Prime Minister Abiy’s Inaugural Official Visit to Boost Ethio-Malaysian Economic Cooperation
Minister of Foreign Affairs Gedion Timothewos Addresses Diplomatic Corps
Ethiopia’s Path Forward: Macroeconomic Reforms and Global Partnerships
Ethiopia Signs 45 Million USD Grant Agreement with Green Climate Fund
AU-UN 8th Annual meeting Held to Review Progress on Peace, Security and Development
Eleventh Forum on Statistical Development in Africa Held in Addis Ababa
Ethio-Austria Business Forum Held in Addis Ababa to strengthen Economic ties
Tourism Promotion Seminar Held in Japan Showcasing Ethiopian Tourism
NEWS IN BRIEF
Ethiopia
Ethiopia’s House of Peoples’ Representatives approved the appointment of five ministers during its second regular session on Tuesday (October 29). The ministers whose appointments were approved include Foreign Affairs Minister, Gedion Timothewos, Minister of Culture and Sports Shewit Shanka, Minister of Justice Hanna Arayaselassie, Minister of Tourism Selamawit Kassa, and Trade and Regional Integration Minister Kassahun Gofe.
Ethiopia’s House of Peoples’ Representatives held its 3rd regular meeting on Thursday (October 30) with Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed in attendance. During the session, the prime minister addressed MPs and responded to questions regarding the government’s activities across various sectors, including economic growth, macroeconomic reform, progress in the industrial sector, peace and security, and international cooperation.
Ethiopia’s President Taye Atske Selassie visited Bujumbura, Burundi, where he addressed the 23rd Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA) Summit on Wednesday (October 30). The summit was held from October 28 to 31 in Bujumbura, Burundi.
Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed met with Martin Elia Lemuro, Special Envoy of President Salva Kiir of South Sudan, on Friday (November 1). The envoy delivered a message from President Kiir, and their discussions focused on bilateral and regional issues.
Prime Minister Abiy led a ministerial delegation on an inaugural official visit to Malaysia from October 25-26. The ministerial delegation includes Minister of Foreign Affairs Gedion Timothewos and other senior cabinet ministers as well as government officials. (See Article)
Deputy Prime Minister Temesgen Tiruneh delivered a keynote speech at the 9th Session of the Statistical Commission for Africa on Wednesday (October 30) held in Addis Ababa, in which the gathering brings together experts from across Africa, united by a common goal—unlocking the potential of African innovation in statistical development.
Minister of Foreign Affairs Gedion Timothewos conferred with Tanja Fajon, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign and European Affairs of the Republic of Slovenia, at his office on Friday (November 1). The discussion focused on ways to further strengthen the bilateral relations between the two countries. Following the meeting, both ministers attended the official opening of the newly established Slovenian embassy in Addis Ababa
Foreign Minister Gedion, addressed the diplomatic corps during a reception held at the Skylight Hotel in Addis Ababa on Thursday (October 31), marking his formal introduction to ambassadors, heads of diplomatic missions, and representatives of international organizations. (See Article)
Following this, FM Gedion held a virtual meeting with the heads of Ethiopian embassies and consulates worldwide on Thursday (October 31). He stressed the importance of adopting a strong strategic approach to further strengthen Ethiopia’s bilateral and multilateral diplomatic relations.
A high-level Ethiopian delegation, led by Finance Minister Ahmed Shide, attended the 2024 World Bank and International Monetary Fund (IMF) Annual Meetings in Washington, D.C., last week. (See Article)
The leadership and staff of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs assessed the progress of the country’s 100-day reform plan and key economic performances on Friday (November 1). During the review, State Minister Ambassador Mesganu Arga highlighted that Ethiopia’s economy continues to grow despite global and domestic challenges.
Ethiopia’s BRICS Senior Officials National Committee held its 5th session at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Thursday (October 31). The session reviewed Ethiopia’s participation in the 16th BRICS Leaders’ Summit, the 2nd BRICS Foreign Ministers meeting held in New York on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly, and the 4th Sherpa and Sous-Sherpa meeting held in Kazan, Russia.
Ethiopia participated in the 19th Meeting of the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA) Ministers of Foreign Affairs held in Burundi on Wednesday (October 30). A delegation led by Ambassador Hirut Zemen, Permanent Representative of the African Union and the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa, attended the conference.
The Green Climate Fund (GCF) board, on Wednesday (October 23), at a meeting in Songdo, Republic of Korea, approved a significant project to address water scarcity and climate resilience in drought-prone regions of Ethiopia. This project, titled “Climate-resilient community access to safe water powered by renewable energy in drought-vulnerable regions of Ethiopia,” has a total budget of $50 million. (See Article)
The Eleventh Forum on Statistical Development in Africa (FASDev) commenced on Monday (October 28) at the Economic Commission for Africa (ECA) in Addis Ababa under the theme of strengthening the mobilization of technical and financial resources to support innovation in statistical development across Africa. (See Article)
The Ethio-Austria Business Forum was held at the Skylight Hotel in Addis Ababa on Tuesday (October 22). The forum was co-organized by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Austrian Embassy, and the Ethiopia Investment Commission. (See Article)
The Ethiopian Embassy in Japan organized the first tourism seminar of the African Diplomatic Corps (ADC) at Libra Hall on Monday (October 21), marking an important step toward promoting African tourism and positioning Ethiopia as a prime destination for both the diplomatic community and the Japanese public. (See Article)
The National Bank of Ethiopia announced on Thursday (October 31) the official launch of a money market trading platform that will enable banks to lend and borrow from each other through an electronic trading system. This system will be managed by the Ethiopian Securities Exchange (ESX).
The Ethiopian National Defense Force (ENDF) International Relations and Military Cooperation Director-General, Major General Teshome Gemechu, briefed military attachés and diplomats residing in Addis Ababa on Friday (October 25) on the history and key roles of ENDF in securing peace and stability of the nation and the region at large.
Ethiopia and Germany have signed a 30-million grant agreement to support significant initiatives including the Fund for Increasing Productivity through Innovation in Agriculture II and the Promotion of Ethiopian Private Sector II (SME Credit Line) on Wednesday (October 30).
Ethiopia’s State Minister of Finance, Semereta Sewasew, conferred with Deputy Executive Director of UN Women, Nyaradzayi Gumbonzvanda, on Wednesday (October 30) to discuss Ethiopia’s ongoing efforts in gender financing, gender equality, and women’s empowerment.
Addis Ababa was announced as the venue for the 23rd Ministerial Meeting of the Horn of Africa Initiative (HoAI) scheduled for February 2025 on Tuesday (October 29). This significant announcement was made during the 22nd Ministerial Meeting, which coincided with the fifth anniversary of the HoAI, highlighting a significant milestone in regional cooperation and development.
Eritrea
Eritrea celebrated United Nations Day on Friday (October 25), with Foreign Minister Osman Saleh delivering remarks to commemorate the occasion.
Djibouti
The President of the Republic, Ismaïl Omar Guelleh, spoke on Wednesday (October 30) by telephone with his Egyptian counterpart, President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi. During this exchange, the two Heads of State discussed ways to strengthen their bilateral relations.
Somalia
President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud received Finland’s Foreign Minister’s Special Envoy on Peace Mediation in the Horn of Africa, Ahmed Suldaan Said Ahmed, in Somalia on Wednesday (October 30).
On Wednesday (October 30), political leaders in Somalia agreed on a framework for the country’s first national one-person, one-vote elections. The agreement includes the introduction of direct universal suffrage, with local elections planned for June 2025.
President Hassan received the Speaker of the National Assembly of the Republic of Djibouti, Dileita Mohamed Dileita, and his delegation at the Villa Somalia on Wednesday (October 30). The two sides discussed ways to strengthen the bilateral relations of the two countries.
Sudan
On Monday (October 28), during the 9761st meeting of the United Nations Security Council, Secretary-General António Guterres briefed the session on the humanitarian crises in Sudan, highlighting the urgent need for assistance amid ongoing conflict. He urged for renewed diplomatic efforts to achieve peace and stability.
Africa and the African Union
The 8th annual AU-UN high-level meeting was held at the African Union (AU) headquarters in Addis Ababa on Monday (October 21). Convened by AU Commission Chairperson Moussa Faki Mahamat and UN Secretary-General António Guterres, the meeting reviewed the implementation of the Joint AU-UN framework in three key areas: peace and security, development, and human rights. (See Article)
Moussa Faki Mahamat, Chairperson of the African Union Commission (AUC), attended the 23rd Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA) Summit of Heads of State and Government in Burundi on Wednesday (October 30).
Prime Minister Abiy’s Inaugural Official Visit to Boost Ethio-Malaysian Economic Cooperation
Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed led a ministerial delegation on an inaugural official visit to Malaysia from October 25-26. The delegation included Minister of Foreign Affairs Gedion Timothewos, other senior cabinet ministers, and government officials
The Premier’s high-level delegation began its official visit to the Southeast Asian nation with tours of the Sunway Centre for Environmental Social Governance (SC ESG), the Tun Razak Exchange (TRX) in Kuala Lumpur, and the Proton manufacturing plant in Tanjung Malim, located in northwestern Malaysia.
On Saturday (October 26), PM Abiy received a warm official welcome from his Malaysian counterpart, Anwar Ibrahim, at the Prime Minister’s Department Complex, the Perdana Putra, where they held discussions on matters of bilateral importance. After the welcoming ceremony, the two prime ministers engaged in talks to enhance strategic cooperation between Ethiopia and Malaysia, particularly in key economic sectors.
During their discussions, the leaders reviewed existing warm ties and explored new joint endeavors to strengthen relations, exchanging perspectives on global issues of mutual interest. Both leaders committed to enhancing cooperation in trade and investment, mining, automotive manufacturing, tourism, air connectivity, and agriculture.
At a joint press conference following their discussions, PM Abiy expressed gratitude to the Malaysian Government for its hospitality. “We agreed to deepen our collaboration across several key areas, including agriculture, industry, mining, trade, and investment,” he told the media. He emphasized the many opportunities for cooperation between the two nations.
PM Abiy also invited Malaysian investors to take advantage of Ethiopia’s burgeoning economy. He highlighted the government’s commitment to supporting investment, streamlining regulatory processes, and creating a favorable investment climate. “By tapping into Ethiopia’s abundant natural resources, skilled workforce, and strategic location, Malaysian businesses can gain significant advantages,” he stated. Additionally, he noted Ethiopia’s desire to learn from Malaysia in modernizing cities and building infrastructure.
PM Anwar, during the press conference, remarked that Ethiopia is one of the largest African countries and plays a significant role in fostering African unity and collaboration. He commended Ethiopia’s progress in economic reforms, particularly in telecommunications, finance, trade, and logistics. He expressed a strong interest in learning from Ethiopia’s experiences and sharing Malaysia’s expertise.
The successful visit has laid a strong foundation for future cooperation between the two countries. Both leaders reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening bilateral ties and achieving shared objectives. By leveraging their complementary strengths and interests, the two nations can unlock significant mutual benefits, driving economic growth, creating jobs, and improving the lives of their people.
It is worth noting that formal diplomatic relations between Ethiopia and Malaysia commenced in 1965. Since then, both countries have demonstrated a strong commitment to bolstering multifaceted ties through exchanges of visits by high officials and various delegations, especially since the 1990s.
Minister of Foreign Affairs Gedion Timothewos Addresses Diplomatic Corps
The Foreign Minister of Ethiopia, Gedion Timothewos, addressed the diplomatic corps during a reception held at the Skylight Hotel in Addis Ababa on Thursday (October 31), marking his formal introduction to ambassadors, heads of diplomatic missions, and representatives of international organizations.
During the occasion, the Foreign Minister emphasized Ethiopia’s distinguished history as a nation with ancient roots and a rich civilization. He also highlighted that, with a median age of 18 years and 40% of the population under the age of 15, Ethiopia is a country brimming with youthful potential. This combination of historical depth and youthful vigor, he noted, positions Ethiopia as a nation poised for future growth and influence.
Addressing Ethiopia’s regional priorities, the Foreign Minister emphasized the significance of reinforcing relationships with neighboring countries and advancing collective efforts to confront shared challenges. He called for collaboration in promoting economic integration and enhancing security, drawing upon cultural and social ties.
He reiterated Ethiopia’s dedication to playing an active role in the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) region and underscored the importance of the Nile River Basin as a source of unity and shared prosperity. Additionally, he highlighted Ethiopia’s commitment to regional stability in the Red Sea and Indian Ocean, acknowledging their strategic relevance in global security and development.
He also expressed Ethiopia’s pride in being home to numerous African diplomatic and political institutions. He reaffirmed Ethiopia’s commitment to ensuring that Addis Ababa, as a hub for the continent, continues to offer a welcoming and supportive environment for African partners. Efforts to enhance people-to-people relations, trade, transportation, and tourism with African nations would be intensified through comprehensive inter-agency initiatives.
Turning to Ethiopia’s broader diplomatic engagements, he underscored the country’s commitment to nurturing strategic partnerships with international allies. He mentioned Ethiopia’s economic reforms as pivotal in creating an environment conducive to renewed partnerships and innovation. The Minister noted the importance of extending economic diplomacy beyond traditional areas, advocating for collaboration in technology transfer, scientific research, and cultural initiatives.
On Multilateralism and Global Cooperation, he reaffirmed Ethiopia’s longstanding dedication to multilateralism, emphasizing active involvement in the African Union (AU) and the United Nations (UN). He noted Ethiopia’s recent re-entry into the UN Human Rights Council, underscoring its objective contribution to global human rights efforts while aligning with the priorities of the AU and the African group in Geneva.
He expressed Ethiopia’s continued support for peace, development, and inclusive multilateralism amid global political tensions. The Foreign Minister called for diplomatic resolutions to disputes and championed respect for the sovereignty and policy independence of states.
The Foreign Minister shared his vision of the 21st century as an “African century,” marked by the continent’s rise to a prominent global position. He emphasized Ethiopia’s commitment to advancing Agenda 2063, which envisions an integrated, prosperous, and peaceful Africa.
He concluded with a message of optimism and collaboration, expressing eagerness to work with the diplomatic community to achieve tangible results for global peace and development.
Members of the diplomatic corps extended their best wishes to Gedion in his new role and expressed their commitment to continued close collaboration with Ethiopia.
Ethiopia’s Path Forward: Macroeconomic Reforms and Global Partnerships
A high-level Ethiopian delegation, led by Finance Minister Ahmed Shide, attended the 2024 World Bank and International Monetary Fund (IMF) Annual Meetings in Washington, D.C., last week.
The delegation actively participated in the G-24 Ministerial and Governors meeting, where they voiced Ethiopia’s stance on key reform proposals aimed at improving the Bretton Woods system to better address current global challenges.
Minister Ahmed emphasized the need for innovative financial safety net mechanisms, increased financing from multilateral development banks, and governance reforms in the IMF to ensure that developing economies have access to adequate resources and decision-making power.
The Ethiopian delegation’s participation in these meetings is closely tied to the country’s macroeconomic reform policy, the Home-Grown Economic Reform Program (HGER). Launched in 2019, HGER aims to address structural economic issues such as debt burden, inflation, and unemployment.
The recent meetings provided a platform for Ethiopia to advocate for international support and collaboration in implementing these reforms, which are crucial for achieving sustainable and inclusive growth.
During the meetings, the Finance Minister highlighted Ethiopia’s appreciation for the longstanding partnership with the World Bank and IMF, which has been instrumental in advancing the country’s economic and social development.
The delegation’s engagement with global financial institutions underscores Ethiopia’s commitment to implementing comprehensive economic reforms and securing the necessary support to achieve its development goals.
In addition, Ethiopia has recently implemented a new foreign exchange policy, transitioning to a market-based exchange rate system. This significant policy shift, which took effect on July 29, 2024, allows the exchange rate of the birr to be determined by market forces for the first time in over half a century.
This new policy aims to promote economic modernization, attract foreign investment, and ensure greater transparency in foreign exchange transactions.
The delegation’s participation in the World Bank and IMF meetings reflects the country’s proactive approach to addressing economic challenges and promoting sustainable development. By advocating for key reforms and strengthening international partnerships, Ethiopia aims to create a more resilient and competitive economy, in line with its macroeconomic reform policy.
The outcomes of these meetings, along with the new foreign exchange policy, are expected to play a significant role in shaping Ethiopia’s economic future and contributing to its growth trajectory.
Ethiopia Signs 45 Million USD Grant Agreement with Green Climate Fund
The Green Climate Fund (GCF) board, on Wednesday (October 23), at a meeting in Songdo, Republic of Korea, approved a significant project to address water scarcity and climate resilience in drought-prone regions of Ethiopia. This project, titled “Climate-resilient community access to safe water powered by renewable energy in drought-vulnerable regions of Ethiopia,” has a total budget of $50 million.
Of this amount, $45 million will be provided by the GCF, with an additional $5 million co-financed by the Ethiopian government. The collaboration seeks to make a meaningful impact on Ethiopia’s climate adaptation efforts by improving access to safe water in rural areas where drought has intensified.
The project will focus on enhancing water security in the Oromia and Amhara regions, areas particularly affected by drought and water scarcity. By implementing solar-powered water pumping systems, this initiative aims to provide a sustainable solution for water extraction, supporting both drinking and irrigation needs. The project is expected to directly benefit over 355,000 people, fostering broader access to safe water and increased agricultural productivity. These improvements not only support the immediate needs of local communities but also contribute to long-term agricultural development and resilience against climate change.
The official signing of the grant agreement took place following the Green Climate Fund (GCF) board’s approval, with Ethiopian Ambassador to the Republic of Korea Dessie Dalkie and GCF Chief Investment Officer Henry Gonzalez formalizing the collaboration. The project aligns with Ethiopia’s broader strategy to combat climate change impacts through innovative renewable energy solutions. GCF support is essential in advancing national climate goals and promoting sustainable development in the face of increasingly difficult environmental conditions.
To bring this project to fruition, Ethiopia’s Ministry of Finance worked alongside the Perspectives Climate Group and the Global Green Growth Institute (GGGI), who offered technical support in the project’s design and successful approval process. As an accredited direct access entity to the GCF, the Ministry is taking active steps to develop initiatives that strengthen climate resilience and sustainable practices throughout the country. This water project represents the second GCF-approved initiative for Ethiopia, marking a continued partnership toward tackling climate challenges with targeted, impactful solutions.
Looking ahead, Ethiopia plans to work closely with the GCF Secretariat not only in implementing this project but also in advancing future proposals. These efforts underscore a commitment to building climate-resilient infrastructure and improving quality of life in areas where drought has disrupted traditional water sources. This initiative reflects a promising step toward Ethiopia’s vision for sustainable, climate-conscious development in even the most vulnerable communities.
It is to be recalled that Ethiopia set an exemplary tone in the global fight against climate change with the ambitious Green Legacy Initiative launched in 2019, aiming to combat environmental degradation and deforestation.
AU-UN 8th Annual meeting Held to Review Progress on Peace, Security and Development
The 8th annual AU-UN high-level meeting was held at the African Union (AU) headquarters in Addis Ababa on Monday (October 21). Convened by AU Commission Chairperson Moussa Faki Mahamat and UN Secretary-General António Guterres, the meeting reviewed the implementation of the Joint AU-UN framework in three key areas: peace and security, development, and human rights.
Regarding peace and security, the Chairperson and Secretary-General highlighted the alarming global situation, marked by increasing and complex armed conflicts and a profound disregard for international law upheld by both organizations. They expressed concern over the heightened instability and stalled political transitions in certain African states.
They emphasized the need for prioritizing political solutions and preventive diplomacy to resolve ongoing conflicts in Africa. To this end, they called for enhanced AU-UN collaboration under Chapter VIII of the UN Charter, ensuring the complementarity and comparative advantages of both bodies.
The meeting also discussed the challenges facing AU-led and UN Security Council-authorized peace support operations. The Chairperson and Secretary-General welcomed the adoption of Resolution 2719 (2023) as a crucial step toward securing predictable and sustainable financing for peace operations. They further endorsed the joint UN-AU roadmap for implementing the resolution and stressed the importance of promoting women’s and youth participation in peace processes at all levels.
The meeting addressed the ongoing peace and security situation in the Horn of Africa, noting the region’s growing geopolitical fragility. They agreed on the necessity of collaborative efforts to foster constructive engagement and de-escalate regional tensions.
Recognizing the link between climate change and peace and security, the leaders voiced their support for the development of the Common African Position on Climate, Peace, and Security. They highlighted its importance in showcasing the impact of climate change on Africa’s peace and development efforts, while strengthening Africa’s call for sustainable development and climate justice.
In the area of development, the meeting commended the convening of the High-Level Strategic Dialogue on Sustainable Development, co-chaired by the Deputy Secretary-General of the UN and the Deputy Chairperson of the AU Commission. This dialogue aims to enhance strategic coordination for implementing Agenda 2063 and the 2030 Agenda.
The formulation of the Second Ten-Year Implementation Plan of Agenda 2063 was also welcomed, with an emphasis on timely and effective execution. The participants noted that limited fiscal space is an obstacle to achieving these objectives and urged Member States to approach the 4th International Conference on Financing for Development ambitiously. They reached a mutual agreement to advocate for urgent measures, including an SDG stimulus and the reform of the International Financial Architecture.
The adoption of the Pact for the Future, the Global Digital Compact, and the Declaration on Future Generations by the UN General Assembly at its 79th session was also discussed. The leaders noted that these declarations pave the way for a more effective, inclusive, and interconnected multilateral system and called for swift and coordinated action to implement the commitments.
The meeting also welcomed the African Union’s membership in the G20 and reiterated the UN’s commitment to working with the AU to ensure that Africa’s interests and priorities are represented and prioritized in the G20’s processes and outcomes.
Eleventh Forum on Statistical Development in Africa Held in Addis Ababa
The Eleventh Forum on Statistical Development in Africa (FASDev) commenced on Monday (October 28) at the Economic Commission for Africa (ECA) in Addis Ababa, under the theme of strengthening the mobilization of technical and financial resources to support innovation in statistical development across Africa.
Launched in 2004 by ECA, the African Development Bank, the Partnership in Statistics for Development in the 21st Century (PARIS21), and the World Bank, FASDev gathers representatives from national statistical offices, training centers, and regional and international organizations to advance statistical development in Africa.
Opening the Forum, Oliver Chinganya, Director of the Africa Centre for Statistics at the ECA, underscored the role of data and statistics in informed decision-making and planning, emphasizing the need for Africa to invest in strong data systems to accelerate sustainable development. Chinganya noted that African countries have made significant strides in digital censuses and the modernization of administrative data. Many nations have also utilized data science to address data gaps and better meet user needs.
Despite this progress, limited investment in data and statistics remains a barrier to innovation and delivering timely, accurate statistics. Chinganya stressed the importance of expediting robust data provision to support sustainable development goals and Agenda 2063, calling for increased mobilization of resources for statistical innovation in Africa.
Adoum Gagoloum, Chief Economic Statistician at the African Union Commission and Acting Director of the African Union Institute for Statistics (STATAFRIC), emphasized the critical need for reliable data collection systems for African development. He called on stakeholders to invest in producing credible statistics, particularly given the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on Africa’s statistical capabilities.
Babatunde Omotosho, Director of the Statistics Department at the AfDB, highlighted the need for innovative financing solutions for statistical development projects, noting partnerships between the ECA, African Union, and AfDB aimed at modernizing Africa’s statistical systems.
Reiterating the role of collaboration, Philippe Gafishi from PARIS21 advocated for creating synergies among stakeholders to maximize resource impact and enhance efficiency in African statistical systems. Closing data gaps for Agenda 2063 and the SDGs, he explained, requires skilled personnel and strong infrastructure—a mission where stakeholders and donors can make a significant impact.
The meeting sought to establish connections between countries, partners, and institutions to address the technical and financial needs of national statistical systems and drive their transformation. It also reviewed the challenges these systems face and explored support mechanisms from various organizations to aid in modernization. The Fourth Global Expert Forum for Producers and Users of Disaster-Related Statistics was convened in conjunction with these discussions.
Ethio-Austria Business Forum Held in Addis Ababa to strengthen Economic ties
The Ethio-Austria Business Forum was held at the Skylight Hotel in Addis Ababa on Tuesday (October 22). The forum was co-organized by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Austrian Embassy, and the Ethiopia Investment Commission.
With the aim of further strengthening the existing economic ties and fostering economic cooperation between Ethiopia and Austria, the forum brought together more than 120 participants, including Ethiopian high-level officials and the business communities of the two nations.
In her opening remarks, State Minister of Finance, Semerita Sewasew, noted that strengthening the two countries’ relations in trade and investment is critical. She also stated that over the past six years, Ethiopia has undertaken a wide range of reforms, including the opening up of the telecom sector, banking, logistics, and other sectors.
The recently launched macroeconomic reform, which is expected to address the country’s foreign exchange issues, has also been identified as crucial in enhancing the country’s business climate and increasing FDI inflows, she added. The state minister reaffirmed that the government of Ethiopia remains committed to enhancing economic cooperation with Austria.
Ethiopian Investment Commission Commissioner, Zeleke Temesgen, for his part, stated that the opening up of new investment opportunities and the establishment of special economic zones are playing crucial roles in changing the business climate and attracting FDI inflow to Ethiopia. He added that Ethiopia has numerous investment opportunities for Austrian investors in various sectors, including pharmaceutical, agriculture, agro-processing, mining, tourism, and other areas.
Austria’s Ambassador to Ethiopia, Simone Knapp, stated that the forum is a good opportunity to bolster the existing economic cooperation between the two countries.
From the Austrian side, companies engaged in the health and manufacturing sectors have attended the forum. During their stay, the business delegations also had discussions with the Minister of Health, Mekdes Daba, and the CEO of Ethiopia Investment Holdings, Brook Taye.
Tourism Promotion Seminar Held in Japan Showcasing Ethiopian Tourism
The Ethiopian Embassy in Japan organized the first tourism seminar of the African Diplomatic Corps (ADC) at Libra Hall on Monday (October 21), marking an important step toward promoting African tourism and positioning Ethiopia as a prime destination for both the diplomatic community and the Japanese public.
Ethiopia’s Ambassador to Japan, Daba Debele, who also chairs the ADC Tourism Standing Committee, opened the seminar. He emphasized the rich and diverse cultural heritage, stunning landscapes, and historical significance of both Africa and Ethiopia.
The Ambassador also noted that this seminar serves as a foundation for future collaborations and encouraged ADC members to host similar initiatives in the coming years to further develop the African tourism sector and strengthen ties with the international community.
The seminar featured detailed presentations on Ethiopia’s varied tourism offerings, showcasing its potential for eco-tourism, historical tourism, and adventure travel. Ethiopian Airlines highlighted its extensive global network and convenient flight options, which position it as a gateway to Ethiopia and Africa for international travelers. Additionally, a cultural performance by the Ethiopian Art Club and Mesob Band exemplified the strong cultural bonds between Ethiopia and Japan.
The event drew active participation from ambassadors, diplomats, and Japanese attendees, reflecting significant interest in Ethiopia’s tourism potential. Tour companies, members of the Ethiopian diaspora, and the general Japanese public were also in attendance.
It is worth noting that the Embassy recently took part in the World Specialty Coffee Conference and Exhibition organized by the Specialty Coffee Association of Japan (SCAJ), further promoting Ethiopia’s diverse appeal.
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