By Staff Writer Sept. 13, 2026 (ENA) Ethiopia entered the 2019 Ethiopian calendar year with an unusually broad national agenda—intensified diplomacy, investment promotion, economic transformation, digital innovation, reconciliation and a renewed focus on strategic maritime interests. From September 6 to 12, Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed’s participation in the 18th BRICS Summit in New Delhi dominated Ethiopia’s international agenda. His engagements with leaders of major emerging economies highlighted Addis Ababa’s determination to turn diplomacy into opportunities for investment, technology, trade and development cooperation. At home, the government entered the new year emphasizing economic transformation, logistics development, digitalization, climate resilience and reconciliation. The release of more than 600 federal prisoners added a strong political and reconciliation dimension to the New Year, while renewed discussion over Ethiopia’s pursuit of reliable Red Sea access placed the country’s economic and security interests at the centre of a wider regional debate. Taken together, the week’s developments point to an emerging national strategy: strengthen domestic productive capacity, widen international partnerships, attract capital and technology, deepen regional influence and pursue strategic interests while maintaining a commitment to cooperation and peaceful engagement. A New Year of Renewal and Reflection   Ethiopia celebrated Enkutatash 2019 on September 11, following the five-day Pagume period that bridges the old and new years. The occasion carried both cultural and political significance. Government leaders used the New Year to emphasize peace, national unity, development and continued reform. Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed and First Lady Zinash Tayachew shared a New Year meal with members of the local community, underscoring the traditional values of solidarity and togetherness. Enkutatash is among Ethiopia’s most distinctive cultural celebrations. Observed on Meskerem 1, it marks the beginning of a new year in the Ethiopian calendar and coincides with the transition from the rainy season to clearer skies, green landscapes and the appearance of the yellow Adey Abeba flowers. But Enkutatash represents more than the turning of a calendar page. It is a season of renewal, hope, reconciliation and togetherness. Families gather, children visit relatives and friends, traditional foods are prepared and people exchange wishes for peace, health and prosperity. Young girls traditionally perform Hoya Hoye, moving from house to house and receiving gifts in return. Across Ethiopia’s diverse communities, the New Year is celebrated through different traditions, music, dance, clothing and cuisine, while retaining a shared spirit of renewal. Churches and religious communities also hold special services, prayers and celebrations. In Addis Ababa and other cities, the celebration is increasingly accompanied by public cultural programmes, concerts, exhibitions and community events. Diplomatic representatives, including Israeli Ambassador to Ethiopia Avraham Neguise and Cameroon’s Ambassador Churchill Ewumbue Monono, also extended New Year greetings to Ethiopians. For many Ethiopians, Enkutatash is therefore both celebration and reflection—a moment to leave behind the difficulties of the previous year, strengthen relationships and enter the new one with renewed determination. BRICS Puts Ethiopia’s Global South Strategy in Focus   The most prominent diplomatic development of the week was Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed’s participation in the 18th BRICS Leaders’ Summit in New Delhi. For Ethiopia, the summit was more than a high-level diplomatic gathering. It offered a platform to deepen engagement with major emerging economies while advancing Addis Ababa’s broader effort to strengthen Africa’s role within an evolving global order. Prime Minister Abiy called for stronger BRICS cooperation with Africa, particularly in minerals, renewable energy and industrial development. He stressed the importance of enabling African countries to move beyond exporting raw materials and capture greater value from their resources. Artificial intelligence also featured prominently in Ethiopia’s message. PM Abiy urged BRICS countries to ensure that AI becomes a tool for Africa’s development rather than another source of technological inequality. Debt sustainability and climate finance were also highlighted, linking the priorities of emerging economies with the development challenges confronting Africa. Ethiopia further proposed a BRICS coordination track toward COP32, which Addis Ababa is scheduled to host in 2027. The proposal reflects Ethiopia’s effort to connect economic diplomacy, climate action and the development priorities of the Global South. The strategic significance for Ethiopia is considerable. BRICS engagement can potentially expand access to markets, investment, technology and alternative sources of development finance while strengthening relations with some of the world’s fastest-growing economies. In this sense, Ethiopia’s BRICS diplomacy is increasingly economic as well as political. Bilateral Diplomacy Moves Toward Trade, Technology and Investment The New Delhi summit also created space for a series of bilateral engagements. Prime Minister Abiy’s meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin focused on strengthening the Ethiopia-Russia strategic partnership across areas including defence and security, trade, investment, education, technology, culture, climate and development.   His talks with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi explored opportunities to further strengthen Ethiopia-India relations, particularly in investment, defence and emerging sectors. With Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, discussions focused on investment, tourism, renewable energy and industrial development. Abiy also held discussions with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian on Red Sea security and regional stability, while meeting Abu Dhabi Crown Prince Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and Vietnamese Prime Minister Lê Minh Hưng. The breadth of these engagements illustrates a broader shift in Ethiopia’s foreign economic policy: diplomatic relationships are increasingly being viewed as platforms for investment, trade, technology transfer, industrial cooperation and development partnerships. Investment Diplomacy Takes Centre Stage Investment promotion remained another defining feature of the week. President Taye Atske Selassie led a high-level Ethiopian delegation to Dubai for the 15th Annual Investment Meeting, presenting Ethiopia’s investment opportunities and highlighting ongoing economic reforms. Clean energy and other strategic sectors were presented as areas of substantial potential for foreign investment. The engagement formed part of the government’s effort to increase private-sector participation in Ethiopia’s economic transformation. Ethiopia is also seeking stronger economic ties with Gulf countries. President Taye called for increased Qatari investment, reflecting Addis Ababa’s wider effort to attract capital into infrastructure, energy, manufacturing and other productive sectors. The message is increasingly clear: Ethiopia wants foreign investment not simply as a source of capital, but as a vehicle for expanding production, creating jobs, transferring technology and integrating the country more deeply into regional and global markets. Mojo Logistics Hub Strengthens the Trade Infrastructure   The inauguration of the expanded Mojo logistics centre marked another significant development in Ethiopia’s economic transformation. Located about 70 kilometres southeast of Addis Ababa, the facility covers approximately 60 hectares and is designed to increase freight-handling capacity, improve cargo movement and strengthen regional connectivity. Prime Minister Abiy described the project as an important step toward regional economic integration and the practical implementation of Ethiopia’s ambitions under the African Continental Free Trade Area. The significance of logistics extends beyond a single facility. For a landlocked economy heavily dependent on international trade, efficient logistics can reduce transportation costs, improve export competitiveness and connect Ethiopian producers more effectively with regional and international markets. It also complements Ethiopia’s broader maritime strategy: access to ports is only as useful as the inland systems that can move goods efficiently between production centres and maritime corridors. Growth Continues, but Transformation Must Reach Households Ethiopia entered 2019 with economic transformation remaining at the centre of the government’s agenda. Macroeconomic reform, private-sector development, manufacturing, agricultural commercialization, export growth and infrastructure expansion remain key priorities. The World Bank reported 9.2 percent economic growth for Ethiopia in fiscal year 2024/25, placing the country among Africa’s faster-growing economies. Yet strong headline growth does not automatically translate into broad-based prosperity. Low per-capita income, limited employment opportunities and pressure on household purchasing power remain significant challenges. The central question for the new year, therefore, is not simply whether Ethiopia can sustain growth, but whether growth can generate productive employment, strengthen household incomes and improve living standards. Reconciliation at the Start of a New Year Peace and reconciliation also featured prominently as Ethiopia entered 2019. More than 600 federal prisoners, including prominent figures, were released around the New Year. The move was presented as part of broader efforts to promote reconciliation and create conditions for political dialogue. Prime Minister Abiy urged those released to use the opportunity to begin the New Year in a spirit of peace and contribute to the outcomes of the national consultation process. The releases gave the New Year a powerful reconciliation message. At the same time, Ethiopia’s continuing security challenges demonstrate that reconciliation is not a single event but a longer national process. Turning political openings into sustainable peace remains one of the country’s most important—and difficult—tasks. From Paper to Digital Digital transformation is becoming increasingly central to Ethiopia’s development ambitions. In a message marking Pagume 5, described as “The Day of the Future,” Prime Minister Abiy said Ethiopia was moving “from paper to digital, from passive consumption to active innovation.” The ambition goes beyond expanding internet access. Ethiopia is seeking to develop domestic technological capacity, modernize public services and build an economy capable of producing technology and innovation. Artificial intelligence is emerging as an important part of that strategy. Officials from the Intergovernmental Authority on Development visited the Ethiopian Artificial Intelligence Institute as part of regional consultations on an IGAD AI framework and strategy. At the BRICS summit, Abiy linked AI directly to Africa’s development, arguing that technological advancement should contribute to economic transformation and digital sovereignty. For Ethiopia, AI has potential applications across agriculture, healthcare, education, finance, manufacturing and public administration. The challenge now is implementation: building the infrastructure, skills, institutions and locally relevant solutions required to translate ambitious digital policies into measurable economic and social gains. Green Growth and Climate Resilience   Climate resilience was another important theme of the week. An assessment by AlphaGeo ranked Addis Ababa second globally and first in Africa among major cities for climate resilience, using geospatial artificial intelligence to assess climate exposure and adaptation capacity. The assessment comes as Ethiopia continues to position renewable energy, environmental restoration, green infrastructure and climate adaptation as integral components of its development strategy. A Green Growth Investment Forum held during the week called for stronger private-sector participation in green investment, reflecting an effort to connect environmental priorities with economic opportunity. Ethiopia’s preparations to host COP32 in 2027 provide an additional international platform. Addis Ababa is seeking to use the conference to amplify Africa’s voice on climate finance while promoting renewable energy, green investment and climate-resilient development. The broader challenge will be to ensure that climate action supports economic transformation rather than competing with it. Red Sea Access: A Strategic Question Ethiopia Cannot Ignore Perhaps no issue carries a greater strategic regional dimension than Ethiopia’s pursuit of reliable and sovereign access to the Red Sea. For Ethiopia, the issue is increasingly connected to economic development, national security, trade and the country’s demographic trajectory. Education Minister and economist Professor Berhanu Nega argued that Ethiopia’s growing population and economic requirements make the question of sea access increasingly difficult to postpone. “You cannot have 130 million people sitting here without access to the sea at a time when sea access is very important for security as well as trade,” Berhanu said. At the same time, he stressed that Ethiopia should pursue its objective peacefully and in a way that benefits neighbouring countries. “It is better if we do this peacefully, and not only peacefully but for mutual benefit, so that all of us can benefit from this,” he said. Israeli Ambassador to Ethiopia Avraham Neguise also expressed support for Ethiopia’s pursuit of sea access, describing it as a matter with wider implications for Red Sea stability. “Empowering and strengthening Ethiopia and creating stability in the Red Sea is the interest of all, not only for Ethiopia,” he said, adding that Ethiopia’s return to the Red Sea would be positive.   He further warned that instability along the maritime corridor could have consequences far beyond the Horn of Africa and the Middle East, affecting international trade and the global economy. Other analysts have placed greater emphasis on negotiation and regional arrangements. Former US Ambassador to Ethiopia and George Washington University adjunct professor David Shinn has suggested that Ethiopia’s maritime aspirations could potentially form part of a broader diplomatic understanding involving Ethiopia, Egypt and Eritrea. These perspectives point to the central challenge facing Ethiopia’s maritime ambitions. For Addis Ababa, dependable sea access is increasingly viewed as an economic and strategic necessity. For its neighbours, however, any new maritime arrangement must be carefully managed to avoid aggravating existing regional rivalries. The issue will therefore require diplomacy as much as strategy. Red Sea Insecurity Raises the Stakes The security situation around the Red Sea and Bab el-Mandeb adds another layer of urgency. Bab el-Mandeb connects the Red Sea with the Gulf of Aden and serves as a critical maritime gateway between the Indian Ocean and the Suez Canal route. Continued insecurity can disrupt shipping, increase transportation and insurance costs and place additional pressure on already vulnerable global supply chains. For Ethiopia, which depends heavily on maritime trade, prolonged disruption can directly affect the cost and reliability of imports and exports. This makes the maritime question part of a much larger economic equation. Efficient inland logistics, diversified trade corridors and stable regional maritime arrangements are all essential to protecting Ethiopia’s economic interests. The Bigger Picture The first major week of Ethiopia’s 2019 Ethiopian calendar year brought together issues that may initially appear separate but are increasingly interconnected. BRICS diplomacy is about more than foreign policy—it is also about markets, investment, technology and development finance. Investment diplomacy is about more than attracting capital—it is about expanding productive capacity, creating jobs and strengthening Ethiopia’s position in global value chains. The Mojo logistics centre is about more than cargo—it is part of the infrastructure required to make Ethiopia more competitive in regional and international trade. Digital transformation and artificial intelligence are about more than technology—they are increasingly tied to productivity, public services, innovation and economic sovereignty. Green development is about more than environmental protection—it is becoming an important source of investment, energy security and international influence. And the Red Sea question is about more than geography—it sits at the intersection of trade, security, demography, regional diplomacy and Ethiopia’s long-term economic ambitions. The release of more than 600 prisoners, meanwhile, gave the beginning of the new year a powerful message of reconciliation, even as continuing security challenges underline the difficult road ahead. A New Year, A Larger Strategic Test As Ethiopia begins 2019, the country faces the challenge of connecting these different priorities into one coherent national strategy. Economic growth must translate into jobs and better living standards. Investment must strengthen productive sectors rather than simply increase capital inflows. Digitalization must deliver practical gains. Climate action must support development. Reconciliation must contribute to lasting peace. And diplomacy must protect Ethiopia’s economic and strategic interests while avoiding unnecessary regional confrontation. The coming year will therefore be measured not only by the scale of Ethiopia’s ambitions, but by its ability to convert those ambitions into results. Ethiopia is seeking a larger role in the global economy, deeper partnerships with emerging powers, greater technological capacity, stronger regional connectivity and a more secure place within the maritime geography of the Horn of Africa. The strategic test will be to pursue these objectives while balancing national interests with regional cooperation and stability. That balance may ultimately define Ethiopia’s journey through 2019—and shape how the country positions itself in an increasingly competitive and interconnected world.

Addis Ababa, September 13, 2026 (ENA) —The 18th BRICS Summit concluded today in New Delhi with the adoption of the New Delhi Declaration. The Declaration reaffirms the bloc’s commitment to strengthening cooperation, promoting inclusive development and advancing a more representative and responsive international order. Held under India’s Presidency on September 12–13, 2026, the summit brought together BRICS leaders under the theme “Building for Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation and Sustainability.”   The New Delhi Declaration reaffirms the principles of mutual respect and understanding, sovereign equality, solidarity, democracy, openness, inclusiveness, collaboration and consensus, while setting out shared priorities and the future direction of BRICS cooperation. Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed participated in the summit, where he called for stronger partnerships within BRICS and deeper engagement with Africa, emphasizing the bloc’s potential to connect capital, technology and markets with the resources and opportunities of its member and partner economies. “Across BRICS, we have capital, technology and markets. The opportunity is to bring them together, create more value, and ensure that value is generated where resources are found,” Prime Minister Abiy said in a message shared on his social media platforms.   He highlighted Ethiopia’s readiness to expand cooperation in minerals, renewable energy and manufacturing, while underscoring the importance of building resilience, accelerating economic transformation and strengthening climate action. The Prime Minister also called for stronger cooperation among BRICS members and greater engagement with Africa, highlighting the need to ensure that emerging global partnerships generate tangible opportunities for developing economies. On the sidelines of the summit, Prime Minister Abiy held bilateral meetings with several leaders, including Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, Russian President Vladimir Putin, Chinese President Xi Jinping and Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan. The engagements explored opportunities to deepen bilateral and economic cooperation, including investment, trade, technology, regional affairs and other areas of mutual interest.   Prime Minister Abiy also participated in a closed session of BRICS leaders on “Inclusive Global Governance and Strengthening Multilateralism,” where leaders addressed the need for a more inclusive, representative and responsive global governance system. Discussions focused on reform of the United Nations system, the international financial architecture and the multilateral trading system, reflecting growing calls from the Global South for greater representation and a stronger voice in international decision-making. The summit also brought together business leaders, investors and entrepreneurs, including representatives of the BRICS Business Council and BRICS Women’s Business Alliance, underscoring the growing role of the private sector in advancing trade, investment and economic cooperation. With the adoption of the New Delhi Declaration, the summit concluded with a renewed emphasis on resilience, innovation, economic cooperation and sustainable development, while reinforcing BRICS’ evolving role in shaping a more inclusive and multipolar global order.

Addis Ababa, September 13, 2026 (ENA) —Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed has advocated for stronger African representation, expanded access to finance and markets, and practical measures to enhance trade, investment, and regional connectivity. According to a social media statement from Office of the Prime Minister, PM Abiy delivered these remarks during the BRICS Plus Session held alongside the 18th BRICS Leaders' Summit in New Delhi. To support these goals, Prime Minister Abiy announced that Ethiopia stands ready to host a New Development Bank (NDB) office in Addis Ababa to help extend the institution's reach across the continent.   Established by BRICS founding members to fund infrastructure and sustainable development in emerging markets, the NDB is headquartered in Shanghai and currently operates its Africa Regional Centre in Johannesburg, South Africa. Linking Africa's development priorities directly to climate action, the Prime Minister also emphasized that full BRICS backing would allow the 32nd UN Climate Change Conference (COP32) to serve as an inclusive platform for sustainable growth.   Ethiopia is scheduled to host COP32 in Addis Ababa in 2027 and looks forward to welcoming BRICS members and partner countries to the summit.

Addis Ababa, September 13, 2026 (ENA) —Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed and President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev of Kazakhstan have explored new avenues to deepen Ethiopia-Kazakhstan relations. on the sidelines of the 18th BRICS Summit in New Delhi, the two leaders held bilateral talks with a focus on digitalization, trade, investment and defense cooperation. “On the second morning of the BRICS Summit, I held a bilateral meeting with President Kassym Jomart Tokayev of Kazakhstan,” Prime Minister Abiy said in a post on his social media pages. Their discussions highlighted opportunities to expand cooperation in digitalization, business and investment, and defense, areas seen as important to strengthening the economic and strategic ties between the two countries. The meeting came as Prime Minister Abiy and a high-level Ethiopian delegation participated in the BRICS Summit under the theme “Building for Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation and Sustainability.” On the margins of the summit, the Prime Minister also held a series of bilateral meetings with leaders of BRICS member and partner countries, advancing discussions on areas of shared strategic interest. The engagements covered a broad range of issues, including investment, regional affairs, technology transfer, capacity building and skills development, tourism, mineral resources, and cooperation toward preparations for COP32. The growing diplomatic engagement reflects Ethiopia’s broader effort to strengthen ties with emerging economies, diversify its international partnerships and attract investment, technology and expertise to support its development priorities, it was learned.

Addis Ababa, September 12, 2026 (ENA) —The 18th BRICS Summit has strongly supported Ethiopia’s bid for accession to the World Trade Organization (WTO). The endorsement came in the New Delhi Declaration adopted at the summit, underscoring Ethiopia’s growing engagement in multilateral economic and global governance affairs. Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed and a high-level Ethiopian delegation participated in the summit, held under the theme “Building for Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation and Sustainability.” In its declaration, BRICS leaders reaffirmed their commitment to an open, transparent, fair and rules-based multilateral trading system with the WTO at its core.   “Echoing the aspirations of the Global South to fully integrate into the multilateral trading system, we strongly support Ethiopia and Iran’s bid for accession to the WTO,” the declaration stated. The endorsement comes as Ethiopia advances its WTO accession process and strengthens economic ties with major emerging markets. In May 2026, Ethiopia and India signed a bilateral accession protocol in Geneva as part of Ethiopia’s WTO membership process. Addressing the BRICS Summit, Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed called for stronger cooperation among member states and deeper engagement with Africa, emphasizing the importance of leveraging BRICS capital, technology and markets to create greater value from the resources and opportunities available across member countries.   Beyond trade, the New Delhi Declaration also recognized Ethiopia’s growing role in international institutions. BRICS leaders welcomed Ethiopia’s candidacy for one of the newly expanded seats on the ICAO Council, noting that Ethiopia has been endorsed by the African Union as the continent’s sole candidate for the upcoming election. The twin endorsements on trade and global aviation governance reinforce Ethiopia’s push for a stronger voice in multilateral institutions and highlight the country’s expanding role within the Global South, it was indicated. Moreover, for Addis Ababa, the BRICS backing represents both diplomatic recognition and strategic momentum as Ethiopia seeks deeper integration into the global trading system and greater representation in international decision-making bodies.

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 12, 2026 (ENA) —Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed held talks with Vietnamese Prime Minister Lê Minh Hưng on the margins of the 18th BRICS Summit, focusing on strengthening bilateral relations and expanding cooperation between Ethiopia and Vietnam. The two leaders held constructive discussions on ways to deepen the longstanding partnership and explore new areas of mutual cooperation, underscoring the growing ties between Ethiopia and Vietnam. The meeting took place as Ethiopia continues to strengthen its engagement with emerging economies and broaden strategic partnerships across Asia and beyond.

Addis Ababa, September 12, 2026 (ENA) —Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed met with the Crown Prince Abu Dhabi, Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, to discuss key BRICS priorities and strengthened Ethiopia-UAE cooperation. Prime Minister Abiy wrote on his FaceBook:" On the margins of the 18th BRICS Summit, I met with Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi His Highness Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan to discuss key BRICS priorities and strengthened Ethiopia-UAE cooperation."

Addis Ababa, September 12, 2026 (ENA) —Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed and President Vladimir Putin have held constructive discussion about strengthening the strategic partnership between Ethiopia and Russia on the sidelines of the BRICS summit in New Delhi. Prime Minister Abiy wrote on FaceBook: ''I had the opportunity to meet with President Vladimir Putin as well today for a constructive discussion on strengthening the strategic partnership between Ethiopia and Russia." The discussion reaffirmed the country's shared commitment to advancing cooperation across key areas, including defense and security, trade and investment, education, and technology, he added.   The leaders also explored opportunities to expand educational exchanges and deepen collaboration in cultural and people-to-people ties. Furthermore, PM Abiy and President Putin discussed about strengthening cooperation on climate and development priorities, including collaboration toward COP32, while working together to expand mutually beneficial trade and economic exchanges.

Addis Ababa, September 12, 2026 (ENA) — Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed said Ethiopia is ready to forge stronger partnerships within BRICS by leveraging the bloc’s capital, technology and markets to create greater value from the resources and opportunities available across member countries. Prime Minister Abiy made the remarks as he participated in the 18th BRICS Summit in India, held under the theme of building resilience, innovation, cooperation and sustainability.   “Across BRICS, we have capital, technology and markets. The opportunity is to bring them together, create more value, and ensure that value is generated where resources are found,” the Prime Minister shared on social media channels. He highlighted Ethiopia’s readiness to expand partnerships in minerals, renewable energy and its growing industrial base. PM Abiy further underscored the country’s ambition to translate its natural and economic potential into sustainable development and shared prosperity.   Prime Minister Abiy also called for greater resilience in global systems, stressing the need to ensure that artificial intelligence serves Africa’s development priorities, advance predictable debt resolution, and connect climate action with broader economic transformation. “Together, BRICS can turn cooperation into shared value, resilience and sustainable growth,” he said.

Addis Ababa, September 12, 2026 (ENA) —BRICS leaders have gathered in New Delhi for the 18th BRICS Leaders’ Summit, with the expanded coalition seeking a stronger voice for the Global South and a greater role in shaping a more inclusive and representative international order. Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed and a high-level Ethiopian delegation are participating in the September 12–13 summit, hosted by India under the theme “Building for Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation and Sustainability.” The summit comes amid heightened geopolitical tensions, economic uncertainty, trade disruptions and growing calls for reform of the global governance system.   Addressing the summit, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi called for a major overhaul of global governance, saying reform of the United Nations Security Council “cannot be delayed any longer” and urging BRICS countries to help transform the Global South from a “rule-taker” into a “rule-shaper.” Prime Minister Modi stressed that BRICS is not directed against any country or bloc, but should use its growing influence to advance a more representative, inclusive and balanced international order. Against this backdrop, leaders are expected to advance cooperation in trade and investment, food and energy security, health, technology, connectivity, disaster resilience and critical supply chains. The opening session focuses on “Inclusive Global Governance and Strengthening Multilateralism,” while the main leaders’ session on September 13 will address “Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation and Sustainability: Shaping the Future for Inclusive Global Growth.” The summit is expected to culminate in the adoption of the New Delhi Declaration. From its five founding members to 11 full members today, BRICS has evolved into a major force in the global economy, representing nearly half of the world’s population and accounting for a significant share of global economic output and trade. Ethiopia joined BRICS in January 2024 alongside Egypt, Iran, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, while Indonesia became a full member in 2025.   The expanded bloc now represents nearly half of the world’s population, around 40 percent of global GDP and about 26 percent of global trade. For Ethiopia, the New Delhi summit offers a high-level platform to deepen engagement with the Global South, expand economic and development partnerships, and contribute to discussions on a more inclusive, balanced and representative international order. Ethiopia’s participation further underscores its growing engagement in multilateral platforms and its efforts to advance cooperation in development, investment, technology, trade and other shared global priorities.

Addis Ababa, September 12, 2026 (ENA) —Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed and his Malaysian counterpart Anwar Ibrahim have discussed ways to expand economic and development cooperation between Ethiopia and Malaysia, with a focus on investment, tourism, renewable energy and industrial development. The two leaders held talks on the sidelines of the BRICS Summit, building on the momentum generated by Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim’s historic visit to Addis Ababa in November 2025. Prime Minister Abiy said the meeting provided an opportunity to further strengthen the growing Ethiopia-Malaysia partnership and explore new areas of mutually beneficial cooperation. Their discussions highlighted opportunities to expand investment and tourism ties, advance renewable energy cooperation and deepen collaboration in the lead-up to COP32, according to PM Abiy’s social media post. The leaders also explored areas where Ethiopia could benefit from Malaysia’s experience in industrial parks, manufacturing and productivity, particularly as Ethiopia pursues its broader economic transformation agenda. Ethiopia and Malaysia, Prime Minister Abiy noted, have significant potential to build a stronger economic partnership that creates new opportunities in investment, technology transfer, skills development and sustainable development. The renewed engagement underscores the two countries’ growing interest in translating their longstanding ties into a more dynamic partnership centered on trade, investment, technology and shared development priorities, it was said.

Addis Ababa, September 12, 2026 (ENA) —Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed met with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian on the sidelines of the BRICS Summit, as part of Ethiopia’s engagement with the BRICS Plus family. The two leaders exchanged views on developments in the Red Sea and the broader regional security landscape, with particular emphasis on the importance of dialogue, cooperation and preserving regional stability. The meeting reflects Ethiopia’s growing diplomatic engagement on issues affecting the strategic Red Sea region and its broader neighborhood, as Addis Ababa continues to advocate dialogue and peaceful approaches to regional challenges, it was pointed out.

Addis Ababa, September 12, 2026 (ENA) —Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed held talks with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi during his first official visit to India, with the two leaders exploring new avenues to deepen the longstanding Ethiopia- India partnership. The discussions focused on expanding defence cooperation, technology transfer, capacity building and mining, while also strengthening collaboration toward COP32, reflecting a shared interest in translating political goodwill into practical and mutually beneficial cooperation. In a social media post, Prime Minister Abiy described his meeting with Modi as an opportunity to advance bilateral ties and unlock the significant potential that remains between the two countries. “Ethiopia and India share deep historic ties, longstanding cultural connections, and strong bonds between our people,” Abiy said, emphasizing the need to build on this foundation through technology, skills, investment, sustainable development and stronger people-to-people ties.   The Prime Minister underscored that the time is right to transform the two countries’ historic friendship into a more ambitious partnership capable of creating new opportunities and delivering tangible benefits for both peoples. Ethiopia is reinforcing efforts to strengthen strategic partnerships with major global and emerging powers while advancing cooperation in key sectors critical to its development and long-term economic transformation, it was learned.

Addis Ababa, September 11, 2026 (ENA) —In a major media milestone for the continent, the prominent international publication TIME Africa has published a comprehensive cover story hailing the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) as a profound monument to continental unity, economic independence, and shared prosperity. The extensive report, titled "The Power to Unite Africa," underscores that the mega-dam is far more than a conventional engineering venture. Instead, it stands as a testament to what African ambition, homegrown capital, and regional synergy can accomplish when charting a self-determined path toward industrialization. A core focal point of the TIME Africa analysis is the uniquely autonomous financial trajectory of the project. At a time when cross-border African infrastructure is heavily dependent on foreign governments, development banks, and international lenders, Ethiopia successfully pioneered a paradigm shift. The publication commends the mobilization of domestic capital, noting that ordinary Ethiopian citizens and the global diaspora entirely financed the multi-billion-dollar project through government resources, domestic borrowing, and structured Renaissance Dam Bonds. TIME Africa positions this as a masterclass for a continent burdened by massive infrastructure funding gaps, proving that African savings, pension funds, and diaspora wealth can effectively substitute for restrictive international project finance. With an installed generating capacity exceeding 5,000 megawatts, the dam is described as a catalyst to completely transform Ethiopia’s domestic energy architecture, eliminate power shortages, and stimulate manufacturing. Crucially, the report argues that the dam's true genius lies in its outward-facing regional capacity. By channeling surplus electricity across borders via expanding transmission grids into neighboring countries like Sudan, Kenya, Djibouti, and wider members of the Eastern African Power Pool, the GERD serves as the vital physical anchor needed to realize the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). Addressing the long-standing geopolitical friction surrounding the Nile, TIME Africa critiques outside actors and international commentaries that have historically reduced the technically complex river management into a zero-sum security conflict. The publication highlights that when infrastructure is viewed through a lens of military threats, the backward and illogical vocabulary of conflict replaces diplomatic and engineering solutions. Citing groundbreaking scientific research published in Nature Water, the report presents empirical evidence showing that deep economic interdependence actually protects downstream water security. Because hydroelectric production requires water to continuously flow to generate power, Ethiopia holds an inherent commercial incentive to keep the Nile moving through the dam's turbines. Enhanced power trade scenarios demonstrate that Sudan can resolve electricity shortages, while Egypt can significantly lower its maximum annual irrigation deficit. The report insists that permanent technical data sharing and direct institutional communication will easily resolve prolonged drought management without the need for geopolitical gridlock. "The Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam will likely be viewed as one of the great African stories of our time." The report highlights the significance of homegrown funding for major infrastructure, demonstrating that projects costing billions can be built with minimal reliance on international finance. It advocates for shifting from zero-sum water disputes to cooperative benefit-sharing and regional market integration. ⬇️ Read the full piece below. THE POWER TO UNITE AFRICA The Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam is more than a hydroelectric project. It is a demonstration of what African ambition, African capital and regional cooperation can achieve – and an opportunity to turn a potentially contested resource into a source of shared prosperity. The Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam will likely be viewed as one of the great African stories of our time. Built across the Blue Nile, it is the largest hydroelectric power plant in Africa and one of the most ambitious infrastructure projects the continent has undertaken. It has the capacity to transform Ethiopia’s energy landscape, support industrialisation and feed electricity into an increasingly interconnected regional market. But its importance goes beyond the power it can generate. GERD offers something larger: an opportunity to rethink how African countries build together, finance their own development and manage resources that do not stop at national borders. There is another reason the project matters. Ethiopian citizens and diaspora helped pay for it. At a time when the discussion around African infrastructure often begins with the question of which foreign government, development bank or international investor will finance it, GERD followed a significantly different path. The project was overwhelmingly financed domestically, including through government resources, domestic borrowing and bonds purchased by Ethiopians at home and abroad. The Renaissance Dam Bond was deliberately structured to allow relatively small investments, giving ordinary Ethiopians and members of the diaspora a means to participate in financing a project that was presented as part of the country’s national development. That story deserves far more attention than it receives. Africa faces an enormous infrastructure financing gap, while African savings, pension capital, diaspora wealth and domestic financial markets remain underused as sources of development capital. GERD is not a financing model that can simply be copied from one country to another, but the principle behind it is powerful. A population was asked to participate directly in building national infrastructure, and a project costing billions of dollars was brought into existence with extraordinarily limited dependence on conventional international project finance. For a continent searching for ways to finance its own transformation, that experience is key. On top of that, there is the electricity. The dam’s installed generating capacity is more than 5,000 megawatts. For Ethiopia, where access to reliable electricity remains a major developmental challenge, that power can support homes, businesses, manufacturing and a more industrial economy. Beyond Ethiopia, it can be traded. Transmission lines do not need to end at national borders. Ethiopia already trades electricity with neighbouring countries, and a deeper regional power market could allow energy generated on the Blue Nile to support economies far beyond the dam itself. This is where GERD becomes much more interesting as an African project rather than simply an Ethiopian one. For years, however, the dam has been discussed internationally through a very different lens. Rather than beginning with what this infrastructure could make possible – greater electricity generation, regional power trade, industrialisation, lower-carbon growth and a more interconnected East Africa – international involvement and commentary around GERD have repeatedly amplified the dispute between Ethiopia and Egypt. A technically complex disagreement over the management of a shared river has too often been pulled into the language of geopolitical confrontation. The Nile has, in effect, become internationalised as a source of friction when it could be treated as an extraordinary platform for African cooperation. Framing, as always, is important. Africa cannot allow – or afford – for outside influence to spur division again. Language creates political possibilities, but it can also close them. Once infrastructure is discussed principally as a threat, security begins to displace economics, diplomacy and engineering. Questions about electricity markets, transmission infrastructure, reservoir management and regional development become questions about winners and losers. Eventually, the backwards and illogical vocabulary of military action begins to enter a conversation that should fundamentally be about how neighbouring African countries share the benefits of a river upon which they all depend. Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty has described the Nile as an existential issue for Egypt and stated that his country retains the right to defend itself under international law should harm occur that interrupts its water supply. Egypt’s concerns cannot just be dismissed. The Nile is fundamental to Egyptian life, agriculture and economic security, and no serious vision of African cooperation should require one African country to disregard the legitimate interests of another. But accepting the legitimacy of Egyptian water security concerns is very different from accepting the inevitability of confrontation. There is another way to look at the problem, and the research points towards it. From Water Sharing to Benefit Sharing Research published in Nature Water offers one of the most compelling arguments for changing the terms of the debate. Rather than modelling GERD purely as a question of how much water one country retains or another receives, researchers examined the relationship between water management and electricity trade across the region. Their conclusion deserves considerably more attention in African policymaking. Greater electricity trade between Ethiopia, Sudan and Egypt is evidenced to create benefits for all three. The researchers found that increased power trade could reduce irrigation water deficits in Egypt and Sudan, increase hydropower generation in Ethiopia, increase generation from existing hydropower facilities downstream, reduce Sudanese electricity shortages, lower regional carbon emissions and increase Ethiopia’s financial returns from electricity exports. Under the highest power-trade scenario examined, the model reduced Egypt’s maximum annual irrigation deficit by as much as four billion cubic metres compared with the baseline proposal used by the researchers. The reason is remarkably straightforward. Hydroelectricity requires water to move. If Ethiopia has long-term agreements to sell electricity downstream, it has an economic incentive to release water through GERD’s turbines to generate that electricity. The commercial relationship itself can therefore reinforce the movement of water downstream. This changes the nature of the conversation. Instead of negotiating only over water allocations, the countries can negotiate over benefits. Egypt and Sudan gain access to competitively priced renewable electricity and potentially more predictable river management. Ethiopia earns export revenues and creates demand for the enormous generating capacity it has built. Regional grids become more interconnected. Economic interdependence grows. The river ceases to be something that must simply be divided and becomes something from which value can be created together. That does not eliminate every difficulty. The operation of GERD during prolonged drought remains an important and legitimate issue, and different operating policies can produce different outcomes downstream. This is precisely why Ethiopia, Egypt and Sudan need permanent technical cooperation: shared hydrological data, transparent reservoir information, agreed drought-management mechanisms and direct communication between the institutions responsible for water and electricity. But those are engineering and diplomatic problems capable of engineering and diplomatic solutions. They are not arguments for conflict. A Monument to African Ambition GERD represents something Africa desperately needs more of: infrastructure at scale. Across the continent, unreliable and insufficient electricity continues to constrain economic growth. Businesses rely on generators, factories struggle with inconsistent grids, and communities remain disconnected from the power systems that modern economies take for granted. Africa cannot industrialise without electricity. It cannot process more of its own minerals, build globally competitive manufacturing industries, expand its digital economy or provide modern infrastructure for a rapidly growing population without vastly more generation and transmission capacity. GERD should therefore not be understood solely as an Ethiopian asset. Its greatest potential may ultimately lie in the network around it. Sudan can benefit. Kenya can benefit. Djibouti can benefit. Egypt can benefit. Other members of the Eastern African Power Pool can benefit as regional transmission infrastructure develops. The objective should not be for every African country to become an energy island, attempting to produce every megawatt it consumes within its own borders. Europe does not function that way. Neither should Africa. A genuinely interconnected African electricity market would allow countries with abundant hydroelectric, solar, wind, gas or geothermal resources to sell power across borders, improving resilience and allowing capital to flow towards the places where energy can be produced most efficiently. GERD could become one of the anchors of such a system in Eastern Africa. Africa Cannot Bomb Its Way to Development There is something deeply troubling about the ease with which military language enters discussions about African infrastructure. The continent already faces a sizable infrastructure deficit. We need power stations and transmission lines, railways and ports, roads and fibre networks, water infrastructure, industrial corridors and logistics systems. Many of the projects capable of transforming African economies will inevitably cross borders or affect neighbouring countries. If every major cross-border project becomes a geopolitical zero-sum contest, Africa’s development will remain hostage to its artificially created borders rather than accelerated by them. The answer cannot be destroying infrastructure. It must be building more of it – and connecting it. This matters even more as Africa attempts to create the world’s largest integrated trading area through the African Continental Free Trade Area. Trade integration without infrastructure integration is an illusion. Goods cannot move freely without transport corridors. Digital services cannot scale without fibre and data infrastructure. Industry cannot grow without reliable energy. A common African market ultimately requires physical systems that make national borders less economically consequential. GERD offers an opportunity to think in exactly those terms. An African Solution There is also a question of agency. The future of the Nile should ultimately be determined by Africans. International partners can provide expertise and finance. Scientists from around the world can contribute research. Multilateral institutions can facilitate negotiations. All of that has value. But Africa should be wary when disagreements between African states become theatres for wider geopolitical competition or when outside involvement hardens positions rather than helping neighbouring countries find common ground. The continent knows that history too well. The Nile Basin should instead become a demonstration of African diplomatic maturity: Ethiopia’s development aspirations recognised, Egypt’s water security protected, Sudan’s interests respected and a regional economic framework built around the things these countries can achieve together. The African Union exists precisely because sovereignty and continental solidarity do not have to be opposing ideas. GERD presents an opportunity to prove that principle in practice. The Renaissance Can Be Bigger Than Ethiopia The name itself deserves consideration: the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam. Its renaissance need not belong only to Ethiopia. Imagine a future in which GERD powers Ethiopian industry while exporting electricity throughout the region; where Egypt, Sudan and Ethiopia coordinate water and energy management rather than levying threats; where interconnected grids allow renewable electricity to move to wherever it is needed; and where the Nile supports African manufacturing, data centres, mineral processing, transport systems and rapidly growing cities. There is a lesson in how it was built, too. Ethiopians did not wait for the rest of the world to decide that their infrastructure was worth financing. Citizens bought bonds. The diaspora contributed. Domestic institutions provided capital. Whatever the full scope of that model was, the underlying idea is worth carrying across the continent: Africans themselves can have a direct financial stake in the infrastructure that will determine Africa’s future. That could mean infrastructure bonds. Diaspora instruments. Pension capital. Sovereign investment. Regional development finance. It could mean new vehicles that allow African citizens to invest directly in commercially viable energy, transport and digital projects. GERD should provoke a much broader discussion not only about what Africa needs to build, but about who should own and finance what it builds. The dam is already there. The question facing Africa now is what the continent chooses to make of it. A dam can become a wall, or it can become a bridge. At a moment when Africa needs energy, infrastructure, industrialisation and greater continental integration, we should always choose the bridge. The waters of the Nile have connected African civilisation for thousands of years. Now they can help power its future.  

Addis Ababa, September 11, 2026 (ENA) —Ethiopia has reaffirmed its commitment to advancing economic reforms and contributing to BRICS’ shared financial agenda, as its delegation participated in the Second BRICS Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors (FMCBG) Meeting in Mumbai, India. Led by National Bank of Ethiopia Governor Eyob Tekalign, the Ethiopian delegation joined finance ministers and central bank governors from BRICS member countries. The meeting anticipated to discuss key challenges and opportunities confronting emerging and developing economies amid an increasingly volatile global economic environment. Addressing the meeting, Governor Eyob highlighted Ethiopia’s ongoing comprehensive reforms across the fiscal, monetary, financial and foreign exchange sectors. The central bank governor further noted that the measures are helping strengthen macroeconomic stability and build greater resilience against global economic shocks.   Eyob stated that developing economies continue to face disproportionate pressure from global economic volatility, underscoring the importance of stronger financial cooperation and effective mechanisms to safeguard economic stability. The Governor also welcomed progress toward amendments to the Contingent Reserve Arrangement (CRA) Treaty, describing the mechanism as an important pillar for strengthening BRICS’ financial safety net. He called for the onboarding of new members to the arrangement to take into account countries’ different stages of development, financial needs and capacity to effectively absorb and utilize available support.   Governor Eyob further reaffirmed Ethiopia’s commitment to the BRICS vision and its readiness to work constructively with member countries in advancing the group’s strategic financial and economic priorities. Ethiopia’s participation underscores its growing engagement in multilateral economic cooperation as it pursues reforms aimed at strengthening resilience, expanding financial stability and positioning the country for deeper integration into the global economy.

By Yordanos D. Sept. 11, 2026 (ENA) Ethiopia is welcoming the 2019 New Year with renewed confidence, a stronger sense of national purpose and an increasingly ambitious development agenda, as the country seeks to transform the gains of recent years into lasting economic prosperity and improved livelihoods. Enkutatash, celebrated on Meskerem 1, falls on September 11 in the Gregorian calendar and marks the beginning of a new year in Ethiopia's distinctive calendar. The Ethiopian calendar consists of twelve months of 30 days each, followed by the five day or six day intercalary month of Pagume. Beyond its uniqueness as a system of timekeeping, the calendar remains an important expression of Ethiopia's historical identity and cultural continuity. The New Year also arrives as the rainy season gives way to the bright season traditionally associated with renewal. Green landscapes, blooming Adey Abeba flowers, family gatherings and traditional songs give the holiday a distinctive atmosphere. For Ethiopians, therefore, the New Year represents more than the turning of a calendar page. It is a moment for reflection on what has been achieved, recognition of the challenges that remain and renewed commitment to what lies ahead. For Ethiopia, the arrival of 2019 carries an additional significance. It comes at a time when the government is seeking to move the country's development trajectory from reform and construction toward greater productivity, economic self reliance and broad based prosperity. Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed has repeatedly framed the current period as a transition from announcing ambitions to delivering tangible results. In a series of messages issued during the final days of 2018, he described Ethiopia's resurgence as increasingly visible in major national projects, economic reforms and initiatives intended to improve everyday life. "Yesterday we declared our rise; today, we live it," the Prime Minister said in his September 7 message. He pointed to the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam, corridor development, the Bishoftu International Airport mega project and macroeconomic reforms as manifestations of the country's development momentum. He said the transformation was already bringing "seamless urban mobility, vast employment opportunities" and a stronger outlook for future generations. The country had built an unshakable foundation for multinational unity through its indigenous values and the philosophy of Medemer, or synergy. The Prime Minister cited the National Dialogue, human centered corridor development, volunteer programs and the Green Legacy Initiative (GLI) as examples of efforts intended to translate collective national aspirations into practical results, stressing Ethiopia's objective is not merely physical construction but the creation of an inclusive and economically self-reliant country in which citizens can participate in and benefit from national development. That message provides an important framework for 2019. The new Ethiopian year is expected to be more about consolidating reforms, completing major projects, expanding production and ensuring that economic growth produces wider opportunities. From Reform to Productive Growth The economic agenda for 2019 is anchored in the country's Ten-Year Development Plan and the second phase of the Homegrown Economic Reform Program. The government has increasingly emphasized macroeconomic stability, structural transformation, private sector participation, domestic resource mobilization and export competitiveness. The federal budget approved for the 2019 Ethiopian fiscal year amounts to about 2.339 trillion Birr, making it the largest federal budget in the country's history. The allocation framework gives significant attention to education, roads, health, agriculture, energy expansion and urban development, while also providing budgetary support to regional states. The budget is designed to consolidate the gains of economic reform while addressing the pressure on household purchasing power and supporting low-income communities. Finance Minister Ahmed Shide has said the spending plan gives particular attention to vulnerable households while maintaining the reform agenda and pursuing inclusive growth. The scale of the budget reflects the breadth of the government's ambitions for the new year. But the central test will be implementation: whether investment can translate into greater production, more employment, stronger exports and improved public services. Agriculture and Food Sovereignty Agriculture remains at the heart of Ethiopia's transformation because of its role in food security, employment, industrial inputs and export earnings. The country has increasingly moved beyond a narrow food security approach toward the broader objective of food sovereignty. Wheat production, irrigation development, mechanization, agricultural clusters, improved seeds and livestock development have become important elements of this strategy. The Yelemat Trufat initiative is also intended to strengthen livestock productivity and improve household nutrition while creating opportunities for farmers and pastoralists. The broader objective is to make agriculture more productive, commercially oriented and capable of supplying both domestic industries and export markets. In 2019, greater attention is expected to be placed on irrigation and dry season production, mechanization, value addition and market linkages. Such measures are critical if agricultural growth is to translate into lower food imports, stronger rural incomes and a reliable supply of raw materials for manufacturing. The government's wider development plan identifies agriculture as one of the sectors capable of driving structural transformation alongside manufacturing, mining, tourism and technology. Ethiopia reiterated this approach at an African Union technical meeting in July, highlighting agriculture, manufacturing, mining, tourism and technology as key sectors under the Ten-Year Development Plan. Manufacturing and "Made in Ethiopia" Industrialization will be another major priority in 2019. The Made in Ethiopia initiative has been designed to increase domestic production, strengthen industrial capacity, substitute imports and improve export performance. The Ministry of Industry reported that policy measures under the initiative, together with improved access to finance, have contributed to increased manufacturing production, exports and import substitution. The next challenge is to turn these gains into a sustained industrial transformation. Ethiopia needs industries capable of producing more inputs locally, creating decent employment for a growing young population and connecting agriculture with manufacturing through stronger value chains. Greater productivity, improved quality, reliable energy supplies, logistics, access to finance and export market development will therefore remain central to the industrial agenda. The emphasis on domestic production also forms part of a broader national objective of reducing dependency and increasing economic self reliance. Mining Mining is emerging as another important pillar of the transformation agenda. The government is seeking to expand responsible mining investment, improve the formalization of the sector and increase the contribution of minerals to export earnings and foreign exchange generation. Gold has become particularly important, while broader mineral exploration is expected to support industrial development and diversification. The sector, however, will need to balance investment and production with environmental protection, community benefits and responsible resource management. If managed effectively, mining can provide foreign exchange while supplying raw materials for domestic industries and creating new investment opportunities. Tourism and Aviation Tourism is another area where Ethiopia's natural, historical and cultural assets offer significant economic potential. Initiatives such as Dine for Ethiopia and broader destination development efforts have sought to turn Ethiopia's historical sites, landscapes, cuisine and cultural heritage into stronger sources of employment and foreign exchange. Aviation is an important part of this strategy. The planned Bishoftu International Airport represents one of the country's most ambitious infrastructure projects and is intended to strengthen Ethiopia's position as a major aviation and logistics hub. Prime Minister Abiy has identified the airport among the projects symbolizing the country's current development momentum. The airport, together with Ethiopian Airlines' expanding network, improved road connectivity and tourism infrastructure, could strengthen Ethiopia's position as a gateway connecting Africa with the Middle East, Asia and other global markets. Technological Transformation The digital economy is becoming increasingly central to the country's development strategy. Under Digital Ethiopia 2030, Ethiopia is seeking to expand digital public services, digital identification, mobile financial services, telecommunications, artificial intelligence and technology based entrepreneurship. The objective extends beyond providing internet access. Digital transformation is expected to reduce transaction costs, improve government services, expand financial inclusion, create new businesses and connect Ethiopian enterprises to regional and global markets. Prime Minister Abiy has also increasingly linked Ethiopia's development ambitions with technological sovereignty. In his message marking African Union Day, he called on African countries and young people to take greater ownership of the continent's digital future. For Ethiopia, this means that 2019 could become an important year for turning digital infrastructure into productive economic capacity. Infrastructure That Connects the Economy Infrastructure development remains one of the most visible components of Ethiopia's transformation. Corridor development projects in Addis Ababa and other cities are changing urban mobility and public spaces while creating new commercial and social infrastructure. The approach is increasingly focused on integrating roads, pedestrian facilities, public spaces, greenery and urban services rather than treating road construction as an isolated activity. Prime Minister Abiy has specifically cited human centered corridor development as one of the practical initiatives demonstrating how collective national action can generate tangible results. Beyond cities, roads, energy infrastructure, logistics corridors and aviation projects are intended to reduce the cost of moving people and goods and connect producers to markets. The challenge in 2019 will therefore be to ensure that infrastructure does not remain an end in itself but becomes a platform for production, investment and employment. Energy Independence Energy remains fundamental to Ethiopia's industrial and economic ambitions. The completion and inauguration of the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam has become one of the country's most important milestones in its effort to expand electricity generation and strengthen energy security. The dam is also increasingly presented by the government as a symbol of national capacity, collective financing and self reliance. Prime Minister Abiy has included the GERD among the major projects that demonstrate Ethiopia's shift from aspiration toward concrete development. The priority for the new year is therefore not only generating electricity but ensuring that expanded power supply translates into industrial production, agricultural processing, digital services, exports and improved living standards. Green Development Economic transformation is also being pursued alongside environmental restoration. The Green Legacy Initiative has become one of Ethiopia's most prominent national environmental programs, combining tree planting with watershed restoration, climate resilience and broader public mobilization. The initiative has evolved from a tree planting campaign into a wider development approach linking environmental protection with agriculture, water management, urban greenery and climate resilience. Prime Minister Abiy again cited the Green Legacy Initiative in his latest New Year message as one of the practical programs through which collective national values have been converted into tangible action. The coming year will therefore require Ethiopia to pursue economic growth while protecting its natural resources and strengthening resilience against climate related shocks. Human Capital No development strategy can succeed without investment in people. Education, health, employment and skills development remain essential to Ethiopia's long term transformation, particularly given the country's large and youthful population. The 2019 federal budget places education and health among the major priority areas, while the government's economic strategy continues to emphasize employment creation and private sector development. The challenge is to ensure that young Ethiopians are not simply beneficiaries of economic growth but active participants in it. This requires stronger technical and vocational education, digital skills, entrepreneurship opportunities, access to finance and a business environment capable of absorbing millions of young people entering the labor market. Unity as a Development Imperative Economic transformation cannot be separated from peace and national cohesion. In his latest New Year message, Abiy placed unity at the center of the country's development trajectory, arguing that shared values and Medemer provide the foundation for collective progress. His message comes after a year in which the National Dialogue process, development initiatives, volunteer programs and large scale infrastructure projects have all been presented as mechanisms for strengthening national cohesion. The idea is straightforward: development requires stability, stability requires cooperation and cooperation becomes stronger when citizens share a sense of national purpose. As Ethiopia enters 2019, this connection between peace, unity and development is likely to remain one of the central themes of the government's agenda. From Construction to Results The defining question of 2019 will ultimately be whether Ethiopia can move successfully from building foundations to generating results from those foundations. The country has invested heavily in roads, energy, urban infrastructure, agriculture, digital systems, environmental restoration and major national projects. Economic reforms have also begun to change the policy environment. The next stage requires productivity. Factories must produce more competitively. Farmers must earn more from higher productivity. Infrastructure must reduce transport costs. Digital systems must make services faster and more accessible. Energy expansion must support industrialization. Tourism must create jobs and foreign exchange. Mining must generate greater economic value while protecting communities and the environment. This is consistent with the broader philosophy expressed by Prime Minister Abiy at the Ethiopia Delivers National Summit earlier this year, where he described nation building as a continuous collective responsibility and emphasized that reforms should become foundations for lasting change. A New Year of Execution Ethiopia therefore enters 2019 at a significant point in its development journey. The country is not beginning from zero. It enters the new year with major projects completed, others under construction, an extensive economic reform program, a new fiscal framework and a development strategy that places agriculture, manufacturing, mining, tourism and technology at the center of structural transformation. The approved 2.339 trillion birr federal budget provides the financial framework for implementing the priorities of the new fiscal year, while the Ten Year Development Plan provides the longer term direction. But ambition alone will not determine the success of the new Ethiopian year. Implementation, productivity, accountability and the ability to translate national investments into improvements in household incomes and public services will be decisive. That is why the message of the New Year is increasingly one of execution. Ethiopia's 2019 begins with the country seeking to transform the foundations laid during the previous years into a more productive, resilient and self reliant economy. The challenge is substantial, but so is the opportunity. As the Adey Abeba blooms across the Ethiopian landscape and families gather to celebrate Enkutatash, the New Year offers a natural moment to look forward. It is a moment to preserve what has been achieved, correct what has not worked, accelerate what is delivering results and ensure that the country's major development ambitions are translated into tangible benefits for its people. In the words of Prime Minister Abiy's latest New Year message, Ethiopia's aspiration is to build an inclusive, economically self-reliant nation while unlocking the collective potential of its people. For 2019, that aspiration now faces its most important test which is turning momentum into lasting prosperity.

Addis Ababa, September 10, 2026 (ENA)—Israel has thrown its diplomatic weight to support Ethiopia’s quest for securing sea access, with Israeli Ambassador to Ethiopia Avraham Neguise underscoring that his country stands firmly with the East African nation’s efforts to secure maritime access to the Red Sea. Speaking to ENA, Neguise said strengthening Ethiopia and promoting stability in the Red Sea is an interest shared by the international community rather than an issue concerning Ethiopia alone. “Empowering and strengthening Ethiopia and creating stability in the Red Sea is the interest of all, not only for Ethiopia,” he noted. According to him, Israel’s position on Ethiopia’s pursuit of sea access is clear. “Israel is behind Ethiopia in this effort. This is clear Israeli policy,” the Ambassador said, stressing that access to the sea is important for Ethiopia to strengthen its economy, safeguard its sovereignty and fosters regional security.   Today, Ethiopia’s access to the sea is increasingly viewed as a legitimate strategic right, driven by its growing population and economy, expanding import-export trade, and pressing national and regional security interests. The country’s geographical proximity to the Red Sea, together with its historical links to the region’s ports, has remained central to its argument for pursuing a sustainable maritime outlet. Ethiopia historically administered the ports of Massawa and Assab and maintained naval capabilities before Eritrea’s separation. Most importantly, Ethiopia’s push for sovereign sea access is gaining momentum at the international arena. “What Ethiopia is doing now, Israel is supporting. It is behind Ethiopia in this effort”, Ambassador Neguise underscored. The Israeli Ambassador reaffirmed Israel’s support for Ethiopia’s pursuit of sea access, stressing that cooperation that aims at improving regional security and economic stability benefits countries across the Horn of Africa region and beyond. In this regard, Israel is committed to share its experience in counter-terrorism and combating terrorist threats, Ambassador Neguise, stated, adding that security and economic development are closely linked and fundamental needs for people everywhere.   He pointed out that Ethiopia is a strategically important country in the Horn of Africa. Therefore, greater access to the sea could contribute to stability and cooperation among countries in the region. Ethiopia’s involvement in the Red Sea could have implications beyond its national interests, particularly in addressing security challenges posed by terrorism and piracy in the maritime region. “Ethiopia’s return to the Red Sea will be positive,” he noted, pointing to the country’s longstanding role in peacekeeping and its stated commitment to peace and stability. Ambassador Neguise said terrorist activities in the Horn of Africa and attacks affecting maritime routes pose risks not only to countries in the region but also to the Middle East, Europe and the wider global economy. The Red Sea is a critical maritime corridor and that instability along the route can have far-reaching economic consequences.   “If the Red Sea will not be stable and there are terrorists attacking, it is not only the Horn of Africa, it’s not only the Middle East, the whole world economy will suffer,” he said.

Addis Ababa, September 9, 2026 (ENA)—Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed called on African countries and the continent’s youth to embrace technological sovereignty and take greater ownership of Africa’s digital future. The Prime Minister made the call in a message marking the 24th African Union Day, reaffirming Ethiopia’s longstanding role in Africa’s continental integration, from the establishment of the Organization of African Unity (OAU) to the African Union (AU). In a social media post, the Premier said Addis Ababa, the diplomatic capital of Africa and home to the AU headquarters, continues to play a central role in advancing continental integration, unity and shared prosperity. “As we mark this day, we reaffirm the vision of an integrated and prosperous Africa, while looking ahead to the next frontier of our collective progress,” Prime Minister Abiy said. In his capacity as the AU Champion for Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Digital Health, the Prime Minister stressed the importance of greater African ownership of technological and digital development. He urged African governments and young people to actively participate in shaping the continent’s digital transformation and to build the skills, innovative capacity and technological capabilities required to determine Africa’s digital future. Prime Minister Abiy further underscored the importance of technological sovereignty in enabling Africa to harness emerging technologies to accelerate development, promote innovation and strengthen the continent’s position in the global economy. “Ethiopia stands ready to build that future alongside our fellow Africans,” he said.

Addis Ababa, September 9, 2026 (ENA)—The European Union (EU) has reaffirmed its support for Ethiopia’s comprehensive economic reform agenda, commending the progress achieved since the government launched its economic modernization drive. The EU is also expanding cooperation with Ethiopia in key areas, including digital infrastructure, renewable energy, public health, climate action, green transition initiatives and international trade, as the country continues to implement wide ranging economic reforms. In an exclusive interview with ENA, EU Ambassador to Ethiopia Sofie From-Emmesberger said Ethiopia’s reform process had already produced significant developments despite the relatively short period since its launch. “Big reforms ongoing and the economic reforms now two years back since this like the big bang started, and this is, of course, a rather short time, but already in these two years on the economic reforms, I think we have seen many different new developments,” she said. The Ambassador further stressed that the country had achieved tangible results through the comprehensive economic reforms in a short period, emphasizing the importance of sustaining the current momentum. She said the EU and its member states would continue supporting Ethiopia’s reform efforts through cooperation aligned with the country’s development priorities. Ambassador Sofie identified digital transformation, energy, health and the green economy as key areas where expanded cooperation could contribute to Ethiopia’s long term development objectives. She also reaffirmed the EU’s readiness to support Ethiopia as it prepares to host the 32nd United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP32) next year. “Ethiopia will host COP32 next year, and the European Union and its member states stand ready to engage in various ways to ensure its success,” she said. The Ambassador said the EU is prepared to make a meaningful contribution toward ensuring a productive and successful global climate conference in Ethiopia. On continental economic integration, Ambassador Sofie highlighted the importance of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), saying its effective implementation could significantly expand intra African trade and help unlock Africa’s broader economic potential. She noted that stronger economic integration across the continent would create greater opportunities for trade, investment and sustainable economic growth. The Ambassador also underscored Addis Ababa’s strategic importance as the headquarters of the African Union, describing the Ethiopian capital as a major center for continental diplomacy, cooperation and policymaking. She reaffirmed that the EU Ethiopia partnership remains on a positive trajectory, describing the European Union as a solid and reliable partner for Ethiopia. The expanding partnership covers a broad range of areas, including economic reform, trade, investment, digital transformation, climate action and sustainable development. The EU’s Global Gateway strategy also provides an important framework for promoting investment, connectivity and sustainable infrastructure, complementing Ethiopia’s efforts to modernize its economy and advance inclusive growth.