Ethiopia Hosts ESAAMLG Conference in Addis Ababa
Ethiopian Envoy Joins AU PSC Field Mission to South Sudan
NEWS IN BRIEfF
Ethiopia
President Taye Atseke Selassie bade farewell on Tuesday (August 26) to Tamara Mona, Ambassador of Switzerland to Ethiopia, and Ronald Micallef, Ambassador of Malta to Ethiopia, commending their contributions to strengthening bilateral and multilateral ties.
Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed announced on Thursday (August 28) the signing of the Fertilizer Complex Shareholder Investment Agreement between Ethiopian Investment Holdings and Dangote Industries Limited, marking a major step in Ethiopia’s agricultural transformation. The $2.5 billion project is expected to produce up to 3 million metric tons of fertilizer annually, positioning Ethiopia among the world’s largest producers.
Prime Minister Abiy received Colombia’s Vice President Francia Márquez in Addis Ababa on Tuesday (August 26) for wide-ranging discussions on bilateral issues, as part of her official working visit that includes meetings with senior Ethiopian government officials. Upon her arrival the Vice President was received at Bole International Airport by Health Minister Mekdes Daba and State Minister for Foreign Affairs Ambassador Berhanu Tsegaye.
In less than two weeks, Addis Ababa will welcome leaders, policymakers, and climate experts from across the globe for the Second African Climate Summit (ACS2), taking place from September 8–10. Themed “Accelerating Global Climate Solutions: Financing for Africa’s Resilient and Green Development,” the summit, organized by Ethiopia in collaboration with the African Union, will assemble over 45 Heads of State and Government, over 25, 000 delegates, and more than 100 speakers to advance Africa-led initiatives in renewable energy, climate resilience, and sustainable development. (See article)
Deputy Prime Minister Temesgen Tiruneh spoke at the 41st Annual Conference of the Association for Educational Assessment in Africa (AEAA) in Addis Ababa on Monday (August 25) that Africa needs systems that empower learners, strengthen nations, and advance the continent’s prosperity. He highlighted the importance of educational assessment as a compass for progress and called for a Common Continental Assessment Framework to harmonize standards, support mobility, and respect local curricula.
Botswana’s Vice President Ndaba Nkosinathi Gaolathe arrived in Addis Ababa on Thursday (August 28) to attend a ministerial conference on crime prevention focused on money laundering and illicit financial flows. He was received at Bole International Airport by Finance Minister Ahmed Shide and Ambassador Berhanu Tsegaye.
Colombia opened its embassy in Addis Ababa on Wednesday (August 27) during a ceremony attended by Colombia’s Vice President Francia Márquez, who is on an official working visit to Ethiopia, and Foreign Minister Gedion Timothewos, marking a significant step in strengthening bilateral relations and enhancing diplomatic cooperation.
The fossil remains of ‘Lucy’ and ‘Selam’ were unveiled in Prague, Czech Republic, on Monday (August 25) in the presence of Czech Prime Minister Petr Fiala and Ethiopia’s Minister of Tourism, Selamawit Kassa. The fossils, discovered in Ethiopia and among the oldest in human evolution studies, arrived in Prague for an international exhibition promoting Ethiopia’s heritage.
Ethiopia and the Czech Republic signed an agreement on Monday (August 25) to establish the first modern Children’s Museum in Addis Ababa. Tourism Minister Selamawit Kassa signed the deal in Prague with officials from the Czech National Museum and the Czech Development Agency.
State Minister for Foreign Affairs Ambassador Hadera Abera met with his Colombian counterpart, Mauricio Jaramillo Jassir, at his office on Wednesday (August 27). Ambassador Hadera congratulated him on the reopening of Colombia’s embassy in Addis Ababa, and both sides agreed to further strengthen bilateral and multilateral ties.
Ambassador Hadera also had a productive meeting with Marcel Clement Akpovo, Director of the UN Human Rights East Africa Regional Office (OHCHR). Acknowledging cooperation and constructive engagements, they exchanged views on shared priorities & explored opportunities to deepen our collaboration.
Ambassador Berhanu received Saad Mubarak Al Nahimi, Ambassador of Qatar to Ethiopia, at his office on Tuesday (August 26) where they had constructive discussions on enhancing bilateral cooperation and exploring new areas of cooperation between the two countries.
Ambassador Nebiat Getachew, Spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, held a Press Briefing on Thursday (August 28) with members of the media on current affairs. The briefing focused on the Second Africa-CARICOM Summit, the Second African Climate Summit (ACS2), the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD), and citizen-oriented diplomacy efforts.
A high-level Colombian trade delegation visiting Addis Ababa on Tuesday (August 26) met with Ethiopian officials and took part in a business roundtable, bringing together representatives from both countries to explore investment opportunities, foster private sector collaboration, and reaffirm their commitment to elevating relations into a robust business partnership.
The 50th Task Force of Senior Officials Meeting of the Eastern and Southern Africa Anti-Money Laundering Group (ESAAMLG) opened in Addis Ababa on Wednesday (August 27), bringing together representatives from 21 member states. The meeting aims to strengthen regional cooperation in combating money laundering and terrorism financing, fostering joint solutions, accountability, and innovative approaches to curb illicit financial flows across the continent.
Somalia
President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud received the UAE’s State Minister for Foreign Affairs, Sheikh Shakhbout bin Nahyan, on Wednesday (August 27) and discussed ways to further strengthen bilateral relations between the two countries.
South Sudan
A high-level Ethiopian delegation led by Finance Minister Ahmed Shide, including Ambassador Girma Biru, Special Advisor on Economic Affairs to the Prime Minister, delivered a message from Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed to South Sudan’s President Salva Kiir Mayardit on Wednesday (August 27). Both sides agreed to accelerate joint initiatives in energy, aviation, banking, and infrastructure to enhance connectivity and regional integration.
Ambassador Hirut Zemene, Permanent Representative of Ethiopia to the African Union (AU) and the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa, joined fellow members of the Peace and Security Council of the AU on a two days field mission to South Sudan which took place from August 10 to 11. (See article)
Africa and the African Union
The African Union Permanent Representative to the UN office and World Trade Organization (WTO) in Geneva, Girma Amente, met with the Executive Secretary of the Economic Commission for Africa (ECA), Claver Gatete on Tuesday (August 26). The two sides underscored the importance of enhancing Africa’s global position.
Chairperson of the African Union Commission (AUC), Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, also met with Girma on Wednesday (August 27) where they exchanged views on AU-UN cooperation in Geneva, including engagement with international organizations on matters of peace, development, health, and human rights.
Addis Ababa to Host Second African Climate Summit, Positioning Africa as a Global Leader in Climate Action
In less than two weeks, Addis Ababa will welcome leaders, policymakers, and climate experts from across the globe for the Second African Climate Summit (ACS2), taking place from September 8–10. Themed “Accelerating Global Climate Solutions: Financing for Africa’s Resilient and Green Development,” the summit, organized by Ethiopia in collaboration with the African Union, will assemble over 45 Heads of State and Government, over 25, 000 delegates, and more than 100 speakers to advance Africa-led initiatives in renewable energy, climate resilience, and sustainable development.
Building on the momentum of the inaugural summit held in Nairobi in 2023, ACS2 seeks to position Africa as a unified and influential voice in global climate finance discussions ahead of COP30, the G20, and the UN General Assembly. Expected outcomes include the adoption of a call to action, the launch of a flagship report on climate initiatives and strategic partnerships, mobilization of green investment commitments, updates on major continental and international projects, and a comprehensive roadmap for implementing declarations and investment commitments.
Speaking at the fifth edition of the Nairobi Summer School on Climate Justice (NSSCJ), launched at Addis Ababa University on Monday (August 25) as a precursor to ACS2, Minister for Planning and Development Fitsum Assefa emphasized Ethiopia’s longstanding recognition of the urgency of climate change. She underscored the nation’s proactive commitment to combating climate change, noting that Ethiopia’s climate strategy was established well before the 2015 Paris Agreement.
In preparation for the summit, the Ethiopian government has facilitated participation by waiving visa fees for registered delegates, while Ethiopian Airlines is offering a 20 percent discount for summit participants. The event represents a pivotal moment for Africa to assert leadership in global climate action, advance a just transition, and champion climate justice across the continent.
Ethiopia Hosts ESAAMLG Conference in Addis Ababa
Ethiopia is hosting the week-long Conference of the Eastern and Southern Africa Anti-Money Laundering Group (ESAAMLG), bringing together policymakers, financial sector actors, and international partners to advance the regional fight against money laundering, terrorism financing, and other forms of illicit financial flows (IFFs).
Opening the 25th Council of Ministers meeting, Deputy Prime Minister Temesgen Tiruneh reaffirmed Ethiopia’s commitment to combating IFFs, stressing their devastating impact on Africa’s economic growth, access to quality education and health services, and the continent’s aspirations under Agenda 2063. He called for stronger regional cooperation to ensure that resources are directed to development and progress, and urged ESAAMLG to adopt bold, action-oriented strategies to address the root causes of money laundering and illicit financing.
During the meeting, Ethiopia concluded its term as Chair of the ESAAMLG Task Force and handed over the chairmanship to Rwanda. In his final remarks as President of the Council of Ministers, Minister of Finance Ahmed Shide commended the contributions of senior officials and emphasized the importance of advancing financial transparency to deliver greater results.
The 25th Council of Ministers meeting was preceded by the 50th Task Force of Senior Officials, opened on Friday (August 22) by Alemtsehay Paulos, Chief of Cabinet of the Prime Minister’s Office and Chair of the National Anti-Money Laundering Committee. She outlined Ethiopia’s policy and institutional measures to strengthen financial transparency and urged member states to take effective steps against emerging challenges. She encouraged senior officials to fulfill their responsibilities in protecting the region from the scourge of illicit financial flows.
Illicit financial flows, including money laundering, remain a major development and security challenge for Africa. The continent is estimated to have lost more than USD 1 trillion over the past 50 years, with an annual outflow of around USD 50 billion. Beyond depriving Africa of critical development resources, IFFs also represent a serious security threat, with proceeds often funding terrorism and destabilizing activities. While national measures are essential, the transboundary nature of these crimes requires robust regional and international cooperation.
Established in 1999, ESAAMLG is part of the global Financial Action Task Force (FATF) network of regional bodies. Headquartered in Arusha, Tanzania, ESAAMLG coordinates efforts among its members to implement FATF standards against money laundering and terrorism financing—standards critical for maintaining access to international trade, banking, and financial systems.
Ethiopia joined ESAAMLG in 2013 and completed its first mutual evaluation in 2019. It is now preparing for its second-round review. The Financial Intelligence Service of Ethiopia leads national efforts against money laundering and terrorism financing and represents Ethiopia in ESAAMLG.
The Addis Ababa conference gathered more than 1,300 participants from ESAAMLG member states and partner institutions. Delegates reviewed follow-up reports from Lesotho, Malawi, Mauritius, and Seychelles, and considered the progress report of South Sudan. Rwanda, Botswana, and Zambia received approval for re-ratings on their FATF compliance status, while Eritrea was placed under FATF review due to significant deficiencies identified in its final evaluation report. The conference also welcomed the Democratic Republic of Congo as a full member and Norway as an observer state.
On August 29–30, the 8th Public-Private Sector Dialogue (PPSD) will convene, with Ethiopia’s participation led by the Ethiopian Securities Exchange. The forum will provide a platform for banks and other private sector stakeholders to deliberate on strategies to combat money laundering while supporting a stronger, more transparent business environment across ESAAMLG member states.
Ethiopian Envoy Joins AU PSC Field Mission to South Sudan
Ambassador Hirut Zemene, Permanent Representative of Ethiopia to the African Union (AU) and the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa, joined fellow members of the Peace and Security Council of the AU on a two days field mission to South Sudan which took place from August 10 to 11.
The field mission was undertaken as part of the PSC’s mandate to monitor and follow up on the peace and security initiatives in Africa as stipulated in AU Protocol Relating to the establishment of the Peace and Security Council as well as other relevant AU legal instruments and decisions of policy organs.
The primary objective of the mission was to engage with relevant stakeholders on the ground to gather first-hand information on the prevailing political, security, economic, and humanitarian situation in the country, and assess the status of progress achieved in the implementation of the Revitalized Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in the Republic of South Sudan (R-ARCSS). The R-ARCSS was concluded in September 2018 in Addis Ababa to bring about peace in the neighborly country, and intends to establish a Transitional Government of National Unity, reform key state institutions, draft a new constitution, and prepare the ground for national elections at the end of the transition period. In light of this, the field mission was organized to have firsthand information on the status of preparations for national elections scheduled for December 2026 to mark the end of the transition and appreciate the progress made and grasp the challenges that necessitate urgent support from the AU.
To that end, the PSC paid a courtesy call on Salva Kiir Mayardit, President of the Republic of South Sudan. Additionally, it held consultations with various stakeholders in South Sudan, including Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, National Cabinet Members and High-Level National Transitional Committee, National Elections Commission and National Constitutional Review Council, representatives of Civil Society Organizations and Faith-Based organizations, representatives of EGAD and UN Missions and international partners such as the EU and Troika which includes the United States, United Kingdom and Norway.
During its engagement with the stakeholders, the PSC expressed deep concern over the escalation of tensions in South Sudan on 26 March 2025, an event which triggered a worsening of the humanitarian crisis, including the displacement of hundreds of thousands of civilians and widespread food insecurity. The delegation underscored the importance of accelerating and completing the execution of the outstanding matters stipulated in the R-ARCSS and reiterated its call for a permanent ceasefire, as well as stronger protection for civilians and humanitarian personnel. Furthermore, it reaffirmed its steadfast resolve to support the conduct of the national elections in December 2026 as a decisive step toward concluding South Sudan’s transition.
The Council also emphasized the critical importance of undertaking inclusive high-level dialogue to address the political and security challenges that ensued in the aftermath of the conflict that erupted in March 2025.
During its engagement with various South Sudanese stakeholders, the PSC expressed AU’s solidarity with the Government and people of South Sudan and reaffirmed its unwavering commitment and determination to continue supporting their effort in tackling the challenges of instability and ensuring sustainable peace.
Upon returning from the field mission, the PSC convened its 1297th meeting on Friday (August 15) with a view to deliberate on the Field Mission Report to South Sudan and subsequently adopted the report through communiqué PSC/PR/COMM.1297.1 (2025).
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