Addis Ababa, April 27, 2026 —As part of his official visit to Ethiopia, President Daniel Francisco Chapoof of Mozambique toured the National Palace Museum, gaining insight into the country’s rich historical and cultural legacy. The visit offered a glimpse into Ethiopia’s long-standing civilization, often regarded as a symbol of independence and continuity in Africa’s history. The museum, which preserves imperial-era artifacts and national heritage, served as a backdrop for reflecting on the country’s past and its evolving role on the continent.   Ethiopian officials describe such engagements as part of a broader effort to showcase the nation’s historical depth while reinforcing its modern diplomatic outlook, according to Office of the Prime Minister. Positioned as the “Land of Origins,” Ethiopia continues to present its heritage as a foundation for building forward-looking partnerships. The tour also carried a symbolic message of continental unity, emphasizing closer ties between Ethiopia and Mozambique.   Leaders from both nations are seeking to translate shared history and identity into practical cooperation and long-term collaboration. President Chapo’s visit is expected to further strengthen bilateral relations, with discussions focused on deepening partnerships and advancing mutual development goals.

Addis Ababa, April 27, 2026 —Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed on Monday officially welcomed Mozambican President Daniel Francisco Chapo to the National Palace, marking the start of a high-level visit aimed at strengthening cooperation between the two African nations. The reception ceremony in Addis Ababa underscored growing diplomatic engagement between Ethiopia and Mozambique, with both sides expected to explore new areas of partnership.   In a message shared on social media, Prime Minister Abiy described Ethiopia as the “Land of Origins,” highlighting its openness to global collaboration and shared progress. “As the Land of Origins, Ethiopia is a place of boundless opportunity, opening her arms to the world and inviting partners to rediscover their shared roots and grow through cooperation,” he said. The Prime Minister emphasized that Ethiopia seeks partnerships built on mutual respect and long-term impact, adding that the country aspires to be “more than a destination” for its partners.   “Through our genuine partnership we affirm that Ethiopia is far more than a destination; it is a second home for all who seek visionary growth and transformation,” he noted. PM Abiy also expressed optimism that President Chapo’s visit would deliver concrete outcomes, strengthening ties and laying the groundwork for sustained collaboration. “I hope your stay will bring productive outcomes, laying a foundation of shared success and enduring friendship,” he added.   The visit comes amid broader efforts by African nations to deepen intra-continental cooperation and advance shared economic and diplomatic priorities.

Addis Ababa, April 27, 2026 —President Daniel Francisco Chapo of Mozambique laid a wreath at the Adwa Victory Memorial on Monday, honoring the heroes of the historic Battle of Adwa. He also toured the site, widely regarded as a symbol of freedom and resistance for Black people worldwide. Earlier in the day, Ethiopia’s Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed officially welcomed President Chapo in Addis Ababa. In a social media post, the Prime Minister emphasized that the visit reflects Ethiopia’s commitment to strengthening meaningful African partnerships.   “This visit underscores Ethiopia’s steadfast commitment to fostering genuine African partnerships aimed at tangible outcomes that can truly transform the lives of people of both nations,” Abiy said. The official welcoming ceremony marks the start of a high-level diplomatic engagement between the two countries.   During the visit, the leaders are expected to hold discussions on key strategic areas of mutual interest, aimed at deepening longstanding ties between Ethiopia and Mozambique.

Addis Ababa, April 27, 2026 — Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed today officially received President Daniel Francisco Chapo of Mozambique at Bole International Airport. In a statement released on his social media platforms, the Prime Minister noted, "This visit underscores Ethiopia’s steadfast commitment to fostering genuine African partnerships aimed at tangible outcomes that can truly transform the lives of people of both nations." The official welcoming ceremony marks the beginning of a high-level diplomatic engagement focused on strengthening bilateral cooperation. During the visit, the two leaders are expected to hold talks on various strategic areas of mutual interest to enhance the historic ties between Ethiopia and Mozambique.

Addis Ababa, April 26, 2026 (ENA) —Ethiopia’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Gedion Timothewos, held bilateral talks with his Mozambican counterpart, Maria Manuela dos Santos Lucas, aimed at deepening cooperation between the two nations. During the meeting, Gedion highlighted the longstanding and unique relationship between Ethiopia and Mozambique, noting that it is firmly grounded in the shared ideals of Pan-Africanism.   He emphasized the need to translate this strong political foundation into tangible areas of collaboration that can further reinforce ties between the two countries. On her part, Maria Manuela dos Santos Lucas expressed Mozambique’s strong interest in expanding bilateral relations and underscored her country’s desire to learn from Ethiopia’s development experiences. She also reaffirmed her commitment to working closely with Ethiopia across multiple sectors of mutual interest.   The discussions reflect a shared determination by both nations to elevate their partnership through practical cooperation and continued diplomatic engagement.

Addis Ababa, April 25, 2026 (ENA) —Final preparations are underway for the holding of the National Dialogue Conference, the culmination of the Ethiopian dialogue process, as the agenda-gathering process has been completed, Professor Mesfin Araya, Chief Commissioner of the Ethiopian National Dialogue Commission told ENA. The Ethiopian National Dialogue Commission has opened a new chapter aimed at resolving the differences that have been brewing in Ethiopia for centuries through dialogue and consultations in order to create a generation that believes in the supremacy of ideas. So far, it has successfully carried out an agenda-gathering process that involved community groups in all regions and the two city administrations, as well as the identification of representatives that participate in the National Dialogue Conference. According to Chief Commissioner Mesfin Araya, the national dialogue is laying the foundation for lasting peace and building a strong state. He noted that the dialogue will create opportunity for citizens to reach consensus on major national issues and achieve sustainable development and progress in the social, political and economic spheres. Stressing that resolving differences of opinion in a civilized manner through dialogue is crucial, the Chief Commissioner called on citizens to use the opportunity created to play a constructive role in building peace and development in the country. He recalled that Ethiopians have identified problems in their regions and the country at large during the process and presented them to the Commission. The Chief Commissioner stated that citizens participating in the National Dialogue Conference will represent all sections of society. Since its establishment under Proclamation No. 1265/2021, the Ethiopian National Dialogue Commission has been carrying out various activities aimed at building consensus on fundamental issues that are not mutually exclusive as a country.

Addis Ababa, April 25, 2026 (ENA) —U.S. envoys have arrived in Pakistan to begin a new round of diplomacy related to the Iran conflict, though Iranian officials indicate there are no immediate plans for direct talks. Representatives Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner traveled to Islamabad, where the White House said they aim to hold an “in-person conversation” with Iranian representatives. It remains unclear whether this would involve direct engagement or indirect communication. Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi arrived earlier and met with Asim Munir, highlighting Pakistan’s role as a mediator. Iranian state media reported that Araghchi does not plan to meet U.S. officials directly, and that Pakistan may act as an intermediary to convey positions between the two sides. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said the talks are intended to advance efforts toward a possible agreement. She added that Vice President JD Vance, who participated in earlier discussions, is prepared to travel if needed. Diplomatic progress remains uncertain. Iran has said it will not enter direct negotiations while U.S. naval restrictions on its ports remain in place. At the same time, shipping through the Strait of Hormuz has been significantly reduced, affecting global oil and gas flows. European Council President Antonio Costa called for the waterway to be reopened without restrictions, citing its importance to global energy markets. Iran has also indicated that Araghchi will continue consultations in Oman and Russia as part of broader diplomatic efforts. Iranian officials have criticized U.S. and Israeli actions in the conflict, while U.S. officials maintain that negotiations are aimed at de-escalation. In Lebanon, a temporary ceasefire remains in effect following recent fighting. U.S. President Donald Trump has expressed support for expanded talks involving Israel and Lebanon, though internal political divisions persist. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said efforts toward a possible agreement are ongoing, while Hezbollah-linked figures have opposed direct negotiations. Despite the ceasefire, reports of continued strikes and casualties in southern Lebanon underscore the fragility of the situation. Civilians in affected areas continue to face significant hardship as a result of the conflict.

Addis Ababa, April 24, 2026 (ENA) —Minister of Foreign Affairs Gedion Timothewos held talks in Oslo with his Norwegian counterpart Espen Barth Eide, focusing on strengthening bilateral cooperation between Ethiopia and Norway. The meeting took place as part of Gedion’s official visit to Scandinavian countries, during which he emphasized the broad potential for expanding cooperation across multiple sectors. He highlighted the longstanding relationship between the two countries and stressed the need to deepen ties, particularly in trade, investment, and environmental protection. Espen Barth Eide noted that several Norwegian companies are interested in exploring investment opportunities in Ethiopia, signaling growing private sector engagement. He also affirmed Norway’s support for Ethiopia as it prepares to host COP32. During his stay in Oslo, Gedion also held discussions with Norway’s Minister of International Development, the Minister of Climate and Environment, senior officials from the Norwegian Agency for Development Cooperation, the leadership of Norway’s investment fund, and private sector representatives. The talks focused on advancing cooperation in key areas of mutual interest, including development financing, climate action, and investment.

Addis Ababa, April 24, 2026 (ENA) —Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed held bilateral talks this evening with South Sudan’s President Salva Kiir Mayardit, focusing on key issues shaping the region and the two countries’ shared future. Prime Minister Abiy warmly welcomed President Kiir at the National Palace during the latter’s two-day official visit to Ethiopia.   Following their discussions, the two leaders emphasized the importance of strengthening economic cooperation. They explored ways to boost investment, expand trade, and create broader opportunities through enhanced partnerships.   The leaders also exchanged updates on the progress of their respective countries, reaffirming their commitment to continued collaboration on mutual priorities.   “President Salva Kiir and I held a bilateral discussion this evening on the issues shaping our region and shared future. We prioritized economic cooperation, exploring ways to boost investment and expand opportunities through stronger partnerships and also exchanged updates on our countries’ progress,” the Prime Minister wrote on X page.

Addis Ababa, April 24, 2026 (ENA) —Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed has warmly welcomed President Salva Kiir Mayardit of South Sudan on a two-day official visit to Ethiopia, underscoring the deep-rooted and enduring relationship between the two neighboring nations. In a social media post, the Prime Minister highlighted that the visit reflects the strong bilateral ties between Ethiopia and South Sudan, expressing optimism about the outcomes of the high-level engagement.   He noted that the discussions are expected to enhance cooperation across key areas of mutual interest and further strengthen diplomatic and economic partnerships.   “(I) welcome Salva Kiir Mayardit, President of South Sudan, on his two-day official visit to Ethiopia. This visit underscores the strong and enduring ties between our two nations. I look forward to productive discussions that will further strengthen our cooperation and mutual interests,” the Premier wrote.

Addis Ababa, April 24, 2026 (ENA) —Minister of Foreign Affairs, Gedion Timothewos, held talks in Stockholm with Maria Malmer Stenergard, the Swedish Minister for Foreign Affairs. According to the social media post of the ministry, the two foreign ministers exchanged views on bilateral relations, as well as on issues of mutual interest in the Horn of Africa and at the international level. Gedion underscored the longstanding and historic ties between Ethiopia and Sweden, emphasizing the importance of further strengthening their friendship. He further highlighted the need to deepen cooperation in trade and investment, extending an invitation to Swedish companies to take advantage of the favorable investment opportunities available in Ethiopia. For her part, the Swedish Foreign Minister noted the strong relations between the two countries and expressed Sweden’s interest in enhancing cooperation with Ethiopia at both bilateral and multilateral levels.

Addis Ababa, April 23, 2026 (ENA) —Chairperson of the National Election Board of Ethiopia (NEBE), Melatwork Hailu, announced that more than 50,514,000 voters have registered for the upcoming 7th General Election. The registration process for the general election concluded on April 22, 2026. Citizens participated in the process through the "Mirchaye" mobile application as a digital alternative, as well as by appearing in person at various polling stations. In a statement regarding the conclusion of the registration period, Melatwork noted that the Board has been conducting both candidate and voter registration to facilitate the 7th General Election. She specified that the registration of candidates took place from January 9 to February 8, 2026. Furthermore, the voter registration process, which commenced on March 7, was extended by an additional 14 days and officially ended on the evening of April 22, 2026. According to the data received by the Board thus far, a total of 50,514,155 voters have been successfully registered. Of this total, over 5,503,000 voters utilized the digital platform, while the remaining registrations were conducted manually. Melatwork clarified that the current registration figures do not yet include members of the national defense forces, university students, or internally displaced persons. Regarding election observation and media coverage, she revealed that 169 civic organizations have been granted licenses for the 7th General Election, with 141 of them receiving financial support. Additionally, 37 media institutions have obtained reporting permits, and 1,131 journalists have been issued badges to cover the electoral proceedings. The Chairperson also mentioned that debates between political parties are currently underway. Furthermore, discussions have been held regarding the code of conduct for private candidates' campaigns, the allocation of airtime, and other related matters.

Addis Ababa, April 23, 2026 (ENA) —Ethiopia’s ongoing political reform is reshaping the country’s political landscape by creating what officials describe as a “balanced space” where cooperation and healthy competition between political parties can coexist. Speaking during the review of the government’s third 100-day and nine-month performance report for the 2025/26 fiscal year, presided by Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, Vice President of the Prosperity Party and head of the Democracy System Building Coordination Center (with deputy prime minister rank), Adem Farah, said the reforms of the past eight years are now producing tangible national results. According to Adem, Ethiopia’s macroeconomic reforms have played a key role in driving inclusive growth and delivering outcomes aligned with national expectations. The Vice President emphasized that the reforms are not only economic but deeply political and institutional in nature. On the political front, he noted that the ruling party’s reform agenda has helped establish a more open national platform, where opposition parties can both collaborate on shared national priorities and compete in a structured democratic environment. This shift, he said, is strengthening Ethiopia’s evolving democratic culture. One of the most notable developments highlighted was the integration of more than 275 opposition party leaders into government roles at federal and district levels, contributing directly to public service delivery and development efforts. Adem described this as part of a broader push toward inclusive governance and participatory system in the Ethiopian body politic. He also pointed to the national dialogue process, saying it has now reached an advanced stage and is helping build consensus on key national issues, an effort he described as central to long-term unity and stability. Economically, Adem praised Ethiopia’s homegrown reform agenda, saying it is beginning to show measurable results that could serve as a model for other developing nations. Initiatives such as “Made in Ethiopia” have strengthened local production, reduced import dependency, and improved export competitiveness. In the social sector, he highlighted expanded access to infrastructure and public services, particularly in education, where the “Education for Generation” initiative is increasing school construction and improving access to learning opportunities across the country. Looking ahead, Adem stressed the importance of strengthening cooperation among government institutions, the private sector, and citizens to sustain progress. He further underscored that Ethiopia’s long-term goal is to build a stable, prosperous nation grounded in democratic maturity, good governance, and lasting peace.

Addis Ababa, April 23, 2026 (ENA) —Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed has been appointed as the African Union Champion for Artificial Intelligence and Digital Health, in recognition of his leadership in advancing digital transformation and emerging technologies across the continent. The announcement, made by the African Union, underscores Ethiopia’s growing role in shaping Africa’s technological future, particularly in artificial intelligence (AI) and innovation-driven development. “Your Excellency’s leadership in promoting digital transformation and emerging technologies has helped position artificial intelligence as a key tool for sovereignty, efficiency, and inclusive growth in Africa.”, the appointment letter said. It further noted that “Your continued advocacy for strategic autonomy and technological empowerment will be instrumental in positioning the continent as a global leader in responsible and equitable AI adoption.” The recognition comes as Ethiopia continues to register notable progress in digitization and artificial intelligence under the prime minister’s leadership. Over the past several years, the country has accelerated the expansion of digital infrastructure, rolled out e-government services, and invested in innovation ecosystems aimed at fostering a knowledge-based economy. A key milestone in Ethiopia’s AI journey was the establishment of Africa’s first Artificial Intelligence Institute in 2020. Initiated by Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, the institute has since served as a cornerstone for research and development in emerging technologies. In addition, the government is finalizing preparations to launch a dedicated AI university that will strengthen research capacity, talent development, and continental collaboration in advanced technologies. Speaking at the 39th AU Summit earlier this year, Prime Minister Abiy underscored Ethiopia’s ambition to position Africa as a global leader in the age of intelligence. “In 2020, Ethiopia established Africa’s first Artificial Intelligence Institute,” he said, adding that the planned AI university will be “anchored in the Ethiopian philosophy of Medemer (synergy) through purposeful collaboration.” “This institution will unite human values with machine intelligence, local context with global relevance, and scientific rigor with applied impact,” the premier elaborated. Ethiopia’s AI drive is also anchored in the broader Digital Ethiopia 2030 strategy, which integrates key initiatives such as the national digital ID system, Fayda Digital ID, alongside expanding digital payment systems and data exchange platforms to enable efficient and secure service delivery. The country has also prioritized youth-centered digital capacity building through initiatives like the Coders Program, aimed at equipping young Ethiopians with skills required in a rapidly evolving technological landscape. At the 24th COMESA Summit, Prime Minister Abiy emphasized that digitalization remains a cornerstone of Ethiopia’s homegrown economic reform agenda. He noted that leveraging Africa’s vast youth population and aligning national digital strategies with regional integration efforts are critical to unlocking sustainable and inclusive growth. Since assuming office in 2018, the premier has consistently advocated for technological transformation as a driver of economic resilience, industrialization, and continental competitiveness. The latest appointment is expected to further amplify Ethiopia’s role in advancing Africa’s digital agenda, particularly in harnessing artificial intelligence and digital health solutions to address development challenges and enhance service delivery across the continent.

Addis Ababa, April 23, 2026 —Foreign Affairs Minister Gedion Timotheos announced that Ethiopia has secured landmark diplomatic victories over the years of reform, significantly broadening the nation’s reach and collaborative horizons. The Minister emphasized that domestic achievements in the economy, institutional building, and environmental protection have served as the backbone of these successes. Providing a comprehensive briefing on the results achieved in the diplomatic field, Gedion noted that the country’s influence within continental and global forums is experiencing a profound ascent. A primary strategic priority, the agenda of securing a sea outlet, has gained substantial traction in both bilateral discussions and international arenas. The Minister characterized this as a major triumph, noting that various global stakeholders now better understand Ethiopia’s legitimate quest and the necessity of seeking a collaborative solution for the matter. Furthermore, he cited the completion and operationalization of the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) as a testament to the resilience of the Ethiopian government and its people, who successfully navigated intense diplomatic pressures to see the project through. The nation’s entry into BRICS as a full member and its active participation therein further illustrate Ethiopia’s growing international acceptance. Gedion elaborated that Ethiopia is increasingly viewed as a preferred partner for investment and economic cooperation, with nations near and far seeking to fortify their ties with Addis Ababa. He pointed to high-level exchange visits and the signing of strategic agreements as tangible evidence of this expanding diplomatic footprint. Over the past nine months alone, Ethiopia has consistently secured seats in various international decision-making bodies through overwhelming support. The Minister highlighted that the election of Ethiopian candidates to key continental and global positions underscores the country’s rising influence. He explained that these diplomatic milestones are deeply rooted in internal progress, noting that economic reforms have strengthened national institutions and enhanced their capacity. Moreover, Ethiopia’s commitment to environmental protection and renewable energy has positioned the country as a model for others. These efforts, combined with integrated urban and rural development initiatives, have solidified Ethiopia’s standing as a prime destination for investment and partnership. Minister Gedion reaffirmed that the synergy between economic growth, institutional strength, and environmental stewardship remains the backbone of Ethiopia’s diplomatic excellence.

Addis Ababa, April 23, 2026 —Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed hosted Abdoulkader Houssain Omar, Djibouti’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, at his office in the early hours of this morning. During the meeting, the minister delivered an official message from Ismaïl Omar Guelleh, President of Djibouti. In a social media post, the Prime Minister said the visit also provided an opportunity for both sides to discuss ongoing cooperation between Ethiopia and Djibouti. The discussions highlighted the strong bilateral partnership between the two neighboring countries, particularly in areas of mutual interest and regional collaboration.

Addis Ababa, April 22, 2026 (ENA) —The Council of Ministers has approved loan agreements, investment promotion and protection agreement as well as bilateral cooperation agreements during its 54th regular session held today. Top on the agenda of the Council of Ministers were two loan agreements of eighty million Euros from the French Development Agency, and one hundred and ten million Euros from the European Investment Bank. The first will be used for the implementation of the National Economic Reform Plan and the second for the improvement of micro-finance in rural areas, according to the Council of Ministers.   Confirming that both loan agreements are in line with the country’s credit management policy, the Council forwarded the draft proclamations to the House of People’s Representatives. Next was discussed the Investment Promotion and Protection Agreement regarding the Urea Fertilizer Manufacturing and Processing Factory in the country. The main objectives of the agreement are to create an enabling environment for lenders to obtain the necessary capital by meeting the strict criteria used by lenders to provide loans for projects in developing countries like Ethiopia, to meet domestic demand by producing fertilizer domestically, to avoid high foreign exchange costs for fertilizer procurement, and to achieve the efforts to become self-sufficient in food grains. The Council approved the signing and implementation of this agreement by the Ministry of Finance. It also discussed the draft proclamation on cyber security of key infrastructures. After enriching the draft proclamation, the Council unanimously referred it to the House of People's Representatives. The Council has also discussed 6 draft bilateral agreements and forwarded them to the House of People's Representatives.   The agreements with Vietnam and Russian Federation regard the exemption of visas for holders of diplomatic or service passports, and the establishment of a joint biological research center, respectively. In addition, 4 air services agreements with Eswatini, Angola, Bangladesh, and Sierra Leone were approved. The agreements allow Ethiopian Airlines to operate passenger and cargo flights to the capitals of the countries under the 3rd and 4th traffic rights, to operate representative airlines in partnership, to operate flights to selected destinations under the 5th traffic right, and to strengthen Ethiopia’s bilateral relations with the countries, it was noted.   Finally, the Council discussed the regulation on the establishment of the Ethiopian Fire and Other Emergency Services. It unanimously decided to publish the regulation in the Federal Gazette and take effect from the date of its publication.

Addis Ababa, April 22, 2026 (ENA) —The Czech Republic is stepping up efforts to strengthen its economic relationship with Ethiopia, with officials highlighting growing opportunities for investment and trade cooperation between the two countries. Speaking at the Ethio–Czech Business Forum held in Addis Ababa, State Secretary at the Czech Ministry of Foreign Affairs Radek Rubeš said Ethiopia presents strong potential for Czech businesses and serves as an increasingly important partner in the region.   He noted that the forum provides a practical platform for companies from both countries to exchange ideas and explore concrete business deals. Rubeš emphasized that cooperation between Ethiopia and the Czech Republic is expanding not only economically, but also at political and multilateral levels. The State Secretary added that Czech companies are already engaged in several priority sectors aligned with Ethiopia’s development agenda, including water supply and sanitation, irrigation, waste management, transport, healthcare, and defense. He further stressed the importance of creating a stable environment based on trust and mutual understanding to encourage investment and support private sector growth in both countries.   On the Ethiopian side, Ambassador Yohannes Fanta, Director General for Economic Diplomacy at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, described the forum as a reflection of the longstanding friendship between Ethiopia and the Czech Republic. He said it aims to unlock untapped potential in trade and investment, noting that current economic relations remain below their full capacity despite historical ties. He cited recent trade figures showing Czech exports to Ethiopia at approximately 8.59 million US dollars in 2024, while Ethiopian exports to the Czech Republic stood at around 7.77 million US dollars. According to him, these figures highlight the need to elevate economic cooperation to a higher level.   Ambassador Yohannes also pointed to Ethiopia’s ongoing macroeconomic reforms designed to attract foreign investment, improve trade performance, and strengthen the tourism sector. He noted that reforms in the financial sector are addressing key investor concerns, particularly foreign exchange constraints. He further outlined a range of investment incentives offered by the Ethiopian government, including tax exemptions and duty-free imports for machinery, equipment, construction materials, spare parts, raw materials, and vehicles. Key priority sectors for investment include agriculture and agro-processing, textiles and garments, leather and leather products, pharmaceuticals, renewable energy (both grid and off-grid systems), mining, and public–private partnerships.   Concluding his remarks, he called on participants to actively engage, share ideas, and build stronger business networks to further advance economic relations between Ethiopia and the Czech Republic.

Addis Ababa, April 22, 2026 (ENA) —Ethiopia is urging closer coordination and a more unified policy direction among BRICS members as it expands its engagement with the group. The East African nation is also stressing that research collaboration, sustained dialogue, and people-to-people ties will be essential in shaping effective collective action among member states. The call was made at the opening of the third BRICS Think Tanks Council Ethiopia Conference in Bahir Dar. Speaking at the opening session, Ambassador Minilik Alemu, Social Policy Advisor to the Minister of Foreign Affairs, emphasized the importance of the forum in strengthening mutual understanding among member and partner countries.   He noted that the platform is essential for aligning policy perspectives ahead of the upcoming BRICS Summit, stressing that shared analysis and academic engagement can help reinforce common positions on global and development issues. According to him, the recommendations from the BTTC serve as critical inputs into key outcome documents, including the Summit Declaration. “Our conference is vital for coordinating our understanding and formulating a unified position,” the ambassador said, stressing the need for “balanced and practical contributions” to guide the 2026 BRICS Summit outcomes. Ethiopia’s accession to BRICS in 2024 has been described as a significant milestone in its long-standing pursuit of multilateral diplomacy and broader global engagement. Ambassador Minilik Alemu elaborated that the country’s membership reflects core foreign policy priorities, particularly efforts to strengthen South-South cooperation and deepen partnerships in development finance, technology transfer, and trade expansion. He also underlined Ethiopia’s recent admission into the New Development Bank as an important achievement, saying it is expected to improve access to infrastructure financing and enhance the country’s participation in BRICS-led economic cooperation frameworks. Since joining the bloc, Ethiopia has taken what he called “sustained and concrete steps” to engage actively in BRICS initiatives. He further indicated that Addis Ababa aims to reinforce its role within the group, especially in the lead-up to India’s 2026 BRICS presidency.   Beyond government engagement, Ambassador Minilik emphasized the importance of the “people-to-people” pillar of BRICS cooperation, which involves think tanks, civil society, media, business communities, academia, and cultural sectors. The Ambassador further noted that Ethiopian institutions have already begun forging stronger ties with their counterparts across BRICS countries, contributing to policy dialogue and academic collaboration. He also highlighted the growing role of research and expert dialogue in shaping Ethiopia’s engagement within BRICS. Platforms such as academic forums and think tank exchanges were described as essential in producing evidence-based policy recommendations that reflect diverse national experiences. “These deliberations provide a solid intellectual foundation that enhances the credibility and effectiveness of BRICS cooperation in addressing complex global challenges,” he said. Ambassador Minilik further called attention to the need for effective communication strategies to promote BRICS engagement and manage public expectations.   He further noted that institutions such as the BRICS Business Council, think tanks, and media organizations must take a leading role in communicating Ethiopia’s priorities both domestically and internationally. As Ethiopia prepares to deepen its role within BRICS, the conference is expected to contribute to shaping forward-looking policy guidance and strengthening the country’s influence within the bloc’s evolving framework. The two-day conference is organized by the Ethiopian Institute of Foreign Affairs in collaboration with Bahir Dar University.

Addis Ababa, April 22, 2026 (ENA) — The Institute of Foreign Affairs (IFA) and Bahir Dar University (BDU) are co-hosting the 3rd Annual BRICS Think Tanks Council (BTTC) Conference from April 22–23, 2026, in Bahir Dar, Amhara Region. According to IFA, this year’s theme is “The Prospect of BRICS and Ethiopia’s Priorities.” The conference aims to address significant issues relevant to BRICS nations and Ethiopia's strategic position within the group. Key topics include climate leadership, artificial intelligence, trade, and investment. These discussions are crucial for fostering collaboration among BRICS member states and enhancing Ethiopia's role on the global stage. The program features presentations of research papers that align with the thematic areas. This will provide a platform for sharing insights and fostering academic discourse. High-level government officials, academics, and distinguished guests are attending this prestigious gathering, highlighting the importance of international cooperation in addressing global challenges. The event promises to be an enriching experience, paving the way for future collaborations and initiatives within the BRICS framework.