President Taye Attends 80th Victory Day Celebration In Russia
Ethiopia Secures Over $1.6 Billion in Investment at High-Level Forum, Signaling Bold Economic Transition
“Made in Ethiopia 2025” Expo Showcases Manufacturing Revival and Economic Reform
Ethiopia-China (Xinjiang) Business Cooperation and Exchange Conference Held in Addis Ababa
COMESA Women’s Trade Fair Held in Addis Ababa
NEWS IN BRIEF
Ethiopia
President Taye Atske Selassie of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia joined other world leaders in Moscow to commemorate the 80th anniversary of Russia’s victory in the Great Patriotic War of 1941–1945 against Nazi Germany. (See article)
Ethiopia concluded its Invest in Ethiopia 2025 High-Level Business Forum on a confident note, securing over $1.6 billion USD in investment commitments during a landmark two-day event held in the capital. The forum, hosted this week from May 12–13, marks a significant milestone in the country’s ambitious economic reform agenda and growing drive to attract foreign direct investment. (See article)
The “Made in Ethiopia 2025” Expo, officially launched on Saturday (May 3) at the Addis International Convention Center, ran for five days and highlighted Ethiopia’s growing efforts to build an economy centered on manufacturing. The event brought together 288 local producers who displayed a diverse range of products, from leather goods and textiles to processed food items. It served as a strong signal of the country’s ongoing shift from primary sectors toward industrialization. (See Article)
The East Africa Regional Meeting of the Committee of Intelligence and Security Services of Africa (CISSA) opened in Addis Ababa on Tuesday (May 13) with calls for stronger regional ownership of security. Deputy Prime Minister Temesgen Tiruneh emphasized local solutions and coordination.
The Ethiopian delegation, led by Minister of Defense Aisha Mohammed, participated in the 2025 UN Peacekeeping Ministerial Meeting from May 13-14, held in Berlin, and reaffirmed its long-standing commitment to international peace and security.
Foreign Minister Gedion Timothewos held discussions with Younous OMARJEE, Vice-President of the European Parliament, on Wednesday (May 14), where the two sides discussed further strengthening the relations between Ethiopia and the European Parliament.
FM Gedion received a courtesy call on Wednesday (May 14) from Belgian Ambassador Annelies Verstichel, where they discussed bilateral relations, as well as mutually important regional and international issues. The Minister stressed making trade and investment central to future Ethiopia-Belgium cooperation.
The Ethiopia-China (Xinjiang) Business Cooperation and Exchange Conference was held at the Sheraton Addis Hotel in Addis Ababa on Tuesday (May 13). The conference brought together senior government officials and representatives of various companies and chambers of commerce of both countries. (See article)
State Minister Ambassador Hadera Abera met with Caroline Mary Delany, Director General for African Affairs at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Canada, on Tuesday (May 13). He highlighted Ethiopia-Canada ties and encouraged more Canadian investment, citing Ethiopia’s favorable climate for business.
State Minister Ambassador Hadera received the US Ambassador to Ethiopia, Ambassador Ervin Masinga, on Thursday (May 15). On the occasion, the State Minister discussed bilateral, regional and economic relations with Ambassador Masinga. The State Minister also briefed the Ambassador on regional peace and security developments.
On the same day, State Minister Ambassador Hadera also met with British Ambassador to Ethiopia, Darren Welch. Ambassador Hadera underscored the longstanding relationship and strong partnership between Ethiopia and the United Kingdom. He emphasized the importance of deepening bilateral cooperation, particularly in the area of economic development. Highlighting Ethiopia’s favorable investment environment, the State Minister encouraged British companies to explore and expand their investment portfolios in the country.
Ethiopia participated in the BRICS Tourism Ministerial Meeting in Brazil on Tuesday (May 13), where Ambassador Leulseged Tadesse highlighted tourism as a key pillar of Ethiopia’s 10-Year Development Plan.
Djibouti
Foreign Minister Gedion Timothewos met with his Djiboutian counterpart, Abdoulkader Houssein Omar, in Addis Ababa on Wednesday (May 14) to discuss bilateral and regional issues, reaffirming their commitment to strengthening ties between the two countries.
Kenya
President William Ruto hosted Finnish President Alexander Stubb for a state visit to Kenya on Monday (May 12). The leaders discussed strengthening cooperation in education, peace and security, trade, investment, and climate action.
Somalia
President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud has been elected as the leader of the Justice and Solidarity Party at the party’s first convention held in Mogadishu (May 13).
Africa and the African Union
The 6th COMESA Federation of Women in Business (COMFWB) Trade Fair and Business Conference kicked off in Addis Ababa on Wednesday (May 7), with more than 200 women entrepreneurs from across the 21 member nations of the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA). The event, which ran until Friday (May 9), was held under the theme “A Thriving COMESA Advancing Gender-Responsive Regional Integration to Unlock Green Investments, Value Chains, Tourism, and Mining within the AfCFTA.” (See article)
Chairperson of the African Union Commission Mahmoud Ali Youssouf received Ambassador Hirut Zemene, Ethiopia’s Permanent Representative to the AU, on Tuesday (May 13), where they discussed regional issues of mutual interest.
On Monday (May 12), the newly elected AU Commission Chairperson Mahmoud Ali Youssouf unveiled his administration’s priorities in Addis Ababa, focusing on peace and security, global representation, and digital-led development.
African leaders, finance ministers, and experts gathered for the inaugural African Union Debt Conference in Lomé, Togo, on Monday (May 12). The conference is held from May 12-13 on the need for African-led solutions and better debt oversight. The conference is set to adopt the Lomé Declaration for future reforms.
President Taye Attends 80th Victory Day Celebration in Russia
President Taye Atske Selassie of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia joined other world leaders in Moscow to commemorate the 80th anniversary of Russia’s victory in the Great Patriotic War of 1941–1945 against Nazi Germany.
Upon his arrival in the Russian capital, President Taye was warmly welcomed by Anatoly Bashkin, Director of the Africa Department of the Russian Foreign Ministry; Genet Teshome, Ethiopian Ambassador to the Russian Federation; and other embassy diplomats and staff.
The commemoration on Red Square featured a grand military parade, including both foot and mechanized columns. Thousands of servicemen from Russia, as well as from Azerbaijan, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, Vietnam, Egypt, China, Laos, Mongolia, and Myanmar, participated in the Victory Parade. Notably, the parade showcased unmanned aerial vehicles and loitering munitions for the first time.
Following the commemorative event, President Taye attended a reception and dinner hosted by President Vladimir Putin at the Kremlin Palace for the attending world leaders. In his reception speech, President Putin emphasized the diversity of the participating nations, stating, “The celebrations of the 80th anniversary of Victory in Moscow have brought together the leaders of a wide variety of sovereign states with different models of political, economic and social development; different religions; world outlooks; civilizations; and cultures. However, this diversity is not a dividing but an enriching factor, which makes us stronger because our relations and cooperation are based on shared values and aspirations.”
During his visit, President Taye met with Igor Levitin, Adviser to the President and Special Presidential Representative for International Cooperation in Transport of Russia, to discuss bilateral and multilateral matters of mutual interest.
Victory Day, celebrated on Friday (May 9), is a highly revered holiday in Russia, marking the Soviet people’s valor in the Great Patriotic War. Looking ahead, 2025 has been declared the Defender of the Fatherland Year by the President. The Federation Council plans to hold a series of events to honor this historic feat and promote military and patriotic education among the youth.
Ethiopia Secures Over $1.6 Billion in Investment at High-Level Forum, Signaling Bold Economic Transition
Ethiopia concluded its Invest in Ethiopia 2025 High-Level Business Forum on a confident note, securing over $1.6 billion USD in investment commitments during a landmark two-day event held in the capital. The forum, hosted this week from May 12–13, marks a significant milestone in the country’s ambitious economic reform agenda and growing drive to attract foreign direct investment.
The high-level gathering, jointly organized by the Ministry of Finance, the Ethiopian Investment Commission, and key development partners, brought together more than 750 participants from 59 countries. Attendees included government officials, global investors, private sector leaders, and policymakers, all convening to assess and engage with Ethiopia’s rapidly evolving economic landscape.
The forum resulted in the signing of five major investment agreements, valued at over $1.6 billion, a tangible outcome that reflects increasing confidence in Ethiopia’s reform momentum. Notably, the event emphasized Ethiopia’s commitment to building an inclusive and open economy — one grounded in transparency, sustainability, and investor confidence.
During the occasion, President Taye Atske-Selassie echoed this vision in his remarks, highlighting Ethiopia’s strategic location, youthful population, and robust reform record. He pointed to Ethiopia’s integration into regional markets via the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) and major efforts to liberalize sectors such as finance and telecommunications.
Foreign Minister Gedion Timothewos expanded on Ethiopia’s strategic advantages, citing access to affordable energy, a large domestic market, and ongoing liberalization efforts. He referenced high-profile investments such as Safaricom’s $2.5 billion entry into Ethiopia’s telecom sector as evidence of investor confidence and reform dividends.
In his keynote address, Minister of Finance, Ahmed Shide, reaffirmed the government’s resolute commitment to macroeconomic stability and private sector-driven growth. “There has never been a more opportune moment to invest in our nation,” he declared, underscoring Ethiopia’s readiness for strategic investment partnerships. Minister Shide emphasized the importance of Ethiopia’s recently launched Macro Reform Program in shaping a cohesive and resilient economic environment. He also urged investors to explore the high-potential sectors outlined in the official “deal book,” which was prepared to spotlight key areas for engagement.
The forum’s second day featured parallel panel discussions focused on a series of priority sectors, including manufacturing, services, ICT, and agriculture. These sessions were particularly dynamic, providing an interactive space for dialogue on public-private partnerships, regulatory frameworks, and sector-specific strategies. With robust attendance from both new and existing investors, these panels underscored Ethiopia’s commitment to deepening investor engagement through consultation and policy responsiveness. The support of Ethiopia’s development partners and private sector champions further reinforced the country’s growing appeal as an investment destination. With over $10 billion in investment opportunities showcased since 2018, Ethiopia is positioning itself as a compelling player in Africa’s economic future, balancing reform ambition with pragmatic policy design.
“Made in Ethiopia 2025” Expo Showcases Manufacturing Revival and Economic Reform
The “Made in Ethiopia 2025” Expo, officially launched on Saturday (May 3) at the Addis International Convention Center, ran for five days, highlighting Ethiopia’s growing efforts to build an economy centered on manufacturing. The event brought together 288 local producers who displayed a diverse range of products, from leather goods and textiles to processed food items. It served as a strong signal of the country’s ongoing shift from primary sectors toward industrialization.
Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed presided over the inauguration ceremony of the Expo, reinforcing high-level political support for the initiative. On Tuesday (May 6), President Taye Atske Selassie also visited the exhibition and emphasized the government’s commitment to advancing a manufacturing-led economy. Speaking after his visit, the President described the movement as a practical step toward realizing Ethiopia’s ambition of industrial transformation. He cited the range of showcased products, including internationally competitive leather items, as evidence of the movement’s potential to improve export performance.
The President stressed that revitalizing manufacturing is central to Ethiopia’s long-term development. Referring to the success of other countries with strong industrial foundations, he noted that manufacturing capacity is key to generating broad-based economic growth and job creation. A well-established industrial sector, he said, is not optional for a country with serious development goals.
According to the Office of the Prime Minister, the “Made in Ethiopia” movement, now in its third year, has already delivered encouraging results. Manufacturing sector growth increased from 4.8 percent in the 2014 Ethiopian calendar fiscal year to 8.4 percent in 2016. Current projections suggest it could reach 12 percent this fiscal year. In parallel, production capacity utilization reached 61.2 percent in the first nine months of the current year. Manufacturing revenues grew from 2.1 billion dollars in 2014 to 3.1 billion dollars over the same nine-month period in 2017. This rise in output is also reflected in increased energy consumption, which climbed from 3.88 billion kilowatt-hours in 2015 to 4.67 billion in 2016.
The Ministry of Industry attributes much of this progress to targeted interventions and institutional support under the “Made in Ethiopia” framework. State Minister Tarekegn Bululta confirmed that over 830 industries that had halted operations for various reasons have now resumed production. While the sector’s contribution to GDP remains under 6.8 percent, the goal is to raise that to 17.2 percent. This will require continued investment, improved competitiveness, and broader policy coordination.
The Expo aims to turn the “Made in Ethiopia” campaign into a durable pillar of national development by anchoring the economy in industrial output and local productivity.
Ethiopia-China (Xinjiang) Business Cooperation and Exchange Conference Held in Addis Ababa
The Ethiopia-China (Xinjiang) Business Cooperation and Exchange Conference was held at the Sheraton Addis Hotel in Addis Ababa on Tuesday (May 13). The conference brought together senior government officials and representatives of various companies and chambers of commerce of both countries.
In his opening remarks, State Minister for Political and Economic Diplomacy Affairs, Ambassador Hadera Abera said, the conference provides a vital opportunity to further deepen our growing economic and trade partnership—not only between Ethiopia and the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region, but between Ethiopia and China more broadly. “Your presence here today is a clear testament to the enduring friendship between our peoples and our shared ambition for inclusive development and mutual prosperity,” Ambassador Hadera stated.
Alluding to the longstanding Ethiopia-China diplomatic relations anchored with strategic partnership and rooted in mutual trust, dynamic cooperation, and enduring people-to-people connections, the State Minister pointed out that “ This relationship is anchored not only in a legacy of historical solidarity but also in a shared, forward-looking vision for joint prosperity through meaningful economic engagement.” He noted,
“Our unwavering commitment to the Ethiopia–China All-Weather Strategic Partnership reflects a deep dedication to mutual support and collaboration—regardless of external circumstances—guided by the conviction that economic strength is the foundation of lasting political autonomy and national resilience.”
While our current investment and trade relations are encouraging, he further mentioned, there remains vast untapped potential, particularly at the sub-national level. Events such as this are critical platforms to unlock new opportunities, foster business-to-business ties, and leverage complementary strengths in areas such as manufacturing, agriculture, energy, logistics, and digital innovation, he added. Citing the significant contribution of the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region of China in boosting trade and investment in key sectors, Ambassador Hadera stated that the event is a testament to Ethiopia’s focus on nurturing sub-national diplomacy as a new frontier of economic cooperation. He stated that strengthening relations with a vibrant and strategically important region like Xinjiang opens new frontiers for trade, technology exchange, and joint industrial growth.
Citing Ethiopia’s key strategic location that makes it a natural gateway to Africa, the State Minister also highlighted Ethiopia’s pivotal role in actively advanced regional integration and cross-border infrastructure through mechanisms such as the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) and the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC). Notably, the Ethio-Djibouti Standard Gauge Railway (EDR), a footprint project under the BRI, is a shining example of what strong Ethiopia–China cooperation can deliver, he cited.
Speaking of the multifaceted and longstanding benefits Ethiopia gains from China in infrastructure, technology transfer, industrialization, and human capital development fields, Ambassador Hadera noted the bold reform agenda under the Homegrown Economic Reform (HGER)Program by the Government that includes modernizing key sectors, improving the investment climate, and advancing market liberalization. In this regard, he called on the Xinjiang business community to explore these promising developments and seize the wide-ranging investment opportunities available in Ethiopia, particularly in agriculture, energy, agro-processing, textile manufacturing, and logistics. He also stressed the fact that Ethiopia is keen to expand agricultural cooperation, learning from Xinjiang’s remarkable success in modern agriculture and its strength in green energy.
State Minister of Industry, Tarekegn Bululta, also emphasized the increasing partnership in economic development between Ethiopia and China. Promoting sustainable industrial development cooperation in key sectors such as investment, agro-processing, textiles, and technological innovation coupled with research and development is the utmost priority of the government, as espoused by HGER, he noted. He also reaffirmed Ethiopia’s commitment to further advancing collaboration in the industry sector.
Chinese Ambassador to Ethiopia, Chen Hai, on his part said, Ethiopia is a major economic and fast-growing partner in Africa that his country is keen on working closely with. He also mentioned Ethiopia’s recent membership in BRICS as an opportunity to further deepen bilateral cooperation while encouraging Chinese investors from the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region in this regard to explore opportunities in Ethiopia in light of the conducive investment milieu instituted by the Ethiopian government.
Commissioner of the Ethiopian Investment Commission, Zeleke Temesgen, said that the two countries enjoy great and evolving relations topped with significant development cooperation. He added, Ethiopia continues to be a highly attractive destination for trade and investment in Africa and a prime regional hub for intra-regional trade and investment in key sectors.
Head of the Chinese (Xinjiang) Business Delegation and Governor of the People’s Government of the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region of China, Erkin Tuniyaz, in his remarks stated that China-Ethiopia cooperation is a model for China-Africa cooperation in the economic field.
After the remarks, representatives of various government entities and businesses on both sides made presentations on enhancing cooperation in trade, investment, tourism and culture between the two countries.
The deliberations culminated in the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between the Ethiopian Chamber of Commerce and Sectoral Associations and the China Council for the Promotion of International Trade (CCPIT) Xinjiang Council aimed at strengthening sub-national economic and trade cooperation between China’s Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region and Ethiopia.
COMESA Women’s Trade Fair Held in Addis Ababa
The 6th COMESA Federation of Women in Business (COMFWB) Trade Fair and Business Conference kicked off in Addis Ababa on Wednesday (May 7), with more than 200 women entrepreneurs from across the 21 member nations of the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA). The event, which ran until Friday (May 9), was held under the theme “A Thriving COMESA Advancing Gender-Responsive Regional Integration to Unlock Green Investments, Value Chains, Tourism, and Mining within the AfCFTA.”
The opening ceremony was attended by prominent figures, including Tagesse Chafo, Speaker of the House of People’s Representatives; Kassahun Gofe, Minister of Trade and Regional Integration; and Ambassador Selma Malika Haddadi, Deputy Chairperson of the African Union Commission. Key officials from COMESA were also present, marking this as a significant moment for the continent’s economic development.
In his remarks, Speaker Tagesse Chafo emphasized that empowering women through trade is not just a moral imperative but vital for the continent’s economic prosperity. “This event reflects our collective commitment to building inclusive markets where women and youth thrive,” he stated.
COMESA’s Secretary-General, Chileshe Mpundu Kapwepwe, highlighted the fair’s role in strengthening regional ties and empowering women. “We cannot achieve true regional integration without the active participation of women,” she said. “This fair is a testament to our shared commitment to leave no one behind.”
Throughout the event, attendees from diverse sectors explored business opportunities, shared best practices, and discussed the barriers women entrepreneurs often face, such as limited access to finance and markets. The fair also provided a platform for examining the role of digital tools in scaling businesses and fostering innovation.
The event underscored the critical need for gender-responsive policies in trade and investment. Participants called for COMESA member states to dismantle the barriers preventing women from accessing the necessary resources to thrive in today’s competitive global market.
As both a founding member of COMESA and a signatory of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), Ethiopia has positioned itself at the forefront of regional integration. The country’s recent economic reforms, including the liberalization of telecommunications and banking sectors, are seen as essential for empowering women entrepreneurs to compete both regionally and globally.
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