AGP Executive Report

AFCON 2028 Bid: Ethiopia has officially submitted its bid to host the 2028 Africa Cup of Nations after a 52-year wait, with Addis Ababa positioned as a continental hub—though security concerns and regional tensions remain in the background. Health & Funding: WHO chief Tedros warned that Africa loses about USD 90 billion yearly to illicit financial flows, arguing the drain dwarfs aid and weakens health financing. Ebola Response: WHO is urging a six-month humanitarian truce in the DRC to reach isolated communities and break Ebola transmission, saying tools exist but access is the main barrier. Nile & Water Rights: Ethiopia renewed its push on Nile water rights and rejected Egypt’s “distorted” campaign over the GERD, as regional debate over development continues. Economy & Jobs: A new index shows Ethiopia among the leading remote-work markets on LinkedIn, while the IMF urged major African economies—including Ethiopia—to deepen fiscal, monetary, and governance reforms. Security: Misleading old footage about captured Ethiopian soldiers in Tigray is circulating online, complicating public understanding of renewed clashes.

Roads & Trade: South Sudan’s Juba–Nimule corridor is being battered by overloaded trucks from East Africa, with officials citing vehicles carrying 60–70 tonnes after cargo consolidation at Nimule and saying a weighbridge will be used when reconstruction starts. Nile Water Rights: Ethiopia’s water-rights stance is firm: scholars say Ethiopia does not need Egypt’s permission to develop its Abay (Nile) resources, while stressing cooperation remains possible. Health Sovereignty: WHO and AU leaders meeting in Addis Ababa pushed for African-led health sovereignty, including cutting dependence on external financing and strengthening regional capacity. Water Delivery: Gondar’s Megech Dam is highlighted as a Medemer-era delivery example after years of delays, with officials pointing to faster execution and renewed momentum. AFCON 2028 Bid: Ethiopia formally submitted its bid to host AFCON 2028, aiming to end a 50+ year gap, though venue and security challenges remain. Healthcare Hub Plan: Ethiopia says it wants Addis Ababa to become an African healthcare hub, including specialised care, medical tourism, and more local production of medicines and equipment. Regional Security: South Sudan vowed a joint probe after an attack on a UN patrol convoy killed two Ethiopian peacekeepers. Climate & Hunger: El Niño is expected to worsen Sudan’s hunger crisis by drying Nile-linked rainfall, hitting already war-stressed communities.

AFCON 2028 Bid: Ethiopia has formally submitted its bid to host the 2028 Africa Cup of Nations, aiming to bring the tournament back to the country for the first time in over 50 years, with the federation saying it is ready to meet CAF requirements. UN Peacekeeping Tragedy: The UN condemned an ambush in South Sudan’s Jonglei state that killed two Ethiopian peacekeepers and injured seven others, calling for a prompt investigation and accountability. Health Sector Push: Ethiopia says its local medicines and health products’ domestic market share has jumped from 8% to 44%, as the country highlights progress at the WHO Regional Committee for Africa meeting in Addis Ababa. WHO Regional Meeting in Addis Ababa: RC76 kicked off with ministers and delegates discussing regional health priorities, universal health coverage, and emergency preparedness. BRICS Climate Support: BRICS environment ministers backed Ethiopia’s COP32 presidency, praising initiatives like the Green Legacy and forest restoration. Sudan Dialogue Rebuff: Sudanese opposition forces and civil society in Addis Ababa rejected Burhan’s national dialogue plan, saying peace is impossible while fighting continues.

UN Peacekeeping Tragedy: The UN strongly condemned an ambush in South Sudan’s Jonglei State that killed two Ethiopian peacekeepers and injured seven others, saying the patrol was likely intentionally targeted and warning such attacks may amount to war crimes. Digital Ethiopia: Ethiopia’s national digital ID drive (Fayda) is accelerating, with 49.1 million enrollments reported and 150 agencies integrated, as the government links the system to faster banking and mobile money growth. Health & Research: WHO’s Ethiopia representative praised PM Abiy’s push for AI and digital health, while AKUH warned Africa still contributes under 4% to clinical trials despite carrying a large share of the disease burden. Agriculture Lessons: AU officials say Ethiopia’s smallholder-focused food system transformation offers a model for other African countries, stressing the whole food chain, not just production. Sports Spotlight: Ethiopian runner Yomif Kejelcha reclaimed the men’s half-marathon world record in Buenos Aires with 56:51. BRICS Youth Funding: Ethiopia urged BRICS members to back youth enterprises with dedicated financing and invest more in digital and green technologies. Mawlid Message: PM Abiy extended Mawlid congratulations, urging unity and perseverance drawn from the Prophet Muhammad’s life.

World Athletics: Ethiopia’s Yomif Kejelcha reclaimed the men’s half-marathon world record in Buenos Aires, smashing the mark with 56:51 on Aug. 23, while Fotyen Tesfay won the women’s race. Regional Health: East Africa’s health leaders met in Addis Ababa to push stronger regional health systems, more local medicine production, and deeper international cooperation to better handle future outbreaks. Diplomacy: Belarus’s first deputy foreign minister met Ethiopia’s ambassador in Minsk to review bilateral ties and coordinate in multilateral forums including the UN and BRICS, with attention on Horn of Africa stability. Diaspora & Culture: Ethiopia marked an “Ethiopian Day” in Istanbul, highlighting culture, community solidarity, and major Ethiopian projects like GERD and Bishoftu airport. Agriculture & Costs: Farmers in Ethiopia are adopting solar irrigation to cut fuel costs and protect yields amid drought and erratic weather. Sports & Tourism: Ethiopia’s name also appears in international scouting and education news, including a new Lingnan University intake that includes first-time Ethiopian freshmen.

Ethiopia’s National Dialogue: Ethiopia’s 40-day National Dialogue Conference has wrapped up with nearly 4,000 participants and about 400 recommendations, with speakers saying the process laid groundwork for nation-building through dialogue. Nile/Abay Stance: Ethiopia also used the moment to reaffirm its sovereign right to develop the Abay (Nile), pushing back on criticism over additional dams while stressing cooperation with Nile Basin partners. BRICS Tourism Push: Ethiopia called for stronger BRICS cooperation in tourism at the Jaipur meeting, proposing a BRICS Travel Mart and a Tourism Centre of Excellence, and pitching Addis Ababa as a MICE hub. Health Sovereignty: Ethiopia’s health minister urged African unity and preventive action during WHO RC76 in Addis Ababa, framing collective effort as the basis for health sovereignty. Sports: Ethiopian distance runner Yomif Kejelcha set a new half-marathon world record in Buenos Aires, clocking 56:51, while Ethiopia also featured in Diamond League action. Security Flash: Sudan’s defence ministry says it shot down a “hostile” drone over Blue Nile near Kurmuk, alleging it came from Ethiopian territory. Global Policy Shock: A court move in the US lifted a Trump-era visa freeze for Nigerians and other nationalities, but TPS protections are ending for 13 groups including Ethiopia, raising deportation risks.

Tigray Tensions: Ethiopia’s security situation is again under strain as reports point to drone strikes in Mekelle and growing fears of renewed war after months of troop massing along the border. National Dialogue: Former Kenyan President Uhuru Kenyatta praised Ethiopia’s national dialogue as it concluded, urging Ethiopians to treat diversity as a strength and heritage as a unifying force. Health in Focus: The WHO’s 76th Regional Committee for Africa opened in Addis Ababa with a “Walk the Talk” health walk promoting physical activity and prevention of non-communicable diseases. MSF in Oromia: Médecins Sans Frontières launched primary and secondary health support in East and West Wollega to restore access in hard-to-reach areas. Trade & FX: Ethiopia moved to narrow its trade deficit with China via export-promotion deals, while the foreign-exchange auction system continues to show heavy demand versus limited dollar supply. Finance Watch: Prosecutors filed charges over alleged Amhara Bank credit-control violations tied to import-related transactions. Coffee Market: Coffee prices edged higher on supply pressures, offering a short-term opening for Ethiopian exporters.

Ethiopian National Dialogue: Ethiopia’s National Dialogue Conference wrapped after 40 days, with the ENDC saying detailed recommendation documents are ready for full implementation, as President Taye Atske-Selassie and AU envoy Obasanjo hailed dialogue as a path to lasting peace and unity. Aviation & trade links: Ethiopian Airlines announced expanded service to DR Congo—daily midday flights to Kinshasa from Dec. 1, 2026—bringing Kinshasa to 21 weekly flights, plus links to Lubumbashi and Goma. Nile dispute: An Ethiopian GERD official rejected claims that the U.S. funded the dam, while Egypt renewed warnings against new Nile dams, keeping the Abay/GERD tensions in focus. US immigration fallout for Ethiopians: A US judge struck down Trump’s blanket 75-country immigrant visa freeze, but court actions also cleared the way for DHS to end TPS protections for Ethiopians and other nationals, with deportations moving forward. Regional health economy: East African policymakers met in Addis Ababa calling for stronger local medical manufacturing and cross-border integration to build a resilient regional health economy. Tigray security: Ethiopia cancelled the Virgin Mary/Ashenda festival in Tigray due to drone-attack fears.

Nile Dam Diplomacy: Ethiopia rejected Egypt’s “distorted” campaign over the GERD, saying its Nile use is grounded in sovereign development rights and shared regional benefits. National Dialogue: Ethiopia’s month-long National Dialogue Conference wrapped after 40 days, delivering about 400 recommendations on governance, Addis Ababa/Dire Dawa status, reconciliation, rule of law, socio-economics, corruption, and peacebuilding—though Oromia raised objections over the Addis Ababa question, sending it back for review. STEM and Aviation Skills: Ethiopian Airlines and Boeing concluded the 4th STEM School Program, training Grade 11 students at Ethiopian Aviation University in coding, robotics, AI, and autonomous systems, with exposure to airline operations. Climate Pressure on Food: Reports warn El Niño could deepen rainfall deficits in parts of Ethiopia while increasing flood risk later in the year, threatening agriculture and food security. Health Policy: Ethiopia’s Health Ministry tightened overseas medical referral rules, requiring patients to show bank deposits (with higher proof for transplants) before travel. Finance Oversight: Ethiopia’s NBE rejected Global Bank’s nominee for acting president amid a liquidity and irregularities probe. Energy Investment Talk: Dangote offered East African countries a combined 30% equity stake in a planned Kenya refinery, with Kenya, Ethiopia and Rwanda showing interest.

AU Diplomacy: AU Commissioner Bankole Adeoye met the Sahrawi Republic’s Permanent Representative in Addis Ababa, discussing ways to strengthen AU-led peace, stability and coordination across Africa. Sudan Frontline: Fighting in Sudan’s Blue Nile is intensifying, with reports of thousands displaced after cross-border attacks linked to Ethiopia’s border region. Nile Basin Talks: Ethiopia says Egypt and Sudan’s resistance is slowing the Nile River Basin Commission’s full operation under the Cooperative Framework Agreement. Ethiopian Airlines Expansion: Ethiopian Airlines will add daily midday flights to Kinshasa from Dec. 1, 2026, boosting its DRC network. Regional Investment: Aliko Dangote’s planned Lamu refinery could bring East African equity stakes—Kenya 10%, with Ethiopia and Rwanda also signaling interest. Health & Economy: Ethiopia is pushing Addis Ababa as a hub for specialized healthcare and regional health investment, urging local production and stronger cooperation. US Immigration Impact: A US court cleared the way to end deportation protections for about 5,000 Ethiopians under Temporary Protected Status. Tigray Culture: Ethiopia’s Ashenda festival in Mekelle was cancelled amid drone-attack fears.

Tigray Security Update: A drone strike hit Mekelle, injuring at least 13 people, including five children, as fears grow of renewed conflict between federal and Tigrayan forces. US-Ethiopia Defense Ties: Ethiopia and the United States agreed to establish comprehensive strategic cooperation in defense and security after Pentagon talks, aiming to strengthen coordination for peace and stability in the Horn of Africa. Nile Waters Tension: Egypt warned Ethiopia against building new Nile dams, saying Cairo will defend its water security, as the dispute over GERD and additional projects continues to escalate. BRICS Youth & Sports: Ethiopia is set to participate in a BRICS Sports and Youth Ministers meeting in Visakhapatnam, where ministers will discuss youth empowerment and sports manufacturing, with joint declarations expected. Digital Payments Push: M-Pesa Ethiopia launched a 90-day campaign to boost merchant digital payments, offering prizes to accelerate adoption of cashless commerce. Trade & Exports: China launched an “Export to China” Ethiopia session in Addis Ababa, with 33 cooperation deals worth over $330 million signed between Ethiopian and Chinese firms. Health Research: A new study reports increasing drug- and diagnostic-resistance mutations in Ethiopia as malaria cases surge. Business & Investment: Ethiopian and Chinese companies signed deals worth $330 million during a trade promotion event, highlighting growing economic links.

Nile Water Showdown: Ethiopia’s Water Minister Habtamu Itefa says Addis Ababa “does not need permission” to develop Nile resources and rejects any joint management that would give others control, as Egypt renews opposition to new Ethiopian dams and the GERD dispute reshapes regional diplomacy. Sudan Displacement Update: UN-linked reporting says nearly 14,000 people have been displaced in Sudan’s Blue Nile state amid worsening security, including from Qaisan and Kurmuk localities near the Ethiopian border. Sudan Conflict Spillover: An Africa File report claims RSF gains in southeastern Sudan may be supported by operations launched from Ethiopian territory, adding pressure on SAF along Nile corridors. Ethiopia’s Exports Push: Ethiopia is working to turn growing banana production into major exports by improving quality, productivity, and access to international markets beyond Djibouti and Somalia. Humanitarian Leadership: UN Resident Coordinator Ozonnia Ojielo praised Ethiopia’s shift toward refugee inclusion through the Makatet Roadmap, linking humanitarian action with education, health, legal documentation, and labor access. Coffee Sector Upgrade: Ethiopia’s coffee traceability system is being handed over for EU deforestation-rule compliance, aiming to track beans from farm to export gate. Education Feedback Tool: A tracer study at Debre Berhan University finds 62.1% employment within two years, with employers praising knowledge but flagging gaps in creativity and project management.

Nile Water Tensions: Egypt escalated its Nile dispute with Ethiopia, warning it “will not allow” additional Ethiopian dams and insisting any Nile deal must be legally binding to protect downstream water security. BRICS Digital Push: Ethiopia used the 7th BRICS ICT Working Group meeting in Pune to showcase its Digital Ethiopia 2030 plan, including Fayda Digital ID and MESOB one-stop public services. Health Through Corridors: Ethiopia’s corridor development is being linked to healthier urban living, with officials citing more walking-friendly spaces and cleaner environments to help curb chronic non-communicable diseases. Climate & Forests: Norway’s climate envoy praised Ethiopia’s forest conservation gains, saying forests are key for water systems, soil protection, and regional food security. Aviation Partnership: Ethiopia’s ambassador to the US met Boeing executives to reaffirm and expand the long-running strategic partnership with Ethiopian Airlines. Agri Cooperation: Pakistan and Ethiopia agreed to deepen agriculture and livestock collaboration, focusing on mechanization, irrigation, climate-resilient farming, and seed and research links. US Immigration Court: A US federal judge lifted the final block to end TPS for thousands of Ethiopian immigrants, raising deportation uncertainty.

Ethiopia–U.S. Immigration: A Boston federal judge lifted the last block on ending Temporary Protected Status for about 5,000 Ethiopians in the U.S., clearing the way for deportation unless legal challenges succeed; DHS says affected people must leave immediately or face deportation. Circular Economy Push: Ethiopia has moved into active implementation of the African Development Bank’s African Circular Economy Facility, shifting from planning to funded roadmaps to turn waste into value across sectors like agriculture, manufacturing, construction and waste management. National Dialogue: Participants say Ethiopia’s ongoing National Dialogue Conference is building consensus for sustainable peace and development, with thousands of delegates working through major agenda items. Trade With China: Ethiopia’s Trade Ministry and China’s ambassador highlighted growing EXIM ties, pointing to zero-tariff access and trade facilitation as drivers for Ethiopian exports. Regional Water Tensions: Ethiopia’s new Blue Nile hydropower plans are reigniting wider Horn-of-Africa geopolitics involving Egypt, Somalia, Somaliland, Eritrea and Gulf partners. Sports: Ethiopia Coffee confirmed goalkeeper Danlad Ibrahim’s return to Ghana’s Asante Kotoko on a two-year deal.

US–Ethiopia Migration: A federal judge in Boston lifted the last block on the Trump administration ending Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Ethiopians, leaving thousands facing urgent, unsafe choices as legal protections expire. Humanitarian Pressure: World Humanitarian Day spotlighted how aid workers are increasingly targeted and blocked while funding shortages force cuts on the ground, including in Ethiopia where WFP says it needs about $83m for the next six months. Nile & GERD: Ethiopia says it can build more dams and that cascade projects on the Abay/Blue Nile won’t threaten downstream states if filling and operations are coordinated; Egypt is urged to drop claims of exclusive control. Diplomacy: Ethiopia expelled Italy’s ambassador, declaring him persona non grata, amid a widening diplomatic rift. Health & Access: A cancer drug access program for CLL (Brukinsa) was extended to reach about 1,000 patients cumulatively, including in Ethiopia. Climate Outlook: A new report warns a “Super El Niño” could shift rainfall and drought patterns across Africa, with knock-on risks for health and food security.

US TPS Ruling for Ethiopians: A federal judge in Boston lifted the last court block on ending Temporary Protected Status for about 5,000 Ethiopian nationals, clearing the way for deportation proceedings to resume after the Supreme Court limited challenges to TPS terminations. Health Access in Ethiopia: A global program expanding access to Brukinsa for chronic lymphocytic leukemia patients has been extended through 2028, with Ethiopia among the countries supported and a target of about 1,000 cumulative patients. Medical Safety Focus: Ethiopia’s Technology Authority says radiation doses for CT scans vary widely across facilities, urging safer use and tighter control to protect patients and medical staff. Housing & Investment: Ethiopia’s foreign nationals’ residential house ownership proclamation is expected to spur city development, real estate growth, jobs, and foreign currency earnings, with calls for stronger oversight. Addis Air Pollution Study: NASA-backed research reports black carbon levels in Addis Ababa far above monitored US metro areas, tied to traffic, fuel use, and biomass burning. Local Business & Women’s Fitness: An Ethiopian entrepreneur has opened a women-only gym in Addis Ababa with childcare support, aiming to make exercise safer and more accessible for mothers. Forex Watch: With no central bank FX auctions for weeks, the birr’s dollar-buying rate drifted upward, crossing the 160 Br line as banks adjust quotes.