Addis Ababa Hosts Pan-African AI Conference, Emphasizing Continent’s Potential
Ethiopian House of Federation Speaker Urges MPs in Geneva to Strengthen Laws for Safe Technology Use
Nile River Basin Agreement Officially Enters Into Force, Marking Key Water Cooperation
Ethiopian Delegation Attends AFSIC Invest in Africa Conference in London
Ethiopia Kicks Off 5th National Cyber Security Month Focused on Digital Sovereignty
National Bank of Ethiopia Introduces New Policy on FX-Trading Spreads and Fees
Ethiopia Participates in International Speciality Coffee Exhibition in Japan
NEWS IN BRIEF
Ethiopia
President Taye Atske-Selassie met and held discussion at his office with European Union Commissioner for International Partnerships, Jutta Urpilainen on Tuesday (October 15). The President briefed the Commissioner on current national, regional, and global issues of shared interest.
President Taye Atske-Selassie received and held discussions with Her Royal Highness Sophie Helen Rhys-Jones, the Duchess of Edinburgh, on Tuesday (October 15). The Duchess of Edinburgh delivered a congratulatory message from His Majesty King Charles III to the President of FDRE upon his appointment.
The 17th national Flag Day was celebrated on Monday (October 14) at the premises of the House of People’s Representatives (HPR) in the presence of President Taye Atske-Selassie, HPR House Speaker Tagesse Chafo, and other high-ranking government officials.
Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed announced new appointments Friday (October 18), naming Gedion Timotheos as the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Selamawit Kasa as the Minister of Tourism, and Hana Aryaslase as the Minister of Justice.
The Premier welcomed Akinwumi Adesina, the president of the African Development Bank Group (AfDB), for a meeting at his office on Thursday (October 17). The two leaders engaged in a productive dialogue aimed at strengthening their partnership, particularly in the area of food security.
Prime Minister Abiy, in a ceremony held on Wednesday (October 16), announced the sale of 10% of Ethio Telecom’s shares as part of a broader effort to introduce public participation in the economy.
Prime Minister Abiy welcomed Tony Blair, former Prime Minister of the United Kingdom and Executive Chairman of the Tony Blair Institute for Global Change, on Friday (October 11). They had productive discussions on a range of regional and global issues.
On the same day, the Prime Minister held discussions with Lord Collins of Highbury, the United Kingdom’s Minister for Africa, on bilateral and regional matters of mutual concern.
The 3rd Pan-African Artificial Intelligence (AI) Conference commenced on Tuesday (October 8) at the Adwa Victory Memorial Museum in Addis Ababa, under the theme “Empowering Africa with Artificial Intelligence.” Organized by the Ethiopian Artificial Intelligence Institute, this two-day event has drawn senior government officials, researchers, young technologists, and stakeholders from across the continent, including Deputy Prime Minister Temesgen Tiruneh, who was present at the conference. (See Article)
The 149th Assembly of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU), convened in Geneva, Switzerland, from October 13 to 17, brought together over 1,500 Members of Parliament and experts from around the world under the theme “Harnessing science, technology, and innovation for a more peaceful and sustainable future.” The theme of the assembly was deemed timely and relevant as nations grapple with the complexities of technological progress. (See Article)
State Minister for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Mesganu Arga, received the Ambassador of the Kingdom of Morocco, Nezha Alaoui M’hammdi, at his office on Wednesday (October 16). They held discussions on continental and global issues of shared interest.
The leadership and staff of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs commemorated the 17th national flag day, celebrated under the theme “Our Flag for Our National Unity, Sovereignty, and the Elevation of Ethiopia,” on Monday (October 14).
Later that day, Ambassador Mesganu Arga conferred with the Managing Director for Africa at the European External Action Service (EEAS), Rita Laranjinha, on issues of mutual concern.
State Minister for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Birtukan Ayano, senior officials of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and affiliated institutions visited the headquarters of the Ethiopian Broadcasting Corporation (EBC) on Thursday (October 17). The State Minister noted the media’s key role in safeguarding national interests.
Spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Nebiat, during an interview with an international media outlet on Wednesday (October 16), reflected on the Nile River Cooperative Framework Agreement (CFA) entering into force, emphasizing that the agreement aim’s to create a collaborative approach to shared water resources, promote fair water usage, and introduce mechanisms for efficient water utilization among riparian countries.
On the same note, on Sunday (October 13), the sixtieth day after the Republic of South Sudan deposited its instrument of ratification, the Agreement on the Nile River Basin Framework (CFA) entered into force, marking a significant milestone. (See Article)
The annual AFSIC Investing in Africa Conference took place in London from October 7-9, bringing African nations to a global audience and exploring investment opportunities in the continent, during which Ethiopia was represented by a High-level delegation led by Eyob Tekalign, State Minister of Finance. (See Article)
On Wednesday (October 9), Ethiopia was elected to the United Nations Human Rights Council (HRC) for the 2025-2027 term during the 79th United Nations General Assembly (UNGA). This important milestone reflects Ethiopia’s steadfast commitment to multilateralism, human rights, and global collaboration. (See Article)
The 5th National Cyber Security Month officially commenced on Friday (October 11) at the Science Museum. This month-long event, held under the theme “Critical Infrastructure Security for Digital Sovereignty,” aims to raise awareness about the growing cybersecurity threats and promote cyber sovereignty through coordinated national efforts. (See Article)
The three-day African Defense Ministers’ Conference launched on Tuesday (October 15) in Addis Ababa at the Adwa Victory Memorial Museum under the theme “Africa: United in Peace, Strong in Security.” African defense ministers, senior military officers, and military attachés based in Addis Ababa as well as researchers engaged in military affairs, attended the first African Defense Ministers Conference organized by Ethiopia on its own initiative.
The Institute of Foreign Affairs, in collaboration with the Al Jazeera Center for Studies, organized a two-day conference from October 11–12 with the theme “Africa: Challenges of Fragility and Capitalizing on International Competition.”
The National Bank of Ethiopia (NBE) announced on Tuesday (October 15) a new policy concerning the treatment of foreign exchange (FX) trading-related spreads and fees. This follows the review of the foreign exchange market’s performance after transitioning to a new FX regime on July 29, 2024. (See Article)
Ethiopia participated in the World Specialty Coffee Conference and Exhibition, organized by the Specialty Coffee Association of Japan (SCAJ) at Tokyo Big Sight Hall from October 9-12. (See Article)
UNICEF Country Program Document (CPD 2025-2030) validation meeting jointly organized by Ethiopia’s Ministry of Finance and UNICEF was conducted in Addis Ababa on Wednesday (October 16). The Country program is designed to expand access to health, education, child protection, climate-resilient WASH, and Social Protection services.
The Ethiopian Immigration and Citizenship Service reported that in the last three months, 259,705 visitors were granted visas to enter Ethiopia. In a performance report issued on Friday (October 11), Director General Selamawit Dawit detailed the achievements of the third quarter of the 2017 Ethiopian fiscal year.
Director General of Ethiopia’s Information Network Security Administration (INSA), Tigist Hamid, participated in a panel discussion held as part of GITEX Global in Dubai and emphasized the need for global cooperation to ensure cyber security on Tuesday (October 14).
Deputy Commissioner General Melaku Fanta, the head of the Crime Prevention Department at the Federal Police of Ethiopia, engaged in discussions with a Moroccan delegation led by Farah Boulhatah, Morocco’s Deputy Director General of State Control and Director of National Police Intelligence, on Saturday (October 12). High-level representatives from the Ethiopian and Moroccan police forces convened for a meeting to explore avenues for enhanced cooperation.
The 14th annual Conference of Pan African Lawyers Union (PALU) was held in Addis Ababa from October 16-19. The Union held discussions on several pressing issues affecting legal practice in the continent during its 14th annual Conference in Addis Ababa.
Kenya
Kenyan President William Ruto received Haiti Prime Minister Garry Conille in Nairobi on Friday (October 11). According to Media reports, Kenya would deploy 600 additional officers to Haiti next month.
Somalia
The United Kingdom announced on Wednesday (October 16) that it is providing a further £7.5 million to the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS). This latest round of funding builds on earlier contributions and increases the total amount of financial support from the United Kingdom to both ATMIS and AMISOM since 2021 to £77 million.
Sudan
The head of the Sovereign Council, General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, met with Djibouti’s Foreign Minister, Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, on Monday (October 14).
Ethiopian Airlines announced on Tuesday (October 15) the launch of a new daily flight route to Port Sudan. The launch of daily passenger flights to Port Sudan marks the airline’s 62nd destination in Africa, underscoring its commitment to expanding its extensive network in the continent.
Africa and the African Union
The commemoration of International Day of Rural Women was held at the African Union on Tuesday (October 15) with the theme “Empowering Women Living in Rural Areas through Education and Access to Technology: Bridging the Gap Inclusive and Sustainable Agri-Food Systems in Africa.”.
Africa Skills Week (ASW) 2024, was celebrated from October 14-18 in Accra, Ghana, focusing on enhancing employability and entrepreneurship through skills development, aligning with the African Union’s 2024 theme of building resilient education systems. The event aims to drive sustainable growth by equipping Africa’s youth with relevant skills for the evolving job market.
In a communiqué from the 1235th Meeting of the Peace and Security Council, held on Wednesday (October 9), and last updated on Monday (October 14), regarding the Consideration of the Report of the Field Mission to Egypt and Port Sudan (conducted from October 1 to 4), the African Union stated that it will reopen its liaison office in Port Sudan as part of efforts to resolve the conflict in Sudan.
The First Thousand African Youth Summit on Food Systems and Agroecology 2024 was held on Tuesday (October 14) in Addis Ababa with the theme “African Youth Showcasing Agroecological Opportunities in Adapting to the Climate Crisis to Address Food System Challenges in Africa.”
Addis Ababa Hosts Pan-African AI Conference, Emphasizing Continent’s Potential
The 3rd Pan-African Artificial Intelligence (AI) Conference commenced on Tuesday (October 8) at the Adwa Victory Memorial Museum in Addis Ababa, with the theme “Empowering Africa with Artificial Intelligence.” This two-day conference, organized by the Ethiopian Artificial Intelligence Institute, has drawn participation from senior government officials, researchers, young technologists, and stakeholders from various countries.
Ethiopian Deputy Prime Minister, Temesgen Tiruneh, in his opening address, emphasized that the time is ripe for Africa to embark on a path of enhanced development through the power of artificial intelligence. He highlighted Ethiopia’s proactive approach, stating that the nation has already begun integrating AI into key sectors such as health and agriculture.
Tiruneh stressed the pivotal role AI plays in bolstering technological infrastructure and nurturing youth entrepreneurship, both crucial for ensuring a smooth economic transition. He underscored the importance of leveraging AI to create a better future for Africa, advocating for the integration of the continent’s indigenous knowledge with this cutting-edge technology.
To effectively compete and reap the benefits of the global landscape, Tiruneh called for the full utilization of Africa’s inherent capabilities, particularly advocating for strengthened cross-border cooperation.
Worku Gachena, the Director General of Artificial Intelligence Institute, echoed these sentiments, stating that AI is an indispensable tool for realizing Africa’s developmental aspirations. He highlighted Ethiopia’s commitment to the sector, evidenced by the establishment of an independent institution dedicated to AI advancement. He further emphasized the ongoing efforts to position this institution as a prominent force across the continent.
The conference agenda included the presentation and discussion of numerous scientific research papers focused on artificial intelligence. This gathering serves as a platform for fostering collaboration and knowledge sharing among African nations and stakeholders, all united in harnessing the transformative potential of AI for the continent’s progress.
One of the key themes of the conference was the development of AI technologies tailored to the African context. This includes creating AI solutions that address local challenges, such as improving healthcare delivery, enhancing agricultural productivity, and supporting education. The discussions also highlighted the importance of high-quality data and the need for a skilled workforce to drive AI innovation.
The participation of high-ranking officials from various African countries underscored the importance of the conference. Their presence highlighted the commitment of African governments to support AI development and integration into national strategies. The conference also attracted international participants, including AI researchers, industry leaders, and representatives from global tech companies, fostering a spirit of collaboration and knowledge exchange.
The insights gained from PanAfriConAI extend beyond the conference itself, serving as a catalyst for continued action and collaboration in the field of AI across Africa. The event underscores the need for increased investment in AI research and development, urging African governments and private sector organizations to prioritize funding in order to enhance the continent’s global competitiveness in AI. It also highlights the importance of fostering partnerships between academia, industry, and government to drive innovation and address practical challenges. Ethical AI development must be prioritized to ensure that its deployment benefits all citizens while avoiding negative consequences.
Additionally, investing in AI education and skill development is crucial for building a capable workforce, and data privacy and security must be safeguarded to foster trust in AI applications. By focusing on these key areas, Africa can position itself as a global leader in AI, leveraging the technology to improve the lives of its citizens and support sustainable development.
Ethiopian House of Federation Speaker Urges MPs in Geneva to Strengthen Laws for Safe Technology Use
The 149th Assembly of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU), convened in Geneva, Switzerland, from October 13 to 17, brought together over 1,500 Members of Parliament and experts from around the world under the theme “Harnessing science, technology, and innovation for a more peaceful and sustainable future.” The theme of the assembly was deemed timely and relevant as nations grapple with the complexities of technological progress.
In his address to the Assembly, Agegnehu Teshager, Speaker of the House of Federation of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia, underscored the urgent need for effective governance and ethical frameworks in the rapidly evolving landscape of science and technology.
The urgency of technological governance was central to Agegnehu’s address in light of the “sweeping revolution in science and technology” that is reshaping societies worldwide. He highlighted how advancements, particularly in Artificial Intelligence (AI), are outpacing existing regulations, creating a pressing need for meaningful discussions among parliamentarians.
Speaker Agegnehu emphasized the responsibility of parliaments to establish legal and regulatory frameworks that govern new innovations. He pointed out that effective governance is essential for maximizing the benefits of technology while minimizing potential risks. In this regard, he cited the IPU Charter on the Ethics of Science and Technology as a vital step towards ensuring that technological advancements contribute positively to socio-economic development.
The Speaker outlined Ethiopia’s ambitious initiatives aimed at leveraging science and technology for social and economic development. He noted the importance of the “Digital Ethiopia 2025 Strategy for Inclusive Prosperity” as a comprehensive policy designed to harness technology to drive economic growth and enhance public services. This strategy aligns with Ethiopia’s broader Home-Grown Economic Reform Agenda, emphasizing the integration of digitalization into sustainable development.
The speaker informed the Assembly that the adoption of a national Artificial Intelligence policy framework in Ethiopia is marking a pivotal step towards utilizing AI for socio-economic progress. However, he also acknowledged the challenges posed by inadequate digital infrastructure and the need for capacity building to support these initiatives.
He urged parliamentarians to leverage their legislative powers to ensure the safe use of technologies, particularly in areas such as data protection and cybersecurity. He advocated for the establishment of dedicated sub-committees within parliaments to focus on these critical issues, fostering cooperation and experience sharing among legislators.
He further reiterated Ethiopia’s commitment to supporting the IPU’s efforts in advancing the use of science and technology to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals and Agenda 2030.
His address served as a powerful reminder of the role that parliamentarians play in shaping the future of their nations through effective governance and collaboration in the face of rapid technological change.
Nile River Basin Agreement Officially Enters Into Force, Marking Key Water Cooperation
On Sunday (October 13), the sixtieth day after the Republic of South Sudan deposited its instrument of ratification, the Agreement on the Nile River Basin Framework (CFA) entered into force, marking a significant milestone.
The CFA is the first multilaterally negotiated, signed, and ratified legal instrument. Its entry into force, as a significant development, establishes the Nile River Basin Commission, the first ever multilateral institutional framework or river basin organization that could play a significant role in ensuring equitable and reasonable utilization of the Nile River.
Marking this day, Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed noted the historic significance of this achievement, stating that “this day will be remembered as a historic milestone in our collective efforts to foster genuine cooperation in the Nile Basin. The CFA’s entry into force strengthens our bond as a Nile family and ensures that the management and utilization of our shared water resources benefit all, for the good of all.”
The Premier congratulated member states for this achievement that demonstrates the dedication of member states to ensure equitable use. Moreover, due to the inclusiveness of this cooperative framework, the Prime Minister further called up on the non-signatory states to join the Nile family.
Indeed, this recent development is a boost to the collective efforts riparian states have made thus far to ensure equitable and reasonable utilization of the river. Member states, along with the transitional institutional arrangement, the Nile Basin Initiative, have cooperated in power generation and interconnection, river basin management, agricultural productivity and watershed management, flood preparedness, and early warning, as well as capacity building to deal with extreme climate conditions.
However, the multifaceted challenges the basin faces require a strong response that a legally recognized entity would help provide. The importance of collective action to deal with the challenges the Nile basin is facing cannot be overstated. The Nile River Basin Commission will have a considerable contribution in helping the basin states deal with the challenges they face. It will correct historic wrongs, ascertain equitable use, and foster mutual understanding as well as shared responsibilities.
The benefits of the entry into force of the agreement go beyond these crucial benefits. As the Nile Basin Initiative’s Secretariat stated, marking the entry into force of the Agreement, “the CFA is not merely a legal agreement—it is a vision for how we can come together to ensure the sustainable and equitable use of the Nile’s resources.”
As a long-time active advocate of equitable and reasonable use through the formation of a legal and institutional framework, Ethiopia applauds this historic achievement. Ethiopia is committed to continuing to play an active role in ensuring the successful operationalization of the Nile River Commission. Ethiopia continues to cooperate with riparian states to achieve this goal. In fact, the achievement of this milestone should not make proponents of equitable and reasonable use lose sight of the demanding tasks ahead.
Ethiopia’s Election to the Human Rights Council: A Commitment to Global Cooperation and National Interests
On Wednesday (October 9), Ethiopia was elected to the United Nations Human Rights Council (HRC) for the 2025-2027 term during the 79th United Nations General Assembly (UNGA). This important milestone reflects Ethiopia’s steadfast commitment to multilateralism, human rights, and global collaboration.
Ethiopia’s candidacy for the HRC was endorsed by the African Union, emphasizing its ongoing dedication to promoting and safeguarding human rights at both regional and global levels. Serving on the HRC provides Ethiopia with a significant platform to engage in critical discussions and decision-making regarding human rights issues, enhancing its diplomatic influence while allowing it to effectively advocate for its national priorities.
In its campaign pledges and commitments, Ethiopia advocated for promoting human rights both nationally and internationally. Ethiopia’s approach to its UNHRC membership will be anchored in constructive partnerships that foster the realization of human rights for all. The country has outlined several key initiatives it intends to peruse during its term, focusing on the protection and fulfilment of economic, civil, cultural, political, and social rights, as well as peace, tolerance, and respect for cultural diversity.
It is expected that Ethiopia’s participation in the HRC will facilitate the development of stronger partnerships with other member states, especially those from the Global South. These alliances are essential for advancing Ethiopia’s objectives within the international community, including sustainable development, climate resilience, and inclusive growth. Through its HRC membership, Ethiopia can advocate for policies that address the root causes of human rights violations, such as poverty, inequality, and lack of access to basic services.
Furthermore, it is hoped that Ethiopia’s engagement in the HRC will contribute to the Council’s overall effectiveness. By providing constructive input and fostering dialogue among diverse member states, Ethiopia would help ensure that the HRC remains a viable platform for addressing global human rights challenges.
Ethiopia’s previous terms on the HRC from 2013 to 2015 and 2016 to 2018 were characterized by significant contributions to the interests of the African continent and the Global South. As Vice President of the Council, Ethiopia was entrusted with responsibilities that ensured balanced and inclusive discussions. Furthermore, as the Coordinator for the African Group, Ethiopia amplified the voices of African nations, ensuring that their priorities were reflected in HRC deliberations.
With a proven track record of significant contributions during its previous terms, Ethiopia is well-positioned to continue its leadership role within the HRC for the 2025-2027 term. Its participation will not only enhance the Council’s work but also provide a crucial platform to advance its national interests and promote a more equitable global human rights system.
Through active engagement in multilateral diplomacy, Ethiopia aims to shape the future of global human rights governance.
Ethiopian Delegation Attends AFSIC Invest in Africa Conference in London
The annual AFSIC Investing in Africa Conference took place in London from October 7-9, bringing African nations to a global audience and exploring investment opportunities in the Continent. Ethiopia was represented by a High-level delegation led by Eyob Tekalign, State Minister of Finance. Delegations from Ethiopia Investment Holdings, the Ethiopian Capital Market Authority, and Ethiopian Securities Exchange also attended, along with members of the Ethiopian Embassy in London and private sector representatives.
At AFSIC, Ethiopia highlighted new investment prospects made possible by its two-phased Homegrown Economic Policy and recent foreign exchange reforms. The conference provided an ideal platform to promote the recent policy reforms demonstrating Ethiopia’s strategic commitment to situate itself as an attractive investment destination.
Ethiopian Investment Summit
On the sidelines of AFSIC, the delegation, in collaboration with the Ethiopian Embassy in London, hosted an Ethiopia Investment Summit. The summit opened with welcoming remarks from Eyob Tekalign and Ethiopia’s Ambassador to the UK, Biruk Mekonnen.
The agenda of the homegrown economic policy and reforms, as well as the wealth of opportunities it presents for foreign investors, were highlighted by the speakers. State Minister Eyob emphasized that Ethiopia is at a “critical juncture,” with transformative reforms positioning it as a “potential success story in Africa.” He further highlighted Ethiopia’s collective resolve to establish itself as “African Beacon of Prosperity.”
The summit gave an opportunity to express the government’s dedication to sustaining the momentum of reform and liberalization to ensure long-term stability and prosperity.
The summit also featured a panel discussion focusing on Ethiopia’s recent foreign exchange reforms. These adjustments aim to boost the nation’s appeal to foreign investors by addressing long-standing investment barriers.
Panelists highlighted Ethiopia’s competitive advantages, such as its young and increasingly skilled workforce, and discussed the transformative role of the Ethiopian Capital Market, which provides a robust foundation for sustained economic growth. Attendees were briefed on the regulatory framework set by the Ethiopian Capital Market Authority, which aims to create an investment-friendly environment for businesses.
Bilateral Discussions held on the Margins of AFSIC
Furthermore, the delegation also held bilateral discussions with key partners, including officials from the UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO), the UK Department of Trade and Business, and British International Investment (BII). In these meetings, Ethiopian officials expressed appreciation to the UK government for supporting Ethiopia’s reform efforts.
The UK counterparts acknowledged Ethiopia’s ambitious vision and commended the Government for taking essential, albeit challenging, steps to lay the foundation for a robust economy. Both parties agreed that while substantial progress has been made, continued collaboration between Ethiopia and the UK is vital for the full realization of these reforms.
Ethiopia’s delegation to AFSIC 2024 underscored the commitment to attract investment and strengthen economic partnerships. Through active engagement with international investors and stakeholders, Ethiopia is positioning itself as an emerging African success story.
Ethiopia Kicks Off 5th National Cyber Security Month Focused on Digital Sovereignty
The 5th National Cyber Security Month officially commenced on Friday (October 11) at the Science Museum. This month-long event, held under the theme “Critical Infrastructure Security for Digital Sovereignty,” aims to raise awareness about the growing cybersecurity threats and promote cyber sovereignty through coordinated national efforts. Attendees included high-level government officials, heads of private institutions, and other distinguished guests.
In her opening remarks, Tigist Hamid, Director General of the Information Network Security Agency (INSA), highlighted that Cyber Security Month is being celebrated globally for the 21st time and in Ethiopia for the 5th time. She emphasized that the primary goal of this initiative is to increase awareness among citizens and institutions about cybersecurity threats and the importance of safeguarding digital infrastructures. She noted the rising global concern over cyberattacks, which pose significant national security risks.
The Guest of Honor of the inaugural event, Governor of the National Bank of Ethiopia (NBE), Mamo Mehretu, stressed in his speech that in an era of rapid digital transformation, there is no issue more urgent than cybersecurity. He emphasized the importance of protecting critical infrastructure, which is essential to national sovereignty in the digital age.
Governor Mamo also urged the stakeholders to intensify their efforts to safeguard national interests in the face of growing cyber threats. As Ethiopia advances its digital initiatives, he underscored the importance of innovation and the adoption of new technologies to enhance cybersecurity defenses.
During the event, research titled Cyber Security of Key Infrastructures in Ethiopia was presented by Daniel Guta, Deputy Director General of INSA. Drawing on the experiences of other countries, Daniel stressed the importance of adopting comprehensive procedures to strengthen infrastructure security in Ethiopia, especially given the current global high level of cyber threats. He also highlighted the need for robust operational systems that include legal frameworks, preventive measures, rapid disaster response, and coordinated information-sharing.
A panel discussion, chaired by Berhanu Beyene, President of the Ethiopian Cybersecurity Association (ECySA), brought together senior officials from key institutions. Panelists included Sisay Tola, Deputy Director-General of the National Intelligence and Security Service (NISS); Eyob Gebreyesus, Deputy Governor of the National Bank; Frehiwot Tamru, CEO of Ethio Telecom; and Getinet Tadesse, Chief Information Officer of Ethiopian Airlines Group.
In order to prevent cyberattacks, the government has committed to an all-encompassing security system, as Sisay Tola highlighted the serious social, economic, and political harm that these attacks can cause. He called for greater coordination and cooperation among stakeholders to strengthen national cybersecurity defenses.
Eyob Gebreyesus highlighted the vulnerability of the financial sector, which is increasingly interconnected with technology. Ensuring the cybersecurity of this sector is essential not only for the financial system but also for broader economic and political stability.
Frehiwot Tamru emphasized that securing key infrastructure is critical for realizing Ethiopia’s digital ambitions. She noted that infrastructure security is closely linked to the daily lives of citizens and that unreliable infrastructure could undermine public trust. Ethio Telecom, she said, operates on the principle that “protecting the security of Ethio Telecom is protecting the security of the country.”
Getinet Tadesse outlined the need for modern, secure technologies, robust operating systems for managing institutional cybersecurity, and highly skilled cybersecurity workforce. He also stressed the importance of continuous awareness-raising efforts, early detection, and recovery measures in the event of a cyberattack.
It was stated during the event that efforts to combat cyber threats have intensified, successfully thwarting approximately 8,854 attempted breaches during the 2023/24 fiscal year.
Recently, Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed launched the Public Key Infrastructure (PKI), highlighting its critical role in Ethiopia’s modernization and sovereignty. The PKI will facilitate secure digital data exchanges, reinforcing the country’s cybersecurity measures in line with its rapid digital transformation.
The 5th National Cyber Security Month will continue throughout October, aimed at enhancing cybersecurity awareness and fostering a stronger, more secure digital Ethiopia.
National Bank of Ethiopia Introduces New Policy on FX-Trading Spreads and Fees
The National Bank of Ethiopia (NBE) announced on Tuesday (October 15) a new policy concerning the treatment of foreign exchange (FX) trading-related spreads and fees. This follows the review of the foreign exchange market’s performance after transitioning to a new FX regime on July 29, 2024.
The NBE had previously required banks to include all FX-related fees and commissions within the trading spreads between buying and selling rates, excluding nominal charges. However, recent feedback from the banking sector and observations from the market have led the central bank to modify its stance on FX-related spreads and fees.
According to the new policy, banks are now required to separately identify the foreign exchange trading spread in both daily transactions and published rates. In line with international standards, the spread is not expected to exceed 2% of the bank’s posted rates. However, banks retain the ability to adjust their spreads according to market conditions and based on transparent, principle-based negotiations with clients.
The NBE emphasizes adherence to international best practices, encouraging banks to set competitive fees and fully disclose them to customers. The National Bank of Ethiopia has mandated that these changes come into effect no later than October 16, 2024.
It is to be recalled Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed announced in the month of July 2024 that Ethiopia has embarked on full implementation of macroeconomic reform policy. The new macroeconomic policy focuses on addressing inflation, stabilizing the currency, and promoting sustainable economic growth. The policy aims to enhance fiscal discipline, improve public sector efficiency, and encourage private sector investment. Key strategies include tightening monetary policy to control inflation, implementing structural reforms to boost productivity, and fostering export-led growth by diversifying the economy.
Ethiopia Participates in International Speciality Coffee Exhibition in Japan
Ethiopia participated in the World Specialty Coffee Conference and Exhibition, organized by the Specialty Coffee Association of Japan (SCAJ) at Tokyo Big Sight Hall from October 9-12.
The event was officially opened by Daba Debele, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Ethiopia to Japan, alongside representatives from Japan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the President of the Specialty Coffee Association of Japan, and other ambassadors from coffee-exporting countries.
Several Ethiopian coffee producers and exporters, along with the management of the Ethiopian Chamber of Commerece and Sectoral Associations, attended the exhibition. The Embassy of Ethiopia, in collaboration with ECSA, Ethiopian exporters, producers, and Japanese companies, showcased a wide range of Ethiopian specialty coffee beans, promoting the unique qualities of Ethiopian coffee to a global audience.
During the event, Ethiopian coffee producers and exporters engaged in business-to-business discussions, particularly with Japanese coffee importers and distributors.
Ambassador Daba Debele held fruitful talks with Kensuke Hosomi, Representative Director and President of Family Mart Group, on expanding the presence of Ethiopian coffee in Family Mart stores across Japan. Following their discussions, Ambassador Daba and Noriyuki Kinoshita, General Manager of Family Mart’s Merchandise Division, conducted a joint press briefing. They highlighted Family Mart’s initiatives to support Ethiopian coffee-growing regions and discussed the role of Ethiopia’s Green Legacy Initiative in fostering sustainable coffee production.
The press briefing was attended by 27 journalists from 23 Japanese media outlets, generating significant media coverage that played a key role in promoting Ethiopian coffee and enhancing Ethiopia’s image.
Ethiopia’s participation in this year’s event was highly commendable and should be continued with stronger efforts from all stakeholders to maximize the benefits of the country’s coffee industry. The SCAJ World Specialty Coffee Conference and Exhibition is one of Asia’s leading specialty coffee events, drawing participants from coffee-producing regions in Latin America, Africa, and Southeast Asia. It serves as a platform for producers, exporters, importers, and processors to promote their products and engage with consumers globally.
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