News in Brief

Ethiopia

President Taye Atske Selassie together with officials from the African Union Commission officially opened the annual Pan African Youth Leadership Summit (PAYLS) on Thursday (03 April). The three-day youth gathering was held from 03 to 05 April this week under the theme “Unlocking the Power of Youth for a Prosperous Africa” and aims at empowering the youth of the Continent to actively participate in economic and political affairs of Africa in the collective efforts to forge the Africa We Want as per Agenda 2063.

Minister of Foreign Affairs, Gedion Timothewos on Wednesday (02 April) met with incoming Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of Djibouti, Abdoulkader Houssein Omar, expressed Ethiopia’s readiness to work in close coordination with Djibouti to further strengthen the strategic partnership between the two countries. He also extended heartfelt congratulations to the latter, on his appointment.

On Tuesday (01 April), Foreign Minister Gedion Timothewos received United Nations Under-Secretary-General and Special Envoy for Digital and Emerging Technologies, Amandeep Singh Gill, and affirmed Ethiopia’s commitment to actively engaging as a key member of the newly launched initiative.

Minister of Foreign Affairs, Gedion Timothewos, met officials of Amhara National Regional State on Thursday (03 April) and discussed preparations to host the 11th Edition of Tana High-Level Forum in Africa, which will be held later in 2025.

The Government of Ethiopia and the European Union (EU) announced the signing of the Annual Action Programme (AAP) 2024 on Thursday (03 April) providing further impetus to ensuring sustainable development, peace, and prosperity in Ethiopia.

Ethiopia signed a Financing Agreement amounting to USD 50 Million in the form of a Loan from International Development Association Country Performance Allocations and a Grant Agreement of USD 46.367 million from the Global Partnership for Education Fund; in total USD 96.367 million (approximately ETB 12.5 billion) with the World Bank (also acting as Grant Agent for Global Partnership for Education Fund) to support the government in increasing equitable access and improving learning outcomes in pre-primary and primary education on Monday (31 March). Minister of Finance, Ahmed Shide, and World Bank Country Director for Eritrea, Ethiopia, South Sudan and Sudan, Maryam Salim, signed the Agreements on behalf of the Ethiopian Government and the World Bank, respectively.

Deputy Chairperson of Foreign Relations and Peace Affairs Standing Committee at of the House of Peoples’ Representatives, Fethi Mahdi, during an interview with Ethiopian News Agency, on Tuesday (01 April) said that Ethiopia has implemented a series of diplomatic reforms in recent years that prioritize national interests and benefit its citizens.

A delegation led by the Director General of the Ethiopian Environmental Protection Authority, Lelise Neme, took part in the 11th BRICS Environmental High -Level Senior Officials Meeting in Brasilia, Brazil.

Ethiopia on Friday (28 March) participated in the BRICS meeting of Deputy Foreign Ministers and Special Envoys on the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) that deliberated on the peace, security and humanitarian situation in the region, including the Israel – Palestine conflict, the situation in Sudan, Libya, Yemen, Lebanon, Syria, and the security situation in the Red Sea (See Article).

A three-day (01-03 April) International Floriculture and Horticulture Trade Fair was held at the Millennium Hall in Addis Ababa under the theme “Horticulture for Sustainable Ethiopia.” During the opening ceremony, Minister of Agriculture, Girma Amente stated that the government is taking policy and sectoral reforms to create a better enabling environment for the private sector operators.
Ethiopia officially commenced its three-year tenure as a newly elected member of the African Union Peace and Security Council (AUPSC) at a welcoming flag ceremony held on Tuesday (01 April) at the AU Headquarters (See Article).

Ethiopian Ambassador to China, Ambassador Tefera Derbew, during in an interview that featured in China Daily on Wednesday (02 April) lauded the “deep-rooted, multifaceted” ties between Ethiopia and China in light of the commemoration of the 55th anniversary of the establishment of formal diplomatic relations.

The National Bank of Ethiopia through a statement published on Monday (31 March) announced that it will be commencing a regular and biweekly series of foreign exchange auctions in a bid to provide the private sector with some portion of the foreign exchange accumulation that has been taking place at the Bank and aid in helping NBE meet its monetary policy objectives as part of the macroeconomic reforms.

Djibouti

President Ismaïl Omar Guelleh through a Presidential Decree No. 2025-082 issued on Tuesday (01 April) announced the appointment of Abdoulkader Houssein Omar as the next Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of Djibouti, replacing outgoing foreign minister and Chairperson of the African Union Commission, Mahamoud Ali Youssouf.

Eritrea

A delegation led by Presidential Adviser Yemane Ghebreab on Wednesday (02 April), met with President Salva Kiir Mayardit of South Sudan and delivered a message from President Isaias Afwerki, at State House Juba.

Kenya

President William Sameoi Ruto during a high-level meeting at Sagana State Lodge in Nyeri County on Wednesday (02 April) disclosed that Kenya is set to co-host the headquarters of the Global Centre on Adaptation (GCA), an international institution focused on accelerating climate change action, that is headquartered in Rotterdam, the Netherlands

During a Senate appearance on Wednesday (02 April), Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi, disclosed the Government’s plans of repatriating 4,993 Kenyan refugees in Ethiopia’s Dillo and Megados towns of Oromia Regional State of Ethiopia.

Chief of the Kenya Defence Forces (CDF), General Charles Kahariri, on Tuesday (01 April) received Adjutant General of the Massachusetts National Guard of the United States of America, Major General Gary Keefe, at Defence Headquarters in Nairobi for the renewal of the State Partnership Agreement (SPA) between the two countries instituted under the auspices of the State Partnership Program (SPP).

Somalia

President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud on Wednesday (02 April) held talks with Djiboutian counterpart Ismaïl Omar Guelleh on bilateral and regional issues of shared interest.

Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Ahmed Moallim Fiqi, on Tuesday (01 April) held a telephone conversation with the newly appointed Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of Djibouti, Abdoulkader Houssein Omar, on strengthening bilateral relations, advancing collaboration in regional and international forums, and promoting strategic partnerships on top of extending his heartfelt congratulations on the latter’s new role.

South Sudan

President Salva Kiir Mayardit on Thursday afternoon (03 April) received his Ugandan counterpart, Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, who was on a state visit to South Sudan to discuss bilateral relations between the two countries on top of addressing the current political developments in the country.

President Salva Kiir Mayardit, on Wednesday (02 April) received the Panel of the Wise of the African Union led by Former Burundian President and Head of the AU Panel of the Wise Domitien Ndayizeye and discussed the progress of the Revitalized Peace Agreement.

Sudan

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs through a Press Release dispatched on Tuesday (01 April) expressed the Sudanese government’s continued efforts with UNESCO, Interpol, and all organizations concerned with the protection of museums, antiquities, and cultural property in the conflict-affected areas of the country.

Africa and African Union

Chairperson of the African Union Commission Mahmoud Youssouf Ali on Monday (31 March) held talks with South Sudanese President Salva Kiir Mayardit and announced that AU is dispatching a high-level delegation of the AU Panel of the Wise to Juba to engage with all stakeholders to de-escalate tensions and promote dialogue and to enhance mediation efforts and support the full implementation of the Revitalized Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in South Sudan (R-ARCSS).

AUC Chair Mahmoud Youssouf Ali together with AU Commissioner for Infrastructure and Energy Lerato Mataboge and AfCFTA Secretary-General Wamkele Mene on Thursday (03 April) presided over the official launch of the inaugural Global AI Summit on Africa in Kigali, Rwanda under the theme: “AI and Africa’s Demographic Dividend: Reimagining Economic Opportunities for Africa’s Workforce” to advance discussions on innovation, digital transformation, and sustainable growth in Africa.

African Union Commission (AUC) Intra-ACP Climate Services and Related Applications Program Coordinator, Jolly Wasambo, in an interview featured in Ethiopian News Agency on Tuesday (01 April) lauded Green Legacy Initiative as critical undertaking the efforts to address issues of desertification and carbon sequestration on the Continent.

The validation meeting for the Africa Union Ocean Governance Strategy (AOGS) and Implementation Plan, took place in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, from 01 to 04 April with the aim of strengthening regional cooperation and governance mechanisms for Africa’s marine and freshwater ecosystems.

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Ethiopia and United Kingdom Hold First Political Dialogue

Ethiopia and the United Kingdom held their first political dialogue on March 26, 2025, at Lancaster House in London. The dialogue was conducted at the level of state ministers, with representatives from Ethiopia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the UK’s Minister for African Affairs at the Foreign, Commonwealth, and Development Office. The dialogue centred on key issues such as promoting mutual economic growth, regional security, and migration, among others.

The UK Government commended the implementation of comprehensive macro-economic reforms in Ethiopia. The two sides underscored the importance of establishing broader investment, trade, and commercial partnerships, tapping into available lucrative opportunities in Ethiopia. They recognized potential for UK firms to enhance their involvement in infrastructure developments, telecommunications, airport development, capital markets, tourism, and the agribusiness sector. Agreement is also reached to make joint efforts to further improve ease of doing business, ensure predictable, sustainability, and transparency regarding tax and tariff regulations.

The two sides also discussed Ethiopia’s drive to join the World Trade Organization and UK’s support. The UK also pledged to continue supporting Ethiopian at International financial Institutions in order to further deepen the ongoing implementation of macroeconomic reforms. The two countries agreed to make investment and trade the center of their relations in the years to come. The recent agreement reached between Asset Green and Ethiopian Investment Holding to establish an integrated agro-processing initiative was cited as a prime example of this collaboration.

The second topic addressed during the dialogue was regional security. Comprehensive updates on the overall conditions in the Horn of Africa was discussed extensively and potential collective approach was explored. The UK also emphasized the necessity for IGAD and the African Union to take the lead in the peace-making efforts and to coordinate actions aimed at establishing a sustainable peace in the Horn of Africa. Given the complex security challenges, both parties agreed to coordinate the resources and opportunities emanating from Ethiopia’s membership to the AUPSC and UK’s membership to the UNPSC.

The two countries have also agreed to address issues of migration in the spirit of collaboration and addressing the root causes of illegal migration. The UK delegation expressed appreciation for the prompt actions taken by the Ethiopian government in response to requests from the UK Home Office.

In addition to political consultations, the Ethiopian delegation engaged in discussions with various researchers, ambassadors and diplomas based in London at Chatham House. A separate business forum was also organized which brought together private firms from the UK. The event saw the participation of more than 100 representatives from various companies who engaged in discussions regarding the current business environment in Ethiopia. The Commissioner of the Ethiopian Investment Commission, along with the Deputy Director of Ethiopian Investment Holdings, delivered a presentation outlining the prevailing business conditions in the country. Attendees were introduced to the Home-Grown Economic Reforms, the liberalization of critical public sectors, priority investment sectors, and incentives available for foreign investors.

The UK government is developing a new foreign policy strategy concerning Africa. With this framework as a guiding principle, it is intended to enhance the UK’s collaborative economic development with Ethiopia.

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BRICS Meeting on the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) held in Brasilia

Ethiopia participated in the BRICS meeting of Deputy Foreign Ministers and Special Envoys on the Middle East and North Africa (MENA). The meeting held on March 28, 2025, deliberated on the peace, security and humanitarian situation in the region, including the Israel – Palestine conflict, the situation in Sudan, Libya, Yemen, Lebanon, Syria, and the security situation in the Red Sea.

With a delegation led by Ambassador Leulseged Abebe, Head of Mission of the Embassy of Ethiopia in Brazil, Ethiopia reiterated its principled position in support of the right of the Palestinian people for self-determination and the two-state solution based on the UN General Assembly and Security Council Resolutions.

The meeting reasserted the role of the UN Security Council (UNSC) in the maintenance of international peace and security, and acknowledged the important role played by regional organizations, in addressing threats to international peace and security in accordance with Chapter VIII of the UN Charter. In Addition, the international community is called upon to enhance its support to assist MENA countries in meeting their development goals.

Ethiopia highlighted its consistent efforts to mediate diplomatic solution for the conflict in Sudan. It emphasized its support for Sudanese owned and led process for lasting peace. In line with its principled position, Ethiopia is a country with no military involvement in support of any of the warring sides. It is to be recalled that Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed remains the only head of Government that travelled to Port Sudan. Additionally, Ethiopian Airlines continues to be the only international career maintaining scheduled flight to Sudan. With this and the longstanding ties that exist between the two countries, Ethiopia expressed its strong support for the peace efforts of IGAD and the African Union. Furthermore, recalling the High-Level Humanitarian Conference on Sudan that Ethiopia co-hosted on 14 February 2025, in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia implored BRICS countries to scale up humanitarian assistance.

On the security situation in the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden, Ethiopia underscored the maritime route’s relevance as a lifeline for global trade especially for the countries of the region, littoral and non-littoral alike. On this basis, Ethiopia called for inclusive maritime governance. In relation, Ethiopia, reiterates its policy on zero tolerance for terrorism in all its manifestations, and called for enhanced global partnership to combat terrorist groups in the Horn of Africa.

The meeting concluded by adopting a joint statement calling for the strengthening of multilateralism as a means to promoting peace, stability, and development in the MENA region.

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Ethiopia Kicks Off Its Three-Year Term AUPSC Membership

Ethiopia has officially commenced its three-year tenure as a newly elected member of the African Union Peace and Security Council (AU PSC) at a welcoming flag ceremony held at the AU head quarter on 1st April 2025.

Speaking at the welcoming flag ceremony, Ambassador Rebecca Amuge Otengo, Chairperson of the PSC for the Month of April expressed her confidence in the capability and experience of the newly elected members of the PSC to advance peace and security of the continent. Similarly, Ambassador Bankole Adeoye, Commissioner for Political Affairs, Peace and Security welcomed the newly elected and re- elected members of the PSC and indicated that with the addition of the new members the PSC will continue to be a formidable forum for conflict prevention and management in the continent.

Ethiopian delegation led by Ambassador Hirut Zemene Kassa, Permanent Representative of Ethiopia to the AU and UNECA took part at the welcoming flag ceremony.

After the welcoming flag ceremony, Ethiopian delegation also participated at the Peace and Security Council 1271st meeting. The Council deliberated on the agenda item Commemoration of the International Mine Awareness Day and Addressing Explosives Weapons in Populated Areas (EWIPA). During the Council’s meeting, Ambassador Hirut expressed Ethiopia’s commitment to protecting civilians from threats of landmines and explosive remnants of war as a party to the 1997 Anti-Personal Mine Ban Convention (Ottawa Convention). She said that we are exerting our efforts to fulfil our obligations under this convention and our continental decisions. She also highlighted the ongoing projects in cooperation with partners. She emphasized that Ethiopian Anti Mine Office is working with the relevant partners to meet its target of clearing every inch of contaminated land from anti personal mines. In addition to clearing all mined areas, raising awareness and Victim assistance are at the heart of Ethiopia’s response to address the risk of Landmines, she said.

Ambassador Hirut stressed the importance of sustainable financial and technical assistance to affected Member States to strengthen their capacity to enable them fully meet their obligations under international and regional legal frameworks. She said that despite the continental efforts, a long way to go to fully eliminate the threats posed by Anti-personnel mines and Explosive Remnants of War. Hence, she recommended strengthening cooperation among Member States at continental and global level is imperative.

As a customary tradition, African Union Political Affairs, Peace and Security Department organizes an induction program for the newly elected Peace and Security Council members. This year’s induction program was held in Arusha, Tanzania from March 25 – 28, 2025. An Ethiopian delegation led by Ambassador Hirut, participated in the induction program of the peace and Security Council of the African Union in Arusha, Tanzania.

During the program, Ambassador Hirut expressed her gratitude for the Union’s confidence in electing Ethiopia as the member of the Peace and Security Council (PSC). She underlined Ethiopia’s contribution and commitment to the collective security of Africa and the world at large, both in the diplomatic field and in peacekeeping operations.

Ambassador Hirut also requested the council to work steadfastly in initiating early response to contain the crisis situations so as to prevent them from developing into full-blown conflicts. She also reiterated the need to invest more in sustaining peace by adopting conflict prevention mechanisms.

The Ambassador also highlighted the importance of working closely to effectively and efficiently finance the work of the Peace and Security Council of the Union considering the current situation. She said that it’s time for the Council to look into how best it could fit into the existing reality in the evolving global geopolitical situation to strengthen the relevance and vitality of the continent’s collective interests.

The Induction Program is an annual program that aims at equipping the newly-elected PSC members with a fundamental understanding of the PSC’s mandate, role, work, priorities, working methods and its relationship with the AU Commission. It is to be recalled that the 46th Ordinary Session of the Executive Council held on 12 February 2025 elected four new members of the PSC. Accordingly, Ethiopia and Eswatini were elected as new members of the PSC while Nigeria and Cameroon were re-elected for another term representing their respective regions.

Ethiopia has earned a reputation of being reliable mediator, contributing to diplomatic efforts in resolving regional conflicts amicably. Ever since the foundation of the continental organization, Ethiopia has been actively engaged in the peaceful resolution of conflicts in our continent and particularly in the Horn of Africa. During its PSC tenure, Ethiopia will leverage its extensive experience in conflict resolution, peace-making and peace building at sub-regional, continental and global levels for the promotion of peace and stability across the continent. Along with other members, Ethiopia will work to enhance the capacity of the Council to address emerging and existing continental peace and security challenges.

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Ethiopia’s Green Legacy Initiative: A Blueprint for Africa’s Environmental Transformation

Ethiopia is steadily positioning itself as a beacon of environmental sustainability, spearheading the Green Legacy Initiative (GLI). With ambitious goals to maximize green coverage, rehabilitate degraded lands, and actively engage society in reforestation campaigns, the initiative has redefined Ethiopia’s environmental image. Launched with the vision of transforming arid and degraded landscapes into fertile grounds for agriculture and forestry, the GLI has gone beyond mere greening to contribute significantly to climate change mitigation, job creation, and the promotion of a burgeoning green economy.

Under the stewardship of the GLI Technical Committee, Ethiopia has made tremendous progress. Over 40 billion seedlings have been planted to date, raising forest cover by 6%. Agroforestry schemes tied to the initiative have created thriving value chains in timber production, wild honey, spices, and more, while protecting essential ecosystems such as watersheds. The initiative’s efforts have also drawn attention from international stakeholders and regional neighbours, with nations such as Kenya adopting its practices. Moreover, Ethiopia’s influence in climate discussions, addressing critical issues like desertification and climate finance, reflects its growing role as a leader in sustainable development across Africa.

What sets Ethiopia apart is its comprehensive approach. The government has fostered collaborations among Ministries, the Ethiopian Forest Development Commission, and development organizations to achieve its green legacy goals. These efforts are further enhanced by a shift in societal attitudes, with youth and children leading the charge for environmental nationalism.

As Ethiopia’s Green Legacy Initiative gains momentum, the potential for African nations to draw lessons is monumental. The integration of reforestation, job creation, and climate-smart agriculture showcases a sustainable development model that not only mitigates environmental degradation but also fosters economic resilience. By embracing this blueprint, Africa has the opportunity to address shared challenges, from food security to climate vulnerability.

Ethiopia’s vision for regional transformation extends beyond its borders. Through diplomatic channels, the Foreign Ministry has emphasized the importance of engaging Ethiopian Diaspora to support flagship projects like the Green Legacy Initiative. Their contributions in investment, tourism, technology transfer, and cultural promotion have bolstered Ethiopia’s green economy while enhancing its global image.

Ethiopia’s Grand Renaissance Dam, for instance, exemplifies renewable energy projects with shared benefits for riparian nations. Ethiopia’s leadership at global forums like COP29 and its commitments to the Paris Agreement demonstrate its dedication to equitable and inclusive climate solutions.

The Green Legacy Initiative has achieved remarkable milestones:

• Seedlings Planted: Over 40 billion seedlings planted since its inception, surpassing the initial target of 20 billion.
• Job Creation: More than 767,000 jobs created, with a focus on empowering women and youth.
• Nurseries Established: Development of over 120,000 nurseries nationwide.
• Forest Coverage: A 6% increase in Ethiopia’s forest cover.
• Economic Impact: Agroforestry schemes have generated market value chains in timber, honey, spices, and other products.

Through knowledge sharing, scalable policies, and community-driven green initiatives, Ethiopia has set a precedent that the rest of Africa can emulate. In doing so, Ethiopia not only paves the way for its own environmental and economic success but also inspires a collective commitment to a greener, more sustainable continent.

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Ethio-India Trade and Business Forum Highlights Investment Opportunities in Ethiopia’s Pharmaceutical Sector

Ethiopia’s pharmaceutical sector is undergoing remarkable transformation, emerging as an attractive investment destination for global pharmaceutical companies. Recognizing the sector’s strategic importance, the Ethiopian government has taken significant steps to enhance local production, including the establishment of the Kilinto Industrial Park (KIP), a state-of-the-art facility dedicated to pharmaceutical manufacturing.

Recent government initiatives have resulted in substantial growth in local pharmaceutical production. According to the Ministry of Health, Ethiopia’s domestic pharmaceutical production reached $75 million in June 2024, increasing the local market share from 8% to 36%, with an ambitious target of 47% by 2025. Despite this progress, the country continues to rely on imports for 64% of its pharmaceutical needs, with total imports valued at $676.2 million in 2023. India remains Ethiopia’s largest pharmaceutical trade partner, supplying nearly 40% of the imported medicines, amounting to $244.72 million in the same year.

The Ethio-India Trade and Business Forum, held at the Skylight Hotel, served as a platform to explore investment opportunities in Ethiopia’s pharmaceutical sector. The event welcomed a high-level Indian delegation comprising over 80 representatives from 56 pharmaceutical companies, led by the Pharmaceutical Export Promotion Council of India.

In her keynote address, Minister of Health Dr. Mekdes Daba, reaffirmed the government’s commitment to expanding domestic pharmaceutical production. She highlighted Ethiopia’s ongoing efforts to create a conducive investment climate, including incentives for manufacturers and the establishment of the Kilinto Special Industrial Zone. Dr. Mekdes invited Indian pharmaceutical companies to seize the opportunity to invest in Ethiopia, further strengthening the long-standing economic partnership between the two nations.

Shri Anil Kumar Rai, Ambassador of India to Ethiopia, underscored the importance of fostering strong ties between Indian pharmaceutical manufacturers and Ethiopia’s expanding pharmaceutical industry. He emphasized that Ethiopia’s rapidly growing sector presents an excellent opportunity for Indian investors to contribute to enhancing local production and reducing import dependency.

Zeleke Temesgen, Commissioner of the Ethiopian Investment Commission, extended an invitation to Indian pharmaceutical manufacturers, emphasizing that Ethiopia could benefit greatly from India’s extensive experience in the sector. He assured investors that the Ethiopian government is committed to providing robust support for companies seeking to establish operations in the country.

Heran Gerba, Director General of the Ethiopian Food and Drug Authority (EFDA), reiterated the Authority’s dual role in regulating and facilitating sector growth. She emphasized that ensuring the availability of quality medicines is crucial for achieving universal health coverage in Ethiopia.

India’s pharmaceutical industry, valued at $50 billion in FY 2023-24, is globally recognized as the “pharmacy of the world.” With Ethiopia’s pharmaceutical market projected to reach $4 billion by 2030, Indian investors have a unique opportunity to establish local manufacturing facilities at Kilinto Industrial Park or other designated zones. Ethiopia’s strategic geographic position, coupled with Ethiopian Airlines’ extensive connectivity to 64 African cities and Ethiopia’s membership in the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), enhances its potential as a gateway to Africa’s 1.4 billion consumers.

The Ethiopian government has introduced favorable investment policies, offering fiscal and non-fiscal incentives such as price protection for local manufacturers, advance payment schemes, and long-term agreements with the Ethiopian Pharmaceutical Supply Agency (EPSA). These measures aim to attract and retain investors, ensuring sustainable sector growth.

In conclusion, Ethiopia’s pharmaceutical sector presents a lucrative opportunity for investors, particularly Indian pharmaceutical firms. By establishing local production facilities, Indian companies can capitalize on Ethiopia’s growing demand, bridge the production gap, and expand their footprint in the African market. This mutually beneficial partnership will not only accelerate Ethiopia’s pharmaceutical industry development but also enhance India’s presence in the African healthcare landscape, reinforcing the strong economic ties between the two nations.

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