AGP Executive Report

Tigray Tensions: Ethiopia warns that hardline TPLF elements in northern Tigray are preparing an offensive against the federal government in the coming days, raising fresh fears of a return to war after the 2022 Pretoria peace deal. Court Action: Ethiopia’s Federal First Instance Court extended detention and investigation time for a suspect in a major “Viva” tissue counterfeit ring, alleging trademark infringement and substandard products. Health in Camps: MSF says play-based psychosocial support in Ethiopia’s Kule refugee camp is helping children under five recover emotionally alongside treatment for malnutrition. Sports Spotlight: Ethiopian runner Addisu Yihune won the 5,000m at Oslo’s Bislett Games in a fast race where Bahrain’s Birhanu Balew set an Asian record. Environment & Science: A viral photo of Ethiopia’s Danakil Depression acid pools highlights how the region’s extreme conditions could help scientists study early-Earth and possible life beyond Earth. Aviation Ties: Ethiopian Airlines CEO Mesfin Tasew congratulated Nigeria’s aviation minister Festus Keyamo on an AfDB role championing Africa’s $7bn integrated aviation transformation programme.

Tigray–Federal Tensions: Ethiopia says hardline Tigrayan forces are preparing an offensive against the federal government in the coming days, warning of a possible return to war after renewed clashes since late 2025. Middle East Ripple Effects: The African Union warns renewed escalations in the Middle East could destabilize Africa, driving higher energy and transport costs. Economic Outlook: Ethiopia projects 10.1% growth for 2026/27, with industry, agriculture and services expected to expand, as Finance Minister Ahmed Shide presents a record 2.33 trillion birr draft budget. Ebola Watch: Africa CDC says Uganda’s Ebola outbreak is “under control,” citing active contact follow-up, while the DRC continues to report cases and deaths. Security in Ethiopia: Reports say a fresh wave of attacks in Arsi Zone killed Orthodox Christians, destroyed a century-old church and displaced hundreds. BRICS Urban Agenda: Ethiopia is among delegations at the 13th BRICS Urbanisation Forum in New Delhi, focused on inclusive, resilient city development. Digital Cooperation: China and African partners push deeper energy ties in Addis Ababa, aiming for reliable power and cleaner grids amid global disruptions.

Ethiopia Digital Push: PM Abiy Ahmed says the “5 Million Ethiopian Coders” initiative has already hit 5,005,146 enrollments, ahead of schedule, and is now targeting 7 million by August as Ethiopia accelerates digital transformation. Ethiopia-Nigeria Cooperation: Ethiopia and Nigeria signed a Transfer of Sentenced Persons Agreement in Addis Ababa, letting convicted nationals serve the rest of their terms at home, a move officials call humanitarian and diplomatic. Ethiopia Budget Watch: Ethiopia’s finance minister projects next fiscal year spending to rise to about 2.34 trillion birr, citing Middle East crisis costs linked to the Iran war, while growth is forecast at 10.1%. Poverty Reduction in Refugee Settings: A study on Uganda and Ethiopia’s DREAMS programme reports higher consumption, doubled savings, and rising household assets for refugee and host communities. Public Health Alert: Ethiopia’s region-wide Ebola precautions continue to spread, with health authorities urging enhanced screening and travel caution in affected areas. Regional Mobility Tech: Google expands “Ask Gemini in Chrome” to Ethiopia along with Kenya and Nigeria, bringing built-in AI search help to more users.

Ebola Preparedness: Africa CDC urged countries to strengthen exit screening and public health measures across airports, ports and major crossings to curb cross-border Ebola spread without shutting down travel or trade. COP32 Readiness: Ethiopia’s foreign minister briefed African ambassadors on preparations for COP32, with support reaffirmed ahead of the summit. Hospitality Investment: IFC will lend $80 million to MIDROC Ethiopia to refurbish Sheraton Addis and build a new Sheraton hotel in Addis Ababa, including Ethiopia’s first green-certified hotels. Green Economy: Stakeholders praised Reach for Change Ethiopia’s green entrepreneurs and circular economy work, backing youth-led waste and recycling enterprises. Regional Diplomacy: Ethiopia appointed a new ambassador to Somalia as ties improve after the Ankara Declaration and mediation efforts. Sea Access Debate: A senior parliamentarian said Ethiopia’s push for sea access would boost regional security and shared prosperity. Economy & Budget: The Council of Ministers approved a draft federal budget of 14.51 billion USD for the coming fiscal year.

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.