Ethiopia to Host 5th P4G Summit in 2027
A Senior Ethiopian Delegation Participates in London Sudan Conference 2025
Ethiopian Companies Showcase Products at Ethio-India Business Expo in New Delhi
NEWS IN BRIEF
Ethiopia
President Taye Aske Selassie and Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed offered their condolences on Monday (April 21) following the passing of Pope Francis in the Vatican. Both leaders acknowledged Pope Francis’s significant legacy of service to faith, humanity, and global peace, expressing sorrow at his passing and honoring his enduring impact.
Ethiopia’s high-level delegation, led by Prime Minister Abiy, participated in the 4th Partnering for Green Growth and Global Goals 2030 (P4G) Summit, held in Hanoi, Vietnam, from April 16–17. (See article)
On Thursday (April 24), an Ethiopian delegation led by Defense Minister Aisha Mohammed participated in a meeting of defense ministers of the African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM) in Kampala, Uganda.
The first Ethiopian Aviation Forum is being held in Addis Ababa this week, from April 24 to 25. During the opening ceremony on Thursday (April 24), Minister of Transport Alemu Sime and Minister of Tourism Selamawit Kassa delivered remarks. It was stated during the ceremony that the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) will only thrive if supported by robust air connectivity. Minister Alemu emphasized this point, adding that Ethiopian Airlines’ expansion into various hubs exemplifies the country’s Pan-African commitment.
Boeing Company inaugurated its new African office in Addis Ababa on Wednesday (April 23). Speaking at the inauguration ceremony, Minister of Transport and Logistics, Alemu Sime, emphasized that this move represents a significant milestone in the company’s global expansion strategy.
The Ethio-India Business Expo 2025, held from April 15 to 17 at the PHD Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PHDCCI) in New Delhi, concluded successfully last week, marking another step forward in economic collaboration between Ethiopia and India. The event was jointly organized by PHDCCI and Ethiopia’s Enterprises Development, with 20 Ethiopian small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) participating. (See article)
A high-level Ethiopian delegation led by Finance Minister Ahmed Shide attended the 2025 International Monetary Fund (IMF) and World Bank (WB) Spring Meetings in Washington, D.C., on Tuesday (April 21). The delegation held discussions with the IMF Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva and other high-level officials to exchange views on ongoing macroeconomic reforms and areas for further support and collaboration.
The Ethio-Saudi Arabia Trade and Investment Forum was held in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, on Tuesday (April 22). High-ranking government officials and members of the business community of the two countries took part in the forum.
An Ethiopian delegation led by Ambassador Menelik Alemu, Special Policy Advisor to the Minister of Foreign Affairs and Chairman of Ethiopia’s National BRICS Senior Officials Technical Committee, participated in the second BRICS Sherpas/Sous Sherpas meeting in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, on Thursday (April 24).
The International Forum of Africa–Russia Journalists was held in Addis Ababa on Tuesday (April 22), under the theme “The Way of Friendship and Cooperation.” Journalists from several African countries, including Ethiopia, participated alongside Russian delegates to explore the evolving media landscape and discuss future collaboration between the two regions.
Djibouti
President Ismail Omar Guelleh received his Egyptian counterpart, President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi, on Wednesday (April 23), where the two leaders held discussions on bilateral and regional matters of mutual interest.
President Guelleh received Tuesday (April 22) the Secretary General of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), Wamkele Mene, who was in Djibouti to attend the High-Level Conference on the Opportunities of the AfCFTA through Special Economic Zones.
State Minister for Foreign Affairs and former Ethiopian Ambassador to Djibouti, Berhanu Tsegaye, received the Officer’s Medal in the National Order of June 27, presented by Djibouti’s Prime Minister Abdoulkader Kamil Mohamed last week (April 17) . The Officer’s Medal in the National Order of June 27 is one of the highest civilian honors awarded by the Republic of Djibouti.
Kenya
President William Ruto arrived in Beijing, China, on Tuesday (April 22) for a four-day state visit. The president stated that the visit is expected to deepen and broaden the historical, economic and cultural ties that have defined the cordial relations between Kenya and China over the years.
Somalia
President Hassen Sheikh Mohamud on Wednesday (April 23) presided over the Somalia–EU Partnership Meeting in Mogadishu, the third round since the launch of the Joint Operational Roadmap in May 2023.
President Mohamud arrived in Kampala on Thursday (April 24) to take part in the Extraordinary Summit of Troop Contributing Countries (TCCs) to the African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM), taking place from April 24–25.
Sudan
A high-level Ethiopian delegation led by Ambassador Redwan Hussien, Director General of the National Intelligence and Security Service, and including State Minister for Foreign Affairs Ambassador Hadera Abera and other senior officials, participated in the London Sudan Conference held on Tuesday (April 15). (See article)
United Nations envoy Ramtane Lamamra met Sudan’s military leader, General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan in Port Sudan on Wednesday (April 23) as part of UN’s intensified efforts to de-escalate conflict and push for dialogue.
Africa and the African Union
The 24th Extraordinary Session of the Executive Council of the African Union was held at the African Union Headquarters in Addis Ababa on Tuesday (April 15). The session was chaired by Téte António, Minister of External Relations of the Republic of Angola and the Chairperson of the Executive Council. Representing Foreign Minister Gedion Tomothewos, the Permanent Representative of Ethiopia to the AU and UNECA, Ambassador Hirut Zemene, addressed the high-level continental gathering of Ministers of Foreign Affairs of AU Member States. (See article)
At the Extraordinary Summit of Troop-Contributing Countries (TCCs) to the African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM), being held on April 24–25 in Uganda, African Union Commission Chairperson Mahamoud Ali Youssouf emphasized the critical importance of a successful transition from the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS) to AUSSOM.
AUC chairperson Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, in a statement released on Monday (April 21), expressed profound sorrow and deep sadness on the passing of Pope Francis, a towering moral voice of our time and a steadfast advocate for peace, justice, compassion, and human dignity.
The African Space Agency (AfSA) inaugurated its headquarters in Cairo, Egypt, on Wednesday (April 23). A key deliverable of Agenda 2063’s, Outer Space Strategy underscores the continent’s unified commitment to leveraging space technologies for socio-economic growth, scientific innovation, and enhanced international collaboration.
Ethiopia to Host 5th P4G Summit in 2027
Ethiopia’s high-level delegation, led by Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, participated in the 4th Partnering for Green Growth and Global Goals 2030 (P4G) Summit, held in Hanoi, Vietnam, from April 16–17.
The P4G is a multi-stakeholder initiative formed to support green and inclusive growth in low- and middle-income countries and support country climate transitions in food, water and energy systems. The country partners consist of Ethiopia, Denmark, the Republic of Korea, Indonesia, the Netherlands, Colombia, Kenya, South Africa, and Vietnam. The Hanoi Summit was attended by high-level representatives of members of the group, non-government partners and heads of international organizations, including the Deputy Secretary-General of the United Nations.
At the opening of the summit, Prime Minister Abiy underlined that achieving the Sustainable Development Goals and fulfilling the targets of the Paris Agreement require a reimagined approach to global partnership. In this regard, the Premier highlighted Ethiopia’s ambitious policies and strategies aligned with regional and global commitments and sustainable development goals. He underscored that Ethiopia, in line with Agenda 2030 and Agenda 2063, has set out an ambitious path towards achieving net-zero emissions and building a climate-resilient economy.
The Premier urged global partners and P4G partners to rally behind three key priorities: climate finance, the expansion of renewable energy, and strengthened environmental protection measures. The call underscores Ethiopia’s commitment to sustainable development and the importance of global cooperation in addressing climate change and its devastating consequences.
During the summit, Ethiopia showcased its remarkable achievements in renewable energy expansion. Ethiopia also reaffirmed the common African position calling for the allocation of 1.3 trillion USD under the Collective Quantified Goal on climate finance to finance climate adaptation, mitigation and resilience. Additionally, Prime Minister Abiy urged all stakeholders to work together in tackling environmental challenges, including biodiversity loss, deforestation, and desertification, while prioritizing the restoration of degraded lands.
The Summit adopted the Hanoi Declaration on Sustainable and People-Centered Green Transition, and the Declaration on Strengthening Multilateral and Institutional Partnerships to Promote Green Transition and Sustainable Development. Participating countries, international organizations, and the private sector made numerous commitments in support of sustainable development and climate action.
Ethiopia officially accepted the responsibility to host the 5th P4G Summit in 2027. The 5th P4G Summit, set to take place in Addis Ababa, is expected to take the partnership to the next stage of cooperation guided by P4G’s core principles of partnership, innovation, inclusivity, and action. Prime Minister Abiy reassured that Ethiopia’s 2027 Summit will spotlight green industrialization, climate-resilient agriculture, and the empowerment of youth and women as essential agents of change in the green transition.
A Senior Ethiopian Delegation Participates in London Sudan Conference 2025
A high-level Ethiopian delegation led by Ambassador Redwan Hussien, Director General of the National Intelligence and Security Service, and including State Minister for Foreign Affairs Ambassador Hadera Abera and other senior officials, participated in the London Sudan Conference held on Tuesday (April 15).
The conference was held with the objectives of deliberating on humanitarian aid, working on ways of achieving a ceasefire, and providing the necessary support to help address the conflict through political means. Co-hosted by the UK, the EU, France, Germany, and the African Union, the conference has brought together representatives from 14 countries and global organizations, including the UN.
This participation reflects Ethiopia’s determination to actively take part in genuine efforts aimed at addressing the conflict in Sudan. Ethiopia will continue actively helping any such efforts in the future as well. In the conference, Ethiopia expressed its position that it is only a Sudanese-owned process that will lead to a comprehensive and sustainable peace in the Sudan. Appreciating the efforts partners are making to help the Sudanese overcome the situation, Ethiopia vouched for the role regional organizations could play in addressing the conflict. In line with the principle of subsidiarity, IGAD has been making efforts in this regard, and a call was made to intensify such engagements.
It is to be recalled that Ethiopia, understanding the gravity of the humanitarian situation in Sudan, hosted a pledging conference in Addis Ababa and pledged 15 million USD from its meager resources. Similarly, Ethiopia showed its strong support for the appeal for humanitarian aid and its readiness to continue improving the conditions of hosting Sudanese refugees in Ethiopia. Ethiopia further urges the international community to increase support for Sudan and neighboring countries hosting refugees, highlighting the significance of close consultation with Sudanese parties to ensure effective aid distribution. It also calls for continued resource mobilization to address the humanitarian crisis.
However, it was not lost on the participants that the humanitarian situation could be addressed permanently only through achieving a permanent ceasefire. Ethiopia underscored the need to engage the parties and urge conflicting parties to agree to a permanent ceasefire. Countries that have endeavored to support peace in Sudan, the continental and regional organizations, and partners have also expressed their readiness to call for a Sudanese-owned peace process. Participants called for dialogue and constructive engagement with the parties to advance the noble cause of the protection of civilians and peaceful settlement of the conflict.
As is the case elsewhere, the conflict in Sudan has also attracted opportunist elements who exploit the situation to their advantage. As a country that shares a long border with Sudan, Ethiopia continues to work closely with actors that seek to bring peace to Sudan. The war is having serious repercussions not only on the people of Sudan but also on the neighboring states as well. Considering that silencing the guns in Sudan is in the interests of the region, neighboring states should intensify their engagement in this regard.
Ethiopia has maintained contact with the two sides in Sudan and is ready to engage with the parties. Moreover, Ethiopia looks forward to working with the Sudanese parties, the AU, IGAD, Sudan’s neighbors, friends of Sudan, and partners to bring the war to an end.
Ethiopia Reaffirms Commitment to Advancing Continental Goals at 24th Extraordinary Session of the Executive Council of the African Union
The 24th Extraordinary Session of the Executive Council of the African Union was held at the African Union Headquarters in Addis Ababa on Tuesday (April 15). The session was chaired by Téte António, Minister of External Relations of the Republic of Angola and Chairperson of the Executive Council. Representing Foreign Minister Gedion Tomothewos, the Permanent Representative of Ethiopia to the AU and UNECA, Ambassador Hirut Zemene, addressed the high-level continental gathering of Ministers of Foreign Affairs of AU Member States.
In her opening remarks, Ambassador Hirut congratulated Foreign Minister Téte António for his leadership of the Executive Council and assured Ethiopia’s full support during his tenure. The Permanent Representative also congratulated the incoming Chairperson, Deputy Chairperson, the four Commissioners, and other elected officials of the AU Commission on their successful election and assumption of their distinguished responsibilities. She reaffirmed Ethiopia’s commitment to working closely with all elected officials for the effective discharge of their duties throughout their term. “As the host country of the African Union Headquarters, we are deeply committed to the success of your mandates,” she said.
Ambassador Hirut highlighted the current extraordinary global challenges, including the adverse impacts of climate change, geopolitical tensions, conflicts, debt burdens, humanitarian crises, and uncertainties in global trade. She emphasized that the AU must play a proactive role in navigating these complex challenges with wisdom and farsighted leadership. She further noted that the AU must be agile and fit-for-purpose to achieve the vision embodied in Agenda 2063—creating a fully integrated, peaceful, and prosperous continent by silencing the guns and implementing other flagship projects.
Speaking on the purpose of the session, Ambassador Hirut underlined the importance of the elections and stressed that the deliberations are crucial to advancing the AU’s vision through the selection of competent candidates.
The Extraordinary Session deliberated on concluding the election process for the remaining two Commissioners of the African Union Commission: Commissioner for Economic Development, Trade, Tourism, Industry and Minerals (ETTIM), and Commissioner for Education, Science, Technology and Innovation (ESTI). It also conducted the election and appointment of one member of the Peace and Security Council of the African Union, one member of the African Union Commission on International Law (AUCIL), and one member of the African Space Council.
Accordingly, the Executive Council elected Algeria as a member of the Peace and Security Council of the African Union for a three-year term. It also elected Adamou Moussa from Benin as a member of the African Union Commission on International Law (AUCIL), and Fatima Hamat Daoussa from Chad as a member of the African Space Council.
Regarding the election of commissioners, it is worth recalling that the Assembly of Heads of State and Government, in 2018, adopted a new process to ensure that the election is transparent and merit-based. The Assembly also decided to establish a High-Level Panel of Eminent Africans to conduct a skills- and competency-based assessment and generate a ranked pool of prequalified candidates, from which the Executive Council would elect Commissioners.
In this context, the Executive Council deliberated on the report presented by the Panel of Eminent Africans and the Bureau of the Executive Council on the pre-selection process for the two remaining commissioners.
During the deliberations, Ambassador Hirut commended the Panel of Eminent Personalities for their remarkable work and encouraged them to continue their efforts in line with their entrusted mandate while maintaining the existing rigor. She emphasized the importance of adhering to the rules and principles of the African Union in the selection and election process for the two commissioners of the African Union Commission. She stated that the African Union is a democratic body guided by established rules and principles. She urged that the conclusion of the election of the remaining commissioners from the Central Region be conducted in the spirit of Pan-African consensus and in strict adherence to the Union’s guidelines.
Finally, the Executive Council decided that the election and appointment of the two Commissioners would take place during the 47th Ordinary Session of the Executive Council, to be held from 10 to 11 July 2025 in Malabo, Equatorial Guinea. It also instructed the Panel to continue its work in generating a ranked pool of prequalified candidates for the two remaining portfolios, with technical assistance from the same independent African consultancy firm that supported the selection of the four Commissioners during the 46th Ordinary Session of the Executive Council on 12 February 2025.
It is also worth recalling that the Executive Council appointed Ambassador Kongit Sinegiorgis as a member of the Panel of Eminent Personalities representing East Africa during its 44th Ordinary Session held in February 2024.
Ethio-India Business Expo 2025 Strengthens Bilateral Ties and SME Collaboration
The Ethio-India Business Expo 2025, held from April 15 to 17 at the PHD Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PHDCCI) in New Delhi, concluded successfully last week, marking another step forward in economic collaboration between Ethiopia and India. The event was jointly organized by PHDCCI and Ethiopia’s Enterprises Development, with 20 Ethiopian small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) participating.
In his inaugural speech, Fesseha Shawel, Ambassador of Ethiopia to India, highlighted investment opportunities in Ethiopia’s SME sector and urged Ethiopian companies to leverage India’s technological and business expertise. He emphasized the importance of strengthening cooperation between Ethiopian and Indian SMEs to enhance economic ties and promote bilateral trade.
Following the opening remarks, the Ambassador, along with PHDCCI Deputy Secretary General Naveen Seth, officially inaugurated the event, which was followed by an interactive tour and engagement with the exhibition booths of both Ethiopian and Indian companies.
After the three-day exhibition, the Ethiopian companies participated in visits to various manufacturing plants, allowing them to tap into India’s rich ecosystem of innovation and affordable technology. The event also enabled SMEs from both countries to explore trade opportunities, potential joint ventures, and avenues for knowledge sharing.
SMEs form the backbone of both the Indian and Ethiopian economies. In India, they account for nearly 30% of the GDP and 45% of exports, serving as a major source of employment and innovation. In Ethiopia, SMEs also contribute significantly to industrialization, job creation, and the overall development of the country.
Ethiopia–India trade relations are rooted in historical ties and mutual goodwill, with a relationship marked by strong political cooperation and growing economic engagement. Both countries have expressed a shared commitment to deepening their commercial links, recognizing the value of long-term partnership. Ethiopia is well known for offering an enabling environment for Indian businesses, particularly in priority sectors such as textiles, agro-processing, and pharmaceuticals, making it a strategic destination for trade and investment.
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