Addis Ababa, September 1, 2025 (ENA) – Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed described the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) as a national catalyst for growth and a legacy that calls for nurturing a generation committed to defending Ethiopia’s interests while engaging with other nations on the basis of mutual benefit. In a discussion with his Social Affairs Advisor, Deacon Daniel Kibret, the Premier emphasized that the dam marks “the end of the story of indigence” and demonstrates Ethiopia’s capacity to achieve rapid development within a short time. He noted that the GERD not only resolves the long-standing narrative of the Abbay River lacking a permanent home but also stands as a powerful symbol of resilience and unity. Beyond power generation, he stressed, the project will deliver wide-ranging economic benefits, enabling Ethiopia to recoup its investment within a few years. “If we work hard and remain steadfast in our long-term vision, Ethiopia’s prosperity can be realized in the shortest possible time,” Abiy affirmed, urging citizens to safeguard resources for both present and future generations. The Prime Minister further described the GERD as a national catalyst for growth and a legacy that calls for nurturing a generation committed to defending Ethiopia’s interests while engaging with other nations on the basis of mutual benefit. Congratulating all Ethiopians on this historic milestone, PM Abiy invited citizens to visit the dam, noting its indelible mark on the nation’s history. Having described the GERD as a "landmark national project that has brought light to Ethiopians," PM Abiy also reflected on the challenging journey of its construction. He recalled the numerous obstacles faced, including financial shortages, diplomatic pressure, the COVID-19 pandemic, and regional tensions. Despite all these significant hardships, he emphasized that the project was completed through the perseverance and collective contributions of the Ethiopian people. The Prime Minister also stated that the dam has "not only ended suffering and uncertainty, but it has also brought light," symbolizing hope for millions who have endured poverty and hardship. Expressing the deeply rewarding outcome of many years of struggle, he emphasized that the completion of GERD is a great blessing for Ethiopia and the region.

Addis Ababa, September1, 2025 (ENA) -- Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed stated that the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) has turned the Abbay River's centuries-old dream and lament into a concrete achievement. Social Affairs Advisor to the Prime Minister, Deacon Daniel Kibret, engaged in a discussion with the premier at Guba, the site of Ethiopia's significant project, GERD. Prime Minister Abiy noted that for several hundred years, Ethiopians had the desire and made attempts to use the Abbay River for development. However, he said these attempts were unsuccessful due to a lack of funds, limited technical capacity, an unfavorable geopolitical environment, and many other reasons. "For the past several hundred years, Ethiopians have had the desire and made attempts to build a GERD-like project or something smaller. They have engaged with foreigners, corresponded with them, and tried to bring in experts," he said. Abiy further stated that Ethiopia is currently in a period of transition from a state of geopolitical stagnation to a better standing. “We have rejected the geopolitical posturing of the past, as it did not suit us. It was not beneficial for our size, our scope, or the history of our people. For this reason, we have been working to achieve a better geopolitical standing, not just in the present, but also by moving both forward and backward in time. These favorable conditions have allowed the dreams, cries, and lamentations of generations to finally come to fruition and yield results.” He described the ability to build the GERD using the river's resources as the result of a transition from geopolitical stagnation to a better standing.

Addis Ababa, September 1, 2025 (ENA) -- Chinese President Xi Jinping proposed the Global Governance Initiative (GGI) at the "Shanghai Cooperation Organization Plus" Meeting in Tianjin on Monday. "I look forward to working with all countries for a more just and equitable global governance system and advancing toward a community with a shared future for humanity," Xi said when addressing the meeting. Xi made the remarks when chairing the "Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Plus" Meeting in north China's port city of Tianjin, where the SCO held the largest summit in its 24-year history, attended by leaders from more than 20 countries and heads of 10 international organizations. The GGI marks the fourth landmark global initiative proposed by Xi over the past several years, following the Global Development Initiative, the Global Security Initiative and the Global Civilization Initiative. Xi highlighted five principles of the GGI -- adhering to sovereign equality, abiding by international rule of law, practicing multilateralism, advocating the people-centered approach, and focusing on taking real actions. While the historical trends of peace, development, cooperation and mutual benefit remain unchanged, the Cold War mentality, hegemonism and protectionism continue to haunt the world, Xi said, adding that new threats and challenges have been only increasing, and the world has found itself in a new period of turbulence and transformation. "Global governance has come to a new crossroads," he said. This year marks the 80th anniversary of the victory in the World Anti-Fascist War and the 80th founding anniversary of the United Nations (UN), according to Xinhua. Xi stressed firmly safeguarding the status and authority of the UN, and ensuring its irreplaceable and key role in global governance. He said that all countries, regardless of size, strength and wealth, are equal participants, decision-makers, and beneficiaries in global governance. "There should be no double standards, and the house rules of a few countries must not be imposed upon others," Xi noted. Xi said the SCO should step up to play a leading role and set an example in carrying out the GGI, and remain a force for stability in this volatile world. The Tianjin summit was the largest gathering of the SCO as well as the fifth time hosted by China since the bloc was formed in 2001. It brought together some 20 heads of state and government, besides leaders of international organizations. Earlier Monday, the SCO leaders adopted the Tianjin Declaration, vowing to boost ties in economy and security.

Addis Ababa, August 29, 2025 (ENA)— Ethiopia is firmly committed to preventing money laundering and the laundering of proceeds of crime, Financial Security Service Director-General Muluken Amare said. The country is currently hosting the 50th Senior Experts Meeting, 25th Ministerial Meeting, and 8th Public-Private Dialogue Forum of the Eastern and Southern Africa Anti-Money Laundering Group (ESAAMLG) at the Economic Commission for Africa. Speaking at the gathering, the director-general noted that Ethiopia is working closely with ESAAMLG and other stakeholders to strengthen financial institutions and prevent illicit financial flow, including terrorist financing. The ongoing meetings demonstrate Ethiopia’s commitment to building strong financial safeguards, he added. According to him, decisions passed the meeting will enable a coordinated regional response that goes beyond national institutions. Financial Action Task Force (FATF) Deputy Secretary-General, Ashish Kumar, underscored the seriousness of money laundering and terrorist financing, calling them crimes that fundamentally weaken the financial capacity of nations. He revealed that Africa loses up to 90 billion USD annually to money laundering, equivalent to 3.7 percent of the continent’s GDP. Kumar also stressed that combating financial crimes requires more than apprehending offenders. It is necessary to ensure sustainable development, uphold the rule of law, compensate victims, build credible institutions, protect citizens, and create a safe environment for investment, he said. To achieve this, making the ESAAMLG Task Force inclusive, fast and trans-boundary, secure as well as research-driven is necessary. Strengthening institutional capacity would also allow Africa’s voice to be heard more clearly in international financial forums. The director-general concluded by affirming FATF’s commitment to working with ESAAMLG member states to enhance the region’s collective ability to prevent money laundering and terrorist financing.

Addis Ababa, August 29, 2025 (ENA)— The Ethiopian Diaspora Service (EDS) has reaffirmed its commitment to support Ethiopian National Dialogue Commission in gathering agenda items from Ethiopians and Ethiopian origins residing across the globe. The Commission has already begun consultations with the diaspora communities to collect agenda items, engaging with Ethiopian communities in various countries. Recently, agenda items were collected from diaspora members in South Africa, and delegations have been dispatched to the United States and Canada to conduct similar consultations. Fitsum Arega, Director-General of EDS, told ENA that the national dialogue provides a conducive platform for fostering mutual understanding and unity through discussion, thereby enabling citizens to build the nation together. He emphasized that the dialogue creates opportunities to resolve issues constructively through dialogue rather than confrontation on social media. Noting that the Commission has already collected agenda items from different institutions and regions within Ethiopia, Fitsum noted that the current phase focuses on engaging Ethiopians abroad. Prior to formal collaboration with the Commission, the Diaspora Service had also held online discussions with diaspora members, mission leaders, and diplomats to identify effective methods of cooperation, he added. Fitsum further elaborated that the Diaspora Service stands ready to provide full support to the Commission, including facilitating connections with Ethiopian embassies in host countries, to ensure the active participation of diaspora communities in the national dialogue process.

Addis Ababa, August 29, 2025 (ENA) – Africans must stand together to confront cross-border crimes that threaten our sovereignty, wealth, and future, Deputy Prime Minister of Ethiopia, Temesgen Tiruneh remarked. The 25th Eastern, Southern Africa Anti-Money Laundering Ministerial conference kicked off in Addis Ababa today. The Deputy PM said “Our continent is being tested by fast-evolving threats: illicit financial flows, money laundering, terrorist financing, and more. These crimes rob our citizens of opportunity, block our continental aspirations, and slow our progress. And because they cross borders, no nation can defeat them alone.”   Ethiopia has established a national committee to fight this challenge, Temesgen stated noting that “We will keep strengthening our efforts—working with our people, with fellow nations, and with partners—to protect our future and secure Africa’s progress.” Ministers from 21 countries, among them the Vice President and Minister of Finance of Botswana—gathered with stakeholders from leading international and continental institutions for the East and Southern Africa Anti-Money Laundering Conference.

Addis Ababa, August 29, 2025 (ENA) -- The 25th Eastern, Southern Africa Anti-Money Laundering Ministerial conference Kicked off in Addis Ababa today. Ministers from 21 countries, among them the Vice President and Minister of Finance of Botswana—gathered with stakeholders from leading international and continental institutions for the East and Southern Africa Anti-Money Laundering Conference. The conference was officially commenced at the ECA Conference Hall, with the presence of Deputy Prime Minister Temesgen Tiruneh, along with other senior government officials.

Addis Ababa, August 29, 2025 (ENA) – Mozambican Defence Minister Cristovao Chume and his Rwandan counterpart Juvenal Marizamunda on Wednesday signed a Status of Forces Agreement (SOFA) in the Rwandan capital, Kigali. The agreement was signed on the first day of a two-day working visit to Rwanda by Mozambican President Daniel Chapo. According to Chapo, speaking to reporters at a joint press conference with his Rwandan counterpart, Paul Kagame, the document is a relevant instrument for the units of the Rwandan Defense Forces that have been stationed since 2021 in the northern province of Cabo Delgado, assisting the Mozambican armed forces (FADM) in the fight against terrorism. After witnessing the signing of the cooperation agreement, Rwandan President Paul Kagame said that violent extremism is a growing threat to African people and development, highlighting the need for Africans to confront the problem as one continent without outsourcing to outside. "That is one of the best investments we can make; outsourcing responsibility to external actors cannot build lasting peace," he said. Regarding the trade agreement, Kagame said, “This is a good opportunity to strengthen our business ties for the benefit of both our nations. I am confident that we are on the right path to an excellent partnership that is already growing.” Kagame noted that the two countries share strong bilateral ties with several cooperation frameworks in place, with the priority now being to effectively implement these framework agreements. Chapo, who arrived in the country earlier on Wednesday, said his delegation held excellent talks with Kagame on bilateral issues of common interest. He emphasized the need to work together in areas of security and thanked Kagame for the Rwandan forces' help in fighting against terrorism in Mozambique's Cabo Delgado province.

Addis Ababa, August 28, 2025 (ENA) -- Botswana's Vice President, Ndaba Nkosinathi Gaolathe, arrived in Addis Ababa today to attend a ministerial conference on crime prevention on money laundering and illicit financial flows. Upon his arrival at the Addis Ababa Bole International Airport, the Vice President was welcomed by Minister of Finance, Ahmed Shide, and State Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Birhanu Tsegaye.   The Vice President will be in Addis Ababa to attend a ministerial conference on crime prevention on money laundering and illicit financial flows.

Addis Ababa, August 28, 2025 (ENA)— Former combatants should prepare themselves to compensate the community by undertaking sustained peace building and development works, Ahmedin Mohammed, Amhara Regional State Urban Sector Coordinator and Head of Urban and Infrastructure Bureau with the rank of Deputy Chief Administrator said. A rehabilitation training program for former combatants in North Shewa Zone of the Amhara region has begun at the Debre Birhan Temporary Demobilization Center today. High-ranking military officers from the Ethiopian National Defense Force, senior officials from federal and regional governments, religious leaders, and community elders have attended the opening ceremony of the rehabilitation training. During the opening ceremony, Ahmedin noted that the regional government is working with a strong focus on ensuring lasting peace. According to him, the government has been repeatedly calling for peace, pursuing the path of peace so that any problem and differences of opinion could be resolved peacefully. However, damage has been inflicted on people and property due to the problem the extremist group created in trying to impose its political will through violence, the Deputy Chief Administrator elaborated. On the other hand, Ahmedin said many combatants have realized that violence has no purpose beyond harming the people. These individuals have therefore prioritized peace, disarmed, and are now entering rehabilitation training centers. The Deputy Chief Administrator, who revealed that former combatants have been rejoining their communities, stressed that they are expected to work with commitment toward harmony, sustained peace, and development. Ahmedin added that the extremist group in the bush has committed inhumane acts against religious leaders, community elders, women, and children, in a way that undermines the values of the Amhara people. Such extremist thinking and violence should be stopped as it is completely deviant from morality and causes significant social and human harm, he stated. The Deputy Chief Administrator said the regional government is implementing a five-year development plan to transition the people from poverty to prosperity. For this plan to succeed, he called on the public, former combatants, and all stakeholders to play their part.

Addis Ababa, August 28, 2025 (ENA)— Ethiopian Air Force Commander Lieutenant General, Yilma Merdasa and Pakistan’s Air Chief, Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Baber Sidhu have vowed to consolidate cooperation between the two air forces. Lieutenant General Yilma Merdassa left for Islamabad, Pakistan today for an official visit. Upon his arrival, a smartly turned-out contingent of Pakistan Air Force presented Guard of Honour to Lieutenant General Yilma Merdassa. During the meeting, both dignitaries held detailed discussions on areas of professional interest and reaffirmed their resolve to strengthen cooperation between the two Air Forces. The Chiefs of the Air Staff reaffirmed their commitment to enhancing military partnership between the two Air Forces through joint training initiatives. On this occasion, Lieutenant General Yilma emphasized that Ethiopia is undergoing a comprehensive transformation, with a strategic priority placed on modernizing its air force. Yilma also lauded Pakistan Air Force’s robust operational readiness, its evolving Multi Domain capabilities and its credible deterrence posture. He also expressed interest in exchange experiences, adding that the Ethiopian Air Force looks forward to drawing lessons from Pakistan Air Force’s integrated command systems and technological innovations to strengthen its own operational capabilities. The Commander also stressed the need for exploring avenues of technology transfer within the aviation sector, particularly in indigenous development and modernization initiatives. On his part, Pakistan’s Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Baber Sidhu assured the steadfast support to the Ethiopian Air Force in its professional pursuits, while reiterating that Pakistan deeply cherishes its cordial relations with Ethiopia and remains firmly committed to cooperate in capacity building, advanced training and operational domains.

Addis Ababa, August 28, 2025 (ENA)— The Chairperson of the African Union Commission (AUC), Mahmoud Ali Youssouf conferred with Francia Elena Márquez Mina, Vice President of Colombia at the AU Headquarters in Addis Ababa. The two sides held wide-ranging discussions on strengthening ties between the African Union and Colombia, according to the African Union social media post. Most importantly, the high-level bilateral meeting focused on strengthening ties between the African Union and Colombia, with a strong emphasis on reparative justice, South-South cooperation, and empowering people of African descent. During the bilateral talks, AUC Chairperson Youssouf congratulated Vice President Márquez Mina on her historic role and her government's commitment to equity and reparative justice. He also acknowledged the recent inauguration of the Colombian Embassy in Ethiopia and commended Colombia's initiative to convene the High-Level Conference on "South-South Cooperation and Reparations for African and Afro-descendant Peoples," aligning with the continental call for reparations. A significant focus was placed on Colombia's position as home to one of the largest Afro-descendant populations outside Africa, making it a natural and essential partner in strengthening diaspora linkages. The meeting explored the establishment of a formal cooperation framework to deepen these political, cultural, and socio-economic ties. The leaders reaffirmed their commitment to advancing the global reparations agenda, in line with AU Assembly Decisions, with the African diaspora as key stakeholders. They also emphasized South-South solidarity as a driver for sustainable development, exploring concrete collaboration in areas such as: Economic empowerment programmes for Afro-descendant communities; Cultural exchanges to strengthen historical and spiritual bonds; Youth and women's empowerment through education, innovation, and entrepreneurship; and Science, technology, and building climate resilience. The meeting provided an opportunity to exchange views on deepening cooperation across political, economic, and cultural spheres, with a particular focus on the shared priorities of the Global South. Both sides emphasized the importance of advancing solidarity, multilateralism, and partnership to address common challenges and unlock new opportunities. The African Union and Colombia reaffirmed their commitment to elevating their partnership, marking an important historic step toward repairing the past and building a future of dignity, justice, and shared prosperity for African and Afro-descendant peoples, it was learned.

Addis Ababa, August 28, 2025 (ENA)— Uganda's ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) has endorsed President Yoweri Museveni as its candidate for next year’s general election – and his seventh term as leader of the East African nation. Eighty-year-old Museveni accepted the nomination on Wednesday in a speech to the party’s delegate conference in Kampala, and thanked the party for putting its trust in him once again. Museveni first took power in 1986 as head of a rebel force. He has since been elected six times, after securing constitutional amendments to remove presidential term limits and an age cap. Should he win in January, it would bring him close to five decades in power in the East African nation. Waving a NRM pamphlet, Museveni used the occasion to tout his party's achievements: “What is in this booklet is what the NRM has achieved, when we came in, we knew exactly what to do and that’s why the economy of Uganda has recovered. And as I speak today, we have gone through five phases.” Critics have warned that Museveni has veered into authoritarianism with virtually no opposition, including within the NRM, according to AP. Museveni says criticism of his long stay in power is unjustified because he is reelected every five years. Notably, he has a large following in rural areas, where Ugandans cite relative peace and security among reasons to keep him in power. His main opponent in the last election was the singer-turned-politician Bobi Wine, who has also declared his candidacy in the polls set for January. Wine, 43, lost the 2021 election to Museveni by 35 to 58 percent in a vote marred by violence and allegations of vote rigging. Last month, Wine said the political climate in Uganda has “gone from bad to worse” ahead of the election, citing threats to himself and other activists mobilising against the longtime president. He said the threats he faces as Museveni's main opponent “come in no unclear terms.” Wine often describes himself as a “ghetto president,” citing his early days in a poor neighborhood in Kampala. He has maintained a high profile in this East African nation since the early 2000s, when he rose to fame as a singer whose dancehall music captivated audiences. Wine’s compositions later grew critical of the government, earning him a reputation as a prominent contrarian while his musical peers were sometimes seen to be supportive of the government. His election to a parliamentary seat in 2017 marked his formal entry into national politics. Wine has said that he is mobilizing his supporters to show up in what he calls a “protest vote” against everything he believes is wrong with the government. But his attempts to hold rallies across the country are often thwarted by security forces who cite a need to protect public order. One of Museveni's other long-time opponents, Kizza Besigye, has been jailed since November over treason charges his supporters say are politically motivated.

Addis Ababa, August 28, 2025 (ENA) – The president of the International Criminal Police Organization (INTERPOL), Ahmed Naser Al-Raisi, has vowed the agency's full support in strengthening collaboration and innovation on the African continent in tackling high threats of organized crime and cyber threats. The 27th Interpol African Regional Conference began in Cape Town on Wednesday with a focus on commitment to regional and international cooperation in combating transnational organized crime, terrorism, and other emerging security threats The three-day conference brought together representatives from 56 countries for the three-day meeting.   On the occasion, the INTERPOL head emphasized that each African country has its own unique needs, challenges, and strengths, with online scams, ransomware, business email compromise, and digital extortion among the most frequently reported cyber threats. According to him, a recent operation gathered investigators from 18 African countries to tackle high-harm and high-impact cybercrimes, including ransomware, online scams, and business email compromise.   "This operation led to the arrest of 1,209 cybercriminals targeting nearly 88,000 victims, the recovery of 97.4 million U.S. dollars, and the dismantling of 11,432 malicious infrastructures," said Al-Raisi. He announced that INTERPOL's executive committee has developed a clear five-year roadmap for Africa and global policing. "This roadmap strengthens the systems through which we will help you tackle the threats you face, from terrorism to cybercrime, from environmental crime to organized criminal networks," he added. South African Acting Minister of Police Firoz Cachalia noted that transnational organized crime remains one of the most serious threats to peace, stability, and development across Africa and beyond.   "These crimes transcend borders, exploit technological advances, and undermine the security of our people and the integrity of our respective states and economies," he warned. This year's conference will also serve to establish an INTERPOL African Committee, aimed at addressing transnational organized crime in Africa in a more structured, coherent, and unified manner, he added. The African Regional Conference is a bi-yearly event, with this year's gathering hosted by the South African Police Service, under the theme "Leveraging cooperation, innovation, and partnerships to fight transnational organized crime." It is expected to result in concrete agreements on strengthening regional responses while also serving as a platform for the exchange of best practices and the deepening of law enforcement partnerships, according to Xinhua.

Addis Ababa, August 27, 2025 (ENA) -- A high-level Ethiopian delegation, led by Finance Minister Ahmed Shide and including Ambassador Girma Biru, Special Advisor on Economic Affairs to the Prime Minister, delivered a message today from Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed to President Salva Kiir Mayardit of South Sudan.   The meeting was attended by South Sudan’s Vice President for the Economic Cluster, Foreign Affairs Minister, Finance and Planning Minister, Presidential Affairs Minister, and the Governor of the Central Bank. During the meeting, Minister Shide conveyed Prime Minister Abiy’s commitment to deepening the historic and enduring ties between Ethiopia and South Sudan, emphasizing the bonds forged through shared history.   President Kiir expressed gratitude for the message and reaffirmed the strong, longstanding relationship between the two nations.   The delegation also engaged in productive discussions with Dr. Benjamin Bol Mel, South Sudan’s Vice President for Economic Cluster, focusing on bilateral and regional matters of mutual interest. The discussion focused on undertaking joint economic cooperation and infrastructure investments, including collaborative efforts on road networks, electricity transmission lines, and telecommunications. Both sides agreed to accelerate joint infrastructure initiatives, including the Pagak-Maiwut-Mthiang-Paloch road project, to enhance connectivity and economic integration.   Cooperation in energy, aviation, telecommunications, and banking was also explored to bolster economic ties in alignment with the strategic political relationship. The discussions, attended by South Sudan’s Finance and Planning Minister, Central Bank Governor, and the Executive Director of the Vice President’s Office, underscored the importance of closely monitoring project implementation to ensure progress toward shared goals of economic cooperation and regional integration. This visit reinforces the commitment of Ethiopia and South Sudan to strengthen their partnership and advance collaborative efforts for mutual prosperity.

Addis Ababa, August 27, 2025 (ENA)- Serious engagement of the media and communication would play a crucial role in building a unified narrative, shared identity, and aspirations towards achieving an integrated and prosperous Africa, Government Communication Service Minister Legesse Tulu said. The 15th East Africa Communication Association (EACA) Conference, which brought together scholars, practitioners, and policymakers from across the East African Region and beyond, is underway in Addis Ababa. The three-day-long conference, themed "Media and Communication in Africa's Integration," aims to explore the challenges and opportunities that media and communication present in the context of Africa’s integration efforts. In his opening remarks, Government Communication Service Minister Legesse Tulu said the media and communication role in integrating Africa is a pressing issue as the continent advances toward deeper economic, political, and cultural integration through Agenda 2063 of the African Union, African Continental Free Trade Area, and other regional initiatives. According to him, building unified narratives, featuring shared identity and destiny, challenges and aspirations that are vital to achieving an integrated and prosperous Africa, cannot be attained without the support and serious engagement of the media and communication.   "Driving the media and communication towards promoting and supporting regional and continental integration is imperative today as we stand at a critical moment," he stressed. For the minister, the media and communication are not just channels of information, but also bridges of understanding, tools of empowerment, and pillars for shaping inclusive and peaceful societies. The Government of Ethiopia believes that effective communication is essential to strengthen shared identity, foster collaboration among nations, and to enable Africans to tell their own stories in their own voices.   In this respect, Ethiopia, with a strong belief and unwavering commitment to see an integrated Africa, continues to exert efforts toward strengthening ties with East African nations and beyond through infrastructure connectivity, people-to-people relations, and economic cooperation. Moreover, the government strongly believes and continues advocating for having a continental media house, for it is essential not only for African integration but also to tell the world our own story, Legesse stressed. East African Communication Association President, Professor Margaret Jjuuko, said the theme, which emphasizes the role of media and communication in Africa's integration, is a timely and crucial agenda that resonates deeply with the collective aspirations for a unified and prosperous Africa.   Exploring innovative strategies that aid in dealing with media and communication challenges of the time, sharing knowledge, and forging partnerships would propel the integration agenda of Africa forward, she noted. Jjuuko urged collaboration among stakeholders to harness the power of media and communication to build a brighter future for Africa. On his part, Addis Ababa University Media and Communication Head Abdulaziz Dino emphasized the core enabling elements, concerns, and potential interventions on the subject of the new media and communication changes for Africa’s integration.   The head noted that the rapidly changing digital communication environment has enabled massive and decentralized content production and consumption in Africa, and a good portion of the African public can access and exchange content of various types and viewpoints. Abdulaziz finally called on scholars in media and communication to be duty-bound in finding ways to not only exploit the opportunities the new technology presents but also to address the challenges.

Addis Ababa, August 27, 2025 (ENA)—Ethiopia has called on countries to make combating money laundering their top priority and stressed the need to advance innovative endeavors to tackle terrorism financing in the continent. The 50th Task Force of Senior Officials Meeting of the Eastern and Southern Africa Anti-Money Laundering Group (ESAAMLG) is convening in Addis Ababa. ESAAMLG is a regional organization of 21 member countries, including Ethiopia, with its headquarters in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. The group is primarily dedicated to combating money laundering and terrorist financing among its members. Opening the meeting, Head of the Prime Minister's Office and Cabinet Affairs Minister Alemtsehay Paulos highlighted the critical importance of robust cooperation among member countries to prevent money laundering and terrorism financing. Alemtsehay, who is Chairperson of Ethiopia’s National Anti-Money Laundering and Counter-Terrorism Financing Committee, emphasized that member countries should consult on challenges and develop joint solutions. She particularly emphasized the importance of cooperation, accountability, and technical expertise. Given that money laundering and terrorism financing have become pressing issues, the Chairperson urged member countries to demonstrating a shared commitment to modernizing the financial system and promoting good governance by curbing illicit money flows. Most importantly, Alemtsehay emphasized that advancing innovative solutions to combat money laundering and counter terrorism is essential. Speaking on Ethiopia’s efforts to prevent money laundering and terrorism financing, she noted that the country has made it a priority under the leadership of Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, adding that the task is a national agenda. “Under the leadership of Prime Minister, Abiy Ahmed Ethiopia has placed anti-money laundering counter-terrorism financing committee reform as the core of the reform government agenda. To ensure sustained political commitment, the National Anti-money Laundering Counter Terrorist Committee was established, bringing 23 national institutions under a whole of government approach. The committee provides strategic guidance, interagency coordination and oversight of Ethiopia's anti money laundering and counter terrorist financing agenda,” she said.   Alemtsehay further stated that through this mechanism, Ethiopia has been able to drive legal reforms, strengthen the financial intelligence units, enhance the capacities of supervisory authorities and law enforcement, and promote assistance enforcement of anti-laundry and counter-terrorism financing measures. On her part, Executive Secretary of the Eastern and Southern Africa Anti-Money Laundering Group (ESAAMLG) Fikile P. Zitha stressed the need to effectively address the challenge and change the narrative associating the region with money laundering and terrorist financing. ​​​​​“This can only be achieved through strong coordination and collaboration among our countries. We must move beyond the traditional approach…..and work together as one for the benefit of our nations,” she indicated. She also called for genuine cooperation among nations and governments to combat money laundering and terrorism financing.

Addis Ababa, August 26, 2025 (ENA) -- Ethiopia and Colombia have committed themselves to transforming the long-standing diplomatic relationship to a more robust business partnership, with both countries identifying the opportunities for investment and trade. This push came as a high-level Colombian trade delegation, including representatives from various sectors, held a visit to Addis Ababa with the aim at exploring investment prospects and strengthening commercial bonds. During a business roundtable discussion, officials from both sides emphasized that the timing is right for a deeper economic connection. Ethiopia's Trade and Regional Integration State Minister Yasmin Wohabrebbi said, "With a population exceeding 120 million, Ethiopia offers a significant domestic market and, through the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) a gateway to a continent of 1.4 billion people.’’   She elaborated that the government has been implementing a range of macroeconomic structural reforms to attract foreign direct investment. These include opening up sectors previously restricted to domestic businesses, such as banking and import-export trade. The establishment of special economic zones and the availability of abundant, affordable renewable energy from sources like the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) further enhance the country’s investment climate, she added. Colombia's Commerce Vice Minister, Felipe Quintero, said this is the start of a new chapter in terms of commerce and trade for the countries. Acknowledging that bilateral trade between the two nations is currently small, he emphasized the growth potential.   According to him, the combination of the Colombian delegation from the cosmetics, textile, and pharmaceutical industries signals Colombia’s intent to diversify trade with partners. Colombia needs to diversify markets and look for different and new sources for raw materials, he added, pointing out that this drive to find new commercial allies is a strategic necessity. ''We also want to talk about culture, commerce, and to ultimately create an ecosystem in these terms. In this regard, we have talked with the different Ethiopian authorities, including the Prime Minister, and the President, in order to create a partial agreement that covers some goods that are of interest of both countries." And, also to eliminate mutual tariffs, so that both countries can benefit from trade. "So, I would like to mention that we are looking for commercial allies in terms of countries; and this is not just randomly, this is a necessity.'' Moreover, the Vice President expressed hope that with further dialogue, new air routes can be established to facilitate trade.

Addis Ababa, August 26, 2025 (ENA) -- President Taye Atseke Selassie bids farewell to Tamara Mona, the Ambassador of Switzerland to Ethiopia, and Ronald Micallef, the Ambassador of Malta to Ethiopia. President Taye expressed his gratitude to the ambassadors for their efforts in enhancing both bilateral and multilateral relations across various sectors. In particular, the president highlighted his interactions with the Swiss ambassador, emphasizing how the enduring relationship between the two nations has been fortified over the years. It was also noted that this partnership has been further strengthened through regular visits by high-ranking government officials and political discussions. Likewise, the president commended Malta for recently establishing its embassy in Addis Ababa and for successfully cultivating robust bilateral relations with Ethiopia. This collaboration has notably expanded in key areas such as education, culture, and the arts. According to Ambassador Abraham Mengistu, the director general of European and American affairs at the Ethiopian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, who was present at the meeting, President Taye encouraged these nations to prioritize economic sectors in their future engagements with Ethiopia. Tamara Mona, Switzerland’s Ambassador to Ethiopia, remarked that Ethiopia and Malta enjoy strong bilateral relations, and that numerous successful initiatives have been implemented during her tenure to reinforce this ties. She pointed out that there are significant opportunities to enhance relations between the two countries, particularly in investment and trade, and mentioned that efforts are underway to concentrate more on these areas. Malta’s Ambassador to Ethiopia, Ronald Micallef, highlighted the achievement of establishing strong bilateral and multilateral relations between the two nations in a relatively short timeframe, noting that the embassy was opened only four years ago. The ambassador acknowledged that initiatives are being pursued to strengthen connections in economic sectors and foster people-to-people relations.

Addis Ababa, August 26, 2025 (ENA)—Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, in the early hours of this morning, held discussions with Colombia’s Vice President, Francia Elena Márquez Mina on a wide range of bilateral issues. “I received Vice President of Colombia, Francia Márquez, this morning for discussions on a wide range of bilateral issues,” the Prime Minister shared on social media pages. The Vice President has been in Addis Ababa for an official working visit. During her stay, the Vice President is expected to hold discussions with senior government officials.