PM Abiy Reviews Tourism, Infrastructure, and Agriculture Projects in Bale Zone
Ethiopia Receives FAO Award for Achievement in Sustainable Forest Management
Fifth Pakistan-Africa Trade Conference and Exhibition Held in Addis Ababa
Ethio–Kuwait Political Consultation Meeting Convenes in Kuwait City
Ethiopia Takes Part in Pre-COP Meetings that Set the Stage for COP30
Ethiopia Elected First Vice-Chair of UNHCR Executive Committee
NEWS IN BRIEF
Ethiopia
Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, accompanied by First Lady Zinash Tayachew and a high-level delegation of current and former leaders, visited Ethiopia’s Bale Zone in Oromia Region to review tourism, infrastructure, and agricultural development projects. (See article)
Prime Minister Abiy announced on Wednesday (October 22) the launch of the Council of Ministers’ macroeconomic evaluation of the first 100-day plan of the Ethiopian Fiscal Year 2018 during a visit to the Koysha Hydroelectric Power Project. On Thursday (October 23), the council held its 100-day review, featuring a presentation on global economic trends, Ethiopia’s macroeconomic performance over the past quarter, and the overall growth outlook.
An Ethiopian delegation led by House of Federation Speaker Agegnehu Tesseger participated on Wednesday (October 22) in the 151st Assembly of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) in Geneva, Switzerland, held under the theme “Upholding Humanitarian Norms.”
The United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) has awarded Ethiopia’s Green Legacy Initiative (GLI) as a successful national model in sustainable forest management. The award ceremony took place in Rome, Italy, on Thursday (October 16). (See article)
During his official visit to Russia, Foreign Minister Gedion Timothewos met on Tuesday (October 21) in Moscow with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov. The two ministers held extensive discussions on deepening the longstanding partnership between Ethiopia and Russia and exchanged views on regional and international issues of mutual interest. The previous day, FM Gedion held talks with Maksim Reshetnikov, Minister of Economic Development of the Russian Federation and Co-chair of the Ethiopian-Russian Intergovernmental Commission on Economic, Scientific, and Technical Cooperation.
Various high-level officials, including Foreign Minister Gedion, State Minister Ambassador Hadera Abera, and other dignitaries and experts, arrived in Bahir Dar on Thursday (October 23) to attend the 11th Tana Forum, scheduled for October 24–26.
Foreign Minister Gedion met on Friday (October 17) with UN Security Council members in Addis Ababa during the Annual Informal Joint Seminar with the African Union Peace and Security Council. The meeting focused on regional and global peace and security, with Gedion highlighting Ethiopia’s longstanding contributions.
Finance Minister Ahmed Shide participated on Monday (October 21) in the inaugural Health Works Leaders’ Coalition Roundtable on the sidelines of the 2025 World Bank and IMF Annual Meetings.
The Ethio–Kuwait Political Consultation Meeting was held in Kuwait City on Thursday (October 16), co-chaired by Ambassador Hadera, and Sheikh Jarrah Jaber Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Kuwait. (See article)
Ambassador Hadera met with his Romanian counterpart, Clara Staicu, on Thursday (October 23) to discuss expanding cooperation in political, economic, and technological fields. The two state ministers agreed to strengthen collaboration in capacity building, cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, digitalization, and education, and reaffirmed their commitment to enhancing trade, investment, and peace efforts in the Horn of Africa through regular political consultations.
Ambassador Hadera also met on Wednesday (October 22) with Azerbaijani Ambassador to Ethiopia Ruslan Nasibov, expressing Ethiopia’s interest in expanding cooperation in trade, investment, education, tourism, renewable energy, and agriculture. Ambassador Nasibov reaffirmed Azerbaijan’s commitment to strengthening multifaceted relations and discussed regional and international issues of mutual interest.
Ambassador Hadera received on Tuesday (October 21) a delegation led by Wang Xiao, Vice Governor of Shaanxi Province, China. On the same day, Ethiopia–China (Shaanxi) Economic and Trade Cooperation Conference was held in Addis Ababa, which brought together company heads and business representatives from both countries.
Later that day, Ambassador Hadera received Kuwaiti Ambassador to Ethiopia Nayef Hapes Al Otaibi at his office. They exchanged views on enhancing cooperation in bilateral and regional matters and discussed ways to strengthen partnership in trade and investment, overseas employment, and other priority sectors.
The Pre-COP 30 meetings took place in Brasília, Brazil, from October 13–14, serving as the final preparatory gathering ahead of COP30, which will be hosted in Belém from November 6–21, 2025. Delegates from 72 signatory countries, international organizations, and community representatives deliberated on the global climate agenda. (See article)
After serving as the Second Vice-Chair of the UNHCR Executive Committee since October 2024, Ethiopia has been elected as the First Vice-Chair of the Committee during the closing session of its 76th meeting on Friday (October 10). (See article)
National Bank of Ethiopia Governor Eyob Tekalegn met on Wednesday (October 22) with U.S. Assistant Trade Representative for WTO and Multilateral Affairs Neil Beck to discuss Ethiopia’s accession to the World Trade Organization.
Djibouti
A delegation led by Alemu Sime, Minister of Transport and Logistics of Ethiopia, participated in the Ministerial and Technical Committee Meeting of the DESSU Corridor, reaching consensus on the establishment and operationalization of the Corridor’s Management Authority. The ministers signed the agreed minutes on Wednesday (October 22). Ambassador Berhanu Tsegaye, State Minister for Foreign Affairs, was part of the delegation. The DESSU Corridor is a regional trade and transport initiative linking Djibouti, Ethiopia, South Sudan, and Uganda.
Kenya
President Taye Atske-Selassie attended on Friday (October 17) the state funeral of former Kenyan Prime Minister Raila Odinga in Nairobi.
An Ethiopian delegation led by Ambassador Bacha Debele participated on Wednesday (October 22) in the 3rd IGAD Ministerial Conference on Labor, Employment, and Labor Migration in Nairobi. Held under the theme “Improving Labor Migration and Mobility Governance for Prosperity,” the conference provided a platform for high-level dialogue.
On Tuesday (October 21), at State House Nairobi, President William Ruto met with President Macky Sall of Senegal and President Maria Benvinda Levy of Mozambique. Ruto discussed matters of mutual interest, including visa facilitation, trade, tourism, and regional cooperation.
Ambassador Hadera Abera visited the Kenyan Embassy on Monday (October 21) to sign the book of condolences in honor of the late Rt. Hon. Raila A. Odinga.
Somalia
President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud attended the state funeral service of the late Rt. Hon. Raila Odinga on Friday (October 17) at Nyayo Stadium in Nairobi, Kenya.
Sudan
The management of Khartoum International Airport announced on Wednesday (October 22) the official resumption of operations after a Badr Airlines civilian aircraft landed, marking the return of civil aviation activity to the Sudanese capital after a hiatus of more than two years due to the war.
Africa and the African Union
The Fifth Pakistan-Africa Trade Development Conference and Single Country Exhibition took place at Millennium Hall in Addis Ababa from October 16–18. Organized by the Federal Ministry of Commerce of Pakistan in collaboration with the Pakistani Embassy in Addis Ababa and Ethiopia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the event brought together key business and government stakeholders from both countries. (See article)
The Chairperson of the African Union Commission, Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, received on Tuesday (October 21) Ambassador Solomon Rutega, Secretary General of the Inter-African Coffee Organisation. They exchanged views on the strategic role of Africa’s coffee sector in promoting agro-industrial transformation, job creation, and sustainable economic growth.
On Monday (October 20), AUC Chairperson Youssouf signed the book of condolences at the Kenyan Embassy in Addis Ababa, conveying sympathies on behalf of the AU Commission and in his personal capacity to the government and people of Kenya following the passing of former Prime Minister Raila Amolo Odinga.
PM Abiy Reviews Tourism, Infrastructure, and Agriculture Projects in Bale Zone
Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, accompanied by First Lady Zinash Tayachew and a high-level delegation of current and former leaders, visited Ethiopia’s Bale Zone in Oromia Region to review tourism, infrastructure, and agricultural development projects.
During the visit, the Prime Minister emphasized that Ethiopia is a land of plenty and enough for all when seen through the eyes of abundance. “Our shared task is to uncover, nurture, and build upon these treasures so that the next generation may carry the mantle forward,” he said.
The delegation toured Bale Mountains National Park, home to Ethiopia’s second-highest peak, Tullu Dimtu, and the Sanetti Plateau, which shelters endemic wildlife including the Ethiopian wolf and giant mole rat. The park’s extraordinary landscapes, forests, grasslands, and biodiversity make it one of Ethiopia’s strongest tourism attractions.
At the Sof Omer Cave, the near-completion of the Sof Omer Luxury Lodge and the ongoing Cave Development Project aim to provide premium accommodation and enhance visitor experiences. Nearby, the Dinsho Lodge, currently under construction, will further strengthen tourism infrastructure in the park.
In the Harenna cluster, projects under development include the Rira Eco Lodge, viewpoints, restaurants, and coffee shops along trails leading to Tullu Dimtu, promoting sustainable tourism while creating local employment opportunities.
The delegation also visited Fincha Habera Waterfall, flowing into the Weib River and feeding the Sof Omer Cave system, an area rich in birdlife and home to the Ethiopian Red Fox. Plans for a glamping site will make the area more welcoming for travelers.
The Robe–Goro–Sof Omer–Ginir Junction Road Upgrading Project, covering 29 kilometers and five bridges, links agricultural zones in East Bale with central Ethiopia, improving accessibility to tourist sites and fostering economic integration.
The Weib River Flood Control Project was also reviewed to regulate water flow inside the Sof Omer Cave, ensuring year-round accessibility while safeguarding the ecosystem. The Welmel River Irrigation Development Project in Delo-Mena Woreda was inaugurated during the visit. Initiated by the Ministry of Irrigation and Lowlands, the project will provide irrigation for 9,687 hectares of farmland, supporting around 20,000 households. It aims to improve agricultural productivity, enhance drought resilience, strengthen local water management, and create employment opportunities.
PM Abiy highlighted the connection between natural wonders and development progress, emphasizing tourism as a pillar of economic growth. Investments in lodges, ecotourism projects, roads, and flood control reflect Ethiopia’s commitment to sustainable development, local livelihoods, and environmental protection. “When we see through the eyes of abundance, we recognize that Ethiopia is a land of plenty and enough for all,” the Prime Minister said.
Ethiopia Receives FAO Award for Achievement in Sustainable Forest Management
The United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) has awarded Ethiopia’s Green Legacy Initiative (GLI) as a successful national model in sustainable forest management. The award ceremony took place in Rome, Italy, on Thursday (October 16).
Ethiopia’s GLI was selected by FAO from among many national submissions as the most impactful initiative demonstrating how developing countries can combat climate change and achieve food security through domestic resources and grassroots mobilization.
On the occasion, Minister Selamawit Kassa hailed the GLI as a triumph of collective action, stating, “This is not only a story of environmental breakthrough but also of national unity,” emphasizing the transformative power of millions of Ethiopians coming together for a shared national cause.
The Ethiopian Agricultural Transformation Institute (ATI) also received the FAO Achievement Award 2025 in recognition of its decade-long contribution to achieving wheat self-sufficiency and transforming Ethiopia’s agricultural system. Mandefro Nigussie, CEO of ATI, said, “This recognition is not only an honor but also a call to do more. ATI stands ready to continue working hand in hand with our partners to scale innovations, empower women and youth, and build a resilient agricultural system.”
Launched by Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed in 2019, the Green Legacy Initiative has evolved into a nationwide movement aimed at tackling climate change, food insecurity, and environmental degradation. Since its launch, the program has engaged millions of citizens, including young people and communities, managed to plant 48 billion tree seedlings. This massive undertaking has yielded significant environmental improvements. In less than eight years, Ethiopia’s forest coverage has increased from 17.2 to 23.6 percent, significantly reversing decades of environmental degradation and deforestation.
This progress represents a substantial step toward the country’s goal of planting 50 billion trees by 2030 and restoring 22 million hectares of degraded land. These efforts showcase the nation’s practical and meaningful contribution to global climate action and its commitment to enhancing natural carbon sinks.
Beyond its environmental impact, the GLI has generated major socio-economic benefits by creating thousands of jobs for young people and women in areas ranging from seedling propagation to forest management. It has also contributed to food security and self-sufficiency by promoting the planting of fruit-bearing trees such as avocado, mango, and papaya, improving the livelihoods of farmers.
The award is a testament to Ethiopia’s commitment to building a climate-resilient economy and achieving sustainable development. It also reinforces Ethiopia’s role as a leading advocate for a holistic and integrated approach to climate change, food security, and job creation. This year’s FAO recognition of the GLI and ATI, coupled with the Agricola Medal awarded to Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed in January 2024, highlights the government’s consistent commitment to addressing the long-standing challenge of food security.
Fifth Pakistan-Africa Trade Conference and Exhibition Held in Addis Ababa
The Fifth Pakistan-Africa Trade Development Conference and Single Country Exhibition took place at Millennium Hall in Addis Ababa from October 16–18. Organized by the Federal Ministry of Commerce of Pakistan in collaboration with the Pakistani Embassy in Addis Ababa and Ethiopia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the event brought together key business and government stakeholders from both countries.
The conference attracted 115 leading Pakistani companies, over 300 Pakistani investors, and 114 African investors from Kenya, Tanzania, Nigeria, Rwanda, Burundi, and Uganda. It provided a platform to explore Ethiopia’s foreign direct investment (FDI) opportunities, particularly in pharmaceuticals, hygiene products, cosmetics, textiles, and agricultural products.
Minister of Transport and Logistics Alemu Sime addressed attendees, highlighting the country’s ongoing macroeconomic reforms and efforts to create a stable, business-friendly environment. He noted improvements in narrowing the gap between parallel and official foreign exchange markets and emphasized the government’s commitment to ease of doing business.
State Minister for Trade and Regional Integration Abdulhakim Mulu invited Pakistani investors to explore opportunities in priority sectors including agriculture, manufacturing, mining, ICT, tourism, construction, and logistics. He underscored Ethiopia’s rapid economic growth and pointed out that the current limited trade volume between the two countries reflects untapped potential.
Jam Kamal Khan, Federal Minister of Commerce of Pakistan, described the conference as a symbol of Pakistan’s strategic “Look Africa Policy Initiative.” He said many Pakistani companies were exploring African markets for the first time, creating opportunities for Ethiopia to attract investment while building enduring diplomatic bridges.
Ambassador Dewano Kedir, Director General for Middle East, Asia, and Pacific Countries Affairs at Ethiopia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, elaborated on the country’s investment incentives and opportunities, reinforcing Ethiopia as a strategic gateway to the continent.
By hosting the conference for the first time in Ethiopia, following previous editions in Kenya, Nigeria, South Africa, and Egypt, the country strengthened its position in regional economic diplomacy and expanded its role in attracting African-focused foreign investment.
Ethio–Kuwait Political Consultation Meeting Convenes in Kuwait City
The Ethio–Kuwait Political Consultation Meeting was held in Kuwait City on Thursday (October 16), co-chaired by Ambassador Hadera Abera, State Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ethiopia, and Sheikh Jarrah Jaber Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Kuwait.
In his opening remarks, Ambassador Hadera highlighted the consultation as a significant milestone in the two nations’ relations. He emphasized their shared commitment to strengthen bilateral ties across multiple sectors and deepen cooperation on regional and international issues of mutual interest. Acknowledging the long-standing friendship between Ethiopia and Kuwait, he noted specific opportunities for expanded collaboration in trade, investment, tourism, manufacturing, agriculture, energy, mining, ICT, and culture.
For his part, Sheikh Jarrah Jaber Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah reaffirmed Kuwait’s commitment to transforming its historic friendship with Ethiopia into concrete economic partnerships. Recalling the establishment of diplomatic relations in 1967, he reaffirmed Kuwait’s continued support for Ethiopia’s economic development endeavors.
Both sides reviewed the status of their long-standing ties and discussed ways to enhance cooperation further. They expressed satisfaction with the current level of engagement and underscored the importance of regular high-level visits and political consultations. In this regard, they agreed to establish a Joint Ministerial Commission to elevate the bilateral consultation platform.
The delegations also discussed the implementation of existing agreements and Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs), recognizing the need to form a Joint Steering Committee to monitor implementation, review progress, and identify new areas of collaboration, as outlined in the 2007 agreement. Both parties committed to expediting the signing of pending agreements and MoUs.
On economic cooperation, the two sides emphasized enhancing trade and investment ties. They agreed to activate mechanisms for joint business and investment forums and welcomed the signing of an MoU between their Chambers of Commerce to promote business linkages and explore new opportunities. They also noted the potential for collaboration in agriculture, energy, and infrastructure, with plans to exchange business proposals and organize pre-investment visits by business delegations.
Regarding social and cultural cooperation, both parties acknowledged the importance of collaboration between their diplomatic institutes and agreed to facilitate a partnership arrangement to promote the exchange of training and expertise.
The delegations also exchanged views on regional peace and security, reiterating their commitment to strengthening cooperation within multilateral forums to address common challenges such as counter-terrorism.
Both sides affirmed their readiness to implement the outcomes of the Joint Political Consultation and agreed to hold the second round of consultations in Addis Ababa in 2027, in line with the 2009 MoU on Conducting Bilateral Consultations, to further solidify the partnership.
During his visit, Ambassador Hadera paid a courtesy call on Abdullah Ali Abdullah Elihya, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Kuwait. The Foreign Minister reaffirmed Kuwait’s interest in deepening relations with Ethiopia and encouraged closer collaboration between the two countries’ Chambers of Commerce. Ambassador Hadera also conveyed a message from Gedion Timothewos, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ethiopia, reiterating Ethiopia’s commitment to advancing its ties with Kuwait.
Additionally, Ambassador Hadera met with Rabah Abdulrahman Al-Rabah, Minister of Oil; Rasheed Ali Al-Bader, Deputy Director General of the Kuwait Development Fund; the Director General of the Kuwait Chamber of Commerce and Industry; and representatives of major investment companies. He briefed officials on investment and trade opportunities in Ethiopia, highlighting priority sectors, regulatory improvements, and the country’s investor-friendly business environment. He also encouraged Kuwaiti investors to explore Ethiopia’s emerging sectors for mutually beneficial partnerships.
Ethiopia Takes Part in Pre-COP Meetings that Set the Stage for COP30
The Pre-COP 30 meetings took place in Brasília, Brazil, from October 13–14, serving as the final preparatory gathering ahead of COP30, which will be hosted in Belém from November 6–21, 2025. Delegates from 72 signatory countries, international organizations, and community representatives deliberated on the global climate agenda.
The meetings focused on four pressing challenges: securing climate finance, advancing the energy transition, strengthening adaptation strategies, and preserving biodiversity.
Ambassador Leulseged Tadesse, Ethiopia’s Ambassador to Brazil, represented Ethiopia. During the ministerial segment, he affirmed the importance of the Addis Ababa Declaration, the outcome document of the Second African Climate Summit held in Addis Ababa in September 2025. He emphasized that the Declaration not only represents Africa’s unified position in climate negotiations but also reflects actionable commitments that demonstrate Africa’s resolve to contribute to global climate action.
Ambassador Leulseged also highlighted Ethiopia’s two proposed initiatives, the African Climate Facility (ACF) and the African Climate Innovation Compact (ACS²), as tangible steps toward promoting Africa’s low-carbon development. He further underlined that Ethiopia’s ongoing policy measures, including the Green Legacy Initiative and fossil fuel substitution efforts, serve as exemplary national responses to climate change.
Ethiopia also stressed the importance of international cooperation in ensuring a just energy transition toward clean and renewable sources, with universal access and affordability at its core. Highlighting the significant shortfall in climate finance, Ethiopia called for an ambitious goal and a renewed commitment to mobilizing resources and scaling up adaptation finance from all sources.
Ethiopia Elected First Vice-Chair of UNHCR Executive Committee
After serving as the Second Vice-Chair of the UNHCR Executive Committee since October 2024, Ethiopia has been elected as the First Vice-Chair of the Committee during the closing session of its 76th meeting on Friday (October 10).
Ambassador Tsegab Kebebew, Ethiopia’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations in Geneva, was nominated by the African Group and seconded by Norway. His candidacy was fully endorsed by the entire membership. Ethiopia’s election to the post, in one of the UNHCR’s key oversight organs responsible for reviewing programs and budgets, underscores the country’s leadership in strengthening the international refugee protection system as enshrined in the 1951 Refugee Convention.
As one of the largest refugee-hosting countries, with over one million refugees from more than twenty nations, Ethiopia’s election to the Bureau of the Executive Committee and its role as First Vice-Chair reflect its long-standing commitment to refugee protection, assistance, and durable solutions. Ethiopia has also pioneered a progressive refugee policy through the 2019 Refugee Proclamation, guaranteeing access to education, healthcare, and employment opportunities for refugees.
The election comes on the eve of the launch of Makatet, a national initiative designed to promote refugee integration and address the needs of host communities. In its new role, Ethiopia will champion actions that enhance humanitarian responses and strengthen protection for refugees. Together with other members of the Executive Committee, Ethiopia will help shape international refugee policies that promote the rights of refugees and support host countries.
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