Addis Ababa, September 11, 2026 (ENA) —Ethiopia has reaffirmed its commitment to advancing economic reforms and contributing to BRICS’ shared financial agenda, as its delegation participated in the Second BRICS Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors (FMCBG) Meeting in Mumbai, India. Led by National Bank of Ethiopia Governor Eyob Tekalign, the Ethiopian delegation joined finance ministers and central bank governors from BRICS member countries. The meeting anticipated to discuss key challenges and opportunities confronting emerging and developing economies amid an increasingly volatile global economic environment. Addressing the meeting, Governor Eyob highlighted Ethiopia’s ongoing comprehensive reforms across the fiscal, monetary, financial and foreign exchange sectors. The central bank governor further noted that the measures are helping strengthen macroeconomic stability and build greater resilience against global economic shocks.   Eyob stated that developing economies continue to face disproportionate pressure from global economic volatility, underscoring the importance of stronger financial cooperation and effective mechanisms to safeguard economic stability. The Governor also welcomed progress toward amendments to the Contingent Reserve Arrangement (CRA) Treaty, describing the mechanism as an important pillar for strengthening BRICS’ financial safety net. He called for the onboarding of new members to the arrangement to take into account countries’ different stages of development, financial needs and capacity to effectively absorb and utilize available support.   Governor Eyob further reaffirmed Ethiopia’s commitment to the BRICS vision and its readiness to work constructively with member countries in advancing the group’s strategic financial and economic priorities. Ethiopia’s participation underscores its growing engagement in multilateral economic cooperation as it pursues reforms aimed at strengthening resilience, expanding financial stability and positioning the country for deeper integration into the global economy.

By Yordanos D. Sept. 11, 2026 (ENA) Ethiopia is welcoming the 2019 New Year with renewed confidence, a stronger sense of national purpose and an increasingly ambitious development agenda, as the country seeks to transform the gains of recent years into lasting economic prosperity and improved livelihoods. Enkutatash, celebrated on Meskerem 1, falls on September 11 in the Gregorian calendar and marks the beginning of a new year in Ethiopia's distinctive calendar. The Ethiopian calendar consists of twelve months of 30 days each, followed by the five day or six day intercalary month of Pagume. Beyond its uniqueness as a system of timekeeping, the calendar remains an important expression of Ethiopia's historical identity and cultural continuity. The New Year also arrives as the rainy season gives way to the bright season traditionally associated with renewal. Green landscapes, blooming Adey Abeba flowers, family gatherings and traditional songs give the holiday a distinctive atmosphere. For Ethiopians, therefore, the New Year represents more than the turning of a calendar page. It is a moment for reflection on what has been achieved, recognition of the challenges that remain and renewed commitment to what lies ahead. For Ethiopia, the arrival of 2019 carries an additional significance. It comes at a time when the government is seeking to move the country's development trajectory from reform and construction toward greater productivity, economic self reliance and broad based prosperity. Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed has repeatedly framed the current period as a transition from announcing ambitions to delivering tangible results. In a series of messages issued during the final days of 2018, he described Ethiopia's resurgence as increasingly visible in major national projects, economic reforms and initiatives intended to improve everyday life. "Yesterday we declared our rise; today, we live it," the Prime Minister said in his September 7 message. He pointed to the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam, corridor development, the Bishoftu International Airport mega project and macroeconomic reforms as manifestations of the country's development momentum. He said the transformation was already bringing "seamless urban mobility, vast employment opportunities" and a stronger outlook for future generations. The country had built an unshakable foundation for multinational unity through its indigenous values and the philosophy of Medemer, or synergy. The Prime Minister cited the National Dialogue, human centered corridor development, volunteer programs and the Green Legacy Initiative (GLI) as examples of efforts intended to translate collective national aspirations into practical results, stressing Ethiopia's objective is not merely physical construction but the creation of an inclusive and economically self-reliant country in which citizens can participate in and benefit from national development. That message provides an important framework for 2019. The new Ethiopian year is expected to be more about consolidating reforms, completing major projects, expanding production and ensuring that economic growth produces wider opportunities. From Reform to Productive Growth The economic agenda for 2019 is anchored in the country's Ten-Year Development Plan and the second phase of the Homegrown Economic Reform Program. The government has increasingly emphasized macroeconomic stability, structural transformation, private sector participation, domestic resource mobilization and export competitiveness. The federal budget approved for the 2019 Ethiopian fiscal year amounts to about 2.339 trillion Birr, making it the largest federal budget in the country's history. The allocation framework gives significant attention to education, roads, health, agriculture, energy expansion and urban development, while also providing budgetary support to regional states. The budget is designed to consolidate the gains of economic reform while addressing the pressure on household purchasing power and supporting low-income communities. Finance Minister Ahmed Shide has said the spending plan gives particular attention to vulnerable households while maintaining the reform agenda and pursuing inclusive growth. The scale of the budget reflects the breadth of the government's ambitions for the new year. But the central test will be implementation: whether investment can translate into greater production, more employment, stronger exports and improved public services. Agriculture and Food Sovereignty Agriculture remains at the heart of Ethiopia's transformation because of its role in food security, employment, industrial inputs and export earnings. The country has increasingly moved beyond a narrow food security approach toward the broader objective of food sovereignty. Wheat production, irrigation development, mechanization, agricultural clusters, improved seeds and livestock development have become important elements of this strategy. The Yelemat Trufat initiative is also intended to strengthen livestock productivity and improve household nutrition while creating opportunities for farmers and pastoralists. The broader objective is to make agriculture more productive, commercially oriented and capable of supplying both domestic industries and export markets. In 2019, greater attention is expected to be placed on irrigation and dry season production, mechanization, value addition and market linkages. Such measures are critical if agricultural growth is to translate into lower food imports, stronger rural incomes and a reliable supply of raw materials for manufacturing. The government's wider development plan identifies agriculture as one of the sectors capable of driving structural transformation alongside manufacturing, mining, tourism and technology. Ethiopia reiterated this approach at an African Union technical meeting in July, highlighting agriculture, manufacturing, mining, tourism and technology as key sectors under the Ten-Year Development Plan. Manufacturing and "Made in Ethiopia" Industrialization will be another major priority in 2019. The Made in Ethiopia initiative has been designed to increase domestic production, strengthen industrial capacity, substitute imports and improve export performance. The Ministry of Industry reported that policy measures under the initiative, together with improved access to finance, have contributed to increased manufacturing production, exports and import substitution. The next challenge is to turn these gains into a sustained industrial transformation. Ethiopia needs industries capable of producing more inputs locally, creating decent employment for a growing young population and connecting agriculture with manufacturing through stronger value chains. Greater productivity, improved quality, reliable energy supplies, logistics, access to finance and export market development will therefore remain central to the industrial agenda. The emphasis on domestic production also forms part of a broader national objective of reducing dependency and increasing economic self reliance. Mining Mining is emerging as another important pillar of the transformation agenda. The government is seeking to expand responsible mining investment, improve the formalization of the sector and increase the contribution of minerals to export earnings and foreign exchange generation. Gold has become particularly important, while broader mineral exploration is expected to support industrial development and diversification. The sector, however, will need to balance investment and production with environmental protection, community benefits and responsible resource management. If managed effectively, mining can provide foreign exchange while supplying raw materials for domestic industries and creating new investment opportunities. Tourism and Aviation Tourism is another area where Ethiopia's natural, historical and cultural assets offer significant economic potential. Initiatives such as Dine for Ethiopia and broader destination development efforts have sought to turn Ethiopia's historical sites, landscapes, cuisine and cultural heritage into stronger sources of employment and foreign exchange. Aviation is an important part of this strategy. The planned Bishoftu International Airport represents one of the country's most ambitious infrastructure projects and is intended to strengthen Ethiopia's position as a major aviation and logistics hub. Prime Minister Abiy has identified the airport among the projects symbolizing the country's current development momentum. The airport, together with Ethiopian Airlines' expanding network, improved road connectivity and tourism infrastructure, could strengthen Ethiopia's position as a gateway connecting Africa with the Middle East, Asia and other global markets. Technological Transformation The digital economy is becoming increasingly central to the country's development strategy. Under Digital Ethiopia 2030, Ethiopia is seeking to expand digital public services, digital identification, mobile financial services, telecommunications, artificial intelligence and technology based entrepreneurship. The objective extends beyond providing internet access. Digital transformation is expected to reduce transaction costs, improve government services, expand financial inclusion, create new businesses and connect Ethiopian enterprises to regional and global markets. Prime Minister Abiy has also increasingly linked Ethiopia's development ambitions with technological sovereignty. In his message marking African Union Day, he called on African countries and young people to take greater ownership of the continent's digital future. For Ethiopia, this means that 2019 could become an important year for turning digital infrastructure into productive economic capacity. Infrastructure That Connects the Economy Infrastructure development remains one of the most visible components of Ethiopia's transformation. Corridor development projects in Addis Ababa and other cities are changing urban mobility and public spaces while creating new commercial and social infrastructure. The approach is increasingly focused on integrating roads, pedestrian facilities, public spaces, greenery and urban services rather than treating road construction as an isolated activity. Prime Minister Abiy has specifically cited human centered corridor development as one of the practical initiatives demonstrating how collective national action can generate tangible results. Beyond cities, roads, energy infrastructure, logistics corridors and aviation projects are intended to reduce the cost of moving people and goods and connect producers to markets. The challenge in 2019 will therefore be to ensure that infrastructure does not remain an end in itself but becomes a platform for production, investment and employment. Energy Independence Energy remains fundamental to Ethiopia's industrial and economic ambitions. The completion and inauguration of the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam has become one of the country's most important milestones in its effort to expand electricity generation and strengthen energy security. The dam is also increasingly presented by the government as a symbol of national capacity, collective financing and self reliance. Prime Minister Abiy has included the GERD among the major projects that demonstrate Ethiopia's shift from aspiration toward concrete development. The priority for the new year is therefore not only generating electricity but ensuring that expanded power supply translates into industrial production, agricultural processing, digital services, exports and improved living standards. Green Development Economic transformation is also being pursued alongside environmental restoration. The Green Legacy Initiative has become one of Ethiopia's most prominent national environmental programs, combining tree planting with watershed restoration, climate resilience and broader public mobilization. The initiative has evolved from a tree planting campaign into a wider development approach linking environmental protection with agriculture, water management, urban greenery and climate resilience. Prime Minister Abiy again cited the Green Legacy Initiative in his latest New Year message as one of the practical programs through which collective national values have been converted into tangible action. The coming year will therefore require Ethiopia to pursue economic growth while protecting its natural resources and strengthening resilience against climate related shocks. Human Capital No development strategy can succeed without investment in people. Education, health, employment and skills development remain essential to Ethiopia's long term transformation, particularly given the country's large and youthful population. The 2019 federal budget places education and health among the major priority areas, while the government's economic strategy continues to emphasize employment creation and private sector development. The challenge is to ensure that young Ethiopians are not simply beneficiaries of economic growth but active participants in it. This requires stronger technical and vocational education, digital skills, entrepreneurship opportunities, access to finance and a business environment capable of absorbing millions of young people entering the labor market. Unity as a Development Imperative Economic transformation cannot be separated from peace and national cohesion. In his latest New Year message, Abiy placed unity at the center of the country's development trajectory, arguing that shared values and Medemer provide the foundation for collective progress. His message comes after a year in which the National Dialogue process, development initiatives, volunteer programs and large scale infrastructure projects have all been presented as mechanisms for strengthening national cohesion. The idea is straightforward: development requires stability, stability requires cooperation and cooperation becomes stronger when citizens share a sense of national purpose. As Ethiopia enters 2019, this connection between peace, unity and development is likely to remain one of the central themes of the government's agenda. From Construction to Results The defining question of 2019 will ultimately be whether Ethiopia can move successfully from building foundations to generating results from those foundations. The country has invested heavily in roads, energy, urban infrastructure, agriculture, digital systems, environmental restoration and major national projects. Economic reforms have also begun to change the policy environment. The next stage requires productivity. Factories must produce more competitively. Farmers must earn more from higher productivity. Infrastructure must reduce transport costs. Digital systems must make services faster and more accessible. Energy expansion must support industrialization. Tourism must create jobs and foreign exchange. Mining must generate greater economic value while protecting communities and the environment. This is consistent with the broader philosophy expressed by Prime Minister Abiy at the Ethiopia Delivers National Summit earlier this year, where he described nation building as a continuous collective responsibility and emphasized that reforms should become foundations for lasting change. A New Year of Execution Ethiopia therefore enters 2019 at a significant point in its development journey. The country is not beginning from zero. It enters the new year with major projects completed, others under construction, an extensive economic reform program, a new fiscal framework and a development strategy that places agriculture, manufacturing, mining, tourism and technology at the center of structural transformation. The approved 2.339 trillion birr federal budget provides the financial framework for implementing the priorities of the new fiscal year, while the Ten Year Development Plan provides the longer term direction. But ambition alone will not determine the success of the new Ethiopian year. Implementation, productivity, accountability and the ability to translate national investments into improvements in household incomes and public services will be decisive. That is why the message of the New Year is increasingly one of execution. Ethiopia's 2019 begins with the country seeking to transform the foundations laid during the previous years into a more productive, resilient and self reliant economy. The challenge is substantial, but so is the opportunity. As the Adey Abeba blooms across the Ethiopian landscape and families gather to celebrate Enkutatash, the New Year offers a natural moment to look forward. It is a moment to preserve what has been achieved, correct what has not worked, accelerate what is delivering results and ensure that the country's major development ambitions are translated into tangible benefits for its people. In the words of Prime Minister Abiy's latest New Year message, Ethiopia's aspiration is to build an inclusive, economically self-reliant nation while unlocking the collective potential of its people. For 2019, that aspiration now faces its most important test which is turning momentum into lasting prosperity.

Addis Ababa, September 10, 2026 (ENA)—Israel has thrown its diplomatic weight to support Ethiopia’s quest for securing sea access, with Israeli Ambassador to Ethiopia Avraham Neguise underscoring that his country stands firmly with the East African nation’s efforts to secure maritime access to the Red Sea. Speaking to ENA, Neguise said strengthening Ethiopia and promoting stability in the Red Sea is an interest shared by the international community rather than an issue concerning Ethiopia alone. “Empowering and strengthening Ethiopia and creating stability in the Red Sea is the interest of all, not only for Ethiopia,” he noted. According to him, Israel’s position on Ethiopia’s pursuit of sea access is clear. “Israel is behind Ethiopia in this effort. This is clear Israeli policy,” the Ambassador said, stressing that access to the sea is important for Ethiopia to strengthen its economy, safeguard its sovereignty and fosters regional security.   Today, Ethiopia’s access to the sea is increasingly viewed as a legitimate strategic right, driven by its growing population and economy, expanding import-export trade, and pressing national and regional security interests. The country’s geographical proximity to the Red Sea, together with its historical links to the region’s ports, has remained central to its argument for pursuing a sustainable maritime outlet. Ethiopia historically administered the ports of Massawa and Assab and maintained naval capabilities before Eritrea’s separation. Most importantly, Ethiopia’s push for sovereign sea access is gaining momentum at the international arena. “What Ethiopia is doing now, Israel is supporting. It is behind Ethiopia in this effort”, Ambassador Neguise underscored. The Israeli Ambassador reaffirmed Israel’s support for Ethiopia’s pursuit of sea access, stressing that cooperation that aims at improving regional security and economic stability benefits countries across the Horn of Africa region and beyond. In this regard, Israel is committed to share its experience in counter-terrorism and combating terrorist threats, Ambassador Neguise, stated, adding that security and economic development are closely linked and fundamental needs for people everywhere.   He pointed out that Ethiopia is a strategically important country in the Horn of Africa. Therefore, greater access to the sea could contribute to stability and cooperation among countries in the region. Ethiopia’s involvement in the Red Sea could have implications beyond its national interests, particularly in addressing security challenges posed by terrorism and piracy in the maritime region. “Ethiopia’s return to the Red Sea will be positive,” he noted, pointing to the country’s longstanding role in peacekeeping and its stated commitment to peace and stability. Ambassador Neguise said terrorist activities in the Horn of Africa and attacks affecting maritime routes pose risks not only to countries in the region but also to the Middle East, Europe and the wider global economy. The Red Sea is a critical maritime corridor and that instability along the route can have far-reaching economic consequences.   “If the Red Sea will not be stable and there are terrorists attacking, it is not only the Horn of Africa, it’s not only the Middle East, the whole world economy will suffer,” he said.

Addis Ababa, September 9, 2026 (ENA)—Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed called on African countries and the continent’s youth to embrace technological sovereignty and take greater ownership of Africa’s digital future. The Prime Minister made the call in a message marking the 24th African Union Day, reaffirming Ethiopia’s longstanding role in Africa’s continental integration, from the establishment of the Organization of African Unity (OAU) to the African Union (AU). In a social media post, the Premier said Addis Ababa, the diplomatic capital of Africa and home to the AU headquarters, continues to play a central role in advancing continental integration, unity and shared prosperity. “As we mark this day, we reaffirm the vision of an integrated and prosperous Africa, while looking ahead to the next frontier of our collective progress,” Prime Minister Abiy said. In his capacity as the AU Champion for Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Digital Health, the Prime Minister stressed the importance of greater African ownership of technological and digital development. He urged African governments and young people to actively participate in shaping the continent’s digital transformation and to build the skills, innovative capacity and technological capabilities required to determine Africa’s digital future. Prime Minister Abiy further underscored the importance of technological sovereignty in enabling Africa to harness emerging technologies to accelerate development, promote innovation and strengthen the continent’s position in the global economy. “Ethiopia stands ready to build that future alongside our fellow Africans,” he said.

Addis Ababa, September 9, 2026 (ENA)—The European Union (EU) has reaffirmed its support for Ethiopia’s comprehensive economic reform agenda, commending the progress achieved since the government launched its economic modernization drive. The EU is also expanding cooperation with Ethiopia in key areas, including digital infrastructure, renewable energy, public health, climate action, green transition initiatives and international trade, as the country continues to implement wide ranging economic reforms. In an exclusive interview with ENA, EU Ambassador to Ethiopia Sofie From-Emmesberger said Ethiopia’s reform process had already produced significant developments despite the relatively short period since its launch. “Big reforms ongoing and the economic reforms now two years back since this like the big bang started, and this is, of course, a rather short time, but already in these two years on the economic reforms, I think we have seen many different new developments,” she said. The Ambassador further stressed that the country had achieved tangible results through the comprehensive economic reforms in a short period, emphasizing the importance of sustaining the current momentum. She said the EU and its member states would continue supporting Ethiopia’s reform efforts through cooperation aligned with the country’s development priorities. Ambassador Sofie identified digital transformation, energy, health and the green economy as key areas where expanded cooperation could contribute to Ethiopia’s long term development objectives. She also reaffirmed the EU’s readiness to support Ethiopia as it prepares to host the 32nd United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP32) next year. “Ethiopia will host COP32 next year, and the European Union and its member states stand ready to engage in various ways to ensure its success,” she said. The Ambassador said the EU is prepared to make a meaningful contribution toward ensuring a productive and successful global climate conference in Ethiopia. On continental economic integration, Ambassador Sofie highlighted the importance of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), saying its effective implementation could significantly expand intra African trade and help unlock Africa’s broader economic potential. She noted that stronger economic integration across the continent would create greater opportunities for trade, investment and sustainable economic growth. The Ambassador also underscored Addis Ababa’s strategic importance as the headquarters of the African Union, describing the Ethiopian capital as a major center for continental diplomacy, cooperation and policymaking. She reaffirmed that the EU Ethiopia partnership remains on a positive trajectory, describing the European Union as a solid and reliable partner for Ethiopia. The expanding partnership covers a broad range of areas, including economic reform, trade, investment, digital transformation, climate action and sustainable development. The EU’s Global Gateway strategy also provides an important framework for promoting investment, connectivity and sustainable infrastructure, complementing Ethiopia’s efforts to modernize its economy and advance inclusive growth.

Addis Ababa, September 9, 2026 (ENA)— Relations between Ethiopia and Brazil are entering a promising new phase with expanding opportunities for economic cooperation, trade, investment, and strategic sector partnerships, Brazilian Ambassador to Ethiopia, Jandyr Ferreira dos Santos told ENA. Ambassador Santos highlighted the significant potential both nations share to deepen bilateral economic ties by building stronger connections among their governments, private sectors, and investor communities. Agriculture stands out as a natural area for expanded cooperation between the two nations, serving as a core economic backbone for both Ethiopia and Brazil. Ambassador Santos emphasized that both countries have vast potential to exchange expertise and technical knowledge across agriculture and other key sectors of mutual interest. He specifically praised Ethiopia’s Green Legacy Initiative (GLI) as a prime model from which Brazil could draw valuable lessons, illustrating the practical benefits of cross-country knowledge sharing. "There’s hope that there will be more investment, there will be more trade and more opportunities for both countries," Santos noted. Reflecting on his four-year tenure in Addis Ababa, the ambassador observed major transformations across both the capital and the national economy. Key milestones, including economic liberalization, expanded investment opportunities, and the national dialogue, have substantially enhanced Ethiopia's international standing and opened fresh avenues for global partnerships, he added. Brazil has closely followed Ethiopia’s transformation, he said, expressing readiness to expand bilateral cooperation for mutual benefit. The ambassador stressed the importance of stronger institutional and business-to-business links, noting that closer engagement would enable companies and investors from both countries to identify opportunities and build new partnerships. He added that increased private sector engagement could boost trade and investment while driving technology and knowledge transfer. Looking ahead, the ambassador expressed confidence that Ethiopia–Brazil relations, built on decades of diplomatic ties, will continue to expand. “I hope that the next 75 years will be even more promising,” he said, expressing optimism about building stronger, mutually beneficial relations in the years ahead.

Addis Ababa, September 9, 2026 (ENA)—Egypt must recognize the changing political, economic and strategic realities of the Nile Basin in 2026 rather than relying on positions rooted in the 19th and 20th centuries, former U.S. Assistant Secretary of State for African Affairs Tibor Nagy has said. He further noted that a new approach could enable Ethiopia and Egypt to reach a “win-win” agreement over the Nile. Nagy made the remarks in an interview with Pulse of Africa, which he subsequently highlighted in a post on X. He said the regional balance of power has changed significantly and that Ethiopia has undergone substantial economic and political transformation. “One of my consistent points has been that if Egypt recognized that this is 2026, not the 19th/20th Century, there could be a win-win agreement with Ethiopia over the Nile,” Nagy said.   He argued that Egypt needs to adjust its approach to the Nile and recognize what he described as a new regional reality. “My view is Egypt has to accept a new reality. They could dictate terms, and they became very comfortable with the idea that even though they are downstream country, they don't contribute one drop of water to the Nile River, but they had the right for 100 percent control over the Nile,” Nagy said. He said historical circumstances that shaped earlier approaches to Nile management can no longer be treated as the basis for relations among present-day Nile Basin countries. “History has changed. They have to accept the fact that this is, again, 2026. There's a new power equilibrium. Ethiopia has grown tremendously. It's in very fast nation building mode, and it has rights to Nile waters, which were historically denied to Ethiopia,” Nagy said. He argued that a change in Egypt’s negotiating approach could create an opportunity for a mutually beneficial settlement. “So if Egypt had an attitude readjustment, and if they came to the negotiations, I think, from a different, fundamental philosophy, then it would be possible to come to some kind, again, a win-win agreement that respects everybody's dignity, everybody's rights,” he said. His comments come amid the long-running dispute between Ethiopia and Egypt over the management and utilization of the Abay, or Blue Nile, particularly following the construction and operation of the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD). Ethiopia maintains that the GERD is primarily intended to generate electricity, support economic development and expand access to energy, while emphasizing that the use of transboundary water resources should be based on equitable and reasonable utilization.   Nagy said Ethiopia’s development should not automatically be viewed as a threat to Egypt, arguing that countries have the right to develop their natural resources. “Countries use their own natural resources. Now, you know, let’s get real,” he said. He also called for the two countries to approach the Nile issue primarily through technical cooperation rather than geopolitical competition. “If Egypt is saying that, you know, only the littoral states to the Red Sea have any say in, you know, management questions then only the states that contribute water to the Nile would have any say on use of the Nile,” Nagy said. He added that both sides should approach the dispute as equal partners. “The only thing that can be done is for both sides to treat the other as equal partners, respectfully, and to come at it from a technical point of view, and just forget the geopolitics, because what's important is for everybody to have access to Nile waters,” the former diplomat said. Nagy linked the Nile dispute to the wider question of Ethiopia’s access to the Red Sea, arguing that regional countries should apply principles of mutual access and cooperation consistently. “Why can't everybody have access to the Red Sea?” he asked. His comments come as Ethiopia increasingly emphasizes equitable and reasonable utilization of transboundary water resources while calling for dialogue, cooperation and mutually beneficial arrangements among Nile Basin countries. Addis Ababa has consistently argued that development projects should not be treated as a zero-sum competition in which the economic progress of one country necessarily comes at the expense of another. Nagy said a lasting agreement could be reached if Egypt reassessed its approach to negotiations and entered discussions with a fundamentally different outlook. “Both nations start with a new attitude and come out with an agreement that everybody will be happy with,” he said. The former U.S. diplomat’s remarks therefore frame the Nile issue not only as a dispute over water management, but also as part of a broader transformation in regional relations, economic development and the distribution of political influence in the Horn of Africa. Nagy also expressed support for Ethiopia’s pursuit of reliable access to the Red Sea, describing maritime access as an important issue for the landlocked country. Ethiopia has argued that dependable access to the sea is essential to its economic and strategic interests and has sought cooperative arrangements with neighboring coastal states. Addressing Ethiopia’s maritime aspirations, Nagy said it was “absolutely essential” for Ethiopia to have some form of maritime outlet, while recalling the country’s historical relationship with the Red Sea. He noted that Ethiopia once had its own navy, a naval base and Ethiopian admirals serving in its maritime forces.   Nagy described the loss of Ethiopia’s access to the sea as a “very unfortunate” outcome and connected the country’s current pursuit of maritime access with its historical relationship with the Red Sea. The former diplomat’s comparison between Nile water and Red Sea access reflects his broader argument that regional disputes should be addressed through principles of equality, mutual respect and practical cooperation rather than inherited geopolitical assumptions. Against this broader regional backdrop, Nagy’s comments suggest that resolving disputes between Ethiopia and Egypt may require both countries to move beyond historical positions and recognize the changing economic, political and strategic realities of the region. His central argument is that cooperation, rather than attempts to contain or weaken one another, could provide a more sustainable path for the Horn of Africa.

Addis Ababa, September 9, 2026 (ENA)— Ethiopia is actively shaping a bright future through its indigenous values and strategic national initiatives, Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed announced today. PM Abiy made the remarks in a message shared on his official X page on September 9, or Pagume 4 in the Ethiopian calendar, observed nationally as the “Day of Harmony” as part of the five-day bridge period preceding the Ethiopian New Year. Highlighting the foundational role of national cohesion and shared philosophy, he noted that unity remains central to the country’s trajectory. “By building on these generational values and our philosophy of Medemer (synergy), we have laid an unshakable foundation for multinational unity,” PM Abiy said. The Prime Minister pointed to concrete national projects as key drivers of social and economic integration. “Through concrete actions, from launching the historic national dialogue to implementing human-centered corridor development projects, volunteer programs, and the Green Legacy initiative, we have proven that unity transforms shared narratives into collective success,” he stated. Underscoring the broader objective of these initiatives, PM Abiy highlighted the momentum toward economic independence and inclusive growth. “We are not just building an inclusive, economically self-reliant nation; we are unlocking the collective potential of all Ethiopians as we march together toward prosperity,” PM Abiy emphasized. Concluding his message, he affirmed the nation’s shared identity and commitment to progress, stating, “One People, Great Nation, Ethiopia!”

Addis Ababa, September 8, 2026 (ENA)—The implementation of the Nile Basin Cooperative Framework Agreement (CFA), which has officially entered into force with the signing of 7 countries, cannot be derailed by the refusal of Egypt to sign it, former Minister of Water and Energy Alemayehu Tegenu said. The Nile Basin Cooperative Framework Agreement (CFA) is a regional treaty signed by upstream Nile Basin countries to ensure fair, equitable, and cooperative use of the river’s waters. It seeks to replace outdated colonial agreements with a modern framework based on shared benefit and reasonable utilization. In an exclusive interview with ENA, former Water Minister Alemayehu made it clear that the legal and political basis for the CFA is already established. “The CFA by this time was already signed by some countries, which is sufficient to deposit to the African Union,” he said, adding that “without Egypt and Sudan, the CFA can be practical now. There is no obstacle to its implementation.” Egypt has long opposed equitable Nile cooperation and continue to cling to outdated monopoly claims. “They were against the CFA in the whole process,” he said. “Still they are against. They don’t want to sign the CFA.” According to him, their position has remained fixed and unchanging. “They didn’t change their mind. They don’t want to come to healthy cooperation.”   Alemayehu said Cairo continues to rely on the 1959 bilateral arrangement, a colonial-era mindset that illegally excluded Ethiopia from its own resource. “In the 1959 agreement, they shared the Nile water between themselves,” he noted. “This agreement allocated 0 percent for Ethiopia.” But the era of unilateral control over the Nile is now over. “What the Nile-based countries do now is to implement in full scale the CFA agreement by moving ahead to establish a fair, rule-based order built on equity, reason, and sovereign cooperation. Speaking about the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD), the former minister said Ethiopia has already proved its capacity to carry out major national projects without waiting for approval from outside powers. “GERD is operational now. It doesn’t reduce their water,” he said. “They receive sufficient water currently while the dam is functioning.” Ethiopia must therefore never allow foreign obstruction to dictate its future. “Our job is to focus on our development and try to develop other resources in the basin. We have to focus on our agenda.” He dismissed Egypt’s hostility as a deliberate attempt to stand in the way of Ethiopia’s rise. “Egypt’s behavior always stands against Ethiopian development. They are always an obstacle to our development.” He noted that Ethiopia designed the GERD in a way that does not impact or harm the downstream countries, proving that Ethiopian development and regional stability are not in conflict. The former minister also criticized Egypt’s preference for confrontation over cooperation.   Egyptians prefer animosity rather than cooperation, he said, calling the approach unwise decision. He emphasized that Ethiopia stands for fairness, dialogue, and mutual benefit. “Ethiopia believes in equitable, reasonable utilization and cooperation. We always invite Egypt to come to this principle and discuss and resolve any issues.” “The best thing (in this case) is to focus on the utilization of our water resources by constructing different irrigation schemes.” The former minister further stated that Ethiopia’s Green Legacy Initiative and watershed conservation efforts strengthen basin-wide water security, even though Egypt refuses to acknowledge the benefits. “Egypt does not pay any coin for this kind of work. Rather, Egypt stands against our development for the Green Legacy Initiative, water and soil conservation.”   He pointed out that the Egyptians are not willing to go for compensation. “Rather, they are always against our efforts to get finance from different financial institutions.” According to the former water minister, Ethiopians have to continue breaking the wrong narrations created by the Egyptians. The source of Nile is from Ethiopia and it contributes 86 percent of the water.

Addis Ababa, September 8, 2026 (ENA)—Ethiopia has reaffirmed its commitment to promoting and protecting human rights while pursuing nationally owned reforms. Its ongoing reforms aimed at strengthening peace, democratic governance, the rule of law, accountability and national reconciliation, according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Addressing the 63rd Session of the United Nations Human Rights Council (HRC63) under Item 2, Ethiopia’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations Office and Other International Organizations in Geneva, Ambassador Tsegab Kebebew, highlighted what he described as significant milestones in the country’s ongoing political and institutional reform process.   The Ambassador pointed to the successful conduct of Ethiopia’s seventh national election in June 2026 and the conclusion of the country’s historic and inclusive National Dialogue. These developments as important foundations for advancing transitional justice through a process shaped by Ethiopia’s own national circumstances and realities, Ambassador Tsegab revealed. He stressed that Ethiopia’s approach to transitional justice should remain nationally owned, inclusive and responsive to the country’s specific context, while contributing to lasting peace, reconciliation and accountable governance. Tsegab also reaffirmed Ethiopia’s commitment to the Permanent Cessation of Hostilities Agreement, signed in Pretoria in November 2022, emphasizing the need to preserve the integrity of the agreement and consolidate the peace gains achieved since its signing. He called on the international community to support efforts that strengthen the peace process and to oppose actions that could undermine progress toward sustainable peace and stability. Beyond the peace process, Ambassador Tsegab underscored Ethiopia’s broader efforts to strengthen the rule of law, civic participation and institutional capacity.   He also emphasized the value of constructive engagement, dialogue, cooperation and capacity-building with the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) and other international partners. At the same time, Ethiopia reiterated its position that international human rights engagement should be grounded in objectivity, impartiality, non-selectivity, national ownership and sovereign equality. The Ambassador cautioned against selective or politicized approaches to human rights that, in Ethiopia’s view, could weaken nationally led reform efforts and hinder constructive international cooperation. As an active member of the Human Rights Council, Ethiopia continues to participate in the Council’s work, including through its role on the Council Bureau, the Vice-Presidency of the Council and the chairmanship of its Accessibility Task Force.   Ethiopia’s message at HRC63 reflects its broader diplomatic position that sustainable peace, human rights protection and democratic reform are most effective when supported by international cooperation while remaining firmly rooted in national ownership and sovereign decision-making.

(September 8, 2026, Addis Ababa) — Ethiopia's return to secure and reliable sea access is vital for peace, regional integration and collective security of the Horn of Africa, Gizachew Asrat, Chief of Staff and Senior Researcher at the Institute of Foreign Affairs (IFA) said. In an exclusive interview with ENA, the senior researcher on the Horn of Africa noted that Ethiopia is the only country in the world that has such a huge population without access to sea, emphasizing that there is a serious connectivity and linkage of security, prosperity and growth. According to him, Ethiopia's return to the sea will be instrumental not only for its national interest but also crucial for ensuring regional stability. Having a huge population, a growing economy, and a strategic location, the return of Ethiopia’s access to the sea is a vital geopolitical imperative for securing maritime security in the Horn of Africa and the wider Red Sea corridor, the senior researcher stressed. Piracy and the conflict in Yemen are affecting the Red Sea, the Indian Ocean and Gulf of Aden security issues; and the piracy in Somalia also affects the security of the Red Sea, Gizachew said. The senior researcher stressed that Ethiopia's maritime pursuit presents mutual benefits for the entire region in this regard as attacks on the sea have a direct impact on the land. Ethiopia's “human resources, strong security-wise operation capacity, and a better economic potential as well as growth will add additional asset for the regional cooperation frameworks on maritime connectivity and security issues to be managed in partnership,” Gizachew stated. The senior researcher highlighted Ethiopia's extensive track record in international peacekeeping, peace operations, and counter-terrorism as critical assets that would enhance maritime security and stability across regional trade corridors. Moreover, he noted that Ethiopia has experience in international peacekeeping, international peace operations, and fighting terrorism. All these give Ethiopia leverage, he underlined. The senior researcher added that the geopolitical line between littoral and non-littoral states is increasingly interconnected, stressing that there is no any separate issue which is affecting only littoral states that does not affect non-littoral states. Ethiopia's maritime access or access to the sea, either for security purposes, or commercial purposes, has its own impact as the insecurity seen in the sea will not be solved by a few countries. Gizachew concluded that Ethiopia's access to the sea—for both commercial and security purposes—will serve as a key pillar for sustainable, partnership-driven stability throughout the Horn of Africa. Ethiopia’s strategic initiative to secure reliable, sovereign, and secure sea access has become a central pillar of its national security and economic policy. As the world’s most populous landlocked nation, the country’s strategic push to reconnect with the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden corridors represents a foundational pillar for both its domestic survival and the broader geopolitical integration and stability of the Horn of Africa.

(September 8, 2026, Addis Ababa) — Ethiopia’s strategic self-reliance in defense manufacturing and continued development momentum serves as the firm bedrock of the nation’s peace, stability, and long-term economic growth, Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed said today. PM Abiy made the remarks in a social media post on September 8, Pagume 3 in the Ethiopian calendar, observed as the ''Day of Resilience'' during the five-day bridge period leading into the Ethiopian New Year. Highlighting the pivotal role of the armed forces in safeguarding the country’s sovereignty, Abiy said national progress is inseparable from the dedication of the military. “When we think of Ethiopia, it is impossible to envision our national journey toward greatness without first honoring our courageous security forces, who stand resilient day and night to guard the country against adversaries,” PM Abiy said. “It is for this reason that on this ''Day of Resilience'', we commemorate with the highest national honor the historic sacrifices of our heroes, who laid down their lives for the continuity and sovereignty of our nation.” Underscoring the advances achieved in domestic defense technology, Abiy said local capabilities are strengthening national security. “Today, driven by its own knowledge and the capability of its children, our nation has succeeded in manufacturing advanced technological assets, including unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), modern armored military vehicles, heavy weaponry, artillery, and ammunition, within its defense industries,” Abiy said. The Prime Minister concluded by affirming that this self-reliance will support the country’s pursuit of holistic growth and stability. “As this strategic self-reliance serves as the firm bedrock of our people’s peace and comprehensive economic growth, we shall secure Ethiopia’s sustainable prosperity by reaffirming our national resilience through tangible development and strong defense capability,” he said.

(September 7, 2026, Addis Ababa) — A delegation representing Ethiopia is participating in the third BRICS Sherpa or Sous-Sherpa Meeting, hosted in New Delhi under India’s BRICS Chairship in 2026, according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Under the theme “Building for Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation and Sustainability,” Ethiopia attaches importance to the strategic deliberations aimed at advancing collective efforts toward a more effective, inclusive, equitable, and balanced international order. The meeting is expected to advance preparations for the BRICS Leaders’ Declaration, which is scheduled to be adopted at the BRICS Summit in New Delhi on 12–13 September 2026.

Addis Ababa, September 3, 2026 (ENA)—Ethiopia plans to expand its clean energy generation capacity and increase electricity export to countries across the East African Power Pool and beyond, President Taye Atske-Selassie said. Addressing the Annual Investment Meeting (AIM) in Dubai, President Taye identified clean energy as the first of five strategic investment priorities for Africa He described the endeavor as a critical driver of industrial transformation and sustainable economic growth. He urged African countries to accelerate investment in solar, wind, geothermal and hydropower while diversifying their energy mix to meet the growing demands of industrialization. The president cited clean-energy developments in countries including Uganda, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Tanzania, Ghana and Kenya, stressing that expanded and reliable energy supplies are essential to Africa’s industrial and economic transformation. For Ethiopia, he said, renewable energy represents far more than a source of electricity. “Clean energy is not simply a national asset but a foundation for rapid economic growth,” President Taye said.   President Taye said Ethiopia has an estimated 60,000 megawatts of renewable energy potential and is targeting 15,000 megawatts of generation capacity by 2030, with plans to expand electricity supplies across the East African Power Pool and beyond. The country also plans to expand electricity supplies to neighboring countries through the East African Power Pool and beyond, strengthening its role in regional energy integration. President Taye noted that Ethiopia’s relatively affordable and reliable electricity supply is increasingly attracting investment in advanced digital infrastructure. Nearly 1,000 megawatts has been allocated to data-center and mining enterprises, he said, underscoring the growing link between renewable energy, digital infrastructure and technology investment. Beyond energy, the president outlined agriculture, critical minerals, infrastructure and strategic corridors, and human capital as four additional priorities for Africa’s investment and economic transformation.   He highlighted Ethiopia’s transformation from a net wheat importer into Africa’s largest wheat producer, attributing the progress to expanded irrigation, improved agricultural technologies and the adoption of heat-resistant seed varieties. He also pointed to Ethiopia’s growing production of coffee, avocado, sesame and livestock, emphasizing opportunities in agro-processing, value addition and exports. On critical minerals, President Taye called for greater African ownership and value creation from the continent’s abundant resources, including gold, lithium, cobalt and iron ore. He cited Ethiopia’s position as the world’s sixth-largest tantalum producer and stressed that mineral development should be sustainable, inclusive and structured to ensure greater benefits for resource-producing countries. Infrastructure and strategic corridors, he said, are equally critical to Africa’s economic integration, particularly as the continent seeks to strengthen physical and digital connectivity.   President Taye highlighted Ethiopian Airlines as a major connectivity platform and pointed to Ethiopia’s 12.5 billion USD Bishoftu International Airport, currently under construction, which is expected to handle up to 110 million passengers and about four million tonnes of cargo annually. Such investments, he said, can strengthen Africa’s trade, logistics, tourism and investment links with global markets. Human capital was identified as the fifth priority, with President Taye urging African countries to turn their young populations into engines of innovation, entrepreneurship and economic growth through greater investment in skills and technology. He highlighted Ethiopia’s “5 Million Coders” initiative and thanked the United Arab Emirates for its support for the program.

(September 7, 2026, Addis Ababa) — Guided by the Medemer policy framework and strategic development plans, Ethiopia is striving for holistic prosperity by leveraging its collective national strength to overcome historical challenges and transform them into sustainable growth opportunities, the Government Communication Service (GCS) said. In a social media statement, the GCS noted key national infrastructure developments, saying, “Ethiopian Airlines, which has carried Ethiopia’s flag across the world for decades, is undertaking forward-looking transformations such as the Bishoftu International Airport project.” In addition, existing and new tourism destinations are being expanded, agriculture is moving away from dependence on rainfall to generate rural and urban jobs, and the government is working around the clock to diversify renewable energy sources, including hydro, wind, solar, geothermal, and nuclear power. Urban centers are being revitalized, integrated infrastructure is expanding, and transport and logistics capacity is strengthening, helping to solidify Ethiopia’s role as a regional renewable energy hub while maximizing mineral resources for future generations. Strong foundations signaling Ethiopia’s resurgence and accelerated growth are being laid, with citizens demonstrating unwavering commitment to institutionalizing democratic governance and realizing national aspirations. The GCS statement emphasized that public participation in the 7th General Election, growing annual involvement in the Green Legacy Initiative, and the choice of National Dialogue to resolve political differences reflect shared confidence in the government’s development vision. According to the Ministry’s social media post, “Solid foundations for Ethiopia’s holistic prosperity are being laid through the building of democratic systems, the pursuit of a multi-sectoral economy, the adaptation of modern urban lifestyles to rural settings, the expansion of renewable energy supplies, and the modernization of transport infrastructure,” marking the core significance of observing Pagume 2 as the “Day of Renewal.”

Addis Ababa, September 7, 2026 (ENA)— Ethiopia’s national resurgence has decisively moved from vision to reality, driven by transformative development projects and sweeping economic reforms, Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed said today. PM Abiy made the remarks in his X post on September 7, Pagume 2 in the Ethiopian calendar, observed as the Day of Renewal during the five-day bridge period leading into the Ethiopian New Year. Highlighting the tangible shift in the country’s trajectory, PM Abiy said the nation is actively living its progress. “Yesterday we declared our rise; today, we live it,” he said. “Our resurgence is no longer a vision; it is carved into the GERD, the corridor developments, the Bishoftu Airport mega project, and our bold macroeconomic reforms.” The Prime Minister said these landmark projects are designed to deliver immediate benefits to the public. “This transformation directly elevates daily life, bringing seamless urban mobility, vast employment opportunities, and a grand vision that anchors bright hope for our children’s tomorrow,” PM Abiy noted. Underscoring the permanence of these achievements, he said the nation’s momentum cannot be reversed. “The foundation is laid, the momentum is unstoppable, and there is absolutely no turning back,” he declared. Concluding his message, he reaffirmed the government’s resolve to maintain its strategic trajectory. “In this historic journey of resurgence we have begun, we will accelerate our development momentum to elevate Ethiopia’s rise to sustainable prosperity,” PM Abiy said. “Ethiopia builds, rises, and conquers!”

Addis Ababa, September 7, 2026 (ENA)— Ethiopia’s Medemer State is more self-conscious and determined about the country’s future than previous governments, with a clearer understanding of the direction it wants to take the nation, Education Minister Prof. Berhanu Nega said. Speaking to ENA, the minister said the changes Ethiopia has experienced over the past seven to eight years represent a significant departure from previous political periods. “One of the identifying markers of this period compared to the past is that this is a much more self-conscious government, a government that knows where it wants to go, where it wants to take the country,” he said. According to the minister, the government increasingly recognizes that Ethiopia cannot continue to contend with poverty, economic weakness and persistent internal conflicts, including ethnic and religious tensions. He said the government is working to reduce corruption and promote hard work as essential elements of national development, stressing that Ethiopia, as an ancient civilization, needs to change its approach to development. The minister also said the government is increasingly conscious of the rapidly changing global environment, which is being shaped by emerging conflicts among major powers, technological transformations and shifts in the international system. National consciousness is also growing, with Ethiopians increasingly recognizing that the country has fallen behind and needs to accelerate its development, he noted. He further recalled that Ethiopia had for a long time been preoccupied with internal differences and conflicts, diverting attention from the need to catch up with the rest of the world. “The point of demarcation for this government, as much as I see it since the change, is this acute awareness that we have slept for a long time,” he said. The minister also said the recent National Dialogue has also helped address some of Ethiopia’s longstanding political questions, particularly issues concerning the type of political system needed to build a strong, resilient, capable and prosperous nation. At the same time, he acknowledged that Ethiopia remains in a period of transition, with political challenges and mistakes inherited from the past continuing to influence the present. Prof. Berhanu said the prolonged emphasis on ethnicity in politics has contributed to conflicts over the past two to three decades, arguing that Ethiopia’s political system needs to move away from highly ethnicized politics. “We have to start to think of each other as members of the same country, as citizens,” he stressed. He said a growing sense of shared citizenship is emerging, although the political outlook of the past has not completely disappeared. “We are in that transition period where this struggle between the old politics and the new emerging ones are, to a certain degree, fighting for supremacy,” he said. According to the minister, Ethiopia’s future requires greater emphasis on shared national interests, economic development, technical knowledge and the country’s moral standing. The professor called on Ethiopians to increasingly see themselves as citizens who share a common future and fate, saying such a shift would help the country advance toward greater prosperity, resilience and national development.

By Staff Writer Sept. 4, 2026 (ENA) Ethiopia closed the 2018 Ethiopian calendar year with a week marked by accelerating economic transformation, expanding digital ambitions and a more assertive focus on strategic national interests. From agriculture and exports to digitalization, housing finance, water resources and maritime access, developments during the final days of the year pointed to an emerging national agenda centered on productive capacity, economic resilience, strategic autonomy and deeper integration into regional and global markets. The five-day Pagume programme provided a platform for the government to take stock of progress in economic reform, agriculture, infrastructure, renewable energy, technology and national resilience while outlining priorities for the year ahead. The figures presented during the week offered concrete indicators of the scale of this transformation. More than 33.5 million hectares were cultivated during the 2025/26 fiscal year, producing more than 1.85 billion quintals of agricultural output, according to the Ministry of Agriculture. Livestock exports generated 128.3 million USD, up from about $95 million previously, an increase of more than 35 percent. Ethiopia also earned more than 11.2 billion USD in export revenues during the 2018 Ethiopian fiscal year and has set a target of 13.4 billion USD for 2026/27, reflecting an intensified drive to expand exports, generate foreign exchange and move toward higher-value production. Taken together, these developments signal an economy seeking not only faster growth but also a stronger productive base capable of reducing import dependence, easing foreign-exchange pressures and strengthening resilience to external shocks. Economic Transformation: From Reform to Productive Capacity Economic transformation emerged as the defining theme of the week. As Ethiopia prepared to enter a new calendar year, the Government Communication Service used Pagume to highlight what it described as progress in macroeconomic stability, revenue mobilization, exports, agricultural and industrial production, renewable energy and major infrastructure development. Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed placed these achievements within a broader national sovereignty and self-reliance agenda, pointing to rising wheat production, expanding domestic manufacturing and initiatives such as Yelemat Trufat (Bounty of the Basket) and Made in Ethiopia. The direction reflects Ethiopia’s ongoing Homegrown Economic Reform Agenda, which seeks to address macroeconomic imbalances, strengthen the foreign-exchange market, improve debt sustainability and create greater space for private-sector investment. The emerging model is therefore about more than growth. It is increasingly about producing more, processing more, exporting more and competing more effectively in global markets. Agriculture: A Pillar of Economic Sovereignty Agriculture remains central to Ethiopia’s transformation because it links food security, employment, rural incomes, exports and industrial development. The reported cultivation of more than 33.5 million hectares and agricultural output exceeding 1.85 billion quintals underscore the scale of the sector. The government is seeking to raise productivity through irrigation, mechanization, improved seeds, fertilizer production, livestock development and agro-processing, with the longer-term goal of moving from predominantly subsistence-oriented agriculture toward a more productive and commercially integrated sector. Wheat production has acquired particular strategic importance. Expanding domestic wheat output can reduce import requirements while conserving scarce foreign exchange, making agricultural productivity increasingly relevant to the country’s broader economic sovereignty agenda. Livestock exports offer another avenue for value creation. Ethiopia’s 128.3 million USD in livestock export earnings during the 2018 Ethiopian fiscal year highlights the potential to expand foreign-exchange earnings through greater processing capacity and higher-value meat and livestock products. However, sustaining these gains will require continued investment in irrigation, rural infrastructure, market access, productivity, food-system resilience and household purchasing power. Digital Transformation Opens a New Economic Frontier Digitalization is rapidly becoming another pillar of Ethiopia’s economic transformation. Ethio Telecom’s 2026/27 business plan targets 295 billion birr in revenue, a 36.7 percent increase from the previous year. It also aims to expand its customer base to 96.2 million and mobile data and internet users to more than 60 million. The ambition goes beyond telecommunications. Under its three-year “Next Horizon: Digital & Beyond” strategy, Ethio Telecom is seeking to expand into digital financial services, cloud computing, enterprise solutions, digital platforms and artificial intelligence. The shift reflects a broader national effort to use digital infrastructure to expand financial inclusion, support entrepreneurship, modernize public services and connect a growing population to the digital economy. Housing Finance Signals Deeper Financial-Sector Reform Another significant development was the agreement between the National Bank of Ethiopia and the International Finance Corporation to establish a dedicated Mortgage Refinance Company. The institution will have 100 billion Birr in capital, with the IFC committing at least 200 million USD. The initiative is intended to ease liquidity constraints in the banking system and expand mortgage financing. Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, who witnessed the signing of the Framework for Cooperation, said the partnership would support the government’s ambition to provide 1.5 million affordable and dignified homes while increasing private-sector participation. Beyond housing, expanded mortgage finance could stimulate construction, employment, financial intermediation and household asset formation, while contributing to the development of Ethiopia’s financial sector. Strategic Water Resources and Abay/Nile Perhaps the week’s most consequential strategic debate centered on Ethiopia’s water resources and the equitable utilization of the Abay/Nile. Fekahmed Negash, Chairperson of the Advisory Team on Transboundary Water and GERD at the Ministry of Water and Energy, highlighted the substantial evaporation losses experienced by downstream reservoirs. In an interview with ENA, Fekahmed said downstream reservoirs could lose up to 20 billion cubic meters of water annually through evaporation, with the Aswan High Dam alone accounting for an estimated 15–16 billion cubic meters in annual losses. He argued that Ethiopia’s highland geography provides favorable conditions for water storage, particularly in deep and relatively cool gorges where evaporation can be minimized. According to Fekahmed, highland storage can also provide wider benefits, including sediment retention, longer downstream dam lifespans, flood regulation and opportunities for cascade hydropower generation. He called for a unified basin-wide framework through which Nile countries could maximize the river’s shared benefits. The discussion comes as Ethiopia continues to emphasize the principle of equitable and reasonable utilization of transboundary water resources, while presenting water development as essential to agriculture, energy generation and economic growth. Historical Equity Enters Abay Debate The strategic water debate also took on a historical and economic dimension. Former State Minister for Irrigation Development Birhanu Lenjiso argued that Ethiopia has legitimate grounds to seek redress for historical economic losses, foregone development opportunities and longstanding inequities in Abay/Nile utilization. His argument adds a development perspective to Ethiopia’s longstanding position that the Nile should be utilized equitably and in a manner that supports the development aspirations of all basin countries. The debate increasingly extends beyond water itself to questions of energy security, food production, economic development and regional cooperation. Red Sea Access: Economic Imperative Meets Strategic Interest Ethiopia’s pursuit of reliable access to the Red Sea also remained prominent during the week. Education Minister Professor Berhanu Nega described access to the sea as a logical, historical and economic imperative, linking the issue to Ethiopia’s demographic realities, economic interests and national security. For a large landlocked economy, maritime connectivity has direct implications for the cost and competitiveness of imports and exports, foreign-exchange flows, supply-chain resilience and access to international markets. Ethiopia’s maritime ambitions are therefore increasingly intertwined with its broader economic strategy. Water resources, energy, trade corridors and maritime connectivity are emerging as interconnected components of the country’s long-term economic and strategic outlook. Regional Connectivity and Digital Logistics Advance The same emphasis on economic integration was evident in Ethiopia’s engagement with the Horn of Africa Initiative Trade Ministers Meeting, which highlighted the importance of trade corridors, connectivity and trade-facilitating infrastructure. Meanwhile, Ethiopian Shipping and Logistics launched a digital customer self-service platform aimed at modernizing port and cargo operations. The platform provides services including cargo tracking, booking, demurrage management, digital payments and complaints handling, helping reduce reliance on paper-based procedures and streamline import-export operations. The move illustrates how Ethiopia’s economic transformation is increasingly extending beyond production to the digital modernization of trade and logistics. Pagume and the Narrative of National Revival The government’s decision to organize Pagume under the theme “Ethiopia’s Revival” was significant both economically and politically. Rather than treating the final five days of the Ethiopian calendar simply as a period of celebration, the programme served as a national stocktaking exercise and a platform for presenting a forward-looking development narrative. The five days focused respectively on breakthrough, revival, resilience, diversity, and the future and digital transformation. The framework sought to connect individual achievements and projects to a broader national story centered on renewal, resilience and economic self-reliance. Looking Ahead: From Growth to Strategic Autonomy The final week of the 2018 Ethiopian calendar year offered a snapshot of a country seeking to redefine the foundations of its economic future. Agricultural expansion is being linked to food security and industrialization. Domestic manufacturing is being promoted to reduce import dependence. Digitalization is opening new economic frontiers. Housing finance is being connected to financial-sector development. Export expansion is becoming increasingly important for foreign-exchange generation. And water resources and maritime connectivity are being framed as strategic pillars of long-term economic security. The challenge now is implementation. Production gains and ambitious targets will have their greatest impact if they translate into higher household incomes, more jobs, stronger private investment, improved food security and greater international competitiveness. Ethiopia’s economic transformation is consequently becoming broader than a conventional growth agenda. It is increasingly a project to build the productive capacity, infrastructure, technology, financial systems and regional connectivity needed to sustain growth and strengthen strategic autonomy. As Ethiopia enters a new year, the emerging direction is clear: produce more, add more value, export more, digitize faster and deepen regional economic integration. If sustained and effectively implemented, this trajectory could reshape not only Ethiopia’s domestic economy but also its strategic position in the Horn of Africa and its role in the wider African and global economy.

Addis Ababa, September 6, 2026 (ENA)—Cameroon and Ethiopia have over half-a-century long diplomatic relations that should be expanded and deepen in the future, Ambassador Ewumbue-Monono told ENA. The Cameroonian ambassador to Ethiopia stated that "even if the diplomatic relations between the two countries have been very positive in the past 60 years, the most important thing is the future." Ambassador Ewumbue-Monono stated that “we have always been cooperating in international organizations. So we hope that the most important thing is not the 60 years that have passed, but the most important thing is the future.’’   He noted that historically Ethiopia and Cameroon have been cooperating at international organizations. Speaking on the sidelines of the event in commemoration of the late pioneer female Ethiopian Ambassador Konjit Sinegiorgis who chaired the group of African ambassadors to the OAU in 1995, Ambassador Churchill Ewumbue-Monono said there was a lot of cooperation between the two countries. In "1995 when Ethiopia was chairing the OAU, Ambassador Konjit was the chair of the group of African diplomats and the group of African ambassadors to the OAU." And after Ambassador Konjit, in the following year, it was Cameroon that was chairing the OAU. "So there was a lot of cooperation between Ambassador Konjit and the Cameroonian ambassador at the time."   In the year that followed, bilateral relations between the two countries include wide-ranging areas, including people-to-people ties, business to business, and sports, among others, the Ambassador elaborated. ''There have been a number of Ethiopian business missions to Cameroon and Cameroonian business missions to Ethiopia." But the most important thing is the future, even if the two countries have been very positive throughout the 60 years diplomatic relation, he stressed.

Addis Ababa, September 6, 2026 (ENA)—Deputy Prime Minister Temesgen Tiruneh affirmed that Ethiopia has been registering significant results and steadily moving toward greater prosperity through comprehensive economic transformation, increased productivity and expanded domestic production. He made the remarks as Ethiopia marked the first day of Pagume, the country’s 13th month, as Day of Break Through. The event was attended by senior government officials, representatives of partner organizations and private sector stakeholders. DPM Temesgen said the macroeconomic reforms and financial sector modernization measures undertaken in recent years have strengthened the foundations of the Ethiopian economy and created a more conducive environment for sustainable growth. Ethiopia has also made significant progress toward food sovereignty, particularly through increased agricultural production and the adoption of modern farming practices, he stated.   The Deputy Prime Minister also noted that the use of improved seeds, cluster farming and modern agricultural technologies has increased the production of meat, rice, maize, milk and other agricultural products, strengthening the country’s capacity to meet domestic food needs through local production. “Ethiopia is firmly moving from a dependency on imports toward becoming a producer capable of meeting domestic demand and competing in international markets,” he underscored. The country's economic transformation agenda has increasingly focused on shifting the economy from import dependence toward stronger domestic production, productivity and export competitiveness. The government has been implementing macroeconomic reforms alongside measures aimed at improving agricultural output, expanding manufacturing, modernizing the financial sector and increasing the efficiency of public institutions. The Deputy Prime Minister also mentioned the progress in manufacturing and agro-industry, citing “Made in Ethiopia” (Ethiopia Tamrt) movement and industrial parks as key drivers of substitution of imported goods with locally produced products.   Progress in the mining sector has likewise created new opportunities for economic growth and exports by promoting the processing of natural resources into higher value products, he added. According to the Deputy Prime Minister, efforts to improve transparency and efficiency in revenue collection and customs administration through electronic filing, electronic payment systems and the digitalization of procedures have also contributed to improving tax compliance. Production should be the idea, strategy and goal, he said, stressing that projects and activities that fail to create value or produce tangible results represent a waste of resources. The deputy prime minister further emphasized the importance of digitalizing government services to improve efficiency, enhance service delivery, reduce reliance on manual procedures and curb corruption. “Ethiopia is changing, developing and moving towards greater prosperity,” he added, expressing appreciation to Ethiopians, development partners and other stakeholders for their contributions to the country’s transformation.   DPM Temesgen also called for continued commitment to productivity, domestic production and the efficient utilization of resources to sustain Ethiopia’s development and advance its prosperity journey. Ethiopia has been pursuing a broad economic reform program aimed at addressing structural challenges, improving macroeconomic stability and strengthening the country’s productive capacity. The reform agenda has included measures in the foreign exchange market, monetary and financial sectors, taxation and public finance, with the broader objective of creating a more competitive economy and attracting greater investment. Agriculture remains a major pillar of Ethiopia’s economy and a central component of the country’s efforts to achieve food sovereignty and expand exports.