AGP Executive Report

Ethiopia Election Update: Vote counting is underway after Ethiopia’s June 1 parliamentary election, with authorities extending voting hours and reporting security disruptions that kept 143 polling stations closed, while the National Electoral Board says a final announcement could come by June 11. High-Level Participation: President Taye Atske-Selassie cast his ballot in Addis Ababa, calling the day a test of democracy as some constituencies were excluded due to active warfare and insurgencies. Civic Messaging: The government hailed the election as peaceful and historic, saying more than 54 million registered voters turned out in a major show of participation. Urban Development: Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed inaugurated the Entoto to Kechene Medhanealem Riverside Development Project, highlighting river purification, soil conservation, and new green spaces across a 22.25km corridor. U.S. Visa Shift for Africa: The U.S. plans to cut visa-processing embassies across Africa from nearly 50 to 20 regional hubs, including Addis Ababa, raising travel costs for applicants. BRICS Disaster Risk Meeting: Ethiopia is set to attend BRICS DRR talks in Odisha, India, focused on disaster resilience financing and early warning systems.

Ethiopia Election Day: Ethiopia’s 7th general election is underway with 54M+ registered voters voting for federal and regional seats, but security and logistics are shaping the day—143 polling stations in Amhara and Oromia reportedly stayed closed, while NEBE extended voting hours to midnight where queues were still forming after digital verification glitches. Election Oversight: CECOE says procedures largely followed electoral rules, with thousands of observers deployed, while IGAD reports no irregularities so far and the EHRC says it has not observed human-rights violations at polling sites visited. Political Claims: Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed urged voters to protect confidence in the vote, blaming “enemies” for propaganda, as observers and opposition parties warn of shrinking political space. Clean Mobility Investment: In business, Spiro secured a $215M equity round to expand electric mobility and battery-swapping across Africa, including plans to enter new markets like Ethiopia.

Ethiopia Election Day: Millions of Ethiopians queued across the country for the 7th general election, with voting set to run from dawn to dusk and results expected about 10 days later; the ruling Prosperity Party is widely expected to win a landslide, while Tigray will not vote due to “unfavourable conditions” after the 2020–2022 war. High-Level Voting & Observers: Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed cast his ballot in Beshasha, alongside President Taye Atske Selassie and other senior officials; AU and IGAD observer teams reported the process is underway, even as conflict limits access in some areas. Election Rules & Logistics: A revised directive opens Ethiopia’s logistics sector to foreign firms by removing the 49% foreign ownership cap but raising stricter entry requirements, including offices, warehouses, fleets, and qualified boards. Business & Trade Links: Dubai Chambers held meetings in Addis Ababa to deepen trade and investment ties with Ethiopia, including discussions with the Ministry of Industry and investment bodies. Regional Security & Courts: Somalia’s military court heard a case against two Ethiopian nationals accused of al-Shabab links. Health Support for Ebola Response: Africa CDC welcomed emergency medical supplies delivered by India to support Ebola efforts in eastern DRC.

Ethiopia Election Countdown: Ethiopia heads into its June 1 general election as NEBE says voting will proceed, but polls will not take place in 46 constituencies in Amhara and Tigray due to instability, with supplementary dates planned elsewhere. Democracy Under Strain: With millions expected to vote, critics say restrictions on dissent and the exclusion of conflict-hit areas undermine a free and fair process, while the ruling Prosperity Party projects confidence of victory. Human Rights and Security: Coverage highlights a wider crisis of armed conflict and rights abuses, with observers and analysts warning that violence and muted opposition could shape the outcome more than ballots. Regional Stakes: International commentary stresses the vote’s significance for the Horn of Africa and beyond, as Ethiopia’s stability affects wider regional calculations. Trade and Diplomacy: Dubai Chambers met Ethiopian agencies in Addis Ababa to boost industrial cooperation and investment ties, including discussions with the Ethiopian Investment Commission and Africa’s largest sovereign wealth fund. Public Health Watch: Africa CDC reports suspected Ebola cases in the DRC have surpassed 1,000, listing Ethiopia among countries at high risk.

Ethiopia Election Logistics: NEBE is pushing ahead with the distribution of sensitive and non-sensitive electoral materials to polling stations nationwide ahead of Monday’s 7th General Election, with deliveries reported in Sidama and Dire Dawa and ongoing verification at constituencies like Bahir Dar and Adama. Regional Election Monitoring: IGAD has deployed 26 election observers across Ethiopia, while the AU observer mission—led by former Kenyan President Uhuru Kenyatta—stresses the vote’s continental importance and calls for a peaceful process. Ebola Preparedness in the Horn: IGAD urges urgent regional preparedness as the DRC Ebola outbreak spreads, warning that countries including Ethiopia face growing risk and need stronger cross-border surveillance. Trade and Food Security: Ethiopia inaugurated a US$30M cold storage facility in Addis Ababa’s Akaki-Qaliti to cut post-harvest losses, and also moved to liberalize freight forwarding and tighten rules on “Franco Valuta” import arrangements to boost investment and curb illicit flows. Sports—National Team: Ethiopia’s coach Yohannes Sahle named a 23-man squad for friendlies against Malawi in June, with matches in Dire Dawa.

Ebola Preparedness: IGAD urged urgent, coordinated regional action against the Ebola outbreak in the Horn, calling for stronger cross-border surveillance and reprogramming $7m for member states’ response. Ethiopia Election Watch: AU observer chief Uhuru Kenyatta said Ethiopia’s June 1 vote matters for the whole continent, as NEBE reports over 54 million registered voters and debate continues over security and fairness. Governance Under Scrutiny: Zambia’s deputy ambassador to Ethiopia, Tom Michelo, was arrested by the DEC over alleged investor fraud involving Chinese backers, prompting his removal from post. Energy Reform: Ethiopia approved a new energy policy aiming for full cost recovery by 2028, with tariff reforms and targeted support for vulnerable households. Carbon Markets Shift: A Forest Carbon Trading amendment moves carbon credit ownership toward private and community forest developers, backed by a draft carbon market proclamation. Transport Liberalisation: Ethiopia eased rules for multimodal transport operators, lowering licensing thresholds and capital requirements for foreign entrants. Sports: Sahle named a 23-man squad for Ethiopia’s Malawi friendlies in June, with most players drawn from the Premier League.

Election Countdown: Ethiopia heads to the polls on June 1 with NEBE saying it has registered 54,57,871 voters and completed key preparations, including training, observer recruitment, media accreditation, voter education and polling-station logistics. Civic Participation: Political actors say the pre-election environment is freer and more peaceful, pointing to wider party access, public debate forums broadcast in multiple languages, and the Mirchaye digital registration push. Regional Watch: Former Kenyan President Uhuru Kenyatta has arrived in Addis Ababa to lead the AU Election Observation Mission, with IGAD also consulting NEBE and civil society ahead of election day. Tensions in the North: A new report warns Tigray remains unrepresented in federal institutions and could face renewed instability as the election approaches. Debt Talks: Ethiopia’s $1bn eurobond restructuring talks reportedly stalled after bondholders rejected a revised proposal, with the finance ministry citing comparability of treatment concerns. Ebola Alert: DRC’s Ebola outbreak is worsening, with suspected cases crossing 1,000 and spreading risk into neighboring Uganda.

Ethiopia Election Watch: Ethiopia will hold general elections on June 1, with Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed’s Prosperity Party widely expected to win, but critics warn conflict and restrictions could keep millions from voting. Ebola Update: Africa CDC says suspected Ebola cases in the DRC and Uganda have surpassed 1,000, with 1,077 suspected cases and 246 probable deaths reported since the DRC outbreak began; Ethiopia is listed among countries at high risk. Humanitarian Crisis: WFP has scaled up emergency food and nutrition support in Akobo, South Sudan, as catastrophic hunger and malnutrition deepen amid insecurity and damaged infrastructure. Health Security in the Region: WHO chief Tedros warns the DRC outbreak is being worsened by “security conflict,” displacement, food insecurity, and mistrust, urging a ceasefire to protect response efforts. Domestic Development: PM Abiy inaugurated the Negele Borena Geda Airport in Oromia, starting 3 weekly flights to boost trade and tourism and expand Ethiopia’s domestic air links.

Ethiopia Election Watch: Ethiopia heads to polls on 1 June amid insecurity and a credibility squeeze, with NEBE suspending voting in 46 districts across Amhara and Tigray and rights groups warning civic space is under pressure. Regional Security: An Africa File briefing says Fano offensives in Amhara are disrupting preparations for the vote, while Tigray tensions remain a major risk. Election Monitoring: IGAD’s election observation team met the Ethiopian Human Rights Commission ahead of the ballot, focusing on monitoring, complaints handling and protecting rights. Civic Dialogue: The National Dialogue Commission has tabled draft agendas for civic organizations ahead of a national dialogue conference. Development Finance: Ethiopia urged scaled-up financing for Africa’s rural transformation at IFAD14, linking agriculture, climate resilience and rural finance to food security and stability. Water Diplomacy: Ethiopia reiterated its push for Africa-led, win-win transboundary water cooperation. Humanitarian Crisis: DR Congo’s suspected Ebola cases have surged past 1,000, triggering tighter border controls across the region. Ancient Science: New research debate centers on 100,000-year-old Homo sapiens bones in Ethiopia’s Afar Rift that may show the earliest signs of cremation.

NEBE Election Update: Ethiopia’s National Election Board (NEBE) has wrapped up nationwide political party debates and formally started the mandatory “Period of Silence” ahead of the June 1 general election, saying 33 parties debated 19 major national issues to help voters assess platforms. Debt Talks: Ethiopia reaffirmed “comparability of treatment” in ongoing debt restructuring, committing to keep official creditors on equal terms under the Official Creditor Committee framework. Ebola Precautions: As Ebola fears grow across East and Central Africa, St Kitts and Nevis issued travel advisories listing Ethiopia among high-caution destinations, while WHO has declared the outbreak a Public Health Emergency of International Concern. Health & Development: Ethiopia is pushing medical tourism by upgrading tertiary care and using AI diagnostics, and IGAD launched a $31.9m pandemic preparedness project to strengthen cross-border health security. Business Reform: Investors praised Ethiopia’s economic reforms and “Made in Ethiopia” push as improving conditions for agro-processing expansion and investment.

Election Watch: Ethiopia’s National Election Board (NEBE) says it has finished preparations for the June 1 general election, with 50.5 million voters registered, 52,000 polling stations set up, and ballot materials being distributed; the AU also deployed a 73-member election observation mission led by Uhuru Kenyatta, while IGAD announced its own 26-member observers will monitor voting, counting, and procedures in Addis Ababa and Dire Dawa. Ebola Response: Africa CDC says India has sent emergency Ebola medicines and infection-control supplies to support the Bundibugyo outbreak response in eastern DR Congo, as WHO warns delays are forcing health teams to “play catch-up” while the risk inside DR Congo is raised to “very high.” Water & Infrastructure: PM Abiy inaugurated the Borana Cultural Center in Yabelo and highlighted major Borena irrigation and water projects, including large storage capacity and expanded clean-water access for drought-prone communities. Trade & Agriculture: Dubai Chambers held meetings in Addis Ababa to strengthen Dubai-Ethiopia trade and investment ties, and China will allow eligible coffee beans from 53 African countries (including Ethiopia) into its market starting July 20.

Ethiopia-Egypt Tension: Ethiopia has accused Egypt of trying to block its push for Red Sea maritime access, warning the dispute is being driven by wider energy-security shocks tied to the Strait of Hormuz. Elections Watch: The African Union Election Observation Mission has arrived in Addis Ababa ahead of Ethiopia’s June 1 vote, led by former Kenyan President Uhuru Kenyatta, with 73 short-term observers set to monitor polling, counting and results. Aviation & Growth: Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed inaugurated Negele Borena Geda Airport, with Ethiopian Airlines launching three weekly flights to boost trade and tourism. Food Security Push: Abiy also highlighted East Borana’s agricultural drive, citing 176,223 hectares cultivated and a projected 3.1 million quintals yield. Health Alert: Ethiopia says it is stepping up Ebola preparedness and surveillance as cases rise in DR Congo and Uganda. Regional Economy: Kenya’s flower sector is losing over Sh180m weekly as freight disruptions linked to global conflict hit exports.

Healthcare Overhaul: Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed used the inauguration of Lafto Hospital in Addis Ababa to call for a cultural shift in Ethiopia’s health system—saying hospitals alone won’t work without maintenance, private-sector support, and compassionate, patient-centered care, while the revised national strategy aims to balance prevention with stronger treatment for complex illnesses. Ebola Watch: In the wider region, Ebola containment efforts intensified as Switzerland pledged emergency funding for DR Congo’s outbreak, while Caribbean states—including The Bahamas—isolated travelers and monitored close contacts. Trade & Finance: Ethiopia moved to streamline exports by authorizing commercial banks to issue China-bound export permits, and the Council of Ministers approved major loan deals for pastoralist livelihoods and the Productive Safety Net Program. Eid Message: Abiy also urged Ethiopians to embrace sacrifice, obedience, and mutual support for Eid al-Adha.

Ebola Alarm in Congo: In Bunia, doctors say the outbreak is worsening fast as attacks on Ebola treatment centres and patients fleeing add to shortages, with police firing shots after crowds tried to reclaim bodies at Mongwalu—echoing violence seen in past eastern Congo outbreaks. Regional Health Watch: WHO says the Congo epidemic is “spreading rapidly” and is “extremely serious,” while South Korea’s KDCA has added Ethiopia and Rwanda to priority quarantine management, requiring health reporting for travellers from listed countries. Ethiopia at the Ballot Box: With June 1 elections days away, the Prosperity Party wrapped nationwide rallies drawing hundreds of thousands, while youth groups say the campaign feels more open and competitive. Fertiliser Push: Ethiopia positions itself as a regional fertiliser exporter after talks with Aliko Dangote on a major urea project. Sports Spotlight: Ethiopia’s Mohamed Esa set a course record to win the Cape Town Marathon.

Ebola Alarm: WHO says the DRC outbreak is “extremely serious and difficult” as suspected cases top 900 and suspected deaths pass 220, with Africa CDC warning 10 countries—including Ethiopia and Kenya—are at high risk and urging neighbors to act immediately. Global Response: WHO has declared the outbreak a global public health emergency, while countries are tightening entry screening—India’s DGCA issued new airline SOPs for flights linked to Congo and Uganda, and Italy reported two suspected Ebola cases in Milan after returns from Uganda. Health Sovereignty Push: The AU called for African pharmaceutical sovereignty, arguing the world still lacks an approved vaccine or treatment for key Ebola strains. Regional Context: Amid the health scare, Benin signaled a diplomatic thaw with Niger, and Africa Day messaging renewed calls for unity and integration. Ethiopia Watch: Ethiopia is listed among the high-risk countries, while local health and preparedness measures are being spotlighted.

Ebola Surge in DRC: WHO says suspected Ebola cases in conflict-hit Democratic Republic of Congo have topped 900, including 101 confirmed, as fighting in Ituri disrupts contact tracing and care. Regional Spillover Watch: Uganda has reported three new cases, bringing its total to five since the outbreak began on May 15, while Africa CDC warns 10 countries are at risk. Ethiopia Election Tension: Ethiopian opposition parties head into June 1 polls alleging harassment, arbitrary arrests, and heavy media restrictions, with critics calling the outcome predetermined. Trade and Finance Moves: Ethiopia’s National Bank of Ethiopia eased foreign-exchange letter-of-credit rules to cut approval bottlenecks and standardize fees. Africa Day Momentum: On Africa Liberation Day, leaders and campaigns push a “Not Waiting” message—spotlighting African progress beyond crisis narratives.