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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Addis Ababa, April 22, 2026 (ENA) —Founder and Director of the influential "Abay Kings" media outlet, Ustaz Jamal Bashir, has noted that Ethiopia possesses the political credibility and diplomatic capacity to play a constructive mediating role in addressing some of the world’s most volatile crises as well as contributing more effectively to regional stability and security. He highlighted the country’s potential contribution to easing rising tensions linked to the confrontation involving Israel and the United States on one side, and Iran on the other, as well as its role in promoting stability in the Red Sea region. In an exclusive interview with the Ethiopian News Agency, Jamal Bashir said Addis Ababa maintains balanced and pragmatic relations with a wide range of regional and international actors involved in these tensions. This includes countries directly affected by military escalation in the Gulf alongside Ethiopia’s steady diplomatic ties with both Iran and Israel. The media figure emphasized that this broad and carefully managed network of relationships places Ethiopia in a strong position to act as a credible and acceptable mediator. Jamal pointed out Ethiopia’s previous contributions to regional peace efforts — particularly in Sudan — as evidence of its diplomatic influence. He further underlined that the Ethiopian leadership, under Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, has succeeded in expanding strategic partnerships with Arab nations and key international players such as Turkey, India, and Pakistan. "Under the leadership of Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, the country has further strengthened its external relations, building distinguished partnerships with Arab nations, as well as with Turkey, India, and Pakistan." These relationships, he said, enhance Ethiopia’s ability to play a constructive and conciliatory role within an increasingly complex global landscape. Furthermore, Jamal stressed the importance of Ethiopia’s deeper engagement in both security and economic dynamics related to critical maritime routes. Ethiopia should secure access to the Red Sea and establish a presence that enables it to contribute more effectively to regional stability and security, he said. According to him, Ethiopia historically possessed a capable naval presence and accumulated considerable experience in the Red Sea. "Today, as the Red Sea faces growing security threats—particularly around the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, Ethiopia’s historical familiarity and strategic interests position it as a potential contributor to regional stability. In this context, the country’s renewed efforts to re-engage with the sea and re-establish a presence along the Red Sea appear increasingly timely." Warning about escalating security threats, including piracy and the activities of armed groups such as Al-Shabaab and the Houthis, the media figure noted that these are creating an increasingly complex security landscape that demands stronger regional coordination and collective responses. In this regard, Ethiopia is capable of helping to “de-escalate destabilizing developments in the region” through a balanced diplomatic and security approach—one that reflects its rising regional influence and strategic importance within Africa and beyond.

Addis Ababa, April 21, 2026 (ENA) —Ethiopia’s President Taye Atske Selassie, joined African Union (AU) Commission Chairperson Mahmoud Ali Youssouf this morning in Addis Ababa to address the inaugural Africa–China Entrepreneurs Summit (CAES). The forum brought together business leaders from across Africa and China, alongside Jiang Feng, Ambassador of China to Ethiopia and the African Union, as well as representatives of the China Chamber of Commerce. Speaking at the opening session, President Taye emphasized the need to strengthen innovation hubs and deepen technology co-creation between Africa and China.   He underscored that entrepreneurship, innovation, and research collaboration must sit at the core of Africa’s development agenda. Taye further noted that while governments should establish enabling legal and strategic frameworks, the primary drivers of transformation will be entrepreneurs and innovators working across borders. A key proposal in his remarks was the establishment of joint research and innovation hubs linking African and Chinese expertise. “These centres would serve as a dedicated ecosystem where Chinese expertise meets African creativity and resourcefulness in artificial intelligence, green energy, mobility, and the digital economy,” he said. President Taye stressed that future cooperation must go beyond trade to focus on co-development of technologies tailored to African markets, adding that sustainable partnerships must be grounded in dignity, mutual respect, and shared benefit.   On his part, AU Commission Chairperson Mahmoud Ali Youssouf described Africa as a future engine of global growth, driven by its youthful population and vast untapped potential. He emphasized that trade, private sector dynamism, and entrepreneurship remain central to continental integration and development. Reflecting on more than two decades of cooperation under the Forum on China–Africa Cooperation (FOCAC), he called for deeper collaboration, drawing lessons from China’s agricultural and industrial transformation. The Chairperson further urged increased Chinese investment, the development of joint value chains, and stronger support for youth and women entrepreneurs, including the institutionalization of the China–Africa Entrepreneurship Alliance with measurable outcomes.   The summit concluded with the signing of 12 strategic agreements spanning infrastructure, renewable energy, and digital trade. Organizers described the outcome as a shift from diplomatic dialogue toward implementation-focused economic cooperation. The gathering also reinforced a broader “Made in Africa” industrial vision, positioning value addition, innovation, and technology-driven manufacturing at the center of Africa’s economic future, rather than reliance on raw material exports, ENA learned.

Addis Ababa, April 21, 2026 (ENA) —Ethiopia’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Gedion Timothewos held high-level talks with a delegation led by his Bangladesh’s counterpart Khalilur Rahman, with both sides agreeing to strengthen bilateral relations through enhanced economic cooperation. The two ministers discussed ways to expand collaboration across both bilateral and multilateral frameworks, focusing on boosting trade, investment, and broader development partnerships.   Minister Gedion emphasized Ethiopia’s sustained economic growth and extended an invitation to Bangladeshi companies to invest in key priority sectors, including renewable energy, agro-processing, pharmaceuticals, medical equipment manufacturing, and wider industrial development. On his part, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Bangladesh, Khalilur Rahman reaffirmed his country’s strong interest in deepening relations with Ethiopia, particularly by expanding cooperation in trade and investment.   At the conclusion of the discussions, both sides agreed to elevate their bilateral relations to a higher level, with enhanced economic cooperation set to serve as the central pillar of future engagement.

Addis Ababa, April 21, 2026 (ENA) —President Taye Atske Selassie held talks today with Bangladesh Foreign Minister Khalilur Rahman on various spheres of mutual interest. Following the discussion, Director-General for Middle Eastern, Asian, and Pacific Countries’ Affairs at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Dewano Kedir highlighted the strong and flourishing relations between Ethiopia and Bangladesh, including in trade and investment. According to him, Bangladeshi businesspersons are investing in textiles, the pharmaceutical industry, and other sectors.   The discussion held between President Taye and Foreign Minister Rahman has a pivotal role to boost the two countries trade and investment cooperation, he added. During the discussion, President Taye commended the strong partnership between the countries, stressing the need to strengthen diplomatic partnership, people-to-people, trade and investment relations, according to the Director-General. The President has also affirmed Ethiopia’s commitment to strengthening its partnership with Bangladesh. For his part, Bangladesh Foreign Minister Rahman said the trade and investment cooperation between the two countries is growing rapidly, noting that his country is committed to strengthening its relation with Ethiopia.   The Minister further assured the readiness of Bangladesh to elevate the Ethio-Bangladesh bilateral and multilateral diplomatic cooperation to a new chapter, it was learned.

Addis Ababa, April 21, 2026 (ENA) —Members of the U.S Army War delegation have expressed their appreciation for Ethiopia’s regional role and commended the longstanding relations between the two nations, according to Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Senior military officers and staffs drawn from the United States Army War College, led by Ambassador W. Patrick Murphy, Deputy Commandant and International Affairs Advisor at the National War College, visited the Ministry of Foreign Affairs earlier today for discussions with senior officials on bilateral and regional issues. During the visit, Europe and America Affairs Director-General Meles Alem highlighted the more than 120-years relations between Ethiopia and the United States, emphasizing cooperation in political, economic, and social spheres. He underscored Ethiopia’s role in promoting peace and stability in the Horn of Africa, including contributions to peacekeeping missions in Somalia, South Sudan, and the Darfur region of Sudan. The Director-General also noted Ethiopia’s role in regional development through infrastructure connectivity, including electricity and water supply, and reaffirmed its commitment to peaceful solutions in the region. Meles further highlighted the strong partnership between Ethiopian Airlines and Boeing as well as the contributions of the Ethiopian diaspora in the United States and the growing number of American investors in Ethiopia. According to him, both countries have broad opportunities to deepen cooperation in maintaining peace and stability and combating terrorism globally.

Addis Ababa, April 20, 2026 (ENA) —Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed held talks with European Union Commissioner for International Partnerships in the early hours of this morning. “This morning, I received the European Union Commissioner for International Partnerships, Mr. Josef Šíkela, with whom I discussed our longstanding cooperation with the European Union,” the Premier shared on social media cannels.  

Addis Ababa, April 20, 2026 (ENA) —The Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ethiopia, Gedion Timothewos held high-level discussions today with Beate Meinl-Reisinger, Austria’s Federal Minister for European and International Affairs, at his office in Addis Ababa. During the meeting, both sides reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening long-standing relations between Ethiopia and Austria, highlighting significant untapped potential for expanded cooperation across political, economic, educational, cultural, and multilateral domains. Minister Gedion briefed his Austrian counterpart on Ethiopia’s Homegrown Economic Reform Agenda, outlining key investment opportunities in sectors such as renewable energy, manufacturing, tourism, and digital infrastructure. Minister Meinl-Reisinger expressed Austria’s readiness to enhance engagement with Ethiopia, emphasizing the importance of strengthening business-to-business linkages, facilitating trade and investment missions, and advancing institutional partnerships in innovation, technology transfer, and skills development. She also noted the active participation of Austrian companies in the EU–Ethiopia Business Forum held earlier in the day. On multilateral cooperation, the two ministers agreed to deepen collaboration within the United Nations and other international platforms, with a particular focus on climate change, migration, and the Sustainable Development Goals. Ethiopia and Austria this year mark 120 years of diplomatic relations, a milestone both sides described as a strong foundation for future partnership.

Addis Ababa, April 20, 2026 (ENA) — The African Union (AU) and Austria have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to enhance collaboration on critical global and regional issues, including peace and security, economic development, good governance, and human rights. The agreement was signed at the AU Headquarters in Addis Ababa by the Chairperson of the AU Commission, Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, and Austrian Foreign Affairs Minister Beate Meinl-Reisinger. Following the ceremony, Chairperson Youssouf commended Austria’s increasingly active global role and welcomed its commitment to a strategic partnership with Africa. He noted that the MOU would significantly strengthen the multilateral system that has underpinned global peace and prosperity since the Second World War. "We believe this agreement will bear significant fruit in our partnership and bilateral relations," he stated. Foreign Minister Meinl-Reisinger praised the long-standing relationship between Austria and the AU, reaffirming Vienna’s commitment to deeper ties. She emphasized that the MOU provides a "clear direction" for future engagement. "In this new world order, both the African Union and Austria stand firm in reforming the multilateral system to make it more effective, not replacing it," she added. She further noted that for countries like Austria, strong multilateral institutions are not just a preference, but a "lifeline."

Addis Ababa, April 20, 2026 (ENA) —Ethiopia has reached pivotal milestones in building a more competitive, inclusive, and resilient economy, underpinned by structural reform, sectoral transformation, and strengthened global engagement, according to the Office of the Prime Minister. During a 100-day review and nine-month performance report presided over by Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, the government outlined key achievements realized despite a historically challenging economic environment. The Minister of Planning and Development, Fitsum Assefa, noted that these reforms were designed to address long-standing issues such as weak institutions, low productivity, limited private sector participation, and underperforming state-owned enterprises (SOEs). In response to these challenges, the government implemented a pragmatic reform strategy focused on economic liberalization by opening the economy to competition and advancing "home-grown" policies. This agenda emphasizes sectoral diversification to expand growth across multiple industries, supported by innovative financing mechanisms such as the development of capital markets and the expansion of public-private and public–people partnerships. Furthermore, the strategy has strengthened economic governance through the implementation of coordinated oversight systems designed to ensure faster and more efficient project execution. A central shift has been the elevation of the private sector as a key driver of growth, complemented by strengthened development partnerships and ongoing debt restructuring. At the same time, institutional reforms, social inclusion efforts, and improvements in service delivery have aimed to expand access, enhance quality, and reinforce governance structures. On the global stage, a more proactive, citizen-centred diplomacy has improved regional integration and international positioning. Notable milestones include entry into BRICS+, expanded trade- and investment-focused partnerships, leadership in climate diplomacy, and selection to host COP32, alongside continued efforts to secure sea access. These reforms have translated into strong economic outcomes. Growth currently stands at 9.2 percent, with projections of 10.2 percent, and an average of 7.5 percent sustained over the past eight years. The investment climate has improved significantly, with 2,153 licenses issued (65 percent in manufacturing) while state-owned enterprises have shifted from an 8 billion birr loss to generating 2.1 trillion birr in revenue over nine months and creating approximately 96,000 jobs within just these nine months. Sectoral performance highlights include increased agricultural mechanization, a rise in manufacturing market share from 25 to 46 percent, significant growth in gold exports, expansion of tourism investment and destinations, and rapid digital transformation through 4G and 5G rollout, digital public services, and emerging AI-focused institutions. Progress has also been made in green growth and climate resilience through reforestation, emissions reduction, and climate-smart agriculture. Humanitarian systems have been strengthened through improved reserve capacity, expanded storage infrastructure, enhanced early warning and emergency response, and greater community participation. Overall, the reporting period reflects measurable progress toward building a more competitive, inclusive, and resilient economy underpinned by structural reform, sectoral transformation, and strengthened global engagement, the Office of the Prime Minister asserted.

Addis Ababa, April 20, 2026 (ENA) — President Taye Atskeselassie received Austrian Foreign Minister Beate Meinl-Reisinger at his office today to discuss deepening diplomatic cooperation across bilateral and multilateral fronts. Ambassador Meles Alem, Director General for European and American Affairs at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, told ENA that the discussion centered on a "long-standing and enduring friendship." He noted that President Taye and the Austrian Foreign Minister reviewed avenues for strengthening diplomatic ties between the two countries. The President underscored the enduring friendship between Ethiopia and Austria, adding that their longstanding relationship continues to be strengthened across multiple areas of cooperation. On her part, Foreign Minister Meinl-Reisinger stated that Austria remains committed to further strengthening its historical relations with Ethiopia. She reaffirmed her intent to advance the strategic partnership between the two countries—spanning over 120 years—particularly in matters related to people-to-people cooperation and security. She also explained that the purpose of her visit is to enhance the diplomatic cooperation that has existed for more than 120 years, both bilaterally and multilaterally.

Addis Ababa, April 20, 2026 (ENA) —Ethiopia’s adoption of a pragmatic political economy approach is driving robust economic expansion, with growth projected to accelerate into double digits, Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed revealed. In a social media statement issued alongside the government’s third 100-day performance review, PM Abiy pointed out that the policy shift has already begun yielding tangible results. “In response, we have adopted a new, pragmatic political economy approach. This shift has enabled the achievement of strong, double-digit growth momentum,” the Prime Minister noted. According to the update, Ethiopia’s economy is currently growing at 9.2 percent, with projections indicating an increase to 10.2 percent in the coming year. The government also outlined sector-specific targets, underscoring a broad-based growth strategy. “Sectorally, we are advancing targeted growth objectives: 7.9 percent in agriculture, 13.2 percent in industry, and 9.3 percent in services,” PM Abiy said. The Premier further emphasized that the reforms are part of a wider effort to build a resilient and competitive economy. “These efforts reflect our commitment to building a more resilient, competitive, and inclusive economy,” it added. Reflecting on past challenges, the statement acknowledged that Ethiopia’s economy had been constrained by structural weaknesses. “We have moved away from an economy once characterized by a weak institutional and political framework that was not conducive to growth, limited private sector participation, and an ineffective regulatory environment,” he said. It further highlighted that private sector competitiveness had been low, while state-owned enterprises were weighed down by inefficiencies and high debt burdens. Productivity challenges and vulnerability to climate change were also cited as major impediments to growth. The government noted that the ongoing reforms are designed to address these bottlenecks while unlocking new opportunities for sustained economic transformation. The 100-day review process, conducted periodically, serves as a mechanism to evaluate performance and align policy implementation with national development priorities.

Addis Ababa, April 19, 2026 (ENA) —Ethiopia and the United Kingdom have agreed to deepen their cooperation, signaling a shift toward stronger economic ties alongside traditional development support. The agreement came during a meeting in Washington on the sidelines of the 2026 IMF–World Bank Spring Meetings 2026, where Ethiopia’s Minister of Finance, Ahmed Shide, held talks with UK Minister of State for International Development, Baroness Chapman. Both sides reaffirmed their longstanding partnership and explored ways to expand collaboration beyond aid-focused development into broader areas such as trade, investment, and private sector growth. Minister Ahmed pointed out Ethiopia’s ongoing economic reforms and improving outlook despite global pressures, emphasizing the need for continued UK engagement to sustain progress and support inclusive development. Baroness Chapman welcomed Ethiopia’s reform momentum and recent improvements in the business environment. She also reiterated the UK’s commitment to development cooperation and highlighted Ethiopia’s strategic role in promoting stability across the Horn of Africa. The meeting concluded with a shared commitment to elevate the relationship into a more comprehensive economic partnership, focusing on investment, trade expansion, and long-term development cooperation.