Addis Ababa, January 8, 2026 (ENA)—Ethiopia is ramping up efforts to strengthen early childhood education, establishing thousands of kindergarten-level schools across the country, Office of the Prime Minister announced. In a social media post today, the office said the initiative is designed to equip young children with the skills and knowledge needed for school and life, while supporting their social, cognitive, and personal development. The program also aims to reach underserved communities, train educators, and create safe, stimulating learning environments, helping to reduce educational inequalities and foster a future workforce of confident, capable learners. “This investment in the earliest years marks a major step toward Ethiopia’s long-term social and economic development,” the office added.

Addis Ababa, January 7, 2026 (ENA)—Orthodox Christians in countries stretching from Ethiopia to Russia are celebrating Christmas today, honoring the birth of Jesus Christ with prayer, worship, and acts of compassion. For millions of believers, January 7—rather than December 25, marks the most significant day of the Christmas season. In Ethiopia, churches are filled with worshippers taking part in traditional religious ceremonies and prayer services. The celebrations extend beyond church walls, as communities come together to share meals, support one another, and assist those in need. Acts of generosity, such as providing food, clothing, and shelter—are central to the observance, reflecting the values of unity, care for the vulnerable, and spiritual renewal. Similar celebrations are taking place across Eastern Europe and the Arab world, including in Syria, Palestine, and Egypt. Families and neighbors gather to strengthen social bonds, while churches commemorate the birth of Jesus Christ in Bethlehem through centuries-old traditions. The difference in Christmas dates is not rooted in differing beliefs about when Jesus was born, but in the calendars used by various Christian traditions. Many Orthodox and Eastern Christian churches continue to follow the Julian calendar, introduced by Julius Caesar in 46 BC. This calendar runs 13 days behind the Gregorian calendar, which was adopted by much of the world after its introduction by Pope Gregory XIII in 1582 to correct inaccuracies in measuring the solar year. As a result, December 25 on the Julian calendar falls on January 7 on the modern Gregorian calendar. Today, about 250 to 300 million Christians, primarily Orthodox and Coptic believers—celebrate Christmas on this date, often referred to as Old Christmas Day, according to Al Jazeera. While most of the world’s 2.3 billion Christians observe Christmas on December 25, some countries have adapted their public holidays over time. Ukraine officially shifted its Christmas holiday to December 25 in 2023, though many people still honor January 7.

Addis Ababa, January 7, 2026 (ENA)—Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, accompanied by First Lady Zinash Tayachew and senior government officials, has officially inaugurated the integrated Tulu Arara Model Village, marking a significant milestone in elevating the rainy season volunteer and charity program to a new level. Speaking at the inauguration, Prime Minister Abiy revealed that the model village covers an area of 7,000 square meters and has been carefully designed to provide comfortable and dignified housing for citizens. Each housing unit has been constructed to standard and consists of five rooms, including two bedrooms. According to the Prime Minister, the village is designed to accommodate 150 citizens at the household level. “The village was developed with full infrastructure support, including internal roads, electricity and solar power supply, a physical fitness and recreation area, and green development initiatives,” Prime Minister Abiy shared on his social media channels. To ensure the long-term improvement of residents’ living standards, the village has adopted an integrated development approach that links production with market value chains. The initiative combines dairy cattle and poultry farming with backyard gardening, while an integrated commercial chain has been established to connect production directly to market outlets, creating sustainable income opportunities for residents. The Tulu Arara Model Village stands as a demonstration of integrated, community-centered development aimed at improving livelihoods and promoting self-sufficiency.

Addis Ababa, January 7, 2026 (ENA)—Christians across Ethiopia are marking Christmas with prayers, worship services, and acts of generosity that highlight compassion, unity, and care for the vulnerable. The celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ is taking place through church gatherings, traditional religious ceremonies, and community-based support initiatives. Across the country, families and neighbors are coming together to share meals and strengthen social ties, while extending assistance to people facing shortages of food, clothing, and shelter. The holiday is being observed as a time of spiritual reflection, mutual support, and renewed commitment to helping those in need. Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, in his Christmas message, described the occasion as a season of renewal and hope. The Premier stated that this year’s celebration comes with faith that the “promised word” of peace and the “light of change” are beginning to emerge. Prime Minister Abiy further noted that Ethiopia is moving away from a period of hardship toward national renewal, despite ongoing challenges. Drawing a comparison between the birth of Christ and the nation’s journey, he emphasized that a great history holds little value if the present remains divided. He cautioned that many great civilizations faded because they failed to remain relevant in their own time, urging the current generation to restore Ethiopia’s legacy through hard work and by overcoming poverty and underdevelopment. PM Abiy stressed that progress will come not through wishes, but through collective effort and action. Religious leaders also delivered Christmas messages, encouraging believers to dedicate the day to prayer for lasting peace and to express their faith through practical support for the needy. Leaders of the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church, the Ethiopian Catholic Church, and the Ethiopian Council of Gospel Believers’ Churches extended Christmas greetings to Christians nationwide, emphasizing compassion, solidarity, and mutual care as central values of the celebration. His Holiness Abune Mathias, Patriarch of the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church, described Christmas as a “practical expression of God’s profound love for humanity.” He called on believers to combine prayer and thanksgiving with tangible assistance for those lacking basic necessities and to support initiatives that promote sustainable livelihoods. Cardinal Berhaneyesus Souraphiel of the Ethiopian Catholic Church highlighted the importance of reaching out to the sick, the elderly, and the helpless during the holiday, urging Christians to share what they have as a true reflection of the meaning of Christ’s birth.

  Addis Ababa, January 7, 2026 (ENA)—Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed and First Lady Zinash Tayachew marked the celebration of Ethiopian Christmas (Genna) by sharing a holiday meal with students of the Sheikha Fatima Bint Mubarak School for the Blind. The occasion brought together the Prime Minister, the First Lady, and students in a warm and meaningful gathering that reflected the spirit of compassion, unity, and generosity associated with Genna. Sharing his reflections on social media, Prime Minister Abiy said the experience was deeply moving. “On the blessed occasion of Ethiopian Christmas (Genna), First Lady Zinash Tayachew and I were honored to share a holiday meal with the students of the Sheikha Fatima Bint Mubarak School for the Blind. Spending this special morning together was a powerful reminder of the true meaning of the spirit of Genna,” the Prime Minister wrote.

Addis Ababa, January 6, 2026 (ENA)—Religious leaders in Ethiopia have called on the faithful to observe the birth of Jesus Christ with a spirit of helping and supporting the needy. Ethiopian Christians celebrate Christmas tomorrow on the 7th of January. Leaders of the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church, the Ethiopian Catholic Church, and the Ethiopian Council of Gospel Believers' Churches have expressed their best wishes to all Christians on the occasion of Ethiopian Christmas. In their messages, the religious leaders stressed the need to celebrate Christmas by supporting the needy and supporting one another. His Holiness Abune Mathias, Patriarch of the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church, stated that the holiday is a practical demonstration of God's deep love for humanity. He urged the faithful to celebrate the holiday by supporting the needy alongside prayer and thanksgiving. For the Patriarch, it is necessary to support and assist those who are facing shortages of food, clothing, and shelter due to various reasons. He further stressed the need to provide the necessary support that can help them improve their livelihoods in a sustainable manner. For his part, Ethiopian Catholic Church Cardinal Berhaneyesus Souraphiel stressed the importance of reaching out and assisting those in need while celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ. During the celebration of the holiday, Christians should visit the sick, frail and helpless by sharing what they have, the Cardinal emphasized. Ethiopian Council of Gospel Believers' Churches Secretary-General, Reverend Dereje Jemberu expressed his best wishes for Ethiopians and foreigners of Ethiopian origin to have a joyful Christmas holiday. Stating that the birth of Jesus Christ demonstrates God's forgiveness and great love for humanity, he underscored the need to resolve differences through reconciliation to achieve lasting peace as followers of the Churches have no other divine mission than to promote love and peace.

January 6, 2026 (ENA)—As Ethiopians across the country prepare to celebrate the holiday season, Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed highlighted the importance of compassion and inclusion by engaging directly with members of the Office of the Prime Minister community. Joined by members of the Council of Ministers, the Prime Minister met with staff who often work behind the scenes, using the occasion to recognize their contributions and service. In keeping with his annual holiday tradition, PM Abiy distributed food supplies and gifts to low-income employees and to orphans under the care and support of the Office. The outreach served both as a gesture of appreciation for workers whose efforts are rarely visible and as a reaffirmation of the government’s commitment to ensuring that children without parental care continue to receive support and protection. The event underscored a broader message that leadership is reflected not only in decision-making, but also in acts of human connection, especially during moments of national celebration.

January 6, 2026 (ENA)—Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed has extended his best wishes to all Ethiopians celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ, describing the season as an era of revival. In a message characterized by profound reflection on the nation’s journey, the Prime Minister noted that this year’s Christmas is being celebrated with the conviction that the "promised word" of peace and the "light of change" have begun to manifest. Acknowledging the hardships the country has been facing, he stressed that the era of suffering is being bid farewell to make way for a period of national revival even if challenges may still arise. The PM drew a spiritual parallel between the birth of Christ and the current state of the nation. As the birth of Jesus Christ redeemed the past and secured the future for humanity, Ethiopia's today must be used to validate its glorious history, he stated. "No matter how magnificent our history or heritage may be, they lose their worth if our present is fractured," Abiy noted. He cautioned that civilizations like Babylon and Rome became mere memories because they failed to secure their relevance today. Therefore, he urged the current generation to ensure that Ethiopia's great history is redeemed through modern-day diligence, overcoming poverty and backwardness. Lauding the new generation of Ethiopians that has tasted the bitterness of past mistakes, the PM underscored that the generation possesses the resolve to work diligently and transition the country. According to him, the nation's future standing is certain to improve as more citizens commit to hard work over mere idle wishes. Addressing those who seek to hinder the country's progress, PM Abiy wrote Ethiopia’s prosperity is an idea whose time has come. The government remains preoccupied with works that redeem the future rather than simply waiting for it to arrive, he stressed. Highlighting the diverse reactions to national building—ranging from those who support the truth to those who conspire against it, Abiy declared that those who work with diligence will ultimately prevail. The Prime Minister concluded his message by calling on all Ethiopians to celebrate the holiday by reflecting on their historic responsibility to build a bright future through today’s endeavors. "May Ethiopia live forever, honored and respected through the efforts of her children," he wrote, wishing Christians a joyful and peaceful holiday.

Addis Ababa,January 6,2026 _ The House of Peoples' Representatives has officially confirmed the appointment of Haymanot Zeleke as the Director General of the Ethiopian Media Authority. During its 8th regular session of the 5th working year held today, the House deliberated on the nomination of Haymanot to lead the regulatory body. Following a review of her professional merits and extensive experience in the industry, the House approved the appointment with a unanimous vote. Haymanot brings a wealth of seasoned expertise to the role, having ascended through the ranks of the Ethiopian News Agency from reporter to editor. Her distinguished career also includes significant service at the Ethiopian Broadcasting Corporation (EBC). Beyond her work in journalism, she has held high-level leadership positions within the Addis Ababa City Administration, where she served as the Head of the Communication Sector with the rank of Deputy Bureau Head. Her dedication to public service is further reflected in her previous tenure at the former Government Communication Affairs Office, where she played a pivotal role in the nation’s communication landscape.

January 4, 2026 (ENA)—Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed has called upon Ethiopian scholars to exercise stronger intellectual leadership by forging a shared national narrative vital to breaking free from poverty and achieving sustainable prosperity. On the occasion of the 75th anniversary of Addis Ababa University, PM Abiy, an alumnus of the university, delivered a guest lecture titled “The Role of Intellectuals in National Prosperity.” The lecture was attended by esteemed academic leaders and senior government officials, concluding a series of high-level commemorative events held over the past weeks. In his paper, the Premier emphasized that scholars play a decisive role in the country’s development and must clearly recognize the leadership responsibilities entrusted to them across their respective disciplines. He stressed that meaningful national progress requires scholars to unite society around a common vision for Ethiopia’s future. Emphasizing the significant role of scholars in lifting Ethiopia out of the cycle of poverty and transitioning it to complete prosperity, he stated that to provide effective leadership, one must first conquer oneself. The Prime Minister asserted that leadership begins with the self, and scholars must identify and heed the inner voice within them to achieve victory. He highlighted that scholars have a crucial role in providing effective leadership by utilizing the responsibility, knowledge, and influence they possess. Stating that leadership means mastering time and the era, he insisted that every moment must be utilized for its intended purpose. He mentioned that the definition of a scholar is participating in the race against time without being preceded or delayed, indicating that scholars must understand their era and be able to see beyond. The Prime Minister stated that ideas are the force for change and scholars are the agents of change, stressing that they must fulfill their intellectual representation in politics, the economy, and human interactions. Idea creates movement, and movement creates a system, said Prime Minister Abiy, emphasizing that the ideas of scholars must create institutions.

January 4, 2026 (ENA)—The Ministry of Education said the Digital Ethiopia 2030 strategy is expected to play a decisive role in improving the quality and accessibility of education across the country. In an exclusive interview with ENA, State Minister of Education State Minister Kora Tushune said the national digital strategy will significantly support both educational expansion and quality enhancement. “Digital Ethiopia 2030 will have a vital contribution in ensuring quality education and widening access at all levels,” the state minister said. He recalled that the previous Digital Ethiopia 2025 strategy was successfully implemented, laying a strong foundation for building a skilled and capable society. According to him, the strategy modernized the teaching and learning process, digitalized student assessments, and strengthened the security and credibility of national examinations. Kora explained that higher education institutions benefited from the earlier strategy by opening new training fields that accelerated digitalization, improved learning inputs, and created a conducive environment for producing skilled manpower. “The role of digital technology is indispensable in ensuring quality education and expanding access,” he said, noting that the new strategy enables students to continue their education and attend lessons regardless of their location. He added that Digital Ethiopia 2030 is designed to integrate access with quality, allowing citizens to benefit from digital tools throughout their educational journey. The state minister also underscored the government’s plan to strengthen linkages between higher education institutions and industries to ensure students gain practice-oriented knowledge and skills. According to him, research conducted on digitalization will be applied practically to support the education sector in fulfilling its national responsibility. Building on the success of its predecessor, Ethiopia has officially transitioned into its next phase of technological development with the launch of the Digital 2030 Strategy. Launched by Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed in October 2025, Digital Ethiopia 2030 aims to deepen public service efficiency through advanced automation and smarter infrastructure. Currently operational across 24 federal branches, the government plans to scale these innovations to regional courts to ensure a faster, more transparent justice system nationwide, ENA learnt.

January 4, 2026 (ENA)—Ethiopia is finalizing wide-ranging preparations to welcome both international and domestic tourists for the upcoming celebrations of Ethiopian Christmas (Genna) and Epiphany (Timket), according to the Ministry of Tourism. The preparations form part of a broader government strategy to position tourism as a key driver of economic growth and international engagement. Speaking to the Ethiopian News Agency (ENA), Samuel Hailu, CEO of Tourism Development Infrastructure at the ministry, said comprehensive measures have been put in place to ensure quality services and a smooth experience for visitors. “Multifaceted preparations are underway to provide effective and hospitable services during these iconic festivals,” Samuel noted, adding that the ministry has conducted orientations for tour operators, hotel owners, and transport providers. While Genna and Timket are celebrated nationwide, the historic cities of Lalibela and Gondar remain the main attractions for international tourists. Lalibela, home to the UNESCO-listed rock-hewn churches, will host Genna celebrations on January 7. The city is regarded as the spiritual heart of the festival, as thousands of white-robed worshippers gather for overnight prayers in a deeply moving religious atmosphere. Gondar will take center stage on January 19 for Timket celebrations. Known for its 17th-century royal castles, the city hosts vibrant ceremonies marked by colorful processions to Fasilides’ Bath, where the reenactment of the baptism of Christ draws visitors from around the world. Ethiopian Epiphany is recognized by UNESCO as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, further enhancing the country’s global cultural profile. Beyond religious tourism, the government has expanded efforts to develop new tourism destinations aimed at unlocking Ethiopia’s vast natural and cultural potential. On the northern shores of Lake Tana, Gorgora has emerged as a new destination for history and nature enthusiasts. The recently inaugurated Gorgora Eco Resort offers opportunities for birdwatching, water sports, and exploration of the ruins of Emperor Susenyos’ Palace. Wonchi, centered around a scenic volcanic crater lake, has become a premier ecotourism destination. Visitors can enjoy hiking, horseback riding, boat trips to the Wenchi Chirkos island monastery, as well as natural hot springs and waterfalls. In southern Ethiopia, Koysha is part of an integrated development project near Chebera Churchura National Park, renowned for its large populations of elephants and buffaloes. The Koysha Hydroelectric Project is expected to create a massive reservoir that will support future water-based recreation and cruise tourism. In Addis Ababa, tourists can combine religious festivities with modern attractions such as Unity Park, Entoto Park, the Science Museum, and the National Palace Museum. To support visitors, the Ministry of Tourism has launched the “Visit Ethiopia” website, offering destination information and event schedules. Samuel said the festive preparations align with national transformation initiatives such as Gebeta Le Sheger and Gebeta Le Hager, which have rehabilitated historic sites and opened new regions to international tourism standards. Private sector operators have also welcomed the government’s efforts. Yitayew Tariku, General Manager of Tulight Tour Company, told ENA that improved incentives and a favorable policy environment have encouraged greater private investment in tourism. “The conditions created by the government motivated us to enter the sector and actively promote Ethiopia’s diverse attractions,” he said. Reports also indicate that Ethiopia is increasingly positioning itself as a destination for conference and business tourism. According to Samuel, the upcoming Genna and Timket celebrations will serve as a showcase of the country’s renewed commitment to world-class hospitality and global competitiveness.

Addis Ababa, January 4, 2026--Ethiopia has taken a major step toward strengthening its humanitarian self-reliance with the first meeting of the newly restructured Ethiopian Disaster Risk Management Council, Deputy Prime Minister Temesgen Tiruneh said. The Deputy Prime Minister presided over the inaugural meeting of the reformed Council, which brings together religious institutions, community associations, civil society organizations, the private sector, and government bodies under a single, inclusive framework. “We are at a pivotal moment in securing Ethiopia’s humanitarian self-reliance,” Temesgen said. “The newly restructured Council represents the full breadth of our society and will play a vital role in building a humanitarian system that stands on its own feet and serves people with dignity.” According to the Deputy Prime Minister, the Council’s inclusive structure is designed to reflect Ethiopia’s social diversity and strengthen disaster preparedness and response through collaboration, early action, and strong institutional capacity. Guided by an updated policy framework, a strengthened legal proclamation, and a revitalized Disaster Response Fund, the Council aims to reduce avoidable loss and suffering by mobilizing public resources more effectively and responding to crises before they escalate. Participants emphasized that lasting solutions to humanitarian challenges require sustainable institutional capacity rather than dependence on external assistance. Temesgen noted that since the summer of 2016 E.C., the government has pursued comprehensive reforms—guided by clear national roadmaps—to shift from dependency to productivity, adding that tangible results are now becoming visible. Key government priorities include establishing a reliable and sustainable Disaster Response Fund, organizing strategic emergency stockpiles at both federal and regional levels, and ensuring that displaced citizens are durably resettled and supported to rebuild productive livelihoods. The meeting also reaffirmed Ethiopia’s long-standing tradition of mutual support and collective responsibility, with a renewed commitment to strengthening community-based resilience across all regions. While acknowledging the challenges ahead, participants stressed that the journey toward humanitarian self-reliance will be guided by knowledge, wise leadership, and the unifying principle of Medemer. With a shared sense of purpose, Council members committed to working together to build a nation capable of meeting its humanitarian needs with confidence, compassion, and self-reliance.

January 2, 2026 (ENA)—Ethiopia has reaffirmed its commitment to Pan-African solidarity and people-to-people diplomacy by expanding regional scholarship opportunities for students from neighboring African countries. The announcement was made during a New Year welcoming ceremony at Bahir Dar University for newly arrived international students, according to Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Speaking at the event, Ambassador Nebiyu Tedla, Director General of the Public Diplomacy Directorate General at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, said Ethiopia’s continued provision of full scholarships represents a strategic investment in regional cooperation, human capital development, and long-term stability. Ambassador Nebiyu emphasized that education remains a central pillar of Ethiopia’s foreign policy, serving as a powerful tool for fostering regional integration, mutual understanding, and shared prosperity across Africa. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs also reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening collaboration with Bahir Dar University and other higher learning institutions by aligning support with national and regional priorities. This includes facilitating academic partnerships, student and faculty exchanges, and international research cooperation to enhance teaching quality and global engagement. The ceremony featured cultural performances by students from Kenya, Uganda, South Sudan, Somalia, and Tanzania, showcasing the diversity and unity of the African continent. Bahir Dar University President, Dr. Mengesha Ayene, reiterated the university’s commitment to delivering quality education and providing a supportive academic environment for international students. Scholarship beneficiaries from across Africa expressed their appreciation to the Government of Ethiopia and Bahir Dar University for the opportunity to pursue higher education, while also thanking the Ethiopian people for their hospitality and warm welcome. Currently, more than 130 African students are enrolled at Bahir Dar University under regional scholarship programs, underscoring Ethiopia’s enduring role as a hub for Pan-African cooperation and shared development.

January 2, 2026 (ENA)—Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed emphasized the vital role of higher education institutions in Ethiopia’s path to prosperity, noting that his new book series, “The Medemer State,” underscores this commitment. Speaking on the 75th anniversary of Addis Ababa University, where he also graduated, PM Abiy delivered a guest lecture titled: “The Role of Intellectuals in National Prosperity.” The lecture drew leading academic figures and senior government officials, wrapping up weeks of commemorative events. In his address, the Prime Minister offered a vision of the modern intellectual as a thoughtful agent of societal change, valuing reflection over reaction. “Ideas are the power of change, and intellectuals are agents of change. The change they bring within society leads a country toward prosperity,” he said in a social media post. He urged intellectuals to respect and nurture ideas, think critically, read widely, solve problems, and actively seek solutions. “Today, as Addis Ababa University celebrates its 75th anniversary, I am honored to engage with students and faculty on the role of Ethiopian intellectuals in addressing national challenges,” he added. PM Abiy also highlighted that higher education institutions should integrate teaching, research, and technology to generate innovation with practical applications. “The Medemer State firmly believes that these institutions are indispensable to Ethiopia’s journey toward prosperity, and we are committed to making this vision a reality,” he said. According to the Prime Minister, leveraging the combined capacity of Ethiopia’s universities is key to accelerating the nation’s development and ensuring long-term prosperity.

January 2, 2026 (ENA)—On the occasion of the 75th anniversary of Addis Ababa University, Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, an alumnus of the university, has delivered a guest lecture titled “The Role of Intellectuals in National Prosperity.” The lecture was attended by esteemed academic leaders and senior government officials, concluding a series of high-level commemorative events held over the past weeks. Addressing the academic community, Prime Minister Abiy offered a nuanced vision of the modern intellectual, emphasizing thoughtfulness over reaction. In a social media post reflecting on the lecture, the Prime Minister wrote: "An intellectual is not one who is emotionally charged. The characteristics of an intellectual include being respectful of ideas and a lover of knowledge; a deep thinker and persistent questioner; an avid reader and alert analyst; and ultimately, a problem-solver and seeker of solutions." Established in 1950 as the University College of Addis Ababa, the university has grown into Ethiopia’s premier higher education institution, serving as a hub for intellectual debate and social transformation for over seven decades. Prime Minister Abiy expressed optimism about the current generation of learners, noting the evolution of Ethiopian intellectual engagement.   “I see this generation in a new light. They give me hope. Many are exceptionally bright, and their level of understanding is markedly different from that of previous generations,” he stated. The lecture highlighted Addis Ababa University’s enduring legacy in teaching, research, and public service, while inspiring the new generation of scholars to harness their intellect for national progress.

January 1, 2026 (ENA)—The Government of Ethiopia is prioritizing the reinforcement of transitional justice and a national dialogue to address human rights violations and build consensus on the country’s most fundamental national issues, Justice Minister Hanna Araya Selassie said today. Responding to queries from lawmakers at the House of People's Representatives, the Minister outlined the national dialogue process and transitional justice mechanisms as two key pathways to lasting peace. "The government has extended repeated invitations to forces operating in conflict zones, encouraging them to resolve their political differences through peaceful discussions," she explained. According to her, the efforts are proving effective as many factions are now coming forward to engage constructively. The Minister emphasized on how these initiatives prioritize healing for communities scarred by human rights violations. "To ensure that the justice system becomes firmly established and operates effectively, the government is nurturing a strong national dialogue while implementing transitional justice." This process is vital for creating an environment where justice thrives, healing past wounds, and paving the way for a society where all can coexist harmoniously, Hanna elaborated. The Minister underscored the government’s commitment to reconciliation and long-term stability, promoting open discussions and accountability. Ethiopia addresses past grievances while amplifying diverse voices, all aligned with constitutional principles. "Our ongoing efforts to align emerging legal frameworks with the constitution will be strengthened further, upholding justice and fairness to build citizen trust and a brighter future," she stated. Repressive laws have been amended or replaced to align with the Constitution, safeguarding democratic and human rights. “The Ministry of Justice works closely with the House to ensure proclamations, regulations, and directives meet these standards and regional bodies receive enhanced support for effective law implementation.” Besides new laws, the Minister pointed out how fast the justice system is adopting digital technology that aims to enable individuals to monitor their legal cases online. She also pointed out that cyber-crime is a global problem, but stressed Ethiopia's commitment to developing a safe digital environment that supports free expression while also respecting people's rights.

Addis Ababa, December 31, 2025 (ENA) — Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed has extended New Year greetings to the international community as the world prepares to welcome 2026. In a message shared on social media, the Prime Minister wished friends and partners across the globe a Happy New Year, noting the shared hope for peace and cooperation in the year ahead. He also highlighted Ethiopia’s unique calendar with a lighthearted remark. “Wishing all our friends and partners a Happy New Year as the global community rings in 2026!, the Premier said, adding that “Remember, you’re 8 years younger though when you #VisitEthiopia.” Most of the global community is going to today receive its New Year, 1 January, 2026.

Addis Ababa, December 31, 2025 (ENA)—Addis Ababa University (AAU) has reaffirmed its commitment to attaining international competitiveness while serving as a central driver of Ethiopia’s national development. The remarks came during senior university officials' addresses at the institution’s 75th Diamond Jubilee celebrations. “AAU is working to become internationally competent and to act as an active catalyst for national development,” said Matiwos Ensermu, Head of the University President’s Office, during anniversary events held in the capital. The university marked its 75th anniversary with a vibrant three-hour outdoor celebration stretching from Arat Kilo to Sidist Kilo. The event featured music, song, and theatrical performances tracing AAU’s historical journey since its founding. Throughout the festivities, speakers acknowledged the pivotal role former students have played in shaping Ethiopian politics and navigating major national transitions. Looking ahead, Matiwos noted that the university is laying the groundwork to reach its 100th anniversary as a globally competitive institution distinguished by research excellence. “Our vision is to reach our centenary standing shoulder to shoulder with the leading institutions worldwide,” he said. Since its inception, AAU has graduated approximately 300,000 students who have been instrumental in expanding education and supporting the establishment of other universities across Ethiopia. Today, the university operates eight colleges, spanning business, social sciences, natural sciences, and engineering, alongside seven specialized research centers in fields such as technology, medicine, and agriculture. In a press briefing held on November 18, 2025, AAU President Samuel Kifle highlighted the importance of leveraging the university’s legacy as it implements a landmark 24-month autonomy reform. “AAU’s history is inseparable from the history of higher education in Ethiopia,” Dr. Samuel said, noting the university’s leadership in teacher development and national capacity building through its expanded postgraduate programs. The President announced that the Diamond Jubilee would be commemorated through a series of sports festivals, academic seminars, panel discussions, and a "Partners’ Day" aimed at strengthening stakeholder collaboration. With the experience gained over seven and half decades, AAU today boasts more than 170 full professors and a teaching referral hospital that trains over 10,000 postgraduate students while serving nearly one million citizens annually, the president stated.

Addis Ababa, December 31, 2025 (ENA)— The Ministry of health has affirmed that Ethiopia is aggressively modernizing its medical facilities to ensure every hospital in the country provides fully digitalized services by 2030. In his exclusive interview with ENA, State Minister of Health Dereje Duguma highlighted that the initiative aligns with the "Digital Ethiopia 2030" strategy, a roadmap designed to modernize national infrastructure and social services. The state minister further noted that the Ministry of Health is a frontrunner in technology adoption, consistently upgrading facilities with the hardware and software required to transition away from manual systems. Building on Ethiopia’s success in meeting Sustainable Development Goals, specifically in reducing maternal and infant mortality, the move toward digitalization aims to enhance efficiency and data accuracy, he added. Dereje stated that by the end of the decade, the majority of health institutions will have migrated to digital platforms, with the ultimate goal of achieving a completely paperless environment. This transformation extends from grassroots health extension professionals at the Kebele level to specialized care, he said. According to him, once fully implemented, the interconnected ecosystem will allow citizens to access medical consultations from home, use digital appointment systems to reduce wait times, and benefit from centralized patient records accessible across various facilities. Furthermore, the state minister emphasized that the strategy includes digital monitoring systems for healthcare providers to maintain high standards of care and accountability. To support this ambitious shift, the Ministry confirmed that essential digital infrastructure and equipment are currently being imported and distributed across the nation. Dereje further said that this transition is a fundamental step toward making healthcare more accessible, transparent, and patient-centered for all Ethiopians, capturing the essence of a modern, prosperous nation.