Ethiopia and France Strengthen Strategic Partnership Following High-Level Visit
Ethiopia Issues Commemorative Stamp Marking 80th Anniversary of the United Nations
National Consultative Forum on “Media Progress for Narrative Building” Opens in Addis Ababa
Foreign Minister Gedion Participates in the BRICS Foreign Ministers Meeting in New Delhi
Addis Ababa Hosted the 12th Africa Regional Forum on Sustainable Development Goals
NEWS IN BRIEF
Ethiopia
President Taye Atske Selassie attended the swearing-in ceremony of President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni on Tuesday (May 12), where he extended congratulations and wished him a successful tenure and continued prosperity for the people of Uganda.
President of the French Republic, Emmanuel Macron, carried out an official working visit to Ethiopia on Wednesday (May 13), following the Africa Forward Summit in Nairobi. The visit reaffirmed the growing strategic partnership between Ethiopia and France and focused on advancing cooperation in renewable energy, digital transformation, regional stability, and sustainable economic development. (See article)
Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, along with UN Secretary-General António Guterres, unveiled a commemorative stamp issued for the 80th anniversary of the United Nations. The event also honored the service of the Secretary-General’s leadership team, which is set to complete its term in January 2027. (See article)
The National Consultative Forum on “Media Progress for Narrative Building” was held in Addis Ababa on Thursday (May 7), in the presence of Prime Minister Abiy, senior government officials, and media sector leaders. (See article)
Prime Minister Abiy met with IMF Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva on Monday (May 11), where they exchanged views on Ethiopia’s economic progress, partnership, and shared priorities.
Foreign Minister Gedion Timothewos participated in the BRICS Foreign Ministers’ meeting hosted in New Delhi from May 14–15. India’s 2026 BRICS Chairship adopted the theme “Building for Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation, and Sustainability.” The meeting brought together Foreign Ministers of BRICS member and partner countries. (See article)
An Ethiopian delegation led by Foreign Minister Gedion Timothewos held talks in Washington D.C. from May 11–12, where he met U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Congressman Brian Mast to discuss strengthening Ethiopia–U.S. relations and regional issues of mutual interest. The two sides also signed a Bilateral Structured Dialogue Framework to expand cooperation.
The 12th session of the African Regional Forum on Sustainable Development was held in Addis Ababa from April 26–30. Convened by the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA) alongside partners including the African Union Commission and the African Development Bank, the forum brought together over 1,500 participants from 48 countries, including ministers, policymakers, experts, and civil society representatives. (See article)
State Minister Ambassador Hadera Abera signed a Host Country Agreement with Ambassador Solomon Rutega, Secretary General of the Inter-African Coffee Organization (IACO), on Thursday (May 14) at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Ambassador Hadera met on Friday (May 15) with Peter Hunter, Ambassador of Australia to Ethiopia, to discuss ways of further strengthening the longstanding relations between Ethiopia and Australia.
State Minister Ambassador Berhanu Tsegaye received Danish Ambassador Sune Krogstrup on Thursday (May 14). The two sides agreed to strengthen cooperation on bilateral and administrative matters.
The first Ethio–Cyprus Political Consultation was held on Tuesday (May 12) at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, where the two sides exchanged views on bilateral, regional, and international issues of mutual interest, including economic development, peace and security, education, tourism, agriculture, and climate change.
Djibouti
Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed attended the inauguration ceremony of President-elect Ismaïl Omar Guelleh in Djibouti on Saturday (May 9).
Kenya
Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed led Ethiopia’s high-level delegation to the Africa Forward Summit held in Nairobi on May 11–12, co-hosted by President William Ruto and President Emmanuel Macron. The summit brought together more than 30 Heads of State and Government, alongside representatives from international financial institutions, the African Union, and the private sector, to advance a renewed Africa–France partnership focused on investment, innovation, and sustainable growth. (See article)
Somalia
On Tuesday (May 12) in Kampala, President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud joined fellow African leaders at the inauguration ceremony of Ugandan President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni.
South Sudan
President Salva Kiir attended the inauguration ceremony of Ugandan President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni on Tuesday (May 12).
Africa and the African Union
The Chairperson of the African Union Commission Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, UN Secretary-General António Guterres, and French President Emmanuel Macron held consultations on Wednesday (May 13) at the African Union Headquarters, exchanging views on African and international issues of mutual interest.
On the same day, Chairperson Youssouf and Secretary-General Guterres convened the Tenth African Union–United Nations Annual Conference at the African Union Headquarters in Addis Ababa, issuing a joint communiqué.
Ethiopia and France Strengthen Strategic Partnership Following High-Level Visit
President of the French Republic, Emmanuel Macron, carried out an official working visit to Ethiopia on Wednesday (May 13), following the Africa Forward Summit in Nairobi. The visit reaffirmed the growing strategic partnership between Ethiopia and France and focused on advancing cooperation in renewable energy, digital transformation, regional stability, and sustainable economic development.
During his visit, Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed held bilateral discussions with President Macron on ways to further advance political, economic, and technological cooperation between the two countries. The leaders underscored the importance of transitioning toward investment-driven partnerships anchored in mutual benefit, sovereign equality, and long-term development cooperation.
Among the key outcomes of the visit was the signing of a €54.6 million financing agreement to support Ethiopia’s renewable energy and digitalization agenda, as well as the endorsement of a roadmap for the implementation of a 150MW geothermal energy project. The two sides also emphasized the importance of innovation, youth empowerment, and digital transformation as pillars of future cooperation.
The leaders further exchanged views on regional peace and security in the Horn of Africa and the Red Sea corridor. In this regard, Ethiopia reaffirmed its commitment to securing reliable maritime access through peaceful and lawful means, while France expressed support for constructive regional engagement and stability.
Discussions also covered reform of global governance institutions, including Africa’s longstanding call for enhanced representation in the United Nations Security Council. President Macron reiterated France’s support for stronger African participation in international decision-making structures.
The visit demonstrated the continued strengthening of Ethiopia–France relations and reflected a shared commitment to expanding cooperation in areas of strategic importance for both countries and the broader region.
Ethiopia Participates in the Africa Forward Summit, Reaffirms Commitment to Investment-Driven Africa–France Partnership
Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed led Ethiopia’s high-level delegation to the Africa Forward Summit held in Nairobi on May 11–12, co-hosted by President William Ruto and President Emmanuel Macron. The summit brought together more than 30 Heads of State and Government, alongside representatives from international financial institutions, the African Union, and the private sector, to advance a renewed Africa–France partnership focused on investment, innovation, and sustainable growth.
The summit marked a strategic shift in Africa–France relations toward a co-investment model anchored in sovereign equality and mutual economic benefit. In this context, President Macron announced a €23 billion investment package combining French public and private sector commitments with African co-investment participation, targeting priority sectors including energy transition, artificial intelligence, agriculture, and industrial development.
Ethiopia’s engagement at the summit underscored its position as a key partner in East Africa’s emerging economic transformation agenda. Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed highlighted Ethiopia’s ongoing homegrown economic reforms, green industrialization drive, and growing digital economy as strong foundations for expanded cooperation with France and other international partners.
Discussions throughout the summit emphasized the importance of shifting from traditional aid-based frameworks to investment-led partnerships that prioritize job creation, technology transfer, and sustainable development. Ethiopia aligned closely with this approach, reaffirming its readiness to deepen cooperation in renewable energy, innovation ecosystems, agro-industrial development, and infrastructure connectivity.
The summit also provided an important platform for dialogue on global governance reform, including Africa’s longstanding call for fair representation within international decision-making structures. Ethiopia reiterated its support for strengthened multilateralism and inclusive global institutions that reflect contemporary geopolitical realities.
Ethiopia’s participation in the Africa Forward Summit further reinforced its role as a constructive regional actor and a strategic interlocutor in shaping the future of Africa–Europe engagement, particularly in advancing a balanced, forward-looking, and delivery-oriented partnership framework.
Ethiopia Issues Commemorative Stamp Marking 80th Anniversary of the United Nations
Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, along with UN Secretary-General António Guterres, unveiled a commemorative stamp issued for the 80th anniversary of the United Nations. The event also honored the service of the Secretary-General’s leadership team, which is set to complete its term in January 2027.
In his address, Prime Minister Abiy praised the United Nations for its achievements in peace and security, development, and human rights, and reaffirmed Ethiopia’s longstanding commitment to multilateral diplomacy with the UN at its center.
The United Nations, established in 1945 in the aftermath of the Second World War, was created to save succeeding generations from the scourge of war. It embodies the commitment of the international community to live together in peace, resolve disputes peacefully, promote economic prosperity, and advance human rights. The Prime Minister also recalled Ethiopia’s historical experience with the League of Nations, where the multilateral system failed to prevent aggression and crimes against humanity committed by Italian fascist forces.
Ethiopia, a founding member of the United Nations, played a historic role in shaping the foundations of the organization and addressing shortcomings of the League of Nations. During the negotiations of the UN Charter, Ethiopia contributed to principles such as independence, economic development, sovereign equality, human rights, and the role of key UN organs, including the Security Council, General Assembly, and Trusteeship Council.
Over the decades, Ethiopia prioritized the emancipation of colonized peoples and advocated for the universalization of the UN, including the admission of countries such as Germany, Italy, Japan, and others previously excluded due to their roles in the Second World War. Ethiopia also played a role in supporting the return of the People’s Republic of China to the UN. In addition, it contributed to the development of international norms on disarmament, sustainable development, human rights, and climate change. By hosting the UN Economic Commission for Africa and other UN agencies, Ethiopia helped place Africa at the center of the UN agenda.
Over its eight decades, the United Nations has achieved milestones in decolonization, poverty reduction, climate action, cooperation, free trade, and disarmament frameworks. However, the 80th anniversary comes at a time of significant global challenges, marked by rising conflicts and weakening commitment to international norms and agreements.
Ethiopia issued the commemorative stamp under the theme “To Live Together in Peace,” featuring four denominations depicting the UN emblem and Ethiopia’s role as a founding member and active contributor throughout the organization’s history. The stamp aims to highlight the indispensable role of the United Nations in global peace, security, and development, as well as Ethiopia’s continued contribution to advancing a UN system aligned with its founding ideals.
The 80th anniversary also comes during a leadership transition at the United Nations, as António Guterres is set to complete his tenure. Ethiopia paid tribute to the Secretary-General for his dedicated service and efforts in addressing global challenges. Under his leadership, the UN advanced initiatives such as the Pact for the Future and strengthened the visibility of Africa’s priorities in global discussions.
In his remarks, Prime Minister Abiy emphasized Ethiopia’s and the United Nations’ shared history and future, while acknowledging the leadership and dedication of the Secretary-General and his team during a challenging period in modern history.
The stamp, prepared by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and issued by Ethio-post, will be distributed across the 192 member countries of the Universal Postal Union.
National Consultative Forum on “Media Progress for Narrative Building” Opens in Addis Ababa
The National Consultative Forum on “Media Progress for Narrative Building” was held in Addis Ababa on Thursday (May 7), in the presence of Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, senior government officials, and media sector leaders.
Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed addressed the forum, stating that Ethiopia’s ongoing media reforms have laid an important foundation for nation-building, while urging media institutions to prioritize balanced reporting and national cohesion.
The forum reviewed progress achieved in the media sector and institutional reforms over recent years, highlighting developments in regulatory frameworks, the strengthening of professional associations, and the expansion of media outlets.
The Prime Minister noted that reforms implemented over the past eight years have significantly reshaped Ethiopia’s media landscape within a democratic framework, contributing to what he described as a stronger foundation for national development.
However, he cautioned that sustaining these gains requires media organizations to move away from polarization and extremist narratives. Instead, he called for a stronger focus on truth-based reporting that fosters shared identity and national consensus.
The Prime Minister also encouraged media institutions to go beyond sensational, headline-driven coverage and invest more in-depth reporting supported by research and emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence. He emphasized that media work should be guided by clear purpose, vision, and professional standards, while remaining accessible to the public and maintaining balance and responsibility. He further noted that well-functioning media institutions should not only inform citizens but also contribute to problem-solving and actively support Ethiopia’s broader development and prosperity agenda.
The forum brought together senior media leaders to assess progress in the country’s evolving media sector and to discuss future priorities in the ongoing reform process. It also reflected on institutional changes, including the establishment of a media authority accountable to the House of People’s Representatives, the introduction of a system of mutual media regulation, and the expansion of professional associations enabling greater self-regulation.
Officials noted that the reforms have contributed to a significant expansion of the media landscape, with the number of media outlets increasing from 122 to 310, radio stations from 52 to 126, and television stations from 25 to 128. The number of foreign media outlets has also increased, alongside local expansions, reflecting greater inclusiveness within the sector.
The forum further underscored the role of media reform as part of broader democratic institution-building efforts, positioning the media sector as a key pillar in Ethiopia’s ongoing political and development transformation.
Foreign Minister Gedion Participates in the BRICS Foreign Ministers Meeting in New Delhi
Foreign Minister Gedion Timothewos participated in the BRICS Foreign Ministers’ meeting hosted in New Delhi from May 14–15. India’s 2026 BRICS Chairship adopted the theme “Building for Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation, and Sustainability.” The meeting brought together Foreign Ministers of BRICS member and partner countries.
The plenary ministerial meetings hosted deliberations on current regional and global developments, reviewed the achievements and trajectories of BRICS at its 20th anniversary, and held discussions on the reform of global governance and the role of BRICS. The ministers underscored the importance of intensifying cooperation for the achievement of collective development and security. At the center of the discussions were the programmes and platforms created to harness the available potentials and opportunities in BRICS countries to realize shared development and prosperity. Ministers reflected a unified position on the need to preserve the UN-centered multilateral system and safeguard the principles of international relations enshrined in the UN Charter.
Commemorating the twentieth anniversary of BRICS, the meeting reviewed the major milestones in the partnership. From championing an equitable multilateral order and collective peace and security, BRICS countries have expanded their cooperation focused on economic, trade, and financial cooperation. The ministers also put forward their expectations that BRICS would further intensify cooperation and realize practical deliverables in the next twenty years.
In the discussions concerning global governance, the meeting emphasized the need to support the United Nations in achieving its objectives. The ministers stressed the imperative of ensuring inclusivity, representativeness, and equity in global governance in order to create a conducive environment for sustainable development. Ministers reaffirmed that BRICS countries will play a constructive role in efforts to reform the global political, economic, and security architecture.
As part of his remarks, Minister Gedion underscored the importance of resorting to peaceful and diplomatic solutions to address regional and global peace and security challenges. He expounded on the significance Ethiopia attaches to its BRICS membership and outlined its commitment to an equitable, effective, and efficient multilateral system. He also commended the founding members for their foresight and vision in establishing this partnership and their consistent commitment to making BRICS more inclusive amid the prevailing global challenges and crises.
The meeting also underscored the importance of displaying steadfast commitment to the long-held agenda of reforming and improving global governance so that it accommodates the contemporary realities and priorities of developing countries of the Global South. Minister Gedion highlighted that, amid the prevailing turbulence faced by the international multilateral system, it is critical to balance and exercise caution when prioritizing change and continuity.
The ministerial meeting was preceded by the second BRICS Sherpas’ and Sous-Sherpas’ Meeting that took place from May 11–13, 2026. The Ethiopian delegation, Ethiopia’s BRICS Sous-Sherpa, made a significant contribution to the negotiations on the Joint Ministerial Statement dealing with global issues of common concern.
On the sidelines of the ministerial meeting, Minister Gedion held bilateral discussions with his BRICS counterparts. The meetings focused on ways to further scale up bilateral ties and solidify cooperation under the BRICS framework and other multilateral fora.
The ministers also had a joint meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi of India.
Addis Ababa Hosted the 12th Africa Regional Forum on Sustainable Development Goals
The 12th session of the African Regional Forum on Sustainable Development was held in Addis Ababa from April 26–30. Convened by the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA) alongside partners including the African Union Commission and the African Development Bank, the forum brought together over 1,500 participants from 48 countries, including ministers, policymakers, experts, and civil society representatives.
Held under the theme “Turning the Tide: Transformative and Coordinated Actions for the 2030 Agenda and Agenda 2063,” the conference deliberated on and reviewed five critical targets under Agenda 2030. To this end, participants shared challenges, progress, and best practices, and planned interventions required to meet targets for adequate water and sanitation, energy, industry and infrastructure, sustainable urban development, and partnerships.
At the forum, Foreign Minister and COP32 President-designate Gedion Timothewos highlighted Ethiopia’s perspective on unlocking finance for climate resilience and sustainable development in Africa. The Minister underscored that, as COP32 President-designate, Ethiopia will work to ensure that climate finance discussions move decisively beyond announcements toward concrete implementation. Ethiopia’s delegation also shared its experience and challenges with regard to the five SDGs reviewed at the forum. On the water development sector, the delegation highlighted Ethiopia’s best practice in financing water development from local resources, including financing the five-billion-USD Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam.
Participants highlighted deep structural challenges, including the SDG financing gap estimated at nearly one trillion dollars annually, widespread energy poverty affecting around 600 million people, and persistent deficits in water, sanitation, and infrastructure. The discussions underscored that while some progress has been made, particularly in expanding access to water and energy, millions still lack basic services, and structural transformation remains incomplete. It also highlighted concerns that rapid urbanization is outpacing planning and service delivery, while financing pressures are intensifying.
Beyond development goals, climate action also emerged as a central theme at the 7th Africa Climate Talks. Lelise Neme, Commissioner for the Ethiopian Environmental Protection Authority, highlighted Ethiopia’s efforts in afforestation, renewable energy generation, and climate diplomacy. Participants stressed the need to move beyond pledges to measurable implementation ahead of COP32, which Ethiopia is set to host in 2027. Addressing the talks, Claver Gatete, Executive Secretary of UNECA, said the upcoming summit must restore credibility to the global climate system: “COP32 will be a defining test of credibility where we can move from commitments to results.”
At the conclusion, the forum adopted the Addis Ababa Declaration on “Turning the Tide,” which outlines a roadmap for accelerating implementation of both the 2030 Agenda and the African Union Agenda 2063. The declaration underscores growing concern that Africa is off track on the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), with progress lagging on most targets and reversing on several.
The declaration places strong emphasis on five priority areas under review in 2026: water and sanitation, energy, industrialization, sustainable cities, and partnerships. It calls for increased investment in renewable energy, clean cooking solutions, and regional power integration, as well as forward-looking industrial strategies aligned with megatrends such as artificial intelligence and the green transition. Urban development also featured prominently, with ministers urging governments to treat cities as engines of inclusive growth through investments in housing, infrastructure, and safer environments for vulnerable populations. Policymakers and scientists present at the meeting lauded Addis Ababa’s transformation as exemplary in this regard.
Regarding post-2030, the forum emphasized the need for a new global framework that reflects Africa’s priorities and moves beyond traditional measures of economic progress.
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