Ethiopia Launches “Pulse of Africa” Media Platform to Reshape Global Narratives
Ethiopia Launches Urea Fertilizer Plant and Oil Refinery Projects in Somali Region
GERD Plays a Key Role in Promoting Pan-African Solidarity
NEWS IN BRIEF
Ethiopia
President Taye Astke-Selassie on Monday (October 06) addressed the joint session of the House of Peoples’ Representatives and the House of Federation of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia. (See article)
President Taye met with Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Union, during his visit to Brussels to participate in the Global Gateway Forum 2025. During his meeting with the EU president, President Taye signed a Global Gateway Partnership Agreement to boost cooperation and investment in key sectors, including digitization, renewable energy, agrifood systems, health, sustainable infrastructure, and peace and security.
Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed officially launched Pulse of Africa (POA), a pan-African media platform designed to amplify authentic African voices and challenge longstanding misrepresentations of the continent, on Tuesday (October 7). (See article)
Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed laid the foundation stone for the Dangote Gode Fertilizer Project and the Gode Oil Refinery during an official ceremony held on Thursday (October 2) in Gode town, southeastern Ethiopia. The event also marked the inauguration of the first phase of the Ogaden Liquefied Natural Gas Project. (See article)
Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed participated in the 24th Summit of the COMESA Authority of Heads of State and Government held on Thursday (October 9) in Nairobi, Kenya, under the theme “Leveraging Digitalization to Deepen Regional Value Chains for Sustainable and Inclusive Growth.” He emphasized that digital transformation presents a unique opportunity to reshape Africa’s economic narrative.
Prime Minister Abiy inaugurated model rural villages built under the Rainy Season Voluntary Scheme in the Halaba and Kembatta zones on Wednesday (October 8). The solar-powered homes include biogas-fueled kitchens, sanitation facilities, and separate animal shelters, aimed at improving rural living standards.
PM Abiy received Cypriot Foreign Minister Constantinos Kombos and his delegation on Wednesday (October 8) in Addis Ababa. The discussions focused on strengthening diplomatic relations and enhancing economic and political cooperation between Ethiopia and Cyprus.
On the same day, Foreign Minister Gedion Timothewos held bilateral talks with his Cypriot counterpart, exploring areas of mutual interest and ways to expand collaboration in various sectors. The two ministers signed Memoranda of Understanding on political consultation, education, higher education, and research, marking a step forward in deepening bilateral ties.
Ambassador Hadera Abera, State Minister for Foreign Affairs, co-chaired the first Ethio-Belgium Joint Political Consultations with Theodora Gentzis, Secretary-General of the Belgian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, in Addis Ababa on Thursday (October 9). The two sides reaffirmed their commitment to deepening the longstanding bilateral ties and explored new avenues for economic and multilateral cooperation.
In the wake of the inauguration of the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) this September, it is vital to reflect on what this monumental achievement means for Ethiopia, the region, and the continent at large, particularly in terms of promoting Pan-African solidarity. (See article)
Ambassador Ayele Lire, Ethiopia’s Ambassador to Cuba, was laid to rest on Tuesday (October 7) at St. Joseph Church. The ceremony was attended by President Taye Atske Selassie, former President Sahle-Work Zewde, Minister of Foreign Affairs Gedion Timothewos, State Ministers for Foreign Affairs, as well as family members, friends, and staff of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Kenya
The first Africa Cross-Border Electric Vehicle Convoy, a 1,600-kilometre expedition from Nairobi to Addis Ababa, began on Sunday (October 5). The convoy arrived in Addis Ababa on Friday (October 10) ahead of Africa E-Mobility Week (October 14–16).
Somalia
President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud opened the 2nd East African Community Cooperation Conference (EACON2025) in Mogadishu on Tuesday (October 7), reaffirming Somalia’s commitment to regional integration and shared prosperity.
He also inaugurated the Somalia–U.S. Presidential Trade Summit on Saturday (October 4). The event focused on partnership, innovation, and private sector growth.
Africa and the African Union
Ethiopia officially began shipping goods on Thursday (October 9) under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) agreement, a move that advances its regional trade integration efforts. The first batch of products, including meat, fruits, and other agricultural items, was dispatched to Somalia, Kenya, and South Africa by land and air.
President Taye Addresses the Joint Session of the House of Peoples’ Representatives and the House of Federation
President Taye Astke-Selassie on Monday (October 06) addressed the joint session of the House of Peoples’ Representatives and the House of Federation of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia. The President opened his remarks by situating the country’s progress within the broader historical journey of resilience. The past year, he noted, was not only one of substantial achievements but also one in which Ethiopia laid the foundation for far greater success in the years to come. The inauguration of the GERD and the start of gas extraction symbolized the fruition of years of perseverance and the transition from aspiration to realization.
In the economic domain, the President reaffirmed the government’s continued commitment to macroeconomic reform and structural transformation. He said the government has introduced rapid and broad-based economic reforms designed to repair century-oldeconomic fractures and put the country on a path toward prosperity. These reforms have strengthened government revenues, improved export trade performance, and increased foreign currency reserves. The President underscored that the country’s development direction has been changing meaningfully from reliance on specific sectors toward diversification and the building of multi-sectoral economic foundations.
According to the President, Ethiopia’s economy grew by 9.2 percent during the 2017 Ethiopian fiscal year, with substantial progress across major sectors. Agricultural production rose by 24.7 percent, from 1.2 billion quintals in 2016 E.C. fiscal year to 1.57 billion quintals in 2017 E.C,while industrial capacity utilization climbed from 59 to 65 percent. Gold production expanded nearly tenfold, from 3.9 to 38.87 tons, and cement production grew from 7.5 million to 9.1 million tons. Export earnings reached a historic record of 8.3 billion USD, an increase of 115.8 percent compared to the previous year.
The President emphasized that these achievements were the result of deliberate policy choices and bold reforms that sought to shift Ethiopia from dependence to self-reliance, from debt to fiscal sovereignty, from rain-fed vulnerability to digital and industrial resilience, and from fragmented economic activities to integrated and inclusive development.
In addressing Ethiopia’s foreign relations and regional cooperation, the President reaffirmed that the country’s diplomacy is firmly rooted in national interest and the dignity of its citizens. He highlighted that Ethiopia’s geostrategic posture has shifted from a position of vulnerability to one of strength and advantage. Central to this transformation has been the government’s consistent diplomatic engagement on two strategic fronts: the equitable and reasonable utilization of rivers that originate from the country’s territorial womb, and the legitimate aspiration for reliable access to a sovereign sea. Through persistent and principled diplomacy, the President stated, Ethiopia succeeded in bringing these matters to international recognition.
The completion of the GERD, once fraught with challenges, stands for a diplomatic and developmental triumph. In this regard, the President said, “We were able to complete and inaugurate the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) by saving it from the crises.” Similarly, he said, “We have also asserted and elevated our natural right to access the sea,” which has gained increasing legitimacy and support both regionally and internationally. Furthermore, under the government’s “citizens-first” foreign policy principle, the country has intensified efforts to repatriate citizens who were exposed to hardship abroad, established mechanisms for diaspora engagement, and expanded opportunities for Ethiopians and people of Ethiopian origin to participate in national development. The President also underscored Ethiopia’s contribution to regional cooperation and environmental sustainability through the expansion of the flagship Green Legacy initiative across neighboring countries.
The President reiterated that Ethiopia’s foreign policy will continue to give precedence to neighboring countries and to the pursuit of peace through dialogue and cooperation. Over the years, Ethiopia has strengthened its regional relations through peaceful engagement, infrastructure development, and trade cooperation, adding: “problems have been resolved peacefully, and conflicts with any neighboring country have been avoided.” These efforts, he affirmed, will continue with renewed vigor to consolidate peace, resolve disputes diplomatically, and promote integration through connectivity and shared economic growth.
Beyond the region, the President said Ethiopia will stive to maintain balance in international power relations while expanding cooperation and mutual benefit. He further reaffirmed that the country would work to enhance its participation and influence in international fora, promote shared interests, and play an active and constructive role in global affairs.
Ethiopia Launches “Pulse of Africa” Media Platform to Reshape Global Narratives
Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed officially launched Pulse of Africa (POA), a pan-African media platform designed to amplify authentic African voices and challenge longstanding misrepresentations of the continent, on Tuesday (October 7).
In announcing the initiative, Prime Minister Abiy described POA as “an important step toward countering negative media representations of Africa and asserting our agency in shaping our own narratives.” He emphasized that while Africa is vast and full of potential, global perceptions have historically underestimated its capabilities. “This is why Pulse of Africa represents such a significant and humble beginning,” the Prime Minister wrote, adding that the platform is poised to grow into a leading continental media outlet in the coming years.
The platform’s core mission, Prime Minister Abiy stressed, is to assert Africa’s presence on the global stage. “Pulse of Africa is the voice of Africa. It is the representation of Africa’s image. It is the expression of Africa’s culture. It is the reflection of Africa’s wealth. Just as Ethiopia is reviving itself, we cannot develop alone unless we work together on the path for Africa to revive itself,” he underscored, urging cooperation and synergy among African nations.
Based in Addis Ababa, Pulse of Africa Media goes beyond being a conventional media outlet. It aims to reshape global perceptions through authentic storytelling, highlighting Africa’s innovation, cultural diversity, and progress. The platform seeks to confront negative stereotypes that portray the continent as solely defined by conflict, poverty, disease, and corruption, narratives the Prime Minister described as demeaning, dehumanizing, and strategically driven.
“Through sharing in-depth, genuine stories and emphasizing Africa’s advancements, POA seeks to foster a sense of pride among Africans while correcting misconceptions abroad,” noted Prime Minister Abiy in line with his address at the 35th Ordinary Session of the African Union Assembly. By providing an African-led perspective, the media platform intends to ensure that the continent’s voice is heard loudly and clearly on the international stage.
Pulse of Africa Media’s goals are ambitious yet clear: to empower Africans, celebrate cultural diversity, encourage innovation, and promote unity across the continent. The initiative also seeks to engage the African diaspora and global partners who support Africa’s development and share in the mission of shaping a truthful and inspiring continental narrative.
As Prime Minister Abiy concluded, “POA plays its part in ensuring we stand together with our African brothers and sisters in everything, through cooperation and synergy.” In doing so, the platform represents a forward-looking step toward positioning Africa not merely as a subject of international coverage but as a driver of its own story and global influence.
Ethiopia Launches Urea Fertilizer Plant and Oil Refinery Projects in Somali Region
Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed laid the foundation stone for the Dangote Gode Fertilizer Project and the Gode Oil Refinery during an official ceremony held on Thursday (October 2) in Gode town, southeastern Ethiopia. The event also marked the inauguration of the first phase of the Ogaden Liquefied Natural Gas Project.
The Prime Minister launched the project in the presence of Deputy Prime minister, Temesgen Tiruneh, President of the Somali region, Mustafa Mohammed, President of the Dangote Group, Aliko Dangote, Chairman of Golden Concord Group Limited (GCL Group), Zhu Gongshan, Senior government officials, regional leaders, and international delegates, highlighting the strategic importance of the two projects.
The urea fertilizer plant, developed through a partnership between Ethiopian Investment Holdings and Dangote Group, will be supported by a 108-kilometer pipeline transporting gas from Calub. The facility will also include a polypropylene bagging unit to package the fertilizer on site. The investment is valued at nearly USD 3 billion and is expected to contribute significantly to the national agricultural sector supplying 3 million metric tons urea production annually.
The Gode oil refinery, to be built by China’s Golden Concord Group Limited, on the other hand, is set to process crude oil and condensate sourced from the Hilala oil field. With an annual capacity of 3.5 million tons, the refinery will contribute to reducing dependence on imported fuel products and support national energy security objectives.
Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed also inaugurated the first phase of the Ogaden Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) Project in Calub, Somali Region, with an annual production capacity of 111 million liters. At the same time, he launched the second phase of the project, which will add a capacity of 1.33 billion liters per year. Beyond gas production, the facility will play a vital role in energy generation, with a production capacity of 1,000 megawatts. All the mega projects inaugurated in the Somali Region, collectively valued at USD 10 billion.
Prime Minister Abiy described the projects as part of a broader responsibility to harness opportunities, strengthen cooperation, and promote peace. He also stated that the launch of the fertilizer and refinery projects represents a strategic step toward improving the country’s global economic position, noting that progress should reflect the sovereign identity and shared aspirations.
In his remarks, Aliko Dangote praised Ethiopia’s reform efforts and economic liberalization, which have opened key sectors to private investment. He said the fertilizer plant is expected to support food security across the region and stated that his company is planning further investments in fertilizer production and other industrial sectors.
Dangote also commended Ethiopia’s energy initiatives, including the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam, and stated that secure energy supplies are essential to long-term industrial development.
The chairperson of Golden Concord Group, Zhu Gongshan, described the refinery project as part of a broader initiative to support Ethiopia’s industrial transformation. He stated that the facility will help reduce the country’s fuel import needs, support its economic goals, and contribute to long-term China-Ethiopia energy cooperation. He affirmed GCL’s continued commitment to the project and to maintaining high construction standards
The foundation laying of these two industrial projects marks a significant step in Ethiopia’s broader efforts to expand domestic production capacity, attract long-term investment, reduce reliance on imports, and advance regional agricultural and energy development.
GERD Plays a Key Role in Promoting Pan-African Solidarity
In the wake of the inauguration of the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) this September, it is vital to reflect on what this monumental achievement means for Ethiopia, the region, and the continent at large, particularly in terms of promoting Pan-African solidarity.
One of the most remarkable aspects of the GERD is that it was crowdfunded by Ethiopians themselves. Ordinary citizens contributed their hard-earned money to make this national vision a reality. In doing so, Ethiopians demonstrated an inspiring commitment to sovereignty and development. The project’s funding model broke new ground by showing that large-scale infrastructure can be realized without reliance on foreign aid or external financing. This spirit of ownership and sacrifice embodies the essence of Pan-Africanism: Africans taking charge of their own development agendas.
The GERD can also become a source of inspiration for other African countries, proving that ambitious national projects can indeed be undertaken and completed through unity and determination. It serves as a practical example that development “can be done,” challenging long-held narratives that major undertakings in Africa must depend on external assistance. Ethiopia’s success in mobilizing local resources, technical expertise, and national consensus stands as a lesson in empowerment for the continent.
Another important fact that underscores the cooperative spirit of the project is that the water continues to flow downstream to the lower riparian countries without causing significant harm. The GERD has also brought significant environmental and climate-related benefits, particularly in mitigating the impact of flooding. By storing and releasing water in a controlled manner, the dam helps to cushion the region against changing rainfall patterns caused by climate change. According to new figures released by the Ministry of Water and Energy, the GERD has drastically reduced peak flood magnitudes on the Blue Nile. Before its construction, floods in Sudan could reach up to 800 million m³/day, but since the dam became operational, this has dropped to 154.7 million m³/day in August and 472 million m³/day in September 2025. This reduction has prevented catastrophic flooding that previously caused loss of life and severe damage to infrastructure in Sudan and Egypt. The GERD thus safeguards communities, lives, and livelihoods across the region.
Beyond flood control, the GERD is primarily designed to generate renewable hydroelectric power, enhancing Ethiopia’s and the region’s access to clean and affordable energy. The power generated will boost industrialization, job creation, and economic growth, both within Ethiopia and in neighboring countries through power exports. It stands as a cornerstone for regional economic integration and mutual benefit among Nile Basin states, setting a model for African-led cooperation and sustainable development.
From a Pan-African perspective, the GERD represents far more than an engineering feat, it is a symbol of Africa’s collective rise. It has become a point of pride not only for Ethiopia but for the entire continent, celebrated as a testament to African capability, unity, and progress. The dam embodies the principles of Pan-Africanism: solidarity, self-reliance, and shared prosperity.
In essence, the GERD has redefined the narrative of what Africa can achieve. It proves that when Africans unite around a shared vision, they can transform challenges into opportunities and dreams into tangible realities. It is in fact a continental victory that reinforces the enduring ideal of Pan-African solidarity.
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