Addis Ababa, September 30, 2026 (ENA) —Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed arrives in Kenya this morning ahead of the groundbreaking ceremony for the multibillion-dollar Lamu Petroleum Refinery. The project, backed by the Dangote Group, represents a major expansion of regional energy infrastructure in East Africa. Situated along the strategic Lamu Port-South Sudan-Ethiopia Transport (LAPSSET) corridor, the facility is designed to process crude oil and supply refined petroleum products, including petrol, diesel, and aviation fuel, across neighboring markets. Once operational, the refinery will strengthen energy security and deepen trade links across East Africa.

Addis Ababa, September 30, 2026 (ENA) — The Addis Ababa City Council has unanimously reappointed Adanech Abiebie as Mayor of Addis Ababa, entrusting her with another term to lead the administration of the capital. The decision was made during the Council’s fourth session, held at the Adwa Victory Memorial, where members cited Adanech’s leadership, commitment and administrative performance in advancing major infrastructure projects, reforming the city’s working culture and expanding citizen-centered services. Council members also highlighted her extensive administrative experience at regional and federal levels, which began with her work as an educator in the Oromia region before she assumed various leadership responsibilities in federal institutions. In assessing her previous tenure, the Council pointed to the transformation of Addis Ababa’s urban landscape, including major public infrastructure and urban development initiatives, as among the key areas of her administration’s performance. Following her unanimous reappointment, Adanech took the oath of office before the Council, formally beginning another term at the helm of the city administration. In her inaugural address, Mayor Adanech said public office should be viewed as a responsibility to citizens rather than an avenue for personal benefit. She pledged to maintain a firm stance against corruption and illicit market practices. She said the performance of the city administration would ultimately be judged by improvements in residents’ everyday lives—including efforts to ease the cost of living, expand employment opportunities for young people, improve public services and address housing, healthcare and infrastructure needs—rather than by statistical reports alone. Adanech also outlined plans to accelerate the implementation of the Digital Ethiopia 2030 vision in Addis Ababa by expanding digital public services and reducing bureaucratic barriers. She further pledged to tackle market manipulation and the role of illegal brokers, while promoting measures aimed at improving market stability and protecting consumers. On economic inclusion, the Mayor said her administration would seek to reduce dependence on aid by supporting micro and small enterprises and creating greater economic opportunities for young people and women.

Addis Ababa, September 29, 2026 (ENA) —Former U.S. Assistant Secretary of State for African Affairs Tibor Nagy sharply criticized Eritrea’s leadership and the conditions facing its population, describing the country as an unstable neighbor in the region. In his recent interview with Pulse of Africa, Nagy said Eritrea has had conflicts with all of its neighbors, including Yemen across the Red Sea. He described President Isaias Afwerki as a dictator, saying, “I have called him a dictator because I believe he is a dictator.” According to Nagy, Eritrea has no constitution, has never held elections, and maintains what he described as “national service for eternity.” He also pointed to the large proportion of the population that has fled the country and the burden placed on those who remain. Nagy said Eritreans face an “unbearable burden” and criticized the country’s quality of life, citing the lack of internet access and other forms of isolation. He recalled visiting Eritrea and finding that people could not use credit cards and that the country was significantly behind in areas he considered essential to modern life. Referring to Isaias Afwerki, he said, “Isaias is now holding Eritrea back instead of taking it forward.” Nagy also criticized what he described as imprisonment without trial or charges and extensive human-rights abuses, calling the situation “a tragedy” and “an absolute tragedy.”

Addis Ababa, September 29, 2026 (ENA) —Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed welcomed Somali President Sheikh Hassan Mohamud at Bole International Airport this morning. The two leaders are expected to discuss on bilateral and regional issues of mutual interest, ENA learned.

Addis Ababa, September 28, 2026 (ENA) —President Taye Atske Selassie held talks with Ambassador Olof Skoog, Deputy Secretary-General for Political Affairs of the European Union, and Annette Weber, EU Special Representative for the Horn of Africa, on a wide range of regional issues, with a focus on peace and security and economic development. The discussions addressed key regional developments and opportunities for strengthening cooperation in support of peace, stability and sustainable economic development in the Horn of Africa. The talks underscore the importance of continued Ethiopia-EU engagement on regional and economic priorities, as both sides seek to deepen cooperation on issues of mutual interest, the President posted on X.

Addis Ababa, September 28, 2026 (ENA) —Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed has appointed Chaltu Sani as the Chief Executive Officer of the Federal Housing Corporation, effective September 28, 2026. Prior to this appointment, Chaltu served as the Minister of Urban and Infrastructure from October 2021 until September 2026.

Addis Ababa, September 28, 2026 (ENA) —Egypt’s escalating media and political rhetoric over the Nile is partly aimed at diverting public attention from mounting economic and livelihood pressures, journalist and writer Zahid Zidan said. In an exclusive interview with POA, Zahid pointed to rising living costs and economic difficulties in Egypt, saying the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) and Nile water issues have increasingly featured in the country’s political and media discourse. His comments come amid continued economic challenges identified by international financial institutions. In a September 21, 2026 assessment, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) said Egypt had shown resilience to recent external shocks but that significant vulnerabilities remained, including high public debt and large financing needs. The IMF has also projected inflation to rise to about 16.7 percent in the second half of 2026, citing higher energy prices, exchange rate pressures and other factors “They want to manufacture anything, any kind of material, a dark weapon to distract the Egyptian public,” Zahid said, arguing that heightened rhetoric over the Nile is being used to shift attention from domestic challenges. He cited what he described as claims in some Egyptian media outlets concerning the potential effects of GERD, as well as allegations that Ethiopia intends to transfer water to Israel. According to Zahid, such narratives contribute to keeping the dam at the center of public debate. He stressed that his criticism was directed at Egyptian media platforms and political figures whom he accused of exploiting external disputes, rather than at the Egyptian people. He said ordinary Egyptians are primarily concerned with everyday challenges, including meeting basic needs, earning livelihoods and supporting their families. The remarks come amid renewed exchanges between Ethiopia and Egypt over Nile water development. Ethiopia has consistently maintained that it has a sovereign right to develop its natural resources, including the Abay River, while advocating cooperation and shared development among Nile Basin countries. In a September 22 statement responding to remarks by Egyptian Minister of Water Resources and Irrigation Hani Sewilam, Ethiopia’s Ministry of Water and Energy reaffirmed the country’s right to utilize its natural resources and said transboundary rivers should promote “cooperation, shared prosperity, and regional integration.” The completion of GERD has also strengthened calls within Ethiopia for further investment in hydropower and irrigation projects along the Abay River. Supporters of additional development argue that the experience gained from GERD can help expand renewable electricity generation, strengthen energy security, support agricultural development and increase cross-border power connectivity.

Addis Ababa, September 28, 2026 (ENA) — Negatively perceiving Ethiopia’s legitimate pursuit of dependable access to the sea is problematic and reflects malicious concerns against the country, Director General for African Affairs at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Zerihun Abebe, said. In an exclusive interview with ENA, Ambassador Zerihun emphasized that Ethiopia’s peace, development, prosperity, resilience, and renaissance are a blessing to the Red Sea region, rather than a threat. Historically, Ethiopia has consistently contributed to efforts to counter terrorism and piracy, while working with neighboring countries to build their capacities and strengthen regional cooperation. "Our track record clearly shows we have been a force for peace, a force for development in the region," Ambassador Zerihun stated, highlighting Ethiopia's significant sacrifices in support of regional peace and stability, including in Sudan and Somalia. The director-general pointed out that Ethiopia has legitimate maritime, security, demographic, political, and economic interests that underpin its pursuit of reliable access to the sea. These interests are not exclusive to Ethiopia and can complement the interests of neighboring countries, contributing to broader regional stability. Ambassador Zerihun noted, "When we stand together in a region which is volatile, with various contending powers, it will help us come together and address our common challenges." The ambassador also noted the shared security challenges facing countries around the Red Sea and its basin, including piracy, terrorism, and other security threats. Such common challenges should encourage countries in the region to strengthen cooperation. "For us, we are together, and we are destined to live together, and we share common interests", Ambassador Zerihun emphasized. He added that perceiving Ethiopia's legitimate interest in a distorted manner is very problematic and clearly shows malicious interest against Ethiopia. The director-general elaborated that Ethiopia’s quest for dependable, secure, and reliable access to the sea is based on economic, political, and security considerations. "So, perceiving Ethiopia's legitimate interest in a different way is very problematic, and it clearly shows the malicious interest against Ethiopia. But for Ethiopia, its quest for access to the sea is legitimate; and it has economic foundations, political foundations, security foundations."

Addis Ababa, September 28, 2026 (ENA) — Ethiopia’s Council of Ministers has approved a series of legislative and regulatory measures aimed at reshaping federal institutions, strengthening data governance, modernizing the power sector, improving tax administration and reinforcing the legal framework governing the national defense forces. The Council first deliberated on a draft proclamation determining the powers and responsibilities of executive organs. Formulated pursuant to Article 56 of the FDRE Constitution following the 2026 national elections, the legislation establishes the institutional structure for federal executive entities to effectively execute their mandates during the upcoming term. Following extensive discussions, the Council incorporated key inputs and unanimously referred the draft to the House of Peoples’ Representatives. Addressing digital transformation priorities, the session evaluated the National Data Governance Draft Proclamation. Designed to secure data sovereignty, streamline government service delivery through system interoperability, expand artificial intelligence research, and drive data-led economic growth, the Council unanimously referred the enhanced bill to the parliamentary body. On development financing, the Council approved a draft proclamation ratifying a 145.8 million SDR loan agreement signed with the International Development Association. Allocating funds toward Phase One of the Power Sector Reform, Investment, and Modernization Project, the Council verified the agreement’s full alignment with the national debt policy before referring it to the House of People’s Representatives for final enactment. In tax governance, the Council passed amendments to the Federal Income Tax Regulation and the Federal Value Added Tax Regulation. The income tax revision aligns administrative procedures with Federal Income Tax Proclamation No. 979/2016 to enhance operational transparency. The value added tax adjustment addresses tax structures for former turnover tax collectors while exempting essential consumer items to safeguard household purchasing power and boost local industrial competitiveness. Following an extensive discussion on the draft regulations, the Council unanimously decided to implement it right after its publication in the Negarit Newspaper. Finally, the Council reviewed proposed amendments to Defense Forces Proclamation No. 1286/2023. Intended to strengthen the legal framework enabling the national armed forces to execute their constitutional mandates outlined under Article 87, the Council unanimously resolved to send the draft bill to the House of Peoples’ Representatives.

Addis Ababa, September 27, 2026 (ENA) —Ethiopian President Taye Atske-Selassie held talks with UAE Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Sheikh Shakhboot bin Nahyan Al Nahyan on the margins of the 81st United Nations General Assembly (UNGA81) High-Level Week in New York. The two sides exchanged views on strengthening the longstanding Ethiopia-UAE partnership, expanding joint development initiatives and enhancing cooperation on regional and multilateral issues of mutual interest. “On the sidelines of the 81st UNGA, I met with Sheikh Shakhbout bin Nahyan, Minister of State of the UAE. We exchanged views on further deepening our bilateral ties, expanding joint development initiatives, strengthening cooperation in regional and multilateral issues of importance,” President Taye said in a post on X.   The meeting came as Ethiopia intensifies high-level diplomatic engagements during UNGA81, using the global gathering to advance bilateral partnerships and strengthen cooperation on shared regional and international priorities. Ethiopia and the UAE have developed broad relations spanning development, investment and other areas of mutual interest, with both countries continuing to explore opportunities to expand their cooperation.

By Staff Writer Sept. 27, 2026 (ENA) Ethiopia’s diplomatic outreach, regional connectivity and economic transformation took centre stage during the week of September 20–26, as the country pursued an increasingly interconnected agenda spanning maritime access, global trade, energy, digital finance and regional integration. At the centre of the week was Ethiopia’s engagement at the 81st United Nations General Assembly, where President Taye Atske Selassie placed reliable sea access, stronger African representation in global institutions, multilateral reform, regional peace and sustainable development high on the international agenda. Back home and across the Horn of Africa, Ethiopia also advanced major economic and infrastructure initiatives. A new petroleum-products pipeline linking Ethiopia and Djibouti was announced, the country’s long-running bid to join the World Trade Organization moved into its final phase, and tourism posted more than 1.6 million international arrivals and over 5 billion USD in revenue during the 2018 Ethiopian Fiscal Year. This strategic infrastructure project aimed at further strengthening economic ties and cooperation between the two east African nations, was officially announced in the presence of Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed and President Ismail Omar Guelleh. Particularly, the project connecting Damerjog in Djibouti to Dewele in Ethiopia through a new refined petroleum products pipeline is supported by storage terminals at both ends. Together, the developments pointed to a broader national strategy: strengthening Ethiopia’s position in global institutions while building the infrastructure, trade links, energy systems and digital platforms needed to support long-term economic transformation. Sea Access Moves to the Global Diplomatic Agenda Ethiopia’s pursuit of reliable maritime access emerged as one of the most prominent themes of its participation in the UN General Assembly. Addressing the General Debate in New York, President Taye said Ethiopia was pursuing all possible diplomatic avenues to secure access to and from the sea, linking the issue directly to the country’s economic transformation and integration into global trade. He also stressed that the question could be addressed in a manner that serves the common interests and development of countries in the region.   The President’s UN address placed the maritime issue within a wider diplomatic framework that included African representation in global decision-making, multilateral reform, regional peace, climate action, renewable energy and technological transformation. He also presented the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) as a Pan-African clean-energy project capable of contributing to regional prosperity, while reaffirming Ethiopia’s commitment to regional integration and peaceful cooperation. Ethiopia-Djibouti Pipeline Deepens Regional Connectivity A major infrastructure announcement during the week added a powerful economic dimension to Ethiopia’s regional integration agenda. Ethiopia, Djibouti and the Dangote Group announced plans for a 120-kilometre refined petroleum-products pipeline connecting Damerjog in Djibouti with Dewele in Ethiopia, supported by storage facilities at both ends with combined capacity exceeding one million cubic metres. The project is being developed through a partnership between Ethiopian Investment Holdings and the Dangote Group. The planned infrastructure is designed to reduce Ethiopia’s reliance on tanker-truck transportation, cut logistics costs, ease congestion along the corridor and improve the efficiency and reliability of fuel distribution. Beyond fuel logistics, the project carries wider regional significance. It adds another layer to the economic relationship between Ethiopia and Djibouti and illustrates how infrastructure can turn regional integration from a diplomatic objective into practical economic connectivity. WTO Accession Enters Final Stretch Ethiopia’s long-running effort to join the World Trade Organization also moved closer to completion. The Ministry of Trade and Regional Integration said the accession process has reached the final stage of drafting the Working Party Report. Ethiopia is simultaneously pursuing bilateral market-access negotiations, with agreements concluded with 11 of 17 negotiating partners while discussions continue with the remaining six.   For Ethiopia, WTO membership is closely linked to its broader economic reform programme. The government expects accession to provide a more predictable framework for international trade, expand market opportunities, strengthen institutional capacity and support greater integration into global value chains. The process therefore represents more than a diplomatic milestone; it is part of Ethiopia’s effort to reposition its economy within the global trading system. Tourism Emerges as a Strong Foreign-Exchange Earner Tourism delivered another notable economic signal during the week. Ethiopia welcomed more than 1.6 million international tourists during the 2018 Ethiopian Fiscal Year, generating over 5 billion USD in revenue, according to the Ministry of Tourism. International arrivals increased by more than 300,000 from the previous fiscal year, while foreign-exchange earnings rose by more than 21 percent.   The figures came ahead of World Tourism Day on September 27, whose 2026 theme focuses on digital technology and artificial intelligence and their potential to reshape tourism. Ethiopia is also seeking to improve the visitor experience through digital tools. A new Tourist Information Center near Bole International Airport has been inaugurated with digital maps and multimedia displays designed to promote the country’s cultural, historical and natural attractions. Digital Finance Becomes Part of Economic Infrastructure Ethiopia also used the UN General Assembly week to showcase its progress in digital financial inclusion. At a high-level side event jointly organized by Ethiopia’s Permanent Mission to the UN and the United Nations Capital Development Fund, officials and development partners examined the expansion of digital payments, national digital identity and digital public infrastructure.   The discussions reflected an important shift in Ethiopia’s digital-development narrative: digital finance is increasingly being treated not merely as a financial service but as part of the country’s wider economic infrastructure. Digital identity, interoperable payments and digitally enabled public services are being linked to entrepreneurship, productivity, financial inclusion and the Sustainable Development Goals. The government highlighted initiatives including Digital Ethiopia 2030, Fayda, interoperable payment systems and BRIDGE 2030 as components of this emerging digital ecosystem. The next challenge, officials and development partners noted, is to move beyond access and ensure that digital systems translate into productive economic opportunities for households and businesses. Energy Exports Strengthen Regional Economic Links Renewable energy remained another important pillar of Ethiopia’s regional economic strategy. According to Ethiopian Electric Power CEO Ashebir Balcha, the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam accounts for 52 percent of Ethiopia’s electricity export revenue, while total electricity-export earnings have surpassed 500 million USD. Ethiopia currently exports electricity to Kenya, Djibouti, Sudan and Tanzania. The figures underline the growing role of electricity trade in Ethiopia’s economic and regional integration agenda. The GERD is increasingly positioned not only as a national power-generation project but also as part of a broader regional energy network—linking renewable-energy production with exports, foreign-exchange generation and cross-border economic cooperation. Peace and Regional Integration Remain Central Alongside economic diplomacy, Ethiopia continued to emphasize regional peace and cooperation. At the UN, President Taye reiterated Ethiopia’s support for a Sudanese-led and Sudanese-owned process to achieve lasting peace in Sudan, while also highlighting regional integration through infrastructure, trade and people-to-people relations. This approach reflects the increasingly close connection Ethiopia draws between peace, connectivity and economic development across the Horn of Africa. Infrastructure corridors, energy trade, maritime connectivity and regional institutions are increasingly being viewed as parts of the same broader equation: creating an environment in which economic integration can reinforce regional stability.   A Week That Connected Diplomacy with Development The developments of September 20–26 presented a picture of Ethiopia pursuing several strategic priorities simultaneously. At the global level, the UN General Assembly provided a platform to advance Ethiopia’s positions on maritime access, African representation, multilateral reform, climate action and regional peace. At the regional level, the Ethiopia-Djibouti petroleum pipeline added fresh momentum to infrastructure-led integration, while expanding electricity exports continued to strengthen cross-border economic links. At the economic level, WTO accession moved into its final stretch, tourism generated more than $5 billion in revenue, and digital finance gained greater prominence as an element of economic infrastructure. Consequently, the week’s developments highlighted an increasingly interconnected Ethiopian agenda—from diplomacy to trade, from sea access to infrastructure, from renewable energy to digital finance, and from regional connectivity to global economic integration. The common thread is clear: Ethiopia is seeking to translate diplomatic engagement and infrastructure investment into broader economic connectivity, while positioning regional cooperation as an important component of its long-term development trajectory.

By Staff Writer Sept. 27, 2026 (ENA) Ethiopia’s diplomacy is entering a new era—less confined to traditional political relations and increasingly driven by economic interests, strategic partnerships and a wider global footprint. Over the past eight years, Ethiopia has significantly broadened the arenas in which it engages the world. From Addis Ababa’s role as the diplomatic capital of Africa to its entry into BRICS, from the Pretoria peace process to the Ankara Declaration, from renewed WTO negotiations to a seat on the UN Human Rights Council, Ethiopia has expanded the platforms through which it seeks to shape regional and international affairs. The story is not about one diplomatic breakthrough. It is about the widening of Ethiopia’s diplomatic space. From Addis Ababa to BRICS One of the clearest symbols of this expansion is Ethiopia’s entry into BRICS. At the Johannesburg Summit in August 2023, BRICS leaders invited Ethiopia to become a full member, with membership taking effect on January 1, 2024. For Addis Ababa, BRICS opened another channel to engage major emerging economies and participate in discussions spanning politics and security, economic and financial cooperation, and people-to-people relations. More importantly, the move reflected a broader diplomatic strategy: diversification. Ethiopia has sought to deepen relations simultaneously with African partners, emerging economies, Western countries, Gulf states and Asian powers rather than allowing its international engagement to depend on a narrow circle of partners. Diplomacy With an Economic Purpose Perhaps the most important change has been the growing weight of economic diplomacy. Foreign policy is increasingly being connected to investment, trade, tourism, technology, infrastructure and market access. Diplomatic missions are expected not only to represent Ethiopia politically, but also to help connect the country with capital, markets and commercial opportunities. That shift mirrors Ethiopia’s own economic transformation. As the country seeks greater export capacity, investment and industrial development, diplomacy increasingly becomes an economic instrument. The embassy is no longer only a political bridge; it is increasingly part of the economic bridge. Regional Diplomacy Under Strategic Pressure Ethiopia’s geographic position makes regional diplomacy unavoidable. The country sits at the intersection of the Horn of Africa, the Nile Basin and the Red Sea, where security, trade, migration, infrastructure and political interests overlap. The Ankara Declaration with Somalia in December 2024 demonstrated the role of dialogue in addressing difficult regional questions. Ethiopia and Somalia reaffirmed respect for each other’s sovereignty, unity, independence and territorial integrity and agreed to pursue cooperation toward shared prosperity. The significance extends beyond one declaration. It illustrates Ethiopia’s attempt to keep contentious regional questions within diplomatic channels while pursuing its strategic and economic interests. From Conflict Management to African Diplomacy Pretoria put Ethiopia at the center of one of Africa’s most consequential peace efforts. But even under the scrutiny of African and international mediators, the TPLF repeatedly came under fire for actions that threatened to undermine the commitments of the agreement—exposing the difficult path from a signed peace deal to durable stability. The broader lesson is that Ethiopia’s diplomatic weight is not derived only from its size or geographic position. It also comes from its role in continental institutions. Addis Ababa hosts the African Union headquarters, making the city a permanent meeting point for African leaders, diplomats and international organizations. That institutional position gives Ethiopia a distinctive platform from which to engage debates on peace, security, development and continental integration. A Seat at the Global Table Ethiopia’s election to the UN Human Rights Council for the 2025–2027 term further expanded its multilateral presence. The UN General Assembly elected Ethiopia among 18 members on October 9, 2024; the Council consists of 47 states. Such positions provide Ethiopia with additional opportunities to participate directly in international policymaking and multilateral diplomacy. The significance is therefore not simply symbolic. Representation creates another diplomatic channel through which Ethiopia can present its positions, negotiate interests and participate in shaping international discussions. The WTO Door Is Opening Wider Ethiopia’s long-running WTO accession process has also regained momentum. The WTO said in September 2025 that the process had entered a “decisive phase.” By April 2026, the organization described the negotiations as having reached a “decisive juncture,” with Ethiopia reporting further domestic reforms and continued engagement with WTO members. The accession process matters because it connects diplomacy directly to the structure of Ethiopia’s economy. Joining the multilateral trading system would deepen Ethiopia’s engagement with global markets while requiring continued reforms to trade-related institutions and regulations. In this sense, WTO diplomacy is not simply about Geneva.It is about transforming how Ethiopia trades with the world. The Red Sea Enters the Diplomatic Equation Few issues demonstrate the changing character of Ethiopian diplomacy more clearly than the Red Sea. For a landlocked country whose economy depends heavily on maritime trade, developments around the Red Sea and Bab el-Mandeb have direct economic and strategic consequences. Maritime connectivity has consequently moved higher on Ethiopia’s diplomatic agenda. The issue intersects with trade, logistics, regional security and economic integration, bringing Ethiopia into discussions that extend well beyond its borders. The Red Sea question therefore illustrates the central feature of Ethiopia’s evolving diplomacy: national economic interests and regional strategy are becoming increasingly intertwined. A Wider Circle of Partners Ethiopia’s engagement with China, India, Russia, the United States, European countries and Gulf states has developed alongside its relationships with African neighbors and its participation in BRICS. The objective is not necessarily to choose one geopolitical camp. It is to expand Ethiopia’s room for diplomatic and economic engagement. That wider network gives Addis Ababa more channels for cooperation in investment, infrastructure, trade, technology, security and development. The result is a foreign policy increasingly built around multiple partnerships rather than a single diplomatic axis. The Real Test Begins Now Yet diplomatic expansion is not an end in itself. The coming years will determine whether Ethiopia can convert diplomatic access into concrete economic opportunities, stronger regional connectivity, expanded investment, deeper trade and durable partnerships. Memberships, declarations, elections and summits create platforms. What matters next is what Ethiopia builds on those platforms. The past eight years have nevertheless marked a notable expansion of Ethiopia’s diplomatic reach. BRICS has opened another global platform. The Human Rights Council has strengthened its multilateral presence. Pretoria demonstrated the potential of African-led diplomacy. Ankara created a framework for renewed engagement with Somalia. WTO negotiations have gained fresh momentum. Economic diplomacy has become increasingly central to foreign policy, while the Red Sea has emerged as a strategic priority. Consequently, these developments point to a broader transformation. Ethiopia is no longer approaching diplomacy simply as a means of maintaining relationships. It is increasingly using diplomacy to pursue markets, partnerships, connectivity, security and national development. From the African Union headquarters in Addis Ababa to the BRICS table, from regional peace initiatives to global trade negotiations, Ethiopia’s diplomatic map has expanded considerably. The next chapter will be defined not by how many doors Ethiopia has opened, but by how effectively it turns those openings into lasting national and regional gains.

By Neway Abay S. Ethiopia has never truly been a stranger to the Red Sea. Long before modern borders redrew the map of the Horn of Africa, Ethiopian civilization was connected to the Red Sea through trade, diplomacy and coastal gateways linking the highlands with Arabia, the Mediterranean and the wider Indian Ocean world. That historic connection was eventually severed. But geography was not. Today, Ethiopia is a country of more than 130 million people, one of Africa’s largest economies and a major economic center in the Horn of Africa—yet it remains without a coastline. For decades, its international trade has depended heavily on neighboring ports, particularly Djibouti. The World Bank continues to describe Djibouti as Ethiopia’s primary maritime gateway, while recent assessments underline how disruptions along the corridor can translate directly into higher logistics costs and economic pressure inside Ethiopia. That reality has turned maritime access from a historical question into a contemporary economic, security and strategic one. Geography Cannot Be Negotiated Away Ethiopia’s loss of direct access to the sea did not erase its geographic position. The country remains at the center of the Horn of Africa, immediately adjoining one of the world’s most consequential maritime regions. The Red Sea, Gulf of Aden and Bab el-Mandeb connect Africa with the Middle East, Asia and Europe and disruptions there can reverberate through global trade, energy markets and supply chains. For Ethiopia, the consequences are particularly direct.   A landlocked economy of this scale cannot treat maritime connectivity as a peripheral concern. Every container entering or leaving the country ultimately depends on a corridor connecting the interior to the coast. The current system has created an important economic relationship with Djibouti, but it has also exposed the structural vulnerability of relying overwhelmingly on a single maritime gateway. The Addis-Djibouti corridor remains vital to Ethiopian trade, while the World Bank notes that disruptions and inefficiencies along the wider logistics chain can affect businesses and consumers. The question, therefore, is no longer whether Ethiopia is interested in the sea. It is how a country of Ethiopia’s demographic and economic weight can build reliable, diversified and sustainable maritime connectivity. Most importantly, the rapidly shifting political and military dynamics in the Red Sea and Horn of Africa have made sovereign sea access not merely desirable for Ethiopia, but increasingly unavoidable. The Red Sea Is No Longer Just a Trade Route The strategic importance of the Red Sea has become impossible to ignore. The Bab el-Mandeb is a critical maritime chokepoint. Recent disruptions have demonstrated how quickly insecurity at sea can become an economic problem on land, raising freight costs, extending shipping times and disrupting supply chains. UN Trade and Development has recently warned that renewed disruptions around Bab el-Mandeb are creating longer routes, higher fuel consumption, greater costs and additional pressure on global trade. For Ethiopia, this creates a striking paradox. Although the country has no coastline, instability along the Red Sea can affect its economy directly.   Ethiopia therefore has a substantial stake in the security of a maritime space in which it currently has limited direct presence. This is why the Red Sea question cannot be reduced to the search for a port. It is about connectivity, economic security and regional stability. From a Port to a Corridor Ethiopia’s maritime ambition makes greater sense when viewed not as a search for a single coastal facility, but as part of a much larger economic corridor. A functioning maritime connection would link the coast to Ethiopia’s roads, railways, dry ports, industrial parks, agricultural production centers and consumer markets. The objective would not simply be to move containers andiIt would be to move an economy. That distinction matters. A port without an efficient inland network is only a point on a map. A port connected to production, manufacturing, agriculture and regional markets becomes an engine of economic integration. Ethiopia’s experience with the Djibouti corridor already demonstrates the importance of this wider system. The World Bank’s recent work on Modjo Dry Port, for example, highlights how improvements in inland logistics can reduce processing delays and strengthen Ethiopia’s links to international markets. The next stage of Ethiopia’s maritime thinking can therefore be understood as the search for multiple corridors, multiple gateways and greater resilience. Economic Security Is Maritime Security The Red Sea has also exposed another reality: maritime security and economic security are increasingly inseparable. When shipping routes are threatened, insurance costs rise. When vessels divert around dangerous waters, delivery times increase. When freight costs rise, the consequences eventually reach factories, farmers, traders and households far from the coastline.   Ethiopia does not need to be a coastal country to experience these consequences. Indeed, its landlocked position makes reliable maritime access even more important. A diversified maritime strategy could give Ethiopia greater resilience against disruptions while creating additional opportunities for trade, investment and industrial development. It could also strengthen the economic interests that Ethiopia shares with its coastal neighbors. A Return to the Sea Need Not Mean a Return to Rivalry There is another dimension to Ethiopia’s maritime question that deserves greater attention. Access to the sea does not necessarily have to become another source of regional competition. It can become an instrument of regional integration. A port serving Ethiopian trade can generate business for a coastal state. A road or railway linking the interior to the coast can connect multiple economies. Industrial and logistics zones can create jobs and investment on both sides of a border. In that sense, Ethiopia’s maritime aspirations can be framed not simply as a national demand, but as part of a broader Horn of Africa economic equation. The region has spent decades treating geography as a source of strategic rivalry. It can also treat geography as an opportunity for integration. Ethiopia’s Maritime Question Is Growing, Not Fading Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed has repeatedly underscored that Ethiopia’s desire for sea access in terms of geography, economic necessity, dialogue and mutually beneficial cooperation rather than military expansion. The Ethiopian government has stated that the country’s demographic and economic scale makes dependable maritime connectivity an important national interest. That argument sits within a broader reality. Ethiopia is not the same country it was three decades ago. Its population and economy have expanded. Its trade ambitions have grown. Its industrial and agricultural production is becoming more integrated with international markets. And its exposure to disruptions along global shipping routes is increasing. The maritime question will therefore become more—not less—important as Ethiopia’s economy expands. The revival of attention to maritime affairs, including the re-establishment of the Ethiopian Navy in 2018, reflects this broader strategic shift. But the ultimate objective need not be the projection of power. It can be the protection of economic interests, participation in regional maritime security and the creation of durable commercial links between the Ethiopian interior and the global economy. The Geography of the Future The central fact remains remarkably simple: Ethiopia’s landlocked status is a historical tragedy shaped by external forces and political decisions made during a turbulent period—decisions that profoundly altered the country’s relationship with the sea. Yet the giant nation has never truly been disconnected from the Red Sea. Its economy depends on maritime trade. Its security environment is shaped by the Red Sea and Bab el-Mandeb. Its geographic position places it at the heart of the Horn of Africa. And its growing population and economy make dependable access to international trade routes increasingly consequential. The challenge, therefore, is not to recreate history exactly as it was. It is to build a new relationship with the sea suited to the realities of the 21st century. That means ports—but also corridors. It means trade—but also security. It means national interest—but also regional cooperation.   And above all, it means recognizing that the Red Sea is not a distant body of water separated from Ethiopia by political boundaries. It is part of the strategic geography in which Ethiopia’s future is being shaped. For a country whose civilization has been connected to the Red Sea for centuries, the renewed search for maritime connectivity is not simply a journey backward into history. It is Ethiopia looking toward the future and back toward the sea.

Addis Ababa, September 27, 2026 (ENA) —Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed has appointed Abraham Belay (PhD) as Commissioner of the Ethiopian Nuclear Energy Commission, effective September 14, 2026. Abraham, who has served in several senior government positions, most recently served as Minister of Irrigation and Lowland Areas. His appointment comes as Ethiopia advances its efforts to develop the peaceful use of nuclear energy as part of its broader strategy to expand clean, reliable and sustainable energy sources, it was learned.

Addis Ababa, September 26, 2026 (ENA) —Stronger partnerships, shared solutions and renewed commitment are essential to accelerate progress toward the 2030 Agenda, East African Affairs Advisor to the Prime Minister, Getachew Reda said. The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development is a global development framework adopted by all UN Member States in 2015. At the Global Development Initiative (GDI) High-Level Dialogue held on the sidelines of the 81st United Nations General Assembly, Getachew underscored the critical importance of revitalizing global partnerships for sustainable development, stressing the need to translate shared commitments into tangible development outcomes.   The Adviser highlighted that the GDI as a practical, results-oriented partnership that can help accelerate implementation of the SDGs and advance development priorities. He also emphasized the importance of prioritizing key transitions with catalytic and multiplier effects across the SDGs, particularly in poverty eradication, energy, food systems, finance, digital transformation, education and climate action.   Getachew further stressed the importance of drawing on the comparative advantages, experiences and successes of country-led initiatives, strengthening cooperation and learning from solutions that are delivering results on the ground.

Addis Ababa, September 26, 2026 (ENA) —Ethiopia’s BRICS membership is opening new opportunities across various sectors, Senior Researcher at the Foreign Affairs Institute (FAI) Himanot Eshetu told ENA. Himanot emphasized that Ethiopia’s BRICS membership is gaining momentum, creating greater leverage to strengthen economic partnerships, attract investment, diversify development financing, and advance its national interests globally. Ethiopia's active engagement with major emerging economies, coupled with its participation in high-level discussions concerning global economic and geopolitical issues, renders its BRICS membership profoundly strategic, she added. “BRICS is not just an economic grouping. Especially for Ethiopia, it is an additional platform for diplomatic engagement,” she said. The platform also enables Ethiopia to advance its national interests while championing African priorities across critical sectors, including global finance, technology, trade, sustainable development, and security. A major advantage of this membership is access to the BRICS New Development Bank (NDB), which Himanot noted will significantly expand funding for infrastructure and sustainable development.   The country can successfully diversify its development finance sources as the bank’s financing goals align closely with Ethiopia's national needs. “If we have more sources of finance, Ethiopia will get an opportunity and flexibility to implement its development priorities,” she said, emphasizing that NDB funding is meant to complement, rather than replace, existing partnerships. Since joining the bloc in 2024, Ethiopia has actively engaged in BRICS initiatives, ranging from heads of state summits and ministerial meetings to expert-level discussions and working groups. Beyond finance, Himanot highlighted the potential to connect with major emerging markets, expanding trade and investment horizons. To capitalize on these prospects, she stressed the importance of promoting competitive domestic sectors, such as agriculture, agro-processing, textile manufacturing, energy, tourism, and mining. Furthermore, the platform offers an avenue to deepen economic cooperation and advocate for the broader interests of the Global South. Ultimately, Himanot concluded, maximizing these benefits will require coordinated institutional engagement, a sharp focus on tangible economic outcomes, and proactive promotion of Ethiopia's trade and investment potential.

By Staff Writer As geopolitical and politico-military dynamics reshape the Horn of Africa and the Red Sea corridor, Ethiopia’s economic weight, strategic location and expanding regional engagement continue to make it a central actor in the region’s evolving balance. Ethiopia is undergoing a transformation that reaches far beyond economic growth. Across its economy, cities, digital infrastructure, environmental restoration, tourism, investment, energy and regional connectivity, the country is pursuing a broad development agenda aimed at reshaping its domestic foundations while expanding its role in the Horn of Africa and the wider continent. Under the leadership of Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, the government has placed economic reform, infrastructure development, digitalization, environmental restoration and regional integration at the heart of its development strategy. The transformation is unfolding against a complicated geopolitical backdrop. The Horn of Africa and the Red Sea corridor have become increasingly important arenas for global trade, maritime security, strategic competition and shifting political alignments. Conflicts and political transitions in neighboring countries, competition over strategic ports and shipping routes, and the growing involvement of external powers have further elevated the region's geopolitical importance. In that changing environment, Ethiopia’s sheer demographic and economic weight, geographic position and expanding infrastructure make its trajectory consequential well beyond its borders. The question is therefore not simply how rapidly Ethiopia is growing. It is how the country's economic transformation, technological modernization, environmental agenda and search for deeper regional connectivity could reshape its position in a strategically vital part of Africa. Growth as the Foundation of Transformation Ethiopia’s economic reform program has become one of the central pillars of this transformation. The government has pursued a series of macroeconomic and structural reforms under the Homegrown Economic Reform agenda, seeking to move the economy toward greater private-sector participation, stronger exports, increased investment and a more market-oriented system. The government projects economic growth of around 10.2 percent for the current Ethiopian fiscal year, placing Ethiopia among the world's fastest-growing economies. Behind the headline figure is a broader structural effort. Infrastructure investment, agriculture, manufacturing, services, trade and construction are increasingly interconnected within a development strategy designed to expand productive capacity and create new economic opportunities. The reform process has also sought to address longstanding macroeconomic challenges, including foreign-exchange shortages, inflationary pressures and limited private-sector participation. The significance of the reforms lies not only in short-term growth, but in the attempt to change the underlying architecture of the economy. Ethiopia is seeking to move from a predominantly state-led economic model toward one in which private investment, competition and market mechanisms play a larger role. This represents one of the most consequential economic shifts in the country's recent history. Cities as Engines of a New Ethiopia The transformation is perhaps most visible in Ethiopia’s cities. What began as a major corridor-development program in Addis Ababa has evolved into a broader urban-development drive extending to cities across the country. The initiative combines road and transport infrastructure with pedestrian corridors, public spaces, greenery, recreational facilities and other urban improvements. Addis Ababa has become the most visible expression of this transformation. The capital is simultaneously Ethiopia’s political center, a diplomatic hub hosting the African Union and numerous international institutions, and an increasingly important commercial and investment center. The broader objective is to create cities capable of supporting a rapidly growing population and an expanding economy. Urban development is consequently being treated not simply as beautification, but as an economic and social infrastructure strategy. The Digital Leap Another defining feature of Ethiopia’s transformation is the rapid expansion of its digital economy. For decades, many public and financial services depended heavily on physical documents, face-to-face transactions and cash. That is changing. Digital public services, mobile money, electronic payments and national digital identification are increasingly becoming part of everyday economic and administrative life. The government's Mesob one-stop digital service initiative represents this shift toward integrated public services, bringing multiple services together through digital platforms and expanding access beyond the capital. At the foundation of this emerging ecosystem is Fayda, Ethiopia’s national digital identification system. A reliable digital identity can support access to financial services, social protection, government services and a growing range of digital applications. Meanwhile, mobile-money adoption has expanded rapidly. More than 58 million Ethiopians are reported to be using mobile-money services, while digital payments have recorded significant increases. The importance of this transformation goes beyond convenience. Digitalization can reduce transaction costs, widen financial inclusion, improve access to government services and create new opportunities for businesses and citizens. For a country of Ethiopia’s size, that represents a potentially significant change in the relationship between the state, the economy and its citizens. Investment and Tourism: Unlocking Untapped Potential Ethiopia’s economic transformation is also increasingly linked to investment and tourism. The country combines a large domestic market, a young population, substantial agricultural potential, a strategic geographic location, unique cultural heritage and diverse natural landscapes. Government initiatives have sought to turn those assets into economic opportunities. Projects associated with Dine for Sheger, Dine for Nation and Dine for Generation have contributed to a broader effort to develop urban tourism, hospitality, recreation and cultural destinations. Ethiopia is simultaneously seeking to expand its tourism offering beyond traditional historical routes by developing natural, cultural and urban destinations. The objective is increasingly clear: tourism is being positioned not merely as a source of foreign exchange, but as part of a wider urban-development, employment and investment strategy. The same logic applies to investment. Economic reforms are intended to create greater space for private capital and international investors while infrastructure expansion seeks to improve the conditions for doing business. The challenge is converting Ethiopia’s enormous potential into sustained investment, competitive exports and productive employment. Green Legacy: Development with an Environmental Dimension Perhaps no initiative better captures Ethiopia’s attempt to connect development with environmental restoration than the Green Legacy Initiative. Launched in 2019, the program has mobilized millions of Ethiopians around large-scale tree planting and environmental rehabilitation. More than 56 billion seedlings have been planted since the initiative began. But the significance of Green Legacy extends beyond the number of seedlings. The initiative increasingly encompasses watershed protection, land rehabilitation, climate resilience, biodiversity and efforts to restore degraded landscapes. It has also become an important component of Ethiopia’s international climate diplomacy. For a developing country facing the effects of climate change while seeking rapid economic growth, the underlying proposition is significant: environmental restoration and economic development do not necessarily have to be competing objectives. Ethiopia is attempting to demonstrate that ecological restoration can itself become part of a national development strategy. Energy and Regional Integration Energy is another area where Ethiopia’s domestic transformation intersects directly with regional ambitions. With more than 95 percent of its electricity generated from renewable sources, Ethiopia is seeking to position itself as an important clean-energy producer in East Africa. The Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam is central to that strategy. Beyond meeting domestic electricity needs, Ethiopia has increasingly emphasized the potential of cross-border electricity trade to support economic integration. Power interconnections with neighboring countries can create new markets for electricity while providing energy-deficient economies with access to renewable power. The broader vision is therefore regional. Ethiopia is seeking to build infrastructure that connects markets rather than simply serving national consumption. Roads, electricity networks, aviation, telecommunications and trade corridors can collectively create a more integrated regional economy. This is where Ethiopia’s development agenda intersects with its regional diplomacy. The Red Sea Quest Few issues demonstrate this intersection more clearly than Ethiopia’s pursuit of reliable maritime access. As one of Africa’s most populous countries and a major economy in the Horn of Africa, Ethiopia has repeatedly argued that dependable access to maritime trade routes is important for its long-term economic development and regional integration. The issue has acquired greater significance as the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden have become increasingly important to global trade and maritime security. For Ethiopia, maritime access is fundamentally connected to logistics, trade competitiveness and integration into international markets. For the region, Ethiopia’s maritime aspirations intersect with questions of port infrastructure, shipping routes, security and regional economic cooperation. The challenge is therefore not merely geographic. Ethiopia’s approach has increasingly emphasized diplomatic engagement and negotiated arrangements, while presenting maritime connectivity as part of a broader regional integration agenda. A Strategic Actor in a Changing Region The Horn of Africa is experiencing a period of profound geopolitical change. The Red Sea shipping corridor has become increasingly important to global commerce. Competition over ports and maritime infrastructure has intensified. External powers are expanding their diplomatic, economic and security engagement. At the same time, conflicts and political instability continue to affect the region. Against this backdrop, Ethiopia remains one of the region’s central actors. Its large population, expanding economy, strategic location, military and institutional capacity, diplomatic role and infrastructure ambitions give it considerable regional weight. That does not mean Ethiopia is insulated from regional pressures. Far from it. The country continues to confront complex security, economic and diplomatic challenges, while its development ambitions are sometimes unfolding amid competing regional interests. But Ethiopia’s response has increasingly centered on strengthening its own economic foundations while expanding connectivity with its neighbors. Growing with the Region At the heart of Ethiopia’s development strategy is an increasingly visible proposition: national prosperity and regional prosperity are interconnected. Energy corridors can connect power markets. Transport infrastructure can connect economies. Digital networks can connect people and businesses. Tourism can connect cultures. Maritime connectivity can connect landlocked economies to global markets. And regional trade can create opportunities that individual countries may struggle to generate alone. This explains why Ethiopia’s development agenda increasingly extends beyond its national borders. The country is seeking to grow not in isolation, but through deeper economic and infrastructure connections with the Horn of Africa, East Africa and the wider continent. Taken together, these developments point to something larger than a collection of individual projects. They represent an attempt to redefine Ethiopia’s economic foundations and its regional role simultaneously.

Addis Ababa, September 24, 2026 (ENA) — Ethiopian Water and Energy Minister’s Advisor, Mohammed Al-Arousi, underscored that Ethiopia will not accept interference in its sovereign decisions or restrictions on its right to development. Strongly condemning the recent remarks of Egypt's Minister of Water Resources and Irrigation concerning the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD), he told ENA that Ethiopia does not view the issue of dam construction as a confrontation with the Egyptian people. The Advisor and member of the House of People's Representatives called on the Egyptian side to focus on its domestic challenges and work toward mechanisms that strengthen cooperation among Nile Basin countries. Mohammed noted that Ethiopia’s dam development does not end with the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam, pointing out that three new dams are in the pipeline. The projects demonstrate Ethiopia’s continued implementation of its development agenda, despite external criticism and objections. “Some of our brothers in Egypt may think that we are provoking them when we say that we are building dams on the Nile River. However, we affirm that these are Ethiopian rights from which we have been deprived; and Ethiopia is working to reclaim these rights,” the Advisor explained. Mohammed added that Ethiopia does not view water development as a privilege requiring permission from another country, stressing that its natural resources constitute the foundation of its plans to expand electricity access and improve the living standards of its citizens. Ethiopia will continue utilizing its natural resources and dam construction is part of the country’s right to pursue development and provide energy to its people, he underlined. “We categorically reject all these (Egyptian) statements. Our country is a sovereign and independent state, and we absolutely do not accept interference in Ethiopia’s internal affairs.” He elaborated that Ethiopia has long been deprived of exercising its full development rights in the areas of water and energy, and is now working to reclaim these rights through practical projects on the ground. The Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam was not constructed to target Egypt, but rather to generate electricity and support Ethiopia’s economic and social development, the Advisor added. Furthermore, the Advisor noted that the Nile Basin countries have become increasingly aware of the importance of protecting their natural resources and preserving their sovereignty, calling for cooperation mechanisms based on shared interests rather than continued disagreements. Mohammed criticized Egyptian statements, including the remarks of the Egyptian minister, as provocative; saying that discourse among countries in the region should contribute to rapprochement and dialogue rather than deepen tensions. He explained that Ethiopia responds to criticisms directed against it through the development projects it implements, rather than engaging in repeated political disputes. Ethiopia’s dam and energy projects represent, according to him, a practical response to the need to expand access to electricity and advance economic and social development as the country continues implementing its plans in the energy sector. The country will continue utilizing its natural resources in the interest of its people, the Advisor said, affirming that the development trajectory will not be halted by statements issued from abroad. In conclusion, Mohammed emphasized that cooperation among Nile Basin countries remains the path toward addressing common challenges.

By Guillermo Patria Sept. 24, 2026 (ENA) Ethiopia is undertaking a broad transformation of its national defense system, seeking to build a military that is more professional, technologically advanced, operationally ready and increasingly capable of sustaining itself through domestic production. The transformation reaches across the Ethiopian National Defense Force (ENDF), Air Force, Special Operations Command, defense industries, drone production, military research and education, artificial intelligence and the rebuilding of the country's maritime capability. At its core is a strategic proposition: protecting Ethiopia's sovereignty and national interests requires not only soldiers and weapons, but also strong institutions, technology, industrial capacity and human capital capable of sustaining them. ENDF Chief of General Staff Field Marshal Birhanu Jula has described the reform as a historic transformation aimed at strengthening the force's organizational structure, unity, professionalism, readiness and technological capacity. The objective is therefore not simply to increase military hardware, but to change the character and capabilities of the force.   A force adapted to modern warfare The battlefield is changing rapidly. Traditional manpower and conventional weapons remain important, but military effectiveness increasingly depends on information, precision, communications, unmanned systems, artificial intelligence, cyber capabilities, electronic warfare and the ability to make decisions rapidly. Ethiopia's reforms are increasingly responding to this reality. In February 2026, Field Marshal Birhanu described the modernized ENDF in terms of quantity, quality and technology, stressing the need to adapt military capabilities to changing technologies and security threats. The technological shift is also becoming institutional. In August 2026, the ENDF signed an agreement with the Ethiopian Artificial Intelligence Institute to explore AI applications in logistics, military training, cybersecurity, military healthcare, air operations and electronic warfare. Yet technology alone does not create military strength. It must be matched by trained personnel, effective institutions and operational readiness. Ethiopia's reform therefore also emphasizes professional military education, specialized training, engineering and technical expertise. Readiness at the center The ultimate purpose of a defense force is its ability to respond when national interests are threatened. Field Marshal Birhanu has repeatedly emphasized ENDF readiness amid what Ethiopia describes as a complex and changing security environment. In July 2026, he said reforms had strengthened the force's organizational structure and unity while maintaining a high level of readiness and introducing modern military technology. The Special Operations Command represents another dimension of this approach, with military leadership presenting it as a highly capable force designed for rapid response and proactive action against emerging threats. For Ethiopia, the broader objective is clear: national sovereignty must be protected by a force capable of detecting threats, mobilizing rapidly and responding effectively when national interests are at stake. From buying weapons to building them Perhaps the most important part of Ethiopia's defense transformation is taking place away from the battlefield—in factories, laboratories and engineering facilities. Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed has increasingly linked defense manufacturing with economic resilience and technological self-reliance. He has said Ethiopia is developing domestic capabilities to manufacture unmanned aerial vehicles, armored military vehicles, heavy weapons, artillery and ammunition. The significance goes beyond the products themselves. Defense manufacturing requires engineers, technicians, researchers, specialized machinery and reliable industrial systems, creating technological capabilities that can strengthen the wider economy.   The Homicho Ammunition Engineering Complex illustrates this trajectory. Its growing production capacity has enabled Ethiopia not only to supply domestic requirements but also to enter foreign markets, with the government reporting ammunition export contracts worth more than 30 million US dollars. The direction is therefore shifting from simply acquiring finished products toward developing the capacity to produce, maintain and improve critical systems domestically. The Air Force and the technology ecosystem The Ethiopian Air Force provides perhaps the clearest example of the transformation. The institution says it has moved from an analog operating environment toward the digital era while expanding aircraft maintenance, upgrading, spare-parts production and unmanned aviation. The significance is that a modern Air Force requires an entire technological ecosystem—pilots, engineers, technicians, maintenance facilities, spare parts, research, communications and digital systems. Ethiopia is increasingly seeking to develop these capabilities locally. The Air Force has reported increased production of components and spare parts while Ethiopian engineers and technicians take greater roles in aircraft maintenance, upgrading and unmanned systems. The objective is therefore not simply to acquire aircraft from abroad, but to develop the knowledge required to operate, maintain, upgrade and eventually develop increasingly sophisticated systems. This also explains the emphasis on human capital. Prime Minister Abiy has stressed that sophisticated aircraft alone cannot create an effective Air Force. Highly trained pilots, engineers, technicians, scientists and commanders are essential to converting technology into military capability.   Drones and artificial intelligence Few developments demonstrate the technological shift more clearly than Ethiopia's growing drone industry. The establishment of SkyWin Aeronautics Industries marked an important step in domestic UAV production. Drones bring together aviation, electronics, sensors, communications, software, data processing and increasingly artificial intelligence. In June 2026, the Information Network Security Administration and the Ethiopian Air Force agreed to establish a Drone Technology Center dedicated to research, innovation and development in unmanned aerial systems. The initiative connects defense requirements with research, laboratories, human-capital development and technology transfer—helping create a domestic technological chain from research and engineering to production and deployment. AI represents the next layer of this transformation. The ENDF's cooperation with the Ethiopian Artificial Intelligence Institute is intended to explore AI applications across logistics, training, cybersecurity, military healthcare, air operations and electronic warfare. The broader significance is that Ethiopia's defense modernization is moving beyond hardware toward technologies that can improve how information is collected, processed and used.   Fourth-generation capability, fifth-generation ambition Ethiopia's Air Force ambitions extend further. In January 2026, Prime Minister Abiy said the Ethiopian Air Force had developed fourth-generation combat capability and set an objective of moving toward fifth-generation capability by 2030, alongside plans to double the country's combat-aircraft capacity. These are stated government objectives rather than capabilities already fully achieved. Nevertheless, they demonstrate the direction of Ethiopia's military planning: keeping defense capabilities aligned with rapidly evolving technologies while continuing to invest in the human expertise required to operate them. The transformation therefore cannot be measured only by the number of aircraft acquired, but also by the country's ability to operate, maintain, upgrade and increasingly develop sophisticated systems. Land, air and sea Ethiopia's defense transformation also has a maritime dimension. The country lost direct access to the Red Sea following Eritrea's independence, and the Ethiopian Navy was subsequently disbanded. Its reconstruction now forms part of the country's evolving national security architecture. Vice Admiral Kindu Gezu, Commander-in-Chief of the Ethiopian Navy, has highlighted the changing security environment in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden, including piracy, arms trafficking, irregular migration, insurgent networks and geopolitical competition. For Ethiopia, maritime security has implications beyond naval operations. Trade routes, ports, energy supplies, commercial shipping and regional security are all connected to the wider maritime environment. The Navy consequently adds another dimension to the defense transformation, with land, air, cyber and maritime capabilities increasingly forming part of one national security architecture. Building strategic self-reliance Taken together, these developments reveal the broader direction of Ethiopia's defense reform. The ENDF is being reorganized and professionalized. Specialized forces are being developed around rapid response. The Air Force is expanding its digital, maintenance and engineering capabilities. Domestic drone production is emerging. Defense industries are producing ammunition, armored vehicles and other military equipment. AI is being explored for defense applications, while military universities and laboratories are becoming part of technological research and development. The Navy is rebuilding maritime capabilities. Individually, each represents a military reform. Together, they point toward an effort to build strategic self-reliance. A country cannot guarantee the sustainability of its defense capability if every critical component depends on external suppliers. Domestic production does not eliminate the need for international cooperation or foreign technology, but it can strengthen Ethiopia's ability to maintain essential capabilities, respond to emergencies and develop technologies suited to its own requirements. That is the broader bargain emerging from Ethiopia's defense transformation. The objective is not simply to possess modern weapons. It is to create a defense institution capable of using technology effectively, sustaining its equipment, developing its own technical expertise and responding rapidly when national interests are threatened. The deeper story is therefore being written not only on military grounds, but also in aircraft workshops, drone factories, ammunition plants, laboratories, military academies and technology institutes. The soldier remains at the center. But alongside the soldier stands an increasingly important network of pilots, engineers, scientists, technicians, programmers, researchers and manufacturers. Together, they represent a changing conception of military power. For Ethiopia, the emerging objective is a defense force that is professional in structure, ready in operation, technologically capable and increasingly self-reliant in production. In an era when national security is shaped by technology as much as manpower, the ability to build and sustain that capability may become as important as the weapons themselves. Ethiopia's defense transformation is therefore not simply about building a stronger army. It is about building the technological, industrial and human foundations that enable the country to defend its sovereignty and national interests with greater confidence and readiness.

Addis Ababa, September 24, 2026 (ENA) —Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed arrived in Djibouti, where he was welcomed by Djiboutian President Ismaïl Omar Guelleh. The two leaders are expected to preside over the announcement of a joint project aimed at further strengthening economic ties and cooperation between Ethiopia and Djibouti, according to Office of the Prime Minister.   Moreover, the project is anticipated to add momentum to the longstanding economic partnership between the two neighboring countries and deepen cooperation in areas of shared strategic interest.