Preserving Ethiopian Historical sites: Renovation Works at Fasilides Underway
NEWS IN BRIEF
Ethiopia
Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed reviewed the progress of the renovation of Fasilides Castles, also known as Fasil Ghebbi, along with the corridor development initiatives in the historic city of Gondar on Wednesday (January 15). (See article)
The House of Peoples’ Representatives held the Second Parliamentary Citizens Forum with the theme “National Consensus for Dependable Peace and Prosperity” on Wednesday (January 22). Minister of Foreign Affairs Gedion Timothewos stressed the importance of properly utilizing Ethiopia’s historic national dialogue process, a once-in-a-generation opportunity, to pave the way for national consensus.
An Ethiopian delegation led by Finance Minister Ahmed Shide is currently visiting China from January 20–25, as part of efforts to bolster the country’s economic reform agenda. Discussions covered various areas of economic cooperation that aimed at further deepening the all-weather strategic partnership between the two countries.
A high-level delegation led by the First Deputy State Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Kyrgyz Republic, Asein Isaev, conducted an official visit to Ethiopia last week (January 13-16). This visit signaled a deepening of bilateral ties between the two nations and opened avenues for enhanced cooperation in key areas of mutual interest. (See article)
The Ethio-Japan Trade and Investment Symposium opened in Addis Ababa with the participation of more than 50 Japanese company representatives on Wednesday (January 22). Minister of Trade and Regional Integration Kassahun Gofe (PhD) assured the business community of the Government’s commitment to working closely with the Japanese Government to encourage more investment in key sectors of the economy. State Minister Mesganu Arga, State Minister for Foreign Affairs, also called on Japanese businesses and technology companies to invest in Ethiopia while leveraging ongoing macroeconomic reforms.
The Director General of the National Intelligence and Security Service (NISS), Ambassador Redwan Hussein, conveyed a message from Prime Minister Abiy to Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni and Kenyan President William Ruto on Sunday (January 19). The message highlighted Prime Minister Abiy’s appreciation to the two leaders for their constructive roles in strengthening good neighborliness and regional cooperation.
The Governor of the National Bank of Ethiopia and a member of the National Macroeconomic Committee, Mamo Esmelealem Mihretu, appeared in the Wednesday (January 15) segment of “Ethiopia in Focus.” (See article)
Ethiopia and Pakistan signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to hold political consultations aimed at advancing cooperation between the two countries on Thursday (January 23). On the occasion, Ambassador Mesganu expressed Ethiopia’s interest in strengthening ties with Pakistan in agriculture, investment, trade, aviation, and science and technology.
State Minister Ambassador Mesganu received the Ambassador of Namibia, Mbapeua Muvangua, and the Ambassador of the Seychelles, Conrad Vincent Mederic, at his office on Thursday (January 23). Discussions focused on ways to further solidify cooperation on bilateral and continental issues of mutual interest.
Ambassador Mesganu Arga conferred with Stijn Janssen, the Netherland’s Special Envoy for the Horn of Africa, on Tuesday (January 21). Discussions focused on bilateral and regional issues of shared interest, including enhancing trade and investment ties and strengthening Ethiopia’s role in regional peace and security.
The State Minister also met with Angolan Ambassador Miguel Cesar Domingos Bembe on Tuesday (January 21). Discussions centered on further strengthening cooperation on bilateral, regional, and continental issues of shared interest.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs expressed profound sadness over the loss of lives and injuries caused by a fire in a hotel in Bolu province, Türkiye, in a press statement released on Tuesday (January 21). The Ministry extended heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families and wished a speedy recovery to those injured. It also conveyed solidarity with the Government and People of Türkiye during this difficult time.
Kenya
Kenya deployed 217 additional police officers to Haiti as part of a UN-backed mission to tackle gang violence and restore stability. The additional police officers arrived in Haiti on Saturday (January 20).
Somalia
Somalia’s Foreign Minister, Ahmed Moallim Fiqi, attended and delivered a speech at the 9,842nd UNSC meeting in New York on Tuesday (January 21). He addressed the critical issue of counterterrorism in Africa.
Africa and the African Union
South Africa hosted the G20 Development Working Group (DWG) meeting on Wednesday (January 22). This platform addressed issues affecting developing countries, with special attention to Low-Income Countries (LICs).
Preserving Ethiopian Historical sites: Renovation Works at Fasilides Underway
Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed reviewed the progress of the renovation of Fasilides Castles, also known as Fasil Ghebbi, along with the corridor development initiatives in the historic city of Gondar on Wednesday (January 15).
In a social media post, the Prime Minister extended his heartfelt appreciation to everyone involved in the projects, including the gracious and hospitable residents of Gondar.
Fasil Ghebbi, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1979, is one of Ethiopia’s most cherished historical landmarks, attracting international tourists. The fortress city was established in the 17th century by Emperor Fasilides and served as the royal residence for him and his successors during the 16th and 17th centuries. Enclosed by a 900-meter-long wall, the site contains palaces, churches, monasteries, and other distinctive public and private structures.
The Ethiopian Minister of Tourism, Selamawit Kassa, also visited the ongoing renovation efforts at Fasil Ghebbi, according to the Ministry of Tourism. During her visit, she observed the corridor development projects underway in Gondar.
Selamawit emphasized that the renovation work is advancing well while preserving the site’s historical integrity. She highlighted broader government efforts to develop tourism destinations across the country, noting ongoing maintenance initiatives not only in Gondar but also in Jimma and other historic locations.
The Minister underscored the importance of strengthening renovation and preservation efforts to promote Ethiopia’s rich cultural and historical heritage, ensuring the sites remain accessible and vibrant for tourists.
Gondar’s First Deputy Mayor, Chalachew Dagnachew, remarked that while the castles had previously undergone renovations, the current comprehensive restoration is expected to have a lasting impact. During his remarks, he also added that the project has created over 1,200 job opportunities.
The renovation of Fasil Ghebbi was officially initiated in July 2024 with a pledge to restore the site to its former grandeur.
Fasil Ghebbi, derived from the Amharic word “Ghebbi,” meaning “enclosure” or “compound,” remains a testament to Ethiopia’s historical and architectural heritage. The ongoing restoration work aims to elevate its significance as a cultural treasure, drawing both domestic and international visitors and solidifying its role as a cornerstone of Ethiopia’s tourism industry.
Kyrgyzstan’s First Deputy State Minister of Foreign Affairs Visits Ethiopia to Strengthen Bilateral Relations
A high-level delegation led by the First Deputy State Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Kyrgyz Republic, Asein Isaev, conducted an official visit to Ethiopia last week (January 13-16). This visit signaled a deepening of bilateral ties between the two nations and opened avenues for enhanced cooperation in key areas of mutual interest.
During his visit, Isaev held productive discussions with Ethiopia’s Minister of Finance, Ahmed Shide; State Minister for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Mesganu Arga; and the Director General of the Ethiopian Civil Aviation Authority, Getachew Mengiste. These meetings focused on expanding cooperation in political, economic, and social spheres, particularly in investment, trade, tourism, and multilateral engagements.
The visit centered on solidifying Ethiopia-Kyrgyzstan relations, with discussions addressing the feasibility of opening a resident diplomatic mission in Addis Ababa. Delegates identified promising areas for investment promotion, trade facilitation, and tourism development. The Kyrgyz Republic expressed interest in exploring Ethiopia’s emerging investment opportunities, particularly in light of the country’s ongoing macroeconomic reform initiatives.
Both sides expressed interest in concluding Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) in various sectors to advance cooperation. They committed to exchanging documents and engaging with stakeholders for feedback and further refinement of these agreements.
The First Deputy State Minister also met with senior officials of the African Union and ambassadors from various African nations, underscoring Kyrgyzstan’s commitment to building stronger partnerships across the continent. Discussions touched on areas of mutual interest, including regional peace and security, climate change, and development cooperation under the framework of South-South collaboration.
The visit reaffirmed the shared commitment of both countries to multilateralism. Ethiopia pledged to support Kyrgyzstan’s initiatives within international forums. Additionally, discussions highlighted Kyrgyzstan’s leadership within the UN Mountain Partnership, with a focus on climate change adaptation in mountainous regions, where both nations face common challenges.
This visit follows Ethiopia’s non-resident Ambassador to Kyrgyzstan, Jemal Beker, who presented his credentials to the Kyrgyz Republic in December of 2024, marking a significant step in strengthening diplomatic ties.
The First Deputy State Minister’s visit underscored the growing potential for Ethiopia and Kyrgyzstan to collaborate in areas such as trade, investment, tourism, and multilateral diplomacy. By fostering cultural exchange, people-to-people ties, and institutional cooperation, the visit set the stage for a closer partnership. Both countries expressed optimism about finalizing the proposed agreements and working together to address global challenges, including sustainable development, poverty reduction, and climate resilience.
This historic visit marked a new chapter in Ethiopia-Kyrgyzstan relations, paving the way for stronger diplomatic and economic ties between the two nations.
Governor of the National Bank of Ethiopia Highlights Whole-of-Government Approach to Ethiopia’s Homegrown Reform Program on ‘Ethiopia in Focus’
The Governor of the National Bank of Ethiopia and a member of the National Macroeconomic Committee, Mamo Esmelealem Mihretu, appeared in the Wednesday (January 15) segment of “Ethiopia in Focus.”
While addressing the series of extensive economic reforms under the principles of Home-Grown Economic Reform Agenda (HGER), the Governor said the recent steps by the Government to reform the economy, unlike previous years, involved various government agencies. The reform, he said, is being undertaken through a “Whole of Government Approach.” It was a coordinated reform drive that truly reflects the historic reset of the economy into one that is open, FDI friendly and market-based, Governor Mamo mentioned.
Conducted in two phases, HGER 1.0 and HGER 2.0, the cascaded macroeconomic reforms were chiefly geared towards addressing macroeconomic instabilities and liberalising the foreign exchange regime as well as modernising monetary policy, respectively, the Governor stated. Accordingly, Phase one addressed macroeconomic instability (debt, inflation, financial sector vulnerabilities, and low productivity) and structural issues. Phase two, on the other hand, deepened these reforms, notably liberalising the foreign exchange regime and modernising monetary policy.
With the concerted efforts of various government agencies, the reform aims to improve export performance, increase remittances, and enhance private sector productivity through increased foreign currency, among other objectives.
Reforms were bold in their approach, comprehensive in scope, and coordinated across various government agencies. Mamo exclaimed, “It was bold; it was comprehensive, and it’s also coordinated.” He noted that the four major areas of intervention during Phase 2 that constitute the lion’s share of the initiative include:
- Foreign Currency Regime Reform: Shift to a market-based exchange rate system, moving away from the centrally controlled model and consolidation of 87 foreign currency regulations into one single “green book” regulation
- Monetary Policy Modernisation: Transition from quantity-based to interest-based monetary policy and therein the introduction of new market infrastructure (central bank policy rate, interbank money market, open market operations).
- Fiscal Consolidation: aiming to increase government tax revenue by 4% in the next four years.
- Addressing Legacy Debt: Recapitalising the Commercial Bank of Ethiopia and transferring some debt to the treasury.
Governor Mamo highlighted several outcomes achieved as a result of the reforms. These include a significant increase in foreign currency inflows, which has led to a doubling of reserves at the central bank and within the banking sector. Access to foreign currency for private businesses has improved, while foreign currency earnings from gold exports and remittance flows have also risen. Furthermore, the premium between official and parallel market exchange rates has been reduced, contributing to greater stability in the foreign exchange market.
He also addressed the potential risks that might put pressure on the reforms. He said the “Government is aware of the potential inflationary impact of reform” and that “measures are being taken, including salary increases, social safety net expansion, and fuel/fertiliser subsidies to mitigate negative impacts on low-income households.”
The multisectoral macroeconomic reform agenda signals an inevitable transition from a public-led economy to a private-sector-driven model through the remarkable implementation of bold reforms, thereby ensuring resilience of the Ethiopian economy amidst global shocks. As evidenced by HGER 2.0, the second phase of the homegrown economic reform program represents a significant step towards creating a stable, open, and prosperous economy for Ethiopia, with the emphasis on both economic growth and social inclusion.
Officially launched in December of 2024 by the Office of the Prime Minister, Ethiopia in Focus is a digital ten-part limited series featuring conversations with high-level leadership that delve into key thematic areas and provide key insights and clarity on the Ethiopian government’s national policies and initiatives.
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