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 Branimir Akidžan, Meskel was not simply a new cultural experience but a return to a country with which he has a decades-long connection. Akidžan 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.

Addis Ababa, September 26, 2026 (ENA) —The Inter-Religious Council of Ethiopia (IRCE) has extended its best wishes to Christians celebrating the Meskel-Demera festival, noting that buried truth can be unearthed. Meskel-Demera is a vibrant national religious holiday celebrated annually on September 26 (Demera Eve) and September 27 (Meskel) to commemorate the discovery of the True Cross by Queen Helena. In a statement the IRCE sent to ENA, it said the Demera and Meskel holiday, beyond its historic and religious values has enabled the people to live together in unity, love and peace. Noting that the Meskel holiday dates back over three hundred years after the birth of Christ, the statement explained that after Emperor Constantine achieved victory using the sign of the cross seen in the sky, his mother, Queen Helena, went to Jerusalem to find the True Cross. By lighting a bonfire (Demera), burning incense, and initiating excavations where the smoke settled, she found the True Cross in 326 AD, it added. The statement stated that the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ is where we attained victory, where peace was preached, and where we saw in action God's incomparable love for humanity. It explained that the cross is the mystery of liberation through which human beings were reconciled with God, the debt of sin was paid; and it serves as a public document of reconciliation. The Council further said the holiday is a demonstration of love that exists in the heart and is expressed in action, illustration that a buried truth can be brought to light, and also a symbol of reward for trustworthiness and diligence. Pointing out that the Meskel and Demera holiday is a great foundation of social bonding that brings Ethiopians together in unity, the Council stated that the Demera fire is a time when we burn away hatred and division, preach forgiveness and love in their place, cast out hatred from our hearts, and declare reconciliation. A small flicker of light has the power to dispel darkness, the Council called upon the public to embrace themselves with spiritual light—which helps eliminate the darkness of hatred, division, resentment, and revenge that dims the light of life. The holiday is a great heritage that introduces Ethiopia’s social interaction, hospitality, and cultural values to the world where the spirit of hatred and conflict should be eliminated, the Council stressed. The Inter-Religious Council of Ethiopia respectfully called on all to put God's love into action by helping and supporting the vulnerable, the displaced, and fellow citizens in need as the Meskel and Demera holiday is celebrated.

By Yordanos D.   Sept. 26, 2026 (ENA) Every year as Ethiopia approaches the festival of Meskel, communities across the country gather around towering bonfire structures known as Demera, carefully constructed from poles, branches, grass, and yellow Meskel flowers. As evening approaches, clergy, Sunday school students, families, and worshippers gather in public squares, church compounds, and local neighbourhoods. Together, they fill the air with prayers, hymns, traditional songs, and ceremonial rites in anticipation of lighting the central fire. The Demera bonfire serves as the primary ceremonial symbol of the Ethiopian Meskel celebration, which commemorates the discovery of the True Holy Cross of Christ. Although deeply anchored in the religious life of Ethiopian Orthodox Christians, the tradition has evolved into a vibrant expression of civic participation, cultural continuity, and social interaction. Beyond its spiritual significance, the sheer scale and distinctiveness of these public gatherings have given Demera growing importance as a driver of cultural tourism and local economic vitality. Recognizing its profound cultural value, UNESCO inscribed the Commemoration Feast of the Finding of the True Holy Cross of Christ on the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity in 2013. Official UNESCO documentation identifies Demera as the central catalyst of the celebration, noting that Meskel is observed across Ethiopia regardless of age, gender, language, or ethnicity, while highlighting the vital role local churches play in coordinating communities and safeguarding this living tradition. Expression of Faith At its core, Demera is a sacred religious observance. Every element, from the physical construction of the pyramid-shaped bonfire to the solemn prayers, liturgical chants, and ritual lighting, connects directly to Christian traditions surrounding Queen Helena's discovery of the Cross. Consequently, Demera is far more than a public spectacle for worshippers; it is a profound expression of faith, devotion, thanksgiving, and spiritual renewal. Gathering around the flame fosters a shared religious experience that binds individuals to their families, congregations, and broader communities. This religious meaning endures largely through active intergenerational transmission. Children and young people observe the preparation of the bonfire, listen to traditional chants, and actively join the festivities alongside their parents, elders, and spiritual leaders. Through this repeated participation, sacred knowledge and ritual practices are seamlessly passed from one generation to the next. This intergenerational dynamic is precisely why UNESCO recognized Meskel as a heritage deeply rooted in Ethiopian life. Because its continuity relies not on static written archives but on the active dedication of communities who build the bonfire, chant the hymns, and maintain the rituals, Demera remains a dynamic, living heritage. Social Unity Beyond its spiritual dimension, Demera provides a vital venue for communal gathering in shared public spaces. The festival brings together clergy, families, youth, elders, and visitors around a unifying cultural heritage. Because it is celebrated simultaneously across the nation, Demera allows local variations to thrive while maintaining a cohesive connection to the broader national tradition. UNESCO's 2013 inscription explicitly highlighted the festival's contribution to social cohesion, integration, and diversity. Furthermore, UNESCO documented the customary practice of resolving personal disputes and social grievances prior to the lighting of the fire, framing Meskel as a powerful ritual for reconciliation and peaceful coexistence. The gathering around Demera creates a recurring opportunity for social interaction and family reunions, particularly as migrant workers return to their hometowns. In this sense, Demera serves as an annual bridge connecting religious devotion, family life, and civic harmony—facilitating the exchange of ideas, resources, and social ties between urban and rural populations. Cultural Tourism The vivid sensory details of Demera, the ceremonial vestments of the clergy, rhythmic chanting, traditional attire, and the dramatic blaze against the evening sky, create a uniquely authentic Ethiopian experience. This distinctiveness gives the festival immense potential for cultural and religious tourism. Celebrations at major venues, such as Addis Ababa's Meskel Square, draw hundreds of thousands of participants, serving as landmark events on the national cultural calendar. Domestic visitors travel across regions to participate in rituals and reconnect with relatives, while international visitors encounter a living, unmanufactured tradition rather than a staged performance. Over the past three years, tourist flow around the festival period has reflected a strong recovery and upward trajectory following post-pandemic and regional stabilization efforts. Nationwide international tourist arrivals rose from approximately 658,000 in 2023 to 725,000 in 2024, followed by a 15 percent increase in 2025 that brought annual arrivals past 830,000. This momentum accelerated further into 2026, with overall annual international visits surpassing 1.6 million. During the Meskel and Demera season each September, key urban centers, most notably Addis Ababa, experience significant seasonal spikes in visitor volume, as tens of thousands of international tourists and hundreds of thousands of domestic travelers gather for the ceremony. This movement of people stimulates demand for transportation, accommodation, food services, and artisanal crafts, generating economic activity that extends beyond the immediate site of the ceremony into the wider regional economy. The relationship between religious heritage and community development is supported by academic research. A 2013 study by Berhanu Esubalew at Addis Ababa University on religious tourism in Lalibela demonstrated that religious heritage can drive sustainable development and community empowerment when local populations are actively involved. Similarly, a 2019 study by Muluemebet Semaw highlighted how religious heritage generates intertwined economic and spiritual value for local residents. While these studies focused on Lalibela, their underlying insights apply directly to Demera: religious traditions yield meaningful economic value only when communities remain the primary stewards and beneficiaries. Economic Contribution, Community Bondage The economic benefits of Demera emerge naturally through the influx and gathering of visitors. Hotels, guesthouses, restaurants, transport providers, street vendors, and local craftspeople all experience heightened demand during the festival season. In alignment with UNESCO's guidelines on intangible cultural heritage, commercial activity can strengthen local economies as long as it does not threaten the authenticity of the tradition. The key is ensuring that economic benefits are not monopolized by large corporate players. Local traders, food providers, artisans, and small accommodation providers must be given opportunities to participate meaningfully in the tourism economy created around the celebration. As visitor interest in Demera expands, safeguarding its sacred identity becomes paramount. In line with UNESCO guidelines, commercial expansion must be carefully managed to prevent decontextualization or the conversion of a holy rite into mere entertainment. To preserve the integrity of Demera, local authorities and tourism organizers should focus on several key management practices. First, they must prioritize the sacred rite by ensuring that liturgical services, prayers, and long-standing community traditions remain the central focus, completely uninhibited by commercial staging. In addition, providing clear cultural context through pre-arrival digital guides and interpretive materials can help educate visitors on the theological and historical significance of the event. Furthermore, managing event infrastructure effectively, by implementing robust crowd control, public safety protocols, sanitation, and waste management, is vital to protecting church grounds and surrounding public spaces during large gatherings. Finally, organizers should actively distribute economic benefits by directing tourism opportunities toward local small businesses, artisans, traditional food vendors, and regional transport operators, ensuring that the community remains the primary beneficiary. Living Heritage The true strength of Demera lies in the fact that it is actively lived and practiced. Its value cannot be measured solely by tourist headcount or economic output; these are secondary benefits that arise naturally from protecting a tradition whose primary value is spiritual and social. As one of the most recognizable public expressions of Ethiopia's living cultural heritage, Demera brings together faith, family, and national identity. UNESCO's recognition reinforces its importance while bestowing a clear responsibility: as the festival becomes more visible globally, preserving its authenticity and keeping local communities at the center of its stewardship remain essential. In conclusion, Ethiopian Demera is far more than a ceremonial bonfire; it is a living testament to faith, communal solidarity, and cultural memory transmitted through generations. While its visual magnificence offers extraordinary potential for responsible tourism and local economic development, its true value remains anchored in its spiritual meaning and community ownership. By balancing heritage preservation with thoughtful management, Ethiopia can foster economic opportunities around Demera without altering its sacred character, ensuring that its flame continues to illuminate faith, unity, and shared identity for generations to come.

Addis Ababa, September 26, 2026 (ENA) —Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed has extended his best wishes to Ethiopian Christians celebrating the UNESCO-inscribed Meskel-Demera festival. Ethiopian Christians mark Meskel on September 27 to commemorate the discovery of the True Cross on which Jesus Christ was crucified. In his eve message issued this morning, Prime Minister Abiy said Meskel is celebrated across Ethiopia not only as a religious observance but also as a cherished cultural tradition that brings families, communities and society together. He noted that families gather, bonfires are lit, and cities and surrounding communities come together in a shared celebration. From the preparation of the wood to the burning of incense, the festival demonstrates the power of unity and collective strength, the Prime Minister said. He added that the commemoration of Meskel mobilizes the strength of Ethiopians and reinforces the collective national spirit needed to build a stronger Ethiopia. “Ethiopia will shine and remain proud forever through the efforts of its children,” Prime Minister Abiy said, extending his Meskel greetings to the Ethiopian people. “May the Creator bless Ethiopia and its people,” he added.

Addis Ababa, September 25, 2026 (ENA) — Religious fathers have underscored the significance of togetherness, love, peace, and hospitality as core values reflected in Ethiopia's Meskel/Demera celebration. The festival, which commemorates the discovery of the True Cross, provides an opportunity to showcase the country's rich cultural heritage to visitors from around the world. Meskel, inscribed on UNESCO's Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, brings people together beyond its religious significance and reflects Ethiopia's long-standing traditions of mutual care and hospitality. Chief of Scholars Abba T'umelsan Adane Qomos, Manager of the Lideta, Kirkos, and Addis Ketema Sub-cities Diocese, said Meskel is a shared heritage celebrated collectively by Ethiopians. He urged the faithful gathering at public squares for the 'Demera'/Bonfire/ ceremony to uphold love, mutual care, and national unity as central values of the celebration. Abba T'umelsan also emphasized the importance of extending Ethiopia's traditional hospitality to religious leaders and guests arriving from different countries and sister churches, saying such gestures contribute to presenting the country's cultural values and hospitality to the international community. Melake Genet Zemariam Muche, Chief Administrator of Debre Yibabe Saint Yared Church, said Meskel commemorates the discovery of the True Cross and serves as a manifestation of peace, love, and unity. He noted that this year's Meskel celebration has taken on a distinctive character as developments along Addis Ababa's corridors and the transformation of riverbank areas have changed the appearance of the capital.   Abba Gebreselassie Amare, Chief Administrator of Lideta LeMariam and MedhaneAlem Churches, said Meskel also contributes to promoting Ethiopia's image by showcasing the values of togetherness, love, and hospitality. He noted that the city's corridor and riverbank development projects have enhanced Addis Ababa's beauty, adding to the grandeur of this year's celebration.   Melake Mihret Bekalu Werkneh, General Manager of the Yeka Sub-City Diocese under the Addis Ababa Archdiocese, said Meskel extends beyond its religious dimension, describing it as a shared national heritage and value for Ethiopians. He said the festival vividly demonstrates the country's traditions of togetherness, love, and hospitality.   As the Meskel festival approaches, Ethiopians are preparing to celebrate with traditional clothing, food, and festivities, marking the significance of Meskel in their lives and culture. The festival is a time for unity, love, peace, and hospitality, and an opportunity for Ethiopians to come together and showcase their traditions to the world. Preparations are underway in various parts of the country to celebrate the festival, with the building of the Demera, a tall, conical pyre made from dry firewood, Ethiopian daisy /Meskel flower/, being a key part of the celebrations. The Demera celebration came a day before the main Meskel festival. The festival is expected to attract thousands of people, including tourists and dignitaries, who will gather to witness the lighting of the Demera and participate in the festivities.

Addis Ababa, September 25, 2026 (ENA) — The Ministry of Health has announced that Ethiopia’s health sector has made substantial progress over the past five years, highlighted by a notable decline in maternal and child mortality rates. The achievements were shared as Ethiopia commemorated World Pharmacists’ Day 2026 under the theme “Empowering Pharmacists for Healthier Futures.” The event brought together pharmacists, healthcare professionals, and key stakeholders to honor the pharmacy profession and discuss strategies to strengthen the national health system. Speaking on behalf of the State Minister of Health, Frehiwot Abebe, Senior Technical Advisor Bekele Ashagrie pointed to major improvements in health indicators, attributing part of this success to the vital work of pharmacists. “Pharmacy professionals remain a crucial component of the health system,” Bekele said, underscoring their essential role in expanding access to medicines and improving healthcare delivery across the country. Bekele also highlighted ongoing initiatives focused on innovation, pharmaceutical manufacturing, and emergency response. To streamline operations, the government is modernizing information and support systems using cloud-based data, which enhances the planning, monitoring, and implementation of medicine supply and utilization. Furthermore, efforts are actively underway to expand domestic manufacturing capacity through targeted inspections, technical support, and comprehensive capacity-building programs designed to strengthen operational performance across the entire pharmaceutical sector. Ethiopian Pharmaceutical Association (EPA) President Dr. Daniel Waktole emphasized that pharmacists are integral to the safe, effective, and equitable delivery of healthcare. As accessible frontline professionals and medication experts, pharmacists improve patient outcomes through dispensing medicines, counseling, chronic disease management, and health screenings, working hand-in-hand with physicians, nurses, and multidisciplinary teams. Dr. Daniel noted that this role is increasingly vital as health systems shift toward integrated models of care that strengthen primary healthcare and promote the rational use of medicines. World Pharmacists’ Day was established by the International Pharmaceutical Federation (FIP) in 2009 and first observed in 2010. Held annually on September 25, the date commemorates FIP's 1912 founding and recognizes the vital contributions of pharmacists to public health and patient safety worldwide. Ethiopia honors the profession through its own rich traditions. Since 2014, Ethiopian Pharmacists’ Day has been celebrated annually on December 4 to mark the founding of the Ethiopian Pharmaceutical Association (EPA). Additionally, the EPA began locally commemorating World Pharmacists’ Day in 2020, placing a strong emphasis on professional development, capacity building, and public health.

Addis Ababa, September 20, 2026 (ENA) —Alula Pankhurst has commended the Ethiopian government’s diplomatic efforts to recover heritage artifacts taken from the country through looting, force, and other illicit means. Pankhurst, researcher and member of the Ethiopian National Heritage Restitution Committee, emphasized that Ethiopia has achieved encouraging results in recent years by strengthening diplomatic engagement, improving coordination among stakeholders and applying the principle of “Medemer,” or synergy, in facilitating the return of cultural heritage items. In an exclusive interview with ENA, he said numerous Ethiopian artifacts had been repatriated over the past seven years through diplomatic initiatives and coordinated efforts involving government institutions, researchers, heritage organizations and international museums.   Pankhurst emphasized that heritage objects removed through force, looting or other illicit means should be returned to their rightful historical owners. Against this backdrop, a British scholar and social development consultant said Ethiopia has intensified efforts to identify and recover heritage items that were illegally taken out of the country, including artifacts that subsequently appeared on international art and antiquities markets. According to Pankhurst, Ethiopian authorities have, in several cases, submitted formal diplomatic objections to prevent the sale of Ethiopian artifacts on foreign markets. Following the cancellation of such sales, the government and other stakeholders have engaged with the relevant parties to negotiate the return of the artifacts, in some cases through agreements involving reasonable and affordable compensation, he said.   Pankhurst also highlighted ongoing efforts to recover Emperor Tewodros II’s Gospel, which was looted from Maqdala and later put up for sale in Abu Dhabi by an Austrian firm. He said direct engagement with international museums has also become an important avenue for securing the return of Ethiopian heritage. In this regard, an agreement has been reached with the Toledo Museum of Art in the United States for the gradual repatriation of about 380 Ethiopian artifacts acquired by the museum from an individual, Pankhurst noted. Under the agreement, the museum is expected to return two 15th century manuscripts and three crosses in the near future, while the remaining artifacts will be repatriated in phases over the next five to ten years.   Pankhurst said such agreements demonstrate the importance of sustained diplomatic engagement and cooperation among government institutions, researchers, heritage organizations and international museums in restoring Ethiopia’s cultural heritage. The ongoing repatriation efforts, he added, are helping recover historical objects that constitute an important part of Ethiopia’s cultural and historical identity.

Addis Ababa, September 18, 2026 (ENA) — Psychiatrists from Ethiopia and across Africa have convened in Addis Ababa to explore how artificial intelligence (AI) and digital psychiatry can expand access to quality mental healthcare across the continent, according to the Ministry of Health. The joint conference of the Ethiopian Psychiatrists Association and the African Association of Psychiatrists is being held under the theme, “Digital Psychiatry in Africa: Leveraging AI for Accessible and Quality Mental Health Care.” According to a Ministry of Health social media post, the two-day conference is taking place on September 18 and 19 at the Adwa Victory Memorial Museum in Addis Ababa. Speaking at the opening, Minister of Health Dr. Mekdes Daba emphasized that AI and digital psychiatry are increasingly important tools for reaching patients and responding to growing demand for mental health services. She emphasized the importance of adopting technology while maintaining technological sovereignty in the psychiatry sector and called for the use of adaptive technologies that respond to Africa’s specific needs. According to the minister, the time has come to leverage innovative technologies to improve healthcare in Africa. President of the Ethiopian Psychiatrists Association, Prof. Atalay Alem, on his part, said the conference theme is timely and reaffirmed the association’s commitment to working with the Ministry of Health and other stakeholders to advance mental healthcare. He said the association has grown to 194 members through continuous professional training in recent years. Prof. Atalay also highlighted the importance of collaboration with continental and international medical associations, saying the association is strengthening partnerships to advance the profession. He further stressed the need for stronger laws, policies and guidelines to regulate the development and implementation of artificial intelligence and digital psychiatry across Africa. Similarly, President of the African Association of Psychiatrists, Dr. Vuyiso Talatala, expressed appreciation to the Ethiopian Psychiatrists Association for its contributions to the continental body and for hosting the conference. In a video message, Dr. Vuyiso said the conference provides an important platform for psychiatrists to strengthen research and exchange ideas, experiences and knowledge. He expressed hope that the conference would identify practical ways of applying artificial intelligence to psychiatry and expanding access to mental healthcare across Africa.

Addis Ababa, September 17, 2026 (ENA) —IGAD is calling on partners to invest in anticipatory action before El Niño-related impacts intensify, saying early preparedness can reduce damage to livelihoods, infrastructure and economies. In his welcoming remarks at the IGAD Regional High-Level Forum on El Niño Preparedness for the Horn of Africa in Addis Ababa today, IGAD Deputy Executive Secretary Mohamed Abdi Ware emphasized the need for early action. He said ICPAC’s forecast of above-normal rainfall in parts of the Horn of Africa requires countries to act before the impacts occur. “In our region, every dollar invested in resilience can return up to three or four dollars in prevented losses,” Ware said, stressing the economic value of acting before disasters strike. Ware also urged member states to activate preparedness plans, preposition supplies and share early warnings across borders, saying the region can reduce the consequences of El Niño through early action. He called on development and humanitarian partners to invest alongside IGAD member states where anticipatory action is most needed, rather than waiting to finance recovery after disasters occur. “The forecast has spoken. Now it’s our turn to act on it,” he said, urging the region to turn climate information into concrete early action. UNDP Director of the Resilience Hub for Africa, Zeynu Ummer, said weaknesses in financing, cross-border coordination, infrastructure and recovery planning exposed by recent El Niño events are long-term development gaps. He urged countries to integrate disaster risk financing into national budgets, saying reliance on humanitarian appeals is unpredictable and can leave responses underfunded. Ummer called for long-term investments to address flooding and water stress, including water storage, watershed restoration, resilient transport corridors and joint management of shared water basins. He said UNDP stands ready to support recovery assessments and help governments integrate resilience into development budgets, while also strengthening early action through existing local structures. UNICEF Representative in Ethiopia Aboubacar Kampo said early-warning triggers must unlock financing and action before El Niño impacts intensify, including prepositioning essential supplies and strengthening disease surveillance. He urged countries to protect essential services for children, including water, sanitation, healthcare, nutrition and education, while strengthening cross-border coordination to manage displacement and disease outbreaks. El Niño is a climate phenomenon driven by warming Pacific Ocean waters that disrupts rainfall and weather patterns. The forum comes as the Horn of Africa prepares for potential El Niño impacts, seeking to strengthen regional preparedness, early warning and anticipatory action before climate-related risks intensify.  

Addis Ababa, September 16, 2026 (ENA) —Ethiopia has become the first civilian Emergency Medical Team (EMT) in the WHO African Region to achieve international classification, marking a major milestone in the country’s emergency preparedness and response capacity, WHO Regional Office for Africa announced. The achievement comes as countries across the WHO African Region work to strengthen national emergency response capacity. WHO said thirty countries are currently developing national EMT capacities under the Regional Framework on Emergency Medical Teams 2026–2030. For Ethiopia, the milestone follows years of leadership, investment, training and partnership led by the Ministry of Health and the Ethiopian Public Health Institute (EPHI), with technical support from WHO and partners across the Emergency Medical Team Network, it was pointed out. According to Ethiopian Public Health Institute Director-General, Dr. Mesay Hailu, the Ethiopian National EMT underwent a rigorous verification process against WHO standards covering governance, clinical services, logistics, information management, infection prevention and control, water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH), and operational readiness. "Earlier pre-verification and simulation exercises demonstrated the team's ability to establish and operate a fully functional field hospital and effectively respond to complex public health emergencies." Health Minister Dr. Mekdes Daba said, “This is the moment we have been working toward, and I am incredibly proud of what we have achieved together. The successful WHO verification of Ethiopia's National Emergency Medical Team demonstrates our readiness to protect communities when emergencies strike. WHO Country Representative, Dr. Francis Chisaka Kasolo, said the achievement reflects Ethiopia's commitment to protecting communities through stronger preparedness and rapid response capacity. "The successful verification of the Ethiopian National EMT demonstrates what can be achieved through national leadership, sustained investment, strong partnerships and a shared commitment to health security,” he added. According to him, the verification confirms that Ethiopia’s National EMT meets internationally recognized standards for quality, readiness, deployment capacity and emergency medical response. Earlier pre-verification and simulation exercises demonstrated the team’s capacity to establish and operate a fully functional field hospital and respond to complex public health emergencies. Emergency Medical Teams are trained health professionals capable of rapidly deploying during health emergencies, disease outbreaks, natural disasters and humanitarian crises. They provide life-saving clinical services, emergency care, outbreak response and public health support while operating as self-sufficient units in challenging environments.

Addis Ababa, September 16, 2026 (ENA) — Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed extended his best wishes to students across Ethiopia as the 2019 academic year begins, urging them to pursue excellence and help shape the country’s future. In a social media post, Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed said, “Our young generation is Ethiopia’s greatest wealth,” adding that “as the 2019 academic year begins, I encourage every student to learn with curiosity, pursue excellence, and develop the skills to shape our nation’s future.” He said much of what is being built today is intended “for generations to come,” stressing that students, as “the beneficiaries and custodians of that future,” have a vital role in carrying Ethiopia’s “proud legacy of civilization forward.” He also commended teachers, saying their dedication is “central to building a capable and confident generation.” “Continue inspiring our students, nurturing their potential, and equipping them with the knowledge and values to thrive,” he said. The Prime Minister also wished all stakeholders in the education sector “a successful and rewarding academic year.”

Addis Ababa, September 14, 2026 (ENA) — Ethiopia’s ongoing education reforms are laying the foundation for a generation that is morally upright, scientifically capable, and equipped to compete in an increasingly challenging global environment, Education Minister Prof. Berhanu Nega said. Speaking to ENA, Prof. Berhanu said the central objective of the reforms is to provide high-quality, equitable education for Ethiopians and prepare the younger generation to confront future challenges and compete with the rest of the world. “Our purpose is quality—significant quality improvement and equity—to make sure that the gap between the rich and the poor in education, which has widened significantly over the last 30 or so years, will be narrowed.” The Minister noted that the government is taking a range of measures to achieve these objectives, including improving teacher quality, expanding access to school supplies, increasing kindergarten services, and upgrading school infrastructure. He stated that kindergarten education, which was previously more accessible to wealthy families in urban areas, is now being expanded to reach a broader section of the population. The government is also investing in school infrastructure to create learning environments that are more attractive and conducive to students, he added. Prof. Berhanu elaborated that curriculum reform is another major component of the education transformation, aimed at improving students’ knowledge and academic capabilities, as well as developing their moral character and sense of responsibility toward society. The revised curriculum is intended to produce citizens who are “morally upright, intellectually capable, and technically astute,” he noted. He pointed out that the reforms are also designed to prepare Ethiopian students for a rapidly changing world marked by geopolitical tensions, technological advances, and other emerging global challenges. The Minister emphasized that the desired generation should be scientifically and technically capable, with an understanding of technological change and how the planet operates, while also possessing the skills to translate knowledge into practical achievements in the economy and other areas of life. “We want to make sure that in the education sector we have cultivated a sufficient number of Ethiopian children—the next generation—who are capable of withstanding all that we think is emerging,” he explained. He underscored that the generation Ethiopia seeks to develop should think beyond individual interests and contribute to the wider society. “What we want from the coming generation is moral uprightness—a generation that thinks not just for itself, but also for the society in which it lives,” he stated, underlining that this is the kind of holistic generation that Ethiopia wants to create.

By Staff Writer Sept. 13, 2026 (ENA) Ethiopia entered the 2019 Ethiopian calendar year with an unusually broad national agenda—intensified diplomacy, investment promotion, economic transformation, digital innovation, reconciliation and a renewed focus on strategic maritime interests. From September 6 to 12, Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed’s participation in the 18th BRICS Summit in New Delhi dominated Ethiopia’s international agenda. His engagements with leaders of major emerging economies highlighted Addis Ababa’s determination to turn diplomacy into opportunities for investment, technology, trade and development cooperation. At home, the government entered the new year emphasizing economic transformation, logistics development, digitalization, climate resilience and reconciliation. The release of more than 600 federal prisoners added a strong political and reconciliation dimension to the New Year, while renewed discussion over Ethiopia’s pursuit of reliable Red Sea access placed the country’s economic and security interests at the centre of a wider regional debate. Taken together, the week’s developments point to an emerging national strategy: strengthen domestic productive capacity, widen international partnerships, attract capital and technology, deepen regional influence and pursue strategic interests while maintaining a commitment to cooperation and peaceful engagement. A New Year of Renewal and Reflection   Ethiopia celebrated Enkutatash 2019 on September 11, following the five-day Pagume period that bridges the old and new years. The occasion carried both cultural and political significance. Government leaders used the New Year to emphasize peace, national unity, development and continued reform. Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed and First Lady Zinash Tayachew shared a New Year meal with members of the local community, underscoring the traditional values of solidarity and togetherness. Enkutatash is among Ethiopia’s most distinctive cultural celebrations. Observed on Meskerem 1, it marks the beginning of a new year in the Ethiopian calendar and coincides with the transition from the rainy season to clearer skies, green landscapes and the appearance of the yellow Adey Abeba flowers. But Enkutatash represents more than the turning of a calendar page. It is a season of renewal, hope, reconciliation and togetherness. Families gather, children visit relatives and friends, traditional foods are prepared and people exchange wishes for peace, health and prosperity. Young girls traditionally perform Hoya Hoye, moving from house to house and receiving gifts in return. Across Ethiopia’s diverse communities, the New Year is celebrated through different traditions, music, dance, clothing and cuisine, while retaining a shared spirit of renewal. Churches and religious communities also hold special services, prayers and celebrations. In Addis Ababa and other cities, the celebration is increasingly accompanied by public cultural programmes, concerts, exhibitions and community events. Diplomatic representatives, including Israeli Ambassador to Ethiopia Avraham Neguise and Cameroon’s Ambassador Churchill Ewumbue Monono, also extended New Year greetings to Ethiopians. For many Ethiopians, Enkutatash is therefore both celebration and reflection—a moment to leave behind the difficulties of the previous year, strengthen relationships and enter the new one with renewed determination. BRICS Puts Ethiopia’s Global South Strategy in Focus   The most prominent diplomatic development of the week was Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed’s participation in the 18th BRICS Leaders’ Summit in New Delhi. For Ethiopia, the summit was more than a high-level diplomatic gathering. It offered a platform to deepen engagement with major emerging economies while advancing Addis Ababa’s broader effort to strengthen Africa’s role within an evolving global order. Prime Minister Abiy called for stronger BRICS cooperation with Africa, particularly in minerals, renewable energy and industrial development. He stressed the importance of enabling African countries to move beyond exporting raw materials and capture greater value from their resources. Artificial intelligence also featured prominently in Ethiopia’s message. PM Abiy urged BRICS countries to ensure that AI becomes a tool for Africa’s development rather than another source of technological inequality. Debt sustainability and climate finance were also highlighted, linking the priorities of emerging economies with the development challenges confronting Africa. Ethiopia further proposed a BRICS coordination track toward COP32, which Addis Ababa is scheduled to host in 2027. The proposal reflects Ethiopia’s effort to connect economic diplomacy, climate action and the development priorities of the Global South. The strategic significance for Ethiopia is considerable. BRICS engagement can potentially expand access to markets, investment, technology and alternative sources of development finance while strengthening relations with some of the world’s fastest-growing economies. In this sense, Ethiopia’s BRICS diplomacy is increasingly economic as well as political. Bilateral Diplomacy Moves Toward Trade, Technology and Investment The New Delhi summit also created space for a series of bilateral engagements. Prime Minister Abiy’s meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin focused on strengthening the Ethiopia-Russia strategic partnership across areas including defence and security, trade, investment, education, technology, culture, climate and development.   His talks with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi explored opportunities to further strengthen Ethiopia-India relations, particularly in investment, defence and emerging sectors. With Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, discussions focused on investment, tourism, renewable energy and industrial development. Abiy also held discussions with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian on Red Sea security and regional stability, while meeting Abu Dhabi Crown Prince Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and Vietnamese Prime Minister Lê Minh Hưng. The breadth of these engagements illustrates a broader shift in Ethiopia’s foreign economic policy: diplomatic relationships are increasingly being viewed as platforms for investment, trade, technology transfer, industrial cooperation and development partnerships. Investment Diplomacy Takes Centre Stage Investment promotion remained another defining feature of the week. President Taye Atske Selassie led a high-level Ethiopian delegation to Dubai for the 15th Annual Investment Meeting, presenting Ethiopia’s investment opportunities and highlighting ongoing economic reforms. Clean energy and other strategic sectors were presented as areas of substantial potential for foreign investment. The engagement formed part of the government’s effort to increase private-sector participation in Ethiopia’s economic transformation. Ethiopia is also seeking stronger economic ties with Gulf countries. President Taye called for increased Qatari investment, reflecting Addis Ababa’s wider effort to attract capital into infrastructure, energy, manufacturing and other productive sectors. The message is increasingly clear: Ethiopia wants foreign investment not simply as a source of capital, but as a vehicle for expanding production, creating jobs, transferring technology and integrating the country more deeply into regional and global markets. Mojo Logistics Hub Strengthens the Trade Infrastructure   The inauguration of the expanded Mojo logistics centre marked another significant development in Ethiopia’s economic transformation. Located about 70 kilometres southeast of Addis Ababa, the facility covers approximately 60 hectares and is designed to increase freight-handling capacity, improve cargo movement and strengthen regional connectivity. Prime Minister Abiy described the project as an important step toward regional economic integration and the practical implementation of Ethiopia’s ambitions under the African Continental Free Trade Area. The significance of logistics extends beyond a single facility. For a landlocked economy heavily dependent on international trade, efficient logistics can reduce transportation costs, improve export competitiveness and connect Ethiopian producers more effectively with regional and international markets. It also complements Ethiopia’s broader maritime strategy: access to ports is only as useful as the inland systems that can move goods efficiently between production centres and maritime corridors. Growth Continues, but Transformation Must Reach Households Ethiopia entered 2019 with economic transformation remaining at the centre of the government’s agenda. Macroeconomic reform, private-sector development, manufacturing, agricultural commercialization, export growth and infrastructure expansion remain key priorities. The World Bank reported 9.2 percent economic growth for Ethiopia in fiscal year 2024/25, placing the country among Africa’s faster-growing economies. Yet strong headline growth does not automatically translate into broad-based prosperity. Low per-capita income, limited employment opportunities and pressure on household purchasing power remain significant challenges. The central question for the new year, therefore, is not simply whether Ethiopia can sustain growth, but whether growth can generate productive employment, strengthen household incomes and improve living standards. Reconciliation at the Start of a New Year Peace and reconciliation also featured prominently as Ethiopia entered 2019. More than 600 federal prisoners, including prominent figures, were released around the New Year. The move was presented as part of broader efforts to promote reconciliation and create conditions for political dialogue. Prime Minister Abiy urged those released to use the opportunity to begin the New Year in a spirit of peace and contribute to the outcomes of the national consultation process. The releases gave the New Year a powerful reconciliation message. At the same time, Ethiopia’s continuing security challenges demonstrate that reconciliation is not a single event but a longer national process. Turning political openings into sustainable peace remains one of the country’s most important—and difficult—tasks. From Paper to Digital Digital transformation is becoming increasingly central to Ethiopia’s development ambitions. In a message marking Pagume 5, described as “The Day of the Future,” Prime Minister Abiy said Ethiopia was moving “from paper to digital, from passive consumption to active innovation.” The ambition goes beyond expanding internet access. Ethiopia is seeking to develop domestic technological capacity, modernize public services and build an economy capable of producing technology and innovation. Artificial intelligence is emerging as an important part of that strategy. Officials from the Intergovernmental Authority on Development visited the Ethiopian Artificial Intelligence Institute as part of regional consultations on an IGAD AI framework and strategy. At the BRICS summit, Abiy linked AI directly to Africa’s development, arguing that technological advancement should contribute to economic transformation and digital sovereignty. For Ethiopia, AI has potential applications across agriculture, healthcare, education, finance, manufacturing and public administration. The challenge now is implementation: building the infrastructure, skills, institutions and locally relevant solutions required to translate ambitious digital policies into measurable economic and social gains. Green Growth and Climate Resilience   Climate resilience was another important theme of the week. An assessment by AlphaGeo ranked Addis Ababa second globally and first in Africa among major cities for climate resilience, using geospatial artificial intelligence to assess climate exposure and adaptation capacity. The assessment comes as Ethiopia continues to position renewable energy, environmental restoration, green infrastructure and climate adaptation as integral components of its development strategy. A Green Growth Investment Forum held during the week called for stronger private-sector participation in green investment, reflecting an effort to connect environmental priorities with economic opportunity. Ethiopia’s preparations to host COP32 in 2027 provide an additional international platform. Addis Ababa is seeking to use the conference to amplify Africa’s voice on climate finance while promoting renewable energy, green investment and climate-resilient development. The broader challenge will be to ensure that climate action supports economic transformation rather than competing with it. Red Sea Access: A Strategic Question Ethiopia Cannot Ignore Perhaps no issue carries a greater strategic regional dimension than Ethiopia’s pursuit of reliable and sovereign access to the Red Sea. For Ethiopia, the issue is increasingly connected to economic development, national security, trade and the country’s demographic trajectory. Education Minister and economist Professor Berhanu Nega argued that Ethiopia’s growing population and economic requirements make the question of sea access increasingly difficult to postpone. “You cannot have 130 million people sitting here without access to the sea at a time when sea access is very important for security as well as trade,” Berhanu said. At the same time, he stressed that Ethiopia should pursue its objective peacefully and in a way that benefits neighbouring countries. “It is better if we do this peacefully, and not only peacefully but for mutual benefit, so that all of us can benefit from this,” he said. Israeli Ambassador to Ethiopia Avraham Neguise also expressed support for Ethiopia’s pursuit of sea access, describing it as a matter with wider implications for Red Sea stability. “Empowering and strengthening Ethiopia and creating stability in the Red Sea is the interest of all, not only for Ethiopia,” he said, adding that Ethiopia’s return to the Red Sea would be positive.   He further warned that instability along the maritime corridor could have consequences far beyond the Horn of Africa and the Middle East, affecting international trade and the global economy. Other analysts have placed greater emphasis on negotiation and regional arrangements. Former US Ambassador to Ethiopia and George Washington University adjunct professor David Shinn has suggested that Ethiopia’s maritime aspirations could potentially form part of a broader diplomatic understanding involving Ethiopia, Egypt and Eritrea. These perspectives point to the central challenge facing Ethiopia’s maritime ambitions. For Addis Ababa, dependable sea access is increasingly viewed as an economic and strategic necessity. For its neighbours, however, any new maritime arrangement must be carefully managed to avoid aggravating existing regional rivalries. The issue will therefore require diplomacy as much as strategy. Red Sea Insecurity Raises the Stakes The security situation around the Red Sea and Bab el-Mandeb adds another layer of urgency. Bab el-Mandeb connects the Red Sea with the Gulf of Aden and serves as a critical maritime gateway between the Indian Ocean and the Suez Canal route. Continued insecurity can disrupt shipping, increase transportation and insurance costs and place additional pressure on already vulnerable global supply chains. For Ethiopia, which depends heavily on maritime trade, prolonged disruption can directly affect the cost and reliability of imports and exports. This makes the maritime question part of a much larger economic equation. Efficient inland logistics, diversified trade corridors and stable regional maritime arrangements are all essential to protecting Ethiopia’s economic interests. The Bigger Picture The first major week of Ethiopia’s 2019 Ethiopian calendar year brought together issues that may initially appear separate but are increasingly interconnected. BRICS diplomacy is about more than foreign policy—it is also about markets, investment, technology and development finance. Investment diplomacy is about more than attracting capital—it is about expanding productive capacity, creating jobs and strengthening Ethiopia’s position in global value chains. The Mojo logistics centre is about more than cargo—it is part of the infrastructure required to make Ethiopia more competitive in regional and international trade. Digital transformation and artificial intelligence are about more than technology—they are increasingly tied to productivity, public services, innovation and economic sovereignty. Green development is about more than environmental protection—it is becoming an important source of investment, energy security and international influence. And the Red Sea question is about more than geography—it sits at the intersection of trade, security, demography, regional diplomacy and Ethiopia’s long-term economic ambitions. The release of more than 600 prisoners, meanwhile, gave the beginning of the new year a powerful message of reconciliation, even as continuing security challenges underline the difficult road ahead. A New Year, A Larger Strategic Test As Ethiopia begins 2019, the country faces the challenge of connecting these different priorities into one coherent national strategy. Economic growth must translate into jobs and better living standards. Investment must strengthen productive sectors rather than simply increase capital inflows. Digitalization must deliver practical gains. Climate action must support development. Reconciliation must contribute to lasting peace. And diplomacy must protect Ethiopia’s economic and strategic interests while avoiding unnecessary regional confrontation. The coming year will therefore be measured not only by the scale of Ethiopia’s ambitions, but by its ability to convert those ambitions into results. Ethiopia is seeking a larger role in the global economy, deeper partnerships with emerging powers, greater technological capacity, stronger regional connectivity and a more secure place within the maritime geography of the Horn of Africa. The strategic test will be to pursue these objectives while balancing national interests with regional cooperation and stability. That balance may ultimately define Ethiopia’s journey through 2019—and shape how the country positions itself in an increasingly competitive and interconnected world.

Addis Ababa, September 11, 2026 (ENA) — Israeli Ambassador Avraham Neguise and Cameroonian Ambassador Churchill Ewumbue-Monono have extended New Year wishes to the Ethiopian people as Ethiopia marks New Year 2019 today. Speaking to ENA, Ambassador Neguise said the celebration comes at a unique time, as both Ethiopia and Israel observe their New Year on the same date this year. He noted that in the Jewish calendar, the occasion is called Rosh Hashanah, while in Ethiopia it is known as Enkutatash. Neguise described Enkutatash as a festival that arrives as spring flowers brighten Ethiopia’s landscapes, adding that in Israel, the New Year is welcomed with the sound of the shofar, symbolizing hope and good wishes for the coming year. He then conveyed greetings to Ethiopians both at home and abroad, saying, “Happy New Year! Enkutatash!” For Israelis, he added, “Shanah Tovah—Happy New Year—u’Metuka!” He explained that “Shanah Tovah u’Metuka” means “May the new year be sweet like honey,” referencing the tradition of eating apples dipped in honey to symbolize sweetness for the year ahead. Concluding his message, Neguise wished the coming year would bring peace, prosperity, resilience, and unity to both Ethiopians and Israelis, emphasizing that with unity and peace, “we can prosper,” and calling the year a blessing for both Ethiopia and Israel. On his part, Cameroon’s Ambassador to Ethiopia, Ewumbue-Monono, conveyed New Year greetings, expressing “Happy New Year” to Ethiopians and wishing them the best of the season, along with hope and renewal. He noted that in the concluding Ethiopian year, Ethiopia achieved major national milestones, including the General Election and the National Dialogue. The ambassador described the New Year as one of renewal and expressed optimism for continued progress. Both ambassadors wished Ethiopians to embrace the New Year with renewed hope as the nation celebrates Enkutatash.