Ethiopia’s National Dialogue Conference Moves Into Phase of Structured Deliberation
EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Visits Ethiopia
High-Level Dialogue on Gulf-Africa Economic Cooperation Held in Addis Ababa
Ethiopia Assumes Presidency of the Organization of African, Caribbean and Pacific States (OACPS)
NEWS IN BRIEF
Ethiopia
The National Dialogue Conference began in Addis Ababa last week, bringing together over 4,000 delegates from across the country and the diaspora for three weeks of deliberation on eight agenda pillars, including state-building, identity and history; government structure and federalism; the status of federal cities; religious affairs; rule of law and human rights; socio-economic development; anti-corruption; and peacebuilding and reconciliation., shaped through a four-year, citizen-driven process led by the Ethiopian National Dialogue Commission. Following the opening of the conference, this week’s discussions have centered on subgroup sessions, where participants listen to diverse perspectives, examine ideas, address differences, and build consensus as part of the National Dialogue process. (See article)
The European Union (EU) High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and Vice-President of the European Commission, Kaja Kallas, visited Ethiopia on Wednesday (July 15), marking a notable step in the ongoing partnership between Ethiopia and the European Union. The visit reaffirmed Ethiopia’s role as a regional actor for peace, stability, and economic transformation in the Horn of Africa, and reflected the shared interest of Ethiopia and the EU in cooperation based on mutual respect and common interests. (See article)
The first African regional convening of the Gulf-Africa Strategic Partnership Initiative (GASPI), held under the theme “Gulf-Africa Economic Cooperation: What Has Changed and What Comes Next?”, officially opened on Wednesday (July 22), at the Sheraton Addis Hotel in Addis Ababa. Co-organized by the Institute of Foreign Affairs (IFA), ODI Global Advisory and Gravitas Sovereign & Strategic Advisory, the high-level dialogue brought together government officials, policymakers, investors, researchers, development practitioners and members of the diplomatic community to discuss practical priorities for strengthening Gulf-Africa cooperation ahead of the inaugural GASPI Summit, scheduled to take place in Abidjan in March 2027.(See article)
Ethiopia has been elected to the Presidency of the OACPS Council of Ministers for the coming 6 months, following the 121st Session of the Council held on July 15-16 in Brussels, Belgium. Ethiopia’s chairmanship will run from August 1, 2026, to January 31, 2027. The session brought together representatives of the organization’s 79 member states to address key political, institutional, financial, and development issues. (See article)
State Minister Ambassador Hadera Abera addressed the first African Regional Convening of the Gulf-Africa Strategic Partnership Initiative (GASPI) in Addis Ababa on Wednesday (July 22). He underscored Ethiopia’s steadfastness in advancing economic diplomacy and deepening partnerships that translate our shared vision into inclusive and lasting prosperity for both Africa and the Gulf.
Ambassador Hadera received Adylbek Tultemirov, Ambassador of the Republic of Kyrgyzstan to Ethiopia, on a courtesy call on Thursday (July 23). Both sides reaffirmed shared commitment to deepening bilateral relations and expanding cooperation in areas of mutual interest.
Africa and the African Union
AU Commission Chairperson Mahmoud Ali Youssouf participated in the AU Extraordinary Summit on Health in Accra, Ghana, held on July 21–22. Heads of State, Health Ministers, and policymakers convened to advance continental health sovereignty, focusing on ending AIDS and tuberculosis by 2030, reducing maternal mortality, and strengthening local pharmaceutical manufacturing.
State Minister Ambassador Hadera Abera, on Tuesday (July 21) participated in the 1354th Ministerial Meeting of the African Union Peace and Security Council (AUPSC) on Countering Terrorism and Violent Extremism in Africa. During which, the State Minister called for enhanced continental cooperation and the effective implementation of Africa’s security frameworks to address the growing threat of terrorism and violent extremism across the continent.
Ethiopia’s National Dialogue Conference Moves Into Phase of Structured Deliberation
The National Dialogue Conference began in Addis Ababa last week, bringing together over 4,000 delegates from across the country and the diaspora for three weeks of deliberation on eight agenda pillars, including state-building, identity and history; government structure and federalism; the status of federal cities; religious affairs; rule of law and human rights; socio-economic development; anti-corruption; and peacebuilding and reconciliation., shaped through a four-year, citizen-driven process led by the Ethiopian National Dialogue Commission. Following the opening of the conference, this week’s discussions have centered on subgroup sessions, where participants listen to diverse perspectives, examine ideas, address differences, and build consensus as part of the National Dialogue process.
Mesfin Araya, Chief Commissioner of the Ethiopian National Dialogue Commission, briefed the media on Thursday (July 23) on the status of the ongoing conference, stating that it is being conducted in a peaceful, free, and trusting atmosphere. He reported that the 4,000 participants are currently divided into sub-discussion groups of 10 to 50 members, and that these smaller groups will later be expanded into gatherings of 250 members to continue the discussions. He said scholars with expertise in nation-building, history, identity, federalism, and conflict resolution are briefing participants, who are organized into eight groups of 500 members each for extensive discussion with the scholars.
Also briefing members of the media on Monday (July 20), National Dialogue Commissioner Ambassador Mohamoud Dirir characterized the conference as a landmark moment in the country’s history, noting that it marks the first time Ethiopians have chosen to resolve the nation’s problems and challenges through dialogue rather than confrontation. He said the Dialogue Commission has announced eight agendas, each with sub-agendas at various levels, and that participants have been divided into groups accordingly.
A press statement issued a day earlier, on Sunday (July 19), described subgroup discussions as a central pillar of the conference, serving as platforms where differences are heard, ideas tested, and consensus patiently built. According to the statement, subgroup discussions bring together diverse experiences, perspectives, and insights for in-depth deliberation, with participants raising questions and offering evidence-based feedback. This approach, the Commission said, reframes differences as opportunities for learning rather than sources of conflict. Ideas are not adopted outright but are discussed, examined, and refined, the statement noted, resulting in recommendations that reflect diverse perspectives and command broad support.
Portraying subgroup discussions as the heart of the National Dialogue, the Commission said ideas raised in these forums can shape the country’s future direction, and that consensus built there strengthens the collective national journey. It characterized the National Dialogue as a national process that bridges differences through discussion and consolidates mutual understanding.
EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Visits Ethiopia
The European Union (EU) High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and Vice-President of the European Commission, Kaja Kallas, visited Ethiopia on Wednesday (July 15), marking a notable step in the ongoing partnership between Ethiopia and the European Union. The visit reaffirmed Ethiopia’s role as a regional actor for peace, stability, and economic transformation in the Horn of Africa, and reflected the shared interest of Ethiopia and the EU in cooperation based on mutual respect and common interests.
During her visit, Kaja Kallas held discussions with Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed and Foreign Affairs Minister Gedion Timothewos on a range of bilateral, regional, and global issues. The exchanges focused on expanding economic cooperation, promoting sustainable investment, strengthening regional security, addressing humanitarian challenges, and enhancing collaboration under the EU’s Global Gateway initiative. These discussions reflected areas of convergence between Ethiopian and European priorities in promoting economic growth, infrastructure development, digital transformation, and renewable energy investment.
Kallas also described Ethiopia’s National Dialogue Conference as a grassroots-led initiative that has brought together Ethiopians from diverse backgrounds to confront some of the country’s pressing and complex challenges through an inclusive national process. Her remarks reflect an acknowledgement of Ethiopia’s efforts to address national challenges through dialogue, consultation, and consensus-building, and signal a degree of international confidence in Ethiopia’s approach to pursuing nationally owned and peaceful solutions to political issues.
The EU’s positive assessment of the National Dialogue Conference carries broader significance. Ethiopia has maintained that lasting peace and national reconciliation depend on inclusive dialogue led by Ethiopians themselves. In recognizing this approach, the European Union affirmed the importance of respecting national ownership while supporting home-grown peacebuilding initiatives. This recognition supports international confidence in Ethiopia’s reform process and encourages further cooperation on democratic governance, institutional development, and social cohesion.
The visit also touched on Ethiopia’s role in peace and stability in the Horn of Africa. The region continues to face interconnected challenges, including conflict, climate change, food insecurity, displacement, and transnational security threats. Ethiopia has taken part in regional peace efforts through diplomatic engagement, mediation, and participation in regional organizations. Continued cooperation between Ethiopia and the European Union on these shared challenges could contribute to regional stability and to Africa’s broader peace and development agenda.
Also notable is the evolving economic dimension of Ethiopia-EU relations. While the European Union remains one of Ethiopia’s principal development partners, the relationship is increasingly shaped by investment, trade, innovation, and private-sector cooperation. Ethiopia’s ongoing macroeconomic reforms, investment liberalization, and infrastructure expansion present opportunities for European investors, while initiatives such as the EU’s Global Gateway complement Ethiopia’s efforts to advance industrialization, improve connectivity, create employment, and build a more resilient economy. This shift from an aid-centered relationship toward one driven by economic partnership reflects the changing nature of Ethiopia-EU cooperation.
Kaja Kallas’ visit reflected the ongoing value of the Ethiopia-European Union partnership. Her comments on Ethiopia’s National Dialogue Conference, together with discussions on economic cooperation, regional security, and sustainable development, pointed to continued engagement with Ethiopia’s role in the region. In this regard, sustained dialogue and mutual respect for each other’s priorities will be important in translating this partnership into practical benefits for the peoples of Ethiopia, Europe, and the African continent.
High-Level Dialogue on Gulf-Africa Economic Cooperation Held in Addis Ababa
The first African regional convening of the Gulf-Africa Strategic Partnership Initiative (GASPI), held under the theme “Gulf-Africa Economic Cooperation: What Has Changed and What Comes Next?”, officially opened on Wednesday (July 22), at the Sheraton Addis Hotel in Addis Ababa. Co-organized by the Institute of Foreign Affairs (IFA), ODI Global Advisory and Gravitas Sovereign & Strategic Advisory, the high-level dialogue brought together government officials, policymakers, investors, researchers, development practitioners and members of the diplomatic community to discuss practical priorities for strengthening Gulf-Africa cooperation ahead of the inaugural GASPI Summit, scheduled to take place in Abidjan in March 2027.
The high-level dialogue aims to identify a set of practical priorities to be advanced before the inaugural GASPI Summit in March 2027. Held at a time of shifting global geoeconomic realities, deepening South-South engagement and renewed emphasis on economic transformation, the forum examined how to strengthen Gulf-Africa economic cooperation through enhanced investment, institutional reforms and effective project implementation.
Delivering the keynote address, State Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Hadera Abera, stated that the dialogue represents an important milestone in preparing for the inaugural GASPI Summit by providing a platform to assess the evolving Gulf-Africa partnership, review progress achieved and identify practical priorities for stronger implementation.
Ambassador Hadera noted that Africa’s rapid economic transformation, supported by regional integration through the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), together with the Gulf countries’ economic diversification strategies, presents a historic opportunity to build mutually beneficial partnerships. He stressed that Gulf-Africa relations have evolved beyond traditional commercial exchanges into a broad strategic partnership encompassing trade, infrastructure, renewable energy, manufacturing, agriculture, finance, technology and food security. He further underscored the need for stronger institutions, transparent investment frameworks, innovative financing mechanisms and effective implementation platforms capable of translating commitments into tangible development outcomes.
Speaking on behalf of Jafar Bedru, Executive Director of the Institute of Foreign Affairs (IFA), Shimellis Hailu, Director General for Europe and American Affairs Research, stated that the dialogue comes at a pivotal moment amid evolving global economic and geopolitical dynamics. He emphasized the importance of sustained dialogue, strategic partnerships and practical policy engagement to deepen Gulf-Africa cooperation while advancing peace, stability and sustainable development.
Presenting on the current state of Gulf-Africa relations, Max Mendez-Parra, Principal Research Fellow at ODI Global, highlighted key trends shaping the partnership and stressed that the success of Gulf investment should be measured not only by the volume of investment but also by the institutional conditions that enable investments to generate tangible development outcomes. Sasha Kapadia, Director of ODI Global Advisory, on her part, called for practical solutions to investment bottlenecks, stronger institutional reforms and enhanced risk-sharing mechanisms to facilitate sustainable investment.
Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Gravitas Sovereign and Strategic Advisory, Ansoumane Camara, highlighted the longstanding historical ties between Africa and the Gulf and noted that the relationship has entered a new strategic phase driven by expanding trade, investment and shared economic interests. He emphasized that strengthening regional cooperation, institutional continuity, credibility, transparency and trust will be essential to mobilizing greater investment and building long-term partnerships between the two regions.
In his concluding remarks, Ambassador Zerihun Abebe, Director General of African affairs at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, emphasized that the dialogue is timely as both Africa and the Gulf are facing challenges while possessing complementary interests. He stressed that GASPI should promote a transformative partnership by focusing on projects with regional impact, encouraging genuine cooperation, and prioritizing strategic areas of engagement. He reaffirmed Ethiopia’s commitment to supporting the initiative and advancing mutually beneficial Gulf-Africa cooperation. In his closing remarks, Ansoumane Camara also underscored the importance of adopting a regional approach, ensuring continuity, institutional credibility and transparency to build trust and encourage greater Gulf investment in Africa.
The dialogue also featured thematic presentations and panel discussions on key issues related to Gulf-Africa economic cooperation, providing participants with an opportunity to exchange views and develop practical recommendations. The outcomes of the dialogue are expected to contribute to shaping the agenda of the inaugural GASPI Summit in Abidjan in March 2027 and strengthening a structured framework for long-term Gulf-Africa partnership.
Ethiopia Assumes Presidency of the Organization of African, Caribbean and Pacific States (OACPS)
Ethiopia has been elected to the Presidency of the OACPS Council of Ministers for the coming 6 months, following the 121st Session of the Council held on July 15-16 in Brussels, Belgium. Ethiopia’s chairmanship will run from August 1, 2026, to January 31, 2027. The session brought together representatives of the organization’s 79 member states to address key political, institutional, financial, and development issues.
The session was chaired by the outgoing President-in-Office, Honorable Seedy K.M. Keita, Minister of Finance and Economic Affairs of the Republic of The Gambia. Ethiopia was represented by a high-level delegation led by State Minister of Finance, Semereta Sewasew and representatives of senior officials from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, who took part actively in the proceedings. Following the official handover ceremony, the Council also endorsed Addis Ababa to be the venue of the next 122nd OACPS Ministerial Council meeting. It can be recalled Ethiopia has previously served as Chair of the OACPS Council of Ministers twice since the Organization’s establishment: from 1 August 1986 to 31 January 1987, and from 1 February 2017 to 31 July 2017.
As one of the OACPS’s principal decision-making bodies, the Council of Ministers is responsible for implementing policies set by the Summit, monitoring progress toward the organization’s objectives, and adopting decisions, resolutions, and recommendations on matters of common interest. Discussions at this session centered on OACPS institutional reform, the organization’s financial sustainability, implementation of the Samoa Agreement, execution of the Malabo Declaration, and various administrative and financial matters.
Ethiopia’s election as Chair of the OACPS Council of Ministers is a significant achievement that demonstrates its diplomatic clout and leadership on the international stages. This historic responsibility further strengthens Ethiopia’s commitment to South-South cooperation, providing wider diplomatic opportunities to lead the Organization’s engagements with member states and the European Union.
As Chair, Ethiopia will focus on strengthening the organization’s capacity to transform partnership into tangible impact, mobilize investment, build resilience, and promote shared prosperity. The chairmanship will pursue five key priorities:
- Advancing the OACPS Transformation Agenda: Supporting implementation of the Malabo Declaration and strengthening follow-up on decisions of the Heads of State and Government.
- Strengthening Institutional and Financial Sustainability: Overseeing preparations for the 2027 OACPS Budget and supporting reforms to improve institutional capacity, administrative efficiency, governance, and long-term financial sustainability.
- Deepening the OACPS–EU Partnership: Advancing implementation of the Samoa Agreement, supporting the operationalization of its joint institutions, accelerating ratification, and leveraging instruments such as the Global Gateway to promote investment, connectivity, infrastructure, energy transition, climate action, digital transformation, and inclusive growth.
- Enhancing Resource Mobilization: Supporting the Resource Mobilization Initiative, encouraging member states to meet their assessed and voluntary contributions, and promoting stronger domestic resource mobilization and sustainable financing. Ethiopia strongly believes in the importance of domestic resources mobilization, with experience to share.
- Strengthening Institutional Coherence and South–South Cooperation: Supporting the Parliamentary Assembly, improving coordination among the organization’s organs, and advancing stronger South–South cooperation.
Beyond these priorities, Ethiopia will promote cooperation on debt sustainability, trade and regional value chains, investment and blended finance, migration and skills partnerships, and climate finance, adaptation, and green transition. At the conclusion of the Ministerial Session, the Council endorsed convening the 122nd OACPS Ministerial Meeting in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, in November 2026. In addition, Ethiopia proposed hosting an OACPS Pre-COP32 High-Level Dialogue before the end of 2026 to mobilize global partnerships for climate finance, investment, and resilient development.
Ethiopia’s chairmanship aims to build an inclusive, strategic, and action-oriented OACPS, one that strengthens partnerships, creates opportunities, enhances resilience, and delivers measurable benefits for citizens across member states. Ethiopia remains committed to working closely with all OACPS member states and partners to advance sustainable development, inclusive economic growth, and international cooperation. The Government of Ethiopia looks forward to working with OACPS member states and partners throughout its tenure to turn shared commitments into meaningful, practical outcomes.
The Organization of African, Caribbean and Pacific States (OACPS) is a major intergovernmental body representing countries across Africa, the Caribbean, and the Pacific. Bound by a shared commitment to sustainable development, economic cooperation, peace, and multilateralism, the organization serves as a vital platform for advancing the collective interests of its member states.
Representing more than 1.1 billion people across three continents, the OACPS remains uniquely positioned to advocate for equity, justice, and inclusive global governance. Over the years, the organization has evolved from a primarily development-focused cooperation framework into a broader political and economic alliance, a shift reflected in strengthened and diversified partnership arrangements, most notably the Samoa Agreement with the European Union.
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