Addis Ababa, July 23, 2026 (ENA) —Addressing Africa's challenges require policymakers to make informed choices on where to invest limited resources and which programs deliver effective results based on evidence, Planning and Development Minister Fitsum Assefa noted today. Speaking at the opening of the 14th Africa Evidence Summit that opened in Addis Ababa, the Minster said that "we cannot answer these questions on gut feeling alone. We need real data, honest analysis, and strong collaboration between leaders, researchers, and communities". She highlighted that Ethiopia is strengthening its evidence ecosystem through coordinated efforts among key institutions. According to her, the ministry provides policy guidance, prepares short, medium, and long-term development plans, manages public investments, and supports climate policy, while the National Statistical Office generates official data and the Policy Studies Institute (PSI) transforms data into evidence to support policymaking.   The Minister said the eight-pillar Statistical Development Program is modernizing Ethiopia's statistical system by moving toward digital data management. She noted that the strengthened system has supported major data-generation initiatives, including Ethiopia's first agricultural census in 23 years, the first-ever Economic Establishment Census, a comprehensive Demographic and Health Survey, and an Integrated Household Welfare Survey. Fitsum further called for stronger collaboration among governments, universities, think tanks, civil society organizations, and private sector actors to ensure research findings contribute directly to policy decisions and practical implementation. "There is no better time than now for researchers here and across the world, and of course our own Policy Studies Institute, to inform policy with quality and credible evidence," the Minister stressed. For his part, Network of Impact Evaluators in Africa Chairman, Amos Njuguna, stressed that emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence and advanced data analytics, should be deployed ethically and inclusively to improve people’s lives.   “Our mission goes beyond producing research to ensuring that evidence reaches the desks of decision-makers, informs public policy, and ultimately improves the lives of our people,” he noted. At the summit, Ethiopian Policy Studies Institute (PSI) Director- General, Fekadu Tsega, emphasized the importance of strengthening links between researchers and policymakers to ensure evidence contributes to practical development solutions. The Director-General said the institute works to bridge the gap between research and policymaking through multidisciplinary studies, policy engagement, and capacity building aimed at supporting national development priorities. "Research should not remain confined to academic institutions or journals, but must actively engage with policy processes and contribute to real-world solutions," he said, underscoring the importance of collaboration between researchers, policymakers, and practitioners. He added that researchers provide analytical methods, scientific evidence, and new perspectives, while policymakers contribute practical knowledge, institutional experience, and understanding of implementation challenges.   The 14th Africa Evidence Summit, held under the theme "Powering Policy with Innovative, Inclusive, and Transparent Data," has brought together more than 400 policymakers, researchers, innovators, and development partners to discuss how evidence and technology can strengthen decision-making across Africa.

Addis Ababa, July 23, 2026 (ENA) — Ethiopian diaspora representatives at the ongoing National Dialogue Conference said they are holding consultations to permanently resolve deep-rooted problems and pass on a better country to the next generation. The National Dialogue Commission had unveiled 8 major agenda pillars for discussion following consultations with Ethiopians both at home and abroad. Some 4,000 representatives have accordingly begun consultations on the agenda items at the Addis International Convention Center in the capital city. According to some representatives of the diaspora who spoke to the Ethiopian News Agency, the national dialogue conference is proceeding in a transparent and promising manner. The dialogue is a significant opportunity to build a better Ethiopia, fostering a culture of mutual listening and common understanding, they added. Among them, Agernesh Haile said the dialogue is highly inclusive as it incorporates the diaspora, persons with disabilities, women, youth, and other segments of the society. For her part, she is actively participating in the process to contribute her share toward the success of the national dialogue. “We must play a positive role to the success of the dialogue by prioritizing our country's sustainable peace and development.’’ The other participant, Fozia Hussein, said the representatives are deliberating on issues that will endure for the next generation. “We are discharging the mandate entrusted to us with a high sense of responsibility and a forward-looking approach,’she stated. She emphasized that all must collectively stand for the country's lasting peace and unity by fulfilling this historic responsibility with utmost dedication.

Addis Ababa, July 23, 2026 (ENA) — The ongoing Ethiopian National Dialogue Conference is progressing well, Ethiopian National Dialogue Commission Chief Commissioner Mesfin Araya said. Briefing the press today, the Chief Commissioner stated that the dialogue at the conference is advancing as scheduled. During the consultation sessions held over the past few days, delegates have been organized into working groups and generating and consolidating ideas. Commissioner Mesfin explained that since the conference convened on July 15, 2026, participants have been working in sub-groups of 50 and smaller units of 10 to execute the initial idea generation and synthesis phase. Assembling in teams of 10 helped build strong interpersonal rapport among participants, allowing them to acquaint themselves with one another and engage in thorough, articulated discussions about their designated agendas. He added that experts have delivered detailed briefings and context across various thematic areas to delegates organized in eight working groups today. Scholars and experts with extensive expertise in nation-building, history, federalism, and identity delivered keynote presentations to provide crucial input for the delegates, while also addressing questions raised by participants. Starting tomorrow, the next phase of deliberations will commence, with reports compiled by the 10-member sub-groups being presented to their respective 50-member groups. Highlighting that organizing 4,000 delegates at the national conference demands extensive operational preparation, Professor Mesfin commended health, security, and transportation institutions for their coordinated support. Previous session proceedings were structured within eight primary divisions, each comprising 500 delegates. He elaborated that starting tomorrow, the 50-member groups will submit their compiled synthesis to transition into the next stage, which involves fifty groups of 250 members each. Next week, all 4,000 participants will continue the dialogue, deployed across 16 designated venues.

Addis Ababa, July 23, 2026 (ENA) —The African Union has strongly condemned attacks claimed by the Houthis against commercial oil tankers in the Red Sea. In a statement, Chairperson of the African Union Commission Mahmoud Ali Youssouf warned that the escalation poses a serious threat to regional peace, international maritime security and global economic stability. The Chairperson expressed the African Union’s full solidarity with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia following the Houthi announcement of a naval blockade targeting the country. He reaffirmed the African Union’s unwavering support for Saudi Arabia’s security, sovereignty and stability. He further stressed that attacks against commercial vessels and attempts to obstruct the free movement of maritime traffic constitute a grave threat to international security. He underscored that freedom of navigation and the safety of commercial shipping must be fully respected in accordance with international law. He particularly condemned the grave escalation in the Red Sea, one of the world’s most strategically important maritime corridors. The Chairperson warned that any disruption to commercial shipping in the Red Sea could have far-reaching consequences, threatening regional maritime connectivity, global supply chains and energy security. Youssouf also underscored that the disruption would undermine the economic interests of numerous African countries whose trade depends on safe and uninterrupted access to the vital sea lanes. “The security of maritime routes in the Red Sea is of vital strategic importance to Africa,” the statement emphasized. Chairperson Youssouf called on the Houthis to immediately cease all attacks against commercial shipping, refrain from actions that could further escalate tensions and fully respect international law governing maritime navigation. The African Union also reaffirmed its support for regional and international efforts aimed at de-escalating the conflict, safeguarding maritime security and advancing a peaceful, negotiated resolution. The AU stressed that preserving peace and stability in the Red Sea is essential not only for the region, but also for Africa and the wider international community.

Addis Ababa, July 23, 2026 (ENA) —Ethiopia and the Kyrgyzstan have reaffirmed their commitment to deepening bilateral relations and expanding cooperation across a wide range of strategic sectors. State Minister of Foreign Affairs Ambassador Hadera Abera held talks with the Ambassador of Kyrgyzstan to Ethiopia, Adylbek Tultemirov, on Thursday, focusing on strengthening bilateral ties and identifying new areas of cooperation. During the meeting, Ambassador Hadera briefed the Kyrgyz envoy on Ethiopia’s recently concluded 7th General Election and the ongoing National Dialogue process, highlighting key developments in the country’s political and institutional landscape.   He reaffirmed Ethiopia’s commitment to broadening cooperation with Kyrgyzstan in mining, energy, agro-processing, agriculture, tourism, trade and infrastructure, while also encouraging the exchange of experiences and expertise in areas of mutual interest. The two sides underscored the importance of translating the growing political relationship into tangible economic and development partnerships that can deliver mutual benefits.   Ambassador Tultemirov, for his part, commended Ethiopia’s development progress and reaffirmed Kyrgyzstan’s commitment to further strengthening bilateral relations and expanding cooperation with Ethiopia.

Addis Ababa, July 23, 2026 (ENA) —Deputy Prime Minister Temesgen Tiruneh held bilateral discussion with Ghanaian President John Dramani Mahama at Jubilee House on the sidelines of the African Union Emergency Health Summit. The Deputy PM said Ethiopia deeply values its longstanding friendship with Ghana, which is rooted in shared Pan-African ideals and a common commitment to Africa’s unity and progress. The two sides welcomed the completion of Ghana’s new Chancery building in Addis Ababa. They described the building as a symbol of the enduring bonds between Ethiopia and Ghana.   President John Dramani Mahama expressed his appreciation for Ethiopia’s historic role as a symbol of African freedom and unity, as well as the progress the country continues to make through initiatives such as the Green Legacy Initiative and other national development efforts. The two sides also commended the preparations underway for the 12th Tana Forum and expressed appreciation for the leadership of the Tana Forum Board in advancing dialogue on peace, security and Africa’s future.   The Deputy PM reaffirmed Ethiopia’s commitment to deepen its close partnership with Ghana in advancing shared African and global interests.

By Getnet. S Menegesha Egyptian politicians have repeated the same familiar refrain for years that Ethiopia is acting unilaterally over the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) and threatening the water security of downstream countries. The language has changed little. From official statements and diplomatic forums to state-aligned media campaigns, the accusation of “unilateralism” has been repeatedly deployed to portray Ethiopia as a threat to the Abay (Nile) Basin and to international peace and security. But as the GERD has moved from a construction project to an operational reality, a fundamental question has become increasingly difficult to avoid. Is Egypt’s opposition to the dam truly about hydro-technical risks—or is it about the political consequences of Ethiopia’s emergence as an independent and influential upstream power? For a growing number of international experts, the answer is increasingly clear. The dispute surrounding the GERD, they argue, has long been driven less by engineering realities than by political calculations, historical assumptions and a deep-seated reluctance to accept a new balance of power in the Nile Basin. The Abay, the source of the Blue Nile—originates in the Ethiopian highlands and contributes the overwhelming majority of the water flowing into the Nile system. Ethiopia contributes more than 86 percent of the water flowing through the Basin. Yet, for generations, Egypt’s political discourse has treated the river primarily through the lens of downstream control and inherited historical claims. The GERD has fundamentally challenged that model. Without consuming the river’s water or diverting its natural downstream flow, Ethiopia has built Africa’s largest hydroelectric dam, transforming the political and strategic realities of the Abay Basin. The project has demonstrated that an upstream country can pursue development, energy generation and economic transformation while remaining part of a shared river system. For Professor Al Mariam, a renowned political analyst and attorney at law, Egypt’s repeated accusations of Ethiopian “unilateralism” represent the continuation of an old political narrative.   Egypt, he argues, has repeatedly used the term not only in international media but also before the United Nations Security Council, seeking to portray Ethiopia’s development project as a violation of international norms. Yet the persistent repetition of the accusation, he suggests, reflects less a new legal reality than a lingering nostalgia for an era in which Egypt enjoyed disproportionate influence over the Abay. The GERD has disrupted that old order. Under international law, unilateralism generally refers to a state acting independently to pursue its interests or assert legal rights without meaningful cooperation, consultation or regard for the rights of other states. But Ethiopia has consistently maintained that the GERD is designed for electricity generation, not the permanent consumption or diversion of Abay (Nile) waters. That distinction is central to the technical debate. And according to energy expert Mikael Alemu, the Egyptians argument that the GERD will fundamentally reduce the flow of water to downstream countries does not withstand scientific scrutiny. “The Grand Renaissance Dam doesn’t have engineering problems. Its claim sounds much more like political,” Mikael told the Ethiopian News Agency.   The expert argued that the repeated claim that the GERD will significantly reduce the flow of the Abay to Egypt is not technically rational. After more than a decade of negotiations among Ethiopia, Egypt and Sudan, the three countries have still failed to reach a comprehensive agreement. Yet, Mikael said, the continuing impasse is not primarily the result of an unresolved engineering problem. Rather, it reflects the absence of a genuine political willingness. The negotiations have not failed because a workable agreement was beyond reach; they have failed because Egyptian negotiators have repeatedly lacked the political commitment to engage in good faith, compromise where necessary, and pursue a mutually acceptable outcome. “I think the Grand Renaissance Dam doesn’t have engineering problems. Its claim sounds much more like political,” he said. Mikael argued that the GERD is a complex and enormously expensive hydro-technical project, constructed at a cost of approximately 5 billion U.S. dollars, whose principal purpose is to generate electricity and support regional development. The project, he noted, can also help regulate river flows and reduce the destructive impact of flooding, while providing major economic and energy benefits to Ethiopia and potentially to the wider region. The idea that the GERD represents an unprecedented threat, he added, is also difficult to sustain. Around the world, countries sharing transboundary rivers have developed dams, hydropower facilities and other infrastructure while negotiating mechanisms for cooperation and equitable utilization. Experiences from Southeast Asia, South America and the former Soviet Union demonstrate that shared rivers do not have to become permanent sources of geopolitical confrontation. International law, he noted, recognizes the right of states to make reasonable and equitable use of shared water resources, provided they do not cause significant harm to other countries. Ethiopia’s position, Mikael argued, is therefore fundamentally consistent with a development model based on the reasonable use of its own natural resources. He also questioned the logic behind Egypt’s continued insistence that Ethiopia must accept restrictions on its development. “It’s a very conveniently hot issue for Egyptians,” he said, arguing that domestic political conditions can encourage governments to maintain an external adversary. “Frequently, the political situation of Egypt seeks an outside enemy. It’s very nice to have an outside enemy when your politics is troubled,” Mikael said. For him, the argument that Ethiopia would deliberately seek to deprive Egypt of water is fundamentally irrational. Ethiopia, he stressed, is not seeking to stop the Abay (Nile) from flowing to Egypt. It is seeking to develop its own economy, generate electricity and improve the lives of millions of people who have long lacked reliable access to energy. The GERD, in this sense, is not a project designed against Egypt. It is a project designed for Ethiopia’s development. A Political Crisis Disguised as a Water Dispute Professor Ashok Swain, Professor of Peace and Conflict Research at Uppsala University and UNESCO Chair on International Water Cooperation, has described the conduct of some Egyptian politicians over the GERD as a “losing game.”   According to Swain, Egypt has increasingly accepted the reality that the dam exists and will remain a permanent feature of the Nile Basin. The continued rhetoric, he argues, is largely intended for domestic consumption. Egyptian political and military leaders have securitized the Abay for decades, presenting the river not simply as a shared international water system but as an existential national security issue. That political framing makes aggressive rhetoric almost inevitable, even when the underlying technical realities do not support it. Swain argued that bringing the GERD issue repeatedly before the UN Security Council is unlikely to change the fundamental trajectory of the dispute. The Security Council is deeply divided, he noted, while China has consistently maintained a position supportive of the rights of upstream countries to utilize transboundary water resources. China itself is an upstream country for many major Asian rivers and has therefore maintained a longstanding policy against external intervention designed to prevent upstream states from developing their water resources. For this reason, Swain said, attempts to internationalize the GERD dispute through the Security Council are unlikely to produce the outcome Egypt seeks. More importantly, he argued, such efforts cannot reverse the central reality: Ethiopia has built the dam. The GERD is no longer a proposal, a blueprint or a diplomatic bargaining chip. It is a physical reality. And that reality has changed the balance of power in the Nile Basin. According to Swain, Ethiopia’s achievement represents more than an engineering milestone. It is also a diplomatic and geopolitical victory for a country that has historically faced enormous pressure whenever it attempted to develop its own water resources. “Ethiopia’s diplomatic and regional standing is on the rise, while Egypt’s influence has waned,” he said. The argument is not that Egypt has become irrelevant. Rather, it is that the old model in which Egypt could define the limits of upstream development is no longer sustainable. The GERD has made that clear. The Red Sea and the Nile: Two Fronts of the Same Strategic Anxiety? Swain also criticized Egypt’s opposition to Ethiopia’s efforts to secure reliable access to the sea.   Since Eritrea’s independence in the early 1990s, Ethiopia has been landlocked, despite being one of Africa’s largest countries by population and one of the continent’s most significant economies. As Ethiopia’s population, economy and industrial ambitions continue to grow, access to maritime trade routes has become an increasingly important strategic and economic issue. Swain argues that Egypt should recognize this reality rather than attempt to obstruct Ethiopia’s search for cooperative maritime arrangements. He described Egypt’s efforts to prevent Ethiopia from gaining access to the sea as another example of a losing strategy. “Egypt should have been focusing on building a cooperative arrangement over the Nile water and working in cooperation,” he said. The logic is straightforward: Ethiopia’s development cannot be permanently halted by diplomatic pressure, political campaigns or threats. Nor can geography be wished away. A growing Ethiopia will require energy, trade routes and access to international markets. The question is not whether Ethiopia will pursue development, but whether its neighbors will choose cooperation or confrontation. The End of the “Historical Rights” Narrative? American political-economic analyst Lawrence Freeman has also argued that Egypt’s objections to the GERD lack a reasonable technical foundation. Speaking previously to ENA, Freeman said the filling of the dam has not produced the kind of permanent reduction in Nile water flows that Egyptian officials have repeatedly warned about. In his view, the real discussion should no longer revolve around threats, ultimatums and historical claims. It should focus on how the countries of the Nile Basin can use their shared water resources to promote development. “They should sit down and get that discussion, rather than being involved in these antagonistic ultimatums and getting stuck in the old mode of historical rights,” Freeman said.   “Let’s think about how the 10 nations in the Nile Basin can be developed together.” For Freeman, the central question is not who possesses the river, but how the countries of the basin can develop infrastructure, generate electricity and improve living standards for their populations. He also challenged the idea that Egypt possesses an unquestionable historical right to control the Nile. The Nile’s waters, he noted, originate substantially in the Ethiopian highlands, while Ethiopia was not a party to the colonial-era agreements that Egypt frequently invokes. Those agreements, therefore, cannot reasonably be used to permanently prevent Ethiopia from developing its own natural resources. “There are probably sections of the Egyptian leadership who want to make sure that Ethiopia does not fully reach its potential because it will, in their view—which is a wrong view—diminish their political influence,” Freeman said. That, he argued, is the fundamental political problem behind the dispute. For generations, Ethiopia’s development of the Abay has faced attempts to restrict, delay or delegitimize its ambitions. The GERD represents the most significant break with that history. A Choice Between Cooperation and Confrontation The most important fact about the GERD is now impossible to ignore: the dam has been built. The political campaign against it may continue. Egyptian officials may continue to invoke “unilateralism.” State-aligned media may continue to repeat warnings about water security. Political actors may continue to seek international pressure. But none of that changes the physical reality of the dam. The question confronting Egypt is therefore no longer whether Ethiopia will build the GERD.   It is how Egypt will respond to a new reality in the Nile Basin. It can continue to rely on the politics of fear, historical claims, diplomatic pressure and external confrontation. Or it can recognize that the old order has changed. A cooperative approach would allow the three countries to develop mechanisms for predictability, data sharing and coordination without attempting to impose permanent restrictions on Ethiopia’s development. It would also open the door to broader cooperation in energy, trade, infrastructure and regional economic integration. The GERD could become a source of permanent confrontation. Or it could become the foundation for a new era of cooperation. The choice increasingly lies not with Ethiopia, which has already completed its historic project, but with those who continue to resist the reality it represents. The dam has demonstrated that Ethiopia can develop. It has demonstrated that an upstream African country can pursue large-scale infrastructure without surrendering its sovereignty. And it has demonstrated that the old assumption—that Ethiopia must remain underdeveloped in order to preserve the privileges of downstream powers—can no longer survive. That is why the continuing Egyptian campaign against the GERD increasingly appears less like a battle over hydro-technical engineering and more like a struggle against a changing regional order. And in that struggle, experts increasingly warn, Egypt’s continued reliance on confrontation may amount to nothing more than a losing game.

Addis Ababa, July 22, 2026 (ENA) —Ethiopia’s Deputy Prime Minister Temesgen Tiruneh has called on African countries to seize the current moment as a historic opportunity to build self-reliant, resilient, and sustainable health systems increasingly financed through the continent’s own resources. “We are at a historic moment to build Africa’s health systems relying on our own financial capacity,” Temesgen said while attending the Extraordinary Summit of African Union Heads of State and Government on Health in Accra, Ghana. The summit, held from July 21–22, brings together African heads of state and government, health ministers, policymakers, and development partners to chart a new course for the continent’s health sector amid shifting global health financing realities. Addressing the summit, Temesgen shared Ethiopia’s experiences. The Deputy PM also reaffirmed the country’s commitment to supporting continental efforts to strengthen health systems and improve public health outcomes.   He said the decline in external aid, while presenting significant challenges, also offers Africa an opportunity to accelerate efforts toward greater health sovereignty by building systems rooted in domestic capacity, ownership, and sustainable financing. “For decades, nearly seventy percent of international development assistance came from a single partner. That era has come to an end. For Africa, the consequences are immediate. In many of our countries, external partners financed more than one-fifth of total health spending. This is a serious challenge. But it is also an opportunity,” the Deputy Prime Minister said. The summit is expected to advance a continental roadmap aimed at eliminating HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis, and malaria as public health threats by 2030, while accelerating efforts to end preventable maternal and child deaths and expand universal health coverage. Highlighting Ethiopia’s experience, Temesgen said the country is on track to eliminate AIDS as a public health threat, with progress driven in large part by its Health Extension Program.   “Ethiopia is on track to eliminate AIDS as a public health threat. This progress has been driven by our Health Extension Program, supported by more than 42,000 frontline health workers, most of them women. They have brought HIV testing, counseling, tuberculosis treatment, and follow-up care directly into communities. They have reduced stigma, improved treatment adherence, and helped drive down new infections,” he said. African leaders and stakeholders are also deliberating on strategies to address communicable and non-communicable diseases, expand local pharmaceutical manufacturing, strengthen health institutions, and develop sustainable financing mechanisms capable of supporting resilient health systems. A key priority of the summit is the development of a sustainable health-financing roadmap that promotes African ownership, self-reliance, and stronger domestic capacity to address the continent’s health priorities. Temesgen said Ethiopia was sharing its experiences, grounded in the principle of self-reliance, to contribute to Africa’s shared health goals.   “Africa has the knowledge, institutions, and experience needed to build a strong, self-driven health system. What we need now is the political will to translate this into concrete action,” he said. He reaffirmed Ethiopia’s commitment to working with the African Union, the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC), and member states to advance the continent’s health agenda. “We remain fully committed to working with all member states to implement the African Union Roadmap to 2030 and to build a healthier, more prosperous Africa,” the Deputy Prime Minister affirmed.   The Extraordinary Summit comes as African leaders seek to transform the continent’s health systems from heavy dependence on external support toward greater domestic ownership, sustainable financing, and long-term resilience.

Addis Ababa, July 22, 2026 (ENA) — The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has reaffirmed that stronger cooperation between African and Gulf countries is essential for advancing inclusive growth, economic resilience, and shared prosperity. Speaking at a high-level dialogue held in Addis Ababa under the Gulf–Africa Strategic Partnership Initiative (GASP), State Minister of Foreign Affairs Ambassador Hadera Abera said the partnership has evolved into a strategic relationship capable of driving sustainable development across both regions. The dialogue sought to strengthen Gulf–Africa cooperation by translating investment commitments into concrete development projects. Ambassador Hadera said Africa and the Gulf are entering a new era of partnership as both regions pursue ambitious economic transformation agendas. He noted that the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), which has created the world's largest free trade area by membership, is opening new opportunities for trade, industrialization, and investment, while Gulf countries are implementing far-reaching economic diversification strategies. "Africa is no longer seen simply as an investment destination. It is increasingly viewed as a strategic partner," he stressed. The state minister said cooperation has expanded beyond traditional trade to include infrastructure, logistics, renewable energy, manufacturing, agriculture, finance, technology, and food security. According to him, achieving tangible results will require stronger institutions, improved project preparation, innovative financing mechanisms, and effective implementation. Reaffirming Ethiopia's commitment to regional integration and economic diplomacy, Ambassador Hadera underscored that the success of the initiative will ultimately depend on measurable outcomes and practical implementation. Director General for Europe and American Affairs at the Institute of Foreign Affairs, Shimelis Hailu, said the dialogue comes at a critical time as shifting global economic and geopolitical dynamics present both opportunities and responsibilities for emerging economies. He said Ethiopia's homegrown economic reforms are aimed at expanding investment, deepening regional integration, boosting industrial productivity, and positioning the country as a competitive gateway to African markets. "The future Gulf–Africa relationship should not be measured simply by the volume of announced investments, but by the quality, by created jobs, transferred knowledge, built institutions, and strengthened economic resilience," Shimelis said. He added that the dialogue provides an opportunity to examine how Gulf investment models can better support Africa's structural transformation through stronger institutional, financial, and policy frameworks that convert commitments into successful projects. Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Gravitas Sovereign and Strategic Advisory, Anousmane Camara, said Africa's rapidly growing population, expanding investment opportunities, and abundant strategic mineral resources provide a compelling foundation for deeper Gulf–Africa cooperation. He noted that Africa's population is projected to reach 2.5 billion by 2050, underscoring the importance of strengthening domestic resource mobilization while attracting greater private sector investment. Camara said GASP is designed to institutionalize strategic dialogue, align investment priorities, and foster long-term diplomatic engagement between Africa and Gulf countries. "Diplomacy creates trust, and trust can unlock capital at scale, and that capital can be allocated to Africa's economic transformation," he said. ODI Global Advisory Director Sasha Kapadia said enhanced Gulf–Africa cooperation should complement, rather than replace, existing international partnerships. "What makes the potential for stronger Gulf–Africa cooperation so compelling is not replacement or substitution. Rather, it's about complementarity," she said. Kapadia stressed the importance of identifying barriers that delay investment, implementing key institutional reforms, and deploying risk-sharing mechanisms to accelerate project delivery. She added that the Addis Ababa dialogue, together with regional consultations in Rabat, Johannesburg, and Accra, will help shape the agenda for the inaugural GASP Summit scheduled to be held in Abidjan. The high-level dialogue was jointly organized by Ethiopia's Institute of Foreign Affairs, Gravitas Sovereign and Strategic Advisory, and ODI Global Advisory. It brought together policymakers, diplomats, investors, researchers, and development practitioners to identify practical approaches for strengthening economic cooperation between Africa and Gulf countries.

Addis Ababa, July 22, 2026 (ENA) — A prominent Ethiopian diaspora scholar has called on Ethiopians living abroad to play a greater role in promoting the country's tourism and development, saying their global networks, expertise and influence can significantly enhance Ethiopia's international profile. In an exclusive interview with ENA, Ethiopian diaspora Emeritus Professor Alemayehu G. Mariam, widely known as Al Mariam, said Ethiopians abroad can contribute far beyond remittances by promoting the country's tourism, supporting infrastructure development and helping build a knowledge-based economy. He said the diaspora serves as a strategic partner in Ethiopia's development by using its voice, professional experience and international connections to showcase the country's vast cultural and natural attractions. "The first thing, of course, is that we have a voice," Al Mariam said. "Some people might say I'm a very loud voice, and so diaspora interests will be heard and addressed, and they'll become part of the national agenda. I see the role of the diaspora essentially as a positive force." He noted that while annual remittances, now approaching 7 billion USD, remain one of the diaspora's most visible contributions, equally important are the professionals returning home to share their expertise. "A lot of the stuff that you see now in Ethiopia in terms of artificial intelligence, many of them are young people who are diasporas or have had experiences elsewhere and are back, and they're teaching here and things like that," he said. Describing the Ethiopian diaspora as diverse in age, profession and background, Al Mariam said they are united by a common desire to contribute to the country's progress. "We love Ethiopia. We want the best for Ethiopia. We want to come back and help our people and help ourselves," he said. Al Mariam identified tourism as one of the sectors with the greatest potential to benefit from stronger diaspora engagement. He pointed to Ethiopia's newly developed world class tourism destinations and the strategic position of Ethiopian Airlines as Africa's leading aviation hub, saying these provide unique opportunities to attract more international visitors. "If we can find a way to keep them here maybe a day or two, then we can increase the number of tourists visiting," he said, urging Ethiopians abroad to promote the country's ecotourism destinations, cultural heritage and historical attractions through social media platforms and their personal and professional networks. He also emphasized the importance of continued investment in infrastructure, particularly energy, as a foundation for sustainable economic growth. "The driving fuel of the economy is power," Al Mariam said, praising Ethiopia's efforts to expand electricity generation through hydropower, wind, solar and natural gas projects. According to him, reliable and diversified energy supplies will strengthen industrial development, improve tourism infrastructure and support the country's long term economic transformation. Ethiopia has continued to strengthen its position as one of Africa's emerging tourism destinations through sustained investment in tourism infrastructure, heritage conservation and conference tourism. Recognized by UN Tourism as one of the world's fastest growing tourism destinations, Ethiopia has recorded strong growth in international visitor arrivals while expanding its capacity to host major continental and global conferences. Supported by its rich cultural heritage, unique natural attractions, improved tourism facilities and strong government commitment, the country's tourism sector is increasingly contributing to economic growth, job creation and its global image.

By Jibril Lammo For generations, Egypt’s political establishment operated on a dangerous and increasingly obsolete assumption: that downstream water security could be preserved only by keeping upstream nations weak, poor, and underdeveloped. That colonial-era logic is now collapsing. Yet as Ethiopia advances toward greater economic self-reliance, energy sovereignty, democratic consolidation, and regional connectivity, sections of Egypt’s state-backed media and official communication apparatus continue to recycle the same familiar playbook—fear, disinformation, diplomatic pressure, and political interference. The targets are clear. The Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) is portrayed as an existential threat. Ethiopia’s National Dialogue is dismissed or delegitimized. The country’s legitimate quest for regional connectivity and secure access to the Red Sea is framed as a destabilizing ambition. At the same time, Cairo continues to mobilize diplomatic and media networks to constrain Ethiopia’s strategic options. The message behind these campaigns is increasingly transparent: Ethiopia’s rise must be contained. But Ethiopia is no longer the country that external powers could isolate, intimidate, or define on its behalf. The relentless focus on Ethiopia’s internal affairs increasingly appears less like a genuine concern for regional stability and more like a calculated effort to divert attention from Egypt’s own deepening socioeconomic pressures. Instead of confronting the structural challenges facing its own society, Cairo’s political establishment and its authorities continue to find political utility in presenting Ethiopia as a convenient external threat. That strategy may generate headlines. It cannot stop history. The GERD and the Politics of Fear   At the center of Egypt’s campaign is the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam, which Egyptian political and media narratives have repeatedly portrayed as a unilateral act of aggression. Such claims deliberately reduce a complex transboundary water issue to a politics of fear. The Abay (Nile) Basin is not a political possession belonging to one state. It is a shared geographic system whose future must be shaped by cooperation, science, and the equitable utilization of shared resources. Ethiopia’s position has consistently been that development and water security are not mutually exclusive. The central question is not whether one nation should control the Abay, but whether the countries of the basin can move beyond outdated notions of exclusive entitlement and build a framework that serves all riparian states. The GERD represents Ethiopia’s determination to overcome energy poverty and unlock its economic potential. For a country of more than 130 million people, with vast development needs and enormous hydropower potential, the pursuit of electricity is not an act of aggression. It is a national necessity. The broader hydrological debate also demands a more sophisticated conversation than the one offered by political propaganda. Water management across the Nile Basin involves rainfall, evaporation, watershed protection, reservoir management, agricultural use, and long-term environmental sustainability. Treating the river as a zero-sum instrument of geopolitical control serves neither science nor the people of the basin. Indeed, Ethiopia’s highland watersheds play a critical role in the broader Abay system. The protection and restoration of these ecosystems are not merely Ethiopian concerns; they are essential to the long-term health of the entire basin. Ethiopia Is Investing in the Basin’s Future   While political narratives continue to portray Ethiopia as a threat, Ethiopia is investing in the ecological foundations of its future. Through the Green Legacy Initiative, the country has undertaken one of Africa’s most ambitious environmental restoration campaigns. The initiative has focused on reforestation, watershed rehabilitation, soil conservation, and the restoration of degraded landscapes across the country. These efforts are directly connected to the long-term health of Ethiopia’s rivers and watersheds. Healthy ecosystems improve soil retention, support groundwater recharge, reduce erosion, and strengthen the resilience of landscapes that sustain millions of people. This is the reality that geopolitical propaganda often ignores. The countries of the Nile Basin, particularly the downstream nations face a choice. They can continue to pour resources into military posturing, diplomatic confrontation, and hostile media campaigns—or they can invest in cooperation, ecological restoration, scientific water management, and shared development. The first path deepens insecurity. The second creates the possibility of lasting prosperity. A Sovereign Ethiopia Can No Longer Be Isolated   Ethiopia’s transformation is not limited to the Abay. The country is a major African power with a population exceeding 130 million, a strategic geographic position, substantial economic potential, and an increasingly clear determination to shape its own future. For decades, Ethiopia’s geographical circumstances were treated as a permanent strategic constraint. Its lack of direct maritime access contributed to economic vulnerability and reinforced a broader pattern of regional isolation. That historical reality is changing. Ethiopia’s pursuit of secure and reliable access to the Red Sea is not an act of aggression against its neighbors. It is a strategic imperative arising from geography, economic necessity, and national development. A country of Ethiopia’s size and significance cannot be expected to remain permanently dependent on external arrangements for its international trade and strategic connectivity. The era in which Ethiopia could be expected to accept isolation as a permanent condition is over. Ethiopia has patiently pursued dialogue and negotiated solutions. But dialogue cannot mean the permanent preservation of historical inequality, nor can negotiations be reduced to demands that Ethiopia surrender its sovereign interests. The region must ultimately recognize a simple reality: a prosperous and connected Ethiopia is not a threat to the Horn of Africa. It can become one of the region’s greatest engines of growth. Ethiopia’s National Dialogue Will Be Shaped by Ethiopians The same principle applies to Ethiopia’s internal political affairs. Attempts by foreign commentators and regional actors to dismiss Ethiopia’s National Dialogue as political theater reveal a fundamental misunderstanding of the country’s political journey. Ethiopia’s challenges are real. Its political differences are complex. Its history is contested. But the responsibility for addressing these issues belongs first and foremost to Ethiopians. The National Dialogue represents an effort to create an institutional platform through which diverse political, social, and historical grievances can be discussed and addressed. It is not a project that requires external approval.   Ethiopia’s political future will not be designed in Cairo, Washington, or any other foreign capital. Nor will it be determined by media campaigns, proxy pressure, or external attempts to exploit internal divisions. The country’s democratic institutions may still be evolving, as they are in many nations. But Ethiopia’s political future must ultimately be negotiated by Ethiopians and shaped by the interests of the Ethiopian people. The Abay (Nile) Basin Cannot Remain Hostage to Historical Rivalry The countries of the Nile Basin are bound together by geography. Their destinies are therefore interconnected. They can either cooperate to build a future of shared prosperity, or remain trapped in a cycle of suspicion, confrontation, and geopolitical rivalry. Ethiopia has repeatedly affirmed its commitment to equitable and reasonable utilization of shared water resources. But equitable utilization cannot mean preserving the privileges of the past. Cooperation cannot mean that one country retains a veto over the development aspirations of another. The Nile is not the private property of any single nation. The future of the basin must be built on cooperation, mutual respect, scientific evidence, and the recognition of the legitimate development rights of all riparian states. Ethiopia will not accept a regional order in which its development is permanently subordinated to the political anxieties of another country. Nor will it accept the idea that its people must remain poor so that others can feel secure. The Old Playbook Is Failing Cairo’s familiar strategy—politicize Ethiopia’s development, internationalize its internal challenges, mobilize fear around the GERD, and obstruct Ethiopia’s regional ambitions—may have been effective in another era. It is increasingly failing today. Ethiopia is changing. Its economy is expanding. Its infrastructure is growing. Its environmental ambitions are increasing. Its diplomatic relationships are broadening. Its people are demanding greater prosperity, stronger institutions, and a more influential role in regional and global affairs. No media campaign can permanently reverse that trajectory. The choice before Egypt is therefore not whether Ethiopia will develop. Ethiopia will develop. The real choice is whether Egypt will continue to treat Ethiopia’s rise as a threat—or recognize that a stable, prosperous, energy-secure, and economically connected Ethiopia can become a partner in building a stronger Nile Basin and a more prosperous Horn of Africa. The era of containment is ending. The era of Ethiopian sovereignty is advancing. And no amount of propaganda can stop a nation determined to shape its own future.

Addis Ababa, July 21, 2026 (ENA) —The Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) has convened the third meeting of Special Envoys on Sudan. The meeting was held with support from the Government of Japan, as regional and international actors seek to strengthen coordination in efforts to resolve the devastating conflict in Sudan. The meeting was opened by IGAD Executive Secretary Dr. Workneh Gebeyehu and Kenya’s Foreign Affairs Minister Musalia Mudavadi. It brought together Special Envoys and mediation partners to review progress, align strategies, and enhance cooperation in ongoing efforts to advance peace in Sudan.   Discussions focused on deepening coordination among regional and international actors involved in peace efforts and ensuring greater coherence among initiatives aimed at ending the crisis. IGAD reaffirmed its commitment to a coordinated, Africa-led approach to resolving the conflict, working closely with its Member States, the African Union, the United Nations, and all stakeholders committed to achieving a peaceful, stable, and prosperous Sudan. Sudan has been engulfed in a devastating conflict since April 2023, when fighting erupted between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF). The war has triggered a severe humanitarian crisis, displacing millions of people and raising concerns over regional stability and the potential for further spillover.   As a key regional organization, IGAD has remained actively engaged in diplomatic efforts to support a peaceful resolution to the conflict. It has worked with Sudanese stakeholders, the African Union, the United Nations, and international partners to promote dialogue and coordinate mediation efforts, emphasizing the importance of a unified, Africa-led approach to ending the war and restoring stability in Sudan, it was learned.

Addis Ababa, July 21, 2026 (ENA) —Ethiopia’s Deputy Prime Minister Temesgen Tiruneh has arrived in Accra to attend the Extraordinary Summit of African Union Heads of State and Government on Health. African leaders are convening in Accra to chart a path toward a more self-reliant, resilient, and sustainable health future for the continent, ENA reports from Accra. Upon his arrival at Accra International Airport, Deputy Prime Minister Temesgen was warmly received by Ghanaian Foreign Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa and other senior government officials. The extraordinary summit, scheduled for July 21–22, brings together African heads of state and government, health ministers, policymakers, and development partners to address some of the continent’s most pressing public health challenges.   The summit is expected to focus on strengthening Africa’s health sovereignty and accelerating efforts toward universal health coverage, including the elimination of HIV/AIDS and tuberculosis as public health threats by 2030. African leaders are also expected to deliberate on reducing maternal and child mortality, tackling communicable and non-communicable diseases, expanding local pharmaceutical manufacturing, and strengthening sustainable financing for resilient health systems. A key priority of the summit is the development of a sustainable health-financing roadmap that promotes African ownership, self-reliance, and stronger domestic capacity to address the continent’s health priorities.   Ahead of the summit, African Union Commission Chairperson Mahamoud Ali Youssouf said the meeting presents an opportunity to move “from commitment to action” in addressing Africa’s health challenges. Ethiopia is expected to share its experiences and achievements in the health sector with continental leaders and stakeholders, contributing to broader African efforts to strengthen health systems and improve public health outcomes.   During his stay in Ghana, Deputy Prime Minister Temesgen is also expected to hold bilateral discussions on issues of mutual interest aimed at strengthening Ethiopia-Ghana relations, deepening multilateral cooperation, and advancing regional and continental partnerships.

Addis Ababa, July 21, 2026 (ENA) — Ethiopia's ongoing national dialogue represents a homegrown path toward sustainable peace, Ethiopian National Dialogue Commissioner Yonas Adaye said. Speaking to Pulse of Africa (POA) on the sidelines of the National Dialogue Conference, the Commissioner said the dialogue is intended to address the root causes of longstanding grievances in the country, and to lay a foundation for lasting peace, inclusive governance and sustainable development. “The science and art of dialogue is to unearth the buried truths or structural causes of conflict. So as long as you have conflict, you can never have any economic development, political development, or whatever governance you might be aspiring for,” he elaborated. According to him, national dialogue is a guarantee for sound political development, inclusive governance and representative political progress. He added that the 4,000 representatives taking part in the National Dialogue Conference are engaged in structured discussions on the 8 major agenda pillars compiled through consultations held across the country and abroad. The delegates are organized into working groups to deliberate on the issues identified by citizens. On questions regarding inclusiveness, Commissioner Yonas said Ethiopia’s national dialogue seeks to ensure that voices traditionally left out of national decision-making are represented. He pointed to academic assessments and examples of participation by historically marginalized occupational groups, describing the process as grounded in indigenous Ethiopian approaches to conflict resolution. The Commissioner noted that the dialogue process has been inclusive and it relied on indigenous knowledge and cultural mechanisms rather than imported solutions. Commissioner Yonas further linked Ethiopia’s dialogue to wider African aspirations, arguing that Ethiopia’s experience could support regional peace, integration, and cooperation. He referenced the philosophies of Ubuntu and Medemer, saying peace in Ethiopia is closely connected to stability across the Horn of Africa and beyond. “For a brighter Africa to be realized… the best way out is really dialoguing,” he stressed, adding that Ethiopia is contributing to peace efforts across the continent. The Commissioner underscored that the national dialogue process is a nationally led effort to promote reconciliation, consensus-building, and long-term stability. The ongoing National Dialogue Conference will continue deliberations over the coming weeks as delegates seek common ground on issues shaping Ethiopia’s future.

Addis Ababa, July 21, 2026 (ENA) — Ethiopia is the leading light in democracy for Africa, Nigerian House of Representatives Member, Agbedi Frederick, said. Speaking about the successful recent conclusion of the nation’s 7th General Election to ENA, the House Member praised the democratic process in Ethiopia, noting that it is one of the oldest states in parliamentary exercise. While electoral challenges are common globally, Ethiopia's ability to successfully navigate its national polls deserves commendation, the Nigerian MP said. According to him, Ethiopia is the leading light in the democracy of Africa. “We believe that Ethiopia is the leading light in democracy in Africa. We give kudos to the successful conclusion of the general election." Frederick stated that what matters most in any democracy is responsible leadership that addresses citizens’ needs, promotes peace, and drives national progress. Furthermore, he highlighted the growing ties between Ethiopia and Nigeria pointing to the recent diplomatic exchanges aimed at strengthening parliamentary cooperation, including the establishment of a parliamentary friendship group between the Nigerian House of Representatives and the Ethiopian House of People's Representatives. The initiative, he noted, is designed to deepen inter-nation relationships across all spheres of development as both countries work to fortify their democratic institutions. Beyond bilateral ties, Frederick commended Ethiopia’s historical role in fostering continental solidarity and self-reliance, emphasizing that African nations need to shift their focus away from foreign aid and toward mutually beneficial partnerships. "African countries must work together. They must look for partnerships in the interests of African nations, so that we can grow on our own," he underscored.

Addis Ababa, July 21, 2026 (ENA) — Ethiopia has called for enhanced continental cooperation and the effective implementation of Africa's security frameworks to address the growing threat of terrorism and violent extremism across the continent. State Minister of Foreign Affairs Hadera Abera made the remark at the African Union Peace and Security Council (AUPSC) on Countering Terrorism and Violent Extremism in Africa Ministerial Meeting. During the meeting, he underscored the growing threat posed by global terrorist groups to peace and security on the continent, noting that such groups are increasingly exploiting emerging technologies, including digital platforms and social media, to recruit members, disseminate propaganda, and spread extremist ideologies. In light of the evolving global security dynamics, the State Minister stressed the need to operationalize the Africa Standby Force and strengthen the implementation of continental normative frameworks to enhance intra-African cooperation in areas of security and governance. According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, State Minister Hadera also highlighted Ethiopia's ongoing efforts to combat domestic terrorism and its significant contribution to regional initiatives aimed at addressing the threat of terrorism.

Addis Ababa, July 20, 2026 (ENA) —Ambassadors of Israel and Austria have expressed confidence in Ethiopia’s reform trajectory. The diplomats cited the country’s economic transformation and digital development as key drivers in creating new opportunities for investment and deeper international cooperation. Speaking to ENA, Israeli Ambassador to Ethiopia Avraham Neguise and outgoing Austrian Ambassador Simone Knapp said Ethiopia is progressing in the right path, highlighting its major success stories in various spheres. Ambassador Neguise said Ethiopia’s efforts to strengthen its economic system and expand its digital capabilities are attracting interest from Israeli investors, describing the developments as beneficial to both countries. He also highlighted Ethiopia’s priorities in energy and water development, particularly the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD), which he said is crucial to the country’s long-term energy expansion and industrial development. The expansion of electricity infrastructure to power households and industries, including in rural areas, will contribute to improved living standards and create new opportunities for investment, he added. Neguise identified government-to-government cooperation, private-sector investment, non-governmental engagement and people-to-people ties as four key pillars for expanding Ethiopia-Israel relations.   He said the two countries have significant potential for cooperation in agriculture, health, innovation and technology, security, education and research. The ambassador further pointed out that Israeli businesses are exploring investment opportunities in areas including drip irrigation, crop production, avocados, wheat, fisheries and poultry. He also highlighted the contribution of Ethiopian-Israeli organizations that provide voluntary services, particularly in the health sector, in cooperation with hospitals across Ethiopia. People-to-people ties, he added, are also strengthening through cultural exchanges, tourism and trade. He noted that improved air cargo connectivity between Ethiopia and Israel is facilitating the faster movement of goods between the two countries. Neguise further underscored Ethiopia’s unique significance to Israel, citing the deep religious, historical and people-to-people connections between the two countries. He noted that Israel’s Ethiopian Jewish community, estimated at more than 180,000 people, serves as an important human bridge between the two nations through continued family and community ties. For her part, outgoing Austrian Ambassador Simone Knapp said Ethiopia is making “bold and courageous” progress through its economic reform efforts. Although challenges remain, Ethiopia’s reform trajectory is steady and promising, she said, adding that the progress is already attracting growing interest from foreign investors, including Austrian companies.   Several Austrian firms, she noted, “are taking concrete steps to explore investment opportunities and establish a presence in the Ethiopian market.” Knapp also emphasized the long-standing people-to-people ties between Ethiopia and Austria, particularly in education and culture. She pointed to continued university cooperation and academic exchanges, including opportunities for Ethiopian students to pursue master’s degrees in Austria. Cultural cooperation is also expanding, she said, noting that Ethiopian musicians regularly perform in Austria, while Austrian artists visit Ethiopia for concerts and workshops. She cited initiatives such as training sessions conducted by Austrian musicians at the Yared School of Music as examples of the growing cultural partnership. The ambassador expressed confidence that economic engagement, educational cooperation and cultural exchanges between Ethiopia and Austria will continue to deepen in the years ahead.

Addis Ababa, July 20, 2026 (ENA) —Ethiopia’s National Dialogue Conference has entered its core deliberation phase, with participants beginning substantive discussions on the eight national agenda items identified by the Ethiopian National Dialogue Commission (ENDC). The historic conference, which opened on July 15 in Addis Ababa, has brought together more than 4,000 participants from across Ethiopia and the diaspora in an effort to address longstanding political, ethnic and historical divisions and build broader national consensus. Providing an update during a press briefing, ENDC Commissioner Ambassador Mahmoud Drir said the conference has entered the central phase of the national dialogue process, with delegates launching substantive discussions on the issues allocated to their respective groups. "Participants have officially entered targeted discussions on their assigned agenda items today, marking the core phase of the entire national dialogue process," Ambassador Mahmoud said. According to the commissioner, delegates have been organized into separate groups to facilitate structured discussions on the eight national agenda items identified by the Commission. He noted that the deliberations represent a significant milestone in the conference, creating a platform for participants from diverse backgrounds to exchange views, present their perspectives and engage in constructive dialogue. The Commission has deployed experienced facilitators to guide the discussions and ensure they proceed effectively, he added. The historic National Dialogue Conference officially opened on 15 July 2026. Since the opening of the conference, participants have been organized into eight primary working groups, each comprising 500 delegates. "Each group has been assigned to deliberate on one of the eight national agenda items officially adopted by the Commission," the commissioner said. Before beginning substantive discussions, participants attended orientation sessions and introductory briefings designed to familiarize them with the dialogue's procedures, operational framework and working methods. As the conference entered its next phase today, the eight primary groups were further divided into 80 specialized subgroups, each consisting of 50 participants, to conduct detailed discussions on their respective agenda items. Ambassador Mahmoud said the arrangement is intended to promote broad participation and meaningful engagement while ensuring that diverse views are heard. He emphasized that the subgroup discussions form the cornerstone of the national dialogue by providing participants with an opportunity to express their views openly, foster mutual understanding and encourage constructive engagement. To support the process, the Commission has deployed 160 facilitators selected for their professional experience and academic expertise to moderate the discussions. In addition, 256 rapporteurs have been assigned to document the proceedings and ensure the deliberations are accurately recorded.

By Staff Writer   July 19, 2026 (ENA) Ethiopia witnessed a week of significant political, diplomatic and developmental developments as the country opened a potentially historic chapter in its efforts to address longstanding political differences through dialogue and consensus. The launch of the long-awaited National Dialogue Conference dominated the national agenda, bringing together thousands of representatives from across Ethiopian society in an effort to confront the country’s most complex political and social challenges through peaceful consultation. At the same time, developments in northern part of the country, particularly in Tigray region underscored the continuing challenges to Ethiopia’s peace process, while major infrastructure projects, expanding aviation links, growing economic activity around the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) and an active diplomatic agenda highlighted the country’s broader efforts to advance peace, reform and economic transformation. Taken together, the week’s developments reflected a country navigating a complex transition—seeking to consolidate peace and political dialogue at home while expanding its economic and diplomatic engagement abroad. Historic National Dialogue Opens   The defining event of the week was the official opening of Ethiopia’s National Dialogue Conference on July 15 in Addis Ababa. The three-week conference has brought together more than 4,000 representatives from regional states, political parties, civil society organizations, religious institutions, professional associations, traditional leadership, youth and women’s groups, as well as members of the Ethiopian diaspora. Organized by the Ethiopian National Dialogue Commission (ENDC), the conference represents the country’s most extensive nationwide consultation process since the establishment of the current federal system. Presiding over the conference, Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed called on Ethiopians to replace political confrontation with dialogue and compromise. He said disagreements should no longer escalate from “strong words” to “strong action” through violence, but should instead be addressed through peaceful consultation, mutual understanding and collective responsibility. The Prime Minister described the process as a historic opportunity to lay the foundations for lasting peace, national reconciliation and a shared national future.   Established under Proclamation No. 1265/2021, the ENDC says the dialogue is intended to identify Ethiopia’s major national challenges, build broad-based consensus and formulate recommendations capable of strengthening political stability and national unity. Delegates are deliberating on a broad range of issues, including state-building and national identity, the structure and form of government, the administration of federal cities such as Addis Ababa and Dire Dawa, religious affairs, institutional reform, the rule of law and human rights. The agenda also covers socio-economic challenges affecting farmers, pastoralists and vulnerable communities, anti-corruption and good governance, as well as peacebuilding and conflict prevention. The dialogue has also emerged as an important international event, attracting representatives of foreign governments, international organizations and development partners who have expressed support for an Ethiopian-led process of resolving political differences through dialogue. Rally Signals Mounting Public Pressure Over TPLF’s Continued Belligerence While the National Dialogue opened a nationwide platform for political consultation, developments in Tigray region highlighted the continuing challenges facing Ethiopia’s broader peace process. On July 18, thousands of Tigrayan demonstrators gathered at Meskel Square in Addis Ababa under the slogan, “Stop the Abductions; Let Peace Prevail.”   Organized by the Tigray Peace and Change Council, the rally called for the full implementation of the November 2022 Pretoria Cessation of Hostilities Agreement, an end to alleged forced recruitment in Tigray and the return of internally displaced persons. Participants accused the defunct Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF) of contributing to continued instability in the region and called on the federal government and the international community to support lasting peace and stability. One of the rally’s most closely watched moments was the participation of Getachew Reda, President of the Simret Party and former President of the Tigray Interim Regional Administration. Addressing the demonstrators, Getachew accused the TPLF of obstructing development efforts and alleged that it was forcibly recruiting young people. His appearance reflected the evolving political landscape in Tigray following the Pretoria Agreement and underscored continuing disagreements over governance, security arrangements and the implementation of the peace accord. The rally served as a reminder that while the National Dialogue represents a major national effort to address political differences, regional grievances, political mistrust and unresolved questions surrounding peace agreements remain significant challenges. Infrastructure and Connectivity Drive Forward Economic development and infrastructure expansion also remained central to Ethiopia’s agenda during the week. Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed inaugurated the renovated King Tekle Haymanot Airport in Debre Markos, Amhara Region, restoring operations at a facility that had remained inactive for nearly three decades. The rehabilitation is expected to improve regional connectivity, facilitate trade, promote tourism and strengthen economic integration. Ethiopian Airlines, meanwhile, expanded its international network with the launch of direct passenger flights between Addis Ababa and Port Louis, Mauritius.   The new route further strengthens Ethiopia’s position as one of Africa’s leading aviation hubs while creating new opportunities for trade, tourism, investment and business connections between Eastern and Southern Africa and global markets. The GERD also continued to generate economic benefits beyond electricity production. The Benishangul-Gumuz Regional Agriculture Bureau reported that more than 10,700 tons of fish were harvested from Lake Nigat during the concluded Ethiopian fiscal year. The reservoir is increasingly supporting fisheries, tourism, inland transportation and employment through organized fishing cooperatives, demonstrating the broader economic impact of major infrastructure projects. Diplomacy Takes Center Stage Ethiopia pursued an active diplomatic agenda throughout the week, strengthening relations with international partners while advancing its strategic priorities in the Horn of Africa and beyond. The visit of European Union High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and Vice-President of the European Commission Kaja Kallas was among the week’s most significant diplomatic events. During meetings with Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed and Foreign Minister Gedion Timothewos, discussions focused on strengthening Ethiopia-EU relations, expanding economic cooperation, promoting regional peace and security and supporting Ethiopia’s reform agenda.   Kallas reaffirmed the European Union’s commitment to expanding cooperation in investment, renewable energy, digital governance and critical raw materials, while encouraging a more predictable and business-friendly investment environment. She also attended the National Dialogue Conference, describing it as an inclusive, grassroots initiative with the potential to contribute to lasting peace, reconciliation and national unity. Prime Minister Abiy also held talks with the newly elected President of the African Export-Import Bank, Dr. George Elombi, and members of the bank’s Board of Directors. The discussions focused on strengthening African-led financial cooperation, expanding investment opportunities and supporting the continent’s long-term economic transformation. Ethiopia further expanded its international engagement by assuming the presidency of the Organization of African, Caribbean and Pacific States. State Minister of Finance Semereta Sewasew said Ethiopia’s chairmanship would focus on expanding economic opportunities, mobilizing sustainable financing and strengthening partnerships among the organization’s 79 member states. Relations with Gulf countries also featured prominently on Ethiopia’s diplomatic agenda. Prime Minister Abiy traveled to Qatar to convey Ethiopia’s condolences and pay tribute following the passing of Qatar’s former Amir and Father Amir, His Highness Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, reaffirming the longstanding friendship between the two countries.   Meanwhile, Ethiopia continued its engagement with Saudi Arabia over the situation of Ethiopian nationals facing legal proceedings in the Kingdom. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs said nearly 2,000 Ethiopians had benefited from royal amnesties granted by Saudi authorities and reaffirmed the government’s commitment to protecting the rights and welfare of Ethiopian citizens abroad. Prime Minister Abiy also held talks with Benin’s President Romuald Wadagni in Addis Ababa. The two leaders reaffirmed their commitment to expanding bilateral cooperation and strengthening the longstanding partnership between Ethiopia and Benin. Sea Access and GERD Remain Strategic Priorities Ethiopia’s longstanding pursuit of reliable access to the sea also remained a prominent subject of national and international discussion. Scholars and policy experts described maritime access as a strategic national necessity rather than merely a political aspiration, arguing that a country of more than 130 million people and a rapidly expanding economy requires dependable access to international trade routes. Former Tigray Regional State Chief Administrator Gebru Asrat called for a carefully planned, legally grounded and diplomatically driven national strategy, including the establishment of a specialized institution to coordinate the technical, legal and historical dimensions of Ethiopia’s maritime interests.   The GERD, meanwhile, continued to generate unfounded propaganda from Egyptian officials as part their information warfare against Ethiopia. American political analyst Andrew Korybko argued that Ethiopia has the sovereign right to utilize the Abay River within its internationally recognized territory. He said lasting peace in the Nile Basin depends on dialogue, mutual respect and African-led solutions rather than confrontation.   Meanwhile, Egyptian accusations against Ethiopia over the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) continue to disregard historical facts and the principles of equitable and reasonable utilization and cooperation enshrined in international law, Member of Parliament Mohammed Al-Arousi told ENA. He further argued that Egypt's claims overlook the legitimate development rights of upstream Nile Basin countries and their sovereign right to utilize shared water resources in accordance with international law. Ethiopia also continued consultations with neighboring countries and regional organizations on peace, security and economic integration, reinforcing Addis Ababa’s role as a diplomatic hub for the Horn of Africa. Climate diplomacy remained another strategic priority as preparations continued for Ethiopia’s hosting of COP32 in 2027. The recently signed Ethiopia-United States Bilateral Structured Dialogue Framework also signaled efforts to deepen cooperation in trade, investment, defense and regional peace and security. A Week of Domestic Reconciliation and Global Engagement Collectively, the week’s developments underscored Ethiopia’s effort to advance domestic reconciliation while strengthening economic diplomacy, attracting investment and expanding strategic partnerships across Africa and beyond. The launch of the National Dialogue marked a potentially transformative attempt to address decades of political disagreement through consultation and consensus rather than confrontation. Yet the developments in Tigray region also demonstrated that significant challenges remain in fully implementing peace agreements, rebuilding trust and addressing regional grievances. Beyond domestic politics, Ethiopia continued to assert its strategic interests on issues including the GERD and maritime access while strengthening relations with the European Union, African financial institutions and Gulf countries. At the same time, investments in infrastructure, the expansion of aviation connectivity and the growing economic benefits generated by the GERD reflected the government’s continued emphasis on long-term development and economic transformation. As the National Dialogue continues in the coming weeks, its ability to produce practical recommendations, strengthen public confidence and address Ethiopia’s most complex political questions will be closely watched both at home and abroad. Its outcome, alongside Ethiopia’s continued efforts to deepen regional cooperation, expand strategic partnerships and accelerate economic transformation—could play a decisive role in shaping the country’s trajectory toward greater peace, stability and development. For Ethiopia, the week offered a powerful reminder of the scale of the challenges ahead—but also of the country’s growing determination to address them through dialogue at home, development on the ground and diplomacy abroad.

Addis Ababa, July 19, 2026 (ENA) —The European Union has welcomed the ongoing Ethiopia’s main National Dialogue conference as a potentially transformative process capable of advancing lasting peace, national reconciliation and stability. Kaja Kallas, EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and Vice-President of the European Commission, praised the dialogue as an inclusive, grassroots-driven initiative that brings together Ethiopians from diverse backgrounds to address the country’s most difficult challenges. Speaking to the Ethiopian News Agency during her visit to Ethiopia, Kallas said she was impressed by the scale and inclusiveness of the historic National Dialogue Conference, which she visited. “I had the possibility to visit the National Dialogue, and it is really impressive,” she said. She described the process as a grassroots approach in which teachers from villages and people from different walks of life come together to discuss critical issues, including peace, reconciliation and the achievement of lasting security. “I think this approach is really a good approach, and I hope that it comes to concrete results,” Kallas added. The EU foreign policy chief expressed hope that the dialogue would translate into tangible outcomes capable of strengthening peace, reconciliation and national unity in Ethiopia.   Kallas also underscored Ethiopia’s strategic importance to peace and stability in the Horn of Africa, describing the country as a key regional actor because of its large population and geopolitical significance. “Ethiopia plays a key role, considering it is the second most populous country in Africa and a very important player in the Horn of Africa,” she said. She emphasized that peace and stability in Africa are also of strategic importance to Europe. The crises in neighboring regions can eventually have consequences far beyond their immediate borders, Kallas warned. “Our neighbors’ problems today are our problems tomorrow,” Kallas said. The EU official further reaffirmed the bloc’s support for regional peace efforts, including initiatives aimed at advancing a civilian-led political process in Sudan. She also highlighted Ethiopia’s potential role in contributing to stability in neighboring countries, particularly Sudan and Somalia. “Looking at the Horn of Africa, I think the stability that Ethiopia can bring also to Sudan, for example, or Somalia for that matter,” Kallas said, adding that Ethiopia has an opportunity to contribute to stability across the region. Kallas also highlighted the wider strategic importance of the Horn of Africa to global trade and maritime security, reaffirming the European Union’s commitment to supporting efforts to strengthen security in the Red Sea and along the Somali coast. She described Africa as a vital partner for the European Union and said the bloc is seeking to deepen cooperation through investment, job creation and sustainable economic development based on what she called a “partnership of equals.” “We are offering investments to Ethiopia and Africa generally so that there would be jobs and growth,” she said, stressing that expanded economic opportunities and greater stability serve the shared interests of both Africa and Europe.