Ethiopia participates in the 45th Ordinary Session of the Executive Council of the African Union
Deputy Prime Minister of Ireland Visits Ethiopia
Ethiopia’s State Minister Visits Greece to Strengthen Bilateral Relations
Ethiopia and Italy Conduct their 5th Business Forum in Milan, Italy
NEWS IN BRIEF
Ethiopia
On Monday (July 22), Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed launched the 5 million Ethiopian Coders Initiative in the Capital, Addis Ababa. On the sidelines of the launching program The Ethiopian Executive Leadership Training Program was also announced with the aim of training senior leaders from various government institutions over six months. The ambitious initiative boasts of creating unprecedented opportunity for the year in the digital era and was a result of collaboration between the governments of Ethiopia and the United Arab Emirates.
Ethiopia hosted the First Preparatory Session of the 4th Conference on Financing for Development in Addis Ababa from July 22–26. The event attracted more than 850 participants, including ministerial and senior experts representing over 100 member state delegations, the Deputy Secretary-General of the UN, heads of UN specialized agencies, representatives from civil society organizations, and other stakeholders. (See Article)
The Deputy Prime Minister, Minister for Foreign Affairs and Defence of Ireland, Micheál Martin TD, undertook an official visit to Ethiopia from July 17-19. During the visit, the Deputy Prime Minister engaged in comprehensive discussions with Ethiopian government officials on various bilateral and regional matters of shared significance. (See Article)
On Tuesday (July 23), Foreign Minister Ambassador Taye Atske-Selassie met with UN Deputy Secretary General, Amina Jane Mohamed, in his office and discussed at length about the upcoming UN Summit of the Future, Ethiopia’s national development endeavours as well as Horn of Africa regional issues.
Foreign Minister Ambassador Taye Atske-Selassie, on Wednesday (July 24) conferred in his office with the Secretary of State for Foreign and Global Affairs of Spain, Diego Martinez Belio, on bilateral, regional and global issues of mutual interest and on further enhancing longstanding ties.
The Ethiopian delegation, led by Ambassador Taye Atske-Selassie, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia, participated in the 45th Ordinary Session of the Executive Council of the African Union from July 18-19 in Accra, Ghana. The meeting was attended by high-level delegations from Member States and various organs of the African Union. (See Article)
The State Minister of Finance, Semereta Sewasew, shared Ethiopia’s experience on Integrated National Financing Framework during an event entitled “Making Finance Work for People and Planet through Integrated National Financing Frameworks” on the sidelines of the First Preparatory Committee on the Fourth International Conference on Financing for Development (FfD4) which is taking place in Addis Ababa. The side event was jointly organised by the INFF (Integrated National Financing Framework) Facility, UNDP and UNDESA.
State Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Mesganu Arga, on Wednesday (July 24), received at his office a delegation led by Cuban Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, Elio Eduardo Rodrigues Perdomo and discussed the need to implement existing bilateral agreements in areas like water management, education, air transport, and trade, and encouraged further cooperation in healthcare and sugar production. The deliberations culminated in the signing of a Bilateral Political Consultation Agreement.
On the same day, State Minister Ambassador Mesganu met with Norwegian State Secretary Bjørg Sandkjær and discussed the strong partnership between Ethiopia and Norway, particularly in the areas of education, climate change, as well as peace and security. They also discussed various bilateral, regional and global issues of mutual interest.
State Minister of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ethiopia, Ambassador Mesganu Arga, paid a three-day visit to the Republic of Italy from July 18–21, where he officially opened the Fifth Ethio-Italy Business Forum in Milan. (See Article)
Prior to his visit to Italy, Ambassador Mesganu Arga, State Minister of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ethiopia, paid a three-day visit to the Hellenic Republic (Greece) from July 15–17 at the invitation of Ambassador Alexandra Papadopoulos, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Hellenic Republic. (See Article)
Ethiopia called for early agreement on a legally binding instrument to assure non-nuclear-weapon states against the use or threat of nuclear weapons, during the second session of the Preparatory Committee for the 2026 Review Conference of the Parties to the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT) on Wednesday (July 24) at the United Nations Office in Geneva, Switzerland.
Djibouti
President Ismaïl Omar Guelleh, on Wednesday (July 24), arrived in the French Capital, Paris for an official visit. During the visit, he met with French counterpart Emmanuel Macron and inked an agreement that would enable the two countries to renew their defence partnership, following two years of negotiations.
Kenya
President William Samoei Ruto during a media briefing at the State House Nairobi on Wednesday (July 24) announced 10 Cabinet Secretaries to the second batch of cabinet minister nominees including those from contending political parties led by Raila Odinga.
Somalia
Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre, during his visit to Qatar on Monday (July 22) met with Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al-Thani.
Ethiopia National Defence Forces (ENDF) troops serving with the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS) on Saturday (July 20) donated medical supplies to Bay Regional Hospital in South West State to improve access to healthcare in the region.
South Sudan
President Salva Kiir on Monday (July 22) removed Chief Office Administrator Yel Luol Kur and appointed Daniel Madit Malek instead.
On Wednesday (July 24), President Kiir travelled to South Africa for a working visit during which he met with President Cyril Ramaphosa and briefed him on the progress of the ongoing Nairobi Tumaini Peace Initiative, aimed at reaching a political settlement between the government of South Sudan and holdout groups.
Africa and the African Union
The Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD), in collaboration with the European Union through Eurostat and the African Union via the African Union Institute for Statistics (STATAFRIC), on Monday (July 22) announced the launch of the first edition of the IGAD Statistics Yearbook, “Facts and Figures”, that boasts of harmonising regional statistics, providing a robust foundation for data-driven decision-making across the region.
Ethiopia Successfully Hosts the First Preparatory Session of the 4th Conference on Financing for Development
Ethiopia hosted the First Preparatory Session of the 4th Conference on Financing for Development in Addis Ababa from July 22–26. The event attracted more than 850 participants, including ministerial and senior experts representing over 100 member state delegations, the Deputy Secretary-General of the UN, heads of UN specialized agencies, representatives from civil society organizations, and other stakeholders.
In his opening address, Ambassador Taye Atske-Selassie, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia, underscored Ethiopia’s commitment to the goals outlined in the Addis Ababa Action Agenda (AAAA). He highlighted the swift reforms and impactful national flagship initiatives undertaken by the Ethiopian government in line with the SDGs and the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, including domestic resource mobilization, green legacy initiatives, transitioning to clean energy, social protection, ecotourism, digital technologies, and urban development.
Ambassador Taye also emphasized the enthusiasm and expectations created by the AAAA since its adoption in July 2015, stressing the need for concerted international action and strong political commitment to accelerate its implementation. He pointed out several obstacles impeding progress, including geopolitical tensions, the COVID-19 pandemic, unfulfilled climate finance pledges, and rigid international financial institutions.
Furthermore, Ambassador Taye called for adopting a transformative and ambitious financial framework to achieve the SDGs. He suggested innovative financing and mobilization of sufficient resources, reforming the global financial architecture, combating illicit financial flows, enhancing international tax cooperation, increasing commitment to climate finance pledges, operationalizing the loss and damage fund, and scaling up debt relief and sustainability initiatives.
Ahmed Shide, Minister of Finance of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia, delivered the welcoming speech, highlighting initiatives such as the Home Grown Economic Reform and the Green Legacy.
In his video address, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres expressed concern over the lack of progress in implementing the SDGs, noting that many commitments remain unfulfilled. He emphasized the challenges posed by geopolitical tensions, high debt burdens, and capital costs, which hinder developing countries’ ability to finance the SDGs.
Amina J. Mohammed, Deputy Secretary-General, praised Ethiopia for hosting and leading the financing for development process by convening the First Prep Com and the 3rd Financing for Development. In her keynote address, she highlighted the significance of beginning this process in Addis Ababa and stressed the urgency of delivering on the Addis commitments, calling for bolder steps to create an international financial architecture that can bridge today’s finance divide.
The First Prep Conference of the FfD4 provided an opportunity for high officials of the Ethiopian government to hold bilateral discussions with Deputy Secretary-General Amina J. Mohammed, and representatives from Portugal, Spain, Norway, and the European Union. Ethiopia shared its successful experience in hosting the Third Financing for Development with Spain, the host of the upcoming Fourth Financing for Development in June 2025 in Sevilla.
The First Preparatory Conference addressed substantial matters in Financing for Development, focusing on the main action areas of the AAAA, including domestic public resource mobilization, domestic and international private business and finance, official development assistance, international trade as an engine for development, debt and debt sustainability, addressing systemic issues, science, technology, innovation, and reform of international financial institutions, and the state of climate financing.
The four-day event took place at Skylight Hotel, with Ethiopia’s track record of successfully hosting significant international events and its commitment to the Sustainable Development Processes cited as reasons for its selection as the host. The conference featured a two-day ministerial segment and a three-day experts’ segment.
Ethiopia participates in the 45th Ordinary Session of the Executive Council of the African Union
The Ethiopian delegation, led by Ambassador Taye Atske-Selassie, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia, participated in the 45th Ordinary Session of the Executive Council of the African Union from July 18-19 in Accra, Ghana. The meeting was attended by high-level delegations from Member States and various organs of the African Union.
Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration of Ghana, welcomed the various delegations gathered in Accra. The session was presided over by Mohamed Salem Merzoug, Minister for Foreign Affairs, Cooperation, and Mauritanians Abroad, and Chairperson of the Executive Council.
The Executive Council Session considered several agenda items, including Institutional Reform of the African Union and administrative and budgetary issues. The session also examined and adopted the budget of the African Union for 2025. Additionally, the meeting reviewed the report of the African Union Commission on Africa’s participation in the G20 as a permanent member and the continent’s engagement with various international partners.
During the discussions, Ambassador Taye emphasised the need to articulate and amplify Africa’s interests, continually refining its priorities as the African Union prepares for its inaugural participation in the G20. He underscored that Africa should participate in the G20 on equal footing with other members and advance its interests. The Minister remarked that Africa’s engagement with partners should be impactful, regulated, and result-oriented.
The Executive Council Session was followed by the Mid-Year Coordination Meeting (MYCM), held on Sunday (July 21) in Accra. The MYCM meeting is held annually and brings together bureau members of the African Union, Heads of Regional Economic Communities, and Regional Mechanisms. The session examines the status of regional integration on the continent.
On the sidelines of the 45th Ordinary Session of the Executive Council of the African Union, Ambassador Taye Atske-Selassie held a fruitful bilateral meeting with Ramadan Mohammed Abedallah, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of South Sudan. The discussions focused on further strengthening the existing bilateral cooperation between the two countries.
Similarly, the Minister met with Ahmed Attaf, Minister of Foreign Affairs and National Community Abroad of Algeria, and exchanged views on current regional and global issues of mutual interest. The two ministers also vowed to strengthen the existing bilateral cooperation between their countries.
The Ethiopian delegation’s participation in the 45th Ordinary Session of the Executive Council of the African Union underscores Ethiopia’s commitment to regional cooperation and integration.
Deputy Prime Minister of Ireland Visits Ethiopia
The Deputy Prime Minister, Minister for Foreign Affairs and Defence of Ireland, Micheál Martin TD, undertook an official visit to Ethiopia from July 17-19. During the visit, the Deputy Prime Minister engaged in comprehensive discussions with Ethiopian government officials on various bilateral and regional matters of shared significance.
Productive meetings were held with Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed and President Sahle-Work Zewde on Thursday ( July 18). Both sides emphasised the importance of collaboration to bolster Ethiopia’s efforts in ensuring peace and stability, particularly through support for post-conflict reconstruction. Additionally, the Deputy Prime Minister participated in discussions with members of the Ethiopian National Dialogue Commission (ENDC) to facilitate the sharing of experiences in reconciliation and peace-building.
In a meeting with President Sahle-Work, both parties reaffirmed the need to fully exploit the potential for cooperation between the two countries in the economic sphere, with a special focus on trade, aviation, and tourism. Deliberations also encompassed Ethiopia’s prospective role in contributing to regional security, given its influence in the Horn of Africa.
Furthermore, the Deputy Prime Minister held discussions with Ahmed Shide, Minister of Finance, on Friday ( July 19), to explore bilateral development cooperation. During this meeting, the Deputy Prime Minister announced €15 million in funding from Ireland to support development and humanitarian programs aimed at benefiting vulnerable populations across the country and the region.
Reports indicate that the Deputy Prime Minister also met with Workneh Gebeyehu, the Executive Secretary of the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD), to deliberate on regional peace and development. Both parties signed a Strategic Partnership Framework Agreement, outlining the framework for their cooperation.
The visit of the Deputy Prime Minister to Ethiopia is especially significant as it marks the thirtieth anniversary of diplomatic relations between Ethiopia and Ireland.
Ethiopia’s State Minister Visits Greece to Strengthen Bilateral Relations
Ambassador Mesganu Arga, State Minister of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ethiopia, paid a three-day visit to the Hellenic Republic (Greece) from July 15–17 at the invitation of Ambassador Alexandra Papadopoulos, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Hellenic Republic.
During the visit, Ambassador Mesganu held fruitful discussions with Ambassador Alexandra Papadopoulos on bilateral and multilateral issues of mutual concern in Athens.
Ambassador Mesganu briefed his Greek counterpart on the implementation of the Pretoria peace agreement, the National Dialogue, and the Transitional Justice Policy. He also discussed Ethiopia’s quest for access to the sea and the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam.
Ambassador Mesganu highlighted the historical relationship between the two countries, reflected in the cultural and people-to-people ties. He emphasized the need to strengthen relations in the political and economic spheres. Additionally, he called for enhanced relations in trade, investment, and education, and invited the Greek business community to explore investment opportunities in Ethiopia.
Addressing Ethiopia’s efforts to mitigate climate change over the past three years, Ambassador Mesganu noted that under Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed’s leadership, Ethiopia has planted 32 billion seedlings and aims to reach 5 billion by 2025.
Ambassador Alexandra Papadopoulos expressed Greece’s interest in strengthening its historical relationship with Ethiopia. She mentioned Greece’s experience in green energy development and the potential for cooperation on climate change issues. She also stressed the need to enhance relations in trade, investment, and education.
Following constructive discussions, both sides agreed to scale up their economic cooperation in various spheres, recognize the need for collaborative efforts to address global challenges, and strengthen their cooperation in multilateral forums. They specifically agreed to collaborate in tourism, climate change, legal human labor exchange, and maritime issues.
During his visit to Greece, the State Minister inaugurated the Office of the Ethiopian Honorary Consulate in the Hellenic Republic at a ceremony attended by government officials, business community members, distinguished individuals, and members of the Ethiopian community in Greece.
In his remarks, Ambassador Mesganu commended the strong foundation of friendship and cooperation built over the years between Greece and Ethiopia. He expressed his belief that Georgios Bikas, as Ethiopia’s Honorary Consul to the Hellenic Republic, will further strengthen cooperation, particularly in investment and trade. He extended an invitation to the Greek business community to visit Ethiopia and explore available opportunities.
The formal relationship between the two countries dates back to 1917 with the establishment of the Greek Consulate, which became the Greek Embassy in 1935. In 1951, Ethiopia assigned its first Ambassador to Athens, Greece.
Ethiopia and Italy Conduct their 5th Business Forum in Milan, Italy
State Minister of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ethiopia, Ambassador Mesganu Arga, paid a three-day visit to the Republic of Italy from July 18–21, where he officially opened the Fifth Ethio-Italy Business Forum in Milan.
The forum, held on Thursday (July 18) was attended by 78 Italian companies, 26 Ethiopian companies, government officials, and representatives from both countries.
In his opening remarks, Ambassador Mesganu highlighted the long-standing friendship and cooperation between Ethiopia and Italy, built on a strong foundation that fosters mutual growth and development. He also referenced visits by Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, and the signing of several political and economic cooperation agreements that have deepened bilateral relations.
Ambassador Mesganu emphasized Ethiopia’s significant population and recent reforms aimed at creating an enabling environment for business and investment. He stated that Ethiopia is poised to become a hub for economic activity in Africa.
Discussing trade and investment relations, he noted that the level of economic cooperation is not yet commensurate with the close political ties between the two countries. He urged the private sector to utilize existing opportunities by enhancing collaborative efforts in priority areas such as agriculture, manufacturing, mining, tourism, and ICT, which offer immense opportunities for investors.
He also highlighted Ethiopia’s recent decision to open previously restricted areas, such as the telecom and banking sectors, to foreign investors. As a member of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) and nearing the final stages of accession to the WTO, he encouraged Italian investors to make Ethiopia their primary investment destination.
Forum participants were briefed on various investment opportunities, policy reforms, and incentives. The Deputy Commissioner of the Ethiopian Investment Commission, Dagato Kumbi, and the Director General of the Ethiopian Coffee and Tea Authority, Adugna Debala, discussed the potential for coffee development and the demand for investment in the sector.
Ethiopian companies engaged in B2B matchmaking with Italian business communities, resulting in several agreements being signed.
On the sidelines of the forum, Ambassador Mesganu held discussions with Valentino Valentini, the Italian Deputy Minister of Enterprises and Made in Italy. They agreed to strengthen economic relations and enhance the implementation of the Mattei Plan, a new Italian model of cooperation for Africa, in Ethiopia. This plan focuses on agriculture, education and training, water, health, and energy sectors, with active participation from the private sector.
Additionally, Ambassador Mesganu met with company CEOs interested in investing in Ethiopia, particularly those in the maritime and logistics sectors, during his visit to Genoa.
Leave Your Comments Here