Ethiopia Reviews Eight Years of Transformation at the ETHIOPIA DELIVERS Summit
In London, Ethiopia Makes Its Case for Investment, Cooperation and Regional Stability
NEWS IN BRIEF
Ethiopia
President Taye Atske-Selassie on Tuesday (June 23) received the credentials of the newly appointed ambassadors of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia; Republic of Congo; Portugal; the Federal Republic of Nigeria; the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka; the Republic of Malawi; the Republic of Ghana; the Oriental Republic of Uruguay; the Slovak Republic; the Republic of Madagascar and the Republic of Uzbekistan.
On the same day, President Taye bid farewell to Olivia Leslie, commending her efforts to strengthen bilateral and multilateral relations between Ethiopia and Ireland. He expressed appreciation for her dedicated service and contribution to advancing cooperation between the two countries.
President Taye on Sunday (June 21) expressed appreciation to the political parties that took part in Ethiopia’s 7th National Election, commending their contribution to the democratic process. He also praised the National Election Board for delivering on its commitment to conduct a free, fair and transparent election, while thanking local and international observers for their confidence in Ethiopia’s democratic journey.(See article)
On the same day, President Taye held talks with UN High Commissioner for Refugees, Barham Salih, who lauded Ethiopia’s sustained commitment to supporting refugees despite declining humanitarian funding. He underscored the significance of Ethiopia’s solidarity at a time of growing challenges to multilateral cooperation.
Speaking at the Ethiopia Delivers National Summit held under the theme “From Reform to Lasting Change,” on Tuesday (June 23), Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed said Ethiopia’s achievements, including the construction of the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam, are the result of deliberate choices guided by the spirit of Medemer. He stressed that current reforms are laying the foundation for future generations and called on Ethiopians to build on these gains. (See article)
On Saturday (June 20), Prime Minister Abiy inaugurated the Unified MESOB Application at the “Digital for Excellence” Summit, describing it as Africa’s first integrated digital service platform. He said the initiative will improve service delivery, save citizens’ time, strengthen institutional integrity, and help curb corruption, while showcasing Ethiopia’s growing technological capabilities. The Prime Minister also called for sharing the experience across Africa and building on the achievement.
A high-level Ethiopian delegation led by Foreign Minister Gedion Timothewos spent the week in London to advance Ethiopia’s diplomatic, economic and strategic priorities. In pursuit of these objectives, the delegation engaged with policymakers, investors and development partners. (See article)
In his opening remarks at the Hili Regional Dialogue-Africa Edition 2026 held in Addis Ababa on Thursday (June 25), State Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Hadera Abera, highlighted Africa’s growing importance in the global economy and emphasized the value of partnerships anchored in mutual respect, shared prosperity, and long-term commitment.
On Wednesday (June 24), State Minister Ambassador Hadera, held talks with Mamadou Dian Balde, Regional Director of UNHCR for the East and Horn of Africa and the Great Lakes Region, on deepening partnership to support refugees and host communities in Ethiopia.
On the same day, State Minister Ambassador Hadera received the non-resident Ambassador of Uzbekistan to Ethiopia, Ashraf Khodjaev, for discussions on further strengthening bilateral relations and expanding cooperation between the two countries.
State Minister o Ambassador Berhanu Tsegaye, on Wednesday (June 24) chaired a meeting of the National Coordination Committee for the Reception and Reintegration of Returnees. The Committee reviewed efforts to support the return and sustainable reintegration of Ethiopian returnees, particularly from the Middle East, and stressed the importance of stronger coordination among stakeholders.
Ethiopia and New Zealand on Wednesday (June 24) signed a Bilateral Market Access Protocol at the WTO headquarters in Geneva, marking another important milestone in Ethiopia’s accession process to the World Trade Organization (WTO).
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Tuesday (June 23) convened an awareness-raising forum on the International Treaties Making and Ratification Procedure Proclamation, bringing together key stakeholder institutions to discuss improving the preparation, negotiation, ratification, and implementation of international treaties and MoUs.
Somalia
President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud paid a one-day working visit to Kenya on Sunday (June 21) for talks on bilateral relations. The two leaders highlighted the close ties between Somalia and Kenya and expressed their commitment to further strengthening cooperation.
Africa and the African Union
Chairperson of the African Union Commission, Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, on Tuesday (June 23) commended Ethiopia for the successful conduct of its 7th General Elections, describing the process as a reflection of the Ethiopian people’s commitment to strengthening democracy. He also praised the professionalism of the National Election Board of Ethiopia and congratulated Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed and the Prosperity Party on their electoral victory.
Speaking at the Ethiopia Delivers Summit on Tuesday (June 23), the Executive Secretary of the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (ECA), Claver Gatete, highlighted Ethiopia as a model of transformative reform, citing the Green Legacy Initiative, the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam, progress in e-mobility, and the expansion of Ethiopian Airlines as key achievements. He also described Ethiopia’s selection to host COP32 as a reflection of its growing global standing and reaffirmed the commitment of the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa to support the country’s reform agenda and Africa’s development aspirations.
Ethiopia Reviews Eight Years of Transformation at the ETHIOPIA DELIVERS Summit
The ETHIOPIA DELIVERS Summit opened in Addis Ababa on Tuesday (June 23) under the theme “From Reform to Lasting Change,” bringing together Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, senior government officials, development partners and a broad range of stakeholders to review the outcomes and impacts of Ethiopia’s reform agenda and wider development trajectory over the past eight years.
The summit served as a platform to reflect on the country’s reform journey, assess progress across key sectors, and explore pathways for sustaining and consolidating achievements made since the launch of Ethiopia’s homegrown reform program.
Opening the summit, Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed underscored the significance of collective national effort in driving Ethiopia’s transformation. He reflected on the country’s resilience and achievements, including the construction of the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam through domestic mobilisation and commitment. The Prime Minister attributed these accomplishments to deliberate policy choices grounded in the spirit of Medemer, emphasising that sustainable progress is built through unity, cooperation and shared responsibility.
Highlighting the long-term vision underpinning the reform agenda, Prime Minister Abiy noted that reforms are not an end in themselves but rather foundations being laid for future generations. He called upon Ethiopians to sustain the spirit of nation-building and carry forward the gains achieved to date.
International partners also acknowledged Ethiopia’s reform experience and development progress. Addressing the summit, Claver Gatete, United Nations Under-Secretary-General and Executive Secretary of the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (ECA), described Ethiopia as a compelling example of transformative reform on the continent. He cited the Green Legacy Initiative, the energy transformation associated with the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam, the country’s transition towards electric mobility, and the continued expansion of Ethiopian Airlines as notable pillars of progress.
Gatete further observed that Ethiopia’s selection to host COP32 reflects the country’s growing international standing and demonstrates Africa’s increasingly proactive role in addressing global challenges and shaping global solutions. He reaffirmed the ECA’s commitment to supporting Ethiopia’s reform efforts and the broader African development agenda.
Economic reform featured prominently in the discussions. Governor of the National Bank of Ethiopia, Eyob Tekalign, highlighted that Ethiopia’s homegrown macroeconomic reform has restored stability and credibility, contributing to lower inflation, exchange rate liberalization, the modernization of monetary and fiscal policy frameworks, and deepening of the financial sector, thereby laying the foundation for broad-based economic growth.
Digital transformation was identified as another central pillar of the reform agenda. Myriam Said, Digital Advisor at the Office of the Prime Minister, outlined efforts to integrate previously fragmented systems through digital identity infrastructure, payment systems, data exchange mechanisms and connected public services. These initiatives, she noted, are enhancing productivity, strengthening local capabilities and laying the groundwork for an artificial intelligence-ready economy.
The summit also highlighted sector-specific reforms that are contributing to Ethiopia’s economic diversification and industrial development. Eng. Hanna Berhanu, State Minister at the Ministry of Mines, presented the progress achieved in transforming the mining sector into a strategic driver of economic growth. Reforms aimed at market restructuring and value addition have generated record export earnings, reduced import dependence and created new opportunities for industrial expansion, particularly through investments in gold, critical minerals, petroleum and fertiliser production.
Similarly, Brook Taye, Chief Executive Officer of Ethiopian Investment Holdings, reflected on Ethiopia’s infrastructure transformation, noting a shift towards a more enabling, sequenced and financing-disciplined development model. Strategic investments in clean energy, digital infrastructure, transport, construction and green technologies are anchoring the country’s forward-looking agenda, while turning infrastructure into sustainable national value and inter-generational wealth creation.
Agricultural transformation was also identified as a cornerstone of Ethiopia’s development strategy. Mandefro Nigussie, Chief Executive Officer of the Agricultural Transformation Institute, highlighted the country’s transition from subsistence agriculture towards commercial production through reforms implemented under the Ten-Year Development Plan. Initiatives promoting import substitution, agribusiness development and programs such as Yelemat Tirufat, supported by digital technologies and artificial intelligence applications, are contributing to improved productivity, expanded opportunities for young people and enhanced food self-sufficiency.
Urban development also featured prominently in the discussions. Tiguist Fisseha, Senior Advisor at the Ministry of Finance, emphasized that Ethiopia is entering a new era of urbanization, moving beyond the management of physical expansion towards the creation of productive cities, while positioning a polycentric network of liveable, competitive, inclusive and smart urban centres as a key driver of employment generation and shared prosperity.
Collectively, the presentations at the ETHIOPIA DELIVERS Summit illustrated the breadth of Ethiopia’s reform agenda and the government’s emphasis on translating policy reforms into measurable outcomes across multiple sectors. The discussions reinforced the central message of the summit’s theme: that sustained reform, institutional continuity and collective commitment remain essential for transforming short-term gains into lasting national progress.
In London, Ethiopia Makes Its Case for Investment, Cooperation and Regional Stability
A high-level Ethiopian delegation led by Foreign Minister Gedion Timothewos spent the week in London. Their mission was to advance Ethiopia’s diplomatic, economic and strategic priorities. They engaged with policymakers, investors and development partners to achieve these goals. The delegation included Tesfahun Gobezay, State Minister at the Government Communication Service, Billene Seyoum, Press Secretary to the Prime Minister, and officials involved in Ethiopia’s preparations for the 2027 United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP32), which Ethiopia is hosting.
The visit took place during London Climate Action Week, placing Ethiopia’s COP32 preparations and its expanding climate diplomacy profile in sharper focus. Alongside climate discussions, the delegation promoted Ethiopia’s reform agenda and investment opportunities across key sectors, while deepening engagement with the United Kingdom on trade, development and regional stability.
On Wednesday (June 17), Gedion delivered a foreign policy address at Chatham House, a prominent Britain’s international affairs think tank. The speech outlined Ethiopia’s foreign policy priorities and its vision for the Horn of Africa.
Addressing diplomats, scholars and policymakers, he emphasized that Ethiopia’s external engagement is increasingly focused on building a stable regional environment capable of supporting its economic transformation agenda. He defined regional stability as a shared responsibility, stressing that no country in the Horn of Africa can achieve lasting peace or prosperity in isolation.
He highlighted Ethiopia’s engagement in Sudan, South Sudan and Somalia, saying regional crises require dialogue, cooperation and regionally driven solutions.
In Sudan, he said Ethiopia has consistently supported dialogue and humanitarian coordination during moments of crisis, while warning against developments that risk deepening fragmentation and cross-border instability. South Sudan was described as a case where Ethiopia continues to support peace frameworks seen as essential for long-term stability. Somalia featured in his remarks as an area where counterterrorism cooperation and institution-building remain mutually reinforcing priorities.
The Red Sea question was described as a development and connectivity issue rather than a mere geopolitical dispute. He said Ethiopia’s approach is grounded in dialogue, mutual benefit and regional stability, and that any durable solution must reflect the legitimate interests of all stakeholders.
Relations with Eritrea were also addressed. Gedion said Ethiopia remains committed to peaceful coexistence and constructive engagement, noting that the two peoples are bound by geography, history and deep social ties. He also expressed concern over developments that have strained the momentum of rapprochement and affected trust between the two countries.
On the Nile Basin, the Minister reiterated Ethiopia’s position that shared natural resources should be governed by principles of equity, cooperation and mutual benefit. He described the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam as a legitimate development project and a symbol of Ethiopia’s right to pursue economic progress while respecting neighbours’ interests.
He linked foreign policy credibility to domestic reform, highlighting the National Dialogue process, transitional justice initiatives and implementation of the Pretoria Peace Agreement as central to post-conflict recovery. He also expressed concern that hardline elements within the TPLF have not fully embraced the spirit of the agreement, particularly on disarmament, demobilisation and reintegration. The Minister also expressed concern over reports of emerging alignments between TPLF hardliners and external actors whose interests do not necessarily coincide with the long-term stability of Ethiopia or the wider region, warning that such developments risk reversing gains achieved through difficult negotiations and significant sacrifice.
Later the same evening, Gedion spoke at a reception hosted by the Labour African Network alongside partners from business and diplomatic circles. He described Ethiopia–UK relations as a partnership shaped not only by governments but also by businesses, universities, researchers, diaspora communities and citizens whose interactions have deepened ties over time.
At a time of geopolitical tension and economic uncertainty, he said trust and dialogue remain central to international cooperation. He also highlighted Ethiopia’s reform agenda, pointing to expanding opportunities in trade, investment, education, technology, innovation and climate resilience.
Ethiopia’s Ambassador to the United Kingdom, Biruk Mekonnen, welcomed participants and said the Embassy remains committed to serving as a practical bridge between investors and Ethiopian institutions. He thanked partners and organisers for their continued role in strengthening Ethiopia–UK engagement across diplomatic and economic platforms.
Economic diplomacy moved to the forefront on Thursday (June 18), when Ethiopian and British officials, investors and business leaders gathered for the Ethiopia-UK Trade and Investment Forum. Jointly organized by the Embassy of Ethiopia in London, His Majesty’s Government and DMA Invest, the forum provided a platform for policymakers and investors to discuss opportunities for deeper economic cooperation and expanded investment engagement.
Opening the forum, Gedion presented Ethiopia’s economic reforms as part of efforts to build a more competitive, investor-friendly environment. He cited improving economic performance, rising investor confidence and expanding private sector participation as evidence of ongoing transformation.
He highlighted opportunities across agriculture, manufacturing, mining, energy, infrastructure, finance, healthcare and technology, underscoring Ethiopia’s position within Africa’s wider market and its aim to attract increased investment.
Ambassador Biruk Mekonnen, in his remarks, said Ethiopia and the United Kingdom share a long-standing relationship that has steadily expanded into trade and investment cooperation. He said the Embassy is committed to facilitating engagement and ensuring that dialogue at the forum translates into meaningful partnerships.
Tesfahun Gobezay and Billene Seyoum contributed to panel discussions on agribusiness, digital transformation and reform implementation, reflecting government efforts to modernize key sectors and expand investment opportunities.
The discussions also drew contributions from the private sector, including logistics specialist Dawit Woubishet Teklemariam, CBE Capital CEO Zemedeneh Nigatu and Mekdes & Associates Law Office founder Mekdes Mezgebu. Their participation added perspectives from business, investment and legal practice to conversations on Ethiopia’s reform programme and investment opportunities.
The second day centred on direct engagement between investors and Ethiopian officials around large-scale, bankable projects in infrastructure, agriculture, irrigation, energy and industry. Representatives of development finance institutions, business associations, private companies and diplomatic missions took part in the discussions, highlighting continued international interest in Ethiopia’s economic transformation and investment opportunities.
Across the forum, Ethiopia’s diplomacy remained closely tied to its economic reform agenda, with investment attraction, technology transfer and trade expansion at the centre of its external engagement.
The Ethiopian Embassy in London thanked His Majesty’s Government, DMA Invest, panellists and participants for co-convening the forum, saying the discussions reflected the strength of Ethiopia–UK economic cooperation and its commitment to deeper engagement with investors and partners, adding that Ethiopia welcomes investors not only as business partners but as partners in its broader transformation.
As the week’s program continued alongside London Climate Action Week, Foreign Minister Gedion met UK Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper on Monday (June 22) to discuss bilateral relations, regional and international issues.
Both sides welcomed the strengthening partnership and reaffirmed their commitment to expanding cooperation across shared priorities, including peace and stability, sustainable development, economic cooperation and climate action. With preparations advancing for the UK’s G20 Presidency in 2027 and Ethiopia’s hosting of COP32 the same year, both sides stressed the importance of aligning climate goals with broader development priorities.
The meeting reflected the increasingly multidimensional nature of Ethiopia–UK relations, spanning diplomacy, trade, investment and climate cooperation.
Across the week, Ethiopia’s diplomatic engagement remained focused on supporting economic reform, strengthening regional stability and expanding long-term international partnerships.
Ethiopia Marks Completion of Seventh General Election with Strong Public Commitment to Peace and Democratic Participation
The National Election Board of Ethiopia (NEBE) officially announced the final results of the Seventh General Election during a results announcement program held in Addis Ababa on Sunday (June 21). The occasion brought together President Taye Atske-Selassie, senior government officials, representatives of political parties, members of the diplomatic community, international partners, election observers, and other stakeholders involved in the electoral process. During the event, NEBE presented the final results of the election.
According to the Board, the Prosperity Party secured 438 seats in the House of Peoples’ Representatives, while other political parties and independent candidates also won representation in the parliament.
Addressing the gathering, President Taye Atske-Selassie described the Seventh General Election as a clear expression of the Ethiopian people’s rejection of political violence and their strong support for peace, democracy, and development. He noted that the high voter turnout reflected citizens’ deep commitment to democratic governance and demonstrated their determination to pursue national aspirations through peaceful and constitutional means. The President stated that the election results showed the people’s desire to advance their future through democratic processes and reaffirmed the importance of elections as a cornerstone of representative governance.
President Taye further stressed that peace remains the foundation of modern democracy and that elections are the legitimate means through which citizens express their political choices. He commended observers from the African Union and IGAD, as well as domestic civil society organizations, for their contribution to ensuring the credibility and transparency of the electoral process. The President also urged political actors to pursue their objectives through peaceful democratic competition, noting that the election marked an important milestone in Ethiopia’s parliamentary democratic system.
In her remarks, Chairperson of the National Election Board of Ethiopia (NEBE), Melatwork Hailu, stated that the Seventh General Election, conducted on 1 June 2026, was guided by the principle of inclusivity and marked important progress in the modernization of Ethiopia’s electoral system. She highlighted the introduction of digital voter and candidate registration systems, reforms aimed at strengthening electoral administration and complaint resolution mechanisms, and measures taken to expand participation opportunities for women, persons with disabilities, and other vulnerable groups. The Chairperson also expressed appreciation to all stakeholders whose coordinated efforts contributed to the successful conduct of the election.
Speaking at the event, the African Union Commissioner for Political Affairs, Peace and Security, Ambassador Bankole Adeoye, described Ethiopia’s Seventh General Election as another milestone in the country’s democratization journey. He recalled that the African Union deployed an Election Observation Mission led by former Kenyan President Uhuru Kenyatta and noted that the mission had already submitted its preliminary findings and recommendations to NEBE. Ambassador Adeoye stated that the election reflected Ethiopia’s continued efforts to strengthen democratic institutions and electoral governance.
Ambassador Adeoye further reaffirmed the African Union’s commitment to supporting democratic governance, credible electoral processes, and peaceful democratic consolidation across the continent. Emphasizing democratic legitimacy as a foundation for sustainable peace and development, he expressed confidence in Ethiopia’s continued progress in peacebuilding and democratic governance. He also reiterated the African Union’s readiness to continue supporting Ethiopia’s efforts to strengthen democratic institutions and advance democratic practices.
The successful conduct of the Seventh General Election and the announcement of its final results also drew broad recognition from regional and international partners. In a statement issued on Tuesday (June 23), the Chairperson of the African Union Commission, Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, commended the Government and people of Ethiopia for the successful conduct of the election, noting that the process reflected the commitment of Ethiopians to further consolidating democracy and praising NEBE for its professionalism in administering the polls. Similarly, the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) congratulated the Government and people of Ethiopia on the successful conduct of the election, commending the professionalism of NEBE and the peaceful participation of citizens. Likewise, leaders and governments from around the world have continued to convey messages of congratulations following the announcement of the final election results. In their messages, they welcomed the successful completion of the electoral process, conveyed their best wishes for Ethiopia’s continued peace, progress, prosperity, and democratic development, reaffirmed their confidence in the country’s ongoing reform efforts, and expressed their commitment to further deepening bilateral and multilateral cooperation with Ethiopia.
The Seventh General Election was conducted on a nationwide scale, with 42 political parties contesting the election through approximately 52,000 polling stations across the country. The announcement of the final results by the National Election Board of Ethiopia (NEBE) marked the successful conclusion of the nationwide electoral process.
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