AGP Executive Report

Ebola Preparedness: Ethiopia is listed among high-risk countries as the DRC and Uganda Ebola outbreak is declared a Public Health Emergency of International Concern, with enhanced travel screening and monitoring urged. Sea Access Diplomacy: A senior Ethiopian parliamentarian says renewed talks on Ethiopia’s sea access are tied to regional security, economic cooperation, and shared prosperity across the Horn. COP32 Coordination: Foreign Minister Gedion Timothewos briefed African ambassadors on Ethiopia’s COP32 preparations, with renewed support pledged. Green Circular Economy: Stakeholders praised Reach for Change Ethiopia’s green entrepreneurs and reaffirmed backing for circular economy and waste-to-value initiatives. Banking Expansion: Stanbic Bank/Standard Bank is weighing a greenfield entry into Ethiopia while navigating the 49% foreign ownership cap. Hospitality Investment: IFC plans an $80m loan to MIDROC Ethiopia to refurbish and expand Sheraton hotels in Addis Ababa, supporting thousands of jobs. Regional Ties: Ethiopia appointed a new ambassador to Somalia as relations improve after earlier sea-access tensions. Diplomatic Farewells: President Taye bid farewell to Luxembourg and UAE ambassadors as bilateral cooperation continues.

Ethiopia Election Watch: Ethiopia’s National Election Board (NEBE) released preliminary results from 24 constituencies, with the Prosperity Party winning all but one seat so far; the lone opposition win was in Gondar Zuria (Amhara), while verification and reconciliation are still ongoing across hundreds of constituencies. Ethiopia Diplomacy & Business: Ethiopia’s ambassador to Pakistan met media and business leaders, highlighting investor-friendly reforms and urging Pakistani entrepreneurs to tap Ethiopia’s growing opportunities. Ethiopia Finance & Investment: United Capital secured investment banking licences to operate in Ethiopia and Rwanda, positioning the firm as a key new foreign player in East Africa’s capital markets. Ethiopia Health & Regional Response: EU Commissioner Hadja Lahbib announced €16.5m in extra Ebola support, including coordination meetings in Ethiopia with the AU and Africa CDC. Ethiopia in the News Beyond Borders: Reports also flagged Kuwait’s new domestic worker recruitment restrictions that include Ethiopia among the approved source countries.

Cybersecurity & Customs: Ethiopia’s House of People’s Representatives approved draft laws on cybersecurity for key infrastructures and a revised customs proclamation, aiming to curb cyberattacks and contraband while aligning customs rules with international commitments. Housing Push: Deputy Prime Minister Temesgen Tiruneh inaugurated Woldia projects in Amhara, highlighting Ethiopia’s development momentum and the government’s push to modernize housing and infrastructure. Federal Budget: The Council of Ministers passed a draft federal budget of over 2.3 trillion birr for the upcoming EFY, covering recurrent and capital spending, support to regions, and SDG priorities. Elections & Data Fight: A new statistics bill is set to reshape Ethiopia’s census and population-data governance after the long delay since 2007, sparking debate over who controls national numbers. Capital Markets: Ethiopia granted a first foreign investment banking licence to Nigeria’s United Capital, a step meant to deepen Addis Ababa’s emerging capital market. Ebola Preparedness (Regional): Nigeria approved an Ebola task force and released 10 billion naira for airport screening and emergency readiness as outbreaks in DRC and Uganda raise cross-border risks. Trade Links: Dubai Chamber wrapped up Africa trade missions with 1,460 bilateral meetings across Ghana, Ethiopia, and South Africa, boosting business partnerships.

BRICS Agriculture Talks: A five-day BRICS Agriculture Working Group meeting opened in Indore, India, to focus on food security, climate-smart farming, agricultural trade, and farmer welfare, with ministers set to meet June 12-13 and issue a joint declaration. Ethiopia’s Finance Push: United Capital says it has secured investment banking licences in Ethiopia and Rwanda, calling Ethiopia the first market for a foreign investment bank to offer investment banking services. Ethiopia-Linked Health Response: Africa CDC and WHO launched a unified “One Response” Ebola preparedness and six-month plan (June-November 2026) in Addis Ababa, aiming to raise $518m for the Bundibugyo virus outbreak. Ethiopian Airlines Cost Pressure: Ethiopian Airlines warns fuel costs are rising sharply due to Middle East conflict, with jet fuel now over half of operating expenses and profit margins potentially cut. Diplomatic/Trade Link: Ethiopia’s honorary consul in Pakistan met Sindh’s governor to discuss expanding bilateral trade and investment, highlighting sectors like pharma, textiles, and chemicals. Global Conflict Warning: A Norwegian study reports the highest number of state conflicts since WWII, with civilian-targeting violence driving major humanitarian and economic damage.

Election Update: Ethiopia’s National Election Board says IDPs and defense force members will vote Tuesday at special polling stations, as results verification and complaint hearings continue. Diplomacy & Regional Ties: Ethiopia wrapped up a five-day diplomatic training program for South Sudanese diplomats in Addis Ababa, covering pan-Africanism, negotiation, hydro-politics, and conflict resolution. Health & EU Cooperation: Foreign Minister Gedion Timothewos met EU Commissioner Hadja Lahbib, highlighting EU support on Ebola preparedness and Africa CDC strengthening. Food Safety Push: EFDA urged tighter collaboration across government, industry, academia, and partners to curb unsafe food risks, citing major global illness and death figures. Humanitarian Warning: The International Rescue Committee warns Iran-linked conflict and other crises are accelerating displacement, food insecurity, and aid disruptions. Dairy Innovation: EIAR launched “Etittuu,” a probiotic starter culture to boost milk fermentation and reduce reliance on imports. Air Connectivity: Ethiopian Airlines announced direct Addis Ababa–Mauritius flights starting 12 July, three times weekly. Investment Banking Milestone: Nigeria’s United Capital won Ethiopia’s first foreign investment banking licence, approved by the capital market regulator.

Ethiopia’s Red Sea Push: Ahead of last week’s polls, Addis Ababa intensified a campaign for Red Sea access, framing it as a “reasonable” and “fair” path to development while repeatedly attacking Egypt to deter other littoral states. Election Watch: Ethiopia wrapped up its 7th general election amid claims of a foregone outcome, with observers and domestic institutions describing the process as orderly while critics questioned whether the opposition faced real conditions to compete. Diplomacy & BRICS: Ethiopia took part in the 11th BRICS Foreign Policy Dialogue in New Delhi, highlighting climate action under the Green Legacy Initiative and progress in digital and economic transformation. Aviation Update: Ethiopian Airlines says it will make fleet decisions soon on new regional and cargo aircraft, even as higher fuel costs squeeze margins; it is also adjusting routes and fuel sourcing. Security & Humanitarian: Sri Lanka says three of its citizens held hostage in Ethiopia were rescued in a joint operation and arrangements are underway to return them home. Sports: Malawi coach Kalisto Pasuwa said his side will respond better after a 1-0 friendly loss to Ethiopia, citing early lapses and missed chances. Business & Mobility: YADEA debuted in Kenya at Autoexpo 2026, building on sales success in Ethiopia and pushing Africa-focused electric motorcycle and battery-swapping plans.

Ethiopian Airlines Expansion Amid Fuel Shock: Ethiopian Airlines says it will soon decide on new aircraft orders, but higher jet-fuel costs after the Middle East war have pushed fuel spending from about 40% of expenses to 54%, forcing route rationalisation and fare changes. Aviation Oversight Watch: In the US, the FAA acting head defended its 737 Max certification approach while saying Boeing should submit a software fix soon, after two deadly crashes. Ethiopia’s Election Aftermath: Ethiopia wrapped up its 7th general election amid praise for a peaceful, orderly process, though voting was suspended in some constituencies due to security conditions. BRICS Diplomacy: Ethiopia joined the 11th BRICS Foreign Policy Dialogue in New Delhi, highlighting climate action and digital/economic transformation. Food Insecurity Biology: New research presented using Ethiopian schoolchildren links food insecurity to measurable shifts in children’s gut microbiomes. Regional Connectivity: Ethiopian Airlines announced direct flights to Port Louis, Mauritius, starting July 12.

Ethiopia Election Count Under Scrutiny: NEBE says about 825 of 1,138 constituencies have declared results, while counting continues amid delays, procedural violations, and disputed digital videos circulating online. Security After Polls: AFP reports an Oromo Liberation Army attack in Arsi zone killed civilians, with witnesses describing targeted killings around the election period. Tigray Drone Strike Fears Renewed War: Dissident authorities in Tigray accuse the federal government of a deadly drone strike near Shiraro, raising concerns of renewed conflict. IMF Support for War Fallout: The IMF says it is accelerating funding for Ethiopia and other African countries to manage economic shocks linked to the Middle East conflict. Regional Energy Push: Ethiopian Electric Power says Ethiopia will keep strengthening regional power connectivity, including efforts to sell to Tanzania. Clean Mobility Policy: Ethiopia’s vehicle import ban is framed as a push toward cleaner transport and new investment in e-mobility. Water Safety Warning: A new global drinking-water assessment highlights unsafe water risks, with many African countries among the worst performers.

Armed Attacks in Arsi Zone: Ethiopia’s PM Abiy Ahmed extended condolences over attacks in Oromia’s Arsi Zone, saying militants aimed to inflame ethnic and religious tensions; security operations are underway as reports cite civilian deaths and destroyed homes and places of worship. Election Results Update: The National Election Board of Ethiopia says results have been declared in about 825 of 1,138 constituencies, with vote transfer delays blamed on distance and logistics; the board also says it has handled complaints and commended observers. IDP and Military Voting Date: NEBE set June 9 for voting by registered IDPs and military personnel, after earlier AU-linked timelines suggested June 8, raising expectations for a later results schedule. Food Insecurity and Health: New research links child food insecurity to measurable changes in the gut microbiome, including higher levels of Sutterella, pointing to biological pathways beyond nutrition alone. Energy Connectivity Push: EEP CEO Ashebir Balcha says Ethiopia is strengthening regional power links, with renewable generation fully powering exports to Djibouti, Sudan and Kenya and talks to expand to Tanzania. Medicines Abuse Crackdown: Ethiopia’s Food and Drug Authority issued stricter rules on rational medicine use, including limits on repeat dispensing to curb antimicrobial resistance and unsafe use. Green Carbon Rights Draft: A federal draft proclamation is moving toward centralized management of forest and atmospheric carbon assets, setting the government as default owner of carbon rights unless contracts specify otherwise. Ethiopia in Regional Sports: Ethiopia plays Malawi in an international friendly today, with live updates drawing attention ahead of broader World Cup-era match schedules.

Ethiopia Election Watch: Ethiopia’s June 1 parliamentary vote was widely described as “generally peaceful,” though voting was suspended in parts of Amhara, Oromia and Tigray due to insecurity, with AU and IGAD observers pointing to an orderly process. Diplomacy & Trade: Ethiopia and Pakistan agreed to forge a stronger parliamentary bond to boost cooperation in trade, investment, agriculture, aviation and culture, while Ethiopia and Canada moved ahead with deeper commercial ties through a new chamber of commerce in Addis Ababa. Regional Integration: GERD was highlighted at Assosa University as a driver of regional energy security and cooperation across the Horn, with calls for more research to counter misinformation. Industrial Policy: Ethiopia’s Industrial Parks Development Corporation announced reduced service fees and four years of free access to selected industrial parks for eligible domestic manufacturers to speed industrialization and jobs. Public Health & Travel: Ebola precautions continued across borders, including home isolation for returnees in India and a travel advisory in St. Vincent and the Grenadines urging caution for travelers from several African countries including Ethiopia. Tech & Skills: Ethiopia’s foreign ministry concluded a human resource development training for more than 60 diplomats, and Afretec welcomed Addis Ababa Science and Technology University as its 10th partner.

Elections & Governance: Ethiopia’s June 1 parliamentary vote is being widely described as “generally peaceful,” though voting was suspended in parts of Amhara, Oromia and Tigray due to insecurity, while observers from the AU and IGAD pointed to orderly polling and electoral administration. Industrial Policy: The Industrial Parks Development Corporation (IDPC) says it will cut service fees and offer four years of free access to selected industrial parks for eligible domestic manufacturers, aiming to boost jobs and strengthen supply chains. AfCFTA Implementation: Ethiopia and Togo are reviewing AfCFTA progress under AFIRM, focusing on legal, institutional and operational gaps that have slowed trade in goods and made it harder for businesses to use the wider market. Climate & Transport: UNECA highlights Ethiopia’s e-mobility strategy as a step to cut emissions and reduce dependence on imported fossil fuels. Public Safety & Misinformation: A viral Facebook clip claiming Muslims were attacked during Eid prayers in Tigray was debunked as an edited video from Harar showing peaceful Eid al-Adha prayers. Regional Diplomacy: South Sudan’s deputy mission head says Addis Ababa and Juba want to deepen ties across sectors, building on shared history and people-to-people links. Health Watch: A Sudanese traveler isolated in Hyderabad over an Ebola scare after arriving from Ethiopia has tested negative. Tech & Services: Smart Hands Africa expands its portfolio as an authorised Supermicro services partner, including support across Ethiopia and other African markets.

Ethiopia’s IMF Boost: The IMF is stepping up support for Ethiopia and other African states hit by the fallout of the US–Israel war on Iran, with Ethiopia’s staff proposing faster access to a $200m tranche and a $468m disbursement already cleared. Ethiopia Election Aftermath: Coverage highlights Ethiopia’s 7th general election as largely peaceful and democratic, while observers and civil society point to disruptions and concerns over inclusiveness in some areas. Digital Payments Milestone: EthSwitch says EthioPay-IPS has hit 1 million transactions in a day worth over 5 billion birr, and the platform won an African financial inclusion award. Education Budget Move: Parliament approved the 2026/27 budget, including funding for the Teachers Service Commission to absorb 20,000 intern teachers into permanent, pensionable roles. BRICS Culture & Trade Links: Ethiopia participates in BRICS culture working group discussions on creative economy, copyright, and ethical AI, alongside broader agricultural trade cooperation themes. Ebola Disruption in Region: The Eastern Africa U18/U20 athletics championships were postponed indefinitely due to the Ebola outbreak in parts of Uganda and DR Congo. Sports Abroad, Ethiopian Presence: Ethiopian athletes feature in Diamond League action in Rome, including Likina Amebaw’s win in the women’s 5,000m.

Ethiopia’s Election & Democracy: Japan praised Ethiopia’s 7th General Election as successful, citing NEBE’s work and high citizen participation, while observers and civil society reports highlighted largely peaceful voting despite security issues in some areas. IMF Support: The IMF reached a staff-level deal on Ethiopia’s review, paving the way for about USD 468 million disbursement, with praise for tight monetary policy. Digital Payments Boom: EthSwitch says EthioPay-IPS hit 1 million transactions in a single day worth over ETB 5 billion, alongside an award for financial inclusion tech. Parliament Approves Financing: Ethiopia’s House ratified ADB and IDA loan agreements for pastoralist food and livelihood improvements and the next phase of the Productive Safety Net Program. Cultural & Heritage Links: Ethiopia returned religious heritage artifacts from Italy, and Pakistan renewed plans to deepen cultural and tourism ties with Ethiopia. Public Health Watch: Ethiopian-related Ebola precautions continued abroad, including home isolation of returnees from Ethiopia in India.

Ethiopia Election Watch: AU and IGAD observers say Ethiopia’s June 1 general election was largely peaceful and orderly, but both missions flag security-driven disruptions and polling-station crowding, with AU noting voting did not occur in Tigray and parts of Oromia and Amhara. Observer Disputes: Reports also differ on voter and party counts, with IGAD citing 54 million registered voters versus AU’s 50.5 million, underscoring how contested the post-vote picture remains. Local Governance & Capacity: Ethiopia’s election technology push (including Mirchaye digital registration) is credited for higher turnout, while IGAD urges NEBE to standardize voter ID and reduce maximum polling-station capacity. Monetary Policy: Ethiopia’s tight monetary stance wins IMF praise as the country moves through its fifth review, with nearly $500 million expected to follow. Visa Policy Shock: The US plans to cut African visa-processing posts to 20 hubs; Addis Ababa is listed as a remaining full-service hub. Infrastructure & Jobs: Ethiopia unveils an 80% local participation plan to reduce reliance on foreign contractors for major projects. Ethiopia in Regional Diplomacy: Ethiopia and Finland resume formal political consultations after a 16-year gap, aiming to deepen economic cooperation. BRICS Disaster Talks: Ethiopia joins BRICS DRR meetings in Puri, Odisha, focused on early warning and resilient infrastructure.

AU Election Watch: The African Union Election Observation Mission has “okayed” Ethiopia’s June 1 general elections, saying they met most obligations and were held within a legal and institutional framework despite security challenges in parts of Tigray, Amhara and Oromia. Regional Monitoring: IGAD’s election observers also called the vote peaceful and successful, praising reforms and election administration, while noting uneven participation where insecurity kept voting from happening in some constituencies. Vote Counting: Counting continues in several regions, with delays linked to long queues and security incidents affecting some polling stations. Dialogue Push: Ethiopia’s National Dialogue Commission says it is building a platform for citizens to discuss national issues and is preparing for a main consultative conference to forge consensus. Diplomacy & Trade: Ethiopia and Finland resumed formal political consultations after a 16-year gap, aiming to deepen economic cooperation; Norway also signaled interest in Ethiopia’s e-mobility and green investment opportunities. Clean Transport Investment: African EV firm Spiro raised $215m in equity to expand battery-swapping and EV infrastructure, including plans to enter Ethiopia.

Ethiopia’s Election Wrap: The National Election Board of Ethiopia (NEBE) says the 7th general election concluded successfully after voting opened nationwide on June 1, with ballot counting still ongoing in parts of Sidama, Gambella, Amhara and Somali. Rights Watch: The Ethiopian Human Rights Commission (EHRC) reports no fundamental human rights violations observed so far, citing 104 monitoring teams across nearly 3,000 polling stations. Regional Oversight: The AU and IGAD election observation missions are set to present preliminary findings on Wednesday, after post-election debriefs. Leadership Push: Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed told officials to return to work immediately, linking the high turnout to the need for fast delivery on development goals, including a newly inaugurated riverside project in Addis Ababa. Diplomacy & Travel: The U.S. plans to cut visa-processing embassies and consulates in Africa from nearly 50 to 20 hubs, with Addis Ababa listed among the remaining processing locations. Air Connectivity: Ethiopian Airlines announced thrice-weekly direct flights to Mauritius starting July 12, replacing prior indirect codeshare routing.