01.12.2023
Prime Minister Abiy Participates in the 20th Biennial UNIDO General Conference
A Group of French Firms Exploring Ethiopian Business Opportunities
MFA Spokesperson DG’s Experience Sharing Mission to China
News in Brief
Africa and the African Union
African Union Commission Chairperson Moussa Faki Mahamat and United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres on Tuesday (28 November) convened the seventh African Union-United Nations Annual Conference in New York. In a joint communique issued afterwards, they stressed their deep concern regarding the current international situation and expressed their regrets on the dangers and risks that challenge the common and shared values of both organizations.
AU Commission Chairperson Mahamat on 29 November issued a statement on the situation in Sierra Leone in which he stated that he is monitoring with grave concern, the security situation in Sierra Leone arising from the intrusion of the Military Armory at Wilberforce barracks in Freetown and expressed his condemnation of the violence recently unleashed in Freetown, which is tantamount to disrupting the peace, democratic dispensation and stability of Sierra Leone.
In an effort to consolidate Continental efforts that Heads of State and other sectors have taken towards Ending Violence Against Women and Girls (EVAWG) in Africa including, among others, accountability for the implementation of the Kinshasa Declaration, the Dakar Call to Action and relevant AU Assembly decisions, the 3rd Men’s Conference on Positive Masculinity was held form 2 to 28 November 2023 in Johannesburg, South Africa.
The Department of Health, Humanitarian Affairs and Social Development of the African Union Commission (AUC) in collaboration with the Government of Kenya and the AU Humanitarian Partners, including, the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC), the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) and the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) co-hosted the Eleventh Session of the AU Annual Humanitarian Symposium on 27 – 29 November 2023 in Nairobi, Kenya under the theme “Advancing Effective and Inclusive Humanitarian Action in Africa.
Ethiopia
A high-level delegation led by President Sahle-Work Zewde took part in the 3rd AU Men’s conference on Positive Masculinity in Leadership and delivered her remarks.
Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed participated as a guest of honour at the 20th General Conference of the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) on 27 November in Vienna, Austria. In his keynote address, he unequivocally called for an inclusive and sustainable industrialisation, sharing Ethiopia’s journey in the past five years of making policy shifts, investing in multi-sector growth sources (See Article).
The Prime Minister and his entourage also paid visits to Austria and Czech Republic to further deepen cooperation at bilateral and multilateral fora between Ethiopia the two respective countries.
During the 28th UN Climate Change Conference of Parties meeting in the UAE, PM Abiy and President Mohamed Bin Zayed of the UAE toured the Ethiopian pavilion at which Ethiopia is featuring its Green Legacy related development initiatives on Friday (01 December). Belgian Prime Minister Alexander Croo also visited the pavilion and exchanged views with PM Abiy advancing bilateral cooperation.
Foreign Affairs State Minister Ambassador Mesganu Arga, on 28 November, met and held talks with the World Special Representative of the Austrian Chancellor, Peter Launsky-Tieffenthal. Their discussion focused on bilateral ties, economic opportunities and regional developments of mutual importance.
A high-level delegation led by State Minister of Industry Hasan Muhumed Moalin participated at the 28th States Parties Session of the Organisation of the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) in the Hague, the Netherlands. The State Minister addressed the Session on Ethiopia’s position on the need to strengthen the Africa Program for technology transfer and capacity building on chemical related technologies and preventive aspects on damages where necessary for both the continent and that of Ethiopia.
Commissioner of the Ethiopian Disaster Risk Management Commission, Ambassador Shiferaw Teklemariam, and United Nations Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator in Ethiopia, Dr. Ramiz Alakbarov, issued a joint statement on 29 November 2023 on the unprecedented floods in different parts of the country. In recent weeks, an estimated 1.5 million people in Ethiopia have been affected by ongoing floods and 600,000 displaced, intensifying the suffering of communities yet to recover from five consecutive seasons of severe drought in the Horn of Africa, the statement noted.
During an interview with The Africa Report magazine, the director general of the Capital Market Authority, Brook Taye stated, Ethiopia is on track to launch its first stock market for 50 years in the middle of 2024.
Eritrea
President Isaias Afwerki, on 26 November, hosted General Abdel-Fattah al-Burhan, the President of Sudan’s Sovereign Council and discussed bilateral ties and regional developments of mutual importance.
Djibouti
IGAD holds the 1st Media Awards ceremony on 26 November under the theme “Cooperation for Resilience against Drought Effects” in Djibouti with the aim of recognising and rewarding excellence in reporting on matters related to resilience to drought in the region at its headquarters in Djibouti.
Somalia
President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud officially launched the country’s Centennial Vision 2060 on27 November. During his speech, he said, ‘Embarking on a transformative journey, we stand united to build a prosperous future for our people, unshackling from poverty and division. This path is our collective destiny, our vision for a peaceful and inclusive Somalia.’
The President arrived in Dubai, on Thursday (30 November), to attend COP28 and to draw attention to the climate-induced humanitarian situation in Somalia with 1 million citizens displaced by El Niño, Villa Somalia announced.
During its 23rd Ordinary Summit of Heads of State in Arusha, Tanzania on 24 November, the East African Community (EAC) admitted Somalia as its newest member.
Speaking shortly after the Summit admitted his country into the bloc, President Sheikh Mohamud described the decision as a historic one, adding that the move will be mutually beneficial for both Somalia and the EAC.
The Inter-governmental Authority on Development (IGAD), in collaboration with the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit GmbH (GIZ) on 26 November conducted Somalia National consultation meeting with representative of government and partner agencies on Education towards Implementation of the Djibouti Declaration, in Mogadishu, Somalia.
South Sudan
President Salva Kiir, during the 7th Governors Forum said, he encourages parties to The Revitalised Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in the Republic of South Sudan (R-ARCSS) to continue cooperating. He added, it is the only surest way to build a strong foundation for a politically stable and democratic South Sudan.
On 30 November, President Kiir joined world leaders at the United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP28) in Dubai, UAE.
The Government on 28 November announced the appointment of Bangasi Joseph Bakasoro, Dak Duop Bichiok, William Anyuon and Kuol Muor Muor, as Minister of Presidential Affairs, Minister of Public Service and Human Resource Development, Minister of Trade and Industry and, Governor of Warrap State, respectively.
Kenya
President William Ruto on 27 November presided over the official opening of the 2024 Kenya Innovation week Commonwealth Edition in Nairobi under the theme “Innovating to Unlock Our Common Wealth.” On the sidelines of the meeting he launched, the 10-year Innovation Masterplan to spur the growth of the digital economy through investing in a robust innovation ecosystem, training, mentorship, and market linkages.
On 28 November, President Ruto held discussions with the Director-General of the International Labour Organization (ILO) Gilbert F. Houngbo at the State House. President Ruto afterwards posted on X, The International Labour Organization has played a vital role in shoring up our efforts to advance social justice and internationally recognised human and labour rights in the country.
Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi on 28 November announced the Government’s accession to the request of India Exim Bank to locate its East Africa Representative Office in Nairobi. India Exim Bank has previously provided financial support to Kenya with respect to development projects in the energy, textile and apparel and agricultural sectors and small and medium scale enterprises, he noted.
The Ministry of Foreign and Diaspora Affairs in collaboration with UNDP Africa, on 29 November, launched the Treaties digital registry and database of Kenya as a step forward for transparency and effective collaboration.
Sudan
On Sunday (26 November), General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, Chairman of the Sovereign Council held discussions with IGAD Executive Secretary Dr. Workneh Gebeyehu in Djibouti on discussions on the prevailing crisis in the Sudan. They agreed on the imperative for a sustainable ceasefire, aiming to alleviate humanitarian conditions and create a conducive environment for a final political resolution.
In its Regional Sudan Response Situation Update the International Organisation for Migration (IOM) called on all parties to ensure the safety of humanitarians and allow their unrestricted access to be able to assist those most vulnerable.
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Prime Minister Abiy Participates in the 20th Biennial UNIDO General Conference
Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed participated in the opening session of the 20th General Conference of the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) in Vienna, Austria. The conference was conducted from 27 November to 01 December 2023. With the overarching theme of “Fair Globalization: Innovative Solutions for the Industry of Tomorrow,” the 20th General Conference was aimed at addressing challenges and opportunities of the evolving global industry. Prime Minister Abiy received a special invitation from Gerd Müller, Gerd Müller, Director General of the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO), to serve as the distinguished guest of honour at the conference. The UNIDO General Conference serves as the highest decision-making body, convening member states once every two years.
Prime Minister Abiy delivered a keynote speech that focused on the current state of industrial development, significant policy reforms in Ethiopia, and the crucial role of industrialization in attaining sustainable development goals. In his address, he emphasized the transformative power of industrialization, stating, “History has shown us that industrialization can lift hundreds of millions of people out of poverty. The manufacturing sector in particular has emerged as a driver of prosperity, providing employment and fostering innovation in both developed and developing countries.”
The Prime Minister also underscored Ethiopia’s unwavering dedication to achieving food self-sufficiency. He emphasized that the increased production of essential commodities like wheat, coffee, and avocado, coupled with strategic measures to substitute edible oil and rice production, are crucial components of Ethiopia’s pursuit of food self-sufficiency. He also highlighted the significance of the digital economy by mentioning initiatives such as digital payment systems, the implementation of digital ID, and the establishment of the Ethiopian Artificial Intelligence Institute.
During his address, Prime Minister Abiy reiterated Ethiopia’s strong commitment to green growth and clean energy initiatives. He said, “We firmly acknowledge that sustainable industrial development should not come at the expense of the environment or the well-being of our people. Our priority lies in harnessing the potential of renewable energy sources to power our industries.” The Prime Minister highlighted the government’s commitment to building a climate-resilient green economy through the implementation of national energy policies and energy efficiency strategies across various sectors. Ethiopia already generates 98% of its energy from clean sources, including the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam, which stands as Africa’s largest hydropower plant, and the Koisha Dam, ranking as the third largest. UNIDO’s Director General Gerd Müller commended Ethiopia’s achievements and commitments in these areas, specifically stating Ethiopia’s remarkable progress in wheat production and export under the national wheat production initiative.
In his speech, the Prime Minister also stressed the importance of placing Africa at the forefront of the global industrialization agenda. He stated, “Africa is endowed with abundant natural resources, including critical minerals and a dynamic youth population, which are essential for industrial productivity and transformation of the economy yet, poverty remains to be among the most serious challenges.” The Director General of UNIDO complimented the statement made by Prime Minister Abiy. Director General Gerd Müller said “although the challenges seen in the world are not created by developing countries, they are the ones who are facing them, and there is a need for a new contract between developed and developing countries to deal with the matter.” He urged developed countries to share the burden of developing countries and to support developing countries’ economy. By emphasizing the need for new financial provision for developing countries and their appropriate share in international trade and energy; the Director General announced that UNIDO will continue to be the voice of developing countries.
In his keynote address, Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed further underscored the significant policy changes that Ethiopia has implemented over the past five years. These changes include a strong emphasis on investment in multi-sector growth, a focus on green development and clean energy sources, and a prioritization of social development. The Prime Minister highlighted the importance of creating a favourable business and investment environment to ensure the success of the multi-sector approach. He emphasized that agriculture, industry, tourism, mining, and technology have been identified as the pillars of the Ethiopia’s economy, with particular attention given to promoting green growth.
During the event, Prime Minister Abiy also met with Austria’s Chancellor, Karl Nehammer, and exchanged views on a range of common bilateral issues. The PM said “Ethio-Austria relations are over a century old with current relations enhanced by robust development cooperation. We aim to build on our existing relations gearing partnerships towards economic cooperation.” Chancellor Karl Nehammer on his part appreciated and Thanked Prime Minister Abiy for his visit and for the fruitful discussions they had. He said “Austria and Ethiopia have a long-standing partnership, and together we want to make it stronger again. We discussed intensively the possibilities of strengthening our bilateral cooperation, including in the economic and agricultural sectors, in mining, and also in tourism.”
Similarly, Prime Minister Abiy had a productive meeting with UNIDO’s Director General, Gerd Müller. Mr. Müller highlighted the numerous initiatives in progress between UNIDO and Ethiopia, including the upcoming UNIDO conference which will be held in Ethiopia under the theme “A World Without Hunger” and new flagship initiatives focused on agro-technology, renewable energy, and digitalization. Mr. Müller stressed on the joint conference to be held in Addis Ababa in 2024, showcasing the strong partnership between UNIDO and Ethiopia. The Prime Minister also assured the Director General of Ethiopia’s commitment and willingness to host the UNIDO conference in Addis Ababa early next year.
Ethiopia’s active participation in the Conference at a high official level plays a crucial role in further strengthening the already strong partnership between Ethiopia and UNIDO. Currently, UNIDO supports 16 ongoing projects in Ethiopia including three new integrated agro-industrial parks. UNIDO also agreed to establish centre of excellence and other training institutions in Ethiopia.
A Group of French Firms Exploring Ethiopian Business Opportunities
A French business delegation led by MEDEF International (French private companies’ association) has conducted a pre-investment visit to Ethiopia from November 22 to 24, 2023. The delegation was composed of 30 CEOs and representatives of 21 big French companies. Among the companies, AIRBUS Helicopters, ATELIA, SAFRAN, SETEC, SYSTRA, CETRAC, GOURDON, MED SURG SUPPORT, MERIDIAM, THALES, and NOVAFRICA Developments are few to mention. Some of the companies have already commenced investment in Ethiopia and want to further expand their businesses.
During the visit, the delegation had discussions with various government officials representing economic ministries and commissions including Ethiopian Investment Commission (EIC), Industrial Parks Development Corporation, Ministry of Urban and Infrastructure, Ministry of Transport and Logistics, Ministry of Innovation and Technology, and the National Bank of Ethiopia. The business delegation was briefed by government officials regarding the incentives provided by the government for foreign investors. In the discussion, the delegation members explained that availability of huge market potential, big economic opportunities, and the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) membership, are the reasons to choose Ethiopia as their investment destination.
They also indicated that the meetings helped the delegation to have information regarding the overall business climate of Ethiopia, investment laws, and the existing investment incentives. Officials from Ethiopian Investment Commission (EIC), Industrial Parks Development Corporation, and Ministry of Transport and Logistics provided detail presentations on their specific sectors. The officials underlined that Home Grown Economic Reform Agenda is the primary driving force of the economic development reform plans. It was also underlined that the government is determined to make the private investors the main player of the economy. Deputy commissioner of EIC, Temesgen Tilahun explained the changes made to improve the investment environment. The government is following inclusive and balanced approach, including building infrastructures, structural interventions to encourage private investors, and revision of the investment code. Over 80 directives are revised which improved the private sector participation.
Though the government follows a holistic and inclusive approaches, agriculture and agro-processing is given priority. In addition, the government also gives strong emphasis to manufacturing, mining, tourism, ICT (digital economy), logistics and transport, and the Real Estate investments. Among the companies, SYSTRA has shown interest to expand transit developments, and SAFRAN mentioned that it has interest to participate in airport development projects.
The Senior Technical Advisor of the ministry urban development and infrastructure, Tesfaye Woldemichael, shared the urbanization trends in Ethiopia and its consequences. He indicated that urban population growth rate in Ethiopia is estimated about 5%. This situation has compelled the government to fulfil demands that are created due to the population pressures in cities. In fulfilling these demands, investors are invited to fill gaps in housing, roads, and other projects. Currently, the government spends large amount of foreign currency to import construction materials. In addressing this challenge, private companies are welcomed to invest in production of construction materials.
Regarding transport and logistics, the state minister for transport and logistics Bero Hassen shared information regarding the government’s plan in the sector. Bero said, the government has plan of building 9000 kilometres of asphalted roads for the coming 8 years. To achieve this goal, the state minister invited the companies in the construction of highways and express ways. The state minister explained that the government has given priority for express ways and planned to open the sector for private investors in PPP modality.
The government also gives special focus for the expansion and development of industrial parks. The companies were eager to understand the benefits of the parks. The CEO of the Industrial Parks Development Corporation (IPDC), Aklilu Tadesse, also briefed the development of the parks. The Director General underlined that industrial parks help investors install their factories without delay and reduce unnecessary expenses. He added that the corporation provides services including water and power supply, and other turnkey facilities. Private investors can also develop Industrial parks. Currently, three industrial parks are privately owned in Ethiopia.
The financial sector was the other major issue to be discussed with the business delegation. The Governor of the National Bank of Ethiopia, Mamo Mihretu briefed the delegation in detail regarding the current financial laws, reforms, the monetary policies, and the challenges. The basic topics covered in the discussion were foreign currency matters, inflation and the banking system. According to the Governor, the country’s basic challenges remain to be inflation and forex. The government has introduced tightened monetary policy to address inflation. He said this policy has brought positive results. To address foreign currency shortages, the government is encouraging export. The governor also mentioned that Ethiopian debt burden is decreasing over time. The national debt is 17% to the GDP which is considered as the lowest in the world.
Most of the businesses have shown interests to invest in the transport, and logistics, banking and financial services. The governor of the national bank assured the companies that they can participate in the banking and financial sectors. To facilitate this, a new policy is going to be adopted in the near future.
MFA Spokesperson DG’s Experience Sharing Mission to China
The recent visit of Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed to China which was concluded by the signing of all-weather strategic partnership that heralded a new chapter in the bilateral relations between Ethiopia and China, which are joined in the hip.
Ethiopia and China have a history of diplomatic ties dating back to ancient times when they were engaged in trade along the ancient Silk Road. Ethiopian and Chinese civilizations are two of the oldest civilizations in the world that have historical, cultural, trade connection that goes back for centuries. Formal relations between the two countries were established in 1970 following the opening of their respective missions in each other capitals.
The longstanding cooperation between the two nations would be expected to deepen in the areas of people-to-people relations and cultural exchanges, capacity building, aviation, regional and global issues, and particularly in promoting China-Africa relations through the implementation of the agreement penned when Prime Minister made the state visit.
The exchange of people-to-people relations have been exponentially increased as the visit of a delegation led by the Vice President of the ruling Prosperity Party Adam Farah together with the Regional Presidents of Ethiopia. This visit was also followed by an experience sharing mission by a team from the Spokesperson’s Directorate General of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs headed by the Director General, Ambassador Meles Alem to Chinese cities of Beijing and Shanghai from 20 to 24 November 2023.
The visit among others included meetings, discussions, sightseeing and tours with its Chinese counterparts and participation at the regular press conference hosted by Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Mao Ning. The delegation visited the Chinese People’s Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries (CPAFFC) leaderships in Beijing and Shanghai, Beijing Foreign Study University (BFSU) and met with the Deputy President of the University, visit to China Global Television Network (CGTN), the Paper, and Dragon TV.
Ambassador Meles Alem also conferred with his Chinese counterpart, Wang Wenbin, on ways of strengthening the interaction between the two offices. Both spokespersons exchanged their experiences about the day-to-day activities of their departments.
While visiting CPAFFC, the delegation was received warmly with very usual Chinese hospitality. Ambassador Meles Alem expressed the necessity of turning a new chapter on the people-to-people relations between Ethiopia and China. Reassuring the full support of his office, Ambassador Meles stated that the CPAFFC and Ethiopian Friendship Association should work closely to deepen the longstanding relations between Ethiopia and China.
At time of discussion with the vice president of BFSU, Sun Youzhong and Head of African study department, and teachers of the Amharic Department, Ambassador Meles briefed that offering Amharic course in bachelor degree in China has power to further cement the people-to-people relation between the two countries. In his deliberations with the Vice president of the University, Ambassador Meles Alem appreciated the efforts made by the University to teach Amharic as a language, and called up on the university to consider other Ethiopian languages as they contribute furthering the bilateral relations.
The Ambassador also called upon officials of the media outlets of CGTN, The Paper, and Dragon TV to dispatch their correspondents in Addis Ababa, the political capital of Africa, apart from collaborating with Ethiopian media fraternities.
People-to-People relations play a crucial role in fostering diplomatic ties between Ethiopia and China. It helps to build mutual understanding, trust, and cultural exchanges, which are essential elements in maintaining strong and sustainable relations. It also serves as a bridge between nations, fostering goodwill, understanding, and support that are essential for the success of diplomatic initiatives and maintenance of healthy, long-term relationships between both countries, as stated in all weathered strategic partnership.
Last but not least, Ethiopia and China though thousands of miles apart they share a common aspiration. The Chinese dream is about pursuing strength of the country, rejuvenation of the nation and happiness of the people and the dream of Ethiopia are creating a prosperous and developed Ethiopia in different fields such as agriculture, technology, and tourism.
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