Addis Ababa, February 3, 2026 (ENA)—Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed has urged a fundamental rethinking of Ethiopia’s peace-building and conflict-resolution mechanisms, identifying the long-standing reliance on force, a culture of betrayal, and external fears of Ethiopia’s growth as key factors behind the country’s persistent lack of peace. Addressing members of the House of People's Representatives, he said Ethiopians have historically been conditioned to resolve disagreements through force rather than dialogue, a practice that has hindered lasting peace and national cohesion. According to him, this culture of confrontation is deeply rooted and often begins at the family level, shaping broader political and social behaviors that later manifest in conflicts. He stressed that achieving sustainable peace requires transforming political culture and social norms by prioritizing dialogue, trust, and mutual understanding over coercion and division. The premier’s remarks come amid ongoing national efforts to promote reconciliation and strengthen institutional mechanisms aimed at ensuring lasting peace and stability across the country. Regarding the historic inclusive national dialogue, Prime Minister Abiy said the present generation must build and shape the country through dialogue. From this perspective, the National Dialogue Commission has identified key agendas and has been carrying out commendable work, he added. “Going forward, it (the commission) is expected to engage a broad range of participants in deep discussions on these agendas and to present ideas accordingly. The process so far has also shown that Ethiopians share closely aligned interests and aspirations.” Regarding this year’s election, PM Abiy reiterated that the government is working intensively to ensure that the election is peaceful, fair, and inclusive. “With regard to the election, my response to the Ethiopian people is: Let us judge it by the results. One point I want to state with confidence is that this parliament will be a place where many diverse voices are heard in various ways.” He also expressed his hope that the election will be conducted peacefully, and the forces participating in the election will benefit from it. During his address to the parliament, the PM also emphasized that the people of Tigray must be actors in the political arena, affirming that the people of Tigray want peace and development. “They are peace-loving people who want to overcome their current hardships, work hard, and transform their lives through their own efforts. They also want to work together and grow in cooperation with their fellow Ethiopians.” However, Abiy emphasized that the people of Tigray have not been actors in the political arena; instead, they have merely been a stage on which others perform. A stage is something others play on; it does not act by itself. “Therefore, the people of Tigray must become actors in their own right. To achieve this, a new political mindset is required. Politicians in Tigray must also transition from being supporting actors to becoming leading actors.” Regarding the Horn of Africa region, Abiy said the region has been stitched together to prevent it from tearing apart and patched to keep it from unraveling. Although it is home to peoples who are closely connected by culture and language, it is also a region marked by intense rivalry and external interference, he said, adding that “the issue of shared waters has complicated matters further, drawing in external actors into our internal affairs and turning what should have been mutual support into a source of conflict.” “For this reason, the region faces its own set of challenges, and significant efforts are underway to address and resolve them. I believe these efforts will succeed.”

Addis Ababa, February 3, 2026 (ENA)—Ethiopia and the Red Sea are inseparable entities, Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed said, emphasizing the nation’s inevitable access to this vital waterway. Addressing the House of People's Representatives today, the Prime Minister elaborated on Ethiopia’s historical and geographical ties to the Red Sea, likening the two as intrinsic to one another. He stressed that denying Ethiopia access to the sea contradicts natural laws, comparing human life cycles to the necessity for Ethiopia and the Red Sea to coexist. "Ethiopia, with a population of approximately 130 million, requires a mere 50 kilometers of the coastline, a stark contrast to the 25 million people occupying the expansive 5,000 kilometers of coast across Somalia, Djibouti, and Eritrea." Ethiopia’s quest for access to sea has not stemmed from militaristic ambitions, the PM pointed out, but from a desire for equitable dialogue and cooperative growth. He proposed potential solutions such as sharing investments in the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam, Ethiopian Airlines or exploring land swaps to foster peaceful negotiations. PM Abiy noted that past conflicts have hindered regional development but insisted that amicable resolutions are possible. "We must grow together without destroying each other through agreements and market laws," he noted, reiterating the determined but peaceful quest for Ethiopia's rightful access to the Red Sea.

Addis Ababa, February 3, 2026 (ENA)—President Taye Atske Selassie has called for a renewed, trust-based global partnership, saying Africa must be recognized as an active architect of its future amid shifting geopolitical power and declining confidence in multilateral systems. Speaking at the World Governments Summit today, the President said Africa is at a defining moment of self-introspection as disruptive global changes challenge the old order. He added that innovations in renewable energy, artificial intelligence, and digital finance offer opportunities to overcome long-standing development barriers. “For Africa, the changing environment is a clarion call. We don't see ourselves as mere observers for global change, but as architects of our future and our destiny.” The President emphasized that Africa is not a bystander to global change, highlighting the transformative potential of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) that aims to integrate a market of 1.3 billion people with a combined GDP exceeding 3.4 trillion USD. According to him, the AfCFTA is a flagship initiative of the African Union’s Agenda 2063 and seeks to eliminate 90 percent of tariff barriers to build regional production networks. President Taye underscored the importance of continental connectivity, citing major infrastructure corridors linking East, Central, and Southern Africa, including routes connecting Ethiopia with neighboring countries. “The LAPSSET corridor connecting Kenya, South Sudan, and Ethiopia; and the recently inked multi-million-dollar project connecting Ethiopia with South Sudan remain pillars of African connectivity strategy.” He said these corridors are not merely transport routes but vital arteries of regional cooperation and economic integration. Outlining Ethiopia’s development priorities, the President said the country is focusing on three strategic pillars: Energy, food self-sufficiency, and air connectivity. With the full operation of the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam, Ethiopia is now generating more than 6,000 megawatts of clean energy, he added. He also highlighted “Ethiopia’s transformation from a wheat importer to Africa’s largest wheat producer” and announced major investments in agricultural productivity, including record coffee production. “Our coffee production reached 640,000 tons of coffee. We have planted 8.5 billion seedlings of high-quality coffee of premier coffee quality to be available to the world.” On aviation, President Taye said Ethiopia is constructing a 12.5 billion USD international airport with the capacity to handle 110 million passengers and more than three million tons of cargo annually, further strengthening Africa’s air connectivity. Despite progress, he acknowledged that Africa continues to face challenges, particularly in financing large-scale infrastructure projects, largely due to capital constraints. He said Ethiopia is strengthening financial institutions and expanding innovative public-private partnerships, while welcoming the growing role of Africa’s private sector and entrepreneurs. The President also stressed the strategic importance of secure and reliable trade routes, noting that the Red Sea corridor is vital not only for Ethiopia but for global trade. “For Ethiopia, the security of the Red Sea corridor is not only critical, but also a vital artery to 12 percent of the global trade. This indeed demands an urgent and collaborative framework, an arrangement or mechanism unburdened by strategic gains and parochial geo-economic interests.” He called for cooperative frameworks free from narrow geopolitical interests. President Taye highlighted trust and fairness as central to Africa’s relations with the rest of the world, cautioning against asymmetrical partnerships and pressure to choose sides in global rivalries. Africa seeks cooperation based on shared interests and mutual respect, he underscored. The World Governments Summit was established in 2013 under the leadership of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE, Ruler of Dubai. Since then, the organization and its leadership has continued to champion the mission of shaping future governments and creating a better future for humanity. Working together with its community of partners and members, the Summit has successfully established a new model for international collaboration to inspire and enable the next generation of governments. The 2026 edition is currently taking place in Dubai from February 3 to 5, featuring more than 60 global leaders, 500 ministers, and 87 scientists.

Addis Ababa, February 3, 2026 (ENA)—Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed has urged a fundamental rethinking of Ethiopia’s peace-building and conflict-resolution mechanisms, identifying the long-standing reliance on force, a culture of betrayal, and external fears of Ethiopia’s growth as key factors behind the country’s persistent lack of peace. Addressing members of the House of People's Representatives, he said Ethiopians have historically been conditioned to resolve disagreements through force rather than dialogue, a practice that has hindered lasting peace and national cohesion. According to him, this culture of confrontation is deeply rooted and often begins at the family level, shaping broader political and social behaviors that later manifest in national conflicts. He stressed that achieving sustainable peace requires transforming political culture and social norms by prioritizing dialogue, trust, and mutual understanding over coercion and division. The premier’s remarks come amid ongoing national efforts to promote reconciliation and strengthen institutional mechanisms aimed at ensuring lasting peace and stability across the country. Regarding the historic inclusive national dialogue, Prime Minister Abiy said the present generation must build and shape the country through dialogue. From this perspective, the National Dialogue Commission has identified key agendas and has been carrying out commendable work, he added. “Going forward, it (the commission) is expected to engage a broad range of participants in deep discussions on these agendas and to present ideas accordingly. The process so far has also shown that Ethiopians share closely aligned interests and aspirations.” Regarding this year’s election, PM Abiy reiterated that the government is working intensively to ensure that the election is peaceful, fair, and inclusive. “With regard to the election, my response to the Ethiopian people is: Let us judge it by the results. One point I want to state with confidence is that this parliament will be a place where many diverse voices are heard in various ways.” He also expressed his hope that the election will be conducted peacefully, and the forces participating in the election will benefit from it. During his address to the parliament, the PM also emphasized that the people of Tigray must be actors in the political arena, affirming that the people of Tigray want peace and development. “They are peace-loving people who want to overcome their current hardships, work hard, and transform their lives through their own efforts. They also want to work together and grow in cooperation with their fellow Ethiopians.” However, Abiy emphasized that the people of Tigray have not been actors in the political arena; instead, they have merely been a stage on which others perform. A stage is something others play on; it does not act by itself. “Therefore, the people of Tigray must become actors in their own right. To achieve this, a new political mindset is required. Politicians in Tigray must also transition from being supporting actors to becoming leading actors.” Regarding the Horn of Africa region, Abiy said the region has been stitched together to prevent it from tearing apart and patched to keep it from unraveling. Although it is home to peoples who are closely connected by culture and language, it is also a region marked by intense rivalry and external interference, he said, adding that” the issue of shared waters has complicated matters further, drawing in external actors into our internal affairs and turning what should have been mutual support into a source of conflict.” “For this reason, the region faces its own set of challenges, and significant efforts are underway to address and resolve them. I believe these efforts will succeed.”

Addis Ababa, February 3, 2026 (ENA)—Members of Ethiopia’s House of Peoples’ Representatives (HPR) on Tuesday directed questions to Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed during a regular parliamentary session, as he appeared before the House to present clarifications on the federal government’s performance report for the first half of the 2018 Ethiopian fiscal year. During the session, lawmakers raised a wide range of issues, including preparations for the upcoming 7th general election, the ongoing national dialogue process, and the country’s overall economic development trajectory. Peace and security matters also featured prominently, particularly recent developments in the Tigray region. Several MPs underscored the importance of ensuring a peaceful, inclusive, and democratic general election scheduled for June, while also highlighting the need to advance the nationwide dialogue process. They called on political elites to refrain from conflating partisan political discourse with national interests, stressing that prolonged political polarization has come at a significant cost to the country. In addition, lawmakers questioned the Prime Minister on government efforts related to employment and job creation, disarmament, demobilization and reintegration (DDR), the return and resettlement of internally displaced persons, improvements in the health sector, rising living costs, and measures being taken to address these challenges. At the same time, members of the House expressed appreciation for the government’s leadership under Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, noting its role in steering the country through unprecedented internal and external challenges in recent years. MPs commended the government’s performance in sustaining economic growth and advancing strategic development projects across key sectors. They specifically cited achievements in riverside development projects, energy infrastructure expansion, corridor development initiatives, aviation sector growth, and other mega projects. According to the lawmakers, Ethiopia has recorded notable progress in macroeconomic stability despite mounting global and domestic pressures. Further praise was extended to success stories in economic diplomacy, infrastructure development, and social sectors. MPs highlighted flagship initiatives such as the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD), the Green Legacy Initiative, agricultural transformation efforts, and tourism development programs. The House of Peoples’ Representatives is holding its 6th regular meeting and 10th regular session of the fifth year of its current term, with Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed attending the session in person.

  Ethiopia and Saudi Arabia have agreed to deepen their longstanding bilateral relationship following high-level talks between senior officials of the two countries. Ethiopia’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Gedion Timothewos, held bilateral discussions with the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud, focusing on strengthening political, economic, and diplomatic cooperation. During the meeting, the two ministers exchanged views on enhancing the already strong relations between Ethiopia and Saudi Arabia, as well as on regional and international issues of mutual interest within the framework of multilateral diplomacy. Both sides emphasized the importance of elevating bilateral ties to a higher level through expanded cooperation across various sectors, with the shared goal of advancing a strategic partnership between the two nations. The talks also addressed regional peace and security, with particular attention to promoting stability in the Horn of Africa. In this context, the ministers agreed to work closely together to support peace and stability in the region.

Addis Ababa, February 2, 2026 (ENA)—In January 2026, Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed led a concentrated series of initiatives advancing Ethiopia’s national interests, sustainable peace, and long-term development. The month was defined by major progress in aviation, energy, logistics, tourism, institutional reform, and national security, alongside intensified regional and international diplomacy. National Affairs and Strategic Development Domestically, the Prime Minister delivered a keynote lecture at the 75th anniversary of Addis Ababa University, highlighting the role of intellectuals and higher education institutions in innovation, applied research, and national prosperity under the Medemer State vision. He inaugurated the Tulu Arara Integrated Model Village, providing dignified housing and sustainable livelihoods for 150 households through modern infrastructure, renewable energy, and integrated agricultural value chains. A landmark achievement was the groundbreaking of Bishoftu International Airport, set to become Africa’s largest aviation infrastructure project. With an initial capacity of 60 million passengers፣ expanding to 110 million፣ supported by a modern highway and high-speed rail link, the project positions Ethiopia among the world’s leading aviation hubs. The Prime Minister emphasised Ethiopian Airlines’ resilience, safety culture, and institutional strength as pillars of national pride. He also presided over the Finance Forward Ethiopia Conference, reviewing progress in fiscal management, financial-sector reform, capital markets, and public enterprise reform, and reaffirming institution-building as a central responsibility of government. Reflecting people-centered leadership, Prime Minister Abiy and the Council of Ministers shared holiday support with low-income staff and orphans supported by the Office of the Prime Minister, underscoring leadership grounded in human connection. Security, Aviation, and National Capacity The Prime Minister attended Aviation Expo 2026 and the “Black Lion” air show marking the 90th anniversary of the Ethiopian Air Force, affirming its historic role and current peak operational capability supported by advanced technology. Earlier in the month, he conducted an on-site inspection of the Air Force, reviewing readiness and reaffirming Ethiopia’s deterrence capacity. Tourism, Energy, and Sustainable Growth January marked a significant expansion of Ethiopia’s tourism portfolio under the Dine for Generations initiative. Denbi Eco Lodge officially opened, showcasing sustainable, conservation-based tourism. This was followed by the inauguration of Shabeely Resort, a flagship 385-hectare destination featuring cultural venues, hospitality facilities, parks, and community spaces designed to celebrate Ethiopia’s natural and cultural heritage and position the country as a leading African tourism destination. In the energy sector, Ethiopia achieved a major milestone with the inauguration of the Aysha-II Wind Power Project, strengthening renewable energy diversification and reinforcing reliable power as the foundation of a technology-driven economy. Rural Development, Education, and Institutional Reform During visits to South West Ethiopia, the Prime Minister reviewed integrated rural development projects in Guraferda Woreda and, together with the First Lady, inaugurated a new boarding school in Surma Woreda, providing comprehensive educational facilities for underserved communities. He also visited the Immigration and Citizenship Services to assess digitised service delivery reforms and reviewed logistics readiness during an inspection of the Ethio–Djibouti Railway Corporation, highlighting progress in rail construction, dry ports, highways, and warehousing. Regional and International Engagements On the diplomatic front, Prime Minister Abiy received the Presidents of Djibouti and Somalia at Jigjiga Airport, underscoring Ethiopia’s commitment to regional cooperation and stability. He also held high-level engagements with China’s Foreign Minister Wang Yi and senior United States officials. Additionally, the Prime Minister met with the United Kingdom’s Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, Rt. Hon. Yvette Cooper. The meeting included the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding on public investment and asset management and agreements for two critical power transmission projects; Hurso–Aysha 400 kV and Degehbur–Kebridehar 132 kV; advancing strategic infrastructure cooperation. Overall, January 2026 was marked by accelerated strategic projects, expanded renewable energy capacity, strengthened national defense, and active regional and global diplomacy under Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed’s leadership, reinforcing Ethiopia’s trajectory toward modernization, resilience, and long-term prosperity.

Addis Ababa, February 2, 2026 (ENA)—Institutions accountable to Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed have undergone a rigorous mid-year performance review, Deputy Prime Minister Temesgen Tiruneh confirmed. In a statement shared on his official X page, Temesgen underscored the government’s firm focus on accountability, measurable delivery, and visible impact for citizens. The Deputy Prime Minister said the review examined the mid-year performance of the 2018 Ethiopian fiscal year and forms a central pillar of the Prosperity Party’s governance approach. “Today’s session focused on the mid-year performance of the 2018 Ethiopian fiscal year,” Temesgen stated, noting that supervised institutions presented their achievements for evaluation and received strategic direction aimed at “strengthening effectiveness, coordination, and impact.” He underscored that the review process is designed not only to assess results but also to promote institutional learning. “This review process is a core element of the Prosperity Party’s governance approach, one that emphasizes accountability, learning, and results,” he said. According to the Deputy Prime Minister, the Prosperity Party’s vision has moved beyond rhetoric and is now yielding concrete outcomes. “The vision is no longer aspirational rhetoric,” he said, adding that “through sustained reform efforts, it is taking root and producing tangible outcomes across the country.” He credited institutions and their leadership for translating this vision into action, stressing that “national transformation is driven by disciplined institutions and responsible leadership.” Reiterating the government’s uncompromising stance on delivery, Temesgen said, “the Prosperity vision does not accommodate delay or ambiguity.” He added, “what is promised must be implemented, and what is implemented must be visible, measurable, and beneficial to citizens.” Reflecting on recent national achievements, he noted that at the start of the 2018 Ethiopian New Year the country reached historic milestones. “The Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam was completed, and major national projects were launched,” he said, citing the Bishoftu International Airport as well as fuel and fertilizer production facilities among projects strengthening economic sovereignty and national resilience. “The hallmark of this government, guided by the Prosperity Party’s vision, is the ability to begin and complete projects with speed and purpose,” Temesgen stated. He pointed to the inauguration of the Shebele Resort and the Aysha 2 Wind Power Plant, while noting that additional projects are nearing completion. According to him, ongoing construction of roads, bridges, dams, and housing developments across the country demonstrates that long standing commitments are steadily being fulfilled. On the conduct of the evaluation, the Deputy Premier said performance was assessed “objectively and without compromise.” He explained that achievements were acknowledged, shortcomings were addressed candidly, and institutions were challenged to correct weaknesses through open discussions and practical solutions. Encouraged by the progress recorded so far, DPM Temesgen said, “we proceed with confidence and resolve,” while stressing that in the remaining six months institutions are expected to deliver stronger outcomes, deepen reform impacts, and advance the Prosperity Party’s vision of a united, prosperous, and resilient Ethiopia.

Addis Ababa, February 2, 2026 (ENA)—The National Election Board of Ethiopia (NEBE) emphasized that the coordinated and responsible engagement of all stakeholders is pivotal to conduct free, fair and democratic election. The Board made the statement while convening a stakeholders’ consultation forum in Addis Ababa, bringing together regional administrators, city mayors, political party leaders, security officials and representatives of civil society organizations. Addressing participants, NEBE Chairperson Melatwork Hailu said preparations to conduct the seventh national election in a free, fair and impartial manner are well underway. She noted that key practical activities are being carried out by announcing the election schedule, noting that civil society organizations have obtained permission to provide training to increase voters’ awareness and have already begun their programs. Civil society organizations have received authorization to provide voter education and awareness training and have already begun implementing their programs, she added. According to her, the Board is providing the necessary support to political parties to strengthen their participation in the electoral process and the consultation forum also serves as a platform to review progress across regions and to identify existing gaps. She also emphasized the significance of holding consultations to understand the security situation in each area to ensure a free, fair, impartial and peaceful election, underscoring the role of stakeholders for the successful completion of the election. The seventh national election is scheduled to take place on June 1, 2026. In preparation, NEBE has recently launched new digital platforms aimed at modernizing voter and candidate registration for the upcoming general election.

Addis Ababa, February 2, 2026 (ENA—The House of Peoples’ Representatives has announced that Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed will appear before the legislature tomorrow to respond to inquiries from its members. The 6th House of Peoples’ Representatives is scheduled to convene for its 10th regular session of the fifth year of its term. During this high-level assembly, the Prime Minister will provide detailed clarifications on the federal government’s performance report for the first half of the 2018 Ethiopian fiscal year. The deliberations will center on the execution of strategic initiatives, the milestones achieved during the reporting period, and the critical sectors identified for further enhancement. In addition to the lawmakers, this significant session will be attended by members of the diplomatic corps, representatives of international organizations based in Addis Ababa, religious leaders, and other distinguished guests.

Addis Ababa, February 1, 2026 (ENA)—Ethiopia’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Gedion Timothewos, today held talks with Monday Simaya Kumba, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of South Sudan. During the meeting, the two ministers noted that the continued high-level engagements between Ethiopia and South Sudan reflect the depth and strength of the longstanding bilateral relations between the two countries. They emphasized the importance of further consolidating political and economic cooperation, while also strengthening the close people-to-people ties that bind the two nations. The ministers also exchanged views on regional peace and security issues of mutual interest, reaffirming their shared commitment to promoting peace, stability, and enhanced cooperation in the region.

Addis Ababa, February 1, 2026 (ENA—Ethiopia and the United Kingdom have signed major cooperation agreements aimed at strengthening public investment management and expanding Ethiopia’s strategic power transmission infrastructure, following high-level talks presided over by Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed. The agreements were concluded during a meeting between Prime Minister Abiy and the United Kingdom’s Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, Rt. Hon. Yvette Cooper, where they discussed key bilateral relations as well as regional issues of mutual interest. As part of the engagement, the two sides oversaw the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on Technical Cooperation in Public Investment and Asset Management under the Ethiopia Investment Advisory Facility. The MoU is designed to enhance Ethiopia’s institutional capacity in managing large-scale public investments and strategic assets. In addition, Ethiopia and the UK witnessed the conclusion of a joint development agreement for two critical power transmission projects: the Hurso–Aysha 400 kilovolt (kV) Transmission Project and the Degehbur–Kebridehar 132 kV Transmission Project. The projects are expected to play a key role in expanding electricity access, improving grid reliability, and supporting economic growth in eastern parts of the country. In a statement shared on social media, Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed said the agreements mark a significant step forward in Ethiopia’s development agenda. “During the meeting, we oversaw the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding for Technical Cooperation on Public Investment and Asset Management under the Ethiopia Investment Advisory Facility. We also witnessed the conclusion of a joint development agreement for two critical power transmission projects: the Hurso–Aysha 400 kV Transmission Project and the Degehbur–Kebridehar 132 kV Transmission Project,” the Prime Minister stated. He added that the agreements reflect Ethiopia’s commitment to strengthening cooperation with international partners while advancing strategic infrastructure development that supports long-term economic transformation. The power transmission projects are expected to enhance connectivity within Ethiopia’s national grid and support the country’s broader efforts to expand reliable energy supply for industrial development and regional integration.

Addis Ababa, January 31, 2026 (ENA) - Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed received Ismail Omar Guelleh, the President of Djibouti, and Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, the President of Somalia, at the Jigjiga Airport this morning.

Addis Ababa, January 30, 2026 (ENA) -Barbadian Prime Minister Mia Amor Mottley has hailed Ethiopian Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) as a powerful symbol of African self-determination, declaring it a living proof that the continent can defeat energy poverty even when locked out of international financing. Speaking in a widely watched interview with a globally renowned South African comedian, writer, producer, and television host, Trevor Noah, Mottley said Africa’s most urgent development crisis remains access to electricity, an issue often ignored amid global debates about artificial intelligence and advanced technology. “When the world is talking about technology, 600 million people out of 1.4 billion in Africa do not have electricity,” she said. Mottley pointed to Ethiopia’s flagship hydropower project as a historic achievement born out of resistance and resolve. She noted that major international financial institutions refused to finance the dam, forcing Ethiopians to rely entirely on domestic resources. “They turned inward between the central bank—the National Bank of Ethiopia) and ordinary citizens,” she said. “Citizens buying bonds, citizens giving donations. This is the 21st-century Adwa.” Her reference evoked the 1896 Battle of Adwa, where Ethiopian forces defeated Italian colonial troops, a victory that electrified the Black world and became a cornerstone of Pan-African consciousness. “Adwa showed the world that Black people could achieve something after centuries of domination and subjugation,” Mottley said, adding that the triumph helped lay the foundation for Pan-Africanism and later independence movements, including those inspired by the 1945 Manchester Pan-African Congress. Describing the sheer scale of the GERD, Mottley said the dam, the largest in Africa—stretches nearly two kilometers wide and rises approximately 550 feet. “You have to see it to believe it. I have never seen water move at that speed,” she said. Underscoring the political and symbolic weight of the project, she added: “They did it when the world said no. It took 14 years—but they did it.” Mottley warned that the same global systems that denied Ethiopia financing continue to reflect colonial-era power structures, cautioning that without urgent reform, today’s international economic and political order threatens the long-term stability of nations across the Global South. Her remarks positioned the GERD not only as an engineering feat, but as a continental manifesto—a statement that Africa can finance, build, and control its own future.

Addis Ababa, January 29, 2026 (ENA) -The United Nations has praised the "brave" Ethiopian women and men peacekeepers for their service and sacrifice as the country maintains its longstanding central role in United Nations (UN) peacekeeping operations. Ethiopia continues to maintain a leading role in United Nations peacekeeping, sustaining its position as one of the world's top troop-contributing countries with a decades-long history of commitment to global and regional stability. “Over 1,500 military and police officers from Ethiopia are serving for peace with United Nations Peacekeeping, leaving their families to protect those most at risk,” according a statement from the UN. The United Nations appreciated the brave Ethiopian women and men for their service and sacrifice as part of honoring the service and sacrifice of all peacekeepers, and commended the contributions from all the countries. Since 1948 more than two million people have served as UN Peacekeepers in hotspots around the world, including more than 65,000 today, the statement further noted. They provide security, stability and hope for a better future to war-affected communities. And they often do so at great personal risk and under very harsh conditions, leaving their families behind thousands of hundreds of miles away from their homelands, it added. According to the statement, more than 4, 400 peacekeepers have lost their lives serving under the UN flag. The United Nations does not have its own military or police force, it said, adding that it relies on individual UN Member States to contribute personnel to its peacekeeping operations. Today, UN peacekeepers hail from more than 100 troop and police contributing countries, but they are united in their goal to help provide security and stability to some of the most vulnerable people on earth. Collectively, they perform acts of courage and compassion every day. Beyond their regular mandated activities – such as protecting civilians and supporting peace processes -- peacekeepers often carry out humanitarian efforts such as delivering free medical and veterinary care, providing access to water; supporting schools and orphanages; building roads and bridges and other key infrastructure which benefit communities and bring people together. “The United Nations honors the service and sacrifice of all peacekeepers and commends the contributions from all the countries that provide our peacekeeping operations with military and police personnel,” the statement concluded.

Addis Ababa, January 29, 2026 (ENA) - Sweden is actively pivoting its long-standing partnership with Ethiopia from development aid toward a robust framework of trade and investment, seeking to capitalize on the nation’s burgeoning economic potential. During a gathering marking the 70th anniversary of Rotary Ethiopia, Magnus Lennartsson, Sweden’s Ambassador to Ethiopia and Permanent Representative to the African Union, delivered a keynote address celebrating seven decades of humanitarian excellence. In his speech ,he portrayed the historical and political bonds between Stockholm and Addis Ababa as the vital cornerstone of Sweden’s strategic engagement within East Africa. Ambassador Lennartsson articulated a profound shift in bilateral relations, emphasizing that the era of traditional assistance is evolving into commercial synergy. He lauded Ethiopia’s impressive economic trajectory, identifying it as the primary catalyst for the mounting interest among Swedish investors eager to penetrate the country’s expanding market. Ethiopia stands as a pivotal partner for Sweden within the complex and competitive geopolitical landscape of this region, the Ambassador remarked. He expressed his government’s resolute commitment to collaborating with Ethiopia through multilateral institutions. He further underscored that the bedrock of this cooperation remains the cultivation of vibrant people-to-people connections, which serve as the foundation for mutual prosperity and shared understanding. Looking toward the horizon, Ambassador Lennartsson shared a buoyant optimism for the future of the Ethiopia-Sweden alliance, voicing his firm conviction that the partnership will continue to flourish across diverse sectors in the coming years. The celebration held a personal resonance for the diplomat, whose journey with Rotary began in 1989 when he was awarded a prestigious scholarship by Rotary International. Ambassador Lennartsson expressed heartfelt gratitude for the opportunity, characterizing it as a formative milestone that helped shape his distinguished career in international diplomacy.

Addis Ababa, January 28, 2026 (ENA) -State Minister for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Hadera Abera, on today held talks with the European Union Special Representative for the Horn of Africa, Annette Weber, reaffirming Ethiopia’s commitment to further consolidating its longstanding partnership with the European Union. During the discussions, Ambassador Hadera underscored the strategic importance of Ethiopia’s partnership with the European Union. He noted that cooperation between Ethiopia and the European Union spans more than five decades, covering key areas such as economic development, peacebuilding, and regional security. Both sides emphasized the importance of further enhancing political dialogue, deepening economic cooperation, and strengthening collaboration on regional and multilateral issues of mutual interest.

Addis Ababa, January 28, 2026 (ENA) -The African Union (AU) and the United States have reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening cooperation to promote peace, security and economic growth across Africa. US Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau held talks in Addis Ababa with African Union Commission Chairperson Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, focusing on shared priorities and areas of collaboration between the two partners. Briefing the media after the meeting, Landau said the African Union, together with individual African countries, has a vital role in promoting stability and development on the continent. “Our discussions focused on ways in which the United States can contribute to Africa, as Africa contributes to our safety, security and prosperity, and it is in our interest to have a stable and prosperous Africa,” he said. Landau noted that Africa offers significant economic and commercial opportunities, citing its growing population and expanding markets. He also highlighted the continent’s natural resources, saying they can be developed “for the good of the people of Africa and also for the good of the people of our country.” “The United States wants to be present in Africa. We think there are many advantages for Africa and for the United States,” he added. He further stressed that Washington does not want external actors to fuel instability in Africa and reaffirmed the US commitment to work closely with African nations and the African Union. For his part, AU Commission Chairperson Mahmoud Ali Youssouf underscored the importance of deepening genuine cooperation based on shared interests. “We are interconnected, so we need to find the best way to work on our common ground, common interest,” he said, calling for more sincere collaboration to advance mutual priorities. During his visit to Ethiopia, the US Deputy Secretary of State also held discussions with Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed and Foreign Minister Gedion Timothewos on issues of mutual interest.

Addis Ababa, January 28, 2026 (ENA) -Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed received a courtesy visit from the United States Deputy Secretary of State, Christopher T. Landau, accompanied by the Commander of U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM), General Dagvin Li Anderson. In a statement shared on social media, the Prime Minister described the discussions as warm and constructive, emphasizing the importance of continued collaboration and mutual respect between the two countries. “I received a courtesy visit from the Deputy Secretary of State, Christopher T. Landau, alongside the Commander of U.S. Africa Command, General Dagvin Li Anderson. I appreciated the warm and constructive engagement, which underscored the importance of continued collaboration and mutual respect.”

Addis Ababa, January 28, 2026 (ENA) -Foreign Minister Gedion Timothewos held talks today with United States Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau at his office, focusing on strengthening bilateral relations between Ethiopia and the United States. During the meeting, the two sides reviewed avenues for further enhancing cooperation across areas of mutual interest and exchanged views on key regional and international developments. Ethiopia and the United States share long-standing diplomatic ties spanning more than 120 years, underpinned by cooperation in political, economic, and people-to-people engagement.