AGP Executive Report

BRICS Summit Prep: India is gearing up to host the 18th BRICS Summit in New Delhi on Sept. 12–13, 2026, with leaders’ talks focused on resilience, innovation, cooperation and sustainability, plus trade, finance, digital technology, energy security and global governance reform—while New Delhi warns of traffic and security disruptions as delegations arrive. Ethiopia in the Mix: Ethiopia’s role is reflected in regional diplomacy and institutional engagement, including Ethiopia–Zambia congratulatory messages and Ethiopia’s participation in BRICS-related meetings. Media Under Pressure: A new report highlights Ethiopia’s tightening space for independent journalism, arguing that critical reporting is increasingly framed as a national security threat amid unresolved Tigray-era tensions and broader political and security strains. Health Data Push: WHO’s Africa office launched an Addis Ababa-based Regional Health Data Hub to connect fragmented health systems and help countries act faster on outbreaks and planning. Mining Security Shock: KEFI suspended work at Ethiopia’s Tulu Kapi gold project after a fatal security incident, citing the need for a safer operating environment before resuming. Internet Licensing Watch: Starlink remains unlicensed in Ethiopia despite satellite coverage across the Horn, with the Ethiopian regulator denying licensing talks—leaving rural connectivity plans stuck behind policy. UN Rights & Sudan: UN human rights officials urged enforcement of the Darfur arms embargo as Sudan’s war escalates, warning military support risks further civilian harm.

BRICS Summit Prep: Ethiopia is sending a delegation to the 3rd BRICS Sherpa meeting in New Delhi as India hosts the 18th BRICS Summit on Sept. 12–13, with talks focused on resilience, innovation, cooperation and sustainability. Horn Peace Tensions: Tigray rebels accuse AU envoy Olusegun Obasanjo of lacking impartiality in peace efforts, amid reported federal troop movements near the border. Aviation & Investment: The U.S. Development Finance Corporation is set to back SME lending tied to the $12.5bn Bishoftu International Airport, while Ethiopian Airlines is reportedly in talks to buy 8–10 Boeing 777 freighters to expand cargo capacity. Clean Energy Push: President Taye says Ethiopia aims to scale renewable generation and electricity exports across the East African Power Pool, targeting 13,000MW by 2030. Mining Security: Kefi Gold and Copper suspends work at the Tulu Kapi project after a serious security incident with fatalities, pending safer conditions. Regional Trade/Ports: Ethiopia’s cargo still heavily relies on Djibouti, with Red Sea disruptions raising costs and pressure on corridor diversification. Public Sector Reform: ACBF warns that Africa’s public financial management reforms need stronger leadership and trust-building, not just technical fixes.

BRICS Diplomacy and Ethiopia: As India hosts the 18th BRICS Summit in New Delhi (Sept 12-13), coverage highlights the bloc’s push for “humanity first” and people-centric cooperation, while also flagging internal friction on West Asia positions and the likelihood that BRICS won’t expand further soon. Nile Water Stakes: China’s endorsement of Egypt’s right to protect water and food security in the GERD dispute boosts Cairo’s international visibility, even as Beijing keeps a calibrated, non-confrontational posture—leaving Addis to read support as conditional. Ethiopia’s Economic Messaging: Ethiopia’s Deputy PM and PM Abiy mark Pagume’s “Day of Break Through” with claims of self-reliance gains, wheat progress, and reforms aimed at sovereignty through production. Investment Push: President Taye leads a high-level delegation to Dubai’s AIM Congress to court investment and partnerships. Trade and Tax Signals: India’s BRICS summit also drives a GST Council reschedule to Oct 7, with possible changes to GST registration for businesses passing on tax credits. Livestock and Services: A West Shewa study warns veterinary service delivery is broken—thin clinic capacity, weak diagnostics, and unregulated drug sales. Migration Pressure in the Region: Uganda is emerging as a major IGAD migration destination and transit hub, with non-residents dominating border crossings.

Ethiopia’s Investment Push: President Taye led a high-level delegation to Dubai for the 15th Annual Investment Meeting, as Ethiopia seeks fresh capital and partnerships tied to digital economy, sustainable development, and strategic investment. Pagume Breakthrough Messaging: Deputy PM Temesgen Tiruneh and PM Abiy used Pagume Day of Break Through to frame reforms as a path to sovereignty via productivity, domestic production, and food sovereignty. Livestock Export Drive: Ethiopia reported livestock export earnings of $128.3m, with officials saying abattoirs run far below capacity and targeting higher utilization and meat exports to reach $1bn potential. Regional Power Integration: A World Bank report highlights how Ethiopia’s power exports helped cut Djibouti’s costs and points to an Ethiopia–Kenya–Tanzania corridor as a first step toward a more integrated electricity market. Tax Policy Watch: India’s GST Council meeting was moved to Oct 7 due to the BRICS summit, with likely focus on GST registration and automation. BRICS Politics: India-led BRICS is unlikely to expand further, with members still divided on West Asia and other geopolitical positions ahead of the New Delhi summit. Somalia Security Alarm: A Somali cleric’s call to treat government opponents as terrorists and kill them adds to tensions after a strike on a critic, underscoring the volatile Horn security environment.

Education & Governance: Ethiopia’s education ministry is drawing sharp criticism after another weak exam cycle left nearly nine out of 10 candidates missing university entry, with the Grade 12 pass rate rising only to 12.8%—a reform story that critics say normalizes failure. Energy & Regional Integration: Africa’s power grids face rising demand, high losses and pressure to digitize, while a World Bank report highlights how Ethiopia’s electricity exports are already cutting Djibouti’s costs and points to an Ethiopia–Kenya–Tanzania corridor as a first step toward a more integrated electricity market. State Enterprise & Social Protection: Ethio Telecom set a 295 billion birr revenue target for 2026/27 and earmarked 8.1 billion birr for the National Disaster Risk Response Fund, framing “Beyond Connectivity” services as a growth engine. Security & Diplomacy: South Sudan and Ethiopia agreed to launch a joint probe into the killing of Ethiopian UN peacekeepers in Jonglei, alongside renewed border-security coordination. Horn of Africa Militarization: The US plans to expand its military presence in Somalia’s Puntland by developing a facility at Bosaso airport, signaling a deeper operational footprint tied to counter-terrorism and maritime security. Justice & Regional Dialogue: India’s Chief Justice Surya Kant urged BRICS to become a “living Nalanda University,” pushing for a culture of healthy disagreement and faster, more predictable justice. Nile Politics: A former Ethiopian state minister argues Ethiopia has grounds to seek redress over historical Nile inequities, calling for a new benefit-sharing framework. Health & Data: Kenya’s digital health reforms—spanning health information exchange, e-claims and AI-assisted tools—are being positioned as a route to wider access and better surveillance. Women & Society: Ethiopia’s Miss World contestant Ruth Yirgalem Weldesilasie is using her sister’s abduction and murder case to spotlight violence against women and girls as she heads to the Vietnam finale.

BRICS Judicial Diplomacy: Chief Justice of India Surya Kant urged BRICS to become a “living Nalanda University,” arguing that justice improves when courts allow “healthy disagreement” and timely, predictable rulings—while the BRICS Chief Justices’ Forum continues in New Delhi with multiple judicial leaders in attendance. Ethiopia–South Sudan Security: Juba and Addis Ababa agreed to a joint investigation into the killing of Ethiopian UN peacekeepers in South Sudan’s Jonglei State, alongside plans for tighter cross-border security cooperation. Tigray Conflict Risks: New reporting says the Pretoria cessation of hostilities is fraying, with renewed drone strikes and clashes in southern Tigray raising fears that recovery is slipping again. Somalia–Ethiopia Border Checks: Ethiopia has begun interrogating Somali National Army soldiers who crossed into Ethiopia after training in Somalia’s Galmudug region, as Addis Ababa seeks clarity on the movement. Nile Redress Debate: A former Ethiopian irrigation official told ENA Ethiopia has grounds to seek redress over historical Nile inequities, citing asymmetries in use and foregone development. Housing & Courts: Ethiopia’s Federal High Court reaffirmed an injunction freezing 32 Noah Real Estate homes after buyer complaints over delivery delays and possible third-party sales. Health Data Push: Ethiopia launched a national Health and Demographic Surveillance System network to fix major gaps in vital statistics, including low death registration. Sea Access Politics: Opposition figure Prof. Berhanu Nega said Ethiopia’s quest for sovereign Red Sea access is an inevitable national imperative tied to security, demographics, and trade.

BRICS Justice Diplomacy: India’s CJI Surya Kant opened the BRICS Chief Justices’ Forum in New Delhi, pushing for stronger judicial cooperation, mediation/arbitration for commercial disputes, and faster courts to boost investor confidence, with bilateral meetings covering Russia, China, Egypt, Ethiopia and others. Ethiopia–U.S. Security & Trade: Foreign Minister Gedion Timothewos met U.S. Assistant Secretary Frank Garcia, discussing expanded trade and investment ties plus regional peace and security, building on a May structured dialogue. Port Digitalization: Ethiopian Shipping and Logistics launched a digital customer self-service platform for cargo tracking, booking, demurrage management, digital payments and AI chat support, aiming to cut paper-based procedures. Nile Mediation Offer: Italy’s FM Antonio Tajani said Rome is ready to facilitate dialogue between Egypt and Ethiopia on Nile waters if both sides agree, citing Italy’s ties to both and its GERD involvement. Tigray Peace Under Strain: A new analysis revisits the Pretoria Agreement’s unresolved disputes, arguing the TPLF has since repositioned politically and organizationally while retaining leverage. Livestock Exports Push: Ethiopia reported livestock export earnings rising to $128.3m, with targets to scale abattoir capacity and reach $1bn through supply-chain fixes. Regional Violence Watch: East Wollega accounts claim dozens killed and churches burned in clashes tied to Abiy-allied forces, with figures still disputed.

Ethiopia–U.S. Security and Trade Talks: Foreign Minister Gedion Timothewos met U.S. Assistant Secretary of State for African Affairs Frank Garcia, discussing expanded trade, investment, and regional peace and security, building on the May structured dialogue. Judicial Cooperation in BRICS: The BRICS Chief Justices’ Forum opened in New Delhi, with India’s CJI Surya Kant holding bilateral meetings covering judicial cooperation, arbitration, and AI use in courts; Ethiopia is among the delegations. Logistics Modernization: Ethiopian Shipping and Logistics (ESL) launched a digital customer self-service platform for port and cargo services, including tracking, booking, demurrage management, digital payments, and AI chat support. Horn of Africa Nile Tensions: Ethiopia’s strategic messaging on Egypt’s Nile stance continued, with EISS warning of a “colonial mindset” in Cairo and U.S. ex-official Tibor Nagy calling U.S.–Ethiopia defense cooperation a “win-win.” Internal Security Crisis in Oromia: East Wollega reports claim at least 68 dead and churches burned in attacks attributed to Abiy-allied forces, with displacement figures rising. Sudan Spillover and Accusations: Sudan’s army said it repelled RSF/SPLM-N attacks in Blue Nile, while a Sudanese official accused Ethiopia of hosting RSF training camps near the border. Humanitarian Pressure: UN-linked reporting highlights migrants stranded in Yemen, with Ethiopians among those facing hunger and abuse. Livestock Export Push: Ethiopia’s livestock export earnings reportedly rose to $128.3m, with targets to reach $1bn by expanding abattoir capacity and fixing supply-chain bottlenecks. Digital Growth: Safaricom Ethiopia surpassed 15m 90-day active subscribers, marking rapid network rollout progress.

Sudan War Watch: A UN-backed fact-finding mission says foreign fighters and support networks are fueling Sudan’s conflict, strengthening both sides’ military capacity and worsening attacks on civilians and civilian infrastructure, including claims of foreign-supplied drones used in harm to hospitals, schools and markets. Horn of Africa Diplomacy: Ethiopia’s Education Minister Berhanu Nega warns Egypt’s efforts to weaken Ethiopia over Nile and development projects will ultimately backfire, urging regional cooperation over proxy confrontations. Digital Governance & Telecom: Ethio telecom says it has completed year one of its “Next Horizon: Digital & Beyond” strategy, aiming to transform from connectivity provider to digital services platform, with targets including expanding 4G coverage and growing its customer base toward 96.2 million by 2026/27. Regional Integration at Borders: A governance and peace specialist argues real integration must start in border communities, where insecurity, migration and cross-border crime demand cross-border solutions. Humanitarian & Social Policy: Mary’s Meals reports school feeding in Tigray helped drive hunger at school from 72% to zero and reduced hunger-related absenteeism, while expanding across multiple countries. Global Security Signals: Reports also highlight a new phase of U.S. operations in Somalia targeting ISIS strongholds in Puntland, with expectations of intensified airstrikes.

Horn of Africa Integration: Ethiopia’s State Minister of Trade and Regional Integration Tazer Gebregziabher told the Horn of Africa Initiative Trade Ministers Meeting in Addis Ababa that regional integration is central to the Homegrown Economic Reform Agenda, with reforms meant to make the economy more open and competitive and better connected to regional and global markets. Housing Finance Deal: Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed oversaw a Framework for Cooperation between the National Bank of Ethiopia and the IFC to create a 100 billion birr mortgage refinance company, backed by at least 200 million USD from the IFC, aimed at easing liquidity gaps and expanding mortgage access. Green Legacy Diplomacy: Ethiopia launched a “Plant Africa Fraternity Initiative” deploying 24 Ethiopian youths to Zimbabwe, Ghana and Nigeria to share Green Legacy know-how, while reporting massive tree-seedling planting progress. Egypt-Nile Tensions: Former US Africa envoy Tibor Nagy urged Egypt to accept a “new reality” and recognize Ethiopia’s right to develop Abay/Nile water resources, warning against attempts to dictate terms. Sudan Spillover: A UN-backed probe said foreign fighters and transnational support networks are fueling Sudan’s war and worsening violence against civilians, while Sudan’s Sovereignty Council chief Burhan inspected army readiness in Blue Nile amid escalating clashes.

GERD & Nile Politics: Ethiopia is eyeing about $1bn a year from electricity exports once the GERD is fully operational, but tensions are rising over Addis Ababa’s refusal to share operational spillway information—after uncoordinated releases reportedly contributed to flooding in Sudan, with specialists warning dry-season mismanagement could be catastrophic. Sudan Frontline Readiness: Sudan’s Sovereign Council chief Abdel Fattah al-Burhan inspected army units in Blue Nile’s Damazin as clashes escalate between the SAF and RSF alongside SPLM-N offensives, with reinforcements and battlefield briefings reported. Health & Data for Policy: UN Economic Commission for Africa’s statistics center (ECA) is running a workshop in Addis Ababa to help Ethiopia and other countries build health-focused social accounting matrices—aimed at proving health spending as an investment. Ethiopia’s Reform Push: Finance Minister Ahmed Shide met IFC’s Makhtar Diop to scale private investment, with talks on PPPs and projects in transport, energy, and housing. Agriculture & Food Security: Ethiopia says wheat self-sufficiency is achieved and highlights ongoing modernization gains, while also reporting plans for Pagume national revival celebrations. Climate Risk for Children: UNICEF warns El Niño is putting 162m children across eastern and southern Africa at risk, naming Ethiopia among the most vulnerable. Trade Diplomacy in Addis: Brazil opened a permanent ApexBrasil office in Addis Ababa to deepen trade and investment ties, including coffee and agribusiness partnerships.

Nile, Gaza, and Taiwan diplomacy: Egypt and China sign a broad package of agreements after talks between El Sisi and Xi, with both sides stressing protection of Nile water access and calling for consolidation of the Gaza ceasefire. Ethiopia–Brazil trade push: Brazil opens a permanent ApexBrasil office in Addis Ababa to cut investor information barriers and deepen business links, including in coffee, seeds, livestock, and modern agribusiness. Finance for private investment: Ethiopia’s Finance Minister Ahmed Shide meets IFC chief Makhtar Diop to expand private capital via PPPs and projects in transport, energy, housing, and the Bishoftu airport. Wheat self-sufficiency, prices still bite: Ethiopia says it reached wheat self-sufficiency after the National Wheat Flagship Program, but millers remain concerned about high domestic grain prices. Public health mobilization: The Ministry of Health says Ethiopia’s rainy-season volunteerism is expanding preventive services, including mass screenings and treatment for millions. National revival calendar: Government Communication Service outlines Pagume (13th month) celebrations with five days of themes from “Ethiopia’s Revival” to digital progress. Security modernization: A lawmaker says post-reform security upgrades are strengthening federal police, intelligence, and defense readiness, including AI and advanced communications. El Niño warning for Ethiopia: UNICEF warns 162m children across eastern and southern Africa face intensifying El Niño risks, naming Ethiopia among the most vulnerable. Somalia–Ethiopia troop claim: Somalia’s NSA confirms Somali National Army troops crossed into Ethiopia’s Somali region after Saudi-funded training, amid lingering questions over numbers and intent. India–Ethiopia defense talks: Addis Ababa and New Delhi discuss expanding defense cooperation on training, joint manufacturing, and UN peacekeeping. BRICS tourism track: BRICS tourism ministers adopt the “Jaipur Declaration,” with Ethiopia among participating delegations.

Ethiopia–EU Economic Dialogue: Ethiopia’s Homegrown Economic Reform Agenda and the EU’s Global Gateway were framed as “complementary” partnership tracks in an Addis Ababa HPR foreign affairs dialogue, with officials pointing to currency reforms, fiscal discipline, sector liberalization and a push for a private-sector-led, digitally enabled industrial economy. Ethiopia–China Coffee Push: Ethiopia and China’s Yunnan Province moved to deepen cooperation on coffee trade and value addition, with Ethiopia pitching investment across processing, roasting, instant coffee and packaging to turn Arabica origins into a stronger industrial hub. Refugee Service Reform: Ethiopia’s Deputy PM Temesgen Tiruneh highlighted reforms at the Refugee and Returnee Service, stressing self-reliance, improved service quality and livelihood-focused programs like “Bounty of the Basket.” #ትሰማ Gender Violence Debate: A growing Ethiopia campaign, “Let Her Be Heard,” is pushing for accountable, funded and transparent action on violence against women and girls, arguing public outrage is not translating into justice. Digital Health Rollout in East Africa: Coverage says the region is shifting from digital health pilots to wider implementation, with AI diagnostics, telemedicine and interoperable systems increasingly on procurement agendas. Sudan Arms Embargo Move: The US is urging the UN Security Council to expand Darfur sanctions into a nationwide Sudan arms embargo, citing drone warfare and wider conflict dynamics. Tourism Recognition: Anbessa Travel won Ethiopia’s Leading Destination Management Company 2026 at the World Travel Awards Africa gala in Zanzibar.

Ethiopia–Red Sea Tensions: Former Water Minister Shiferaw Jarso says Egypt is trying to keep Ethiopia landlocked by exploiting internal divisions and backing forces that weaken Addis Ababa’s Red Sea push, as Ethiopia reiterates it will pursue maritime access through “peaceful and sustainable means.” Executive Presidency Debate: Ethiopia’s national dialogue has backed constitutional changes to create an “executive presidency,” a move seen by many as a way to consolidate Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed’s control, with the proposal expected to go to parliament in October. Refugee/Return Policy: Ethiopia says it has implemented major reforms at its Refugee and Returnee Service using internal resources, including livelihood initiatives under “Bounty of the Basket,” while also reporting repatriation support for thousands of Ethiopians stranded abroad. Health Financing & Data: ECA’s workshop in Ethiopia and other pilot countries trains health ministries and statistics offices to build social accounting matrices that frame health spending as an investment. AFCON Coaching Shake-up: South Africa confirmed Pitso Mosimane as coach with just 23 days to prepare for the first 2027 AFCON qualifier at home to Guinea. Regional Tech Push: Kenya’s digital health drive is moving from pilots to implementation, with AI-supported diagnostics and telemedicine attracting regional interest. AU Credit Rating Agency: The African Union is set to launch a continent-wide credit ratings agency in October, aiming to strengthen Africa’s financial footing.

Executive Presidency Debate in Ethiopia: Ethiopia’s national dialogue has endorsed constitutional changes merging the prime minister and ceremonial president into a single executive presidency, with parliament set to consider the proposal when it reconvenes in October—supporters argue it could unify leadership, while critics warn it could further concentrate power around PM Abiy Ahmed. Repatriation Drive: Ethiopia says it has repatriated nearly 100,000 nationals in the past 12 months, including 98,900 in the latest round, with thousands reportedly stranded in Saudi Arabia and risks tied to trafficking and dangerous Red Sea routes. US Africa Diplomacy: US Assistant Secretary of State Frank Garcia arrives in Lusaka and will also visit Addis Ababa and Nairobi, aiming to advance Washington’s “trade over aid” agenda through commercial and security cooperation. Regional Security Watch: Reports highlight expanded military activity at an ENDF base in Asosa and ongoing instability across the Horn, including displacement linked to clashes near Ethiopia’s borders. Health Supply Chain Win: Ethiopia’s Ethiopian Pharmaceutical Supply Service (EPSS) wins a gold award for improved procurement and supply-chain reforms, citing digital systems and streamlined purchasing. Aviation and Connectivity: Ethiopian Airlines launches a Chengdu–Addis Ababa freighter route to boost China-Africa trade, while IATA reports African airlines’ international capacity growth outpacing demand in July. Governance and Oversight: A separate political story notes Ethiopia-linked concerns around governance and accountability, including calls for written answers and oversight in municipal settings.

Executive Presidency Push: Ethiopia’s national dialogue backed constitutional changes merging the prime minister and ceremonial president into a powerful executive presidency, a move critics say could let PM Abiy Ahmed consolidate control; parliament is expected to consider it when it reconvenes in October. Church-State Tensions: A new report links rising violence against the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church to shifting religion-power dynamics under Abiy’s rule. Repatriation Drive: Ethiopia says it repatriated nearly 100,000 nationals from abroad over the past year, including 2,463 returned last week from Saudi Arabia, with support and reintegration planned for returnees. Security Update (ENDF): EEPA reports an ENDF base in Asosa is expanding military activity, as regional instability continues to shape Ethiopia’s security environment. Trade & Connectivity: Ethiopian Airlines launched a Chengdu–Addis Ababa freighter route to expand cargo links across Africa. Health Supply Chain: Ethiopia’s EPSS won a gold award for pharmaceutical procurement and supply-chain reforms, citing digital tools and streamlined purchasing. Governance & Oversight: A separate governance story highlights councillors’ complaints about missing written answers in Namibia’s Gobabis—an echo of the accountability debates Ethiopia faces.