AGP Executive Report

AU Executive Council in Addis Ababa: The 49th AU Executive Council wrapped up after two days of talks on Agenda 2063 priorities, institutional reforms, and sustainable financing, with Ethiopia’s FM Gedion Timothewos and UNECA’s Claver Gatete among key participants. Water and sanitation push: Gatete warned that over 400 million Africans lack basic drinking water and 700 million lack safely managed sanitation, urging integrated planning and stronger domestic and local-currency financing. Health financing reforms: Ethiopia and UNECA agreed to deepen the Transforming Health Financing in Africa Initiative, with Ethiopia joining early adopters to boost domestic resource mobilization and fiscal sustainability. Made in Ethiopia results: The Industry Ministry said the “Made in Ethiopia” push is driving manufacturing growth and export performance, highlighting policy measures and improved access to finance. Youth and democracy debate: A new African Youth Survey finds young Africans still favor democracy but want an African model tied to jobs, youth representation, accountability, and stability. Ethiopian Airlines growth: Ethiopian Airlines reported 20% revenue growth to $9.1bn for 2025/26, with passenger and cargo volumes rising. Migration and trafficking warning: IOM flagged booming forced online scam trafficking networks, while Ethiopia reported repatriation of 1,834 Ethiopians from Saudi Arabia. COP32 planning: A commentary argues Ethiopia can make COP32 deliver by starting now and addressing the structural limits that have slowed past COP action. Regional diplomacy: Ethiopia’s FM held talks with Namibia and Botswana on air transport, leather, green development, and infrastructure cooperation.

AU Executive Council in Addis Ababa: The 49th Ordinary Session is underway, with renewed calls for fair and permanent UN Security Council representation and discussion of Agenda 2063, treaty ratification, and the AU’s 2026 theme. Regional Security & Somalia: Uganda will host an AUSSOM troop-contributing countries summit (29–31 July), with Ethiopia among participants, as African defense chiefs praise Ethiopia’s peace and security role. Diplomacy Watch: Azerbaijan’s parliamentary speaker arrives in Ethiopia; Ethiopia also hosts AU-related talks as Speaker Sahiba Gafarova visits. Humanitarian & Conflict Impact: Christians mourn after a reported drone strike on Arsema Monastery in South Wollo, amid Amhara conflict fears. Migration & Rights: Saudi Arabia executed five Ethiopian migrants on drug-related charges, while UN agencies warn that online scam trafficking is expanding and coercing victims from Ethiopia and Kenya. Transport & Connectivity: Jazeera Airways announces direct Addis Ababa flights from Sept 7 (three weekly). Politics Beyond Ethiopia: Kenya’s Aden Duale renews push for a parliamentary system; Colombia’s incoming government plans major embassy closures across Africa, including Ethiopia.

AU Executive Council in Addis Ababa: The 49th Ordinary Session opened under “Assuring Sustainable Water Availability and Safe Sanitation Systems,” with AU Commission Chair Mahmoud Ali Youssouf warning that Middle East conflict and Strait of Hormuz tensions are already hitting Africa through energy shocks, prices, and supply disruptions. UN Security Council Reform: Édouard Nduwimana renewed Africa’s push for fair, permanent UN Security Council representation, reiterating the Ezulwini Consensus and Sirte Declaration. Ethiopia’s Diplomacy: FM Gedion Timothewos held talks with Burundi, Zimbabwe, and Benin on AU unity and Agenda 2063, while Azerbaijan’s parliament speaker Sahiba Gafarova arrived for deeper Ethiopia–Azerbaijan parliamentary ties. Regional Security: Defense chiefs at the AU logistics and communications symposium praised Ethiopia’s peace and security role across missions, as Uganda prepares to host an AUSSOM troop-contributors summit in Kampala. Human Trafficking & Scams: IOM warned that criminal networks are trafficking hundreds of thousands into online scam compounds, including victims from Ethiopia and Kenya, ahead of World Day Against Trafficking. Ethiopia–US Trade: Ethiopia and the US discussed deepening economic and commercial cooperation as reforms continue to improve the investment climate.

AU Diplomacy in Addis Ababa: Foreign ministers and senior officials are arriving for the 49th AU Executive Council session, running July 28–29, with water security and safe sanitation at the center of the agenda. Regional Security & U.S.-Ethiopia Defense Ties: U.S. AFRICOM chief Gen. Dagvin Anderson met Ethiopia’s Chief of General Staff Field Marshal Birhanu Jula, discussing deeper cooperation on counter-terrorism and logistics/communications—highlighted by the ongoing African Logistics and Communications Symposium in Addis. Sino-African Health Cooperation: China and African partners launched new medical initiatives in Addis, including minimally invasive medicine and robotic/endoscopic training, while China’s Ebola support to the AU was framed as rapid, practical emergency assistance. Ethiopia’s Digital ID Push: Ethio Telecom says it has enrolled 32 million people for the Fayda digital ID, supporting Ethiopia’s drive toward universal legal identity. Cross-border Crime Linked to Addis: Nigeria’s Lagos Federal High Court sentenced fugitive drug kingpin Ntoruka Chinedu (22 years) and former footballer Segun Hunkarin (2 years) to a combined 24 years for cocaine importation, with the case tracing a stopover and drug handover via Addis Ababa on Ethiopian Airlines. Colombia’s Diplomatic Overhaul: Colombia’s president-elect Abelardo de la Espriella announced plans to sever ties with Cuba and Nicaragua and close 14 embassies/15 consulates, including in Ethiopia—sparking political pushback at home.

AU Diplomacy in Addis Ababa: Kenya’s Musalia Mudavadi has arrived for the 49th AU Executive Council, with a clear push to secure backing for Kenya’s candidates for the ICJ and ICC. Somalia Political Settlement Push: Somali opposition leaders urged AU troop contributors to prioritize an inclusive political agreement and transitional council before any further AUSSOM security handover. National Dialogue Momentum: Ethiopian civil society groups say the ongoing National Dialogue is building trust and consensus around eight national agenda items. Revenue & State Capacity: Ethiopia’s Ministry of Revenue reported 1.518 trillion birr collected in the 2018 fiscal year, exceeding a revised target and crediting reforms and digital tax administration. Security & Logistics Forum: Ethiopia and AFRICOM opened the Africa Logistics and Communications Symposium, stressing sustainment, interoperable communications, and logistics as core to readiness. Tech for Climate Resilience: China–Ethiopia AI cooperation is expanding life-saving weather forecasting, including Ethiopia’s use of an AI early-warning platform for droughts and flash floods. Cross-border Crime Link: Nigeria’s court sentenced a fugitive drug kingpin and an ex-international footballer to a combined 24 years for cocaine importation involving an Ethiopian Airlines route via Addis Ababa.

AU Diplomacy in Addis Ababa: Sahrawi Foreign Minister Mohamed Yeslem Beissat arrived to take part in the AU Executive Council’s 49th Ordinary Session, with ministers set to review PRC reports and agenda items on the continent’s priorities. Water & Sanitation Agenda: Burundi’s Édouard Bizimana also landed for the same AU Executive Council meeting, themed “Assuring Sustainable Water Availability and Safe Sanitation Systems to Achieve Agenda 2063,” as leaders grapple with water scarcity, urban pressure, and climate impacts. Ethiopia–China Tech Cooperation: Ethiopian officials say cooperation with China on AI-enabled meteorology and early warning is strengthening national forecasting and disaster response capacity. Security & State Capacity: Ethiopia’s defense leadership says the ENDF is thwarting “destructive forces” seeking to undermine development and sovereignty. Regional Security Planning: Ethiopia will host the inaugural African Logistics and Communication Symposium, bringing together 40 countries and partners to improve logistics and communications for military and civilian operations. Economy & Exports: Ethiopia reported $490m from horticultural exports in 2025/26, with flowers leading and targets set for 2026/27. AI Workforce Push: Ethiopia’s AI institute is graduating startup trainees after six months of training, as the government aims to build local AI capacity. Trade & Connectivity: Commentaries argue AfCFTA must become a practical “operating system” for firms, not just more protocols and declarations.

World Public Summit in Addis Ababa: Addis Ababa will host the inaugural World Public Summit: Africa (July 29–30) at UNECA, drawing 700+ participants from all 54 African countries and international partners to discuss sustainable infrastructure, food and information systems, education, youth engagement, public diplomacy, and cultural heritage. National Dialogue Momentum: Ethiopia’s “Week of Dialogue, Diplomacy and Strategic Reach” highlights the opening of the National Dialogue Conference as a potential turning point, alongside broader diplomatic engagement. Defense and Tech Capacity: Ethiopia inaugurated an Advanced Central Laboratory at the Ethiopian Defense University, backed by the UAE, aimed at boosting cybersecurity, AI, power systems, and advanced manufacturing for national security and research. Digital Economy Push: Ethio telecom says it is still negotiating with Netflix on the commercial rollout despite local caching, while Ethiopia launched a new Digital Financial Service Providers Association to strengthen coordination and financial inclusion. Regional Security Cooperation: Kenya Coast Guard reaffirmed maritime security cooperation after AMFS 2026 in Rabat, holding talks with partners including Ethiopia. Church and Youth Priorities: AMECEA bishops pledged a four-year pastoral priority plan for young people, calling on leaders to end youth exploitation. Eastern DRC Peace Support: Qatar reiterated support for the AU-led eastern DRC peace process during Gaborone talks, including ceasefire monitoring and detainee exchange mechanisms. Fano Rejects Dialogue: The Amhara National Movement Fano says it will not participate in Ethiopia’s National Dialogue and calls for intensifying armed struggle against the federal government.

U.S. Immigration Court Fight: A Massachusetts federal judge temporarily blocked the Trump administration from ending Temporary Protected Status for Ethiopians, keeping deportation protections in place while the case is reviewed, even as DHS accused lower courts of defying the Supreme Court. AI Capacity Building: Ethiopia’s Deputy Prime Minister said the Ethiopian Artificial Intelligence Institute is graduating AI startup trainees to build a homegrown workforce and protect national interests through innovation. Climate & Early Warning: Ethiopia and China are deepening cooperation on meteorology and disaster early warning, with officials citing new technical collaboration to strengthen national forecasting and response. Security & Border Threats: Kenya repelled an alleged al-Shabaab attack on a security camp in Mandera County, injuring a student and underscoring ongoing instability along the northeastern border. Trade & Industry Push: Ethiopia reported $490m from horticultural exports in 2025/26 and aims to scale exports further, while Nigeria’s governors pledged to replicate Benin’s agro-industrial zone model after earlier study visits to Ethiopia. Regional Legal Diplomacy: Ethiopia reiterated its sovereign right over the Abay River and rejected Egypt’s GERD campaign as misinformation. Public Service Reform: Ethiopia continues public administration change efforts aimed at improving delivery, accountability, and institutional effectiveness. Crackdown on Smuggling: India’s DRI arrested three Ethiopian nationals over an alleged gold smuggling attempt at Mumbai airport, with gold concealed in aircraft washroom panels.

Public Service Reform: Ethiopia is pushing homegrown public administration change management, stressing leadership, institutional learning, and accountability to improve citizen-centered delivery. National Dialogue Governance: The National Dialogue forum in Addis Ababa is weighing governance models, including presidential and semi-presidential options, alongside electoral and representation changes. Security & Sovereignty: The Ethiopian National Defense Force says it is thwarting “destructive forces” and conspiracies against national progress. Green Legacy & Diplomacy: Officials frame the Green Legacy tree-planting push as a development symbol and a diplomatic message of regional cooperation ahead of COP32. Lake Tana Environment: Experts warn Lake Tana is nearing an ecological tipping point as water hyacinth spreads to more kebeles, threatening navigation, biodiversity, and livelihoods. Humanitarian Pressure in Tigray: IDP sites face critical aid gaps, with food, health, WASH, education, and shelter coverage falling short amid new arrivals. Digital & AI Capacity: ICT leaders hail Ethiopia’s first AI University as a catalyst for homegrown innovation and data sovereignty. GERD Messaging: Egypt’s GERD campaign is said to fail against Ethiopia’s sovereign right to use Abay/Blue Nile waters. U.S. Immigration Court: A federal judge temporarily blocks the Trump administration from ending Ethiopia’s TPS while legal challenges proceed. Economy & Trade: Ethiopia highlights its Ten-Year Development Plan and reforms at AU STC talks, including tax base expansion and exchange-rate measures. Fintech Crackdown: A report alleges Ethiopia’s fintech sector faced an existential tax and enforcement crisis tied to major accounting disputes. Logistics Liberalization: Ethiopia’s freight forwarding sector is moving toward full foreign investment openness as it seeks to fix capacity and cost issues.

National Dialogue & Civic Mobilization: Addis Ababa volunteers are supporting the July 15 opening of Ethiopia’s National Dialogue, running protocol, information desks, logistics and hospitality as delegates seek consensus on long-running national challenges. City Development & Skills: Mayor Adanech Abiebie launched construction of Ethiopia’s first Smart Polytechnic College, aiming to train youth for manufacturing, automotive, electronics, textiles and CNC, with close monitoring for quality and timelines. Digital Government: MESOB One Stop Service unveiled a three-year strategic plan to expand technology-enabled, citizen-centric public services nationwide under Digital Ethiopia 2030. GERD & Growth Narrative: US-based economics professors told ENA that GERD is a major domestic policy driver for electricity-led growth and climate resilience, while noting private-sector roles in resource mobilization. Ethiopia-U.S. Investment Talks: Ethiopia and the U.S. held a Public-Private Dialogue in Addis Ababa to remove investment barriers and improve market access and regulatory predictability for U.S. firms. Health Access Push: St. Peter Specialized Hospital launched a summer volunteer program targeting free screening, consultation and treatment for 20 million Ethiopians, with 120,000 expected to benefit at the hospital. Regional Energy Note: Sudan received a new power barge to cut daily blackouts, amid wider grid strain and reduced imports linked to the conflict. Climate & Early Warning: Ethiopia highlighted growing cooperation with China’s meteorology and AI early-warning systems to strengthen disaster preparedness.

Regional Security & Migration: IOM launched a three-year counter-smuggling program in Somalia, targeting migrant smuggling, document fraud and transnational organized crime across Ethiopia, Kenya and Somalia, with a focus on modernizing border management and airport security. Environment & Land Restoration: A new study on Ethiopia’s drylands reports forest cover rising from 1.9% in 2015 to over 22% by 2024, with assisted natural regeneration linked to major reductions in severe topsoil loss. Public Health: WHO praised the Ethiopian Public Health Institute for 100 years of work in surveillance, emergency preparedness, laboratory excellence and health innovation, highlighting a decades-long partnership. Urban Governance & Jobs: Addis Ababa Mayor Adanech Abiebie launched construction of the city’s first Smart Polytechnic College, aimed at hands-on training for manufacturing, automotive, electronics and CNC skills. Digital Government: MESOB One Stop Service unveiled a three-year roadmap to expand technology-enabled, citizen-centric public services nationwide. Tourism Diplomacy: Ethiopia kicked off an Africa-wide tourism promotion campaign in Kenya, with plans to tour ten countries and boost intra-African travel. National Dialogue Mobilization: Volunteers supporting Ethiopia’s National Dialogue Conference say their work is a direct civic contribution to peace and unity. Red Sea Access Debate: A geopolitical analyst argues Ethiopia’s loss of direct Red Sea access stemmed from transitional decisions lacking constitutional legitimacy. BRICS & International Positioning: Iran’s interior minister urged BRICS to take a “clear and decisive” stand against attacks on civilians and critical infrastructure. Business & Industry: L&T Heavy Engineering secured major international orders, including Dangote-linked refinery and fertiliser expansion equipment for Nigeria and Ethiopia. Sports: World Athletics ratified Kenya’s Sabastian Sawe’s 1:59:30 London Marathon as a world record.

Digital Governance & AI: Former UK PM Tony Blair visited Ethiopia’s Artificial Intelligence Institute, backing AI-driven public service reforms and capacity-building with the Ethiopian AI agenda. Telecom & Economy: Ethio telecom reported a major shift in revenue, with data and internet overtaking voice for the first time, alongside strong earnings growth. National Dialogue (Diaspora): Diaspora delegates at Ethiopia’s National Dialogue Conference say consultations are underway to resolve deep-rooted problems and build consensus for sustainable peace. Market Stabilization: Trade Minister Kassahun Gofe told a Prosperity Party forum that supply measures, market infrastructure expansion, and crackdowns on illegal trade helped stabilize product availability and reduce costs. Finance & Regulation: The National Bank of Ethiopia reaffirmed a broad ban on virtual assets and warned the public against crypto transactions without authorization. Public Health: UNICEF and WHO reported modest global immunization gains but persistent gaps, including millions of “zero-dose” children. Human Security: Federal police announced arrests tied to a major human trafficking network that allegedly exploited migrants with torture and ransom schemes. Regional Water Politics (GERD): A water expert urged a legally binding GERD operating deal with stronger daily data-sharing to prevent Nile shortages and flooding risks for Sudan.

Ethiopia–Djibouti Trade Facilitation: Ethiopia and Djibouti agreed a joint roadmap to operationalise the Galafi One-Stop Border Post, aiming for single-window clearance to cut delays and duplication along the Ethiopia–Djibouti corridor that carries most of Ethiopia’s trade. Telecom & Digital Economy: Ethio Telecom reported 215.8 billion birr in total revenue for the just-ended fiscal year, up 33.2%, alongside growth in subscribers and 4G/5G expansion—an update that matters as Ethiopia moves toward telecom liberalisation and potential privatisation. Diplomacy & Regional Ties: Deputy PM Temesgen Tiruneh met Ghana’s President John Dramani Mahama on the sidelines of an AU emergency health summit, reaffirming cooperation and highlighting preparations for the Tana Forum. Nile/GERD Pressure: Sudan’s receding Nile waters are reviving the GERD debate, with renewed downstream concern over Ethiopia’s unilateral operations and data-sharing. Ethiopia’s Political Tensions: Opposition figures accuse the Abiy government of steering Tigray toward renewed conflict, warning the 2022 Pretoria peace deal is under strain amid election-related uncertainty. International Economic Links: Russia–Ethiopia trade is described as growing steadily, while a Russian-Ethiopian intergovernmental commission meeting and business forum are expected in late 2026. Immigration Numbers: Ethiopia’s immigration service says it issued over 1.04 million visas in the fiscal year ended July 7, citing digital upgrades and expanded visa services.

AU Health Push: AU Commission Chair Mahmoud Ali Youssouf urged African leaders to move from health pledges to measurable action, stressing stronger domestic financing, local medicine and vaccine production, and resilient health systems. Ethiopia’s Health Sovereignty: Ethiopia’s Deputy PM Temesgen Tiruneh echoed the call, arguing declining external aid should accelerate self-reliant, locally financed health systems. Ebola Alarm: A fast-growing Ebola outbreak in eastern DRC is outpacing response, with WHO warning that community deaths and weak access to care are driving spread. National Dialogue Context: Foreign Policy’s Africa Brief flags Addis Ababa’s highly anticipated Ethiopian national dialogue as a key political moment this week. Ethiopia in Education: Mastercard Foundation launched the Africa Higher Education for Transformation (AHEFT) Prize, with Addis Ababa University named an inaugural laureate receiving $3m. Agriculture & Jobs: ATI says Ethiopia is expanding cold-chain infrastructure and hybrid sorghum to cut post-harvest losses and boost farmer incomes. Regional Security Watch: AU member states are questioning the sustainability of Somalia’s AUSSOM peace mission amid funding shortfalls. Sports Governance: CAF opened bidding for AFCON 2028, 2032 and 2036, with Ethiopia among those expressing interest.

Food Security: A UN-backed FAO report says Africa has overtaken Asia as the world’s hunger hotspot, with 309 million Africans facing hunger and most struggling to afford a healthy diet, as humanitarian nutrition funding remains under pressure. AI & Infrastructure: The IMF warns Sub-Saharan Africa may miss most AI gains unless governments urgently expand reliable electricity, internet access, and digital skills. Ethiopia’s Agriculture: Ethiopia’s Agricultural Transformation Institute says it’s scaling cold-chain infrastructure and hybrid sorghum to cut post-harvest losses and raise farmers’ incomes. Diaspora & Tourism: A diaspora scholar urges Ethiopians abroad to use networks and expertise to boost tourism and development beyond remittances. Cooperatives Digitization: Ethiopia’s cooperative financial sector is moving away from paper-based systems, with a new digital push aimed at reducing leakage and boosting efficiency. Ethiopia–Egypt Nile Tensions: Egypt again accuses Ethiopia of “politicising” GERD operations, warning unilateral actions harm downstream water access for Egypt and Sudan. National Politics (Tigray): Ethiopia’s opposition EPRP alleges Addis Ababa is preparing public opinion for renewed conflict in Tigray amid claims of forced recruitment. Golden Visa: Ethiopia plans 10-year Golden Visas for high-value investors, with a minimum $10 million investment threshold. Addis as a Hub: Addis Ababa says conference tourism is surging, citing urban regeneration and a growing international events calendar.

Human Trafficking Crackdown: Ethiopian police arrested 17 suspects, including alleged ringleader Mohammed Tahir “Wordi,” in a 15-day operation targeting a network accused of smuggling 40,000+ Ethiopians to Saudi Arabia via Djibouti and Yemen, with allegations of torture, sexual violence, and more than 1bn birr collected from victims. National Dialogue & Governance: Ethiopia’s National Dialogue Commissioner Yonas Adaye said the homegrown process aims to unearth structural causes of conflict and broaden participation through 4,000 delegates and eight agenda pillars. Refugee Integration: Ethiopia’s Makatet inclusion plan seeks to fold refugees into national education and health systems and enable employment, shifting policy from “liability” to “dignity and opportunity.” Security & Diplomacy: Ethiopia called for stronger continental cooperation and full implementation of Africa’s security frameworks to counter terrorism and violent extremism, including operationalizing the Africa Standby Force. Health Diplomacy: Ethiopia’s Deputy PM Temesgen Tiruneh attended an AU extraordinary summit on health in Accra focused on health sovereignty, universal health coverage, and a sustainable health-financing roadmap. Regional Mobility: Russia expanded visa-free travel agreements, including Ethiopia, as part of broader ties with African states. Digital Finance & Banking: Ethiopia hosted the 29th Connected Banking Summit, spotlighting banking modernization and digital financial systems. Education Investment: Mastercard Foundation launched the AHEFT Prize, awarding Addis Ababa University $3m to scale higher-education transformation across Africa.