World Public Summit in Addis Ababa: Ethiopia will host the first-ever World Public Summit in Africa on July 29–30, 2026, bringing together government leaders, diplomats, business, academics, journalists, youth and civil society under the theme “New World: Africa in Shaping a Shared Future.” Digital shift at Ethio telecom: Ethio telecom says its 2025/26 earnings rose to 215.82 billion birr, with data and internet services (31.1% of revenue) overtaking voice for the first time. AI push in government: Former UK PM Tony Blair visited the Ethiopian Artificial Intelligence Institute, backing AI-driven public service reforms and digital governance partnerships. Regional security focus: The African Union condemned Houthi attacks and warned that disruption in the Red Sea could hit Africa’s trade and supply chains. Industry and jobs: L&T Heavy Engineering secured major international orders, including refinery and fertiliser expansion equipment tied to projects in Ethiopia and Nigeria. Youth and faith: An Ethiopian archbishop warned that young people are increasingly shaped by virtual spaces and urged church leaders to move from preaching to deeper partnership. Women in the digital economy: UNECA launched a four-year initiative to boost women entrepreneurs’ digital and financial skills in Ethiopia and other African countries.
AGP Executive Report
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World Public Summit Africa & “Unity” Art Exhibition: Addis Ababa hosts the inaugural World Public Summit Africa on July 29–30, with a major “Unity” exhibition featuring contemporary artists from 16 African countries plus an Afro-Brazilian voice. Higher Education Funding: The Mastercard Foundation announced a US$500 million investment in African higher education over the next decade, alongside its AHEFT Prize to scale employability-focused transformation. AI in Education: Ethiopia’s new Artificial Intelligence University is being hailed as a potential continental “torchbearer,” positioning Ethiopia as a leader in technology-driven learning. National Dialogue Momentum: Ethiopia’s National Dialogue Conference is progressing through structured consultations, with diaspora delegates also holding talks to help resolve deep-rooted problems. Trade & Cost of Living Measures: Ethiopia’s Trade Minister reports market stabilization steps, including support for importers, expanded weekend markets, and supply of sugar, edible oil, and fuel. GERD Water Talks: A water expert urges a legally binding GERD operating deal, warning Sudan faces both shortages and flooding risks without stronger data-sharing and clear rules. Human Trafficking Crackdown: Ethiopian police say they dismantled a trafficking network that lured tens of thousands of migrants with false jobs, including torture-for-ransom operations. Health: UNICEF and WHO report modest global immunization gains in 2025, but “zero-dose” children remain a major gap. Climate & Livelihoods: Rising heat is stressing camel herders in Ethiopia’s Afar region, with reported calf deaths and worsening conditions.
Border Trade Reform: Ethiopia and Djibouti agreed a joint roadmap to operationalise the Galafi One-Stop Border Post, aiming for single clearance to cut delays on the corridor that carries most of Ethiopia’s trade. AU Health Push: Leaders and health ministers met in Accra to accelerate Africa’s health agenda—ending AIDS and TB, cutting maternal deaths, and boosting local medicine production—with a costed roadmap expected. Climate Stress on Livelihoods: Reports highlight extreme heat hitting camels hard across the Horn and North Africa, with herders in Ethiopia’s Afar describing deaths and worsening dehydration. Ethiopia in Global Dialogue: Ethiopia’s Deputy PM Temesgen Tiruneh attended the AU extraordinary health summit, underscoring the push for stronger, self-reliant health systems. Research & Innovation Boost: KNUST was named an inaugural Mastercard Foundation AHEFT Prize winner, receiving US$3m to scale research-to-innovation and youth enterprise support. Migration & Violence in the US: An Ethiopian man accused in Minnesota of killing three apartment workers over a $65 parking dispute told authorities he “hated the American system,” as families mourn the victims. Ethiopia’s Enterprise Survey: New data point to political instability as a top obstacle for Ethiopian firms, especially larger ones, shaping low investment despite financing improvements.
Enterprise Survey Findings: A new look at Ethiopia’s 2025 Enterprise Survey shows credit is the biggest hurdle for small firms, but larger firms—less credit-constrained—still invest less, with political instability topping their main obstacle. Health Sovereignty: Ethiopia’s Deputy PM Temesgen Tiruneh urged African leaders to fund health systems with more domestic resources at the AU health summit in Accra. Atrocity Prevention: Africa’s early warning systems must be matched by fast political action, warned legal expert William Nyarko at an atrocity-prevention forum. Higher Education Push: The Mastercard Foundation launched the AHEFT Prize with $500m backing; Addis Ababa University is named among inaugural winners, with $3m awards for scaling research and innovation. Agriculture & Food Losses: Ethiopia’s ATI says it’s expanding cold-chain infrastructure and hybrid sorghum to cut post-harvest losses and raise farmers’ income. Regional Context: Sudan blamed worsening electricity outages partly on suspended power imports from Ethiopia and damage to grid infrastructure.
GERD Tensions: Egypt accused Ethiopia of “politicizing” the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam, saying Ethiopia’s unilateral water retention has hurt Sudan’s water levels and warning against actions that disregard prior coordination. Inflation Watch: Ethiopia’s annual inflation climbed to 13.9% in June 2026, driven mainly by rising food prices, while non-food inflation also accelerated. Human Trafficking Crackdown: Ethiopian police arrested 17 suspects, including an alleged ringleader, over a trafficking network accused of smuggling 40,000+ Ethiopians to Saudi Arabia via Djibouti and Yemen, with allegations of deaths, abuse, and extortion. Refugee Policy & Tech: UNHCR is moving toward wider use of face biometrics, including in QR-code related systems, as funding cuts push the agency to rely more on digital processes. Regional Health Diplomacy: Ethiopia participated in BRICS health track events in India, including discussions on traditional and integrative medicine and health resilience. Air Quality Snapshot: A UNEP report lists Ethiopia among countries with PM2.5 exposure above WHO targets, underscoring ongoing public health pressure from air pollution. UNICEF Support: UNICEF cash support is helping Ethiopian families improve diets and livelihoods, while a new UNICEF warning flags rising child poverty risks linked to Middle East conflict and shipping disruptions.
Refugee Integration: Ethiopia is moving to legalize and integrate a growing refugee population, rolling out the five-year “Makatet” plan to bring refugees into education and health systems and help them work toward economic independence. Human Trafficking Crackdown: Ethiopian police arrested 17 suspects in a trafficking network accused of smuggling over 40,000 Ethiopians to Saudi Arabia via Djibouti and Yemen, with allegations of sexual violence and deaths of more than 60 people. Banking & Innovation: Ethiopia opened the 29th Connected Banking Summit & Innovation & Excellence Awards 2026 in Addis Ababa, focusing on digital financial systems and banking modernization. Higher Education Funding: The Mastercard Foundation launched the AHEFT Prize, awarding $3 million each to Addis Ababa University and four other African universities to drive higher-education transformation. Aviation Connectivity: Ethiopia and the Maldives signed an air services agreement to enable direct scheduled flights, boosting tourism and trade links. Governance & Security: Ethiopia called for stronger continental cooperation to counter terrorism and violent extremism at the AU Peace and Security Council. National Dialogue: Ethiopia’s National Dialogue Commissioner said the process is a homegrown path to sustainable peace, aiming to address root causes and broaden inclusion.
Ethiopia’s National Dialogue: Ethiopia’s push for a new political culture and transitional justice momentum stays in focus as analysts warn the democratic crisis is rooted in everyday hierarchy, not just elections. Nile/GERD Tensions: Egypt again accuses Ethiopia of operating the GERD unilaterally and without coordination, citing downstream impacts on water levels and flooding concerns. Agriculture & Exports: Ethiopia reports 29 million hectares cultivated and 130 million tonnes harvested in 2025/26, with agricultural exports hitting $4.55bn—led by coffee at $3.1bn. AI Cooperation: Ethiopia signs on as a founding WAICO member, signaling stronger global AI governance and cooperation. Energy & Electrification: Ethiopia is named among supporters of the “Electrify Now” campaign aimed at faster renewable-powered electrification. Regional Diplomacy: OACPS ministers adopt the Malabo Declaration reform agenda and resource mobilisation steps, while Ethiopia’s role in South-South cooperation is highlighted. Migration & Security: Police in Malawi arrest nine Ethiopian nationals for alleged illegal entry and alleged trafficking links. Business/Transport: Ethiopian Airlines CEO says new freighter orders are expected soon after Farnborough, with regional aircraft evaluation also nearing completion.
Ethiopian Airlines: At the Farnborough Airshow, CEO Mesfin Tasew said the airline expects to finalize orders for 16 freighters within weeks, with 777-8F and A350F under review, while a regional aircraft decision is due in 1–2 months. National Dialogue: Addis Ababa says the National Dialogue Conference has moved into core deliberations on eight agenda items, with structured group discussions now underway. Agriculture & Exports: Ethiopia reports 2025/26 gains, citing 29 million hectares cultivated, 130 million tonnes harvested, and $4.55bn from agricultural exports, led by coffee, alongside continued Green Legacy tree planting. AI Cooperation: Ethiopia joined the World Artificial Intelligence Cooperation Organization (WAICO) as a founding member, signaling a push for safer, fairer global AI governance. Energy Investment: The African Development Bank committed up to $110m toward Ethiopia’s Aysha 300MW wind project, aiming to expand power access and diversify generation. Trade & Industry: Ethiopia is also pushing cotton-to-clothing industrialization, linking farm output to textile manufacturing and exports. Governance & Accountability: A contractor for the Welmel irrigation and Chelchel dam projects says media reports were one-sided and that it has not yet received the full audit report. Visa Update: Ethiopia published tourist visa fees for 30-day and 90-day single-entry stays.
Road Safety Tragedy: At least 13 people, including 12 from one family, were killed in a crash in Ethiopia’s Somali region when a vehicle carrying khat collided with a three-wheeled motorcycle; the toll rose further after a grave collapsed during a funeral procession. National Dialogue Watch: Ethiopia’s push for peace and political reform continues as the National Dialogue Conference opens in Addis Ababa, bringing thousands of representatives together to tackle long-running differences. Water & GERD Tensions: Egypt says Ethiopia’s GERD operations require constant updates to downstream dam plans due to variability and lack of clear operating rules and regular data sharing. Urban Delivery Update: Addis Ababa reports over 96% of planned targets met in the 2018 budget year, citing progress in infrastructure, public services, and efforts to improve residents’ quality of life. Regional Security Context: Saudi authorities report arresting Ethiopian and Yemeni nationals in Asir for attempting to smuggle 240 kg of khat. Global Policy Debate: Commentary argues that national dialogues across Africa can reshape political “contracts,” but only if they are genuinely inclusive and backed by real political will.
Addis Ababa Performance & Tourism Push: Addis Ababa says it hit over 96% of planned targets in the concluded FY, citing faster urban development, better public services, and stronger transparency, while corridor projects helped the city host 221+ international conferences. Monetary Policy Shift: Ethiopia’s central bank lifted its three-year credit cap and will replace it with a targeted reserve requirement to steer lending more indirectly. National Dialogue Momentum: The EU’s top diplomat visited Ethiopia’s National Dialogue, calling it inclusive and hoping it delivers concrete peace and reconciliation results. Tigray Tensions: Protesters in Addis Ababa rallied against alleged TPLF “subversive actions,” including forced recruitment and abductions, urging full implementation of the Pretoria cessation deal. Revenue & Tax Planning: Ethiopia is preparing a formal revenue-sharing system for a new motor vehicle ownership tax starting in the 2027/28 budget year. Drug Crackdown: NDLEA reports major tramadol seizures—1.63 million pills in two trailers—linked to a Togo–Benin–Nigeria syndicate, plus arrests across multiple states.
Monetary Policy Shift: Ethiopia’s National Bank lifted its three-year credit cap and is moving to a targeted reserve requirement, aiming to steer lending toward productive sectors after IMF findings showed most banks already exceeded growth limits. National Dialogue: Thousands of Ethiopians and diaspora representatives gathered in Addis Ababa for a historic National Dialogue meant to institutionalize consensus-building beyond elections and ceasefires. Public Health Funding: Ethiopia and Addis Ababa adopted dedicated tobacco-control budget lines, with federal and city funding earmarked for EFDA and local health regulators. Electricity Access Gap: A new Afrobarometer dispatch shows rural Ethiopia still struggles: only 20% are connected to the grid and just 9% have reliable power most or all of the time. Conservation Milestone: Ethiopia marked the 60th anniversary of its Wildlife Conservation Authority, spotlighting community-centered protection models. Trade Pressure: The US launched an investigation into solar cells and modules imported from Ethiopia over claims of tariff circumvention using Ethiopian firms.
National Dialogue: Ethiopia’s National Dialogue Commission says the process is built for fair consensus, not winner-takes-all politics, with thousands of representatives guided through shared decision methods. Tigray Rights & Security: Thousands marched in Addis Ababa protesting alleged forced recruitment in Tigray, as rights groups warn of fear and mass roundups despite denials. Transport & BRICS: Ethiopia reaffirmed plans for an integrated, technology-driven transport system at the BRICS Transport Ministerial Meeting, highlighting electric mobility and rail expansion. Sea Access Debate: Scholars and former Tigray officials renewed calls for a structured, legally grounded strategy to secure Ethiopia’s sea access, stressing long-term political and economic stakes. Ethiopia in Trade Scrutiny: The US Commerce Department opened an investigation into Ethiopian solar cell imports amid claims Ethiopia is used to route Chinese products around US tariffs. Policy & Regulation Watch: A new debate in Ethiopia asks whether electronic taxi-hailing platforms need dedicated regulation and a clear regulator as the sector grows.
Democratization Watch: Ethiopia is seeing “meaningful progress” toward democratization, with a political analyst pointing to the completion of the country’s seventh general election and an inclusive national dialogue as key milestones. Sea Access Strategy: Former Tigray chief-administrator Gebru Asrat says Ethiopia’s quest for reliable sea access is an existential necessity that needs a dedicated executive body to compile legal and technical work and build a structured case at the AU and UN. Academic Push for Maritime Rights: University scholars echo that Ethiopia cannot remain in geographic isolation and argue sea access is tied to long-standing historical and international legal realities. Tigray Rights Protest: Protesters in Addis Ababa rallied against alleged repression, abductions and forced recruitment of young people in Tigray, calling for an end to coercion and mobilization for war. AI Education Boost: The AU’s education division says Ethiopia’s newly announced AI University could make the country a continental leader in technology-driven education and innovation. Energy Update: The AfDB approved up to $110m for Ethiopia’s 300MW Aysha wind power project, aimed at strengthening the national grid.
Ethiopia–Digital Infrastructure: Ethio Telecom is exploring a strategic partnership with China’s Inspur Software Technology to speed up Ethiopia’s digital transformation, with plans spanning AI-ready data centres, cloud platforms, high-performance computing, and smart digital infrastructure. Ethiopia–Industry & Exports: Ethiopia’s Industrial Parks Development Corporation says it generated about $266.9m in export revenue in the 2018 fiscal year (ending July 7, 2026), its highest foreign-currency figure since the agency began. Ethiopia–Food Security Model: AU-IBAR officials praised Ethiopia’s “Bounty of the Basket” initiative as a strong template for boosting milk, eggs, honey, fruits and vegetables, urging wider adoption across Africa. Ethiopia–Aviation & Travel: Zimbabwean musician Baba Harare appealed to Ethiopian Airlines to urgently locate missing luggage containing filming equipment ahead of his album campaign. Ethiopia–Health & Regional Response: Africa CDC commended China for additional emergency support for the Bundibugyo Ebola response, including a further $2.5m contribution. Global Policy Watch: The FAA said it will let Boeing issue airworthiness certificates for all 737 MAX and 787 planes starting next week, a major step after prior authority suspensions. Climate Risk: Experts warn the 2026–27 El Niño could be among the strongest on record, raising the odds of heat, floods and droughts.
OACPS Presidency: Ethiopia has assumed the Organization of African, Caribbean and Pacific States (OACPS) presidency, setting a results-focused agenda on economic opportunities, sustainable financing, stronger partnerships, and tangible citizen benefits. National Dialogue: Ethiopia’s National Dialogue conference opened with major endorsements and a push to end cycles of political violence through inclusive, Ethiopian-led reconciliation and consensus-building. Sea Access Debate: A Libyan professor says Ethiopia’s right to sea access is grounded in international law and regional agreements, not political bargaining. Digital Infrastructure: Ethio telecom is exploring a strategic partnership with China’s Inspur to boost AI-ready data centers, cloud services, and Ethiopia’s digital transformation. Trade & Agriculture: Amhara Region reported over $726.7m from exporting pulses, oilseeds, and coffee, citing timely delivery to ECX. Regional Security/Trade: EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas visited Ethiopia and Djibouti to strengthen security partnerships tied to Red Sea operations. Mobility & Industry: Changan opened its first Ethiopia showroom, aiming to deepen Middle East and Africa expansion and support EV adoption.
National Dialogue: Ethiopia’s National Dialogue Conference opened in Addis Ababa with PM Abiy Ahmed and thousands of delegates, aiming to break the cycle of confrontation through inclusive, evidence-based talks on identity, state structure, cohesion, anti-corruption, institutions, rights and post-conflict reconciliation. Public Health & Security: President Taye Atske Selassie marked the Ethiopian Public Health Institute’s Diamond Jubilee, stressing that protecting citizens’ health underpins development, economic growth and national security. GERD Economy Boost: Benishangul-Gumuz reports 10,799 tons of fish harvested from Lake Nigat in the concluded fiscal year, saying the reservoir is creating jobs and supporting tourism and inland transport. Trade & Exports: Amhara Region earned about $726.7m from exporting pulses, oilseeds and coffee, with millions of quintals delivered to ECX before shipment. Ethiopia-EU Talks: State Minister Semereta Sewasew met EU Commissioner Jozef Síkela to expand cooperation on trade, investment, development finance and sustainable economic transformation.
National Dialogue: Ethiopia kicked off its National Dialogue Conference in Addis Ababa, bringing together 4,000+ representatives to build consensus and tackle deep socio-political divisions through grassroots consultations. GERD Diplomacy: Ethiopia’s COP32 President-designate FM Gedion Timothewos met Laurent Fabius on COP32 preparations, while an Ethiopian MP rejected Egypt’s GERD “unilateralism” claims, stressing equitable use and Ethiopia’s upstream water rights. Regional Security Context: A new report says Egypt’s GERD pressure is being amplified by wider Horn of Africa tensions, including Cairo’s military posture and efforts to limit Addis Ababa’s Red Sea access. Climate Prep: Ethiopia is stepping up COP32 readiness as it seeks a transparent, inclusive, Party-driven process. Migration/Regional Incident: Zambia launched a search for 10 Ethiopian nationals feared drowned after a Zambezi River crossing attempt; no bodies have been recovered yet. BRICS Labour Agenda: BRICS adopted a Labour and Employment Ministers’ Declaration in Hyderabad and launched “BRICS CONNECT,” with Ethiopia listed among BRICS members.
National Dialogue: Ethiopia’s National Dialogue Conference has opened in Addis Ababa with over 4,000 participants and eight agenda areas set by the Dialogue Commission, as PM Abiy Ahmed hinted outcomes could shape constitutional amendments. Diplomacy & Regional Impact: AU Commissioner Bankole Adeoye called the dialogue a landmark for sustainable peace and growth, while IGAD’s Workneh Gebeyehu said internal differences must be settled through peaceful dialogue. EU Ties: EU High Representative Kaja Kallas met PM Abiy and FM Gedion, pledging deeper cooperation on investment, digital governance, renewables and critical raw materials, while raising concerns about retroactive laws and taxation. COP32 Prep: FM Gedion discussed lessons from COP21 with Laurent Fabius, stressing Paris Agreement momentum and a transparent, inclusive COP32 process. GERD Row: An Ethiopian MP rejected Egypt’s GERD “unilateralism” narrative, arguing Ethiopia’s hydropower plans reflect sovereign, equitable use under international law. Immigration Services: Ethiopia’s Immigration and Citizenship Service says it issued 1.6 million passports in the fiscal year ending July 7, alongside over 1.0 million visas and major civil registration work. Security Misinformation: Authorities warned a viral clip misrepresents the army chief’s remarks as an attack on PM Abiy. Biotech Access: A new continental “Biotech Africa Database” aims to centralize biotech regulatory data to speed approvals and reduce cross-border compliance confusion.
Zambezi River Tragedy: Zambia Police and Immigration say two Ethiopian nationals were found after a canoe capsized while 15 Ethiopians tried to cross illegally from Zambia into Botswana; five reportedly swam to safety and ten are feared drowned, with a search ongoing for the remaining survivors. Vaccination Gap: UN and WHO warn 13.5 million children missed routine vaccines last year, with Ethiopia among the worst-affected countries as progress is “too slow” to meet immunisation targets. National Dialogue Watch: Ethiopia’s National Dialogue Conference is set to open in Addis Ababa, framed as a defining moment for peace and democratic renewal through inclusive talks. Digital Push: Ethio telecom and Huawei met to expand their partnership, aiming to grow Ethiopia’s enterprise and SME markets with cloud, AI, cybersecurity, IoT and telebirr-linked solutions. GERD Information Warfare: An Ethiopian News Agency report quotes an analyst accusing Egypt of escalating “information warfare” over GERD while Ethiopia reiterates its right to equitable use of the Abay River. Regional Trade Agenda: Ethiopia is set to co-host the Africa Trade Development Forum in Addis Ababa in November, focusing on cutting non-tariff barriers that raise trade costs.
National Dialogue: Ethiopia’s National Dialogue Conference opens in Addis Ababa tomorrow, bringing 4,000 grassroots delegates for three weeks of structured talks aimed at national consensus and lasting peace. Logistics Modernization: The government is training freight and shipping professionals and rolling out a 10-year roadmap to speed up trade and reduce supply-chain bottlenecks. Economic Reform Finance: Parliament approved €124.6m in concessional loans (Italy and France) to support macroeconomic reform and digital modernization of command and control systems. Saudi Death Penalty Watch: Human Rights Watch says at least 10 Ethiopians have been executed in Saudi Arabia this year, with dozens more facing death sentences after alleged unfair trials. Gold Market Policy: The NBE plans to phase out premium payments for gold suppliers by end-2026, as part of efforts to curb parallel forex pressures. Trade & Connectivity: Ethiopia will host the Africa Trade Development Forum in November to tackle non-tariff barriers and cut export costs. Visa Updates: Ethiopia published a list of countries eligible for tourist visas on arrival, and the UK issued new entry rules affecting Ethiopian travelers. Agriculture Exports: Ethiopia targets expanded avocado exports in the July–September window, using logistics and cold-storage upgrades to improve competitiveness.
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