Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed Inaugurates Niin Lee Palm Lodge in Afar
Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed Highlights Transformative Impact of Urban Corridor Development
Ethiopia in Its Third Year in BRICS
Global Investors Convene in Addis Ababa for Fourth Invest in Ethiopia Forum
NEWS IN BRIEF
Ethiopia
President Taye Atske-Selassie arrived in Malabo, Equatorial Guinea, on Thursday (March 26) to participate in the Organization of African, Caribbean and Pacific States (OACPS) Summit. Upon his arrival at Malabo International Airport, he was warmly received by Prime Minister Manuel Osa Nsue Nsua, along with other senior government officials.
Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed inaugurated Niin Lee Palm Lodge on Sunday (March 22), in the Afar Regional State as part of the government’s “Dine for Generations” initiative, which marks a milestone in Ethiopia’s efforts to expand tourism infrastructure and regional development. (See article)
Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed on Tuesday (March 24) outlined Ethiopia’s evolving urban development strategy, emphasizing the far-reaching economic and social benefits of ongoing corridor development initiatives. In an interview with Kana TV, the Prime Minister presented a holistic perspective on how these projects are reshaping cities and contributing to the country’s broader development trajectory. (See article)
Minister Gedion Timothewos, presented the six-month performance report of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia and its affiliated institutions for the 2018 Ethiopian Fiscal Year to the Foreign Relations and Peace Affairs Standing Committee of the House of People’s Representatives (HPR) on Wednesday (March 25). (See article)
Gedion received Maria Tripodi, Undersecretary of State for Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of Italy on Thursday (March 26). Minister Gedion noted the strong and longstanding bilateral relations between Ethiopia and Italy, highlighting business and investment as key areas for further partnership. He also expressed Ethiopia’s interest in leveraging Italy’s entrepreneurial strength to advance mutual economic interests.
The Ethiopian delegation, led by Minister of Trade and Regional Integration Kassahun Gofe along with State Minister of Foreign Affairs Ambassador Hadera Abera, is participating in the 14th Ministerial Conference of the World Trade Organization (WTO MC14) in Yaoundé, Cameroon, from 26–29 March 2026. On the occasion, WTO Director-General Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala commended Ethiopia’s accession progress, noting that gains over the past year exceed those of the previous two decades combined.
At the LDC Group Ministerial Meeting in Yaoundé, Cameroon, the Ethiopian negotiating team called for concrete outcomes to support least developed countries, including strengthened Special and Differential Treatment, solutions to graduation challenges, and restoration of a fully functional dispute settlement system. The delegation also highlighted the need for enhanced support in capacity-building, technology transfer, and climate resilience.
Similarly, addressing the High-Level Africa-China Ministerial Meeting, State Minister Ambassador Hadera emphasized that industrialization is central to Africa’s productivity agenda and critical for job creation, resilience, and self-reliance. He called for scaling up industrial transformation, boosting value-added exports, supporting continental energy initiatives, and advancing sustainable financing, including debt restructuring, cancellation, and debt-for-development swaps.
On the sidelines, the Ethiopian negotiating team held productive discussions with WTO Director-General Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala. In addition, the team held constructive talks with Farid Al-Asaly, Deputy Governor for International Agreements and Organizations and head of the Saudi Arabian negotiation team, on Ethiopia’s WTO accession process, with both sides agreeing to expedite the technical discussions aimed at concluding the bilateral market access agreement.
The Fourth Invest in Ethiopia: High-Level Business Forum 2026 opened on Thursday (March 26) in Addis Ababa, marking the latest edition of a flagship platform aimed at advancing the country’s investment agenda and strengthening engagement with global partners. Speaking at the forum, State Minister of Foreign Affairs Ambassador Berhanu Tsegaye affirmed the Government’s continued commitment to facilitating and supporting investment. He underscored that Ethiopia is increasingly positioning itself as a preferred destination, supported by policy reforms and expanding opportunities across key sectors. (See article)
State Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Berhanu Tsegaye, held preliminary discussions with a delegation led by Jean Kaseya of Africa CDC on preparations for the 5th International Public Health Conference in Africa, to be hosted in Addis Ababa. Selected in recognition of Ethiopia’s strong hosting capacity, the conference is expected to attract over 30,000 participants. Ambassador Berhanu thanked Africa CDC for selecting Addis Ababa as the host city and reaffirmed the Government’s full commitment to ensuring its success.
State Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Berhanu Tsegaye received the newly appointed Ambassador of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to Ethiopia, Abdullah Hassan A. Alzahrani on Wednesday (March 25). The two sides discussed priority areas and ways to strengthen the longstanding bilateral ties between the countries.
State Minister Ambassador Berhanu on Thursday (March 26) received the Ambassador of the Gabonese Republic to Ethiopia, Lilly Stella Nguema Ndong, for talks on strengthening bilateral relations and cooperation.
Under the stewardship of India, BRICS engagements have continued since 1 January 2026, with around 250 meetings planned. India’s chairship focuses on resilience, innovation, cooperation, and sustainability. Drawing on its experience, Ethiopia has maintained active participation, with its ministerial coordination committee adopting this year’s outlook based on past experiences and its BRICS Engagement strategy. (See article)
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ethiopia held discussions with India’s Ministry of External Affairs and the implementing company, RailTel on the launch of its modern Data Center project. The initiative aims to strengthen the strategic cooperation between the two countries, and enhance the ministry’s technological and digital capacities, and leverage India’s expertise in the sector. Senior officials from both governments, as well as representatives from Ethio Telecom and the Ethiopian Electric Utility, participated in the talks.
The 10th International Hortiflora Expo opened in Addis Ababa on Tuesday (March 24), featuring over 150 organizations from 50 countries. The event brought together producers, exporters, seed suppliers, global buyers, technology providers, financial institutions, and researchers, highlighting Ethiopia’s rising status as a global horticulture hub.
Kenya
President Daniel Francisco Chapo of Mozambique arrived in Nairobi on Tuesday (March 24) for an official visit and was welcomed at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport by Kenya’s Prime Cabinet Secretary and Foreign Affairs Minister, Musalia W. Mudavadi.
President William Ruto held talks with the Vice-President of the People’s Republic of China, Han Zheng, on Tuesday (March 24) on ways of further strengthening trade and economic ties between the two countries.
South Sudan
Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Monday Semaya K. Kumba, held a phone call with UAE Minister of State Sheikh Shakhboot bin Nahyan Al Nahyan on Tuesday (March 24), discussing bilateral ties and regional developments.
On Monday (March 23), Minister Monday Semaya Kumba received Norway’s Minister of International Development, Åsmund Aukrust, with both sides emphasizing continued dialogue to strengthen historic bilateral relations.
Africa and the African union
As Member States commemorated the International Day of Remembrance of the Victims of Slavery and the Transatlantic Slave Trade on Wednesday (March 25), the United Nations adopted, with overwhelming support, a resolution recognizing the transatlantic slave trade as “the gravest crime against humanity.” The resolution, proposed by Ghana on behalf of the African States, was adopted with 123 votes in favor and 3 against—the United States, Israel, and Argentina, while 52 Member States, mainly from Europe, abstained. (See article)
The African Union Commission Chairperson, Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, has appointed Jakaya Mrisho Kikwete, former President of Tanzania, as High Representative for the Horn of Africa and the Red Sea. Kikwete will support AU efforts to promote peace, inclusive dialogue, and regional cooperation in the region.
On Wednesday (March 25), AUC Chairperson Mahmoud Ali Youssouf joined the international community in observing the International Day of Remembrance of the Victims of Slavery and the Transatlantic Slave Trade, paying tribute to the millions of Africans who endured forced displacement, suffering, and loss of fundamental rights.
Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed Inaugurates Niin Lee Palm Lodge in Afar
Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed inaugurated Niin Lee Palm Lodge on Sunday (March 22), in the Afar Regional State as part of the government’s “Dine for Generations” initiative, which marks a milestone in Ethiopia’s efforts to expand tourism infrastructure and regional development.
The initiative aims to promote high-end tourism while fostering sustainable economic growth in the Afar Region. In this regard, the lodge is designed to integrate tourism development with environmental conservation and community participation, thereby enhancing Ethiopia’s global standing in the tourism sector.
The inauguration ceremony brought together senior federal and regional government officials and members of the local community, reflecting the importance of multi-stakeholder engagement in advancing large-scale development projects.
In his remarks, Prime Minister Abiy underscored that the Afar Region is endowed with remarkable natural resources and unique landscapes. He highlighted areas stretching from Afdera to Erta Ale, along with naturally occurring hot springs, as key assets with significant potential for tourism and economic transformation.
The Prime Minister emphasized that realizing this potential requires a fundamental shift in mindset. He called for moving away from pessimism, inaction, and narrow perspectives toward proactive and sustained efforts. Noting that the region has long remained underdeveloped despite its resource endowment, he urged stronger coordination among regional authorities, private investors, and local communities to accelerate progress.
He further addressed broader global challenges, including pressures related to fuel and fertilizer, stressing the need to leverage Ethiopia’s natural endowments such as arable land and rainfall to enhance resilience. He also highlighted the importance of expanding research into water resources, mineral deposits, and plant species to unlock additional economic opportunities and support integrated tourism development.
The Prime Minister reiterated that while a strong foundation has been established, sustained efforts are essential to consolidate progress. He emphasized the need to expand development initiatives, reinforce existing gains, and ensure long-term benefits for both the Afar Region and the nation at large.
Built on 78,000 square meters of land, Niin Lee Palm Lodge features a natural “Blue Eye” hot spring pool, two artificial lakes, and a 3.2-kilometer walking trail. These facilities enable the lodge to host conferences and attract international visitors. The inauguration of the lodge, alongside other projects, including Denbi Eco Lodge and Shabeely Resort, demonstrates Ethiopia’s commitment to leveraging tourism for sustainable development, income generation, and the promotion of the country’s rich cultural and natural heritage.
Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed Highlights Transformative Impact of Urban Corridor Development
Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed on Tuesday (March 24) outlined Ethiopia’s evolving urban development strategy, emphasizing the far-reaching economic and social benefits of ongoing corridor development initiatives. In an interview with Kana TV, the Prime Minister presented a holistic perspective on how these projects are reshaping cities and contributing to the country’s broader development trajectory.
The Prime Minister underscored that corridor development efforts in Addis Ababa and other major urban centers extend well beyond urban beautification. He noted that such initiatives are transforming city landscapes while expanding opportunities in infrastructure, trade, and nationwide economic growth. These developments, he explained, are anchored in the Medemer (Synergy) philosophy, which recognizes cities as central pillars of Ethiopia’s social and economic foundation.
Reflecting on past approaches, Prime Minister Abiy observed that earlier administrations often regarded urban centers with caution, perceiving them as potential political challenges. He described this outlook as a misjudgment that constrained national progress. In contrast, he stressed the importance of embracing urban populations as vital contributors to both economic dynamism and political stability.
Highlighting the strategic role of cities, the Prime Minister noted that Addis Ababa alone contributes nearly half of Ethiopia’s annual GDP. He characterized the capital as a space where diverse cultures, languages, and religions converge, fostering a shared national identity. More broadly, he emphasized that cities serve as indicators of a nation’s level of development, reflecting efficiency, modernity, and progress, while acting as engines of prosperity and transformation.
Describing urban centers as hubs of innovation, production, and creativity, the Prime Minister pointed to the significant human potential within rapidly expanding cities such as Addis Ababa. He stressed that effectively harnessing this potential is essential for accelerating economic growth and advancing national development.
Addressing corridor development in detail, the Prime Minister noted that these initiatives are designed to achieve lots of objectives, including closing infrastructure gaps, reducing unemployment, and supporting sustained economic expansion. He highlighted that the projects have created substantial employment opportunities both during and after construction, while also equipping young people with practical skills that complement and, in various regards, surpass formal academic training. Many of these skilled individuals, he added, are now contributing to major development projects across cities in regional states.
The Prime Minister further underscored that corridor development has played a key role in accelerating housing construction, with thousands of residential units delivered within a relatively short period, thereby stimulating activity in the real estate sector. Improvements in road infrastructure, he noted, have also reduced travel times, enhancing mobility and overall productivity.
He also drew attention to the riverbank development project in Addis Ababa, describing it as a complex yet transformative undertaking with international significance. The initiative, he says, will leave a lasting legacy by creating inclusive public spaces that strengthen social cohesion while promoting healthier lifestyles through parks and recreational facilities. Similar development efforts, according to the Prime Minister, are being implemented in cities such as Bishoftu, Jimma, Arba Minch, and Bahir Dar, with additional projects underway in Hawassa, reflecting a broader national commitment to integrated urban transformation.
As part of Ethiopia’s future development trajectory, Prime Minister Abiy identified digital technology as a central pillar of Ethiopia’s development agenda and a critical enabler across sectors. He emphasized that sustained progress in areas such as education, healthcare, and industry depends on the establishment of robust digital infrastructure, as well as the development of a competitive and skilled workforce.
In this regard, he highlighted ongoing initiatives, including the establishment of a leading artificial intelligence institute in Africa and the implementation of the “5 Million Coders” program, through which more than 3.5 million citizens have already received training. While recognizing these milestones, the Prime Minister highlighted the imperative of maintaining momentum through sustained commitment and enhanced investment in digital transformation to ensure Ethiopia’s long-term growth and competitiveness on the global stage.
Minister Gedion Presents Six-Month Performance Report to Foreign Relations and Peace Affairs Standing Committee of the House of People’s Representatives (HPR)
Minister Gedion Timothewos presented the six-month performance report of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia and its affiliated institutions for the 2018 Ethiopian Fiscal Year to the Foreign Relations and Peace Affairs Standing Committee of the House of People’s Representatives (HPR) on Wednesday (March 25).
The Chairperson of the Standing Committee, Dima Negewo, noted that the Committee, through various oversight mechanisms, had verified that the Ministry has undertaken substantive efforts during the fiscal year to safeguard the national interest and achieve tangible progress across multiple areas of diplomacy.
He further said Ethiopia has successfully attracted global attention and effectively hosted international and continental conferences, thereby making notable strides in enhancing the country’s image.
The Chairperson emphasized the need for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to intensify its efforts to ensure that bilateral agreements concluded with various countries over the past six months are translated into concrete outcomes within a short period of time.
Minister Gedion, for his part, highlighted that, during the reporting period, key diplomatic engagements were carried out that elevated Ethiopia’s visibility and standing in platforms such as the G20, BRICS, and other international, continental, and regional institutions.
The Minister further underscored that Ethiopia is making steady progress by implementing an independent and non-aligned foreign policy that firmly safeguards its national interests.
Responding to questions and comments raised by members of the Standing Committee, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Gedion along with State Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Berhanu Tsegaye, provided clarifications and detailed explanations.
Ethiopia in Its Third Year in BRICS
Under the stewardship of India, BRICS’ engagements have continued since January 1, 2026. India will host about 250 meetings in the calendar year. The mainstays of the Indian chairship are building resilience, fostering innovation, consolidating cooperation and ensuring sustainability.
Having consolidated experience over the past two years as a member of BRICS, Ethiopia has continued its effective participation. Taking stock of its previous engagements and based on its BRICS Engagement Strategy, the BRICS ministerial coordination committee adopted the outlook for this year.
This year is uniquely important for Ethiopia as it looks forward to finalizing its accession to the New Development Bank, starting preparatory works for Ethiopia’s BRICS chairship after a few years, and hosting BRICS events. In addition, the Ministerial Committee has adopted the Communication Strategy which aims to deliver a unified and strategic framework for informing and engaging a wide range of internal and external stakeholders regarding the rationale for Ethiopia’s membership and the role it plays.
Since January 2026, India has hosted more than 20 meetings. Ethiopia took part in these meetings with the participation of respective sectoral institutions. The meetings covered a range of issues including cooperation in finance, tax, infrastructure, trade, employment, agriculture, anti-corruption, and cooperation among institutions on the non-governmental track.
Ethiopia will give primacy to economic cooperation, the agenda on climate change, in alignment with its COP32 presidency, emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence, and regional and global issues of critical importance.
Ethiopia’s BRICS membership demonstrates its broadening diplomatic engagement and increasing partnership with all states. It embodies its longstanding history of multilateral diplomacy, the foreign policy fundamentals of diversifying partnership, expanding economic diplomacy, and the commitment to a renewed multilateral system and South-South cooperation.
The BRICS platform enabled Ethiopia to reflect its foreign policy and national interests; to garner support from BRICS countries for its national, regional and global aspirations and agendas; and to further strengthen and expand its bilateral relations with member countries. Ethiopia’s membership to BRICS also boosts the relevance of the partnership to the global south and expands BRICS’ policy horizon to the diverse global contexts that Ethiopia brings into the partnership. As well, Ethiopia remains committed to contributing its fair share to the consolidation of BRICS.
Global Investors Convene in Addis Ababa for Fourth Invest in Ethiopia Forum
The Fourth Invest in Ethiopia: High-Level Business Forum 2026 opened on Thursday (March 26) in Addis Ababa, marking the latest edition of a flagship platform aimed at advancing the country’s investment agenda and strengthening engagement with global partners.
Held at the Skylight Hotel from 26–27 March 2026, the forum brought together more than 800 participants, including international investors, business executives, policymakers, and development partners from over 70 countries. The event was jointly organized by the Ethiopian Investment Commission, the Ministry of Finance, and members of the Development Partners Group, underscoring a coordinated effort to promote Ethiopia’s investment landscape.
In his opening address, Deputy Prime Minister Temesgen Tiruneh highlighted the wide-ranging reforms undertaken in recent years under Ethiopia’s Homegrown Economic Reform Agenda. He noted that these measures are designed to reinforce macroeconomic stability, boost competitiveness, and expand opportunities for private sector engagement. The Deputy Prime Minister underscored that the forum’s theme, “Ethiopia Ready for Business,” signals the country’s determination to foster a stable, transparent, and investor-friendly environment, while calling on international investors to explore the diverse opportunities available in the country.
Reinforcing this message, State Minister of Foreign Affairs Ambassador Berhanu Tsegaye affirmed the Government’s continued commitment to facilitating and supporting investment. He underscored that Ethiopia is increasingly positioning itself as a preferred destination, supported by policy reforms and expanding opportunities across key sectors.
Commissioner of the Ethiopian Investment Commission, Zeleke Temesgen, described the forum as taking place at a pivotal moment, as Ethiopia moves beyond investment promotion toward concrete delivery. He emphasized that commitments made in previous editions are now materializing into tangible projects, reflecting improved implementation capacity and a stronger follow-through mechanism. He further assured participants of sustained institutional support throughout the investment process.
Speaking at the forum, Italy’s Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, Maria Tripodi, reaffirmed her country’s interest in deepening economic ties with Ethiopia. She commended ongoing reform efforts, including financial sector liberalization and steps toward accession to the World Trade Organization, noting the readiness of Italian enterprises to expand their footprint in the Ethiopian market.
The two-day forum serves as a platform for high-level policy dialogue, sector-focused panel discussions, business-to-business engagements, exhibitions, and site visits to key investment corridors. Discussions focused on priority sectors such as manufacturing, agriculture and agro-processing, mining, renewable energy, information and communication technology, the digital economy, and tourism.
As part of its broader economic strategy, Ethiopia is aiming to secure more than USD 2.4 billion in new investment commitments during the forum, building on outcomes from previous editions that facilitated major agreements across various sectors. The Forum plays a central role in efforts to boost foreign direct investment inflows and deepen partnerships with global investors. Building on the momentum of ongoing reforms, the Invest in Ethiopia forum continues to serve as a key vehicle for connecting international capital with emerging opportunities, reflecting the country’s ambition to position itself as a leading destination for sustainable and large-scale investment in Africa.
Enslavement of Africans during the Transatlantic Slave Trade Recognized as “the Gravest Crime against Humanity”
As Member States commemorated the International Day of Remembrance of the Victims of Slavery and the Transatlantic Slave Trade on Wednesday (March 25), the United Nations adopted, with overwhelming support, a resolution recognizing the transatlantic slave trade as “the gravest crime against humanity.” The resolution, proposed by Ghana on behalf of the African States, was adopted with 123 votes in favor and 3 against—the United States, Israel, and Argentina, while 52 Member States, mainly from Europe, abstained.
In 2006, the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), through resolution 61/19, recognized that “the slave trade and slavery are among the worst violations of human rights in the history of humanity,” bearing in mind particularly their scale and duration. It also designated 25 March 2007 as the International Day for the Commemoration of the Two-Hundredth Anniversary of the Abolition of the Transatlantic Slave Trade. The following year, through resolution 62/122, the Assembly designated 25 March as the annual International Day of Remembrance of the Victims of Slavery and the Transatlantic Slave Trade, beginning in 2008.
The current resolution calls for the transatlantic slave trade to be designated as the gravest crime against humanity and urges Member States to consider issuing apologies for the slave trade and contributing to a reparations fund. The President of the General Assembly (PGA) underscored that “the slave trade and slavery stand among the gravest violations of human rights in human history—an affront to the very principles enshrined in the Charter of our United Nations and the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.”
Between 1500 and 1800, around 12–15 million people were captured in Africa and transported to the Americas, where they were forced into slavery. An unaccounted number of African youth estimated to exceed 2 million perished under the horrific conditions at sea. The resolution, backed by the African Union and the Caribbean Community, further states that the consequences of slavery persist in the form of racial inequalities and underdevelopment, “affecting Africans and people of African descent in all parts of the world.”
Ghana’s President John Dramani Mahama, speaking ahead of the vote on behalf of the 54-member African Group, the largest regional bloc at the United Nations, proclaimed: “Today, we come together in solemn solidarity to affirm truth and pursue a route to healing and reparative justice.” He further added, “Let it be recorded that when history beckoned, we did what was right for the memory of the millions who suffered the indignity of the slave trade and those who continue to suffer racial discrimination.”
The resolution also calls for the return of cultural artefacts looted during the transatlantic slave trade and the colonial era to their countries of origin. Ethiopia, through a statement delivered by its Representative in New York, joined the international community in solemn remembrance of the millions of African men, women, and children subjected to the horrors of slavery and the transatlantic slave trade. Ambassador Samuel Isa emphasized that “the transatlantic slave trade and colonialism represent two of history’s most extensive crimes against humanity, leaving legacies that continue to adversely influence the contemporary socioeconomic landscape and development trajectory for Africa and people of African descent.”
Those countries that opposed the resolution argued that it is not legally justified, as slavery did not constitute a prohibited act under the rules that existed at the time. They also proffered there is no evidence showing the relationship between the victims of slavery and the people of Africa and that of African descent. The African Group at the United Nations, however, maintains that the victims of chattel slavery of African people and their descendants are alive and continue to suffer from the consequences of the enslavement of their ancestors and the systemic racism that continued to date. The Group also affirmed that slavery constitutes the gravest crime against humanity and a violation of “Jus cogens”. It expressed its commitment to working with all UN Member States to address the enduring realities of slavery, colonialism, and racism.
Ethiopia demanded commemoration to go beyond retrospective remembrance to serve as a call to confront the living consequences with courage. For Ethiopia, the adoption of this landmark UNGA resolution is an acknowledgement of its anti-colonial and anti-slavery struggle that has become the hallmark of its pan Africana and human centered foreign policy and diplomacy.
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