AGP Executive Report

Ethiopia–Malawi Football: Ethiopia drew 1–1 with Malawi in an international friendly, with the match ending level after both sides found the net. Ethiopia–Sudan Diplomacy: The U.S. and Norway urged direct dialogue in South Sudan and better public revenue management, pointing to recent consultations in Addis Ababa under the AU/IGAD/LAS/EU/UN “Quintet” format. Ethiopia–Nigeria Prison Transfers: Nigeria’s Tinubu ordered urgent steps to repatriate nearly 300 Nigerians jailed in Ethiopia, with a delegation sent to Addis Ababa to sign an MOU for prisoner transfers. Ethiopia–Finance Expansion: United Capital secured investment banking licences in Ethiopia and Rwanda, becoming the first foreign institution licensed to offer investment banking services in Ethiopia. Ethiopia–Digital Culture: A new report highlights Addis Ababa’s growing skate scene, portraying it as a youthful, communal subculture gaining wider attention. Ethiopia–Business & Policy: Ethiopia’s Central Bank postponed an FX auction amid technical issues, while the birr saw a modest weekly slide, reflecting a divided but orderly market.

Ethiopia–Politics: The National Election Board of Ethiopia (NEBE) released preliminary results from 24 constituencies, with the Prosperity Party winning all but one seat so far, while verification and tabulation continue. Cybersecurity & Trade: Ethiopia’s House of People’s Representatives approved draft laws on cybersecurity for key infrastructures and a revised customs proclamation aimed at cutting contraband and improving fairness in customs. Regional Development (Amhara): Corridor development projects are underway in 43 Amhara cities and towns, with Woldia highlighted for upgraded roads and new commercial spaces, as officials say the work is about long-term nation-building. Ethiopia–Business: Dubai Chamber of Commerce wrapped up Africa trade missions that held 1,460 bilateral meetings in Ethiopia and other markets, pushing new partnerships for Dubai firms. Ethiopia–Diplomacy: Ethiopia’s ambassador to Pakistan urged Pakistani entrepreneurs to benefit from Ethiopia’s investment-friendly policies after a meeting with Pakistan Observer leadership. Ethiopia–Sports: Ethiopia played Malawi in a friendly match, with reports of goals and highlights circulating.

Ethiopia’s Capital Market Opens Further: Nigeria’s United Capital becomes the first foreign investment bank to get a licence in Ethiopia, with plans to operate via a wholly owned Addis Ababa subsidiary after ECMA approval. Budget Push: Ethiopia’s Council of Ministers forwards a record 2.34 trillion Birr federal budget proposal for 2026/27 to Parliament, aiming to fund development priorities and economic transformation. Made in Ethiopia Drive: The Ethiopia Tamirt (Made in Ethiopia) Movement is credited with boosting domestic production, creating jobs, and generating foreign exchange, with a closing program held in Kombolcha. Fuel Import Flexibility: Ethiopia’s central bank allows diplomatic missions, foreign investors and international organizations to import fuel for their own use under a revised franco valuta directive, easing pressure on state fuel channels. Ethiopia’s Election Under Strain: Ahead of voting, reports say Tigray remains outside the contest and many constituencies face limited or no challengers, with insecurity in Amhara and Oromia expected to keep voters away. Health Security: Africa CDC and WHO launch a unified Ebola preparedness and six-month response plan, targeting $518 million for outbreak control.

Domestic Work Rules in Kuwait: Kuwait’s Interior Ministry issued a new circular on recruiting domestic workers, allowing hiring from 10 countries (including Ethiopia) while banning recruitment from 27 others, with applications routed through governorate service centers. Ethiopia’s Election Follow-Up: Ethiopia’s National Election Board says internally displaced people and defense forces will vote Tuesday at special polling stations, as it verifies results and prepares to publish outcomes after complaints are handled. Diplomacy and Regional Ties: Ethiopia wrapped up a five-day diplomatic training program for South Sudanese diplomats in Addis Ababa, covering negotiation, peacekeeping, and transboundary resource management. EU Health Cooperation: Ethiopia’s foreign minister met EU Commissioner Hadja Lahbib, thanking EU support on Ebola preparedness and discussing Horn of Africa peace and security. Food Safety Push: Ethiopia’s Food and Drug Authority urged stronger collaboration to tackle unsafe food, citing major illness and death figures globally and calling for better regulation and lab capacity. Dairy Innovation: EIAR launched “Etittuu,” a probiotic starter culture to help milk fermentation and reduce reliance on imports. Business Linkages: Dubai Chamber of Commerce completed Africa trade missions with 1,460 bilateral meetings across Ghana, Ethiopia, and South Africa, aiming to deepen private-sector partnerships.

Ethiopia’s Capital Market Boost: United Capital secured ECMA approval to operate investment banking in Ethiopia, launching via a wholly owned Addis Ababa subsidiary—seen as a major step for foreign participation in the country’s financial reforms. Energy Push: A new report frames Ethiopia’s hydropower drive as a shift from “water tower” to “power tower,” spotlighting GERD and the next wave of projects like Koysha. Red Sea Access Politics: As Ethiopians vote, Addis Ababa’s campaign for Red Sea access is described as a psychological push tied to development goals and regional leverage. Security Update: Three Sri Lankans held hostage in Ethiopia were rescued in a joint operation, with six suspects arrested in connection with an alleged ransom scheme. Regional Displacement Watch: UNHCR warns fighting in South Sudan’s Jonglei is driving severe displacement, with about 100,000 people fleeing into Ethiopia. Humanitarian Shock from Hormuz: UN warns that disruptions from the Strait of Hormuz crisis will keep humanitarian supply chains strained into 2027, hitting children and aid operations.

Ethiopian Elections & Democracy: Ethiopia wrapped up its 7th general election with observers and partners describing a peaceful, orderly, and well-run process, as NEBE deployed large numbers of officials across thousands of polling sites. BRICS Diplomacy: Ethiopia also took part in the 11th BRICS Foreign Policy Dialogue in New Delhi, highlighting climate action under the Green Legacy Initiative and pushing economic and digital transformation priorities. Air Connectivity & Costs: Ethiopian Airlines says it expects fleet decisions soon despite higher fuel costs, and it announced a new three-times-weekly direct service to Port Louis, Mauritius, starting July 12. Food Security Research: New studies presented using Ethiopian schoolchildren suggest food insecurity can leave measurable changes in children’s gut microbiomes, linking hunger to health beyond nutrition alone. Regional Security & Migration: South Africa’s president, Cyril Ramaphosa, warned against vigilantism in immigration enforcement, while xenophobia-related tensions continue to drive repatriations and calls for tighter, state-led action. Ethiopia in Global Peacekeeping: A SIPRI report shows Eastern Africa remains central to multilateral peace operations even as global missions shrink, with Ethiopia among key troop contributors.

Ethiopia’s Election Aftermath: The National Election Board of Ethiopia (NEBE) says about 40 million voted, but vote counting is still under strain as delays, disputed digital videos, and procedural breaches trigger dismissals of two staffers while results are tallied across several regions. Security and Violence: AFP reports an insurgent campaign in Oromia around the June 1 vote, with witnesses describing killings and mass displacement; meanwhile, dissident authorities in Tigray accuse a deadly drone strike of escalating tensions. IMF Support: The IMF is stepping up financing for Ethiopia and other African states to cushion economic shocks tied to the Iran-linked conflict and higher energy and fertilizer costs. Regional Reach and Mobility: Ethiopian Airlines’ CEO says a decision on ordering 25 smaller jets is likely within three months, as the carrier grapples with fuel-price pressure. Humanitarian and Aid: The U.S. announced a $240m humanitarian package for Catholic Relief Services, including Ethiopia, aimed at faster delivery of food, health, water and shelter. Diaspora Finance: Ghana’s SEC is pushing to channel diaspora remittances into investment via new capital-market routes, citing Ethiopia’s diaspora-bond model as a reference point. Public Health Watch: A new study links child food insecurity to measurable changes in Ethiopia children’s gut microbiome, raising stakes for nutrition-focused interventions.

IMF Support Boost: The IMF says it is stepping up financial backing for Ethiopia, The Gambia and Burkina Faso, while accelerating talks with Malawi, citing fallout from the US-Iran war and higher energy and fertilizer costs. Election Updates: Ethiopia’s NEBE says results have been declared in 825 of 1,138 constituencies, with counting and result transfers still ongoing, and urges parties to consolidate complaints by June 6. Tigray Security Fears: Tigray dissident authorities accuse a deadly drone strike of escalating tensions and raising fears of renewed war, as the federal government has limited comment. Arsi Zone Attacks: Ethiopia’s PM office condemns armed attacks in Arsi Zone, blaming OLA-Shene and saying security operations are underway. Regional Humanitarian Crisis: A drone strike on a central Sudan market killed at least 11 civilians, rights groups say, as aerial attacks worsen one of the world’s worst displacement and hunger emergencies. Energy Connectivity: Ethiopian Electric Power says Ethiopia will keep strengthening regional power links, including efforts to sell electricity beyond current partners. Visa Shock for Africa: The US plans to cut visa processing posts across Africa, consolidating services into 20 hubs, a move expected to raise barriers for applicants. Sports: Ethiopia beat Malawi 1-0 in an international friendly, with match highlights drawing attention ahead of the wider World Cup build-up.

Elections & Governance: NEBE set June 9 for voting by registered IDPs and military personnel in Ethiopia’s 7th general election, after earlier indications of June 8; counting and result timelines remain under AU and IGAD scrutiny. Public Finance Oversight: Addis Ababa expanded audit powers for public assets, allowing auditors to probe records up to ten years back when suspected criminal conduct is found. Health & Medicines: EFDA tightened rules on rational medicine use, requiring pharmacists to refuse repeat dispensing and refer patients when misuse, dependence risks, or safety concerns arise. Green Economy & Forest Carbon: Ethiopia is drafting a centralized framework for forest carbon rights, positioning the federal government as default owner of carbon credits and mitigation outcomes, reshaping how local communities trade globally. Humanitarian & Security: Fresh reports of ethnoreligious violence and displacement in Arsi Zone, Oromia, are drawing renewed calls for urgent, coordinated protection and security response. Sports: Ethiopia’s Rawuda Ali regrets the U-17 women’s team missed CECAFA due to finances, while Saint George faces a FIFA transfer ban blocking four new signings. Diplomacy & Trade: Ethiopia and Pakistan agreed to deepen parliamentary ties across trade, investment, agriculture, aviation and culture; Canada’s chamber launch in Ottawa aims to boost Ethiopia-Canada business links.

Ethiopia Election & Governance: Ethiopia’s June 1 parliamentary vote is being described as “generally peaceful” by AU and IGAD observers, even as voting was suspended in parts of Amhara, Oromia and Tigray due to insecurity. Diplomacy & Capacity Building: Ethiopia’s Foreign Ministry wrapped up a human resource development training for 60+ diplomats on situational and trend analysis and crisis diplomacy, with plans to extend similar programs to more staff. Regional Ties: South Sudan’s deputy mission head says relations with Ethiopia are set to deepen further, citing shared history and cooperation on stability and development. Industry Support: Ethiopia’s Industrial Parks Development Corporation announced reduced service fees and four years of free access to selected industrial parks for eligible domestic manufacturers to boost jobs and supply chains. Ebola Preparedness: Africa CDC and WHO launched a continental Ebola preparedness and response plan for June–November 2026, aiming to strengthen detection, response and community protection. Public Health at Borders: A Sudanese traveler isolated in Hyderabad after arriving from Ethiopia tested negative for Ebola, though monitoring continues. Misinformation Watch: A viral claim about Muslims being attacked during Eid prayers in Tigray was debunked; the video was edited and the original footage shows peaceful prayers in Harar. Security & Rights: Reports say militants killed at least 37 Orthodox Christians in Ethiopia’s Arsi zone, with churches burned and families displaced. BRICS Disaster Risk: Ethiopia joined BRICS talks in Puri, Odisha, focused on disaster mitigation, including lifesaving demonstrations on water safety. US Visa Shift: The US plans to centralize visa processing across Africa, with Addis Ababa expected to play a larger role as routine interviews move to fewer regional hubs. E-Mobility: UNECA says Ethiopia’s e-mobility strategy is helping cut emissions and reduce dependence on imported fossil fuels.

Ethiopia’s Election Debate: As Ethiopia’s June 1 vote approaches, analysts warn that formal electoral structures are being undermined by insecurity, shrinking civic space, and limited political competition—raising doubts about whether the result can reflect citizens’ will. Urban Renewal in Addis Ababa: PM Abiy says the Addis Ababa Riverside Development Project is more than beautification, promising green corridors, public spaces, jobs across construction and logistics, and stronger local contractor participation. Digital Payments Milestone: EthSwitch reports EthioPay-IPS has hit over 1 million transactions in a day worth more than 5 billion birr, alongside an award for expanding interoperable instant payments. Eurobond Talks Stall: Ethiopia’s $1bn Eurobond restructuring talks have collapsed again, leaving the country facing tighter external financing and renewed pressure to mobilize domestic revenue. Sports Spotlight: Winfred Yavi set a Bahrain 5,000m record in Rome while Ethiopian runners dominated the top finish; Ethiopia also saw athletes set new national marks in the same meet.

Ethiopia’s Election Watch: International observers and domestic monitors say Ethiopia’s 7th general election was largely peaceful and well administered, even as some polling stations closed early and security incidents were reported in parts of Oromia and Amhara. IMF Support: The IMF said it is stepping up financing for Ethiopia and other African countries to cushion economic fallout from the US-Iran conflict, with Ethiopia’s board set to consider an accelerated $200 million tranche. Digital Payments: EthSwitch says EthioPay-IPS has topped 1 million transactions in a single day, surpassing ETB 5 billion, and won a financial inclusion award. BRICS Culture Track: Ethiopia joined BRICS Culture Working Group discussions in Varanasi on copyright, cultural attribution, and ethical AI in the creative economy. Ebola Response Link: With Ebola concerns in the region, Ethiopia-related travel and health screening measures continue to be discussed as outbreaks strain public health systems. Regional Diplomacy: AU and IGAD urged maximum restraint and de-escalation in Mogadishu amid renewed violence in Somalia.

Ethiopia Election Watch: Japan praised Ethiopia’s 7th General Election as successful, highlighting NEBE’s work and high citizen participation. IMF & Economy: Ethiopia reached a staff-level IMF deal on the fifth review of its reform program, paving the way for about $468 million in additional financing, with inflation easing and reserves improving—though risks remain after the Middle East conflict shock. Election Monitoring: AU and IGAD observers said voting was generally peaceful and orderly, while also flagging operational and accessibility problems at some polling stations. Local Governance & Capacity: Ethiopia is pushing an 80% local participation plan for infrastructure work to cut reliance on foreign contractors, aiming to grow the share of capable domestic firms. Regional Security: IGAD urged immediate de-escalation in Somalia after violence escalated in Mogadishu. Health Alert: A suspected Ebola-related case triggered an alert at Hyderabad airport after a traveler arriving from Ethiopia was isolated and sent for testing. Cultural Heritage: Ethiopian religious artifacts held by an Italian family were officially returned to Ethiopia.

Ethiopia’s Election Watch: International observers say Ethiopia’s June 1 general election largely met democratic expectations, with the African Union and IGAD praising the legal framework and orderly voting, while IGAD flagged crowded polling infrastructure and urged NEBE to standardize voter ID and reduce station capacity. Diplomacy & Regional Ties: EU and member states welcomed the election’s conduct, and Prime Minister Abiy thanked AU observer chief Uhuru Kenyatta and the mission for supporting Ethiopia’s democracy-building. Monetary Policy Boost: Ethiopia’s tight monetary stance earned IMF praise as a staff-level agreement for the fifth review moved forward, with inflation gains noted despite external shocks. US Visa Shake-Up: The US plans to cut visa-processing hubs across Africa from nearly 50 to 20, keeping Addis Ababa as a full hub—meaning many applicants may need to travel farther. BRICS Disaster Risk Meeting: BRICS DRR talks opened in Puri, with Ethiopia among participants discussing early warning, resilient infrastructure, and community-based disaster risk reduction. Business & Energy: Spiro raised $215m to expand battery-swapping EV infrastructure, with Ethiopia listed among planned new markets.

Ethiopia Election Update: Vote counting is still under way two days after Ethiopia’s 7th general election, with delays blamed on long queues and insecurity. NEBE says counting continues in Sidama, Gambella, Amhara and Somalia, while some polling stations in Oromia and Amhara did not open due to security issues. Election Observers: IGAD released a preliminary report praising Ethiopia’s electoral administration, reforms and peaceful participation, while the EU and the British Embassy also welcomed the voting stage where it was possible and urged access for constituencies that were unable to vote. Diplomacy & Ties: Ethiopia’s State Minister of Foreign Affairs met Qatar’s DOC Holding Group in Doha to discuss healthcare investment and PPP cooperation. U.S. Visa Shake-up: The U.S. plans to cut routine visa-processing posts across Africa from nearly 50 to 20 hubs, with Addis Ababa listed among the regional locations. Ebola Support: India sent medical aid to Africa CDC and Uganda to bolster Ebola preparedness and response. Aviation: Ethiopian Airlines will launch direct thrice-weekly flights from Addis Ababa to Port Louis starting July 12.

Ethiopia’s Election Wrap: The National Election Board of Ethiopia (NEBE) says the 7th General Election concluded successfully nationwide, with ballot counting still ongoing in parts of Sidama, Gambella, Amhara and Somali, while the EHRC reports no fundamental human rights violations so far. Observer Missions: The African Union and IGAD election observation missions are set to present preliminary findings on Wednesday after post-election debriefs. AU Humanitarian Call: The African Union Peace and Security Council urged stronger African-led action and sustainable financing as displacement and humanitarian crises worsen across the continent, citing Sudan and eastern DRC among the gravest emergencies. US Visa Hub Shake-up: The US plans to cut Africa visa-processing sites from nearly 50 to 20 hubs, with Addis Ababa listed among the remaining processing locations. Ethiopian Airlines Routes: Ethiopian Airlines announced thrice-weekly passenger flights to Port Louis, Mauritius, starting July 12, and will resume Kuwait flights on June 16 after earlier regional disruptions. Clean Transport in Addis Ababa: Addis Ababa’s electric bus rollout continues under the city’s push for greener mobility, following the gasoline and diesel vehicle import ban.