding and growing cooperation between the two countries and their peoples. He further encouraged Turkish businesses to expand their investments in Ethiopia, particularly in hospitality, manufacturing and construction, noting that Turkish companies could make significant contributions to Ethiopia’s growing economy. He said greater private-sector engagement would create mutually beneficial opportunities and further strengthen the economic partnership between the two countries.

Addis Ababa, November 13, 2026 (ENA)— Ethiopia’s Minister of Finance and COP32 Chief Negotiator, Fitsum Assefa, held discussions with French Development Agency (AFD) Chief Executive Officer Christophe Lecourtier on the sidelines of COP31 in Antalya, Türkiye. The discussions focused on strengthening the development partnership between Ethiopia and the French Development Agency and exploring additional areas of collaboration in connection with Ethiopia’s preparations to host COP32 in 2027.   In a separate engagement on the sidelines of COP31, Fitsum also held bilateral talks with UNDP Administrator Alexander De Croo. The meeting provided an opportunity to exchange views on Ethiopia’s longstanding cooperation with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in climate action and sustainable development. Discussions focused on climate finance, investment, resilience and ongoing efforts to support the implementation of Ethiopia’s climate and development priorities.   The two sides also explored opportunities to further expand their cooperation, ENA learned. The engagements underscore Ethiopia’s efforts to deepen partnerships with international development institutions, mobilize climate finance and strengthen international cooperation in support of its climate ambitions ahead of hosting COP32 in 2027.

Addis Ababa, November 13, 2026 (ENA)— Residents of Mekelle have urged the Federal Government to sustain and accelerate reform, reconstruction and development efforts in Tigray region. The inhabitants further emphasized the need for consolidating progress toward lasting peace, stability and prosperity in the region. The call was made during a consultative forum of Mekelle residents, presided over by Chief of Staff of the Ethiopian National Defense Force (ENDF), Field Marshal Birhanu Jula. Speaking at the gathering, Field Marshal Birhanu said the defunct TPLF faction had aligned itself with the so-called “Tsimdo” group, an alliance orchestrated by Ethiopia’s historical adversaries to wage war against the country. He said his engagement with residents was aimed at fostering dialogue, strengthening cooperation and encouraging collective efforts to ensure lasting peace and stability in Tigray region.   During the discussions, residents underscored their strong desire to see an end to conflict, identifying peace, security and sustainable development as their foremost priorities. They called for the reconstruction of damaged infrastructure, expanded employment opportunities for young people and the restoration of security to enable communities to resume normal life without fear. “Our foremost priorities are the reconstruction of critical infrastructure, the creation of meaningful employment opportunities for our youth, and the restoration of security so that citizens can go about their daily lives in peace,” participants said. Residents also welcomed the resumption of salary payments for civil servants and ongoing infrastructure rehabilitation efforts, describing them as important steps toward restoring normalcy and accelerating the region’s recovery.   Concluding the forum, participants called on the Federal Government to maintain its commitment to Tigray, sustain ongoing interventions and accelerate reform, reconstruction and development initiatives to secure lasting peace and improve the livelihoods of communities across the region.

Addis Ababa, November 13, 2026 (ENA)— French and Danish Defense Attachés underscored Ethiopia’s legitimate interest in Red Sea access and its potential role in safeguarding maritime security and combating terrorism in the strategically important Horn of Africa. Speaking to ENA, the defense attachés also said as a regional power, Ethiopia should get involved in mechanisms that can provide global security in the Horn of Africa. French Defense Attaché Colonel Damien Cypryk said Ethiopia’s aspiration for access to the Red Sea is legitimate, given its importance to the country's development and stability.   “Access to the Red Sea for Ethiopia is a perfectly legitimate act because it is a question of development and stability,” he stated. Currently, Ethiopia is actively pursuing permanent access to the Red Sea, citing its geographical, historical and economic circumstances. The country’s geographical proximity to the Red Sea, together with its historical links to the region’s ports, has remained central to its push for securing a sovereign sea outlet. Cypryk underscored the strategic importance of the Red Sea, the Bab al-Mandab Strait, and the Horn of Africa, describing them as a vital corridor whose security has far-reaching implications beyond the region. He noted that developments in this strategically significant area could have repercussions across the African continent and the wider international community.   The defense attaché stressed that Ethiopia, as a regional power, has a legitimate role to play in regional security and should actively participate in mechanisms designed to safeguard peace and stability. “I am convinced that Ethiopia, as a regional power, is absolutely legitimate to contribute to regional security, and it should get involved in mechanisms that can provide security in the region,” he said. The French Defense Attaché further explained that France supports dialogue and negotiations as the appropriate means of addressing Ethiopia’s quest for sea access, noting that Paris, like many other countries, has strategic interests in the region and therefore promotes peace and stability. On his part, Danish Defense Attaché to Ethiopia Commander Anders Lakjer highlighted Ethiopia’s potential contribution to combating terrorism and addressing growing threats to maritime security in the region.   “Ethiopia can play a very important role in terms of fighting terrorism and also all the threats against maritime security in the area,” he told ENA. Lakjer called on countries capable of contributing to regional security to work together to strengthen maritime protection and counterterrorism efforts.

Addis Ababa, November 12, 2026 (ENA)— Ethiopia is stepping up diplomatic engagement with regional and international partners to strengthen climate cooperation and advance shared priorities ahead of hosting the 32nd United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP32) in 2027. Minister of Foreign Affairs and COP32 President-Designate Gedion Timothewos held bilateral talks with Rwanda’s Minister of Environment, Bernadette Arakwiye, focusing on strengthening cooperation and coordination in preparation for COP32.   During the discussions, both sides agreed to work closely on shared climate priorities and coordinate efforts to ensure a successful COP32 that delivers meaningful outcomes for all Parties. In a related engagement on the sidelines of COP31 in Antalya, Türkiye, Minister of Finance and COP32 Chief Negotiator Fitsum Assefa held talks with Paschal Donohoe, Managing Director and Chief Knowledge Officer of the World Bank Group.   The discussions focused on deepening cooperation ahead of COP32, with both sides exchanging views on e-mobility, climate finance, climate action implementation, and carbon credits. The engagements underscore Ethiopia’s growing diplomatic efforts to mobilize regional support, strengthen international partnerships, and build consensus around key climate priorities as it prepares to host one of the world’s most significant climate conferences in 2027, ENA learned.

Addis Ababa, November 12, 2026 (ENA)— The newly established Nile and Red Sea Strategic Forum pledged to strengthen research, policy advocacy, and public engagement to advance Ethiopia’s strategic interests in the two vital waterways. Briefing journalists today, the forum’s Chief Executive Officer, Solomon Tefera, said the institution was established as a legally recognized body to strengthen Ethiopia’s strategic interests in the Nile and Red Sea.   Solomon said the forum aims to mobilize civil society, scholars, researchers, and the public to safeguard Ethiopia’s strategic interests in the two waters, which are vital to its economic development, regional stability, and geopolitical standing. He said protecting national interests requires coordinated efforts among the government, civil society, and the public, noting that civil society engagement in research, advocacy, and awareness creation remains insufficient. Solomon said Ethiopia’s interests in the two waterways extend beyond water resources and maritime access. He also explained that the two waters encompass economic development, political stability, regional peace, geopolitical interests, and Ethiopia’s international standing. To address existing gaps, the forum plans to conduct academic and policy research, organize conferences and policy dialogues, and promote diplomatic and public advocacy on Nile and Red Sea issues.   Solomon said the forum has outlined 12 objectives, focusing on research and diplomatic advocacy to safeguard Ethiopia’s interests in the Nile and Red Sea. The CEO further elaborated that the forum would promote the country’s access to a sea outlet, strengthen regional cooperation, expand public awareness, and support policy dialogue and strategic partnerships. It also seeks to strengthen research and advocacy on Ethiopia’s interests in the Abay (Blue Nile), including its benefits to the country and the importance of regional cooperation in utilizing shared water resources. Regarding maritime access, the forum aims to promote research and policy advocacy to help the international community understand the strategic significance of Ethiopia’s access to a sea outlet and its implications for the country and the wider region.   Solomon said the forum would bring together scholars, intellectuals, experts, and other stakeholders to develop research-based perspectives integrating the historical, legal, geopolitical, diplomatic, and economic dimensions of Ethiopia’s interests. He added that the institution intends to support diplomatic engagement and strategic partnerships with other countries through international cooperation and peaceful approaches to advance Ethiopia’s interests and strengthen regional relations.

Addis Ababa, November 12, 2026 (ENA)— Algeria's participation in the Second African Political Parties Summit 2026 has provided opportunity for the National Building Movement party to learn from Ethiopia's experience and exchange knowledge with political leaders and government officials, the Algerian party member Jarrallah Abdelmonem said. The engagement could help transfer valuable experiences to Algeria while strengthening cooperation and communication among African political parties, he added. The Algerian party member emphasized that building bridges of cooperation among political parties would contribute to economic development and improve the well-being of African peoples. Praising Ethiopia’s development experience, Abdelmonem further stressed the importance of drawing lessons from it to advance economic and political development across Africa. The party member recalled that Ethiopia recorded economic growth of more than 9 percent last year, describing it as a significant achievement that reflects the country's economic transformation. Abdelmonem said that this approach is consistent with the vision of the Ethiopian Prime Minister and the government's Medemer philosophy. For his part, Ali Hashani, another National Building Movement member commended Ethiopia's development experience, describing it as a leading model for African countries. According to him, the delegation's visit to Addis Ababa provided an opportunity to witness the city's transformation, particularly in infrastructure development and economic projects. He added that what the delegation observed reflected Ethiopia's remarkable progress, stressing that "Ethiopia's experience remains a pioneering one." Hashani expressed hope that African countries would learn from Ethiopia's experience and follow its path toward achieving development and progress. Hashani further noted that the Ethiopian Prime Minister's remarks during the summit's opening ceremony demonstrated the existence of a long-term vision encompassing both economic and political development. The Prime Minister's presence at the opening ceremony gave the summit strong momentum, particularly through his emphasis on youth leadership development, he noted. The party member welcomed the proposal to strengthen young people's leadership capacities, describing it as particularly important given Africa's need for a new generation of leaders.

Addis Ababa, November 12, 2026 (ENA)— Ethiopia and the United Kingdom have discussed preparations for the 32nd UN Climate Change Conference (COP32), with a focus on strengthening climate cooperation and advancing Ethiopia’s priorities ahead of the global summit in 2027. The discussions took place on the sidelines of COP31 in Antalya, Türkiye, where Ethiopia’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and COP32 President-Designate, Gedion Timothewos, and Minister of Finance and COP32 Chief Negotiator, Fitsum Assefa, held bilateral talks with UK Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband. During the meeting, Gedion highlighted Ethiopia’s ongoing climate action initiatives and stressed the importance of reducing greenhouse gas emissions to address the growing threat of climate change. Foreign Secretary Miliband, meanwhile, reaffirmed the UK’s readiness to support Ethiopia’s priorities and preparations for COP32, signaling its commitment to strengthening cooperation with Ethiopia ahead of the landmark climate conference.   The engagement underscores Ethiopia’s efforts to build international partnerships and mobilize support as it prepares to host COP32 in 2027, providing a major platform to advance global climate action and amplify the priorities of developing countries, it was learned.

Addis Ababa, November 12, 2026 (ENA)— Former Prime Minister of Côte d’Ivoire and President of the Ivorian Popular Front (FPI), Pascal Affi N’Guessan, recognized Ethiopia’s quest for sovereign sea access as a legitimate national aspiration. Speaking to ENA in Addis Ababa, Affi N’Guessan said Ethiopia’s ambitions deserved recognition, expressing hope that outstanding issues could be addressed through solutions acceptable to all parties. His remarks come at a time when Ethiopia is actively pursuing permanent access to the Red Sea, citing its geographical, historical and economic circumstances.   The East African nation has repeatedly underscored that its quest for sea access is peaceful, emphasizing that the current status of being geographically landlocked should not remain an enduring constraint on its national development. Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed has particularly described Ethiopia’s pursuit of Red Sea access as an overdue 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 push for securing a sovereign sea outlet. Ethiopia historically administered the ports of Massawa and Assab and maintained naval capabilities before Eritrea's independence. Pascal Affi N’Guessan, who served as Côte d’Ivoire’s prime minister from 2000 to 2003, underscored that Ethiopia’s ambition to secure access to a seaport is legitimate. “I believe that the ambition of Ethiopia is legitimate, and we hope that these questions will find solutions acceptable to all parties, through good compromises that allow everyone to recognize that this is the path that enables the entire region to move forward,” he said. He emphasized that meaningful compromises and a spirit of cooperation were essential to ensuring that differing interests do not become obstacles to regional progress.   His message also highlights the broader significance of African-led solutions, mutual respect and cooperation in building lasting stability and advancing collective prosperity across the continent. Affi N’Guessan further said Ethiopia’s quest for sea access should be approached with an understanding of its broader geopolitical implications and the shared future of countries in the Horn of Africa. "Well, these are geopolitical questions very important, which necessitate capacities of dialogue, capacities of anticipation," he said. He noted that territorial, identity and geopolitical questions require the parties concerned to look beyond immediate interests and consider the future. "There are sometimes questions of identity, territorial, geopolitical order, that cannot regulate themselves unless the actors facing each other have a higher appreciation of the future," he stated.   Emphasizing the importance of African unity and shared development, he expressed hope that Ethiopia's ambition would be addressed through an understanding acceptable to all parties. "Africa can only develop in unity, and unity must also be unity in ideas, in the sharing of things. And so I believe that the ambition of Ethiopia is legitimate, and we hope that these questions will find solutions that are solutions acceptable for all parties, that are the result of good compromises allowing everyone to realize that it is this voice that allows the whole region to advance," he said.

Addis Ababa, November 11, 2026 (ENA)— Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed held a bilateral meeting with Botswana’s President, Duma Gideon Boko, on the sidelines of the COP31 Leaders’ Summit. According to a social media post by the Prime Minister, the discussions focused on shared climate challenges facing Ethiopia and Botswana and the respective measures being undertaken by the two countries to address their impacts. The two leaders also underscored the importance of strengthening cooperation ahead of COP32 and advancing a strong, unified African climate agenda on the international stage. Furthermore, Prime Minister Abiy and President Boko explored opportunities to deepen broader bilateral cooperation, reaffirming their commitment to strengthening the longstanding relations between the two countries.

Addis Ababa, November 11, 2026 (ENA)— Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed held a bilateral meeting with the Amir of the State of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani, on the sidelines of the COP31 Leaders’ Summit. According to a social media post by the Prime Minister, the discussions focused on strengthening the longstanding diplomatic relations between Ethiopia and Qatar and expanding cooperation across various sectors of mutual interest. Following the meeting, Prime Minister Abiy shared, “I held a bilateral meeting with the Amir, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani of Qatar on the margins of the COP31 Leaders' Summit to discuss strengthening our longstanding ties and advancing cooperation across areas of mutual interest.” The meeting reflects continued high-level diplomatic engagement between the two countries, with a focus on strengthening bilateral relations and exploring opportunities for expanded cooperation in areas of shared interest.

Addis Ababa, November 11, 2026 (ENA)— African political delegates at the Second African Political Parties Summit (APPS 2026) have highlighted Ethiopia’s Medemer philosophy as a transformative model for collective action, inclusive governance, and development-oriented leadership across the continent. The delegates emphasized that political parties must look beyond routine electoral competition to drive long-term national and regional progress. Speaking to ENA at the sidelines of the summit, Ugandan Member of Parliament and former Leader of the Opposition, Hon. Aol Betty Ocan, noted that the Medemer philosophy provides valuable lessons for African nations on leveraging political synergy to foster shared development and institutional unity. “Synergy is where mathematically even two plus two cannot be four; two plus two can be like six or eight. When you put people together, you achieve better,” she said. Ocan said she had embraced the philosophy and expressed hope that it would inspire younger generations across Africa to embrace cooperation, solidarity, and shared progress. She called for wider promotion of Medemer, particularly through social media, to enable future generations to understand and apply its principles in their respective countries. She further stressed that political parties should look beyond electoral competition and work collectively to advance national development, uphold constitutional principles, and improve citizens’ livelihoods. Emphasizing the importance of multiparty democracy, Ocan said diverse political perspectives, including those of minority and opposition parties, should be accommodated in governance and policymaking. “The majority should know that it is the minority that should give them other options,” she said, describing opposition parties as an important source of alternative perspectives that can help governing parties reconsider decisions and strengthen accountability. Ocan also underscored the importance of women's participation in political leadership, calling on political parties to mentor young people and equip them with the skills and opportunities needed to assume meaningful roles in governance and decision-making. Reflecting on Ethiopia's development experience, she commended Addis Ababa's infrastructure development, urban transformation, and active youth participation. She also highlighted Ethiopia's role as the host of the African Union headquarters, noting that its development experience and welcoming environment offer opportunities for other African countries to learn and exchange experiences. She further emphasized that political leadership should prioritize translating ideas into tangible development outcomes rather than relying on political patronage. Similarly, Eden Mzumara from Malawi's Office of the Registrar of Political Parties said Medemer provides an approach to strengthening cooperation among different sectors and groups in pursuit of shared development objectives. He said the philosophy encourages efficiency through collaboration and could help African countries advance their economic development efforts. Mzumara identified inclusiveness as a fundamental requirement for addressing national challenges, stressing that marginalized communities should have opportunities to participate in identifying problems and developing solutions. He also emphasized that the participation of young people and women should extend beyond numerical representation to building their capacities for meaningful engagement in leadership and decision-making. “It is not enough to just include the youth or marginalized women, but then to build the capacity of the people you are trying to engage with,” he said. He further cited Ethiopia's engagement of local capacities in infrastructure development and other economic activities as an experience from which African countries could draw lessons, noting that local participation helps strengthen skills, ownership, and contributions to national development. Mzumara also underscored the importance of continuity in governance, arguing that political differences should not prevent parties from pursuing common development objectives through cooperation, dialogue, and the exchange of ideas. The Second African Political Parties Summit, hosted in Addis Ababa, provided a continental platform for political parties to discuss their roles in governance, peacebuilding, economic transformation, and inclusive development, with particular attention to strengthening cooperation beyond electoral politics.

Addis Ababa, November 11, 2026 (ENA)— Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed called for predictable climate finance that reaches vulnerable communities before disasters strike. The Prime Minister further urged the international community to translate climate commitments into timely, accessible and affordable support. Addressing the opening of the 31st United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP31) in Türkiye’s Mediterranean city of Antalya, PM Abiy underscored that climate action is not merely an environmental concern for Ethiopia but a fundamental part of its economic policy and development strategy. “In Ethiopia, climate action is economic policy,” he said, highlighting how recurring El Niño-related droughts and floods threaten agricultural production, displace families and prolong recovery, even after rainfall returns and floodwaters recede.   He stressed that Ethiopia is strengthening community-level preparedness and working with local governments to anticipate climate risks and protect livelihoods before disasters occur. Highlighting the country's broader climate vulnerability, the Premier noted that more than 90 percent of Ethiopia's electricity comes from hydropower, making rainfall patterns critical not only to domestic energy security but also to electricity supplies to neighboring countries. He also warned that rising temperatures and changing rainfall patterns threaten the forests and agricultural landscapes that sustain Ethiopia's globally renowned Arabica coffee. The Prime Minister said Ethiopia's homegrown philosophy of Medemer guides its climate response by bringing communities, institutions and resources together around shared development objectives. Under the Green Legacy Initiative, millions of Ethiopians participate in annual tree-planting campaigns, with more than 56 billion seedlings planted to date, contributing to land restoration, forest expansion, job creation and improved livelihoods. “Planting is now a family habit,” he said, describing the initiative as a growing culture of environmental stewardship and responsibility toward future generations.   Ethiopia is also extending its environmental efforts into urban areas through flood protection measures, river rehabilitation and the development of green public spaces, including parks and walkways along riverbanks. On the energy front, PM Abiy highlighted the country's investments in wind, solar and geothermal power, alongside plans to explore nuclear energy, as part of a long-term strategy to diversify electricity sources and reduce economic vulnerability during dry seasons. He further emphasized the growing role of technology in climate resilience, noting that Ethiopia is using satellite data to monitor environmental conditions and artificial intelligence to improve weather forecasting and provide farmers with earlier warnings of extreme weather events. The country's Fayda digital identification (ID) system is also helping strengthen the delivery of support to vulnerable households. However, the Prime Minister stressed that early warnings must be backed by financing that enables communities to take timely protective measures. “Funding should be agreed in advance. It can then move at the speed of our forecasters, while there is still time to save lives,” he said. Turning to the global climate financing gap, Abiy called for stronger coordination between climate, development, trade and financial institutions, arguing that commitments made in international climate negotiations must be reflected in actual financing decisions. He noted that developing countries spend nearly one trillion US dollars annually on public debt interest, significantly constraining their capacity to invest in climate resilience, infrastructure and essential social services.   Referring to the financing discussions in Sevilla, he stressed that high borrowing costs undermine developing countries' ability to respond to climate challenges, calling for multilateral financial institutions to make financing more affordable. The Prime Minister also urged faster emissions reductions, warning that the growing cost of responding to climate-related damage leaves fewer resources available for education, healthcare and opportunities for young people. Highlighting Ethiopia's contribution to the global energy transition, he said the country has banned imports of petrol- and diesel-powered vehicles as it accelerates the shift toward electric mobility. He called on countries with the greatest historical responsibility for emissions and the financial capacity to act to lead with deeper emissions reductions during this decade. Looking ahead to Ethiopia's COP32 Presidency, Prime Minister Abiy said early action and predictable climate financing would be central to the country's priorities, particularly ensuring that resources are released when early warnings are issued and reach the most climate-vulnerable communities first. He urged countries to make their climate finance pledges clear and measurable, setting out three essential commitments: how much funding will be provided, when it will be delivered and under what terms. Such clarity, he said, would enable governments to plan their budgets, investors to make commitments and communities to prepare for climate risks.   Ethiopia, he added, will work closely with the COP31 Presidency to ensure a successful outcome in Türkiye and looks forward to welcoming the international community to Addis Ababa for COP32 in 2027. Concluding his remarks, the Prime Minister invoked the vulnerability of farmers to increasingly unpredictable weather patterns, delivering a powerful appeal for timely international solidarity. “Our farmers once trusted the seasons to arrive on time. Let us make sure our support does,” he said.

Addis Ababa, November 11, 2026 (ENA)— Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed held talks with Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud ahead of the COP31 Leaders’ Summit, focusing on the security situation in Somalia and broader regional developments. The two leaders exchanged views on the evolving security landscape and underscored the importance of sustained dialogue and cooperation in addressing regional challenges.   “Met with President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud of Somalia, ahead of the COP31 Leaders’ Summit, to exchange views on the current security situation in Somalia and broader regional developments, emphasizing the importance of continued dialogue and cooperation in advancing regional peace and stability,” PM Abiy wrote on X page.

Addis Ababa, November 11, 2026 (ENA)— Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed held talks with Iraqi President Nizar Mohammed Saeed on establishing and expanding bilateral relations, identifying shared development priorities and exploring opportunities for cooperation. The meeting took place on the margins of the COP31 Leaders’ Summit, where the two leaders exchanged views on Ethiopia’s development aspirations and regional issues of mutual interest. “(Our) engagement reflects Ethiopia’s continued efforts to expand its diplomatic partnerships and strengthen bilateral relations through mutually beneficial cooperation, Prime Minister shared on social media channel.   Their discussions underscored the importance of building stronger ties through practical collaboration and identifying areas of shared potential to advance development cooperation, it was learned.  

Addis Ababa, November 11, 2026 (ENA)— Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed held talks with Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre on expanding bilateral cooperation, with particular emphasis on green development, renewable energy investment and Norway’s support for Ethiopia’s upcoming COP32 Presidency. The meeting took place alongside the COP31 Leaders’ Summit, where the two leaders explored opportunities to strengthen cooperation under Ethiopia’s Green Legacy Initiative and encourage Norwegian investment in the country’s renewable energy sector.   Their discussions also covered broader bilateral relations and developments in the regional and international landscape, with both sides expressing interest in advancing practical areas of cooperation and deepening their partnership. The engagement highlights Ethiopia’s efforts to mobilize international partnerships, attract green investment and strengthen global cooperation as it prepares to host COP32 in Addis Ababa in November 2027.

Addis Ababa, November 11, 2026 (ENA)— Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed met with the President of Finland, Alexander Stubb, to discuss strengthening bilateral ties and coordinating on critical international climate agendas. The meeting took place ahead of the COP31 Leaders’ Summit, serving as a follow-up to the dialogue the two leaders initiated during their previous encounter on the sidelines of the G20 Summit. Prime Minister wrote on X page that the discussion centered on a broad range of topics, including global peace and security developments as well as regional dynamics. The leaders reviewed the current international landscape and exchanged views on how to address shared challenges through diplomatic cooperation.   A significant portion of the conversation was dedicated to climate diplomacy, with specific focus on Finland’s support for Ethiopia’s upcoming COP32 Presidency. Both leaders emphasized the importance of this transition and expressed their commitment to advancing areas of shared understanding through continued and consistent engagement. The Prime Minister noted that the meeting was an essential step in maintaining the momentum of the partnership between Ethiopia and Finland, ensuring that both nations remain closely aligned on matters of mutual interest as they navigate complex global issues.

Addis Ababa, November 11, 2026 (ENA)—Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed held talks with Barbadian Prime Minister Mia Mottley on strengthening bilateral relations, advancing aviation cooperation and deepening collaboration in support of Ethiopia’s COP32 Presidency. The meeting took place on the sidelines of the COP31 Leaders’ Summit in Antalya, Türkiye, where the two leaders exchanged views on issues of mutual interest and explored ways to expand cooperation between their countries. In a social media post following the meeting, Prime Minister Abiy said their discussions focused on aviation cooperation and advancing joint efforts in support of Ethiopia’s COP32 Presidency, with a shared commitment to broadening bilateral engagement and translating common priorities into concrete outcomes. The engagement reflects Ethiopia’s efforts to strengthen international partnerships and build broader support for its upcoming leadership of the global climate agenda at COP32 in Addis Ababa in 2027, ENA learned.