Fourth Edition of Made in Ethiopia Expo Held in Addis Ababa
Ethiopia Concludes Successful 7th Working Party Meeting on its WTO Accession
Ethiopia Hosts the Third United Nations High-Level Advisory Board Meeting
Addis Ababa Hosts Second Edition of “Africa Through the Eyes of Diplomats” Photo Exhibition
Ethiopia to Host 35th Session of the FAO Regional Forum
NEWS IN BRIEF
Ethiopia
Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed held a telephone conversation on Wednesday (May 6) with Prime Minister Rob Jetten of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, during which the two leaders discussed a range of bilateral issues and explored avenues for further strengthening cooperation across multiple areas of mutual interest.
The fourth edition of the Made in Ethiopia Expo 2026 was held from May 2–6 at the Addis International Convention Center in Addis Ababa, bringing together manufacturers, investors, policymakers, and development partners in support of Ethiopia’s industrial transformation agenda under the theme “Made in Ethiopia for Multifaceted Sovereignty.” (See article)
A national consultative forum titled “Media Progress for Narrative Building” was held in the presence of Prime Minister Abiy on Thursday (May 7) with the aim of strengthening of democratic institutions to serve as authentic pillars of a democratic system, with the media sector being a primary example of this transformation.
Prime Minister Abiy toured a wheat farm cultivated on 2,150 hectares of land in Sululta district, North Shewa Zone of the Oromia Region on Wednesday (May 6), saying the government’s efforts to ensure Ethiopia’s food sovereignty are continuing with strong results.
The seventh Working Party Meeting on Ethiopia’s accession to the World Trade Organisation was held in Geneva from April 22 to 23. A high-level delegation led by Kassahun Gofe, Minister of Trade and Regional Integration and Chief negotiator for WTO accession, and Ambassador Hadera Abera, State Minister for Foreign Affairs and Deputy Chief negotiator, participated in the meeting. (See article)
The Third meeting of the United Nations High-level Advisory Board (HLAB) on Economic and Social Affairs was held in Addis Ababa from May 7 to 8. The meeting chaired by Li Junhua, Under-Secretary-General for Economic and Social Affairs (UNDESA) deliberates on policy responses for challenges facing the SDG implementation. (See article)
Ambassador Hadera received newly appointed New Zealand Ambassador to Ethiopia Olivia Owen on Thursday (May 7), where the two sides discussed strengthening bilateral ties and regional matters of mutual interest.
State Minister Ambassador Berhanu Tsegaye on Wednesday (May 6) held a discussion with David Yu, General Manager of Shanghai Yude Energy Co., Ltd, and Youlin Zhu, Deputy Director General and Marketing Director of the Company who expressed interest in partnering with Ethiopia in order to successfully host international Conferences and Events.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ethiopia in collaboration with the Embassy of Romania has officially opened the second edition of the artistic photo exhibition titled “Africa Through the Eyes of Diplomats” at the Hyatt Regency Addis Ababa on Wednesday (April 29). The exhibition was inaugurated by senior officials of the Ministry, the Ambassador of Romania to Ethiopia, members of the Culture Club and diplomatic community and distinguished guests. (See article)
Ambassador Berhanu met on Friday (May 8) with Nonceba Losi, Ambassador of the Republic of South Africa to Ethiopia, to discuss recent incidents affecting foreign nationals in parts of South Africa, including Ethiopian citizens. Ambassador Berhanu expressed deep concern over the incidents and emphasized the importance of ensuring the safety, protection, and wellbeing of Ethiopians living in South Africa.
Ambassador Berhanu received Ambassador of the Democratic Republic of Congo to Ethiopia, Jean Leon Ngandu and exchanged views on bolstering existing bilateral relationship. Discussions also focused on exploring further areas of cooperation between the two countries.
Ethiopia’s delegation comprising officials from the Ministry of Agriculture and Ministry of Foreign Affairs attended the 34th Session of the Food and Agricultural Organization (FAO) Regional Conference for Africa (ARC34), hosted in Nouakchott, Mauritania from April 13-17. (See article)
Kenya
President William Ruto visited Tanzania on May 4–5, where he held talks with President Samia Suluhu Hassan aimed at advancing bilateral mutual interests.
President Ruto met Japanese Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi at State House Nairobi on Monday (May 4), with discussions aimed at strengthening ongoing cooperation in infrastructure, trade, and investment.
Africa and the African Union
Ethiopia has successfully concluded its chairmanship of the Peace and Security Council of the African Union for the month of April 2026, showcasing leadership and engagement in peace and security issues across the continent. Throughout the month, a series of high-level meetings and discussions that reflected Ethiopia’s dedication to finding “African solutions to African problems” while also incorporating the evolving peace and security issues such as the implications of the use of emerging technology were undertaken. (See article)
Fourth Edition of Made in Ethiopia Expo Held in Addis Ababa
The fourth edition of the Made in Ethiopia Expo 2026 was held from May 2–6 at the Addis International Convention Center in Addis Ababa, bringing together manufacturers, investors, policymakers, and development partners in support of Ethiopia’s industrial transformation agenda under the theme “Made in Ethiopia for Multifaceted Sovereignty.”
Organized by Ethiopia’s Ministry of Industry in collaboration with key institutions including the Ethiopian Investment Commission, the expo forms part of the broader “Ethiopia Tamrit” or “Let Ethiopia Produce” movement launched under the Homegrown Economic Reform Agenda and the country’s Ten-Year Development Plan. The initiative seeks to strengthen local manufacturing capacity, reduce dependence on imports, expand exports, and position Ethiopia as a competitive industrial hub in Africa.
Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed officially opened the expo on May 3, stating that the movement had enabled Ethiopia to save 14.5 billion USD in import costs over the past four years through import substitution efforts. He also noted that production capacity utilization in the manufacturing sector had increased significantly and announced plans to introduce measures requiring financial institutions to allocate greater support to the industrial sector.
Minister of Industry Melaku Alebel said the manufacturing sector had shown notable growth under the movement, with factory capacity utilization rising from around 46 percent to more than 66 percent. He added that the initiative had contributed to the revival of nearly 1,000 previously inactive factories across the country.
The expo brought together more than 270 local manufacturers operating in sectors including textiles, agro-processing, pharmaceuticals, chemicals, leather products, and machinery manufacturing. More than 2,000 foreign participants and investors attended the event, while startups were also given dedicated exhibition and pitching spaces for the first time.
Government officials stated that the expo aimed to facilitate more than 850 business agreements valued at over 5 billion Birr. The government also identified 96 products for immediate local production to further strengthen import substitution efforts and support Ethiopia’s industrial self-sufficiency goals.
The event was accompanied by public engagement activities including the “Made in Ethiopia” run, which attracted thousands of participants in support of local production and economic patriotism.
The 2026 expo marked the fourth edition of the initiative since its launch in 2023.
Ethiopia Successfully Wraps-up its Rotating Chair-ship of the Peace and Security Council of the African Union for the Month of the April, 2026
Ethiopia has successfully concluded its chairmanship of the Peace and Security Council of the African Union for the month of April 2026, showcasing leadership and engagement in peace and security issues across the continent. Throughout the month, a series of high-level meetings and discussions that reflected Ethiopia’s dedication to finding “African solutions to African problems” while also incorporating the evolving peace and security issues such as the implications of the use of emerging technology were undertaken.
During its Chair-ship, among others, a ministerial session chaired by Gedion Timothewos, on Artificial Intelligence and its impact on peace and security in Africa, the Impact of the Middle East current crisis and a field visit to South Sudan.
Ethiopia officially took up the chairmanship on April 7, by conducting the annual flag hoisting ceremony at the headquarters of the AU in Addis Ababa. This colorful event marked a welcoming ceremony for the newly elected members of the Council.
The Council’s first concrete engagement came on April 8, whereby it convened a session, on “Hate Crimes and Combating Genocidal Ideology in Africa,” commemorating the 32nd anniversary of the Genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda. During the session, emphasizing on the importance of prevention and stronger legal and institutional frameworks, the Council called on Member States to declare hate speech and genocide denial as crimes under national laws, and underscored the need for improved national and continental early warning mechanisms.
The Council convened a meeting on the situation in the Central African Republic on April 9, and welcomed a successful conduct of the December 2025 elections and progress in peace processes, while expressing concern over humanitarian conditions and the continued exploitation of natural resources. It further highlighted the financial challenges facing the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in the Central African Republic and requested a study on the implications of its potential drawdown. On the same day, the Council held its 20th informal consultation on the impact of the Middle East crisis on Africa, assessing potential spillover effects on Africa’s economy and security, including trade routes, energy markets, and regional stability. This session was one of the two emergency sessions held outside of the agenda items originally envisaged under the provisional agenda items for months, indicating both Ethiopia’s and the Council’s steadfast resolve to consider evolving peace and security situations.
Another notable session was the ministerial level meeting held on April 16, under the theme “Artificial Intelligence: Governance, Peace and Security in Africa.” In this session which was chaired by Minister Gedion the benefits and potential dangers of using artificial intelligence were discussed in detail. As such, the Council expressed its recognition of Africa’s right to technological sovereignty, welcomed the AU Continental AI Strategy, and endorsed the appointment of Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, as AU Champion for Artificial Intelligence and Digital Health. Furthermore, in line with the overarching objective of this agenda, Council members undertook a technical visit to the Ethiopian Artificial Intelligence Institute and Science Museum of Ethiopia.
In another session conducted on April 20, a briefing was given to the Council by the African members of the United Nations Security Council (A3), namely the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Liberia, and Somalia. The session focused on the need for coordinated action in advocating common African interests before the UNSC. This meeting was then succeeded by the monthly informal consultations between the Chairperson of the AU PSC and the President of the UNSC held on April 22, during which the two sides vowed to continue to work in closed collaboration for the harmonization of agendas, exchange of information, and further collaboration in the handling of mutual peace and security issues.
Another notable milestone is the Council’s field visit to Juba, South Sudan which was conducted from April 23 to 25. During the visit, discussions were held with key actors such as the transitional government, political actors, civil society, and other international actors. The Council focused on the implementation of the Revitalized Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in South Sudan (R-ARCSS) signed in 2028 under the auspices of the AU and IGAD, and highlighted the need for national reconciliation, preparedness of institutions, and creation of a conducive political environment for the upcoming elections in December 2026.
In the final week of Ethiopia’s rotating chair-ship, the Council considered the operational and strategic dimensions of Peace Support Operations (PSOs) in the continent. As such, on April 27, it held a dedicated session on PSOs whereby discussions underscored the pressing and persistent challenges related to financing. As a result, it placed great emphasis on the need for predictable, adequate and sustainable funding mechanisms including through the full implementation of resolution UN 2719 (2023) which calls for UN assessed contributions for AU led peace support operations. In this regard, Ethiopia proposed the establishment of an annual ministerial forum to mobilize financial, logistical and technical support, alongside calls for more targeted, time-bound missions linked to governance and development outcomes.
Two critical issues featured the Council’s deliberation on April 28. It first considered and approved a joint technical assessment report on the configuration of the African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM), stressing the importance of aligning troop levels with realities on the ground and ensuring sustainable financing. On the same day, the Council convened an emergency session on the situation in Mali following coordinated terrorist attacks on April 25 and 26 which resulted in the death of Mali’s Minister of Defense. In this respect the Council strongly condemned the attacks, expressed concern over their broader regional implications, and called for strengthened governance, enhanced regional cooperation, and increased technical and humanitarian support.
Last but not least, Ethiopia’s chairship of the council culminated with the Fifth Annual Joint Retreat of the African Union Peace and Security Council (PSC) and African Peer Review Mechanism (APRM) from 29-30 April, 2026 held at Kuriftu African Village Resort. The main theme of the retreat was the nexus between governance and security, particularly integrating governance assessments into early warning and preventive diplomacy. This also included deliberations regarding adopting a joint roadmap for 2026-2028, which will help formalize the relationship between the two bodies.
Overall, Ethiopia’s chair-ship of the African Union Peace and Security Council for April 2026 was marked by a high level of effectiveness and strategic coordination. During the month, more than ten agenda items were comprehensively deliberated upon at ministerial-level, ambassadorial sessions, expert discussions as well as through field mission and technical visits with concrete outcome documents in the forms of communiqués and press statements. This structured and multi-layered approach enabled the Council to address pressing peace and security challenges across the continent in a coherent and timely manner. The orderly sequencing of engagements, coupled with substantive outcomes and strengthened partnerships, underscores the successful conduct of Ethiopia’s chair-ship, reflecting its commitment to advancing Africa’s peace and security priorities while reinforcing collective and coordinated action at both continental and global levels.
Ethiopia Concludes Successful 7th Working Party Meeting on its WTO Accession
The seventh Working Party Meeting on Ethiopia’s accession to the World Trade Organisation was held in Geneva from April 22 to 23. A high-level delegation led by Kassahun Gofe, Minister of Trade and Regional Integration and Chief negotiator for WTO accession, and Ambassador Hadera Abera, State Minister for Foreign Affairs and Deputy Chief negotiator, participated in the meeting.
Members of the Working Party on Ethiopia’s accession, chaired by the UK’s Deputy Representative to the WTO, conducted a thorough review of the draft Working Party report and Ethiopia’s replies to over 226 questions received during the sixth Working Party meeting in September 2025. Members examined Ethiopia’s accession files, including recent policy decisions and legislative action plans, in a spirit of pragmatism, genuine engagement, and constructiveness. They commended Ethiopia’s strong political commitment to aligning its economic policies with the WTO rulebook, describing Ethiopia as one of the most dynamic and advanced accession candidates.
In his opening remarks, WTO Deputy Director-General Ambassador Xiangchen Zhang appreciated Ethiopia for intensifying its accession negotiations on both multilateral and bilateral fronts. He reiterated that Ethiopia’s accession remains among the WTO’s top strategic priorities.
At the meeting, over 25 members of the Working Party expressed support for Ethiopia’s accession efforts, stressing the need to expedite the process. The African Group called on all Working Party members to continue supporting Ethiopia. The LDCs Group urged WTO members to support Ethiopia’s accession in accordance with the WTO Guidelines for the Accession of LDCs and the 2012 Addendum. The ACP Group reiterated its longstanding and principled support for acceding developing countries, particularly LDCs, to ensure their accession processes remain fair, transparent, and development-oriented.
Ethiopia reported the successful advancement of bilateral market access negotiations at the technical level with nine members, significant progress with five others, and ongoing talks with three remaining members. The Working Party Chair urged members engaged in market access negotiations with Ethiopia to intensify efforts and conclude bilateral agreements.
The eighth Working Party meeting will take place at the end of the summer.
Ethiopia Hosts the Third United Nations High-Level Advisory Board Meeting
The Third meeting of the United Nations High-level Advisory Board (HLAB) on Economic and Social Affairs was held in Addis Ababa from May 7 to 8. The meeting chaired by Li Junhua, Under-Secretary-General for Economic and Social Affairs (UNDESA) deliberates on policy responses for challenges facing the SDG implementation.
Ahmed Shide, Minister of Finance, delivered the opening remarks for the meeting, highlighting pressing global opportunities and challenges. He underscored Africa’s performance in domestic resource mobilization, renewable energy development, digital economy, and climate action deserve recognition and support. Acknowledging the challenges originating from the conflict in the Middle East, the crisis in global trade, the decline of development financing, and debt sustainability challenges, the Minister highlighted the need to not lose sight of the structural challenges that undermine sustainable development.
Minister Ahmed emphasized four points for the Advisory Board’s deliberation. This includes the need to accelerate the efforts to reform the global economic and financial structure to ensure adequate representation of Africa in decision making; promote international trade rules that enable developing countries to move up the value-added chain; mobilize large-scale development finance and sustainable debt management, including debt cancellation and relief commitment larger in magnitude than the G8 cancellations in 2005; and massive, coordinated investment in full and productive employment in order turn Africa’s demographic dividend to concrete development gains.
USG Li Junhua stressed that the current multilateral system must respond to emerging global challenges effectively and credibly, urging all stakeholders to cooperate in addressing global and regional crises. Claver Gatete, in his statement,appreciated Ethiopia’s exemplary role in climate change solutions, including the Green Legacy Initiative. He underscored that despite multiple shocks and challenges; Africa remains central to the future global growth.
The HLAB, established in 2018 under the guidance of the Secretary-General Atonio Guterres, comprises globally renowned thought leaders in the economic and social fields. With only a quarter of the SDG targets on track, Agenda 2030 is at a critical juncture. The HLAB’s policy recommendations will inform the work of the United Nations in the effort to reverse course and revamp implementation.
Addis Ababa Hosts Second Edition of “Africa Through the Eyes of Diplomats” Photo Exhibition
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ethiopia in collaboration with the Embassy of Romania has officially opened the second edition of the artistic photo exhibition titled “Africa Through the Eyes of Diplomats” at the Hyatt Regency Addis Ababa on Wednesday (April 29). The exhibition was inaugurated by senior officials of the Ministry, the Ambassador of Romania to Ethiopia, members of the Culture Club and diplomatic community and distinguished guests.
Bringing together diplomats, cultural figures and invited guests, the exhibition is organized under the theme of creativity, dialogue, and connection. It offers a unique platform for members of the diplomatic community to present their perspectives and view on Africa through photography.
This year’s edition features the participation of diplomatic representatives from 31 countries and institutions, showcasing a total of 115 photographs. The exhibition will remain open until May 26, daily from 9:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.
The collection reflects Africa’s rich diversity, presenting images that range from wildlife and cultural expressions to the modern transformation of Addis Ababa. It also includes photographs of historical sites across the continent, environmental initiatives such as Ethiopia’s Green Legacy, religious traditions, and the iconic Ethiopian coffee culture.
In addition, the event contributes to the promotion of Africa’s tourism sector. By showcasing the continent’s cultural heritage, natural beauty, and ongoing development, the exhibition aims to enhance Africa’s image as a compelling travel destination and support increased tourism revenue.
Officials noted that initiatives such as “Africa Through the Eyes of Diplomats” play an important role in strengthening cultural diplomacy, fostering mutual understanding, and deepening connections between nations through the universal language of art.
Ethiopia to Host 35th Session of the FAO Regional Forum
Held under the theme “Sustaining Agri-food Systems Transformation in Africa: Innovate. Partner. Invest” the Conference deliberated on the steps required for the full implementation of the Comprehensive Africa Agriculture Development Programme (CAADP)’s Strategy and Action Plan 2026-2035. To this end, participants shared best practices and planned actions in the fields of sustainable land, soil and water management.
The Conference unanimously endorsed Ethiopia as the host of the 35th Regional Forum to be held in 2028. The decision marks recognition of Ethiopia’s success in Agricultural transformation and Agri-food systems, as well as a proven track record in hosting global conferences. It is to be recalled that Ethiopia successfully hosted the United Nations Food Systems Summit +4 Stocktaking Moment (UNFSS+4) in 2025, attesting the country’s leadership in shaping resilient, inclusive, and sustainable food systems
Agriculture and building a resilient food system is a policy priority in Ethiopia’s development roadmap. At the regional level, Ethiopia is a champion country for the Africa Union’s CAADP. Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed also received the Agricola Medal from FAO in 2024, recognizing his leadership, vision, and dedication to nutrition and food security. Similarly, the Ethiopian Agriculture Transformation Institute (ATI) was awarded the FAO Achievement Award in October 2025. Ethiopia’s flagship programmes such as yelemat Terufat, Green Legacy Initiative, summer Wheat program continue to inspire action in other countries.
At Nouakchott, discussions emphasized the need for countries to provide enabling environments, grounded in leadership, towards boosting productivity through climate-smart technologies, sustainable management of land and water resources, and mechanization. FAO has reported significant progress in delivering results across Africa and emphasized the need to shift toward more integrated and country-led approaches.
The 34th Session of the FAO Regional Conference for Africa (ARC34) concluded with adoption of decisions and designating Ethiopia as the host for the 35th Session (ARC35) to be held in 2028.
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