Addis Ababa, July 26, 2026 (ENA) —Burundi’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and Development Cooperation and Chairperson of the African Union Executive Council, Édouard Bizimana, arrived in Addis Ababa on Sunday to attend the 49th Ordinary Session of the AU Executive Council. Bizimana was welcomed at Bole International Airport by Melaku Bedada, Chief of State Protocol at Ethiopia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The 49th Ordinary Session of the Executive Council will be held in Addis Ababa from July 28 to 29, 2026, under the theme: “Assuring Sustainable Water Availability and Safe Sanitation Systems to Achieve the Goals of Agenda 2063.” The high-level meeting comes at a critical moment for Africa, where population growth, rapid urbanization, climate change and growing water scarcity are placing unprecedented pressure on the continent’s water and sanitation systems.   For millions of Africans, access to safe drinking water and adequate sanitation remains a daily challenge, with the consequences extending beyond public health to food security, economic development, climate resilience and social stability. Against this backdrop, the Executive Council is expected to examine how stronger continental cooperation, sustainable water governance and coordinated investment can help address Africa’s growing water challenges and advance the objectives of Agenda 2063 — the African Union’s long-term vision for an integrated, prosperous and peaceful continent.   The session will therefore place water and sanitation at the center of Africa’s development agenda, underscoring the need for collective action to build resilient systems capable of meeting the needs of a rapidly growing and increasingly urbanized population. The 49th Executive Council session will also serve as a key platform for advancing continental cooperation on one of Africa’s most urgent development challenges: ensuring that every African has access to the water and sanitation services essential for a healthy, secure and dignified life.

Ethiopia Looks Inward to Build Consensus and Outward to Expand Its Global Role By Staff Writer July 20, 2026 (ENA) The week belonged to dialogue. As thousands of Ethiopians from across the country gathered in Addis Ababa to begin deliberations on some of the issues that have shaped the nation’s political journey for generations, Ethiopia was simultaneously widening its diplomatic engagement, deepening international partnerships and advancing strategic interests at home and abroad. Taken together, the week’s developments offered a compelling picture of a country seeking to do two things at once: build greater consensus within and expand its opportunities beyond its borders. At the heart of the week’s national agenda was the official opening of Ethiopia’s long-awaited National Dialogue Conference, a process widely viewed as a potential turning point in the country’s political history. National Dialogue Opens a New Political Chapter   Without question, the launch of the National Dialogue Conference was the defining development of the week. After years of preparation and extensive public consultations, representatives from diverse communities and perspectives gathered to deliberate on issues that have long occupied the center of Ethiopia’s political discourse. The process was significant not merely because of the issues under discussion, but because of the method being pursued. Rather than seeking to impose predetermined solutions, the dialogue aims to create space for competing perspectives to be heard, differences to be discussed and areas of common ground to be identified. In that sense, the conference represents an effort to cultivate a new political culture—one in which dialogue replaces confrontation, consultation takes precedence over coercion and national challenges are addressed through engagement rather than division. The process also attracted significant international attention. European Union High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Kaja Kallas expressed confidence that Ethiopia’s National Dialogue could produce concrete outcomes and contribute to peace and national reconciliation. Her remarks added international weight to a process many Ethiopians regard as one of the most consequential political initiatives in the country’s modern history. For participants, the expectations are high. The hope is that the dialogue will help strengthen national cohesion, address longstanding grievances and contribute to a shared vision for Ethiopia’s future. The road ahead will undoubtedly be complex. But the beginning of the process itself marked an important shift: the search for solutions through dialogue has moved from aspiration to national undertaking. Diplomacy Gains New Momentum Even as the National Dialogue dominated domestic attention, Ethiopia’s diplomatic engagement remained highly active. Ambassadors accredited to Ethiopia expressed confidence in the country’s direction and reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening cooperation in political, economic and development affairs. Such assessments reflected growing international interest in Ethiopia’s reform trajectory and its efforts to broaden and diversify its global partnerships. The country’s diplomatic outreach also continued to expand beyond traditional partners. During the week, Ethiopia and Kyrgyzstan pledged to deepen cooperation in key areas, opening new possibilities for trade, investment and broader bilateral engagement. Economic diplomacy likewise gained momentum. The Ethiopia–United States Investment Dialogue brought together government officials, investors and private-sector stakeholders in an effort to strengthen commercial relations and unlock new opportunities for trade and investment.   At the same time, officials from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs underscored the growing importance of business diplomacy as a pillar of Ethiopia’s foreign policy. The message was clear: diplomatic relations are increasingly expected to deliver practical economic benefits. For Ethiopia, this means connecting political partnerships with investment, trade, technology and development opportunities—an approach that is becoming increasingly central to the country’s international engagement. Strategic Interests Remain Central Alongside diplomatic and economic engagement, Ethiopia’s long-term strategic interests continued to command national attention. The country’s pursuit of reliable and sustainable access to the sea featured prominently during the week. Geopolitical analyst Eliyas Abiy argued that Ethiopia’s loss of direct Red Sea access resulted from decisions taken by transitional authorities that, in his view, lacked constitutional legitimacy and a clear public mandate. Speaking to ENA, he said Ethiopia’s quest for sea access is rooted in legitimate national interests rather than expansionist ambitions. Access to the sea, he argued, is closely linked to Ethiopia’s long-term economic development, regional integration and national security. At the same time, he emphasized that Ethiopia’s interests should be pursued through peaceful dialogue, mutual benefit and international law.   The debate reflects the growing importance of maritime access in Ethiopia’s broader national strategy. For a landlocked country of more than 130 million people, the issue is not simply geopolitical—it is also economic, strategic and closely tied to the country’s future regional integration. AI and Innovation Shape Ethiopia’s Future Vision Technology and innovation also occupied an increasingly prominent place in Ethiopia’s development agenda. Former British Prime Minister Tony Blair visited Ethiopia’s Artificial Intelligence Institute, expressing support for the country’s efforts to harness artificial intelligence to improve public service delivery. The visit highlighted growing international interest in Ethiopia’s ambitions in emerging technologies and its broader digital transformation agenda. That momentum continued as leaders from major ICT companies praised Ethiopia’s AI University, describing it as an institution with the potential to become a catalyst for Africa’s digital future.   The developments underscored a broader national ambition: to move beyond being a consumer of technology and to develop the human capital, institutions and innovation ecosystems needed to compete in the global digital economy. For a young and rapidly transforming continent, the development of AI skills and institutions could prove increasingly decisive. Ethiopia’s efforts in this area therefore carry significance beyond its national borders. Tourism and Public Health Expand Ethiopia’s Continental Role The week also demonstrated Ethiopia’s expanding engagement in sectors that extend beyond traditional diplomacy and technology. The country launched an Africa-wide tourism promotion campaign in Kenya, seeking to strengthen regional cooperation while positioning Ethiopia as one of the continent’s leading tourism destinations. The initiative came as Ethiopia continues to promote its rich historical, cultural and natural attractions to a wider international audience. In the health sector, Deputy Prime Minister Temesgen Tiruneh participated in the African Union Extraordinary Health Summit in Ghana, reaffirming Ethiopia’s active role in continental health cooperation.   Further recognition came from the World Health Organization, which commended the Ethiopian Public Health Institute for its contribution to strengthening public health across Africa. The recognition reflected Ethiopia’s growing role in continental health security and its contribution to building stronger public health systems beyond its own borders. A Country Building Consensus at Home and Influence Abroad As the week drew to a close, its major developments revealed a common thread. At home, Ethiopia opened one of the most significant national conversations in its modern history. Abroad, it continued to expand diplomatic partnerships, pursue investment opportunities, promote tourism, strengthen continental health cooperation and position itself as an emerging hub for digital innovation. Each development represented a different dimension of Ethiopia’s national transformation. Together, however, they told a larger story. Ethiopia is seeking to build a future based on dialogue rather than division, cooperation rather than isolation, and innovation rather than complacency. The country’s transformation is increasingly being measured not only through economic growth, infrastructure and development projects, but also through the strength of its institutions, the breadth of its international partnerships and the confidence with which it engages both its citizens and the wider world. The week, in that sense, offered a powerful snapshot of Ethiopia at a consequential moment: looking inward to build consensus, while looking outward to expand its diplomatic, economic and strategic reach. And if there was one message that united the week’s developments, it was this: Ethiopia’s future is being shaped simultaneously at the dialogue table, in diplomatic corridors, through technological innovation and across the wider African and global landscape.

Addis Ababa, July 26, 2026 (ENA) —Addis Ababa is set to host the inaugural World Public Summit: Africa from July 29–30, 2026, bringing together participants from all 54 African countries and international partners. The summit is expected to advance cooperation, sustainable development, innovation and public diplomacy. The first African edition of the World Public Summit marks a significant milestone in Africa’s growing role in shaping global discussions on governance, human-centered leadership, sustainable development and international cooperation. Organized by the World Peoples Assembly in partnership with African and international organizations, the summit will be held at the headquarters of the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA) under the theme “A New World: Africa in Shaping a Shared Future.” More than 700 participants are expected to attend the two-day gathering, including government officials, diplomats, business leaders, academics, journalists, technology innovators, youth representatives, civil society actors, cultural leaders and policy experts from across Africa and beyond. The summit will provide a platform for dialogue on issues shaping Africa’s future and its role in a rapidly changing world. Its agenda includes plenary sessions and panel discussions on sustainable infrastructure, food and information systems, scientific cooperation, education, youth engagement, public diplomacy and the preservation of Africa’s cultural heritage. The International Media Club will also convene a special session examining the role of international media cooperation and public diplomacy in addressing pressing global challenges. A major highlight of the summit will be the “Unity” exhibition, a large-scale contemporary art showcase bringing together artists from 16 African countries alongside an Afro-Brazilian artist whose work reflects Africa’s enduring connections with its global diaspora. Participating artists include Nigeria’s Precious Longret Samuel, Ethiopia’s Selamawit Gebretsadik and Senegal’s Khalifa Mané. Through paintings, sculptures, digital works and mixed-media installations, the exhibition will explore themes of collective memory, identity and shared hope. “Art is one of humanity’s most universal languages and one of the most effective instruments of public diplomacy,” said Andrey Belyaninov, Secretary General of the World Peoples Assembly. “It brings people together where words alone may fail.” He said holding the World Public Summit in Addis Ababa recognizes Africa’s growing role as a key force in shaping a new global order. Tsegaye Chama, Secretary General of the Global Black Center, said the summit represents “a unity that is not transactional, but purposeful and conscious”—one capable of helping shape “new contours for a world that works for all.” The summit will also launch an international interdisciplinary research initiative titled: “The Zambezi River: Economy, Society, Soul.” The initiative will examine the socioeconomic and cultural significance of the Zambezi River across Angola, Botswana, Mozambique, Namibia, Zambia and Zimbabwe. Participants are also expected to attend cultural events at the Adwa Victory Memorial Museum, linking discussions on Africa’s future with the continent’s rich historical legacy and enduring struggle for freedom and dignity. As the headquarters of both the African Union and UNECA, Addis Ababa’s selection as the host city further reinforces its status as Africa’s diplomatic capital and a major center for continental and global dialogue. The outcomes of the summit are expected to contribute to discussions at the Second World Public Assembly, scheduled to be held in Moscow in September 2026. With its broad participation and focus on Africa’s role in shaping a shared global future, the World Public Summit: Africa is set to place Addis Ababa at the center of a major international conversation on cooperation, innovation, diplomacy and the future of the continent.

Addis Ababa, July 26, 2026 (ENA) —The newly inaugurated Advanced Central Laboratory at the Ethiopian Defense University will significantly bolster Ethiopia’s national defense capabilities through scientific research, technological innovation, and specialized training, Defense Minister Aisha Mohammed, said. The Ethiopian Defense University officially opened the state-of-the-art facility today. Speaking at the inauguration ceremony, Minister Aisha described the laboratory as a major milestone in enhancing education, specialized training, innovation, and scientific research within Ethiopia's defense sector. She emphasized that the facility will strengthen national defense capabilities through advanced technology and specialized expertise, while simultaneously expanding the nation's broader educational and institutional capacity.   "The Advanced Central Laboratory represents the beginning of a monumental chapter that will turn knowledge into professional competence, research into innovation, and innovation into practical solutions that serve the nation," the minister said. According to Aisha, the laboratory will support expert-led research aligned with Ethiopia's long-term strategic interests. "The laboratory is a practical research initiative designed to transform knowledge into operational strength and nation-building outcomes," she said, noting that the facility will elevate the university's research capacity and provide a modern scientific foundation for national security. The minister also highlighted that the project reflects the enduring friendship, mutual trust, and strategic partnership between Ethiopia and the United Arab Emirates.   "The cooperation between Ethiopia and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) has entered a new stage focused on national security, technological transformation, and institutional modernization," Aisha said, expressing confidence that the facility will serve as a symbol of bilateral cooperation while contributing to regional peace and defense capabilities. Ethiopian Defense University President Brigadier General Kebede Regassa echoed these sentiments, calling the Advanced Central Laboratory a national strategic asset that will enhance Ethiopia's capacity to respond to rapidly evolving security challenges. More than just a physical facility, he described the laboratory as a symbol of the enduring partnership between Ethiopia and the United Arab Emirates.   He highlighted that the center integrates world-class capabilities across multiple disciplines, including artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, communication engineering, automation and control systems, power engineering, adaptive prototyping and nursing simulation. "The success of the center will be measured not only by its equipment, but by the professionals it trains, the research it produces, the innovations it generates, the technologies it transfers, and the impact it delivers to Ethiopia's defense sector, industry, and society," the president said. According to him, the center will foster cross-sector collaboration among academia, industry, government, and international partners, promoting locally developed technologies that drive industrial growth, reduce foreign dependence, and build sustainable national value. On behalf of UAE Defense Attache, Advanced Central Labratory Project Manager and Technical Team Leader, Colonel Khalid Alzarooni also praised the initiative. He described the project as an iconic milestone in bilateral relations that marks the beginning of deeper collaboration in technology and innovation. Alzarooni further reaffirmed the United Arab Emirates' commitment to its long-standing partnership with Ethiopia, noting that the laboratory will accelerate technology implementation and bolster the country's scientific and technological capacity.   Solar panels installed across multiple sections of the facility generate clean energy and operate in integration with conventional power sources to help ensure stable and uninterrupted operations. Solar inverters and battery-storage systems enable energy to be stored and used when required, helping minimize disruptions to research, training and laboratory activities. The facility also includes a solar water-heating system, further strengthening its energy efficiency and sustainability. The integrated solar infrastructure is expected to reduce energy costs, limit pollution through the use of clean energy and help mitigate the impact of power interruptions on laboratory operations. Beyond education and research, the Ethiopian Defence University plans to utilize the laboratory to provide specialized consultancy services in areas including cybersecurity, power infrastructure and logistics engineering. The facility will also support advanced vocational training, technical mentorship and professional workshops, while creating platforms for knowledge exchange and stronger collaboration among academia, industry and the wider community.   The inauguration marks a significant step in Ethiopia’s efforts to strengthen its scientific and technological capabilities and develop a highly skilled workforce equipped to respond to the increasingly complex security, industrial and technological challenges of the 21st century.

By Yordanos D. July 26, 2026 (ENA) For generations, Ethiopia watched its rivers flow northward while millions of its own citizens remained without reliable electricity, modern irrigation, or adequate access to clean water. From the Ethiopian highlands, the Abay, known downstream as the Blue Nile; together with the Tekeze and Baro-Akobo river systems, carries the overwhelming majority of the Abay’s waters. Yet the country from which these rivers originate remained one of Africa’s least electrified nations for decades. To many Ethiopians, this was more than an economic paradox. It was a historical injustice. The question was simple but profound: How could a country that contributes the largest share of the Abay (Nile)’s waters remain unable to use its own natural resources to light homes, power industries, irrigate farmland, and lift millions out of poverty? For Ethiopia, the answer lies in a combination of colonial-era arrangements, geopolitical pressure, financial constraints, domestic instability, and what successive Ethiopian governments, scholars, and policymakers have described as a longstanding system of hydro-hegemony in the Nile Basin.   At the center of that struggle stood Egypt, the principal downstream opponent of Ethiopia’s efforts to develop the Abbay River. For decades, Ethiopia has argued that Egypt sought to preserve a historical order in which downstream interests dominated decisions over the Abay, while upstream countries, particularly Ethiopia were expected to accept restrictions on their own development. The construction and completion of the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD), however, changed that equation. The dam did more than generate electricity. It challenged an old political and diplomatic order, forced a reconsideration of power relations in the Nile Basin, and demonstrated that a major African infrastructure project could be built through national determination and domestic resource mobilization despite intense geopolitical opposition. The Historical Roots of a Disputed Order The roots of the Abay dispute reach deep into the colonial era. Among the agreements most frequently cited in Ethiopia’s objections is the 1929 Anglo-Egyptian Nile Waters Agreement. Negotiated by Great Britain on behalf of its East African colonies and Egypt, the agreement did not include Ethiopia—even though the Ethiopian highlands are the source of the majority of the waters flowing into the Nile system. The arrangement granted Egypt significant influence over upstream water development and reinforced a system that Ethiopian scholars and policymakers argue was created without the participation or consent of the principal upstream country. Three decades later, Egypt and Sudan signed the 1959 Nile Waters Agreement. The treaty allocated 55.5 billion cubic meters of the Nile’s annual flow to Egypt and 18.5 billion cubic meters to Sudan. No upstream Nile country was party to the agreement. For Ethiopia, this was a fundamental problem. A river system whose waters originate overwhelmingly in the territories of upstream states had effectively been divided through an agreement negotiated by two downstream countries. Ethiopia has consistently rejected the notion that such agreements can determine the rights of countries that were not parties to them. Ethiopian legal experts and policymakers argue that modern international water law is based on principles of equitable and reasonable utilization, cooperation, and the obligation to avoid significant harm—not on the permanent preservation of historical privilege. This disagreement lies at the heart of the Abay (Nile) dispute. For Ethiopia and other upstream countries, the question is not whether downstream states have legitimate water-security concerns. Rather, it is whether those concerns can be used to deny upstream countries the right to develop their own resources.   When Development Became a Geopolitical Question Throughout the second half of the twentieth century, Ethiopia explored a number of hydropower and water-development projects on the Abbay River. Many failed to materialize. Some were undermined by domestic political instability. Others faced financial and technical limitations. Ethiopia also lacked the infrastructure and institutional capacity required to implement projects of enormous scale. But the country’s development challenges were compounded, Ethiopian policymakers and analysts argue, by sustained diplomatic opposition to major upstream water projects. Whenever Ethiopia proposed large-scale development initiatives on the Abbay, the issue frequently became entangled in regional and international politics. Egypt consistently opposed projects that it believed could affect its downstream water interests. Ethiopian officials and scholars have argued that Cairo also sought to discourage international financial institutions, bilateral donors, and potential investors from supporting major Ethiopian projects on the river. Whether through direct diplomatic lobbying or the broader political sensitivity surrounding Nile infrastructure, the result was a development environment in which financing major projects became extraordinarily difficult. For Ethiopia, water development was therefore never merely a technical or economic matter. It became a question of sovereignty. Could a country be expected to remain poor because the rivers flowing through its territory eventually cross international borders? Could the historical use of a shared river by downstream states permanently prevent upstream countries from meeting the basic needs of their own populations? These questions increasingly shaped Ethiopia’s approach to the Abay River.   The GERD: A New Chapter in the Abay Basin The launch of the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam in 2011 marked a dramatic turning point. Instead of waiting for international financing or external approval, Ethiopia decided to build the project largely through its own resources. The decision was extraordinary. The government launched a nationwide fundraising campaign that mobilized citizens from all walks of life. Civil servants contributed portions of their salaries. Businesses purchased bonds. Farmers, students, religious institutions, and members of the Ethiopian diaspora contributed to the project. The dam became a national cause. For millions of Ethiopians, the GERD was no longer simply an infrastructure project. It became a symbol of self-reliance and national dignity—a declaration that Ethiopia would no longer allow financial constraints or external political pressure to determine whether its people could access electricity and development. The project also demonstrated the power of domestic resource mobilization in a country with limited access to conventional international financing for major infrastructure projects. The GERD was built through public contributions, bond sales, government resources, and the collective financial commitment of Ethiopians at home and abroad. The scale of the national campaign was unprecedented in modern Ethiopian history. As construction progressed, the dam increasingly came to represent a broader national aspiration: the right of a country to use its natural resources to fight poverty, expand electricity access, industrialize its economy, and create opportunities for its people. Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed has repeatedly described the project as a symbol of Ethiopia’s determination to shape its own future. “No force can stop Ethiopia from building a dam on the Abay,” he once said. On another occasion, he emphasized the wider significance of the project, declaring that the GERD had brought Ethiopia a wealth greater than its GDP and that “the era of begging for a handout has ended.” For Ethiopia, the message was clear: development could no longer be postponed indefinitely in the name of preserving an old regional order. A Dam at the Center of Egypt’s Unfounded Propaganda The GERD quickly became one of Africa’s most closely watched infrastructure projects. Egypt brought the dispute to regional and international forums, including the Arab League and the United Nations Security Council, arguing that the dam posed risks to its vital water security. Ethiopia, meanwhile, maintained that the GERD was fundamentally a non-consumptive hydropower project. It repeatedly says the dam does not permanently divert water from the Nile system. Water passes through turbines to generate electricity before continuing downstream. Ethiopian officials and water experts have also emphasized the dam’s potential regional benefits. The GERD is expected to regulate the seasonal flow of the Abay, reduce the severity of flooding downstream, trap sediment that can damage infrastructure, and generate large quantities of clean, renewable electricity. Ethiopia has also affirmed that regulated water releases could improve predictability in the downstream flow of the river. Ambassador Ibrahim Idris has underscored this position, explaining that water used to generate electricity flows back into the river system rather than being consumed. Water-resources expert Yilma Seleshi, PhD, has likewise pointed to the potential benefits of storing water in the cooler Ethiopian highlands, where evaporation losses may be lower than in hotter downstream environments. From Ethiopia’s perspective, the central issue is therefore not whether downstream countries have legitimate concerns, but how those concerns can be addressed without denying upstream countries their own right to development. The debate has revealed a deeper disagreement. Egypt has historically emphasized the protection of existing water uses and downstream security. Ethiopia has emphasized sovereign development rights, equitable and reasonable utilization, and the need for a more inclusive basin-wide framework. The dispute is therefore about more than the operation of a single dam. It is about who has the authority to shape the future of an entire river basin.   Breaking the Financing Barrier Perhaps the most significant achievement of the GERD was not only its engineering scale but the manner in which Ethiopia financed it. For decades, the country struggled to secure external financing for major projects on the Abbay River amid political opposition and regional sensitivities. The GERD changed the model. Ethiopia turned inward—not in isolation, but in search of national capacity. The project became one of the largest examples of domestic resource mobilization for strategic infrastructure in modern African history. The campaign crossed social and economic boundaries. A civil servant’s contribution, a farmer’s donation, a student’s support, a business investment, and a diaspora contribution all became part of the same national effort. The dam’s financing campaign transformed a complex infrastructure project into a shared national undertaking. That collective participation also gave the GERD a political significance that extended far beyond its power-generation capacity. It became a symbol of what Ethiopia could achieve when a strategic national project was backed by broad public participation. The dam represented a rejection of the idea that Africa’s major development projects must always depend on external financing, external approval, or external political acceptance. From Energy Deficit to Regional Powerhouse With an installed generation capacity of more than 5,000 megawatts, the GERD is set to become Africa’s largest hydroelectric power facility. Its significance for Ethiopia is immense. For decades, insufficient electricity constrained industrial growth, limited economic opportunities, and left millions of Ethiopians without reliable access to power. The GERD offers the potential to transform that reality. More electricity can support manufacturing, digital services, education, health care, agriculture, and the expansion of small and medium-sized businesses. It can also strengthen Ethiopia’s position as a regional energy supplier. Cross-border electricity trade has the potential to deepen economic integration across East Africa, connecting national economies through shared energy infrastructure. In this sense, the GERD is not only an Ethiopian project. Its long-term impact could extend across the region. A more interconnected East African electricity market could reduce energy shortages, improve reliability, support industrial development, and create new opportunities for regional cooperation.   The End of an Old Hydro-Political Order? The completion of the GERD has fundamentally altered the political landscape of the Abay (Nile) Basin. For decades, upstream countries faced enormous political and financial obstacles when attempting to develop the river’s resources. Ethiopia’s success demonstrated that the old order could be challenged. The country did not abandon diplomacy. It did not reject cooperation. But it refused to accept the idea that development could be permanently suspended because of historical arrangements that it never signed. The GERD therefore represents a profound shift in the Nile Basin. It has strengthened Ethiopia’s confidence in its ability to pursue large-scale development projects through national capacity. It has also encouraged a broader debate among upstream countries about the relationship between sovereignty, development, and transboundary water cooperation. The future of the Nile Basin will inevitably require compromise. Egypt’s water-security concerns cannot simply be dismissed. Nor can the development aspirations of Ethiopia and other upstream states be indefinitely subordinated to historical claims. The challenge is to build a framework in which both realities can coexist. That means cooperation based on contemporary international water law, transparent data sharing, coordinated dam operations, confidence-building measures, and a recognition that the Nile is not a zero-sum resource. The prosperity of one country does not necessarily require the poverty of another.   A New Chapter for Ethiopia and Abay River For Ethiopia, the GERD represents the culminate on of a struggle that lasted generations. It is the product of engineering, political commitment, national sacrifice, and unprecedented public mobilization. But its meaning extends beyond the dam itself. The project has challenged the idea that historical water arrangements can permanently determine the development prospects of countries that were excluded from their creation. It has demonstrated that a major African country can mobilize its own citizens to finance a transformative national project. It has expanded Ethiopia’s energy potential and created new possibilities for regional electricity trade. And, perhaps most importantly, it has changed the psychology of the Nile Basin. The GERD has shown that the upstream countries are no longer prepared to remain passive observers of decisions concerning the rivers that originate in their territories. For Ethiopia, the completion of the dam marks the end of one era and the beginning of another. The country that once watched its rivers flow downstream while millions remained in darkness is now using those waters to generate electricity, power industry, and support national development. Abay is still a shared river. Its future will depend on cooperation. But the political geography of the basin has changed. The era in which Ethiopia’s development could be constrained indefinitely by inherited arrangements, external pressure, or the absence of international financing is increasingly becoming a matter of history. The GERD stands as a monument to that transformation. For Ethiopia, it is a dam. For the Nile Basin, it is a geopolitical turning point. And for Africa, it is a powerful reminder that development, when backed by national determination and collective sacrifice, can eventually overcome even the most deeply entrenched barriers.

Addis Ababa, July 25, 2026 (ENA) —Former Assistant Secretary of State for African Affairs at the U.S. Department of State, Tibor Nagy rebuffed Cairo and Asmara's repeated statements that only littoral states hold authority over Red Sea maritime security and governance. Ambassador Nagy argued that if as Egypt and Eritrea say only littoral states have anything to say about Red Sea, then logically only nations which put water into the Nile can determine its use. The US diplomat and Professor wrote: "So if as Egypt and Eritrea say only littoral states have anything to say about Red Sea, then logically only nations which put water into the Nile can determine its use".   The diplomat's remark addresses the stance of lower riparian downstream countries that seek to influence upstream water developments while simultaneously attempting to exclude non-coastal nations from Red Sea maritime security discussions. The commentary comes amid ongoing discussions regarding sovereign access to sea outlets in the Horn of Africa and the equitable utilization of transboundary water resources in the Nile Basin.

Addis Ababa, July 25, 2026 (ENA) —The defense force is effectively carrying out its mission by thwarting the plans of destructive forces that seek to undermine Ethiopia's progress, Field Marshal Berhanu Jula, Chief of General Staff of the Ethiopian National Defense Force (ENDF) said today. The Ethiopian National Defense Force graduated the 71st Metemma Course officer cadets trained at the Ethiopian Military Academy. Speaking at the ceremony, Field Marshal Berhanu said Ethiopia has long been facing various challenges due to its strategic geopolitical location in the Horn of Africa and its natural resources. Recalling the historic role Ethiopian patriots played in safeguarding the country's sovereignty, he pointed out that there are still forces attempting to threaten the nation's peace and security.   The Field Marshal added that destructive forces that attempt to sabotage Ethiopia's journey toward development and prosperity have continued to engage in conspiracies and subversive activities aimed at hindering the country's progress. He revealed that the Ethiopian National Defense Force, guided by the values of patriotism, national service, and dedication to the people, is successfully neutralizing such attempts to weaken the country. Ethiopia has, throughout its history, demonstrated a collective capacity to overcome national challenges and emerge victorious, Field Marshal Berhanu emphasized. However, he stressed that this collective strength alone is no longer sufficient to address today's evolving security challenges. Strengthening the country's capabilities through human resource development, education, and adoption of modern technologies is essential, he noted. To this end, the Defense Force has intensified its training and capacity-building mission by expanding military training institutions and investing in human capital development.   As a result, the Field Marshal noted that the professional competence of the defense force, its use of modern technologies, and its operational effectiveness have continued to improve and modernize. Present at the graduation ceremony were Defense Education and Training Main Directorate Head, General Yimer Mekonnen, Commandant of the Ethiopian Military Academy, Brigadier General Getachew Habtamu, generals, and military attachés of various countries.

Addis Ababa, July 25, 2026 (ENA) — Ethiopia highlighted its Ten-Year Development Plan and key economic reform measures during the joint meeting of the African Union Specialized Technical Committees (STC) on Finance, Economic Planning, and Trade held in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire. The meeting, held under the theme “Financing Africa’s Industrialization for Sustainable Development” from July 20–24, 2026, brought together delegates from across the continent to present key national initiatives for economic transformation. According to information obtained from the social media page of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Deputy Permanent Representative of Ethiopia to the African Union and UNECA, Bereket Diriba, highlighted that under the Ten-Year Development Plan, the country has formulated targeted policies and reform measures aimed at achieving structural transformation across key sectors, including manufacturing, tourism, mining, technology, and agriculture. He further noted that Ethiopia has implemented tangible reforms to strengthen domestic resource mobilization to finance its development plans. These efforts focus particularly on enhancing the role of the private sector in the economy, broadening the tax base through updated tax policies and regulations, and improving monetary system management through exchange-rate reforms and digitalization. The five-day meeting concluded with the adoption of the report of the experts’ session and the ministerial declaration by the Joint STC of the African Union.

Addis Ababa, July 25, 2026 (ENA) — Egypt’s campaigns against the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) cannot alter Ethiopia’s sovereign right to utilize its natural resources, particularly the Abay River, Eustaz Jamal Bashir said. In an exclusive interview with ENA, Eustaz Jamal said Egypt’s claims and misinformation regarding the GERD represent a continued effort to distort historical and geographical facts. He said some voices in Egypt have attempted to challenge Ethiopia’s status as the source of the Abay River, despite what he described as internationally recognized geographical realities. “Whether they accept it or not, we know with certainty, and the whole world knows, that the Blue Nile originates in Ethiopia. No neighboring country shares its point of origin,” Eustaz Jamal stated. He explained that Ethiopia’s location in the African highlands means that major transboundary rivers flowing through the region originate within Ethiopian territory. This geographical reality, he said, gives Ethiopia a legitimate right to use its water resources for development. Eustaz Jamal stressed that Ethiopia’s approach is based on cooperation and shared benefits, saying the waters of the Abay River can contribute to the development of all riparian countries when managed through dialogue, mutual understanding and partnership. He noted that the GERD is a development project aimed at supporting Ethiopia’s economic growth and improving the livelihoods of its people while avoiding significant harm to downstream countries. Eustaz Jamal also criticized Egypt’s efforts to raise the GERD issue at international platforms, including the United Nations Security Council, the African Union and the European Union, saying such actions have not affected Ethiopia’s development aspirations. “The international community has recognized Ethiopia’s right to undertake development projects, including infrastructure projects on its own resources, as long as they do not cause significant harm to others,” he said. Regarding Ethiopia’s ongoing National Dialogue process, Eustaz Jamal said the initiative has been progressing positively, with participants witnessing its constructive nature firsthand. “We have witnessed that this National Dialogue has been successful so far, and we hope it will achieve even greater success. Everything that has been said, circulated and spread in the form of lies and fabricated stories about this dialogue will ultimately be disproved by the constructive outcomes it will produce, God willing,” he said. He added that the dialogue had reached its eighth day and was addressing major national issues related to political, economic and social reforms, as well as Ethiopia’s future direction. According to Eustaz Jamal, the process has addressed more than eight major thematic areas involving nearly 4,000 detailed issues, which have been assigned to specialized working groups. He said the dialogue is designed to reflect the aspirations of Ethiopia’s nearly 130 million citizens by addressing political, economic, religious and social matters. Eustaz Jamal further underlined the importance of discussions on the effective utilization of Ethiopia’s natural resources, particularly water resources such as the Abay River and other rivers originating within the country, describing them as key pillars for sustainable development and national prosperity.

Addis Ababa, July 24, 2026 (ENA) — The Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD), which is a very good impetus for economic growth, demonstrates a great example of Ethiopia’s effective domestic policy, American-based Economics Professors noted. In an exclusive interview with ENA, Gettysburg College Economics Professor, Linus Nyiwul, said the dam is a very good example of a good domestic policy. Stating that infrastructure is a very crucial resource for achieving growth, he stated that the Great Renaissance Dam is a massive project that would provide electricity at highest levels that benefit Ethiopia and catalyze growth.   Therefore, it is a very good impetus for economic growth that would then provide the resources which can be redirected into not just climate change policy but other areas of growth, Professor Nyiwul elaborated. “Infrastructure is going to be extremely important going forward, not just for improving people's lives but also preparing for potential negative effects of climate change.”   The Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam has been described by many as a prime example of committed domestic resource mobilization which stands as a powerful symbol of national self-reliance, unity, and shared sacrifice. The American economist, however, added that mobilizing resources does not always have to be on the government's shoulders as the private sector could play a significant role in this respect. Similarly, University of California, Berkeley Professor, Edward Miguel, said the Grand Renaissance Dam is crucial for industrial development and to improve people's lives.   The dam is a very important investment which is critical for future economic growth, and Ethiopia has been willing to make those big investments, he noted. Speaking about Ethiopia’s commitment in advancing renewable and clean energy, Professor Miguel said hydropower is imperative in generating renewable and clean energy alongside solar and wind which is part of the country’s ongoing endeavors. “I think the world has reached a new phase, and renewable energy has to be in the center of energy policy now.” He commended Ethiopia’s impressive economic transformation driven through its comprehensive economic reforms in major sectors in recent years.   Ethiopia integrates its rapid economic transformation links closely to its green goals, generating over 95 percent of its electricity from clean, renewable sources like hydropower, wind, solar and geothermal.

Addis Ababa, July 24, 2026 (ENA) — Ethiopia is intensifying its business diplomacy to expand global investment partnerships and attract greater foreign direct investment (FDI), as ongoing economic reforms strengthen the country's competitiveness and improve the investment climate, a senior Foreign Ministry official said. In an exclusive interview with ENA, Director General for African Affairs at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Zerihun Abebe, said Ethiopia has elevated business diplomacy to a strategic priority, aligning diplomatic engagement with the country's economic transformation agenda. The ambassador said comprehensive financial, legal and policy reforms have created a more attractive investment environment by improving the ease of doing business and addressing longstanding structural constraints that had limited Ethiopia's ability to fully utilize its strategic geographic location and vast economic potential. According to him, improvements in the legal, regulatory and financial frameworks demonstrate Ethiopia's commitment to building a transparent, predictable and mutually beneficial investment environment for both domestic and foreign investors. "By making it known to the world that Ethiopia is open for business, together with improvements in the legal framework and economic reforms, we have created a foundation for investors from different countries to invest in Ethiopia in a way that benefits both Ethiopia and the investors," Ambassador Zerihun said. He explained that business diplomacy has become one of the Ministry's core priorities, with diplomatic missions increasingly focused on promoting Ethiopia's investment opportunities, attracting foreign direct investment, expanding export markets, promoting tourism, facilitating investor engagement and supporting investment projects from their inception through implementation. Ambassador Zerihun noted that Ethiopia is also diversifying the sources of foreign investment by attracting investors from across Africa, the Gulf region and emerging Asian economies, reducing reliance on traditional investment partners. He said growing investment interest from the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait and Vietnam, alongside increasing intra-African investment, demonstrates the positive impact of Ethiopia's ongoing economic reform agenda. As evidence of this progress, the ambassador cited the continued expansion of investments by Nigeria's Dangote Group, the entry of Kenyan companies following the liberalization of Ethiopia's telecommunications sector, and the establishment of a Vietnamese solar panel manufacturing project that is already generating foreign exchange earnings. He added that the Bishoftu International Airport project has attracted considerable international investor interest, while investment opportunities continue to expand in renewable energy, natural gas, pharmaceuticals, agriculture and manufacturing. According to Ambassador Zerihun, under the leadership of Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, Ethiopia is also encouraging domestic companies to invest abroad as part of broader efforts to generate foreign exchange earnings, strengthen the country's global business presence and deepen international economic partnerships. The ambassador further noted that tourism infrastructure developed under the Prime Minister's "Dine for the Nation" initiative, together with reforms in the coffee sector, is enhancing Ethiopia's appeal as both a leading tourism destination and an attractive investment hub.

Addis Ababa, July 24, 2026 (ENA) — Volunteers from across Ethiopia have expressed deep civic pride in serving at the country's landmark National Dialogue Conference, describing their participation as a meaningful contribution to shaping the nation's future. The historic National Dialogue Conference was officially opened on July 15, 2026, at the Addis Ababa International Convention Center in the presence of Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed. The conference aims to address Ethiopia's longstanding national challenges through inclusive dialogue and consensus building, with the goal of laying a lasting foundation for peace, unity, and national cohesion. As delegates from diverse backgrounds take part in the deliberations, hundreds of young volunteers have been playing a vital role in ensuring the smooth running of the conference. They are supporting protocol services, managing information desks, coordinating logistics, assisting delegates, and providing hospitality throughout the event. One of the volunteers, Yohannes Girma, said participating in an initiative of such national significance is a source of immense pride. "It gives me great satisfaction to contribute to my country's future. Instead of asking what the country can do for us, we should ask what we can do for our country. That is the true spirit of volunteerism," he said. Yohannes added that volunteer service is one of the highest expressions of patriotism and civic responsibility. Another volunteer, Mekdes Mezgebu, said volunteering reflects compassion, solidarity, and commitment to serving society. "It is a great honor to support this historic national process. We are assisting delegates, including those with special needs, providing guidance, and helping ensure that the conference proceeds smoothly," she said. Ahmed Alewu, a volunteer from the Afar Region, on his part said serving at the conference has given him a profound sense of national responsibility. "It is an honor to be part of a process that seeks to build trust among Ethiopians and create a shared vision for the country's future. I believe the national dialogue will make a significant contribution to lasting peace and national unity," he said. The volunteers agreed that participating in the National Dialogue Conference is a once in a lifetime opportunity and a lasting contribution to a process they believe will help shape Ethiopia's future for generations to come.

Addis Ababa, July 24, 2026 (ENA) — Decisions taken by transitional political authorities without constitutional legitimacy and clear public mandate were responsible for Ethiopia’s loss of direct access to the Red Sea, geopolitical analyst Eliyas Abiy said. In an exclusive interview with the Ethiopian News Agency, Eliyas argued that the political transition following the 1991 fall of the Derg regime compromised Ethiopia’s long-term strategic interests by finalizing Eritrea’s separation. The decision was made without securing a legally binding framework guaranteeing Ethiopia sovereign access to its historic ports, particularly Assab, he pointed out. “Neither the political entity in Addis Ababa nor the administration in Asmara possessed the legal standing or parliamentary mandate required to relinquish Ethiopia’s historical rights,” Eliyas said. He contended that Ethiopia’s loss of maritime access was determined by transitional power structures rather than through a fully legitimate constitutional and sovereign process. Ethiopia became landlocked after Eritrea formally declared independence in 1993, losing direct access to the Red Sea through the ports of Assab and Massawa. Since then, more than 90 percent of the country’s international trade has reportedly depended on the Port of Djibouti, creating substantial reliance on a single maritime corridor. For Africa’s second-most populous country and one of the continent’s major economies, Eliyas said, such dependence carries significant economic and strategic implications, including higher transportation costs, limited trade flexibility and heightened vulnerability to disruptions along a single trade route. Eliyas further criticized the political context surrounding the 1993 referendum on Eritrea’s independence, arguing that the choice presented to voters was politically framed in a manner that did not provide a genuinely balanced constitutional alternative. “How could an authority representing Ethiopia accept such a flawed premise?” he asked, arguing that a legitimate referendum should have clearly offered voters the choice between independence and remaining part of Ethiopia. According to Eliyas, the transitional authorities in Addis Ababa at the time lacked both the constitutional mandate and the political legitimacy to make decisions with permanent consequences for Ethiopia’s sovereignty and strategic interests. Short-term political calculations and external diplomatic pressure, he said, ultimately prevented Ethiopia from pursuing the restoration of access to Assab, leaving the country with what he described as a major and enduring strategic disadvantage.   Ethiopia’s historical links to the Red Sea, however, extend back centuries. The country maintained longstanding commercial and strategic connections with the region’s coastline and its ports. Following decades of armed conflict that ultimately ended with the fall of the Derg regime in 1991 and the emergence of transitional authorities in both Addis Ababa and Asmara. Eritrea’s independence was formally declared following the 1993 referendum. Eliyas argued that the failure to establish a durable, legally binding arrangement guaranteeing Ethiopia sovereign access to the Red Sea during that transition created a strategic imbalance whose consequences continue to shape Ethiopia’s economic and geopolitical calculations. Against this historical and strategic backdrop, Ethiopia has in recent years intensified discussions on securing reliable access to the sea through principles of mutual benefit, partnership and shared development. The issue remains at the center of Ethiopia’s broader geopolitical debate, with growing calls for a peaceful and mutually beneficial arrangement that reflects the country’s geographical realities, historical connections and legitimate economic and strategic interests.

Addis Ababa, July 23, 2026 (ENA) —Former British Prime Minister and Tony Blair Institute for Global Change Founder and Chairman Sir Tony Blair has visited the Ethiopian Artificial Intelligence Institute (EAII), highlighting the growing role of artificial intelligence in transforming government services and strengthening digital governance. During discussions with EAII leadership, Blair said AI is increasingly reshaping the way governments deliver public services.   He further described the technology as a powerful tool for modernizing state institutions and improving service delivery. “Artificial intelligence is modernizing public service delivery,” Blair said, according to the EAII. Blair also expressed the Tony Blair Institute’s commitment to working closely with the Ethiopian Artificial Intelligence Institute to support Ethiopia’s digital transformation and the development and deployment of AI-driven solutions. The discussions focused on potential areas of collaboration, including AI innovation, institutional capacity building, digital transformation, and the application of artificial intelligence across public services. EAII Director General, Worku Gachena expressed appreciation for the Tony Blair Institute’s support for Ethiopia’s digitalization agenda, underscoring the importance of international partnerships in advancing the country’s AI capabilities. “The Ethiopian Artificial Intelligence Institute appreciates the contribution of the Tony Blair Institute in supporting Ethiopia’s digitalization journey,” Worku said.   The two institutions agreed to sustain and expand their cooperation, with a focus on strengthening AI innovation, building technical capacity, and supporting the practical implementation of AI technologies in Ethiopia. The visit comes as Ethiopia places increasing emphasis on artificial intelligence, digital infrastructure, and technology-driven public services as part of its broader digital transformation agenda.   The country has established the Ethiopian Artificial Intelligence Institute to build national AI capacity and promote the adoption of emerging technologies across key sectors. The emerging partnership between the EAII and the Tony Blair Institute signals growing international interest in Ethiopia’s digital transformation ambitions and the potential for artificial intelligence to become a key driver of more efficient, responsive, and citizen-centered public services, it was indicated.

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

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

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

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

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

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