AGP Executive Report

GERD Power Exports: Ethiopia’s Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam generated 52% of the country’s electricity export revenue, pushing power export earnings beyond $500 million, EEP CEO Ashebir Balcha said, noting exports to Kenya, Djibouti, Sudan and Tanzania. BRICS Multilateral Push for Ethiopia: BRICS reaffirmed support for Ethiopia’s WTO bid, ICAO Council candidacy, and COP32 presidency in the New Delhi Declaration, highlighting Ethiopia’s role in global trade, aviation and climate diplomacy. AI and “Greater BRICS” Plans: China’s Xi Jinping outlined a “Greater BRICS” agenda including an AI open-source initiative, service trade forum and economic cooperation aimed at strengthening supply-chain stability and global governance. Regional Security Spillover: Paramilitary drones struck Sudan’s Blue Nile capital Al-Damazin near Ethiopia, displacing nearly 100,000 people in the state this year and raising risks of wider front-line pressure. South Africa Spaza Extortion: A Cape Town court case spotlighted alleged extortion targeting Ethiopian and Somali-run spaza shops, amid fears foreign owners are less likely to seek help after xenophobic unrest.

BRICS Summit Fallout: BRICS leaders wrapped up the 18th New Delhi summit with a unanimous New Delhi Declaration calling for conflict prevention, stronger multilateral ties, UN reforms, and maximum restraint in the Middle East, while also pushing cooperation on tech, supply chains, health, and local-currency trade; China’s “Greater BRICS” Push: Xi Jinping unveiled plans for a BRICS open-source AI ecosystem and new trade and service-forum initiatives, as Ethiopia joined the bloc’s expanded roster; Ethiopia’s Diplomacy & Partnerships: Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed used the sidelines to deepen ties with India and other partners, with Ethiopia also highlighted in BRICS-Africa cooperation themes including digital public infrastructure and AI capacity; AI for African Needs: Addis Ababa hosted calls for sovereign AI foundation models tailored to African languages and priorities, urging local ecosystems to avoid dependency; Logistics Push: Ethiopia is finalizing joint organizing committees to host the FIATA 2027 World Congress, with panels and climate-linked programming planned; Telecom Milestone: Safaricom Ethiopia marked five years since its license, crossing 15 million 90-day active subscribers and expanding nationwide 4G/5G readiness.

BRICS Summit (New Delhi): Ethiopia’s PM Abiy Ahmed met Kazakhstan President Tokayev on the sidelines, focusing on digitalization, trade, investment and defense, while BRICS leaders adopted the New Delhi Declaration calling for resilience, innovation and cooperation and urging “maximum restraint” amid Middle East tensions. Ethiopia-Global Ties: A U.S. Assistant Secretary visited Ethiopia to boost trade and peace, including talks on de-escalation in the Horn of Africa and fleet modernization at Bishoftu. Regional Security (Somali Region): Somali Regional State President Mustafe Mohamud Omar criticized claims of exclusive ownership over past struggles, saying ordinary people also bore the heaviest losses. Trade/Industry: Putin proposed a BRICS insurance mechanism and a grain market initiative, as Xi pushed “Greater BRICS” plans including an AI open-source zone. Border Crime (Ethiopia-linked): Saudi border guards seized 380 kg of khat and 249,000 tablets, arresting Ethiopian nationals in Jazan and Asir.

BRICS Summit (New Delhi): Brazil, India, China and the other BRICS states backed a “maximum restraint” line for the Middle East, urging dialogue and warning against actions that could worsen tensions, while also stressing nuclear safety and opposing forced displacement of Palestinians. WTO Push: BRICS called for the immediate restoration of a fully functioning two-tier WTO dispute settlement system and urged new Appellate Body appointments, while warning that unilateral tariffs and non-tariff barriers are disrupting trade and supply chains. Ethiopia at BRICS: Ethiopia’s WTO accession bid won strong support in the New Delhi Declaration, as Addis Ababa continues its multilateral push. Ethiopia–Finance: EDIF is considering shifting bank and microfinance contributions from a flat 0.3% deposit rate to a risk-based “target fund” model amid falling T-bill yields. Ethiopia–Trade Logistics: ESL and the Ethio-Djibouti Railway rolled out digital freight booking and tracking portals to cut paperwork and speed cargo payments. Public Health Alert: A new report flags Addis Ababa’s air pollution as a serious black carbon and PM2.5 health emergency.

BRICS Summit in Delhi: India’s PM Modi opened the 18th BRICS Leaders’ Summit urging the Global South to become “rule shapers,” proposing 10 governance reform ideas and a BRICS continuity mechanism using a Troika system plus a secure digital repository to track decisions. Ethiopia-India ties at the summit: Modi met Ethiopian PM Abiy Ahmed on BRICS sidelines, with talks focused on strengthening the strategic partnership across economy, defence and security. Ethiopia in BRICS diplomacy: China’s Xi told BRICS to take a peacemaking role in the Middle East, while Iran’s FM Araghchi said Iran is working to remove obstacles to joining the BRICS New Development Bank and highlighted planned meetings including Ethiopia. Regional cooperation: Malaysia’s Anwar Ibrahim and Abiy also discussed expanding cooperation with Ethiopia, including investment, tourism, renewable energy and industrial development. Aviation link: Xiamen Airlines announced its first direct China–Ethiopia service, launching weekly flights from Xiamen to Addis Ababa starting Nov 28. Immigration enforcement abroad: Georgia detained 59 foreign nationals, including Ethiopians, during special immigration control operations.

BRICS Summit in New Delhi: Leaders are arriving for the 18th BRICS summit (Sept 12-13) as India pushes a “Delhi Declaration” covering anti-terrorism, global governance reform and stronger multilateralism, while negotiators work through a sticking point over how to describe the Iran-UAE West Asia conflict. India-Russia-Iran diplomacy: PM Modi met Russian President Vladimir Putin and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian on the sidelines, with talks expected to focus on trade, energy security, cross-border payments and regional stability. Ethiopia at BRICS: Ethiopia is listed among the 11 full BRICS members, and Ethiopian officials are also tied to the summit’s wider agenda. GERD spotlight: TIME Africa praised Ethiopia’s Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam as a model of African ambition and domestic financing, urging benefit-sharing over water-sharing. Ethiopia in human rights spotlight: At the UN Human Rights Council, 41 countries urged action over alleged abuses and aid worker risks in Tigray, Amhara and Oromia. Ethiopia’s New Year: Ethiopia marked Enkutatash on Sept 11 under its 13-month calendar, celebrating the “gift of jewels” and the end of the rainy season.

BRICS Summit in New Delhi: Leaders are arriving for the 18th BRICS Summit as India hosts under the theme “Building for Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation and Sustainability.” Diplomatic arrivals: UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, Russian President Vladimir Putin, Chinese President Xi Jinping (set to arrive Saturday), Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, South Africa’s Cyril Ramaphosa, Uganda’s Jessica Alupo, and Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed are among the key figures. India–China focus: Ahead of the expected Modi–Xi meeting, China urged both sides to handle differences properly and boost cooperation. India–Iran ties: India’s MEA highlighted “civilisational ties” as Pezeshkian arrived and is set for talks with Modi. Payments and digital currency push: India’s RBI proposal to link BRICS central bank digital currencies for cross-border payments is expected to feature at the summit, alongside calls to link payment systems and trade in local currencies. Ethiopia angle: Ethiopia is part of BRICS expansion and is also tied to summit outreach, including coffee promotion and business engagement. Local impact in Ethiopia: Ethiopia marked Enkutatash (Sept 11) as it ushered in 2019 on the Ethiopian calendar.

BRICS Summit in Focus: Ethiopia’s Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed is set to attend the 18th BRICS Leaders’ Summit in New Delhi on Sept. 12-13, as Russia’s Vladimir Putin arrives for talks with Modi and other leaders; the agenda centers on food, energy, health, disaster reduction, and supply-chain resilience, with India pushing for digital currency links for cross-border payments. Ethiopia’s Domestic Momentum: Deputy PM Temesgen Tiruneh extended New Year greetings, citing progress in politics, agriculture, industry, and the digital economy, and renewed efforts for sea access. Migration Watch: IOM reports 1,628 Ethiopian migrants returned from Yemen to Djibouti in August, up from July, highlighting ongoing dangerous routes via the Gulf of Aden. Regional Diplomacy: Algeria cut ties with the UAE amid wider regional disputes—an echo of shifting alliances affecting the Horn and North Africa. Sports & Culture: Ethiopia-linked football news notes Sidama Bunna FC’s ties in regional player moves, while Ethiopia’s cultural spotlight includes coverage on Ethiopian Judaism and Rosh Hashanah.

BRICS Summit Security: New Delhi is ramping up security for the Sept 12-13 BRICS Leaders’ Summit, with about 30,000 personnel deployed and hundreds of CCTV cameras installed, as leaders including India’s Modi, Russia’s Putin, China’s Xi, South Africa’s Ramaphosa and others prepare to arrive. Xi’s India Trip Confirmed: China’s foreign ministry confirmed Xi Jinping will attend BRICS in India for the first time in seven years, signaling renewed engagement on the sidelines. Ethiopia’s Digital Push: Prime Minister Abiy marked “The Day of the Future” by stressing Ethiopia’s shift from paper to digital systems and “digital sovereignty,” citing the Ethio-coders drive and expanding digital services. Mojo Logistics Expansion: Abiy inaugurated the first phase of Mojo’s modern logistics hub, built for large container handling and linked to regional corridors to support AfCFTA trade. Regional Climate Watch: Kenya and parts of eastern Africa, including eastern/southern Ethiopia, are bracing for potential El Niño-linked heavy rains and health risks, with contingency planning underway. Sea Access Diplomacy: Israel’s ambassador reiterated support for Ethiopia’s Red Sea access bid, framing it as tied to regional stability.

Education Under Attack: Education Above All (EAA) marked the UN-backed International Day to Protect Education from Attack with global activations in Paris and Geneva, urging preparedness and accountability as attacks on schools and learning spaces continue. Climate Resilience Spotlight: Addis Ababa ranked among the world’s most climate-resilient major cities in an AlphaGeo assessment, with the Ethiopian capital placing second overall after Chicago. AU & Tigray Tensions: Human Rights Watch warned that rising tensions in northern Ethiopia are testing the African Union’s ability to turn early warning into action, calling for stronger engagement and clearer reporting on mediation and civilian abuse claims. BRICS and Ethiopia’s Role: As India hosts the BRICS summit in New Delhi on Sept. 12–13, Ethiopia is highlighted among the bloc’s expanded members, with discussions ranging from trade and local-currency payments to digital and agriculture cooperation. Digital Public Infrastructure Learning: UNDP’s Africa Accelerator sent Ethiopian delegations to study India’s digital identity and payments systems, aiming to support services in agriculture, healthcare and social protection. Agriculture Water-Saving Gains: New research in drought-prone central Ethiopia found climate-smart farming—like soil bunds and residue protection—can boost wheat yields by over 27% while cutting soil loss sharply. Infrastructure Finance: Ethiopia’s finance minister met AIIB President Zou Jiayi to discuss cooperation on infrastructure, energy and climate-resilient development, including potential support for projects like Bishoftu International Airport. Health in the Region: WHO and Kenya stepped up readiness for El Niño-related flooding and disease risks, with Ethiopia also facing wider East Africa impacts. Ethiopia’s Sea Trade Pressure: Reports note war-risk insurance costs on Red Sea routes are rising, adding pressure to landlocked Ethiopia’s seaborne trade via Djibouti.

BRICS Summit Watch: India has released the schedule for the 18th BRICS Leaders’ Summit in New Delhi on Sept. 12-13, with leaders’ arrivals, a closed-door session on inclusive global governance, a Bharat Innovates exhibition, a joint tree-planting and a Modi-hosted gala on day one, followed by partner-leader arrivals and an open session on resilience, innovation, cooperation and sustainability. Nile Basin Diplomacy: Former US diplomat Tibor Nagy urged Egypt to accept the Nile’s “2026” reality instead of 19th/20th-century positions, arguing a win-win deal with Ethiopia is possible if Egypt adjusts its approach. Humanitarian Protection in Ethiopia: A coalition of 41 nations called at the UN Human Rights Council for full protection of civilians and humanitarian workers in Ethiopia, warning of targeted violence and security barriers in regions including Amhara and Oromia. Ethiopia’s Education Push: Ethiopia’s Ethiopian Public Service University says it will meet global standards, expand practical-focused teaching, and begin admitting undergraduate students for the first time. Connectivity for Ethiopians: Jazeera Airways launched direct Kuwait–Addis Ababa flights, adding three weekly services for the large Ethiopian community in Kuwait. TVET Scholarships: Ethiopia’s Ministry of Higher Education announced 75 TVET scholarships for South Sudanese students to study in Ethiopia in 2026-27.

BRICS Summit 2026: India is set to host the 18th BRICS Leaders’ Summit in New Delhi on Sept. 12–13, with Ethiopia among the 11 full members, as New Delhi pushes a “Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation and Sustainability” agenda aimed at practical deals in trade, technology, energy, health and development. Climate & Water Risk: Experts warn that rising water levels could force Lakes Baringo and Bogoria in Kenya to merge, threatening fisheries, wildlife and tourism—an example of how El Niño-linked shocks can spill into livelihoods across the region. Human Rights at UN: Ethiopia reaffirmed its human-rights commitment at HRC63, stressing nationally owned reforms and transitional justice after the June 2026 election and National Dialogue. Ethiopia’s Construction Reform: Ethiopia is overhauling 1990s construction guidelines to curb chronic delays and improve oversight as the sector expands. Finance & Housing: Ethiopia’s mortgage push via an IFC-backed deal is framed as a long-term funding fix, but affordability will hinge on interest rates and household capacity. Energy/Transport Tech: Orbix Technologies launched an EV digital platform targeting 500,000 vehicles, aiming to unify parking and charging services through a software layer. Qatar–Ethiopia Trade: Qatar Chamber officials met President Taye Atske Selassie to discuss boosting investment and economic ties. Tigray Drone Strike: A reported drone strike in southern Tigray killed 13, with claims involving damaged buses carrying TDF personnel, as Pretoria diplomacy faces new strain.

Livestock & Trade: Ethiopia joined AU-IBAR and ILRI talks at Africa Food Systems Forum 2026 to back regional livestock value chains, investment and cross-border trade. Agrifood Budget Tools: FAO rolled out two Africa-focused systems—ASPEA and PolOpT—to help governments track and optimize public spending across agrifood. Tulu Kapi Mine Violence: KEFI Gold and Copper said a serious security incident at its Tulu Kapi project in Oromia killed multiple people and led to a suspension of operations pending talks. Watershed Cost Dispute: A senior transboundary water expert said Egypt and Sudan should have shared the costs of Ethiopia’s watershed restoration and afforestation because they benefit from reduced sediment and better flow regulation. Public Health Message: A health official stressed prevention and early action for diseases like dengue, malaria, cholera, TB, hypertension and diabetes. BRICS Diplomacy: As India hosts the BRICS summit in New Delhi (Sept 12-13), leaders including Putin and Xi are expected; Russia also clarified its de-dollarisation stance ahead of talks. Air Connectivity: Ethiopian Airlines will expand Nigeria service to 53 weekly flights, adding four weekly routes to Port Harcourt. Drones & Defense: Analysts say Ethiopia’s growing domestic drone production is expanding its deterrence capacity. Sports: Birhanu Legese and Irine Cheptai headline the Oct 18 Delhi Half Marathon elite field.

WHO Health Data: The WHO Regional Office for Africa launched the Regional Health Data Hub in Addis Ababa to connect fragmented health systems, letting countries track outbreaks, maternal and child health, and emerging priorities with trusted, usable data. Tigray Peace Strains: Tigray rebels accuse AU envoy Olusegun Obasanjo of lacking impartiality as Ethiopia’s federal forces and the TPLF regroup near the border, raising fresh fears of a return to war. TVET Digital Push: Ethiopia is validating revised TVET curricula and digital learning materials with partners, aiming to align training with labour-market needs and the country’s digital transformation. Climate Finance Gap: UN officials in Addis Ababa say Africa needs about $277bn a year for climate commitments but receives only around 11% of what’s required, urging faster implementation and better support. Aviation Deal: The US and Ethiopia are deepening commercial aviation ties, with US DFC backing for the Bishoftu International Airport and plans to boost SME lending around the corridor. Safaricom Ethiopia: Safaricom Ethiopia crossed 15 million subscribers, with data now driving revenue as the operator shifts from rapid expansion to commercial sustainability.

Corporate Reputation & Media Channels: A new Bloomwit Africa report warns that Africa can’t be treated as one market for communications. It says the most important brand conversations now happen in closed apps—WhatsApp in Nigeria, Facebook/Messenger in Egypt, and Telegram in Ethiopia—making them hard to track and raising reputational risk, especially from AI-driven misinformation. BRICS Judicial Cooperation: At the BRICS Chief Justices’ Forum in New Delhi, China’s top judge Zhang Jun stressed judicial cooperation, digital justice, and commercial dispute resolution, while India’s CJI Surya Kant held bilateral talks with multiple judicial leaders. Air Leadership Change (Ethiopia-linked): Air India’s incoming CEO Tewolde Gebremariam—formerly Ethiopian Airlines’ chief—told staff to prioritize safety, fewer disruptions, and operational basics, as the airline pushes a turnaround. Ethiopia’s Development Narrative: PM Abiy said Ethiopia’s “resurgence” has moved from vision to concrete projects, citing GERD, corridor work, Bishoftu Airport, and macro reforms; Education Minister Berhanu Nega said Medemer-era governance is more self-aware and focused on accelerating development. Banking Numbers: CBE reported Birr 60.51bn in non-interest income for 2025/26, alongside FX pressures and higher operating costs, but still posted a record Birr 38.71bn net profit. Private Sector for COP32: The Addis Ababa Chamber plans to lead private sector engagement for COP32 via a new Green Growth Centre, launched Sept. 8 with GIZ support. Religious Institutions & Peace: President Taye Atske Selassie urged religious leaders to use their influence to bridge divides and oppose efforts that spark social tension.

Ethiopia’s Economic Push: Deputy PM Temesgen Tiruneh says Pagume’s “Day of Break Through” reflects real gains from reforms, stronger food production, and a shift from import dependence toward local output. Livestock Exports: Ethiopia’s livestock export earnings hit 128.3 million USD in the 2018 Ethiopian fiscal year, with officials urging higher abattoir capacity use to reach 1 billion USD. Investment Drive: President Taye leads a high-level delegation to Dubai for the 15th AIM Congress, aiming to attract private investment and partnerships. BRICS & Trade Talks: India’s BRICS summit agenda is focused on consolidating the bloc, with no clear consensus on expansion, while US tariff threats are said to be pushing BRICS cohesion. Child Protection Online: UNICEF reports 20 million children across 21 countries have faced technology-facilitated sexual abuse, including Ethiopia in the research. Justice & Press Freedom: Five Amhara journalists remain jailed on terrorism charges tied to war reporting, with a disputed “confession” offer still unresolved. Regional Security Costs: War-risk insurance on Red Sea routes is rising again, raising costs for Ethiopia’s seaborne trade via Djibouti. Consular Community: Ethiopia’s consulate in Bahrain marked Ethiopian New Year with cultural events and consular service updates.