AGP Executive Report

Energy Reform & Women’s Empowerment: World Bank energy specialist Wendayehu Demissie says development partners are backing Ethiopia’s energy-sector reforms, linking reliable power to jobs and women’s economic opportunities while warning grid planning is key as wind and solar expand. Diplomacy & Heritage Tourism: Diplomats from 40+ countries visited Lalibela’s rock-hewn churches, underscoring Ethiopia’s rising cultural-tourism profile. National Dialogue: Emeritus Prof. Alemayehu G. Mariam tells ENA the National Dialogue Commission is a lawful, structured route to peace through inclusive, grassroots problem-solving—dialogue over violence. Urban Transformation: PM Abiy highlights Arba Minch’s completed corridor development—modern roads, efficient street lighting, digital screens, and upgraded public spaces—as part of a nationwide livable-cities push. Debt Restructuring: Ethiopia’s $1bn Eurobond restructuring deal with bondholders wins IMF backing, with a new three-year $880m bond and missed coupon payments plus a “New Money Warrant.” Economy & Exports: Ethiopia hits a record $3bn coffee export earnings milestone, crediting value-add, quality, and market access reforms. Digital Governance: Ethiopia’s Fayda digital ID program has registered 46m people in three years, with 165+ institutions integrated for faster, verified service delivery. Refugee Inclusion: A job fair in Addis connects refugees and Ethiopian graduates to employers, stressing Ethiopia’s legal framework for refugees’ right to work and access opportunities. Animal Welfare Row: A cruelty-free coalition condemns mass dog killings in Hosanna, calling for investigations and stronger rabies prevention and animal protection enforcement. Regional Security: The U.S. says it will block UN funding for Somalia’s AU peace mission logistics, putting Ethiopia and other troop-contributing states’ support at risk.

Ethiopian Airlines Expansion: Ethiopian Airlines launched new passenger service to Lyon, France, via Addis Ababa, and says it plans five more international destinations by end-2026—boosting Europe-Africa connectivity and trade. Digital Ethiopia Push: Fayda digital ID registrations have surpassed 46 million people, with nearly 165 institutions integrated to streamline access to services and payments. Tourism & Conservation Tech: A validation workshop backed a digitally monitored wildlife platform piloted in 106 protected areas, including Bale Mountains and Senkele Swayne’s Hartebeest Sanctuary, to improve early warning and tourism planning. Import Substitution Results: PM Abiy said Ethiopia saved about $5 billion in foreign currency this fiscal year through expanded domestic manufacturing and import substitution, citing coal production as a key example. Jobs for Refugees: Addis Ababa hosted a job fair linking refugees and Ethiopian graduates with employers, highlighting Ethiopia’s refugee inclusion framework and the need for better implementation. Regional Trade & Food Systems: Uganda’s Ranchers Finest sent the first processed beef consignment to Ethiopia, signaling value-added export growth. US Immigration Shock (Global, with Ethiopia links): After a Supreme Court decision, the Trump administration moved to set work-permit expiration dates for TPS holders from Ethiopia and other countries, with July 10 cited for affected nationals.

Economic Independence Push: PM Abiy Ahmed says Ethiopia’s sovereignty hinges on local production and investment, pointing to the Yo Holding Coal Factory in Gamo Zone as a model for cutting imports and creating jobs. Rural Modernization: Abiy also inaugurated the Hamasa Model Village under the Rural Corridor Development Program, highlighting climate-smart farming, sanitation, livestock shelters, biogas and beekeeping to boost rural incomes. Justice Sector Reform: Justice State Minister Belayhun Yirga tells ENA that federal-regional coordination and joint assessments are improving criminal investigations and justice reform implementation. Diplomatic Renewal: An ENA expert argues Ethiopia’s foreign policy is “people-centered,” built on resolving internal issues through dialogue and mutual understanding. Regional Trade & Security: South Sudan’s Greater Pibor and Ethiopia agreed in Addis Ababa to strengthen border trade, security and legal commerce under the Border Trade Protocol. Macroeconomic Watch: The IMF urges Ethiopia’s central bank to stay ready to tighten policy if inflation pressures return, after unlocking a $464m disbursement. Tourism Numbers: Ethiopia reports 1.4m foreign visitors in 2025/26 and $5.2bn in foreign exchange, with tourism elevated as a core economic pillar. Public Health Shock: In Hossana, residents say community groups forced owners to kill hundreds of dogs after rabies deaths, while the mayor calls the directive illegal.

Ethiopia’s Debt Reset: Addis Ababa says it has reached a preliminary deal to restructure a $1bn defaulted international bond, a potential endgame for years of debt talks and a test case for the G20’s Common Framework. Tourism Push: PM Abiy reports Ethiopia drew 1.4 million foreign visitors in 2025/26, generating $5.2bn in foreign exchange and hosting hundreds of international meetings. Digital & Democracy Update: The Office of the Prime Minister highlights progress after the 7th general election, plus the “5 Million Ethiopian Coders” drive and major infrastructure/digital milestones. Energy & Finance Moves: Ethiopia is exploring carbon markets for agriculture; Awash Bank seeks Central Bank approval to expand regionally; and Libya’s OLA Energy signs to acquire TotalEnergies’ Ethiopian fuel assets. Regional Security: Sudan’s army says it retook two areas in Blue Nile amid fighting with RSF–SPLM-N. International Spotlight: Ethiopian Airlines launches flights to Lyon, expanding its France network. US Politics (Ethiopia-linked): Ethiopian-born Democratic socialist Melat Kiros unseats Colorado’s Rep. Diana DeGette in the Democratic primary, fueling debate over the party’s direction.

Public Service Modernization: Ethiopia’s MESOB One Stop Service Center is cutting red tape and speeding access to services, with citizens telling ENA that tasks once taking days now finish in minutes and that the digital system is improving transparency and accountability. Tax, Data, and Carbon Policy: The House of Peoples’ Representatives approved bills on federal tax administration reform, a modern national statistics system, and an Ethiopian carbon market, alongside deliberations on the federal budget. Tourism Push: PM Abiy says tourism is being repositioned as a new engine of growth, highlighting Ethiopia’s natural and cultural assets and the need to overcome long-standing promotion and destination gaps. Refugee Inclusion: UNHCR spotlighted Ethiopia’s “Makatet” initiative as a model for refugee inclusion, with refugees praising expanded access to education, jobs, and services under a government-led, development-oriented roadmap. Regional Cybersecurity: IGAD’s Regional Cyber Drill 2026 wrapped up in Addis Ababa, with countries calling for stronger cooperation and plans for a regional information-sharing and analysis center. Energy and Industry Deals: Libya’s OLA Energy signed to acquire TotalEnergies’ Ethiopia fuel assets, while Ethiopia’s electrification and power-access efforts continue to feature in policy and investment coverage. International Politics (Context): In the US, Ethiopian-born Democratic socialist Melat Kiros upset long-serving Rep. Diana DeGette in Colorado’s primary, underscoring a leftward insurgent wave within the Democratic Party.

Ethiopia’s Electrification Push: Ethiopia reviewed the next phase of its National Electrification Program (NEP 3.0) as officials said about 35% of households still lack electricity, with the goal of universal, reliable access by 2035. Debt and Finance Politics: Ethiopia’s bondholder committee hit out at the IMF and official creditors over “grossly flawed” debt projections, even as an agreement in principle points to a new restructuring bond. Tourism as a State Priority: Prime Minister Abiy said tourism is being elevated to a core economic pillar, alongside heritage restoration efforts meant to protect sites and turn them into an economic engine. Climate Governance: Ethiopia launched a Natural Capital Accounting roadmap and its first Land Account report to guide land, forest, and water planning, and the House ratified a Carbon Market Proclamation to set rules for carbon trading and green investment. Digital Security: INSA deputy director-general Daniel Guta said cyber threats now demand regional cooperation, following the IGAD Regional Cyber Drill 2026 in Addis Ababa. Green Legacy Diplomacy: Ethiopia’s Green Legacy tree-planting drew international diplomats, with officials citing tens of billions of seedlings planted since 2019. Regional Energy Deal: Libya’s OLA Energy signed to acquire TotalEnergies’ fuel distribution assets in Ethiopia, including stations and storage capacity, expanding Libya’s footprint in the sector.

Climate Diplomacy: Diplomats and senior Ethiopian officials joined the Green Legacy Initiative tree-planting at Entoto Park, with Foreign Affairs State Minister Hadera Abera stressing climate action as a shared global duty and citing Ethiopia’s scale-up since 2019. Carbon Markets: The House of People’s Representatives ratified Ethiopia’s Carbon Market Proclamation, setting a legal framework for carbon trading to attract green investment and operationalize the National Carbon Market Strategy (2025–2035). Refugee Support: A Sudanese journalist refugee praised Ethiopia for creating a “compassionate environment” for Sudanese arrivals, highlighting measures like a nine-month waiver of residency fees and freedom of movement. Budget & Reform: Finance Minister Ahmed Shide presented a record 2.339 trillion birr federal budget focused on protecting low-income households, cushioning purchasing power, and sustaining the Homegrown Economic Reform agenda. Horn of Africa Security: Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed met Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud in Addis Ababa, agreeing to deepen economic cooperation and security coordination. BRICS Politics: Russia’s Lavrov said BRICS has suspended future expansion amid internal divergences, a sign of shifting multipolar ambitions. Migration Pressure Regionally: Reports from the region track intensifying xenophobia-driven tensions and humanitarian access constraints, underscoring the wider political strain around displacement.

Debt Restructuring: Ethiopia says it has reached a preliminary agreement with key bondholders to restructure its defaulted $1bn 2024 Eurobond, including a new $880m bond, settlement of $99.4m in missed coupons, and a “New Money Warrant” tied to a future issuance—an effort to break the deadlock under the G20 Common Framework. Diplomacy: Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud met Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed in Addis Ababa, focusing on security, economic ties, and regional stability, with both leaders also discussing Horn of Africa challenges. Energy & Planning: Ethiopia advanced talks on NEP 3.0, aiming for universal, reliable electricity by 2035, while also highlighting electrification progress and private-sector participation. Governance & Civic Life: Addis Ababa launched its annual summer cleanup drive, mobilizing over 750,000 volunteers across 119 districts to unclog drainage and reduce flooding risks ahead of the rainy season. International Cooperation: Ethiopia and Italy signed a €70m concessional budget support loan for DPO3, aligned with World Bank financing, targeting fiscal sustainability, private-sector-led growth, and climate-resilient reforms. Regional Security Watch: A rights coalition urged the ICC to investigate alleged foreign support for atrocity crimes in Sudan’s Darfur, naming the UAE and regional intermediaries including Ethiopia among those implicated.

Ethiopia–Somalia Diplomacy: Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed met Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud in Addis Ababa to deepen economic ties, security cooperation, and regional stability, with both sides stressing trust and shared destiny. Northern Ethiopia Peace Process: The EU Delegation warned of deteriorating security in Tigray, citing reports of a parallel council and unilateral military conscription, and urged urgent talks to implement the 2022 Pretoria Cessation of Hostilities Agreement. Debt Restructuring: Ethiopia reached an agreement in principle with bondholders on a $1 billion Eurobond restructuring, including an IMF-consistent warrant structure, as officials push to restore investor confidence. Budget Support & Reforms: Ethiopia and Italy signed a €70 million concessional budget support loan for DPO3, targeting fiscal sustainability, private-sector-led growth, and resilience in energy, agriculture, and water. Quality for Agro-Exports: Ethiopia launched a five-year national quality management capacity project with South Korea partners to strengthen testing, certification, and quality regulatory systems for agricultural competitiveness. India Partnership: India’s ambassador said cooperation is entering a new growth phase after Modi’s 2025 visit, highlighting planned Indian investments in healthcare (specialized hospitals and eye care) alongside AI, governance, and agriculture. Electrification Push: A World Bank/ADB-backed Mission 300 update says 50 million Africans gained electricity access, while nearly 600 million still lack power, underscoring the scale of the remaining gap. Energy Finance: Ethiopia said the IMF signed off on the warrant structure for the bond deal, and co-chairs of the Official Creditors Committee raised no objection. Regional Security Brief: An EEPA situation report described renewed heavy fighting in North Darfur, with civilians fleeing and calls for urgent UN attention.

Ethiopia’s Election Wrap: The National Election Board of Ethiopia officially announced final results for the Seventh General Election, confirming a decisive win for the ruling Prosperity Party and renewing the mandate for its reform agenda. Border & Airport Security Overhaul: NISS chief Ambassador Redwan Hussein told an Addis Ababa forum that Ethiopia is modernizing integrated airport and border management to strengthen threat detection, coordination, and cyber sovereignty against terrorism, trafficking, money laundering, and illicit arms. Democracy Message Abroad: Ethiopian Ambassador Legesse Haile urged African leaders to deepen democratic governance, citing Ethiopia’s June 1 election as a peaceful, constitutional milestone despite major political and socio-economic challenges. Tigray Peace Pressure: International attention is intensifying around the Pretoria Peace Agreement, with calls for sustained pressure on hardline TPLF elements to prevent renewed militarization and forced recruitment. Coffee Export Boost: Ethiopia earned about $3 billion from coffee exports in the 2025/26 budget year, with plans to raise yields and double foreign exchange earnings over five years. Regional Connectivity by Air: Ethiopian Airlines took delivery of its first DHC-6 Twin Otter for short regional routes, aiming to expand access to remote parts of Ethiopia and East Africa. Water Access in Ethiopia: An Italian NGO-backed project is delivering clean water via new gravity-fed systems in southern Ethiopia, highlighting local ownership and long-term maintenance needs. Energy Electrification Context: A World Bank-backed Mission 300 report says Ethiopia has connected 4.6 million people, alongside major gains in Tanzania and Nigeria, while noting persistent electrification gaps. Policy Debate on “Return Hubs”: Ireland’s interest in EU return-hub rules has reportedly put Ethiopia among possible destinations, drawing criticism from human rights groups over outsourcing asylum responsibilities.

Border & Airport Security Overhaul: NISS chief Ambassador Redwan Hussein says Ethiopia is modernizing integrated airport and border management to enable data-driven threat detection, improve coordination and real-time information sharing, and strengthen cyber sovereignty. Tigray Accountability Pressure: A new push argues sustained international diplomatic, political and legal pressure on hardline TPLF elements is vital to prevent the Pretoria Peace Agreement from unraveling. Ethiopian Airlines Regional Expansion: Ethiopian Airlines takes delivery of its first DHC-6 Twin Otter Classic 300-G to boost access to remote airfields and deepen regional connectivity. Monetary Policy Debate: Ethiopia’s MPC is expected to keep the credit growth cap unchanged even as inflation rebounds, with analysts urging targeted easing for export and productive sectors. Coffee Revenue Update: Ethiopia generated about $3bn from coffee exports in the 2025/26 fiscal year, alongside plans for a new five-year coffee development package. Refugee Funding Warning: UNHCR warns East Africa faces a severe funding gap as the region hosts about 6.3 million refugees amid conflict and climate shocks. Green Legacy Spotlight: Ethiopia highlights the Green Legacy Initiative as a national development agenda linking restoration, watershed work, biodiversity and climate resilience.

Ethiopia’s Post-Election Governance Push: With elections done, analysts argue the real test is turning legitimacy into delivery—planning, discipline, and measurable execution—not just political promises. Climate Diplomacy, Addis Angle: CHAMP’s new Subnational Advisory Council formally brings cities and regions into climate decision-making, with Ethiopia represented, as multilevel partners expand cooperation. Ethiopia’s Inflation Debate: A new critique says “anchoring” inflation expectations through tight monetary policy is unrealistic in Ethiopia’s current conditions, raising questions about the stabilization approach. Transport & Investment Reform: Ethiopia opened its logistics sector to full foreign ownership, removing the 49% cap to attract capital and improve supply chains. Green Mobility in Addis: Green Motion Ethiopia is riding the EV shift after Ethiopia’s 2024 ban on new ICE passenger vehicle imports, linking sustainable transport with corporate and tourism demand. Coffee Revenue Update: Ethiopia generated about $3bn from coffee exports in the 2025/26 fiscal year and is set to roll out a new five-year coffee development package. Regional Security Claim: Eritrea’s “Green Revolution” opposition movement warns the Asmara regime fuels instability across the Horn to stay in power. Refugee Funding Warning: UNHCR says East Africa faces a severe funding gap as displacement continues amid conflict and climate shocks. Education & Digital Skills: INSA and Addis Ababa University graduation messages stress turning science and technology training into innovation for Ethiopia’s digital transformation.

Ethiopia’s Logistics Reform: Ethiopia has opened its logistics sector to full foreign ownership, removing the 49% cap, aiming to pull in capital and know-how and cut trade costs—implementation will be the real test. National Dialogue: The Ethiopian National Dialogue Commission says it has finished agenda identification and prioritization after consultations across 1,234 woredas, setting up a July 15 conference in Addis Ababa, though questions remain over inclusivity and political legitimacy. Education & Civic Duty: INSA’s DG urged science graduates to turn skills into innovation for Ethiopia’s digital push, while the Education Minister and Addis Ababa University leadership stressed patriotism, integrity, and the new education reform framework. BRICS Finance: Ethiopia’s cabinet endorsed a bill for joining the BRICS New Development Bank, signaling continued efforts to diversify development financing. Health & Mobility: Ethiopia reported a 13-year-old cancer patient dying mid-flight en route to Hyderabad, highlighting the risks families face when treatment requires travel. E-commerce Governance: A legal analysis warns Ethiopia’s e-commerce law exists, but compliance and enforcement lag behind the fast-growing digital market. US Immigration Shock: The US Supreme Court ended Temporary Protected Status protections for Haitians and Syrians, a ruling with ripple effects for migrants and employers across the diaspora.

Ethiopia’s BRICS push: The Council of Ministers endorsed a bill to let Ethiopia accede to the New Development Bank, aiming to widen development financing options and cut dependence on limited channels; parliament is expected to ratify it next. Regional diplomacy for peace: The International Contact Group for the Great Lakes backed African-led mediation, urging stronger coordination across AU, Washington Accords and Doha, and stressing there can be no military solution. Sudan escalation warning: UN officials warned the “window” to prevent wider escalation in El Obeid is narrowing as drone attacks and RSF moves intensify, with UNICEF calling for a humanitarian truce and a halt to explosive weapons transfers. Digital security in Addis: IGAD launched a regional cyber drill at INSA to boost cross-border defenses and coordination against cyber threats. Power sector upgrade: EEU signed a 3 billion birr deal to rehabilitate and modernize power distribution in Ambo, Nekemte and Asosa, targeting fewer outages and lower technical losses. Legal market shift: Ethiopian law offices merged into Taza Legal LLP to offer a domestically rooted alternative to foreign firms amid economic liberalization.

Hydropower & storage: A new 2026 World Hydropower Outlook says Africa added over 4.2 GW of hydropower in 2025, helped by projects like Ethiopia’s GERD and Tanzania’s Julius Nyerere—yet pumped storage remains a major missing piece, while transmission bottlenecks still limit hydropower potential. Energy prices & unrest risk: Even with oil prices easing after a fragile U.S.-Iran truce, analysts warn that the damage from earlier energy shocks is already fueling a higher risk of civil unrest across emerging markets. Ebola response: Africa CDC praised China’s “timely solidarity” after a $2 million emergency handover to support the Ebola response as cases rise in the DRC and Uganda. Ethiopia diplomacy: PM Abiy reaffirmed Ethiopia’s commitment to deepen ties with Pakistan after Sharif’s election victory message, underscoring continued bilateral engagement. Council of Ministers: Ethiopia’s Council passed decisions including three IDA-backed loan agreements (sustainable development, land management, and climate-resilient irrigation) and draft service-fee regulations. Digital push: Ethiopia is framed as moving from connectivity to competitiveness, with digital transformation highlighted as a national development agenda. US immigration spillover: The U.S. Supreme Court ruling ending TPS protections for Haitians and Syrians could reshape protections for nearly 1.3 million TPS holders across 17 countries, with wider legal and workforce impacts.

Ethiopia’s Reform Pitch in London: The PM Office’s press secretary, Billene Seyoum, told the Ethio-UK Trade and Investment Forum that Ethiopia’s transformation is driven by deliberate planning under the Homegrown Economic Reform Agenda, with agriculture, mining, manufacturing, and ICT/digitalization flagged as key pillars. Election Diplomacy: Pakistan’s PM Shehbaz Sharif and China’s foreign ministry both congratulated Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed and the Prosperity Party after Ethiopia’s parliamentary vote, with Beijing reiterating support for Ethiopia’s development path. Security Strategy Debate in Addis Ababa: At a national security conference, HPR Foreign Relations and Peace Affairs chair Dima Negewo argued Ethiopia needs a grand, forward-looking strategy for managing neighbor-related pressures, while an advisor warned Eritrea is pursuing a “weakening Ethiopia” survival calculus tied to Ethiopia’s internal stability. Agriculture Partnerships: CIMMYT’s director general visited Addis Ababa to deepen research alliances as Ethiopia pushes wheat self-sufficiency and maize transformation, with the long-running partnership highlighted. Digital Learning Push: Camara Education and UNICEF announced a $2.56m deal to expand AI-powered digital learning hubs across Ethiopia, including in refugee-affected and underserved areas. US Immigration Shock (Global, but relevant to diaspora): The US Supreme Court backed Trump’s move to end Temporary Protected Status for Haitians and Syrians, a decision that could affect TPS holders in multiple states, including Minnesota and Ohio.