The Annual Pan African Youth Leadership Summit (PAYLS) Held in Addis Ababa
Ethio-Uganda Joint Ministerial Commission Meeting Concludes with the Signing of Key Agreements
State Minister for Foreign Affairs Addresses AU on 31st Anniversary of Rwanda’s Genocide
Ethiopia-Brazil Business and Investment Promotion Forum Held in Sao Paulo, Brazil
International Floriculture and Horticulture Trade Fair Opens in Addis Ababa
NEWS IN BRIEF
Ethiopia
The annual Pan-African Youth Leadership Summit (PAYLS) was held at the Adwa Victory Memorial Museum in Addis Ababa from April 3-5, under the theme “Unlocking the Power of Youth for a Prosperous Africa,” during which President Taye Atske Selasie addressed the summit. (See article)
President Taye held a discussion with the Chairperson of the African Union Commission (AUC), Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, at the Presidential Office on Wednesday (April 9). Their discussions focused on regional peace and security, as well as ongoing institutional reforms within the AU, including financial sovereignty and sustainable funding for peace support operations.
Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed also met with the AUC Chairperson, Mahmoud Youssouf Ali, on Tuesday (April 8), where the two sides discussed key regional peace and security affairs.
PM Abiy appointed Ambassador Hadera Abera as State Minister of Foreign Affairs for Political and Economic Affairs and Ambassador Berhanu Tsegaye as State Minister of Foreign Affairs for Resource Management and Services. Both were welcomed on Thursday (April 10) by the leadership and staff of the ministry.
The official transfer of power in the Tigray region took place on Tuesday (April 8) in Addis Ababa, attended by Prime Minister Abiy and members of the diplomatic community. The Prime Minister said the decision followed weeks of discussions based on the Constitution, the Pretoria Agreement, and input from the diplomatic community. General Tadesse Worede, who served as deputy to Getachew Reda, has been chosen to lead the transitional government and guide Tigray toward peace and development. The Prime Minister also appointed former Tigray region interim president Getachew Reda as his advisor on East African affairs, effective immediately on Friday (April 11).
In a statement released on Wednesday (April 9) by the National Security Council, chaired by Prime Minister Abiy, significant progress was affirmed in political, economic, social, and diplomatic spheres despite ongoing challenges. The Council commended security forces for their sacrifices and expressed gratitude to the international community for its support. It also addressed regional and global issues, reaffirming Ethiopia’s commitment to diplomacy, regional stability, and securing access to the sea.
The Fourth Joint Ministerial Commission between the Governments of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia and the Republic of Uganda was successfully held on April 4, preceded by a senior officials’ meeting on April 3. (See article)
Minister of Foreign Affairs Gedion Timothewos received the Ambassador of the Netherlands to Ethiopia, Ambassador Christine Pirenne, at his office on Wednesday (April 9). The two sides discussed ways of further strengthening bilateral relations between the two countries.
FM Gedion and Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers and Minister of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan, Rashid Meredov, on Tuesday (April 8) held a telephone conversation. During the discussion, the two sides exchanged views on enhancing bilateral relations between Ethiopia and Turkmenistan.
On the same day, Gedion held talks with Canadian Ambassador to Ethiopia Joshua Tabah and Canadian Special Envoy to the African Union (AU) Ben Marc Diendéré. The two sides exchanged views on a range of national and regional issues.
The 31st anniversary of the 1994 genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda was commemorated on Monday (April 7) at the African Union Headquarters in Addis Ababa under the theme “Remember, Unite, Renew.” The occasion brought together officials from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ethiopia, the African Union Commission, members of the diplomatic corps, religious institutions, international organizations, academic institutions and the Rwandan community in Addis Ababa. (See article)
The second Ethiopia-Brazil Business and Investment Promotion Forum took place on Tuesday (April 8) in São Paulo. It was organized by the Ethiopian Embassy in Brazil in collaboration with Wafa Marketing and Promotion. (See article)
The International Floriculture and Horticulture Trade Fair took place in Addis Ababa from April 1 to 3, under the theme “Horticulture for a Sustainable Ethiopia.” The event brought together key stakeholders in the horticulture sector, including government officials, industry leaders, local and international businesses, and experts, to discuss innovations, challenges, and opportunities in the horticultural industry. (See article)
During an interview with an Ethiopian news outlet, Foreign Affairs Spokesperson Ambassador Nebiat Getachew said Ethiopia’s determined pursuit of economic reforms is firmly rooted in the nation’s core interests and its enduring commitment to the African continent. The spokesperson mentioned Ethiopia’s calculated engagement with global blocs, including its recent BRICS membership, emphasizing that all actions are driven by the desire to ensure national advancement and continental solidarity.
An Ethio–Greek Business and Investment Forum was held in Athens, Greece, on Tuesday (April 8). The Forum, which was organized by the Ethiopian Embassy in Rome and the Ethiopian Honorary Consulate in the Hellenic Republic in collaboration with the Hellenic–African Chamber of Commerce, brought together representatives from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Hellenic Republic, other government institutions, and members of the Ethiopian and Greek business communities, along with private companies.
Eritrea
Sudan’s military leader, General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, visited Eritrea on Thursday (April 10) for talks with President Isaias Afwerki focused on strengthening the bilateral relations between the two countries.
Djibouti
President Ismail Omar Guelleh received Vice-President of the Russian State Duma, Viktoria Abramchenko, on Wednesday (April 9) at the Palace of the Republic. The visit marks part of ongoing efforts to strengthen bilateral relations between Djibouti and Russia.
Kenya
The World Chambers Federation (WCF) Africa Summit 2025 was held in Nairobi, Kenya, on Wednesday (April 9). President William Ruto addressed the summit that hosted 4,500 delegates, 350 exhibitors and leaders shaping Africa’s future in trade, innovation, and sustainability.
Sudan
General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan met Mali’s intelligence chief, Modibo Kone, in Port Sudan on Wednesday (April 9), the latest high-level contact aimed at strengthening relations between the two countries.
South Sudan
Prime Minister Abiy received Benjamin Bol Mel, who delivered a message from South Sudanese President Salva Kiir Mayardit on Monday (April 7). PM Abiy underscored that Ethiopia remains committed and will continue to extend its steadfast support to the brotherly people of South Sudan.
Africa and the African Union
Executive Secretary of the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD), Workneh Gebeyehu, convened with the African Union Commission Chair, Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, on Wednesday (April 9), reaffirming closer collaboration in promoting peace and stability across the region. They also reiterated their shared commitment to the principle of subsidiarity and strengthened AU–REC collaboration for greater coherence and effectiveness.
The 8th African Leadership Forum was held in Kampala on Tuesday (April 8), where leaders called for “Africa-first” strategies to advance the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni emphasized the need for economic and ideological transformation, while former Ethiopian Prime Minister Hailemariam Dessalegn highlighted the importance of strong governance, transparency, and climate-smart agriculture, along with support for smallholder farmers and a transition to renewable energy.
The Annual Pan African Youth Leadership Summit (PAYLS) Held in Addis Ababa
The annual Pan-African Youth Leadership Summit (PAYLS) was held at the Adwa Victory Memorial Museum in Addis Ababa from April 3-5, under the theme “Unlocking the Power of Youth for a Prosperous Africa.”
The momentous continental gathering assembled youth representatives from various African countries to deliberate on leveraging the youthful population for the development of Africa.
Present at the PAYLS, among others, were President Taye Atske Selassie, African Union Commissioner Deputy Chairperson Ambassador Selma Malika Hadadi, Minister of Youth and Social Affairs, Ergogie Tesfaye, Chairperson of AU Youth Envoy Chido Cleopatra Mpemba, President of Pan African Youth Union Dialla Moumouni, and several other participants sourced from AU Member States to capitalize on the pivotal importance of the youth in realizing the peace and prosperity aspirations of Africa as envisioned by Agenda 2063: The Africa We Want.
In his opening remarks, President Taye stated that Africa, with the world’s youngest and fast-growing population and abundant critical raw materials, holds a vast wealth poised to fuel economic and social progress. We are now witnessing this potential being realized in the success of young African entrepreneurs making significant contributions across various sectors, the president said.
Speaking of the critical role being played by the youth in streamlining and leveraging the boon in the fourth industrial revolution, particularly in the fields of biotechnology, artificial intelligence, and financial technology, in tandem with green economy, the President noted the fact that the youth will meaningfully drive the successful implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) when strategically positioned to excel in these emerging fields.
While celebrating these achievements, President Taye stressed, we cannot deny the many pressing challenges confronting our youth: pervasive unemployment and underemployment, access to vital education and healthcare, and the growing digital divide are major issues that need to be addressed. The destructive impacts of climate change and environmental degradation are undermining productivity, he mentioned. He further underscored the perennial fact that political instability and conflicts are also barriers to the advancement of the youth on the continent.
Addressing the abovementioned manifold challenges, he stated, these unique circumstances compel us to pursue novel ideas that best address our quest for development as well as the complexities of global crisis. In this regard, he mentioned Ethiopia’s experience, in particular the introduction of Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed’s Medemer idea and forethought that is directly attributable to the need of this quest for thought leadership, is for other African countries to emulate. To quote,
“The Medemer concept is all about combining indigenous thought, knowledge, perspectives and resources for an effective social and economic transformation. The methodology is functioning with the notion that the whole is greater than the simple sum of its parts. Like Nkrumah’s consciencism, Medemer emphasizes the importance of a positive and forward-looking ideology to drive national development. Steve Biko’s Black consciousness was about defining blackness on Black terms, and Medemer is about defining an Ethiopian and African path to development on African terms. The Medemer also shares Ujamaa’s focus on social harmony and communal values.”
President Taye reiterated the fact that, “Medemer’s idea is not rooted on the impeccability of the concept itself; it is rather centered in its viability or practicability and the impact on the broader society and the change it accrues. The thought’s practical hallmark is its ability to create sustained momentum that overcomes challenges and drives progress, resulting in positioning Ethiopia among the continent’s fastest-growing and biggest economies.”
In his address he highlighted the Green Legacy Initiative (GLI), Climate Resilient Wheat Value Chain Development, sustainable energy generation and the dynamic urban development Ethiopia is currently witnessing as the epitome and fruits of this novel and homegrown thinking.
Touching upon GLI, the President mentioned that, with its significant expansion of forest coverage, the Initiative demonstrates our commitment to sustainability. This, in turn he added, has driven Ethiopia’s progress towards self-sufficiency exemplified by a national program called ‘Ye Lemat Tirufat’ or ‘Bounty of the Basket.’ He further stated that,
“The name “Lemat” itself carries dual significance. First, Lemat or basket in Ethiopia’s lived experience evokes the image of a basket overflowing with agricultural produces. Second, it is also the African basket which is a common sight across the continent; a symbol of bountiful harvests, embodying the very heart of Africa’s livelihoods and our food systems. This national initiative, therefore, is an integral part of the continental aspiration for food self-sufficiency for all citizens.”
President Taye also took the opportunity to express his gratitude to the youth of Ethiopia, for being “the drivers of these national achievements and “the true agents of the ‘Medemer Generation.’”
Expounding the contemporary entanglements in the global political landscape, he called attention to the incumbent fact that “traditional aid is withering away; Africa must first secure three critical elements,” including “ownership of its natural resources, mobilization of its wealth, and consolidation of its economic foundations.” “It should then, he said, strategically integrate into the global value chain, moving beyond raw material export through industrialization.”
“Africa must make sure that its youth are collectively and bravely confronting the new challenges of our era by harnessing technology and innovation as catalysts for progress through quality education and skills development,” he echoed. Reiterating the Government’s continued commitment to make the youth the epicentre of development agenda both at home and on the Continent, the President said,
“We shall also invest heavily in entrepreneurship and innovation that will help in fostering job creation and African-driven solutions. The empowerment and participation of the youth in decision-making, promoting leadership and civic engagement, is imperative.”
Capitalising on the need for orchestrating collective commitments and efforts to forge a participatory and representative future for the youth of Africa, both in the public and private sectors, President Taye pronounced,
“As governments have the duty to champion policies that cultivate education, entrepreneurship, and youth employment, regional bodies like the African Union must also elevate their efforts in empowering African youth as the engines of development. The private sector, in turn, must transcend the much-used terminology of “corporate social responsibility.” It should rather provide vital funding, mentorship and business support to genuinely impact the efforts of the youth.”
He added,
“At this period of global leadership crisis, we see people doubting the bright future of Africa. From my decades of experience in diplomacy and foreign relations, I found these skeptics utterly wrong. I want to say that this is the time we Africans have decided to move forward more united and stronger than ever to decide our fate and course of action.”
“The main reason why we shall articulate our position in no uncertain terms or (unequivocally),” President Taye echoed, “is because we have put our trust and confidence in the capacity and power of our youth as an active agent of change capable of navigating the intricacies of global dynamics.”
Concluding his remarks, President Taye, in a call to action to fellow African states to create a conducive milieu for the youth, stated the fact that governments have the duty to champion policies that cultivate education, entrepreneurship, and youth employment. In the same vein, he said, regional bodies like the African Union must also elevate their efforts in empowering African youth as the engines of development. Most importantly he recapitulated the fact that,
“To fully unlock the vast power of the African youth, it must be driven by thought leadership and action. Let us, therefore, transform our ideas and forethought into these tangible actions and become the architects of change and progress.”
AUC Deputy Chairperson Ambassador Selma Malika Haddadi, in her keynote speech, expressed her gratitude to Government of Ethiopia, for graciously hosting this most impactful gathering and said,
This gathering, under the powerful theme “Unlocking the Power of Youth for a Prosperous Africa,” is more than just a summit. It is a call to action, a platform for bold ideas, and a moment to reimagine the future of our continent – with youth at the center.
Mentioning the fact that “Africa is the youngest continent in the world,” the DCP stated,
By 2030, our youth population will surpass 1.5 billion. This is not just a demographic trend. It is our most valuable strategic asset. The question is: Are we doing enough to harness the full potential of Africa’s young people? This summit answers with a resounding ”“yes”—and more importantly, with action.
Ambassador Haddadi told the participants,
Through our continental frameworks – from Agenda 2063 to the African Youth Charter and the flagship 1 Million Next Level Initiative – the African Union is committed to building ecosystems of opportunity around five key pillars: Education, Employment, Entrepreneurship, Engagement, and Health and Well-being. These are not just development areas. They are the building blocks of dignity, hope, and belonging for millions of young Africans.
This year’s three-day Pan African Youth Leadership Summit was co-hosted by the Government of Ethiopia and the Pan Africa Youth Union (PAYU) with the objective of fostering dialogue and forging collaboration among young leaders across the continent, focusing on sustainable development, peace and economic empowerment. PAYU is a continental coordination body for youth organizations in Africa that serves as the focal agency of the AU on youth matters since its establishment in 1962.
Ethio-Uganda Joint Ministerial Commission Meeting Concludes with the Signing of Key Agreements
The Fourth Joint Ministerial Commission between the Governments of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia and the Republic of Uganda was successfully held on April 4, preceded by a senior officials’ meeting on April 3.
The Joint Ministerial Commission was co-chaired by Gedion Timothewos, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia, and Odongo Jeje Abubakhar, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Uganda.
In his opening remarks, Minister Gedion emphasized the need for cooperation on the full implementation of the Cooperative Framework Agreement. He called on the Government of the Republic of Uganda, as the current chair of the Nile Council of Ministers, to use its leadership to promote regional cooperation and the equitable and reasonable utilization of the Nile Waters. In addition, he stressed the importance of collective efforts and coordination between Ethiopia and Uganda to counter terrorism in the region and to enhance cooperation on the situation in South Sudan by working closely with IGAD.
Minister Odongo Jeje Abubakhar underscored the commitment of both countries to maintain a vibrant, productive relationship, describing the ties between Ethiopia and Uganda as among the most enduring—reinforced by a shared vision, common values, and the aspirations of Pan-Africanism, regional peace, security, and integration. He also expressed the Government of Uganda’s readiness and commitment to implement all agreed-upon positions arising from the Fourth Session of the JMC, with the aim of elevating bilateral relations to new heights.
In conclusion, the Commission considered and approved the signing of several Memoranda of Understanding, in addition to a Bilateral Air Services Agreement. Memoranda of Understanding were signed in the areas of the energy sector, water resources development and management, industry, aviation training, aircraft accident and incident investigation, and trade cooperation by the respective Ministers in attendance.
State Minister for Foreign Affairs Addresses AU on 31st Anniversary of Rwanda’s Genocide
The 31st anniversary of the 1994 genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda was commemorated on Monday (April 7) at the African Union Headquarters in Addis Ababa under the theme “Remember, Unite, Renew.”
The occasion brought together officials from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ethiopia, the African Union Commission, members of the diplomatic corps, religious institutions, international organizations, academic institutions and the Rwandan community in Addis Ababa.
In her address, the State Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Birtukan Ayano, emphasized that such commemorations are not only about remembering the innocent people who lost their lives in the genocide but also about recognizing the strength and resilience of the people of Rwanda. Ambassador Birtukan underscored Rwanda’s remarkable transformation from a terrible genocide to becoming a beacon of forgiveness and national reconstruction. The state minister further stressed the importance of redoubling efforts to prevent genocide, hate speech, discrimination and all forms of violence that threaten our shared humanity.
Stating the significance of rule of law, justice and equity in representing the guarantee of social peace and peaceful coexistence among communities, the Chairperson of the African Union Commission, Ali Yusuf, stressed the vital need for the African Union to take proactive measures to prevent such atrocities from occurring in the future.
Speaking at the commemoration ceremony, Rwandan Ambassador to Ethiopia, Charles Karamba, recognized Ethiopia’s significant role in promoting peace and stability in the aftermath of the genocide.
This commemorative program featured prayers led by representatives of various religious communities, a candlelight vigil, and a moment of silence in memory of the victims of the 1994 genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda.
Since 2010, April 7 has been observed as Rwandan Genocide Remembrance Day by the African Union through various programs seeking to continuously awaken greater awareness of the African peoples and the international community about the value of life and humanity and to renew our collective commitment to protect and uphold fundamental human rights.
Ethiopia-Brazil Business and Investment Promotion Forum Held in Sao Paulo, Brazil
The second Ethiopia-Brazil Business and Investment Promotion Forum took place on Tuesday (April 8) in São Paulo. It was organized by the Ethiopian Embassy in Brazil in collaboration with Wafa Marketing and Promotion.
At the event, Ethiopia’s Ambassador to Brazil, Leuleseged Tadesse Abebe, emphasized that the historical relationship between Ethiopia and Brazil should evolve into a strong economic partnership in trade, investment, and tourism. Ambassador Leuleseged highlighted Ethiopia’s openness to business and the ongoing comprehensive economic reforms aimed at attracting investment.
He pointed out that Ethiopia offers numerous incentives for Brazilian businesses and outlined key sectors for investment, including agriculture, manufacturing, renewable energy, mining, ICT and digital economy, and tourism and hospitality. He urged the Brazilian business community to visit Ethiopia and invest, noting that the daily flight from Addis Ababa to São Paulo presents an opportunity to strengthen business ties between the two countries.
Ambassador Leuleseged also stressed that Ethiopia’s BRICS membership provides a unique opportunity to deepen and diversify economic relations with Brazil.
Ambassador Yohannes Fanta, Director General for Economic Diplomacy at Ethiopia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, presented Ethiopia’s business priorities, investment opportunities, and the conducive investment climate. He reaffirmed the Ethiopian government’s commitment to collaborating with the Brazilian government and business community to enhance business partnerships and invited Brazilian investors to explore Ethiopia’s opportunities.
Ambassador Antonio Cesar, Director of African Affairs at Brazil’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, welcomed Ethiopia’s efforts to strengthen ties in trade, investment, and tourism. He reaffirmed Brazil’s commitment to enhancing business relations and mentioned plans to send Brazilian trade and business delegations to Ethiopia in October 2025. He highlighted Ethiopia as one of the best business destinations for Brazilian companies.
Samo Tosatti, Head of International Affairs of the São Paulo State Government, praised Ethiopia’s ongoing economic reforms, which he said have made the country a favorable business destination. He expressed readiness to collaborate with the Ethiopian government to promote business partnerships between Ethiopia and Brazil.
Professor João Bosco Monte, President of the Brazil-Africa Institute, also commended Ethiopia’s economic reforms and emphasized the importance of long-term economic cooperation between Ethiopia and Brazil.
Ethiopian company representatives participated in the event, which included a panel discussion featuring Angela Vidal, Secretary of International Relations at São Paulo City Hall; Renato Solano, Head of the International Desk at Planner Investment; Paulo Pan, Senior Business Advisor for Africa; and Hailu Horji, representing Ethiopian Airlines. Renato Solano emphasized the significant potential of Ethiopia’s agricultural sector and expressed his firm’s interest in investing in agriculture and food security. Rui Mucaje, President of the Afro-Chamber, also urged the Brazilian business community to explore investment opportunities in Ethiopia. The panel was followed by a B2B session that facilitated networking between Ethiopian and Brazilian businesses.
The event attracted over 100 Brazilian business representatives, government officials from Brazil’s federal government, São Paulo State, and São Paulo City Hall, as well as members of various chambers of commerce.
Ambassadors Leuleseged and DG Yohannes invited the Brazilian business community to participate in the upcoming High-Level Business Forum in Addis Ababa, scheduled for May 12-13, 2025.
International Floriculture and Horticulture Trade Fair Opens in Addis Ababa
The International Floriculture and Horticulture Trade Fair took place in Addis Ababa from April 1 to 3, under the theme “Horticulture for a Sustainable Ethiopia.” The event brought together key stakeholders in the horticulture sector, including government officials, industry leaders, local and international businesses, and experts, to discuss innovations, challenges, and opportunities in the horticultural industry.
Minister of Agriculture, Girma Amente, officially opened the three-day trade fair, emphasizing Ethiopia’s commitment to improving the business climate and fostering growth in the horticulture sector. He noted that the government is actively implementing measures to create a more favorable environment for businesses to thrive.
“The horticulture sector has been a priority for us, and we have seen encouraging progress in the last eight months,” Minister Girma said. He stressed that it is crucial for the country to capitalize on the achievements made so far and build on the momentum for further growth. To fully benefit from the sector, Girma emphasized the need for a collective effort to address the existing bottlenecks and enhance synergy across the entire supply chain.
In line with this, the Ethiopian government is pursuing policy reforms and sector-specific strategies aimed at fostering a better environment for private-sector operators. The Minister also highlighted the importance of collaboration among all stakeholders to support local and international initiatives focused on ensuring the sector’s long-term sustainability.
“The government will continue to work tirelessly to improve the business climate, in close cooperation with the Ethiopian Horticulture Producers Exporters Association (EHPEA), development partners, and other stakeholders,” Minister Girma reaffirmed.
Nega Mequanint, Chairman of the Ethiopian Horticulture Producers Exporters Association (EHPEA), also addressed the trade fair, emphasizing the strategic importance of the event. “This is not just a trade fair; it’s a platform for strategic engagement,” Nega remarked. He credited the recent success of the sector to a combination of strategic industry engagement, supportive government policies, and the dedication of industry members.
Ethiopia’s horticulture industry has made significant strides in recent years, with horticultural exports generating over 360 million U.S. dollars in the first eight months of the current fiscal year.
The trade fair featured exhibitions from local and international horticultural producers, showcasing innovative products and solutions aimed at enhancing the sustainability and productivity of the industry. Discussions at the fair focused on improving the efficiency of supply chains, tackling challenges, and exploring new export markets for Ethiopian horticultural products.
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