News in Brief
Ethiopia at US-Africa Summit
DPM, FM Demeke Mekonnen briefs Ambassadors of the EU countries based in Addis Ababa
Addis Ababa hosts 8th Intergovernmental Ethiopian-Russian Commission on Economic, Scientific, Technical, and Trade Cooperation
Ethiopia participates in the 9th High-Level Conference on Peace and Security in Africa in Oran, Algeria
Seminar in London calls on investors to make Ethiopia favorable investment destination
Africa and the African Union
On December 13, the U.S.-Africa Leaders Summit kicked off in Washington, D.C., with a focus on the vital role of civil society and the strength of our African Diaspora communities in the United States. It featured a range of sessions on topics ranging from trade and investment to health and climate change, peace, security, and governance, and space cooperation. The second day focused on increasing two-way trade and investment at the U.S.-Africa Business Forum (USABF). CEOs and private sector leadership from over 300 American and African companies convened with the heads of delegation to catalyze investment in critical sectors, including health, infrastructure, energy, agribusiness, and digital. President Biden closed the USABF with remarks. Later in the day, he hosted a small group of leaders at the White House for a discussion on the upcoming presidential elections in 2023 and U.S. support for free, fair, and credible polls in Africa. He then hosted all 50 heads of delegation and their spouses for dinner at the White House.
Geoffrey Onyeama, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, assumed chairpersonship of the AU Peace and Security Council for the month of December 2022 on Friday, (December 9).
African Union Commissioner for Political Affairs, Peace, and Security, Bankole Adeoye, discussed on Wednesday (December 13) with U.S. Ambassador Jessica Lapenn the implementation of the Ethiopia Cessation of Hostilities Agreement, including the outcomes of last week’s meeting of the Joint Disarmament, Demobilization, and Reintegration (DDR) Planning Team in Shire, the second largest city in the Tigray region of Ethiopia, focusing on strategic areas of engagement in the AU’s support to the Parties. They also reflected on the ongoing US-Africa Leaders Summit.
The 2022 African Economic Conference that was held in Mauritius on December 9–11, 2022, brought together policymakers, climate experts, private sector representatives, academics, and youth to develop an action plan to guide Africa as it navigates the threat of climate change. The 17th African Economic Conference ended on Sunday with a charge to the development community and governments to take decisive actions to address climate change. The African Development Bank, the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa, and the United Nations Development Programme, the conference hosts, called on participants to walk the talk by producing concrete solutions for climate-smart development on the continent.
On Tuesday (December 13), African Development Bank Group President Dr. Akinwumi Adesina appointed Senegal’s former minister, Amadou Hott, as a Special Envoy and global champion for the Alliance for Green Infrastructure in Africa (AGIA). The African Development Bank, Africa Union, and Africa50 launched the Alliance during COP27 last November with global partners: the African Union Development Agency, the African Sovereign Investors Forum, the European Investment Bank, the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development, the French Development Agency, the Rockefeller Foundation, the US Trade and Development Agency, the Global Center on Adaptation and the Private Infrastructure Development Group. The Alliance will accelerate Africa’s transition to Net Zero by mobilizing, at scale and speed, investments needed to bridge the infrastructure gap for the continent’s low-carbon and climate-resilient development.
Ethiopia
President Sahle-Work Zewde received on Thursday (December 13) in her office the Director of the UNFPA Representation Office to the AU and UNECA, Mabingué Ngom. The two have discussed the inter-agency efforts to establish a continental humanitarian agency, Africa’s demographic growth, and the challenge it poses for countries to ensure access to education and health care, especially for girls.
The U.S.-Africa Summit, which started on Tuesday (December 13) in Washington, featured nearly 50 African leaders, including Ethiopia’s Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed. The three-day summit aims to advance shared priorities through discussions on a variety of global issues, such as climate change, good governance, food insecurity, global health, and violent extremism. (See article)
Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Affairs Minister of Ethiopia, Demeke Mekonnen, briefed Ambassadors of the EU and of Member States based in Addis Ababa at a consultation meeting conducted on Friday, (December 9). The meeting focused on the European Union’s overall engagement with Ethiopia, recent political developments in the country, and progress made with regard to the Agreement on cessation of hostilities, humanitarian access, and accountability for alleged human rights violations. (See article)
On Monday, (December 12), the EU and the World Bank agreed to a 35 million euro grant to support Ethiopia’s Productive Safety Net Program (PSNP). The European Union signed a 35 Million Euro Grant with the World Bank (WB), to be disbursed through the latter to support the Ethiopian Government’s rural PSNP. EU Ambassador to Ethiopia, Roland Kobia, and World Bank Operations Manager, Doima Petrescu, signed the grant in Addis Ababa in the presence of State Minister of Finance for Economic Cooperation, Semereta Sewasew. Semereta Sewasew said the peace agreement opens a new chapter for Ethiopia. The support will be critical to the people, especially in the conflict areas, she added.
The 8th Intergovernmental Ethiopian-Russian Commission on Economic, Scientific, Technical, and Trade Cooperation meeting was held from December 6–8, 2022, in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. (See article)
A delegation led by Ambassador Birtukan Ayano, State Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia, participated in the 9th African High-Level Peace and Security Forum held in Oran, Algeria, from December 7–9, 2022. The 9th High-Level Conference on Peace and Security in Africa was held in Oran, under the theme “Support to the new African members of the United Nations Security Council in dealing with peace and security issues in Africa.” (See article)
The Ethiopian Embassy, in collaboration with Invest Africa Worldwide, organized an Ethiopian Investment Seminar in London on December 9, 2022. The Seminar brought together selected and dedicated entrepreneurs, business representatives, and industry leaders from various sectors such as construction, finance and banking, healthcare, and manufacturing, as well as diplomatic communities and dignitaries. (See article)
Ethiopia participates at the 4th German-African Business Summit in Johannesburg (December 10). Attending the 4th German-African Business Summit (GABS) 2022, held at the Sandton Convention Center in Johannesburg, Ambassador Muktar Kedir seized the opportunity to meet with various government officials and business people and exchange views on mutually beneficial matters.
The Commissioner General of the Ethiopian Federal Police, Demelash Gebremichael, discussed on Thursday (December 15) with the Saudi Arabian Ambassador to Ethiopia, Fahad Obaydallah Alhumaydani Almotairi, ways of enhancing cooperation between their respective countries against human trafficking and terrorism. They have also exchanged views on how to scale up partnerships in the police sector. The Saudi side also pledged to provide support to the Ethiopian Federal Police to enhance the institution’s capacity in the border control sector. Ambassador Fahad Obaydallah congratulated Commissioner General Demelash Gebremichael for being elected as President of the Eastern Africa Police Chiefs Cooperation Organization (EAPCCO).
Eritrea
President William Ruto of the Republic of Kenya arrives in Asmara in the evening hours of Friday (December 9), for a two-day official visit on the invitation of President Isaias Afwerki. Upon arrival at Asmara International Airport, President William Ruto and his delegation were awarded a warm welcome by President Isaias Afwerki. The senior delegation of the Republic of Kenya comprises Mr. Aden Bare Duale, Cabinet Secretary, and Mr. Joseph Koli Nanok, Deputy Chief of Staff, as well as senior Government officials and members of Parliament. The welcoming ceremony was attended by ministers and senior officials of Eritrea, as well as Mr. Beyene Russom, Eritrean Ambassador to Kenya. President Isaias Afwerki and President William Ruto conducted discussions focusing on bilateral relations as well as regional developments.
Djibouti
Prince Mohammed bin Salman, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, held talks in Riyadh on Saturday (December 10) with President Omar Guelleh of Djibouti. They tackled bilateral relations between their countries and ways to bolster them. The meeting was attended by Saudi Energy Minister Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman, Minister of Sports Prince Abdulaziz bin Turki al-Faisal, Minister of Interior Prince Naif bin Abdulaziz, Minister of Defense Prince Khalid bin Salman, and Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah.
On Friday, (December 9) President Xi Jinping met with President Ismail Omar Guelleh of Djibouti in Riyadh. Xi Jinping noted that strategic mutual trust between China and Djibouti has been deepened in recent years, cooperation in various fields has produced fruitful achievements, and bilateral friendship has been deeply rooted in people’s hearts. Guelleh said it was a pleasure to meet President Xi Jinping on the sidelines of the First China-Arab States Summit and extended his congratulations on President Xi Jinping’s re-election as General Secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee. Djibouti and China are friends, brothers, and strategic partners committed to achieving win-win cooperation.
President Ismail Omar Guelleh of the Republic of Djibouti, left Riyadh on Sunday (December 11) after his participation in the Arab-China Summit for Cooperation and Development in Riyadh. At King Khalid International Airport, he was seen off by the Saudi ambassador to the Republic of Djibouti, Faisal Al-Qabani, the ambassador of Djibouti to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Dya-Eddine Said Bamakhrama, and a number of officials.
Kenya
Kenya and Eritrea have agreed to abolish visa requirements for their respective citizens. The two countries believe the move will bolster bilateral relations, improve people-to-people ties, besides entrenching regional integration. In a meeting between Kenyan President William Ruto and his Eritrean counterpart, Isaias Afwerki, during the two-day official visit of Ruto in Eritrea on December 9-10, 2022, the two leaders also decided to cooperate in the African Union “in the spirit of Pan-Africanism”. Further, they agreed to cooperate and consult on regional integration and to safeguard regional peace, security, and development in the Horn of Africa.
Kenya and Djibouti are looking to redesign their priorities, based on common values. President William Ruto and his Djibouti counterpart Ismail Oguelleh on Wednesday (December 12) held talks on an all-inclusive growth for the socio-economic success of citizens in the two countries. “Met Djibouti President and our talks centred on the entry of Kenya Airways to Djibouti and the lifting of visa requirements for citizens of the two countries,”Ruto said.
Jamhuri Tech and Innovation Summit, held in Nairobi, Kenya on Sunday (December 11), was attended by Global Tech and innovation firms, including heads of Meta, Microsoft, Google, Master Card, Visa Card, Multichoice, and Thunderbird, among others. The Jamhuri Tech and Innovation Summit is an initiative of the Government of Kenya to work with leading global tech companies to prepare Kenyan youth for opportunities in the digital world.
Somalia
The President of Somalia, Hassan S, Mohamud, together with the Presidents of Djibouti and Niger, Ismail Omar Gulleh and Mohamed Bazoum, respectively held talks on Tuesday (December 13) with the U.S. Secretary of State, Anthony Blinken, and the U.S. Secretary of Defense, Lloyd J. Austin III, on the sidelines of the U.S.-Africa Leaders Summit in Washington, D.C. They discussed practical ways to strengthen ties and partnerships.
President Hassan S, Mohamud met on Tuesday (December 13) with U.S. Ambassador to the UN, Linda Thomas-Greenfield, on the sidelines of the U.S.-Africa Leaders Summit in Washington, D.C. They discussed Somalia’s military offensive against terrorists, the effects of climate change, and continued U.S. humanitarian and development support.
President Hassen S. Mohamud met with the Crown Prince and PM of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, HRH Prince Mohamed bin Salman, in Riyadh, where they discussed strengthening the deep-rooted ties between the two countries and enhancing cooperation in the fight against terrorism in Somalia. In a similar manner, President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud met with his Chinese counterpart, President Xi Jinping, on the margins of the Arab-Chinese Summit in Riyadh. The two leaders discussed ways to enhance the bilateral ties between the two countries and deepen cooperation in all areas of mutual benefit.
South Sudan
South Sudan’s president Salva Kiir on Wednesday (December 14) met the governor of Darfur region in Sudan, Mini Arko Minawi to discuss security, promotion of trade as well as investment along the borders of the two countries. The meeting, held in the South Sudanese capital, Juba, also discussed the status of the implementation of the Juba Peace Agreement signed between the Sudanese government and the armed groups in October 2020.
Sudan
The Sudanese government and a consortium of Emirati companies signed, on Tuesday (December 13), a preliminary agreement to develop and operate the Abu Amama port on the Red Sea, with investments amounting to $6 billion. The Heads of Terms agreement, which provides the UAE consortium with the right to develop, manage, and operate Abu Amama Port and economic zone assets, was signed by the Government of the Republic of Sudan and the UAE’s consortium of Abu Dhabi Ports Group and Invictus Investment Company PLC.
The political framework agreement is not a settlement that harms the armed forces, but rather aims to end the political crisis in the country, said General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, on Wednesday (December 14). On December 5, the head of the military-led government and Commander in Chief of the Sudanese army signed a framework agreement with the political forces, paving the way for the formation of a civilian government and the withdrawal of the army from politics.
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Ethiopia at US-Africa Summit
The U.S.-Africa Summit, which started on Tuesday (December 13) in Washington, featured nearly 50 African leaders, including Ethiopia’s Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed. The three-day summit aims to advance shared priorities through discussions on a variety of global issues, such as climate change, good governance, food insecurity, global health, and violent extremism.
The goal, according to President Biden, was to “spur shared success” rather than “create political obligation or foster dependence,” as he stated in his keynote speech. “Because when Africa succeeds, the United States succeeds,” he said. “Quite frankly, the whole world succeeds as well.”
Mr. Biden promised to support the continent’s aspirations for greater global engagement and to support initiatives to transform it into a more prosperous, healthier, and technologically advanced region. According to official estimates, he will invest $55 billion in the continent over the next three years.
President Biden announced that “The United States is all in on Africa’s future.” “Together, we want to build a future of opportunity where no one is left behind.”
Ethiopia’s Participation
Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, who arrived in Washington, D.C., on Sunday, led a high level delegation comprised of members from the Prime Minister’s Office, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of Finance, and other sectors.
The Premiere engaged in sideline meetings with senior US officials to explore ways of further reinforcing the long-standing friendship between Ethiopia and the United States. He also met with heads of international organizations, such as the IMF and WB to ramp up support for the reconstruction and rehabilitation efforts underway in the northern part of the country.
Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed has held a discussion with U.S. National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan over a host of issues. The two exchanged views on issues including the implementation of the cessation of hostilities that was signed between the Government of Ethiopia and the TPLF, political and economic reform initiatives of the government of Ethiopia, and revitalizing the bilateral relationship.
The Prime Minister also held a candid and productive meeting with US Secretary of State Anthony Blinken, whereby he expressed his appreciation to the US for its contribution to Ethiopia’s efforts to achieve peace.
The Premier also met with US Trade Representative Ambassador Katherine Tai to discuss ways of expanding US-Ethiopia trade relations.
In his discussions with Kristalina Georgieva, the Managing Director of the International Monetary Fund (IMF), he mentioned Ethiopia’s transformative economic reform agenda, including the need for debt resolutions. He expressed Ethiopia’s resolve to preserve past gains and deepen the home-grown reforms further.
Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed and David Malpass, World Bank Group President, held a substantive discussion on ways to support Ethiopia’s comprehensive economic reforms. “The return of peace is a chance to accelerate Ethiopia’s economic transformation agenda that enhances productivity and job creation,” Prime Minister Abiy stated on his social media pages.
PM Abiy awarded ‘Outstanding African Leadership Award’
In a special event under the theme “Africa: The Urgency of a Global Mobilization,” organized by the American Academy of Achievement and the Global Hope Coalition in Washington, DC, Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed was awarded the ‘Outstanding African Leadership Award’ in recognition of the Green Legacy Initiative,
In his acceptance statement for the Outstanding African Leadership Award, Abiy said the perspective that African countries are net producers of problems that always require external assistance is an outdated one.
“Therefore, great appreciation to the organizers for lighting a torch on the continent’s net production of solutions.”
In a nutshell, Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed’s working visit to the USA and his participation in the 2022 US-Africa Leaders’ Summit provided an opportunity to strengthen Ethio-US diplomatic ties and the relations between Ethiopia and international organizations.
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DPM, FM Demeke Mekonnen briefs Ambassadors of the EU countries based in Addis Ababa
Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Affairs Minister of Ethiopia, Demeke Mekonnen, briefed Ambassadors of the EU and of Member States based in Addis Ababa at a consultation meeting conducted on Friday, (December 9). The meeting focused on the European Union’s overall engagement with Ethiopia, recent political developments in the country, and progress made with regard to the Agreement on cessation of hostilities, humanitarian access, and accountability for alleged human rights violations.
The Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister expressed Ethiopia’s genuine desire to work towards normalization of relations and the EU’s engagement in the political, economic, and development assistance sectors. “Ethiopia is keen to restore broad-based developmental cooperation and political dialogue with the EU,” Demeke reiterated.
Creative mechanisms employed by the EU to deliver humanitarian assistance to the needy were appreciated, and a call was made for support in the post-conflict rehabilitation and reconstruction efforts. The war between Russia and Ukraine was also a subject of discussion. The Deputy Prime Minister expressed Ethiopia’s desire for a peaceful, negotiated settlement of the conflict.
With regards to the UN International Commission of Human Rights Experts on Ethiopia, Demeke Mekonnen recalled that the commission rejected the Ethiopian Government’s offer for cooperation, overstepped its mandate, and engaged in illegal activities by trying to link its work with the UN Security Council. He reminded the ambassadors that the agreement reached in Pretoria constitutes the implementation of a transitional justice framework to pursue accountability, truth telling, healing, and reconciliation consistent with the Constitution of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia (FDRE). In view of that, the Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister called for the EU to take measures to terminate the mandate of the International Commission of Experts at the earliest session of the UN Human Rights Commission.
He further indicated that the Government is exploring with the Ethiopian Human Rights Commission and the United Nations Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights the possibility of deploying a joint team of human rights monitors.
The EU ambassadors, on their part, congratulated Ethiopia for achieving an ambitious peace deal and expressed their readiness to constructively engage with the Ethiopian government in the implementation of the peace agreement.
“Making peace is more difficult than making war,” verbalized the EU’s Ambassador to Ethiopia, Roland Kobia, appreciating the prudent steps taken by the parties to the peace agreement signed in Pretoria and Nairobi. “With that understanding, the EU is ready to support the implementation of the agreement,” he reaffirmed.
Demeke Mekonnen has also outlined to the ambassadors the range of areas of opportunity for cooperation with the EU and member states in relation to peace efforts.
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Addis Ababa hosts 8th Intergovernmental Ethiopian-Russian Commission on Economic, Scientific, Technical, and Trade Cooperation
The 8th Intergovernmental Ethiopian-Russian Commission on Economic, Scientific, Technical, and Trade Cooperation meeting was held from December 6–8, 2022, in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
The Ethiopian delegation was led by Belete Molla (PhD), Minister for Innovation and Technology of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia and the Chairman of the Ethiopian Party of the Commission, and the Russian delegation was led by MR. Petrov Evgeniy, Head of the Federal Agency for the Mineral Resources of the Russian Federation and the Chairman of the Russian Party of the Commission.
The primary objective of the Intergovernmental Commission was to further strengthen the bilateral trade, economic, scientific, and technical cooperation between the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia and the Russian Federation. The meeting was held in an atmosphere of friendship and mutual understanding to promote cooperation between our two countries at the highest level.
The Commission reviewed the implementation of activities, the overall current state of cooperation, and the prospects for multifaceted cooperation between the two countries. During the course of the discussion, it was understood that there is a low level of economic cooperation and implementation of the agreements signed by the two countries. The two sides promised to take action as a matter of priority. In this regard, both sides reiterated their commitment and agreed to enhance bilateral cooperation in the fields of mining, energy, trade, education, health, agriculture, industry, culture, and tourism, science and technology, geo-spatial and space science, investment, and ICT.
The two sides further reaffirmed their commitment to intensify their mutual efforts for the development of the legal framework for Russian-Ethiopian relations and agreed to consult with the respective government authorities to prepare various agreements and memoranda of understanding for expeditious signing. In addition, the two sides also took note of the current situation of the global geopolitical issues that highly impacted the economic cooperation, logistics, and financial transactions between the two countries and emphasized the importance of exploring alternative mechanisms for the settlement of debts and payments.
During the discussion, the participants from the two parties noted the successful hosting of the first Russia-Africa summit in Sochi in October 2019 and also welcomed the upcoming second Russia-Africa summit, which will be held in 2023 in St. Petersburg, and expressed their hope that the occasion will provide a new impetus to Russian-Ethiopian cooperation.
The Parties explored the level of implementation of agreements, the process of finalizing the drafting and ratification processes, and underscored the need for further commitment in the spirit of strengthening cooperation between the two countries. In this connection, the two parties further reviewed the mechanisms of follow-up for the implementation of the agreements and priority tasks, with the need for the co-chairs to conduct interim consultations until the next session of the Commission. In this regard, the two parties agreed to develop a strategic road map of bilateral trade and economic cooperation, which will be agreed on at the next Commission’s co-chairs meeting in the 2nd quarter of 2023.
As per the agenda of the 8th Session of the Commission, the parties summarized the results of the implementation of the decisions according to the Minutes of the 7th Session of the Commission signed on October 3, 2019, in St. Petersburg, reviewed the current state and the prospects of the development of relations between the Russian Federation and the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia, and adopted various decisions and recommendations. The two sides noted, with satisfaction, the signing of different bilateral agreements after the 7th session of the Commission.
The parties welcomed the signing of the agreement between the All-Russian Non-Governmental Organization “Russian Red Cross” and the Ministry of Health of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia on the operation of Dejazmach Balcha Hospital in Addis Ababa during the 8th session of the Commission.
During the discussion, the two parties also agreed to intensify their joint efforts to improve the legal framework of Russian-Ethiopian relations and expressed their readiness to continue with the preparation for the signing of the following bilateral documents in the near future: trade, economic and industrial cooperation, cooperation in energy, geology and the use of mineral resources, science, higher education and technology, agriculture, healthcare, transport cooperation, communications and mass media, space sector, culture, and sport, standardization, and climate change.
The parties agreed to hold the 9th session of the Intergovernmental Commission in Russia in 2023, with the date and location to be communicated through diplomatic channels.
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Ethiopia participates in the 9th High-Level Conference on Peace and Security in Africa in Oran, Algeria
A delegation led by Ambassador Birtukan Ayano, State Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia, participated in the 9th African High-Level Peace and Security Forum held in Oran, Algeria, from December 7–9, 2022.
The 9th High-Level Conference on Peace and Security in Africa was held in Oran, under the theme “Support to the new African members of the United Nations Security Council in dealing with peace and security issues in Africa.”
The conference, hosted by Algeria, kicked off under the chairmanship of the Nigerian Minister of Foreign Affairs and President of the High-Level Conference on Peace and Security in Africa for this month, Geoffrey Onyeama, and in the presence of Algeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and National Community Abroad, Ramtane Lamamra.
The conference was attended by high-level delegates, including at the ministerial level, by member states of the African Union Peace and Security Council (AU), as well as African members of the UN Security Council, in addition to experts and high-level representatives from African and UN bodies.
Speaking at the opening session, Ambassador Birtukan Ayano praised countries that represent Africa at the UNSC, supported Ethiopia, and stood by the side of justice during the conflict in Northern Ethiopia despite pressures against the “African solutions to African problems” principle, which gives durable solutions for continental challenges, the state minister added.
On the thematic issue of action against violent extremism and terrorism, State Minister Ambassador Birtukan Ayano said that Africa has been at the receiving end of the threat posed by extremism and violent terrorism more than any other region. In this connection, she noted the importance of collective action, as no state is able to deal with the challenges of violent extremism and terrorism alone. She added that it’s imperative to ensure regional counter-terrorism tools and mechanisms are fit for purpose in mobilizing the required political will and actions of member states to solve transnational problems. In this respect, she said, it is important to fully operationalize the African Peace and Security Architecture, and the continent needs to focus on a more comprehensive approach to combating terrorism and violent extremism. As terrorism is a global threat, Ambassador Birtukan said it is important that the continent’s peace support operations are well-resourced and equipped to ensure that they have the operational capacity for an early and effective response.
The state minister concluded her remarks by reaffirming Ethiopia’s steadfast commitment to support Africa’s peace support operations, including the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS), in their frontline engagement against terrorism.
On the sidelines of the Oran meeting, Ethiopia’s State Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Birtukan Ayano, met with Algeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and National Community Abroad, Ramtane Lamamra, to discuss bilateral issues. During the discussion, Ambassador Birtukan said that Ethiopia has begun planning for the 5th Ethiopia-Algeria Joint Ministerial Meeting, which will take place in March 2023.
On his part, Foreign Minister Ramtane Lamamra stated that in order to turn Algeria and Ethiopia’s excellent friendship into stronger economic cooperation, both countries should cooperate to ensure the success of the upcoming joint ministerial meeting.
Ambassador Birtukan praised Algeria’s important contribution to addressing African peace and security challenges. She also praised Algeria’s efforts to manage coordination between African Union Security Council member states and the A3 countries.
The African Group (A3), countries functioning as non-permanent members of the UN Security Council on behalf of Africa, as well as the friendly countries of the Oran Summit, Ethiopia, Chad, Niger, and Angola, were recognized during the seminar’s concluding ceremony. Ambassador Birtukan Ayano received the award of recognition on behalf of the Ethiopian delegation.
The seminar concluded with the approval of protocols for improving and continuing consultations on African peace and security challenges.
Kenya, Ghana, and Gabon currently serve as non-permanent members of the UN Security Council, representing Africa. Mozambique will take over for Kenya, which will finish its mandate in January 2023.
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Seminar in London calls on investors to make Ethiopia favorable investment destination
The Ethiopian Embassy, in collaboration with Invest Africa Worldwide, organized an Ethiopian Investment Seminar in London on December 9, 2022. The Seminar brought together selected and dedicated entrepreneurs, business representatives, and industry leaders from various sectors such as construction, finance and banking, healthcare, and manufacturing, as well as diplomatic communities and dignitaries.
In his opening remarks, Ethiopia’s ambassador to the UK, Teferi Melesse underlined that Ethiopia is strategically located in Eastern Africa and serves as a gateway to the continent as the seat of the African Union, which has 55 member countries, and the third diplomatic city after New York and Geneva, with over 100 diplomatic missions.
Fortunately, the ambassador added that Ethiopia shares a regional economic grouping with the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), which unlocks the market access potential of 1.3 billion people.
Ethiopia, he says, is ready and calls upon UK businesses to focus on the new opportunities Ethiopia and Africa are offering, adding that Ethiopia and all of Africa are the next growth frontiers. The ambassador further said, “I would like to invite all companies planning to invest in Ethiopia to come and see for yourself the many opportunities that my country has to offer.”
The Deputy Head of Mission, Mr. Beyene Gebremeskel, presented a detailed account of the investment opportunities in Ethiopia. He dealt at length with Ethiopia’s homegrown economic reform agenda, which he said encompassed macroeconomic, structural, and sectoral reforms. These reforms are principally aimed at identifying the enabling conditions necessary for the private sector to take a lead role in driving the growth and transformation agenda of the country up to 2030, facilitating policy and institutional coordination and alignment to create sustainable and decent job creation, and identifying and implementing structural reforms to address challenges of time, cost, and procedural hurdles businesses face in their lifecycle.
The Deputy Head of Mission underscored that the government has also undertaken dozens of reform measures to create a conducive investment climate in the country. On this score, the government has launched a national initiative to significantly improve the ease of doing business. It has also laid down investment promotion and support provisions, including engagement in targeted investment promotion, provision of streamlined One-Stop Services (OSS), approval of investment incentives, and provision of post establishment facilitation and follow-up services. In terms of fiscal and non-fiscal tailored incentives and support, investors are entitled to exemptions for corporate tax, custom tax, expatriates’ income tax, loss carryforward, and full export duty exemptions, as well as investment support provisions including guarantees against expropriation, guarantees for repatriation of funds, customs facilitation through bonded export factories, and similar other schemes; and a relaxed industrial park land regime.
He further mentioned that textile and apparel, leather and leather products, pharmaceuticals, agriculture and agro-processing, tourism, ICT, and mining are the country’s development priority sectors. On the manufacturing sector, particularly the textile and apparel industry, for instance, he said Ethiopia is emerging as a regional hub for sourcing garments. With a vast labor force and low energy costs, the industry has grown sevenfold since 2008.
Touching upon investment potentials in agriculture and agro-processing, he explained that the sector has strong government support, competitive tax benefits, access to a $33 billion domestic market and a $313 billion sub-Saharan African market, and the availability of integrated agro-processing industrial parks. He added that Ethiopia also offers multi-mineral extraction and processing opportunities, along with identified and potential basins for oil and gas mining, fertilizers, and numerous precious minerals.
The Deputy Head of Mission has underlined that Ethiopia attaches priority to renewable energy development, with hydropower, wind, geothermal, solar, and biomass being developed to increase the energy mix. In this regard, he emphasized that the country provides low-cost, green electricity to investors at the world’s lowest rate of 4 US cents per kilowatt-hour (KWH). Describing Ethiopia as Africa’s logistical hub, he emphasized that Ethiopian Airlines, with 129 international destinations across five continents and 60 cargo destinations, has been the biggest and best airline in the continent, which has won multiple prestigious awards.
The Deputy Head of Mission further underlined that Ethiopia has developed 29 specialized industrial parks that are located along strategic economic corridors, connected to ports by electric-driven railway lines and asphalt roads, with close proximity to an abundant labor force, equipped with all the necessary infrastructure, including waste-water treatment plants, dedicated power with its own sub-station, waste treatment facilities, and One Stop Services, including the processing and issuance of permits, licenses, registration certificates, agreements, tax identification numbers, customs clearance, and banking services. He said all these factors make Ethiopia a favorable investment destination, further calling on UK investors to seize the lucrative investment opportunities in the country.
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