Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed Addresses Parliament on Fiscal Year Review and Key National Issues
Ethiopia Welcomes Renowned Former African Football Players
National Consultative Forum on Ethiopia’s AfCFTA Implementation Strategy Kicks-off in Addis Ababa
Ethiopia and South Sudan to Build a Cross-country Highway Connecting the Two Countries
Ethiopian Livestock Value Chains Business Dialogue Forum Held in Beijing
NEWS IN BRIEF
Ethiopia
The House of People’s Representatives of Ethiopia convened its 36th regular session with Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed in attendance on Thursday (July 4). During the session, the Prime Minister addressed questions from parliamentarians on various issues, including social, economic, and political developments in the country. (See article)
Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed kicked off this year’s Green Legacy planting cycle in Hayk town, South Wollo Zone, Amhara region on Saturday (June 29), emphasizing that planting not only enhances Ethiopia’s greenery but also revitalizes all sectors of the economy.
Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed received renowned former Nigerian football star Nwankwo Kanu and other African football legends to Ethiopia during their visit for the Shenen Africa Festival on Friday (June 28). (See article)
On Wednesday (July 3), Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed announced new appointments to the ministries of Culture, Sports; and Trade and Regional Integration. Shewit Shanka is the new Minister of Culture and Sports, succeeding Kejela Merdasa, who now serves as Advisor to the Prime Minister on Youth and Sports. Kasahun Gofe, formerly Minister of State at MoTRI, has been appointed as the Minister for the Ministry of Trade and Regional Integration (MoTRI).
Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed met with Marriott International President and CEO Anthony Capuano on Wednesday (July 3) to discuss growing Ethiopia’s travel and hospitality sectors. The Prime Minister emphasized Ethiopia’s aspirations in the tourism sector and ways to collaborate to maximize Ethiopia’s potential.
Ethiopia’s Nationally Determined Contribution Implementation Plan was launched on Wednesday (July 3) in the presence of key figures, including Deputy Prime Minister Temesgen Tiruneh, ministers, heads of federal and regional institutions, and delegates from various international bodies. The Deputy Prime Minister revealed Ethiopia’s robust approach to tackling climate change, highlighting tangible progress, particularly through the Green Legacy initiative.
House of Peoples’ Representatives (HPR) Speaker Tagesse Chafo and a high-level delegation from Azerbaijan led by Minister of Ecology and Natural Resources, Mukhtar Babayev, who is COP-29 President, exchanged ideas on strengthening cooperation and addressing global climate challenges on Monday (July 1). Discussions included Ethiopia’s Green Legacy Initiative and COP29 as key points, alongside strengthening bilateral and multilateral efforts to tackle global challenges.
Chief of Staff of the Ethiopian National Defense Forces (ENDF), Field Marshal Birhanu Jula, met with Ugandan President Yoweri K. Museveni in Kampala during a working visit on Thursday (July 4). Discussions focused on bilateral relations, noting Ethiopia and Uganda’s significant role in peace and security in Eastern Africa.
Minister of Foreign Affairs Ambassador Taye Atske-Selassie met with his Somali counterpart, Ahmed Fiqi Ahmed, in Ankara on Monday (July 11), reaffirming their commitment to regional stability. They scheduled a second round of talks for September 2 in Ankara. These discussions follow Turkey’s mediation efforts in Ankara this week between Somalia and Ethiopia to resolve diplomatic tensions.
Foreign Minister Ambassador Taye Atske Selassie received an Italian parliamentary delegation led by Senator Stefania Craxi, President of the Senate Foreign Affairs and Defense Commission, on Saturday (June 29). Discussions covered bilateral, regional, and multilateral issues of mutual concern. The senator also met with Ethiopia’s Minister of Defense, Aisha Mohammed, and members of the Foreign Relations and Peace Affairs Standing Committee of the House of People’s Representatives (HPR) in Addis Ababa.
Ethiopia’s State Minister for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Mesganu Arga, met with Heiko Nitzschke, Special Envoy for the Horn of Africa of the Federal Republic of Germany, on Tuesday (July 2), to discuss issues concerning the Horn of Africa, regional matters of mutual interest, and Ethiopia’s significant regional role.
Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Ambassador Birtukan Ayano, along with high-ranking Ethiopian officials, warmly welcomed second-generation Ethiopian diaspora returning from various countries worldwide on Monday (July 1), responding to Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed’s call for their homecoming. The current phase, “Leave Your Legacy, Savor Your Holiday,” encourages diaspora participation in national volunteerism, including the Green Legacy tree planting initiative and charity activities.
Ambassador Nebiyu Tedla, Ministry of Foreign Affairs Spokesperson, highlighted Ethiopia’s Green Diplomacy success during a press briefing on Thursday (July 4), acknowledging Green Legacy’s recognition as a model of action in the global fight against climate change. The spokesperson also outlined the upcoming summer voluntary service program, which includes this year’s Green Legacy initiative, featuring activities such as renovating homes for the vulnerable, donating educational materials to 400 students, supporting 29 children under the ministry’s care, and blood donation.
The National Consultative Forum on the Development of Ethiopia’s AfCFTA Implementation Strategy was held in Addis Ababa on Saturday (June 29). The Forum was organized by the Policy Studies Institute in collaboration with the Ministry of Trade and Regional Integration and the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa. (See article)
On a similar note, a workshop on exploring the intricacies of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) Digital Trade Protocol (AfCFTA Digital Protocol) and its impact on e-commerce in Africa was held in Addis Ababa on Wednesday (July 3). The workshop on Annexes to the Digital Trade Protocol and e-Commerce was conducted following the adoption of the AfCFTA Digital Protocol at the 37th African Union Heads of States Summit in February this year.
In a meeting held on Friday (June 28), in Nairobi, Kenya, Alemu Sime, Ethiopia’s Minister of Transport and Logistics, discussed various issues within bilateral and regional transport and logistics sectors with Onesimus Kipchumba Murkomen, Kenya’s Cabinet Secretary for Roads and Transport, focusing particularly on strategies for infrastructure improvements connecting the two countries.
A business dialogue on Ethiopia’s livestock sector took place at the Ethiopian Embassy in Beijing on Saturday (June 22). Senior officials from both countries, along with representatives from UNIDO, business leaders, and sector stakeholders, participated to enhance bilateral cooperation and investment in Ethiopia’s growing livestock sector. (See article)
Ethiopia’s Minister of Women and Social Affairs, Ergogie Tesfaye, met with Christian F. Saunders, Under Secretary-General for the Office of the Special Coordinator on Improving UN Response to Sexual Exploitation and Abuse (OSCSEA), on Tuesday (July 2), to discuss efforts to prevent gender-based violence, ensure gender equality, and empower women.
Japan and Ethiopia have joined forces to revolutionize Ethiopia’s health system and address health challenges. During a high-level meeting between Minister of Health Mekdes Daba and a delegation of Japanese parliamentarians on Tuesday (July 2), avenues for collaboration were explored, with Mekdes Daba expressing appreciation for Japan’s support in Ethiopia’s health sector.
Ethiopia’s Minister of Tourism, Ambassador Nasise Chali, along with Minister of Culture and Sports, Kajela Merdassa, opened the ‘Shenen Africa Fashion Festival Week 2024’ at the Adwa Victory Memorial Museum in Addis Ababa on Friday (June 28), in the presence of several dignitaries.
Ethiopia’s Minister of Innovation and Technology, Belete Molla, engaged in a discussion with Chinese officials from the China National Nuclear Corporation (CNNC) on Monday (July 1) to explore potential cooperation opportunities in the nuclear energy field.
Four innovative works developed by the Ethiopian Artificial Intelligence Institute were granted patent rights by the Ethiopian Intellectual Property Authority on Monday (July 1). The patents cover AI-based tools for testing and identifying diabetic diseases, types of breast cancers, skin diseases in children, and coffee leaf diseases.
A delegation from the Eastern Africa Standby Force office in Nairobi, Kenya, visited Ethiopia on Monday (July 1), to oversee the preparedness of Ethiopia’s motorized battalion contributing to the force. EASF commended Ethiopia for its role in maintaining peace and stability in the region as a key member, conducting a pre-deployment verification and assessment forum in Bishoftu town, Oromia region, on the same day.
The first batch of students in the Beijing Foreign Studies University (BFSU) Amharic Language Department graduated on Friday (June 28). BFSU is the only university in China offering an Amharic Language Department.
Djibouti
Ethiopia’s Minister of Finance, Ahmed Shide, visited Djibouti’s port facilities on Wednesday (July 3) to observe the import-export flow of Ethiopia’s cargoes. The Finance Minister also met with the Minister of Energy, in charge of Natural Resources, Yonis Ali Guedi, earlier this week on Monday (July 1) during his working visit to Djibouti.
Dire Dawa, a city in Ethiopia, celebrated the 47th anniversary of the independence of Djibouti. Media reported on Monday (July 1) that the event was organized by the Consul General of Djibouti in Dire Dawa, Moussa Hadji Djama.
The President of the National Assembly, Dileita Mohamed Dileita, received a delegation from the Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee of the Senate of the Republic of Italy on Sunday (June 30). The delegation was led by Stefania Craxi, President of the Senate Foreign Affairs Committee.
Somalia
President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud received a congratulatory message on Wednesday (July 3) for the 64th anniversary of the country’s independence from US President Joe Biden, who reaffirmed that the US stands with Somalia in its continued efforts to advance security, build inclusive economic growth, promote governance reform and human rights, and tackle climate shocks and droughts.
President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud held a telephone conversation with his Egyptian counterpart, Abdel Fattah Elsisi on, on Thursday (July 4). During the call, the two leaders discussed bilateral relations of mutual interest, reaffirming their commitment to enhancing cooperation in several key areas and uniting efforts to promote regional stability.
The Prime Minister of the Federal Republic of Somalia, Hamsa Abdi Barre, and his delegation left for the Republic of Iraq on Thursday (July 4), after receiving an official invitation from his Iraqi counterpart, Mohamed Shiaac Al-Sudaani. The visit aims to strengthen cooperation in the fields of economy, security, and the general interests of the two countries.
Somalia’s Prime Minister, Hamza Abdi Barre, inaugurated the Somalia Fisheries Week event held in Mogadishu on Wednesday (July 3). Speaking at the event, the Prime Minister stated that the government is committed to sustainable practices and securing marine resources against climate impacts for resilient fishing communities.
South Sudan
The first Ethiopia-South Sudan Joint Border Administrators meeting was held on Thursday (July 4) at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ethiopia. The two-day meeting aimed at enhancing development cooperation, joint infrastructure, and people-to-people relations. Ambassador Fesseha Shawel, Director General for African Affairs at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, emphasized enhancing bilateral relations by addressing cross-border issues, while Ambassador Antipas Nyok, Director of Borders and Foreigners at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of South Sudan, highlighted the importance of mutual benefit.
Ethiopia and South Sudan are to build a cross-country highway, strengthening their historic ties and enhancing regional connectivity. This project, set to connect Paloch-Mathiang-Maiwut-Pagak areas, signifies a significant step towards fostering peace, shared development, and prosperity between the two nations. (See article)
Sudan
A delegation from the Sudanese mission in Addis Ababa, led by Ambassador El-Zein Ibrahim, met on Tuesday (July 2) with Andrew Ambuguri, the country representative of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) in Ethiopia, to discuss addressing the humanitarian needs of Sudanese refugees.
The Netherlands announced on Thursday (July 4) the Immigration and Naturalization Service (IND) decision to resume processing asylum applications for Sudanese citizens, pending since July 8, 2023. The IND stated that it will restart decisions on these applications, which were paused last year due to uncertainty in Sudan.
Africa and the African Union
African Union Commission Chairperson, Moussa Faki Mahmat, on a press release on Tuesday (July 2) condemned the coordinated attacks by suspected suicide bombers in Nigeria on Sunday (June 30), leading to the loss of innocent lives and many injured and extended condolences to the government of Nigeria and the families of the victims.
The African Union Commission and its specialized agency on girls and women’s education hosted a conference from Tuesday (July 2) to Friday (July 5) in Addis Ababa with government ministers, education experts, and civil society representatives to accelerate progress on girls’ and women’s education.
The 7th African Union Specialized Technical Committee on Finance, Monetary Affairs, Economic Planning, and Integration launched on Wednesday (July 3) in Tunis, Tunisia. Organized by the AU Commission’s Department of Economic Development, Trade, Tourism, Industry, and Mining (ETTIM), the event aimed at coordinating macroeconomic and sectoral policies in Africa to promote inclusive growth and sustainable development, aligning with Africa’s Agenda 2063, specifically Aspiration 1.
The Pan-African Parliament’s Permanent Committees on Cooperation, International Relations, and Conflict Resolution; Justice and Human Rights; and Rules, Privileges, and Discipline convened to discuss the zero draft of the revised Organization of African Unity (OAU) Convention for the Elimination of Mercenaries in Africa. This session followed a recent briefing on Africa’s peace and security landscape, highlighting the critical need for updated measures. According to a press release by the African Union Commission on Saturday (June 29), the discussions underscored the urgency of addressing contemporary security challenges across the continent.
The AU Economic, Social, and Cultural Council (ECOSOCC) marks its 20th anniversary this July, celebrating its role in integrating civil society into AU decision-making. ECOSOCC’s commemoration ceremony was held on Thursday (July 4), honoring two decades of promoting Pan-African values and citizen engagement across Africa.
Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed Addresses Parliament on Fiscal Year Review and Key National Issues
The 36th ordinary session of the House of People’s Representatives of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia was held on Thursday (July 4), with Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed presenting the government’s 2016 Ethiopian fiscal year report and addressing questions from members of the House.
During this final parliamentary session of the 2016 fiscal year, members posed questions to the Prime Minister on a wide range of issues, including the economy, peace and security, national dialogue, transitional justice, institutional reform, and diplomacy.
Regarding diplomacy, the Prime Minister highlighted Ethiopia’s role in contributing to peace in Somalia, noting the sacrifices made by Ethiopian soldiers. He reiterated Ethiopia’s commitment to Somalia’s peace and prosperity and expressed Ethiopia’s interest in gaining access to a seaport through dialogue and mutual benefit, without harming any involved parties.
The Prime Minister also emphasized the significance of the Pretoria Cessation of Hostilities Agreement as a demonstration of the Ethiopian government’s shift towards resolving conflicts peacefully. He stated that they had achieved a significant victory by ceasing fire and resuming basic services like banking, air transport, and telecom in Tigray. He explained ongoing efforts to adhere to the Pretoria agreement, including the resettlement of citizens displaced by the war, and stressed the need to strengthen these efforts.
Prime Minister Abiy firmly stated that Ethiopia has experienced a long history of violence, conflict, and war, and that this cycle must end with the current generation. He affirmed the government’s readiness to make any sacrifice for peace, emphasizing that it is impossible to maintain power in Ethiopia through violence and war. He stressed that the best path for Ethiopia is to discuss and solve problems peacefully.
On the topic of neighboring countries, the Prime Minister addressed the border dispute with Sudan, stating that Ethiopia is not willing to solve the disputes through violence and will continue supplying electrical power to Sudan despite its inability to pay. He emphasized that Ethiopia is not willing to take advantage of Sudan’s misfortune and will take risks to ensure peace in Sudan while adhering to the principle of non-intervention. He stated that the peace-loving people of Sudan deserve peace.
Speaking on the overall reform agenda, Prime Minister Abiy identified two primary issues driving the reform: existing problems and current fractures in the country. He outlined efforts to address these issues through National Dialogue and Transitional Justice, explaining that the National Dialogue aims to improve the future, while Transitional Justice seeks to resolve past wrongs and current problems through institutional reform.
He called on all partners and citizens to recognize the achievements and progress made thus far, and to collaborate on the remaining monumental tasks required to restore peace in Ethiopia.
Ethiopia Welcomes Renowned Former African Football Players
Ethiopia recently hosted a delegation of former Nigerian football legends, including Nwankwo Kanu, Taribo West, and Daniel Amokachi, who visited for the Shenen Africa Festival. Welcomed by Ethiopia’s Minister of Tourism, Ambassador Nasise Chali upon their arrival at Addis Ababa Bole International Airport on Friday (June 28), the group also included Henry Kamara from Senegal and other African star players.
During their stay, the delegation met with Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, who announced Ethiopia’s bid to host the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON). The Prime Minister underscored ongoing discussions with the Confederation of African Football (CAF) to support Ethiopia’s application, emphasizing preparations for potential success.
The football legends also toured the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) project site with Ambassador Nasise Chali and Minister of Irrigation and Lowlands Abraham Belay, gaining insights into its national significance. They engaged in a friendly match with Prime Minister Abiy and participated in the Green Legacy tree planting at Friendship Park.
Attending the Shenen Africa Festival at the Adwa Victory Memorial Museum, inaugurated by Ambassador Nasise Chali and Minister of Culture and Sport Kajela Merdassa, the players celebrated Ethiopia’s cultural heritage, art, and development projects. Nwankwo Kanu praised Ethiopia’s hospitality, expressing eagerness to return, highlighting the visit’s role in strengthening ties between Ethiopia and the broader African football community.
Their visit not only celebrated cultural exchange and development but also showcased opportunities for future collaborations in Ethiopia’s sports and tourism sectors. As Ethiopia progresses in its development journey and seeks to host AFCON, support from these football icons underscores the nation’s potential on the international stage.
National Consultative Forum on Ethiopia’s AfCFTA Implementation Strategy Kicks-off in Addis Ababa
The National Consultative Forum on Ethiopia’s AfCFTA Implementation Strategy took place in Addis Ababa on Saturday (June 29). Organized by the Policy Studies Institute in collaboration with the Ministry of Trade and Regional Integration and the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa, the forum aimed to chart Ethiopia’s path towards integrating into the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
Initiated by the Ministry of Trade and Regional Integration (MoTRI), Ethiopia’s development of the AfCFTA Implementation Strategy is a collaborative effort with various partners and stakeholders. The Ethiopian Policy Studies Institute (PSI) produced an Inception Report detailing the strategy’s processes, steps, and milestones in line with the 2019 “Guidelines for Developing African Continental Free Trade Area National Strategies.” This comprehensive report outlines the strategy’s objectives, approaches, methodology, and a roadmap for preparation and implementation.
The PSI, in partnership with MoTRI and other stakeholders, organized a full-day National Consultative Forum on “the Development of Ethiopia’s National AfCFTA Implementation Strategy,” engaging relevant stakeholders to shape the strategy and its accompanying action plans.
During the forum’s opening session, Minister of Trade and Regional Integration Gebre-Meskel Challa emphasized the critical role of the AfCFTA Implementation Strategy in effectively implementing the agreement at the national level and unlocking its economic potential. He reiterated Ethiopia’s commitment to the AfCFTA Agreement, highlighting the establishment of necessary legal and institutional frameworks.
Professor Beyene Petros, Director General of the Policy Studies Institute, underscored AfCFTA’s potential to integrate Africa’s markets, stressing the strategy’s pivotal role in realizing economic benefits.
Participants from federal ministries, civil societies, the private sector, and other key stakeholders actively contributed to the forum, detailing AfCFTA’s diverse benefits for member states and advocating for widespread awareness and engagement.
Ethiopia, as a founding State Party to the Agreement establishing the African Continental Free Trade Area, was among the first countries to sign and ratify AfCFTA under the African Union’s Agenda 2063. Ethiopia’s tariff offers in trade goods have been adopted by the African Union Policy organ as it prepares to participate in the Guided Trade Initiative.
To expedite AfCFTA’s implementation, Ethiopia has commenced the development of its National Implementation Strategy, a crucial tool that will prioritize sectors where Ethiopia holds a comparative advantage in production and trade. This strategy will be supported by robust monitoring and evaluation mechanisms, guiding Ethiopia’s integration into regional and global value chains and paving the way for sustainable economic growth and development.
Ethiopia and South Sudan to Build a Cross-country Highway Connecting the Two Countries
Ethiopia and South Sudan have announced plans to construct a 220 km cross-country highway linking the Paloch-Mathiang-Maiwut-Pagak areas. This strategic decision reflects the deep historical and cultural ties between the two nations, aiming to bolster economic integration and strengthen diplomatic cooperation.
The project, formalized through a finance agreement signed in Juba on May 18, 2023, and subsequently approved by South Sudan’s Transitional National Legislative Assembly on June 25, 2024, marks a crucial step towards overcoming infrastructural challenges that have hindered bilateral growth. Pending final authorization by President Salva Kiir, construction is expected to commence soon, promising to transform the socio-economic landscape of the region.
It is to be recalled that President Salva Kiir expressed optimism during the signing, highlighting the road’s potential to bridge communities and address longstanding challenges along the joint border. Ethiopia views the project as pivotal in enhancing commercial connectivity, fostering regional cooperation, and uniting the two nations more closely.
Aligned with the AU Agenda 2063, the Trans African Highway Initiative, the IGAD Infrastructure Development Master Plan, and the Horn of Africa Integration Initiative (HoAI), the highway is expected to facilitate easier movement of people, unlock economic potential, and promote robust trade relations between Ethiopia and South Sudan. As preparations for construction progress, the road project signifies a significant milestone in deepening economic, political, and cultural ties between the two peoples.
Ethiopian Livestock Value Chains Business Dialogue Forum Held in Beijing
A business dialogue on Ethiopia’s livestock sector was held at the Ethiopian Embassy in Beijing on Saturday (June 22). Senior officials from both countries, along with representatives from UNIDO, business leaders, and sector stakeholders, participated to enhance bilateral cooperation and investment in Ethiopia’s growing livestock sector.
During the event, Ambassador Tefera Derbew, Plenipotentiary and Extraordinary Ambassador of Ethiopia in China, delivered a keynote speech highlighting the increasing economic ties between Ethiopia and China. He emphasized achievements on social, economic, and political fronts through a win-win partnership, stressing the special role agriculture plays in Ethiopia’s overall economic development and the significant potential of its livestock sector, which boasts the world’s fifth-largest herd of cattle.
The dialogue aimed to support, strengthen, and create conducive conditions for Ethiopian livestock and livestock products exports by upgrading existing quarantine, inspection, and certification systems to meet international and Chinese standards. The Ethiopian government’s strategic initiatives to modernize the livestock value chain, enhance productivity, and ensure sustainability were also discussed. Alemayehu Mekonnen, Senior Advisor at the Office of the State Minister for Livestock and Fisheries in the Ministry of Agriculture provided detailed insights into these initiatives.
Thematic presentations covered Ethiopian livestock resources, investment opportunities, regulatory systems, and meat production, processing, and export potential. Kargbo Stephen, UNIDO Representative of the Regional Office in China, shared his experiences in both Ethiopia and China.
Concluding the event, Ambassador Tefera invited Chinese livestock-product importers to consider Ethiopia for quality organic livestock products. He highlighted the growing strategic partnership between Ethiopia and China and urged Chinese investors to take advantage of Ethiopia’s vast market access for livestock products and available incentives. He also called on the General Administration of Customs of the People’s Republic of China to expedite the registration process for meat and meat products to facilitate faster exports to China.
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