3rd African Job Creation Forum Opens in Addis, Focusing on Youth Employment and Economic Resilience
Ethiopia Launches ‘Visit Ethiopia’ Digital Platform to Boost Global Tourism
NEWS IN BRIEF
Ethiopia
The Council of Ministers, chaired by Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, held a two-day session from July 14 to 15 to review the 2018 National Development Plan. The meeting featured sector-specific reflections and assessments of the plan’s implementation and outcomes.
The Ministry of Tourism, in collaboration with the Information Network Security Administration (INSA), launched a new digital platform named “Visit Ethiopia” on Tuesday (July 8), aimed at showcasing Ethiopia’s diverse tourism offerings and enhancing its international visibility. (See article)
Foreign Minister Gedion Timothewos, along with State Ministers Ambassador Hadera Abera and Ambassador Berhanu Tsegaye, held a productive consultation on Wednesday (July 16) with officials and staff of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and affiliated institutions. The discussion focused on a three-year institutional plan aimed at strengthening Ethiopia’s national interests, advancing prosperity, and safeguarding the country’s peace and development.
FM Gedion received Liu Jifan, Chief Executive Officer of Huawei Ethiopia, on Thursday (July 17) at his office. The Minister commended Huawei’s contributions to Ethiopia’s digital transformation and encouraged the company to enhance its support for the country’s ongoing digitalization efforts, invest in research and development, and continue initiatives aimed at youth empowerment.
State Minister Ambassador Hadera met with Shibata Hironori, the Ambassador of Japan to Ethiopia, on Thursday (July 17) at his office. The two sides exchanged views on the longstanding relations between Ethiopia and Japan, and ongoing preparations for the upcoming TICAD-9 Conference.
Ambassador Hadera conferred with Cheryl Urban, Assistant Deputy Minister for Africa and Pan-Geographic Affairs at Global Affairs Canada, on Wednesday (July 16) at his office. Ambassador Hadera highlighted Ethiopia’s recent economic progress and encouraged Canadian investors to explore growing business opportunities in the country.
Ambassador Hadera also met with US Ambassador to Ethiopia Irvin Jose Masinga on Tuesday (July 15), discussing ways to deepen bilateral ties and address regional issues of mutual concern.
State Minister Ambassador Berhanu received members of the Ethiopian diaspora from Kenya at his office on Thursday (July 17). The discussion focused on the diaspora’s participation in Ethiopia’s summer volunteer initiatives. The State Minister commended their active engagement and strong support for the country’s development efforts.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs held a three-day regional diplomacy training program this week (July 14-16) in Addis Ababa for young diplomats from Somalia, Kenya, South Sudan, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Rwanda, and Uganda. The initiative, organized by the Institute of Foreign Affairs (IFA), aimed to strengthen regional cooperation, enhance diplomatic skills, and promote collective responses to shared challenges.
Kenya
President William Ruto met with World Meteorological Organization Director-General Celeste Saulo at State House Nairobi on Monday (July 14). The meeting focused on strengthening cooperation to enhance climate resilience and advance meteorological services.
An Ethiopian delegation led by State Minister of Finance Eyob Tekalign participated in the 25th Horn of Africa Initiative Finance Ministers Meeting on Monday (July 14) in Nairobi. He highlighted Ethiopia’s significant progress in digital integration, including telecom liberalization, data protection and cybersecurity laws, expanded fiber infrastructure, and a digital ID system.
Somalia
The mid-term review meeting of the first Ethiopia–Somalia Joint Ministerial Commission was held in Addis Ababa on Friday (July 18). The discussion focused on addressing bilateral, regional, and multilateral issues of common concern to both countries, while also exploring ways to expand areas of cooperation to ensure mutual benefit.
Sudan
Sudanese Prime Minister Kamil Idris appointed five new ministers on Tuesday (July 15), aiming to promote national dialogue and enhance stability through greater political inclusivity.
South Sudan
Minister of Foreign Affairs Gedion Timothewos met with South Sudanese Foreign Minister Monday Semaya Kumba on Friday (July 11) in Addis Ababa. The two ministers discussed bilateral relations, as well as regional and continental matters, and agreed to deepen cooperation to promote peace, stability, and economic partnership.
Africa and the African Union
The 3rd African Job Creation Forum officially opened on Monday (July 7) at the Adwa Victory Memorial Museum in Addis Ababa. Organized by the African Union (AU) in collaboration with the Government of Ethiopia, the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) Secretariat, and AeTrade Group. The event was held under the theme “Advancing Job Creation and Economic Resilience through Regional Integration, Digital and Financial Inclusion along Agricultural Value Chains in the AfCFTA Market.” (See article)
The African Union (AU) and the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) held the 7th AU Mid-Year Coordination Meeting from July 10 to 13 in Malabo, Equatorial Guinea. The meeting focused on strengthening coordination and advancing the implementation of Agenda 2063 to promote Africa’s unity, integration, and development.
3rd African Job Creation Forum Opens in Addis, Focusing on Youth Employment and Economic Resilience
The 3rd African Job Creation Forum officially opened on Monday (July 7) at the Adwa Victory Memorial Museum in Addis Ababa. Organized by the African Union (AU) in collaboration with the Government of Ethiopia, the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) Secretariat, and AeTrade Group. The event was held under the theme “Advancing Job Creation and Economic Resilience through Regional Integration, Digital and Financial Inclusion along Agricultural Value Chains in the AfCFTA Market.”
Inaugurated by high-level signatories including Temesgen Tiruneh, Deputy Prime Minister of Ethiopia; Muferihat Kamil, Minister of Labour and Skills; and Mahamoud Ali Youssouf, Chairperson of the African Union Commission, the forum was attended by ministers, diplomats, business leaders, researchers, and youth entrepreneurs, among others.
In his opening address, Deputy Prime Minister Temesgen reaffirmed Ethiopia’s commitment to addressing the challenges faced by the youth through the implementation of its homegrown economic reform agenda and the ten-year development plan. He emphasized the crucial role these initiatives play in promoting sustainable and inclusive economic growth while enhancing climate resilience. Highlighting the transformative impact of Ethiopia’s Green Legacy Initiative, DPM Temesgen noted its contributions not only to ecological restoration but also to economic advancement and improved livelihoods across the country.
He underscored the importance of unity, determination, and optimism in turning the continent’s aspirations into tangible progress. The Deputy Prime Minister also called for coordinated efforts to empower African youth by building their capacity in line with current global trends, particularly in the areas of artificial intelligence, automation, and innovation.
Minister of Labor and Skills, Muferihat Kamil, emphasized, on her part, the centrality of job creation within Ethiopia’s national development strategy and reform agenda during her remarks. She highlighted the government’s commitment to an institutional approach that places employment generation at the heart of the country’s socio-economic transformation. The Minister also elaborated on the Ministry’s ongoing efforts to build a modern, integrated labor and skills ecosystem. This includes fostering cross-sectoral coordination, engaging the private sector, and strengthening partnerships with regional stakeholders. Muferihat underscored the importance of aligning national efforts with regional integration goals and the broader framework of global interconnectedness, ensuring that Ethiopia’s labor market is both inclusive and responsive to the evolving demands of the modern economy.
Chairperson of the African Union Commission, Mahammad Ali Youssuf, underscored the critical role of the private sector in driving Africa’s economic transformation, calling for enhanced engagement in trade and the adoption of innovative approaches to overcome challenges in the digital commerce landscape. He emphasized the importance of leveraging technology and youth-led innovations to tackle barriers to digital trade, noting their potential to reshape business models and expand market access across the continent.
Chairperson Youssuf also highlighted the urgent need for sustained efforts and impactful investments aimed at poverty eradication, stressing that inclusive economic growth driven by innovation and private sector collaboration is essential to achieving long-term development across Africa.
Running from July 7 to 9, the forum brought together stakeholders for high-level panel discussions, networking sessions, and an exhibition showcasing innovations in agricultural products. The event provided a platform for participants to collaborate, share best practices, and explore new markets while deliberating on strategies to address unemployment, promote sustainable economic development, and accelerate digitalization across the continent. Major discussions also centered on the establishment and full operationalization of African Union financial institutions, highlighting their critical role in supporting the economic transformation of the continent.
Ethiopia Launches ‘Visit Ethiopia’ Digital Platform to Boost Global Tourism
The Ministry of Tourism, in collaboration with the Information Network Security Administration (INSA), launched a new digital platform named “Visit Ethiopia” on Tuesday (July 8), aimed at showcasing Ethiopia’s diverse tourism offerings and enhancing its international visibility.
The website, officially unveiled at a ceremony in Addis Ababa attended by Tourism Minister Selamawit Kassa, INSA Director General Tigist Hamid, senior officials, and sector stakeholders, is positioned as a comprehensive gateway to Ethiopia’s cultural, historical, and natural attractions.
Equipped with an interactive chatbot, Visit Ethiopia offers real-time support to travelers and connects them directly with destinations and service providers. Visitors can explore, plan, and book accommodations, tours, car rentals, and other travel services, effectively bringing the entire tourism value chain online.
Speaking at the launch, Minister Selamawit highlighted Ethiopia’s wealth of tourism assets and stressed the need for digital innovation to make the sector more competitive.
“The platform will deliver timely and reliable information to both domestic and international tourists, while fostering closer cooperation among stakeholders across the tourism value chain,” she said, adding that it will also help improve the visitor experience from planning to arrival.
INSA Director General Tigist Hamid emphasized the platform’s design as user-friendly, secure, and accessible, reflecting Ethiopia’s broader digital ambitions.
“In an age when travel decisions are shaped online, this platform positions Ethiopia as a premier and secure destination, telling our story to the world through technology,” she noted.
Tigist also pointed out that Visit Ethiopia aligns with the goals of the national ‘Digital Ethiopia 2025’ strategy, further integrating tourism into the country’s digital transformation agenda.
According to the Ministry of Tourism, ongoing efforts will focus on expanding the platform’s offerings by collaborating with institutions such as Ethiopian Airlines Group, Immigration and Citizenship Services, and the Ethiopian Customs Commission.
The launch of Visit Ethiopia signals a renewed national commitment to harnessing digital tools for sustainable tourism development in the global travel market.
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