AGP Executive Report

National Dialogue Countdown: Ethiopia’s National Dialogue Conference is set to open July 15 in Addis Ababa, with the ENDC chief saying delegates from regions, woredas, Addis Ababa/Dire Dawa and Ethiopians abroad have arrived to discuss root causes and seek consensus through consultation. Airport Boost for Amhara: Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed inaugurated the modernized Nigus Tekle Haimanot Airport in Debre Markos, restoring air service after nearly 30 years and aiming to spur trade, investment, tourism and faster market access. New Direct Route: Ethiopian Airlines launched its first direct Addis Ababa–Port Louis flight, operating three times weekly, to deepen Ethiopia–Mauritius connectivity and business ties. Electricity Deal: Ethiopia and Kenya signed a new power supply agreement, with Ethiopia selling electricity to Kenya Power at about 24.07 birr per kWh to strengthen border trade and regional energy integration. Gold Deal Cleared: Ethiopia approved Zijin Gold’s $4bn acquisition of Allied Gold, clearing the way for the Kurmuk gold project’s next phase. Export Reality Check: Despite record export earnings, Ethiopia’s foreign exchange remains concentrated in gold and coffee, raising pressure to broaden exports.

Ethiopia–Mauritius Air Links: Ethiopian Airlines launched a new direct Addis Ababa–Port Louis passenger service, starting 12 July 2026 with three flights per week, aiming to boost tourism, trade and people-to-people ties. Regional Power Trade: Ethiopia and Kenya signed an electricity supply deal through EEU and Kenya Power, with Ethiopia selling power to Kenya’s distributor at about 24.07 birr per kWh to strengthen East Africa’s grid connectivity. National Dialogue Push: Delegates preparing for Ethiopia’s National Dialogue Assembly (starting 15 July) say the process offers a rare chance for reconciliation, unity and lasting peace through broad participation. Green Legacy Spotlight: Diplomats praised Ethiopia’s Green Legacy Initiative as a global model for climate action, citing massive tree-planting and wider benefits for agriculture and community resilience. Coffee Fund Plan: Regulators are preparing a Coffee Fund to stabilize growers and exporters against price drops and to support replanting of ageing coffee trees. Migration Relief Abroad: In the US, work permits for TPS holders from Ethiopia were extended for about a week amid ongoing legal uncertainty. Tigray Peace Dispute: Tigray authorities again said the 2022 Pretoria peace agreement has collapsed, accusing the federal government of blocking commitments.

Ethiopian Airlines Regional Connectivity: Ethiopian Airlines launched direct Addis Ababa–Port Louis flights, starting July 12 with three weekly services, aiming to boost tourism, trade and people-to-people ties. National Reconciliation: Ethiopia’s National Dialogue Commission began orientation for participants ahead of the July 15 conference, stressing inclusiveness, participation and consensus-building. Green Legacy Initiative: Diplomats and scientists praised Ethiopia’s Green Legacy Initiative for large-scale restoration and climate resilience, with a new push to plant billions more seedlings in the 2026 rainy season. Regional Power Trade: Ethiopia and Kenya signed an electricity supply deal through EEU and KPLC, setting a tariff of 24.07 birr per kWh to expand cross-border power access. Security Focus: Retired Lt.-Gen. Tukur Yusuf Buratai urged African-led solutions, calling for stronger regional cooperation and indigenous security capabilities. Governance and Oversight: The Ethiopian Human Rights Commission unveiled a new strategic plan, while a federal auditor flagged weaknesses in sports facility management and uncollectible tax arrears. Economy and Investment: Ethiopia reported 4.32 billion USD FDI inflows in 2025/26 and record customs duty revenue, alongside major customs duty exemptions. Tigray Peace Pact Dispute: Tigray authorities again said the 2022 Pretoria peace agreement has collapsed, accusing the federal side of obstacles and violations. Media Rules for Dialogue: Ethiopia’s National Dialogue Commission warned media against sensational reporting and hate speech ahead of the summit.

Ethiopia–Somalia Peacekeeping: Uganda says it will verify and clear compensation for families of soldiers killed in Somalia after delayed arrears raised fresh questions in parliament, with the prime minister citing prior engagement with the AU and partners including meetings in Ethiopia. Ethiopia–US Security Ties: The US reaffirmed enhanced security cooperation with Ethiopia to support regional peace, stressing stronger institutions and information sharing against terrorism, cyber threats, and trafficking. Tigray Tensions: A former House of Federation speaker alleges the banned TPLF is undermining the next Tigriyan generation through institutional mechanisms and forced recruitment, warning it could derail the Pretoria peace process. Ethiopia–Kenya Power Deal: Ethiopia’s EEU and Kenya Power agreed a cross-border electricity purchase at 15.5 cents per kWh plus a monthly demand charge, pushing “Connected East Africa” energy integration. Addis Ababa Hotel Tax: Addis Ababa introduced a 5% municipal tax on hotel and lodging room rates to fund infrastructure and tourism upgrades. Food Safety Dispute: Ethiopia’s agriculture ministry denies issuing permits for Ugandan meat imports and says it is investigating how shipments entered the market. Sports: Zambia’s Copper Princesses say they’re ready for the second-leg U-17 qualifier against Ethiopia in Addis Ababa. Ebola Scare Abroad: Lawyers report US deportees detained in Equatorial Guinea’s hotel were told a suspected Ebola patient was quarantined there.

Climate & Humanitarian Early Action: IGAD’s ICPAC and Action Against Hunger launched a 24-month, $4.5m initiative to protect nearly 250,000 people in Ethiopia, Somalia and Djibouti by linking multi-hazard forecasts to faster, coordinated aid before disasters hit. Tigray Security & Rights: A former House of Federation speaker accused the banned TPLF of undermining Tigrayan youth through institutional mechanisms and warned that militarization and forced recruitment could derail the Pretoria Peace Agreement. US-Ethiopia Security Ties: The US reaffirmed enhanced security cooperation with Ethiopia, stressing technology, intelligence sharing and accountability as key to regional peace. Banking Regulation: Anbesa Bank shareholders are pushing for an urgent meeting with the NBE after the central bank revoked approval tied to board election minutes. Food Safety & Trade: Ethiopia’s agriculture ministry denied issuing permits for Ugandan meat imports and launched an investigation into how shipments entered the country. City Tax Policy: Addis Ababa enacted a 5% municipal tax on hotel and lodging room tariffs to fund urban infrastructure and tourism upgrades. Energy Deal: Kenya Power will buy Ethiopian electricity at 15.5 cents per kWh under a newly finalized cross-border agreement. National Dialogue Support: Religious leaders backed Ethiopia’s national dialogue as the best route to end conflict cycles through tolerance and dispute-resolution traditions.

Regional Security & Justice: Ethiopia’s Federal Police and IGAD signed an MoU to deepen Horn of Africa security cooperation, using the Ethiopian Police University for training, research, and joint programs. Energy Integration: Ethiopia took over the Eastern Africa Power Pool Council chairmanship, pledging faster regional electricity connectivity and cross-border power trade. Forensic Capacity: Ethiopia launched the Dr. Workneh Gebeyehu Scholarship Programme in Forensic Science to train students from IGAD member states and strengthen criminal investigations. Investment & Exports: Ethiopia reported $4.32bn in FDI for 2025/26 and highlighted export gains from Special Economic Zones, while officials also promoted the Canton Fair in Addis to boost China-bound trade. Economy & Debt Pressure: A UN report warns many developing countries spend more repaying foreign debt than on education, with sub-Saharan Africa hit hardest. Fuel Costs: A July 2026 fuel-price ranking lists Ethiopia among the cheapest in Africa, alongside Libya, Angola and Algeria. Health Threat: Africa CDC said Ebola deaths in DRC and Uganda have surpassed 600, urging sustained response and funding.

Eastern Africa Power Pool: Ethiopia has taken over the EAPP Council of Ministers chairmanship, pledging to speed up regional electricity integration and cross-border power trade in Addis Ababa. Regional Security Cooperation: The Ethiopian Federal Police and IGAD signed an MoU to deepen Horn of Africa security ties, with training and research led through the Ethiopian Police University. UN Human Rights Council Role: Ethiopia wrapped up a prominent run at the 62nd UN Human Rights Council session in Geneva, chairing meetings and taking part in dozens of dialogues. Forensic Training for Africa: Ethiopia announced a new forensic science scholarship programme for IGAD member states, hosted at the Ethiopian Police University in Sandafa. Plant Health Expansion: Ethiopia helped launch the third phase of the Africa Phytosanitary Programme, expanding digital pest surveillance training to 38 countries. Diplomatic Climate Push: AU and ACBF trained 80+ ambassadors and diplomats in carbon market negotiations to help Africa secure a bigger share of Paris Agreement-linked climate finance.

Tigray Conflict Watch: Ethiopia’s PM Abiy Ahmed told parliament that Tigray forces linked to the TPLF are preparing for renewed conflict through intensified forced conscription, while the federal government says it remains committed to peace and restraint. Capital Markets: The Ethiopian Securities Exchange inducted Prime Capital Investment Bank as its 8th trading member, expanding access for investors. Islamic Banking Boost: Hijra Bank credited the National Bank of Ethiopia’s removal of a lending cap for a 2025/26 performance surge, with growth across key indicators. Banking & Investment: Gadaa Bank launched a public offering of 1 million ordinary shares at 1,050 birr, with subscriptions running until Sept. 27, aiming to fund digital expansion. Digital Payments: EthSwitch is exploring deeper cooperation with Huawei on AI, payment infrastructure, and cross-border connectivity, as Ethiopia’s interoperable transactions keep rising. FDI & Reforms: Ambassadors praised Ethiopia’s macroeconomic reforms and digital push for improving the investment climate and boosting foreign direct investment. Gold Deal Momentum: Zijin’s C$5.5bn bid for Allied Gold is nearing completion, with Kurmuk in western Ethiopia positioned as the country’s first large-scale industrial gold mine.

Macroeconomic & Digital Push: Ethiopia’s ambassadors say the country’s macroeconomic reforms and fast digital transformation are improving the investment climate and boosting foreign direct investment, with Israel pointing to growing trade in coffee, teff, sesame and other farm goods. National Dialogue Mobilization: Thousands of participants are arriving in Addis Ababa ahead of the main National Dialogue forum opening July 15, with about 4,000 deliberators from regions and the diaspora set to discuss eight agenda items over three to four weeks. BRICS Diplomacy & Anti-Drug Work: Russia’s Lavrov met Ethiopia’s leaders and AU officials to deepen strategic cooperation, while Ethiopia also presented its national drug control strategy at BRICS anti-drug talks in Guwahati, stressing a balanced approach of enforcement plus public health. Plant Health for Trade: Ethiopia reaffirmed commitment to Africa’s phytosanitary systems, linking stronger plant health to food security, productivity and safer trade under the African Phytosanitary Programme. Forex Market Watch: Reports describe a “managed crawl” in Ethiopia’s forex market, with apparent stability masking ongoing dollar scarcity. Tigray Youth Conscription: A forum in Addis calls for an end to forced conscription in Tigray, warning renewed conflict would worsen humanitarian suffering.

Ethiopia-Russia Diplomacy: Russian FM Sergey Lavrov arrived in Addis Ababa for talks with PM Abiy Ahmed and Ethiopia’s foreign minister, reaffirming long-standing partnership and exploring new cooperation, including a reported large-scale nuclear power plant plan. Ethiopia Economy: Ethiopia posted record export earnings of about $10.7bn in 2025/26, driven by gold, coffee, oilseeds and cut flowers, alongside electricity exports and manufacturing gains—contrasting with Somalia’s funding squeeze after US security cuts. Jobs and Governance: Abiy told parliament Ethiopia created over 5.5 million jobs in 2025/26, citing agriculture as the biggest employer and new digitization efforts for youth. Health and Development: Orbis International says a low-cost smartphone app and small “micro-investment” helped 11 Ethiopian hospitals nearly double cataract surgery success, lifting good-vision outcomes from 32.2% to 56.0%. Regional Security/Policy: BRICS anti-drug agencies adopted the Guwahati Declaration, backing faster information sharing and tech-enabled enforcement against synthetic drugs and precursor diversion.

PM Abiy–Russia Talks: Ethiopia’s Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed met Russian FM Sergey Lavrov in Addis Ababa, reaffirming long-running ties and discussing deeper cooperation on trade, investment, technology transfer, and coordination within BRICS. Exports Surge: Abiy told lawmakers Ethiopia earned a record $11bn in export revenue in 2025/26, with gold bringing in $5.5bn and coffee also hitting major milestones. Jobs Report: Abiy said Ethiopia created 5.5 million jobs in 2025/26, including 4.9 million domestic posts and 600,000 overseas opportunities, with agriculture leading employment. Healthcare Push: Abiy highlighted a jump in domestic pharmaceutical manufacturing capacity to 44% and announced major spending on medicine procurement and medical equipment, alongside new hospital openings. Tigray Security & Youth Conscription: A PM advisor condemned forced conscription of youth by TPLF extremists as inhumane, urging unity to protect peace and development in Tigray. BRICS Anti-Drug Move: BRICS adopted the Guwahati Declaration, pledging real-time intelligence sharing and coordinated action against synthetic drugs and transnational organized crime. El Niño Warning: UN agencies appealed for $200m+ to protect 8.8 million people across high-risk African countries including Ethiopia as El Niño conditions are forecast to intensify.

Parliament & Democracy: Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed told MPs Ethiopia’s recent election showed voters’ “public resolve” and that attempts to suppress turnout failed, as he presented the federal performance report and faced questions on security, reforms, governance and development. MPs’ Priority Questions: Lawmakers pressed Abiy on peace and security, economic growth, fuel distribution, housing, healthcare, clean water, energy access, mega-project delivery and national dialogue, with a major focus on Ethiopia’s push for equitable and reliable sea access. Human Rights in Tigray: Human Rights Watch says Tigray authorities have been abducting and forcibly recruiting civilians, including children as young as 15, amid fears of renewed conflict; officials deny forced recruitment. Aviation Safety: Ethiopia’s transport minister said preliminary flight-recorder data from Ethiopian Airlines Flight 302 shows “clear similarities” with a prior Boeing 737 MAX 8 crash in Indonesia, as investigations continue. Diplomacy: Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov arrived in Addis Ababa for talks with Ethiopian officials, highlighting expanding Russia-Ethiopia cooperation. Regional Spotlight: Ethiopia’s embassy in India said BRICS anti-drug talks in Guwahati will focus on synthetic drugs, intelligence sharing and capacity building. Coffee Trade: Ethiopia’s coffee regulator says EU deforestation rules won’t threaten exports, citing shade-grown production and a traceability system using QR-coded plot IDs.

Ethiopia–Korea Development Drive: Ethiopia and Korea Exim Bank reaffirmed a long-running partnership, convening in Addis Ababa to speed up EDCF-financed projects and clear implementation bottlenecks across energy, transport, irrigation, health and education. COP32 Prep Talks: Foreign Minister Gedion Timothewos, as COP32 president-designate, met COP30 president-designate Ambassador André Aranha Corrêa do Lago to trade lessons on logistics, stakeholder engagement and conference management. Health Education Focus: Deputy PM Temesgen Tiruneh urged Africa-led solutions for health system resilience, stressing stronger medical education, research and partnerships between universities, hospitals and industry. Federal Unity and Development: The House of Federation reported fiscal-year progress on national unity, intergovernmental relations and more balanced regional development. Coffee Export Surge: Ethiopia hit a record $3bn in coffee export earnings in 2025/26, with officials citing coordinated value-chain efforts. Digital Payments Growth: EthSwitch posted ETB 2.6bn gross profit before tax as interoperable digital payments expand, with EthioPay Instant Payment System migration boosting real-time transfers. Tigray Rights Alarm: HRW accused Tigray authorities of forcibly recruiting civilians, including children, amid rising tensions with the federal government. Climate Risk Alert: FAO and WFP appealed for $200m+ to protect 8.8m people in high-risk countries, including Ethiopia, from the return of El Niño.

Tigray Forced Recruitment: Human Rights Watch says Tigray authorities have abducted and unlawfully recruited civilians, including children as young as 15, since at least April 2026, creating fear across the region. Health & Care: Heart Attack Ethiopia launched its fifth free cardiac surgery mission at MCM Hospital (Korea Hospital), aiming to treat up to 200 patients and train Ethiopian doctors for longer-term cardiovascular care. Tourism Push: Ethiopia’s tourism drive is highlighted as a key engine for economic transformation, with Prime Minister Abiy urging better promotion and destination development. Coffee Milestone: Ethiopia’s coffee export earnings hit a record $3 billion, reinforcing the sector’s role in national growth. Shipping Expansion: Ethiopian Shipping and Logistics sent a technical delegation to China to negotiate suppliers for a fleet expansion plan after government approval. Business Skills: Blue Ocean and WoubGet signed a partnership to expand professional training and logistics certifications across Ethiopia and East Africa. BRICS Anti-Drug Talks: India hosts BRICS anti-drug agency meetings in Guwahati, focusing on synthetic drugs, intelligence sharing, and capacity building. BRICS Women Track: India also prepares BRICS women’s empowerment discussions in Kochi on July 6–7. Culture & AI: Ethiopian stakeholders discussed “AI and the Arts,” weighing opportunities against risks to authenticity and intellectual property. Sports Note: Faith Kipyegon suffered a rare Prefontaine Classic Mile defeat but said she’s happy with her healthy run.

Heart Care in Addis Ababa: Heart Attack Ethiopia launched its fifth round of free cardiac surgery missions at MCM Hospital (Korea Hospital), aiming to perform up to 200 advanced procedures and train Ethiopian doctors and nurses for a more permanent 24/7 cardiovascular care system. Tourism Push: Ethiopia’s tourism is being positioned as a new engine of economic transformation, with Prime Minister Abiy calling for stronger promotion and destination development. Coffee Milestone: Ethiopia also closed the week with record coffee export earnings, reaching about $3 billion. Development Finance: Ethiopia’s move to join the New Development Bank is framed as a major step toward unlocking new, long-term development financing. Agriculture on the Ground: The Agricultural Transformation Institute says soil and groundwater mapping, cluster farming, mechanization, and input service centers are driving visible improvements for farmers. Logistics Skills: Blue Ocean and WoubGet signed a partnership to expand professional training and supply-chain certification across Ethiopia. National Resurgence: Deputy PM Temesgen Tiruneh said Ethiopia is entering a “national resurgence” phase to break the poverty cycle through major projects and private-sector collaboration.

Coffee Boom: Ethiopia earned a record $3 billion from annual coffee exports in the 2025/26 fiscal year, with higher prices for specialty coffee and reforms cracking down on illegal trade and boosting destinations. Clean Ethiopia Push: Deputy PM Temesgen Tiruneh launched the third national “Clean Ethiopia for the Next Generations” campaign, linking plastic waste, pollution and noise control to public health, tourism and investment, and tying it to the Green Legacy Initiative and riverbank rehabilitation. Green Legacy Backing: Ethiopia’s Catholic Church pledged full support for the Green Legacy Initiative, saying tree planting is both a moral duty and part of its long-running work in schools, health facilities and parishes. Digital Oversight: The Ethiopian Construction Authority moved to full rollout of a digital system to monitor and supervise construction projects, aiming to improve quality, speed and compliance under Digital 2030. Security Reforms: ENDF Chief of Staff Field Marshal Birhanu Jula said reforms and modernization are strengthening readiness as regional security challenges worsen, including Ethiopia’s maritime access concerns. Sports (U-17 Qualifiers): Zambia edged Ethiopia’s U-17 women’s opponents in the first leg (2-1), with the second leg set in Ethiopia next weekend.