Addis Ababa, October 4, 2026 (ENA)—International guests that attended the 8th Irreecha Forum in Addis Ababa have described the festival as a vibrant expression of culture, thanksgiving and unity, encouraging more people to visit Ethiopia and experience its cultural heritage. The Irreecha Forum was held at the Sheraton Addis Hotel on Friday. Gene Mettler, an American visitor who also has the Oromo name Balcha, said Irreecha shares similarities with Thanksgiving in the United States, as both celebrations involve giving thanks for blessings received. A major difference is that Thanksgiving in the United States is mainly celebrated by families, while Irreecha brings the wider Oromo community together to give thanks and seek blessings for the future. “What I love about Irreecha is that the entire Oromo and Ethiopian community joins together to celebrate,” the American said. Mettler, who had lived in Ethiopia for four years, also said he recently returned from the United States where he shared his experiences of Ethiopian culture and family unity with friends and relatives, adding that he has decided to remain in Ethiopia for as long as possible. Fauzia Abdikadir, a visitor from Marsabit, Kenya, described Irreecha as a “very beautiful festival,” saying she enjoyed the way Oromo and Ethiopian culture was represented during the celebration.   According to her, Addis Ababa is also a tourist destination, particularly its views at night, that encourages tourists to visit the city and experience its culture. “It’s a very beautiful city,” Abdikadir said. The other visitor from Kenya, Nadi Girole, said she is happy to attend the forum and the Irreecha that takes place in the coming two days and learn more about the culture, its origins and traditions. “Everything about the Irreecha festival—learning about my culture, where my people come from, and how everything started—is so beautiful,” Girole said.   She pointed at the traditional clothing, language and the presence of Abbaa Gadaas among the aspects of the celebration that impressed her most. The Kenyan also said wider publicity, interviews and social media promotion could help introduce Irreecha to more people around the world and encourage tourists to visit Ethiopia during the festive season. Like the other visitors, Girole noted that Addis Ababa is a beautiful city; and encouraged people in Kenya and elsewhere to visit Ethiopia, saying they would enjoy the city and its people.   Irreecha is an Oromo thanksgiving celebration in which people express gratitude to Waaqa (God) for blessings received and pray for blessings in the future. Irreecha Hora Arsedi, the Oromo thanksgiving festival, is being celebrated colorfully in Bishoftu, drawing large crowds to the lakeside and public gathering places across the town. Moreover, yesterday, Irreecha Hora Finfinnee was celebrated in Addis Ababa under the theme “Irreecha for National Renaissance,” bringing together hundreds of thousands of people in a colorful celebration of Oromo culture, heritage and unity.

Addis Ababa, October 4, 2026 (ENA)—Irreecha Hora Arsedi, the Oromo thanksgiving festival, is being celebrated colorfully in Bishoftu, drawing large crowds to the lakeside and public gathering places across the town. The celebration began with the traditional blessings of the Aba Gadas, who invoked peace, unity and prosperity for participants as the festival got underway. At Hora Arsedi Lake, thousands of festival-goers have gathered in a vibrant display of Oromo cultural heritage, dressed in traditional attire and taking part in songs, prayers and thanksgiving rituals. The celebration has also extended to public spaces across Bishoftu, where large congregations have come together to observe and participate in the festivities.   Irreecha is a traditional Oromo thanksgiving celebration associated with the end of the rainy season and the beginning of the harvest season. It forms an important part of the Oromo Gada system, which is inscribed on UNESCO’s Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. The festival provides an occasion for communities to express gratitude, renew social bonds and pass cultural traditions from one generation to the next. Yesterday, Irreecha Hora Finfinnee was celebrated in Addis Ababa under the theme “Irreecha for National Renaissance,” bringing together hundreds of thousands of people in a colorful celebration of Oromo culture, heritage and unity.   Today’s Hora Arsedi celebration in Bishoftu has likewise brought people together along the shores of the lake, with traditional songs, blessings and cultural ceremonies creating a vibrant atmosphere of thanksgiving and shared aspirations for the future, ENA learned.

Addis Ababa, October 3, 2026 - The annual Hora Finfinnee Irreecha festival has been praised by foreign visitors as a symbol of unity and a showcase of Ethiopia's rich cultural heritage, according to attendees. The annual Hora Finfinnee Irreecha festival has transformed Addis Ababa into a colorful celebration of Oromo culture, gratitude, and national consensus, drawing participants from across Ethiopia and international visitors who described the city as welcoming, beautiful, and full of life. The festival, which took place at Irreecha Park, featured a diverse range of attendees, including Abbaa Gadaas, Haadha Siinqees, youth, residents of Addis Ababa, and international guests. Traditional dances, songs, and brightly colored Oromo attire filled the venue, expressing pride, gratitude, and cultural continuity. Orhot Payette, a visitor from North Carolina, United States, in an interview with ENA said "I loved the ceremony; it’s my first time! My friends brought me here. I’m very excited—they helped me get a dress and everything," She further said "Addis Ababa is wonderful! People are loving, kind, generous… I love it here." Martina Marek, a visitor from Poland, also expressed her admiration for the festival. "I’m very glad that I could manage to visit this special celebration on that day. I haven’t had a chance to see such a big event like that, such a big celebration." Marek, who had been in Addis Ababa for two weeks, described the city's festive atmosphere as inspiring. "You can see that everywhere, on every street and every corner, something is going on and it’s really rising up, which feels very nice for the country and for the society." The Hora Finfinnee celebration, which took place at Irreecha Park, featured traditional dances, songs, and brightly colored Oromo attire, expressing pride, gratitude, and cultural continuity. The festival is part of this year’s Irreecha observances, with the Hora Harsadii festival in Bishoftu scheduled for October 4. Irreecha, the Oromo people’s thanksgiving festival, is rooted in the Gadaa system and marks the transition from the rainy season to a new season of renewal. This year’s celebration emphasizes unity, peace, forgiveness, and cooperation among Ethiopia’s diverse communities.

Addis Ababa, October 3, 2026 (ENA)—The Hora Finfinne Irreecha festival has concluded peacefully in Addis Ababa, showcasing Ethiopia’s rich cultural heritage while preserving the values and traditions at the heart of the Oromo thanksgiving festival. In a message following the conclusion of the celebration, Addis Ababa Mayor Adanech Abiebie described Irreecha as a living expression of thanksgiving, peace, love and unity. She added that the festival once again brought people together in a spirit of brotherhood, solidarity and tolerance.   From the early morning, hundreds of thousands of people flocked to Hora Finfinnee in colorful traditional attire, filling the celebration with vibrant music, dance, blessings and a powerful display of cultural pride, ENA reported from the scene. Mayor Adanech said Irreecha extends beyond its cultural and traditional significance, serving as a major gathering that brings people from diverse backgrounds together and demonstrates the enduring values of coexistence and togetherness. She called on Ethiopians to translate these values into action by working collectively to strengthen peace, national consensus and the country’s overall prosperity, while pooling their capabilities and reinforcing national unity. Adanech further expressed her gratitude to everyone who contributed to the peaceful and successful conclusion of the festival, with particular appreciation to the residents of Addis Ababa for welcoming visitors with the city’s tradition of Ethiopian hospitality and warmth.   She also extended thanks to the Abba Gadaas, Haadha Siinqees, Follees, security forces and leaders for their roles in ensuring the successful conclusion of the celebration. Concluding her message, the Mayor underscored the broader message of the festival with the call: “Irreecha for National Consensus! Irreecha for Peace and Unity!” Irreecha is a traditional Oromo thanksgiving festival celebrated at the end of the rainy season. It is a time of gratitude to Waaqa (God), renewal, reconciliation and community gathering, bringing together people to celebrate life, peace and shared cultural values, it was learned.

Addis Ababa, October 3, 2026 (ENA)—The celebration of Irreecha, the Oromo people’s thanksgiving festival, is underway in Addis Ababa’s Hora Finfinnee in a vibrant display of culture, tradition, unity, and joy. From the early morning hours, hundreds of thousands of people gathered at Hora Finfinnee, dressed in colorful and spectacular traditional attire, filling the celebration with music, dance, blessings, and a strong sense of cultural pride. Abbaa Gadaas, elders, youth, and guests from different walks of life joined the celebration, which vividly showcased the richness and diversity of Oromo cultural heritage. Beyond its cultural and spiritual significance, Irreecha has increasingly become a powerful symbol of peace, unity, and togetherness, bringing people from across Oromia and other parts of Ethiopia together in a shared celebration. The festival’s sea of colors, traditional costumes, songs, dances, and rituals created a spectacular cultural scene in the heart of Addis Ababa, attracting participants from across the country and drawing growing international interest. Irreecha also reflects the enduring values of the Gadaa system, a traditional system of governance and social organization of the Oromo people that has been inscribed by UNESCO on the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. The international recognition of Gadaa has further elevated global awareness of Oromo heritage and created opportunities for cultural exchange and tourism, positioning Irreecha as an increasingly important cultural attraction in Ethiopia. This year’s celebration also resonates with Ethiopia’s broader journey of development and transformation, with culture and heritage increasingly contributing to tourism, social cohesion, and the country’s international cultural profile. The festival brings together diverse Oromo traditions in an unmatched spectacle of color, culture, and togetherness, making Hora Finfinnee a vibrant meeting place for people celebrating heritage, peace, and unity. The celebration once again demonstrated how Irreecha has grown beyond a traditional thanksgiving ceremony into a major cultural gathering that brings people together while showcasing Ethiopia’s rich and diverse cultural heritage to the wider world.

Addis Ababa, October 3, 2026 (ENA)—The celebration of Hora Finfinnee, part of the annual Irreechaa thanksgiving festival, is underway in Addis Ababa, bringing together tens of thousands of people in a vibrant display of Oromo culture, tradition and unity. Dressed in colorful traditional attire, people from different parts of Ethiopia gathered at Hora Finfinnee on Saturday morning to mark Irreechaa, a traditional Oromo thanksgiving ceremony celebrated at the end of the rainy season and the beginning of the harvest season. This year’s celebration is being attended by various segments of society, including Aba Gadas and Hadha Sinqes, as well as cultural and community representatives. The festival provides a distinctive platform for the Oromo people to showcase their rich cultural and spiritual heritage, with traditional songs, dances, colorful attire and ceremonies reflecting values of beauty, unity, solidarity and communal harmony. Irreechaa is rooted in the traditional thanksgiving to Waqa (God), who is believed to have created the heavens and the earth. During the celebration, the Oromo people express gratitude for peace, good harvests, family well-being, human and soil fertility, and the health of their livestock. Irreechaa is celebrated in different localities across Oromia and in communities around the world where Oromos live. Among the major celebrations are Hora Finfinnee in Addis Ababa and Hora Arsadi in Bishoftu, which draw people from across Oromia and other parts of the country. The Hora Arsadi Irreechaa celebration in Bishoftu town is scheduled to take place tomorrow. In a message marking the occasion, Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed said Irreechaa represents justice, equality, love and unity, and embodies fraternity and solidarity among the people. He urged Ethiopians to work together to overcome challenges and build a brighter future. Prime Minister Abiy also extended his warm congratulations to the Oromo people and all Ethiopians on the occasion of the Irreechaa thanksgiving festival. He wished Ethiopians a peaceful and prosperous celebration as the country transitions from the rainy season into the bright spring.

Addis Ababa, October 2, 2026 (ENA)— Tourism representatives from Jordan and Namibia have emphasized shared cultural connections with Ethiopia as a key opportunity to expand tourism exchanges, business partnerships, and industry cooperation. Speaking to ENA during Oromia Tourism Week, held from September 29 to October 1 in Addis Ababa, the delegates highlighted opportunities to strengthen trade, deepen collaboration, and accelerate tourism growth across the region. Speaking at the event, Laura Leader, Founder and General Manager of Discover Jordan, highlighted the shared cultural and tourism heritage of Ethiopia and Jordan as a foundation for stronger business ties. “Both Ethiopia and Jordan share a very rich culture and heritage. We have beautiful tourism destinations in each of our countries, and I think together we can really make something incredible happen,” Leader said. She emphasized that the event offered a valuable platform for networking with tourism companies across Africa, paving the way for future business partnerships. Leader noted strong interest in Jordan among Ethiopian and African travelers, driven largely by religious heritage sites such as Mount Nebo and the Jordan River. She added that her positive interactions with local professionals encouraged her to return to explore tourist attractions beyond Addis Ababa. Meanwhile, Sandra N. Shoopala, Marketing Administrator at the Namibia Tourism Board, noted that Namibia’s participation aimed not only to promote the country as a destination, but also to build strong partnerships with Ethiopian stakeholders. “We are not only here to invite you, but we are also here to build partnerships, friendships, and collaborations, to say let's work together, let's visit each other,” Shoopala said. She stressed that boosting two-way tourism could encourage more Namibians to visit Ethiopia and vice versa. She also praised Ethiopia's efficient visa facilitation, noting that her own application was processed in about an hour. That smooth experience prompted interest in studying Ethiopia’s system to explore similar measures in Namibia for Ethiopian travelers. “This is our second time exhibiting at Oromia Tourism Week, but personally, it’s my first time here,” Shoopala added. “Ethiopia is a very beautiful country, and the people are incredibly welcoming.” Overall, the participation of representatives from Jordan and Namibia showcased how shared cultural heritage and streamlined travel can forge new business ties and expand bilateral tourism.

Addis Ababa, October 2, 2026 (ENA)— Irreecha promotes unity, togetherness, forgiveness, and reconciliation, and carries great value for national understanding, said Addis Ababa Mayor Adanech Abiebie. The 2026 Irreecha Forum is being held in Addis Ababa under the theme “Irreecha: For National Consensus!”, highlighting the festival’s values of unity and national understanding. Addressing the forum, Adanech said that Irreecha carries a powerful message, and if properly nurtured and cared for, it can contribute to the development of the country and the preservation of unity. “Irreecha is a time to offer thanks to God, the Creator,” she said. “It preaches unity, togetherness, forgiveness, and reconciliation.” She stated that Irreecha is a festival from which everyone can benefit, adding that its values can be expanded and celebrated together as a shared holiday. Adanech expressed her appreciation to the people of Addis Ababa for welcoming and hosting guests who enter through all five gates, saying that this reflects an understanding of, appreciation for, and effort to promote the values of Irreecha. She wished for Irreecha to be a celebration of peace, togetherness, and communication, as well as a time to develop Ethiopia’s rich values, work to overcome poverty, stand together in unity to build the country, and demonstrate hard work and mutual support. Irreecha is the Oromo thanksgiving festival, traditionally observed as a time to give thanks to Waaqa (God) and welcome the new season after the rainy period. The 2026 celebrations are scheduled for October 3-4, with major celebrations taking place at Hora Finfinnee in Addis Ababa and Hora Harsadii in Bishoftu.

Addis Ababa, October 2, 2026 (ENA)— Deputy Prime Minister (DPM) of Ethiopia, Temesgen Tiruneh, has extended his best wishes to Ethiopians celebrating Irreecha, highlighting the festival's values of thanksgiving, togetherness, peace, and hope for the future. In a message shared on social media, the Deputy Prime Minister described Irreecha as a festival of thanksgiving, through which the Oromo community expresses gratitude to the Creator as the rainy season passes and nature turns green. According to the Deputy Prime Minister, Irreecha represents togetherness by remembering the past with gratitude, celebrating the present in peace, and welcoming the future with hope. Additionally, the festival provides an occasion to pray for peace, abundance, and prosperity in the new season. The Deputy Prime Minister further emphasized that Ethiopia is building on shared values, such as Irreecha, to transform diversity into unity, unity into strength, strength into development, and development into shared civilization. He noted that the festival's lesson is rooted in collective strength, mutual care, and working together to turn shared hopes into tangible outcomes. Moreover, the Deputy Prime Minister pointed out that festivals that originate in specific localities can, over time, become shared national and global cultural heritage, contributing to social connection and enrichment. In conclusion, the Deputy Prime Minister wished for Irreecha to serve as a foundation for peace, a source of togetherness, and a beacon for a brighter shared future. Irreecha is an annual Oromo thanksgiving festival that marks the end of the rainy season and welcomes spring, symbolizing gratitude, renewal, peace, and communal harmony.  

Addis Ababa, October 2, 2026 (ENA)—Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed extended his warm congratulations to the Oromo people and all Ethiopians on the occasion of the Irreecha thanksgiving festival. He wished Ethiopians a peaceful and prosperous celebration as the country transitions from the rainy season into the bright spring. The Prime Minister described Irreecha as an emblem of Ethiopia's dawn of civilization and national renewal. He urged all Ethiopians to embrace the core values of Irreecha, including peace, reconciliation, forgiveness, and brotherhood, to strengthen national unity and advance the nation's journey toward lasting prosperity. Prime Minister Abiy noted that Ethiopia is transitioning into a bright era of national renewal and civilization, drawing a parallel between the traditional Oromo thanksgiving festival of Irreecha and the country's socio-economic transformation. He emphasized that just as Irreecha marks the end of the dark winter season and welcomes the bright spring, Ethiopia is overcoming long-standing political and economic hurdles to enter a period of prosperity and strong national unity. The Prime Minister reflected on Ethiopia's history, noting that despite its vast natural and human potential, the country remained bogged down in poverty due to governance challenges and a lack of systematic resource management. However, he asserted that strategic economic and social reforms under the reform government are now actively converting historical natural and man-made challenges into major opportunities. Prime Minister Abiy highlighted key national benchmarks, including the completion of the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) and major economic projects, as concrete proof of the country's progress. He reaffirmed the government's commitment to peace and national consensus, urging armed groups to turn toward peace and recalling the Oromo proverb that a house where one sleeps is better than where one spends the evening. Concluding his message, Prime Minister Abiy called on the Oromo people and all Ethiopian nations, nationalities, and peoples to join hands in unity, forgiveness, and brotherhood to safeguard the nation's sovereignty and realize a prosperous Ethiopian civilization.

Addis Ababa, September 30, 2026 (ENA) — Multilingualism is essential to strengthening Africa’s international cooperation as language plays a central role in diplomacy, trade, education, science, culture and development, Economic Commission for Africa (ECA) said. ECA Deputy Executive Secretary Mama Keita made the remarks today at an event marking International Translation Day, observed annually on September 30 under this year’s theme, “Language Diversity and Language Rights: The Power to be Understood.” She said multilingualism enables people and communities to communicate across linguistic and cultural boundaries, thereby contributing to stronger international cooperation and mutual understanding. Access to information in languages people understand is essential for meaningful participation in society, Keita said, emphasizing the importance of language in enabling people to access knowledge, public services and opportunities. She stressed that knowledge must be able to cross language barriers and reach all communities, particularly in an increasingly interconnected world. Keita also underscored the vital role of translators, interpreters, editors, terminologists and other language professionals in facilitating dialogue and enabling ideas, decisions and experiences to cross linguistic boundaries. Within the United Nations system, she noted, language professionals help make decisions, resolutions, reports, agreements and other official documents available in the organization’s official languages. This, she said, enables member states and other stakeholders to understand and engage with the UN’s work. The Deputy Executive Secretary further linked multilingualism with cultural diversity, saying language professionals contribute to promoting tolerance, mutual understanding and respect among different cultures. Meanwhile, UNESCO Liaison Office Director Rita Bissoonauth said translation plays a critical role in facilitating the international exchange of knowledge and literature, allowing ideas and cultural expressions to move across languages and borders. Bissoonauth cautioned that artificial intelligence driven language technologies should not deepen existing linguistic inequalities, noting that many African languages remain underrepresented in digital resources. She said UNESCO advocates for technology that supports rather than replaces human expertise, stressing that effective translation requires cultural knowledge, contextual understanding and professional accountability that go beyond the literal conversion of words. International Translation Day is observed annually to recognize the contribution of translators and interpreters to communication, international cooperation, cultural exchange, knowledge sharing, peace and mutual understanding.

Addis Ababa, September 30, 2026 (ENA) —Ethiopia is harnessing digital technology and artificial intelligence (AI) to unlock its tourism potential, enhance visitor experiences, and create economic opportunities for local communities and businesses, Tourism Minister Selamawit Kassa said. Speaking at the launch of the 6th Oromia Tourism Week in Addis Ababa on Tuesday, the Minister noted that the government is advancing the digital transformation of the tourism sector through policy measures, strategic partnerships, and technology-driven initiatives. Ethiopia's new tourism policy, which came into effect this year, identifies key directions for transforming the sector through digital technology and AI. Selamawit stated that AI is increasingly reshaping how tourism destinations are marketed, trips are planned, businesses operate, heritage sites are interpreted, and visitors experience destinations. Emphasizing the importance of inclusive digital transformation, the Minister said the adoption of AI and digital technologies should remain open, inclusive, and human-centered, ensuring that the benefits of tourism are not concentrated in a limited number of destinations and digital platforms. She highlighted the role of digital platforms in connecting visitors with tourism businesses, tour operators, hotels, and other stakeholders, The establishment of a Smart Tourism Information Center at the Ministry of Tourism's headquarters is another initiative demonstrating the government's commitment to digitalizing the sector. The Minister also said the country's upcoming AI University would contribute to building artificial intelligence capabilities in Ethiopia and across Africa, with potential benefits for the tourism industry. Highlighting Ethiopia's diverse tourism resources, she said the country is endowed with abundant natural and cultural heritage, including its status as the cradle of humanity, the birthplace of coffee, and the source of the Blue Nile. Selamawit described Oromia as an important part of Ethiopia's tourism landscape, citing its natural attractions, diverse wildlife, cultural heritage, and potential to create opportunities for local communities and businesses. Tourism development requires strong collaboration among federal and regional governments, the private sector, local communities, development partners, and international markets, the Minister underscored. For her part, Oromia Tourism Commissioner Lelise Duga said the Week is growing into an annual platform connecting domestic and international tourism stakeholders. Representatives from more than 20 countries are participating in this year's Tourism Week and the event is creating opportunities for tourism and investment by bringing together tourism professionals, tour operators, partners, and private-sector actors. The three-day event features various programs, including panel discussions focusing on digital tourism, artificial intelligence, and inclusive tourism.

Addis Ababa, September 30, 2026 (ENA) — Ethiopian Pharmaceutical Association (EPA) has reaffirmed that Ethiopia is well-positioned to become a leading pharmaceutical manufacturing hub in Africa. In an exclusive interview with ENA, President of EPA Dr. Daniel Waktole noted recent policy reforms, improved regulatory frameworks, and a growing influx of investments have created highly favorable conditions for local production. In fact, manufacturing is one of the main economic pillars under Homegrown Economic Reform Agenda along with Agriculture, Mining, Tourism, and Technology and the Digital Economy (ICT). He further stressed even if the country previously introduced various policies, proclamations, and directives, the sector historically struggled to expand due to a lack of adequate attention to the sector. Thus, Previously, no domestic pharmaceutical manufacturer met the stringent quality standards required by the World Health Organization (WHO) or the Ethiopian Pharmaceuticals Supply Agency, according to Dr. Daniel. "The situation has changed significantly in recent years," he stated, highlighting that about seven pharmaceutical factories now meet international Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) requirements. This milestone signals a major turning point for the nation's healthcare and industrial capabilities, he underscored. "This progress will pave the way for Ethiopia to become Africa’s hub for pharmaceutical manufacturing,” said Dr. Daniel. Citing the government’s growing focus on strengthening local capabilities, he projected that domestic production could meet 60 to 70 percent of Ethiopia’s pharmaceutical demand within the next three to five years. He also mentioned that the Kilinto Special Economic Zone is the first of its kind in Africa for pharmaceutical manufacturing, attracting many investors and well-known, high-standard companies are starting production. Drawing on his dual perspective as a pharmacy owner and president of the Ethiopian Pharmaceutical Association (EPA), he noted that the sector has made remarkable strides in developing local expertise and reducing dependence on foreign technical personnel. “Four years ago in my factory, foreign experts managed the entire algorithm setup without a single Ethiopian on the team,” he said. “Today, through targeted training and capacity building, foreign personnel account for barely 3 percent of our workforce. Fully replacing foreign technicians in such a short period is a massive achievement, and other factories are following suit.” The president attributed recent shifts in policy attention to the COVID-19 pandemic, which exposed vulnerabilities in Ethiopia's supply chains and underscored the urgency of self-reliance. “During the pandemic, we faced severe supply chain challenges and struggled to import even basic items like paracetamol,” he recalled. “Even though producing it locally was straightforward, domestic manufacturing had not yet received the necessary attention.” According to him, the government has introduced a series of policy, regulatory, and institutional reforms over the past two years to encourage both local and foreign investment. A major milestone in this effort is the introduction of long-term supply arrangements. “For the first time in Ethiopia, a local supplier signed a fixed, seven-year contract. That was a massive breakthrough,” he said. Previously, manufacturers faced considerable uncertainty, as operations depended heavily on volatile individual tenders, foreign aid programs, and imported supplies. “If you relied on foreign aid or imported goods, your factory could be forced to close if you failed to win a tender,” Dr. Daniel explained. “Now, that uncertainty is gone, and manufacturers are granted seven-year contracts that allow them to focus strictly on production.” Ultimately, he concluded, the combination of supportive policies, extended market commitments, increased investment, and growing technical capacity is building a robust foundation for the future of Ethiopia’s pharmaceutical industry.    

Addis Ababa, September 27, 2026 (ENA) —Ethiopia’s Meskel-Demera, the discovery of the ‘True Cross’, celebration has captivated international visitors with its striking blend of faith, culture, history and community. The celebration gives visitors from around the world a rare firsthand glimpse into one of Ethiopia’s most distinctive and enduring religious traditions. For them who gathered in Addis Ababa to witness the festival, Meskel was more than a colorful public celebration. It was an opportunity to experience a centuries-old Christian tradition that remains deeply embedded in Ethiopian society.   Approached by ENA, visitors from Jordan, Jamaica, Norway, Germany and Croatia described Meskel as a unique and memorable experience, highlighting the vibrant ceremonies, spiritual atmosphere, warm hospitality and the remarkable participation of people from across society. Michelle Akasheu, a visitor from Jordan, said he was immediately impressed by the warmth of the Ethiopian people and the spiritual atmosphere surrounding the celebration. “I’m Christian, so I’m Catholic. A friend asked me to join him today to see this beautiful festival, which I really love,” Akasheu said.   He said attending Meskel gave him a rare opportunity to witness Ethiopia’s longstanding Christian tradition in a deeply communal setting. “Christianity is very, very old in this country, and it is embedded in the spirit of the people here,” he said. The participation of priests and the wider community, he added, made the celebration particularly distinctive. Having previously visited the Vatican and attended other religious events, Akasheu said Meskel offered an experience closely connected to Ethiopia’s unique Christian heritage. He also expressed interest in exploring the country beyond Addis Ababa, particularly its rock-hewn churches, monasteries and other historic sites. “There is a lot to be seen here,” he said, encouraging greater international promotion of Ethiopia’s cultural and religious heritage. For Jamaican visitor Njkita Nkruma Lindsay, who has lived in Ethiopia for about 19 years, Meskel carries a particularly deep spiritual and cultural meaning.   Lindsay, who described herself as an Orthodox Christian, said Ethiopia represents freedom and a sense of belonging for people of African descent whose ancestors were taken away during the transatlantic slave trade. “For us, Ethiopia is the land of freedom — freedom in every way, religious freedom and physical freedom,” she said. He said Meskel vividly reflects the enduring place of Christianity in Ethiopian cultural life and brings large numbers of people together in a shared celebration. “Meskel is representing Christianity. It’s the finding of the True Cross,” Lindsay said. What makes the festival especially distinctive, she added, is its nationwide character and the way it brings communities together through both faith and cultural tradition. “In Ethiopia, celebrating Meskel is for every Christian,” she said. Lindsay encouraged people from around the world to visit Ethiopia and experience the festival themselves. For Norwegian tourist Jorulf Husbyn, Meskel was an unexpected highlight of his first visit to Ethiopia.   “We didn’t know it was a festival, so we wanted to stop in Ethiopia on our way to Southern Africa and explore the culture, geography and history. So this is our lucky day to come by this festival,” Husbyn said. The unexpected encounter gave him a memorable introduction to Ethiopia’s cultural and religious traditions. Husbyn said he was impressed by the colorful celebration, the people and the atmosphere surrounding the event, describing it as an opportunity to discover another dimension of Ethiopia’s history and culture. As a Christian and Lutheran, he said witnessing Meskel was particularly meaningful. “I’m very excited to be here, to see and explore the culture and this part of Christianity,” he said. He also praised Ethiopia’s natural landscapes, history and hospitality, saying the country offers rich experiences for travelers interested in culture and heritage. German visitor Andreas Schaible, who was in Ethiopia for the second time, said Meskel was his first experience of the festival and offered him another perspective on Ethiopian culture.   “It’s very interesting to see the differences between the culture in Germany and in Ethiopia,” Schaible said. Having lived and worked in Addis Ababa, he said he had become increasingly interested in the country’s traditions and public celebrations. “It’s very good for me to learn about the culture here in Ethiopia,” he said, emphasizing the value of understanding both cultural differences and similarities. Schaible also pointed to Ethiopia’s traditions, food and coffee as some of the experiences that make the country distinctive as a tourist destination. His family, he added, plans to visit Ethiopia in the future. For Croatian visitor Zvonimir Rakigjija, Meskel was not simply a new cultural experience but a return to a country with which he has a decades-long connection. Rakigjija lived in Ethiopia from 1966 to 1973 and attended St. Joseph’s School. He returned to the country with his wife to revisit its festivals, traditions and places that had remained important to him.   He praised Ethiopia’s people, landscapes and cultural heritage and encouraged visitors to venture beyond Addis Ababa to experience the country’s diverse communities and scenery. From first-time visitors unexpectedly encountering the festival to those returning after decades, the international guests shared a common impression: Meskel offers an experience that goes beyond watching a religious ceremony. It brings Ethiopia’s living heritage into the public space—where faith, history, culture and community converge around the Demera, creating a celebration that visitors can witness, experience and remember. For international tourists, Meskel is therefore not simply a festival on Ethiopia’s calendar. It is a vivid gateway into the country’s enduring cultural and spiritual identity.

Addis Ababa, September 26, 2026 (ENA) —Ethiopia and India are geographically distant, but our churches are spiritually very near, with their Orthodox churches united by a common apostolic faith, Patriarch of the Malankara Orthodox Syrian Church of India, His Holiness Baselios Marthoma Mathews III, said. Speaking at the Demera celebration in Addis Ababa today, the Patriarch said the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church and the Malankara Orthodox Syrian Church belong to the family of Oriental Orthodox Churches and share a spiritual heritage shaped by the Eucharist, fasting, prayer, asceticism, the communion of saints and the cross of Christ.   “Our nations are geographically distant, but our churches are spiritually very near,” he noted, emphasizing that the bond between the two churches is rooted not primarily in diplomacy or institutional relations, but in their common apostolic faith. His Holiness Baselios Marthoma Mathews III said the relationship between the two churches has developed through decades of visits, theological cooperation and exchanges, recalling the 1965 gathering of heads of Oriental Orthodox Churches in Addis Ababa as a significant milestone in the history of their fellowship. He also highlighted the contributions of theologians and clergy from the Malankara Orthodox Church to theological education and fellowship in Ethiopia, as well as reciprocal visits by the heads of the two churches. The Patriarch further recalled that a bilateral agreement between the two churches was formally signed during the 2017 Meskel celebration in Ethiopia, describing the occasion as a significant expression of their historic friendship and shared apostolic inheritance.   According to him, Meskel’s inscription on UNESCO’s List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity appropriately recognizes its role in bringing together people across communities and generations while fostering reconciliation, social cohesion and peaceful coexistence. For Orthodox Christians, the Patriarch said, Meskel represents more than cultural heritage, describing it as “living faith” and worship centered on Christ. This celebration demonstrates the unifying and reconciling message of the cross, which brings people together and directs them toward God and one another, he added. “The cross gathers us. The cross reconciles us.” His Holiness Baselios Marthoma Mathews III concluded: “For us Orthodox Christians, Meskel is still more. Before it is cultural heritage, it is living faith. Before it is spectacle, it is worship. Before it belongs to history, it belongs to Christ.”

Addis Ababa, September 26, 2026 (ENA) —Patriarch of the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church, His Holiness Abune Mathias, has called on Ethiopians to work earnestly for comprehensive national peace by overcoming obstacles to unity and progress with patience and foresight. In his fatherly message delivered during the Meskel Demera celebration at Meskel Square in Addis Ababa, Abune Mathias stressed the importance of unity, progress and a shared commitment to reconciliation. “The primary message of the Cross is to establish peace and unity, forgiveness and reconciliation, as well as love and harmony among all mankind,” Abune Mathias said.   He urged Ethiopians to confront challenges that hinder national unity and progress with patience and farsightedness, stressing the need for sustained efforts to achieve lasting peace and unity across the country. The Patriarch said the message of Meskel and the Cross carries a universal call for peace, forgiveness, reconciliation and harmony, the Patriarch described as essential to Ethiopia’s pursuit of national unity and peaceful coexistence. The Demera ceremony was colorfully celebrated at Meskel Square, bringing together Holy Bishops, senior government officials, foreign ambassadors and diplomats, international visitors, church followers and members of the wider community.   The celebration placed Ethiopia’s centuries-old religious and cultural heritage at the center of a powerful message of peace, unity and reconciliation.

Addis Ababa, September 26, 2026 (ENA) —Meskel-Demera festival is serving as a shared value that elevates Ethiopia’s national image and cultural wealth across the world, Addis Ababa Mayor Adanech Abiebie said. Addressing the Demera celebration at Meskel Square today, the Mayor stated that the Meskel-Demera festival, one of the most vibrant public celebrations in the city, is a great festival which has been celebrated for centuries while preserving its religious essence and shining brightly in our culture.   The holiday, while maintaining its religious and cultural significance, encompasses many cross-generational and holistic benefits, Adanech underscored. Recalling the official registration of Mesquel-Demera by the UNESCO as an intangible cultural heritage of humanity, she said it serves as a shared value that elevates Ethiopia's image and cultural wealth across the world. For Ethiopians, the holiday holds a profound meaning in their daily lives and all joint activities, the Mayor emphasized.   “Even though each of us has a distinct culture, language, religion, and identity, we become unbreakable force that overcomes darkness for both the city and country as we stand together like the Demera, walk hand-in-hand, and strengthen our unity.” According to her, the city of Addis Ababa has recently been cited as a center of global attraction, a symbol of cleanliness, and an example of urban transformation achieved in a short period of time.   The Mayor also noted that the hosting of many tourists who visit the city warmly showcases the manifestation of Ethiopian hospitality. The ability of hosting such great national and international events as well as holidays underscore the city's capacity to successfully lead and accommodate huge functions. Holding of great events like these show the city's competence, civility and beauty thus creating capacity for even greater attraction—not just because the government worked alone; but because we stood and cooperated together, she stressed.

Addis Ababa, September 26, 2026 (ENA) —The Indian Orthodox Church is seeking to deepen its longstanding relationship with the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church through expanded theological dialogue, educational exchanges and greater sharing of faith and traditions. His Holiness Baselios Marthoma Mathews III, Catholicos of the East and Malankara Metropolitan, made the call at Holy Trinity Cathedral in Addis Ababa during an Indian Orthodox delegation’s visit to Ethiopia for this year’s Meskel celebrations. He said the two churches have maintained a longstanding relationship and have already begun dialogue aimed at bringing them closer together as sister churches within the Oriental Orthodox family. “We have already started our dialogues between our churches,” the Patriarch said, adding that the two sides are exploring ways to establish “more intimate relations” and share their traditions, faith and practices. He said the dialogue could also open the way for greater cooperation in theological education, including the exchange of students between seminaries in Malankara and Ethiopia. “We are even thinking of sharing students of the seminary between our seminary in Malankara and also our seminary in Ethiopia in the near future,” he said. The proposed exchange would build on earlier educational links between the two churches, including the involvement of Malankara theologians in theological education in Ethiopia. Speaking to Pulse of Africa, His Grace Dr. Yuhanon Mar Diascoros, a Metropolitan of the Malankara Orthodox Syrian Church and former professor at Holy Trinity Theological College in Addis Ababa from 1994 to 1997, described the relationship between the churches as a longstanding bond rooted in their shared Oriental Orthodox heritage. “It is a very strong ancient connection between the Indian Orthodox Church and the Ethiopian Orthodox Church. We are sister churches. We belong to one family,” he said. Diascoros highlighted the exchange of teachers and students as an important expression of the relationship, saying such cooperation could contribute to promoting peace and harmony in both countries. He noted that both societies face complex challenges and stressed the importance of responding to them through peaceful dialogue and the teachings of Christianity. “We have to work together for promoting peace and harmony in both our countries,” he said, emphasizing the need to “teach the peace given by our Lord Jesus Christ.” The remarks came as the Indian Orthodox delegation joined Ethiopian Orthodox faithful in celebrating Meskel, one of Ethiopia’s most significant religious and cultural observances commemorating the finding of the True Cross. Diascoros said Ethiopia’s distinctive way of marking Meskel, including its character as a major national celebration, gives the feast a special significance.

Addis Ababa, September 26, 2026 (ENA) —Ethiopians should join hands and work together to build a prosperous country and advance national interests, including Ethiopia’s quest for seaport, Culture and Sport Minister Shewit Shanka said. The Minister made the call today while addressing the Meskel-Demera celebration at Meskel Square in Addis Ababa.   Shewit said Meskel-Demera is more than a religious celebration, highlighting its importance in preserving Ethiopia’s history, identity, cultural values and national unity. The celebration reflects Ethiopia’s traditional values and indigenous knowledge, while also strengthening social ties and unity among the country’s diverse population.   She also commended the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church for preserving the celebration across generations, enabling it to be passed on to the current generation and recognized as a cultural treasure of global significance. The Minister noted that Ethiopia has made development gains in various sectors through hard work and the collective efforts and cooperation of its people, calling on Ethiopians to build on the achievements. She likened Ethiopians’ collective effort to the pieces of wood brought together for the Demera bonfire, stressing the importance of standing together to advance the country’s national goals.   She concluded by thanking all those who have worked to preserve and sustain the celebration and wished Ethiopians peace, love, health and prosperity on the occasion.

Addis Ababa, September 26, 2026 (ENA) —President Taye Atske Selassie has conveyed a congratulatory message to Ethiopian Christians on the occasion of the Meskel-Demera holiday, wishing them a peaceful and joyous celebration. In his message, the President wished followers of the Christian faith a peaceful Ethiopian 2019 Demera and Meskel celebration, expressing his hope that the holiday would be marked by benevolence, kindness, peace and mutual goodwill. Meskel, a Ge’ez term meaning “Cross,” commemorates the finding of the True Cross on which Jesus Christ was crucified. The Meskel Festival was inscribed in 2013 on UNESCO’s Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. The festival is celebrated annually on September 27, with the eve marked by the lighting of Demera, a large ceremonial bonfire traditionally built from bundles of wood and decorated with Ethiopian daisies. The celebration is observed across Ethiopia, with the Demera ceremony bringing together communities for religious chants, prayers and traditional performances. In Addis Ababa, thousands have gathered at Meskel Square for the central celebration, where the bonfire is traditionally lit as part of the commemoration. Beyond its religious significance, Meskel is an important expression of Ethiopia’s cultural heritage and social cohesion, bringing together families and communities and emphasizing reconciliation, mutual care and peaceful coexistence.