AGP Executive Report

Health Diplomacy: Thailand’s Deputy PM and Foreign Minister Sihasak Phuangketkeow arrived in Addis Ababa for talks aimed at deepening Ethiopia–Thailand political, diplomatic, and economic cooperation. Maternal Health Push: Experts in Nigeria urged earlier antenatal care to cut maternal and neonatal deaths, highlighting late clinic presentation as a key driver. Public Health & Environment: A study on Addis Ababa’s Repi open dumpsite warns of urgent water and river contamination risks, ranking hazards for action and spotlighting dangers to informal waste pickers. Urban Waste Risk Mapping: Researchers used fuzzy risk ranking and barrier-focused modeling to prioritize 28 critical risks at Ethiopia’s largest dumpsite. UN Peace Efforts: UN chief António Guterres backed Olusegun Obasanjo’s renewed peace initiative for Ethiopia, urging restraint amid rising northern tensions. Infrastructure & Regional Trade: South Sudan’s VP Taban Deng admitted severe road and energy gaps and backed corridor road development with investor-backed PPP plans. Business & Connectivity: Safaricom Ethiopia opened its first Premium Shop in Mekanisa, bundling mobile, broadband, devices, and enterprise services. Sports: Ethiopia-linked athletics coverage included major road-racing and marathon updates across the region.

Tigray Conflict: Ethiopia’s federal forces and the TPLF have entered a first sustained phase of military confrontation since 2022, with drone strikes and fighting reported around Mekele and along the Ethiopia–Sudan border. Water Diplomacy: Former Ethiopian Water Minister Shiferaw Jarso urged Addis Ababa to press Egypt for compensation over Abay (Nile) water use, arguing Ethiopia’s hydropower dams don’t add net water consumption. Health Leadership: Ethiopia’s Health Minister Mekdes Daba elected chair of the WHO Regional Committee for Africa, with Niger and Zimbabwe named vice-chairs, as the meeting runs in Addis Ababa. Digital Finance Oversight: Safaricom Ethiopia’s Global Partnership for Ethiopia (GPE) board adds Berhane Demissie, signaling deeper local governance for the telecom and financial inclusion expansion. Humanitarian Support: WFP welcomed a Korea rice donation worth $2.9m to help 100,000 refugees and host communities in Ethiopia. Public Health Alert: Germany’s Frankfurt airport malaria scare continues after two deaths, prompting mosquito monitoring and workplace awareness. Sports: Ethiopian Yomif Kejelcha’s half-marathon record and Tigst Assefa’s Berlin presence sit in the spotlight as marathon world record holder Sabastian Sawe withdraws from Berlin due to injury.

Ethiopia–France Health Talks: State Minister of Health Frehiwot Abebe met France’s global health envoy Anne-Claire Amprou to deepen a strategic healthcare partnership, with a focus on scaling HIV/AIDS, malaria and TB efforts, expanding rapid diagnostics, and boosting maternal care, while also seeking French support for local manufacturing of medicines, medical equipment and oxygen. Ethiopia–South Korea Cooperation: Ethiopia and South Korea discussed expanding green logistics and smart mobility, including progress on an Ethiopost green logistics transition project, with South Korean researchers pitching further investment and technology support. Nile Water Diplomacy: A professor and former GERD negotiator, Yacob Arsano, said Egypt’s Abay/Nile stance violates AU principles, arguing Ethiopia’s position centers consultation, cooperation and equitable use. Regional Security Flashpoint: Sudan’s army said it shot down a “strategic” drone near the Ethiopian border in Blue Nile state, underscoring cross-border tensions amid the ongoing war. AU Finance Move: The African Peer Review Mechanism says an African credit ratings agency will launch in Mauritius on October 5 to cut borrowing costs and reduce reliance on Western ratings. Sports: Ethiopian runner Yomif Kejelcha’s half-marathon world record run in 56:51 was highlighted as the wider distance-racing spotlight grows.

Health Policy in Addis Ababa: WHO African health ministers are reviewing four draft resolutions at the 76th Regional Committee session, including a 2026–2035 plan to tackle Africa’s looming health workforce shortages, plus proposals on early childhood development and future health financing. Ethiopia–UK Partnership: Ethiopia’s foreign affairs state minister met the UK minister of state for international development to explore deeper cooperation on trade, investment, migration, regional peace and security, climate action and multilateral issues. Tigray Peace Under Pressure: A coalition of 25 international partners backed AU-led mediation in northern Ethiopia, urging parties to implement the Pretoria peace framework and warning that renewed fighting would be disastrous. Pharma Supply Chain Upgrade: Ethiopia’s Pharmaceutical Supply Service won a Gold Award for modernizing procurement and distribution through digital tools, better inventory control and faster processes. Sea Access, Economic Cost: An Ethiopian lawmaker said sea access is a legal and economic necessity, citing heavy losses from relying on a single port for most imports and exports. Foreign Exchange Auctions: Ethiopia’s FX auctions saw bank participation fall sharply late August, with the Aug. 26 session drawing only five banks.

AFCON 2028 Bid: Ethiopia has officially submitted its bid to host the 2028 Africa Cup of Nations after a 52-year wait, with Addis Ababa positioned as a continental hub—though security concerns and regional tensions remain in the background. Health & Funding: WHO chief Tedros warned that Africa loses about USD 90 billion yearly to illicit financial flows, arguing the drain dwarfs aid and weakens health financing. Ebola Response: WHO is urging a six-month humanitarian truce in the DRC to reach isolated communities and break Ebola transmission, saying tools exist but access is the main barrier. Nile & Water Rights: Ethiopia renewed its push on Nile water rights and rejected Egypt’s “distorted” campaign over the GERD, as regional debate over development continues. Economy & Jobs: A new index shows Ethiopia among the leading remote-work markets on LinkedIn, while the IMF urged major African economies—including Ethiopia—to deepen fiscal, monetary, and governance reforms. Security: Misleading old footage about captured Ethiopian soldiers in Tigray is circulating online, complicating public understanding of renewed clashes.

Roads & Trade: South Sudan’s Juba–Nimule corridor is being battered by overloaded trucks from East Africa, with officials citing vehicles carrying 60–70 tonnes after cargo consolidation at Nimule and saying a weighbridge will be used when reconstruction starts. Nile Water Rights: Ethiopia’s water-rights stance is firm: scholars say Ethiopia does not need Egypt’s permission to develop its Abay (Nile) resources, while stressing cooperation remains possible. Health Sovereignty: WHO and AU leaders meeting in Addis Ababa pushed for African-led health sovereignty, including cutting dependence on external financing and strengthening regional capacity. Water Delivery: Gondar’s Megech Dam is highlighted as a Medemer-era delivery example after years of delays, with officials pointing to faster execution and renewed momentum. AFCON 2028 Bid: Ethiopia formally submitted its bid to host AFCON 2028, aiming to end a 50+ year gap, though venue and security challenges remain. Healthcare Hub Plan: Ethiopia says it wants Addis Ababa to become an African healthcare hub, including specialised care, medical tourism, and more local production of medicines and equipment. Regional Security: South Sudan vowed a joint probe after an attack on a UN patrol convoy killed two Ethiopian peacekeepers. Climate & Hunger: El Niño is expected to worsen Sudan’s hunger crisis by drying Nile-linked rainfall, hitting already war-stressed communities.

AFCON 2028 Bid: Ethiopia has formally submitted its bid to host the 2028 Africa Cup of Nations, aiming to bring the tournament back to the country for the first time in over 50 years, with the federation saying it is ready to meet CAF requirements. UN Peacekeeping Tragedy: The UN condemned an ambush in South Sudan’s Jonglei state that killed two Ethiopian peacekeepers and injured seven others, calling for a prompt investigation and accountability. Health Sector Push: Ethiopia says its local medicines and health products’ domestic market share has jumped from 8% to 44%, as the country highlights progress at the WHO Regional Committee for Africa meeting in Addis Ababa. WHO Regional Meeting in Addis Ababa: RC76 kicked off with ministers and delegates discussing regional health priorities, universal health coverage, and emergency preparedness. BRICS Climate Support: BRICS environment ministers backed Ethiopia’s COP32 presidency, praising initiatives like the Green Legacy and forest restoration. Sudan Dialogue Rebuff: Sudanese opposition forces and civil society in Addis Ababa rejected Burhan’s national dialogue plan, saying peace is impossible while fighting continues.

UN Peacekeeping Tragedy: The UN strongly condemned an ambush in South Sudan’s Jonglei State that killed two Ethiopian peacekeepers and injured seven others, saying the patrol was likely intentionally targeted and warning such attacks may amount to war crimes. Digital Ethiopia: Ethiopia’s national digital ID drive (Fayda) is accelerating, with 49.1 million enrollments reported and 150 agencies integrated, as the government links the system to faster banking and mobile money growth. Health & Research: WHO’s Ethiopia representative praised PM Abiy’s push for AI and digital health, while AKUH warned Africa still contributes under 4% to clinical trials despite carrying a large share of the disease burden. Agriculture Lessons: AU officials say Ethiopia’s smallholder-focused food system transformation offers a model for other African countries, stressing the whole food chain, not just production. Sports Spotlight: Ethiopian runner Yomif Kejelcha reclaimed the men’s half-marathon world record in Buenos Aires with 56:51. BRICS Youth Funding: Ethiopia urged BRICS members to back youth enterprises with dedicated financing and invest more in digital and green technologies. Mawlid Message: PM Abiy extended Mawlid congratulations, urging unity and perseverance drawn from the Prophet Muhammad’s life.

World Athletics: Ethiopia’s Yomif Kejelcha reclaimed the men’s half-marathon world record in Buenos Aires, smashing the mark with 56:51 on Aug. 23, while Fotyen Tesfay won the women’s race. Regional Health: East Africa’s health leaders met in Addis Ababa to push stronger regional health systems, more local medicine production, and deeper international cooperation to better handle future outbreaks. Diplomacy: Belarus’s first deputy foreign minister met Ethiopia’s ambassador in Minsk to review bilateral ties and coordinate in multilateral forums including the UN and BRICS, with attention on Horn of Africa stability. Diaspora & Culture: Ethiopia marked an “Ethiopian Day” in Istanbul, highlighting culture, community solidarity, and major Ethiopian projects like GERD and Bishoftu airport. Agriculture & Costs: Farmers in Ethiopia are adopting solar irrigation to cut fuel costs and protect yields amid drought and erratic weather. Sports & Tourism: Ethiopia’s name also appears in international scouting and education news, including a new Lingnan University intake that includes first-time Ethiopian freshmen.

Ethiopia’s National Dialogue: Ethiopia’s 40-day National Dialogue Conference has wrapped up with nearly 4,000 participants and about 400 recommendations, with speakers saying the process laid groundwork for nation-building through dialogue. Nile/Abay Stance: Ethiopia also used the moment to reaffirm its sovereign right to develop the Abay (Nile), pushing back on criticism over additional dams while stressing cooperation with Nile Basin partners. BRICS Tourism Push: Ethiopia called for stronger BRICS cooperation in tourism at the Jaipur meeting, proposing a BRICS Travel Mart and a Tourism Centre of Excellence, and pitching Addis Ababa as a MICE hub. Health Sovereignty: Ethiopia’s health minister urged African unity and preventive action during WHO RC76 in Addis Ababa, framing collective effort as the basis for health sovereignty. Sports: Ethiopian distance runner Yomif Kejelcha set a new half-marathon world record in Buenos Aires, clocking 56:51, while Ethiopia also featured in Diamond League action. Security Flash: Sudan’s defence ministry says it shot down a “hostile” drone over Blue Nile near Kurmuk, alleging it came from Ethiopian territory. Global Policy Shock: A court move in the US lifted a Trump-era visa freeze for Nigerians and other nationalities, but TPS protections are ending for 13 groups including Ethiopia, raising deportation risks.

Tigray Tensions: Ethiopia’s security situation is again under strain as reports point to drone strikes in Mekelle and growing fears of renewed war after months of troop massing along the border. National Dialogue: Former Kenyan President Uhuru Kenyatta praised Ethiopia’s national dialogue as it concluded, urging Ethiopians to treat diversity as a strength and heritage as a unifying force. Health in Focus: The WHO’s 76th Regional Committee for Africa opened in Addis Ababa with a “Walk the Talk” health walk promoting physical activity and prevention of non-communicable diseases. MSF in Oromia: Médecins Sans Frontières launched primary and secondary health support in East and West Wollega to restore access in hard-to-reach areas. Trade & FX: Ethiopia moved to narrow its trade deficit with China via export-promotion deals, while the foreign-exchange auction system continues to show heavy demand versus limited dollar supply. Finance Watch: Prosecutors filed charges over alleged Amhara Bank credit-control violations tied to import-related transactions. Coffee Market: Coffee prices edged higher on supply pressures, offering a short-term opening for Ethiopian exporters.

Ethiopian National Dialogue: Ethiopia’s National Dialogue Conference wrapped after 40 days, with the ENDC saying detailed recommendation documents are ready for full implementation, as President Taye Atske-Selassie and AU envoy Obasanjo hailed dialogue as a path to lasting peace and unity. Aviation & trade links: Ethiopian Airlines announced expanded service to DR Congo—daily midday flights to Kinshasa from Dec. 1, 2026—bringing Kinshasa to 21 weekly flights, plus links to Lubumbashi and Goma. Nile dispute: An Ethiopian GERD official rejected claims that the U.S. funded the dam, while Egypt renewed warnings against new Nile dams, keeping the Abay/GERD tensions in focus. US immigration fallout for Ethiopians: A US judge struck down Trump’s blanket 75-country immigrant visa freeze, but court actions also cleared the way for DHS to end TPS protections for Ethiopians and other nationals, with deportations moving forward. Regional health economy: East African policymakers met in Addis Ababa calling for stronger local medical manufacturing and cross-border integration to build a resilient regional health economy. Tigray security: Ethiopia cancelled the Virgin Mary/Ashenda festival in Tigray due to drone-attack fears.

Nile Dam Diplomacy: Ethiopia rejected Egypt’s “distorted” campaign over the GERD, saying its Nile use is grounded in sovereign development rights and shared regional benefits. National Dialogue: Ethiopia’s month-long National Dialogue Conference wrapped after 40 days, delivering about 400 recommendations on governance, Addis Ababa/Dire Dawa status, reconciliation, rule of law, socio-economics, corruption, and peacebuilding—though Oromia raised objections over the Addis Ababa question, sending it back for review. STEM and Aviation Skills: Ethiopian Airlines and Boeing concluded the 4th STEM School Program, training Grade 11 students at Ethiopian Aviation University in coding, robotics, AI, and autonomous systems, with exposure to airline operations. Climate Pressure on Food: Reports warn El Niño could deepen rainfall deficits in parts of Ethiopia while increasing flood risk later in the year, threatening agriculture and food security. Health Policy: Ethiopia’s Health Ministry tightened overseas medical referral rules, requiring patients to show bank deposits (with higher proof for transplants) before travel. Finance Oversight: Ethiopia’s NBE rejected Global Bank’s nominee for acting president amid a liquidity and irregularities probe. Energy Investment Talk: Dangote offered East African countries a combined 30% equity stake in a planned Kenya refinery, with Kenya, Ethiopia and Rwanda showing interest.

AU Diplomacy: AU Commissioner Bankole Adeoye met the Sahrawi Republic’s Permanent Representative in Addis Ababa, discussing ways to strengthen AU-led peace, stability and coordination across Africa. Sudan Frontline: Fighting in Sudan’s Blue Nile is intensifying, with reports of thousands displaced after cross-border attacks linked to Ethiopia’s border region. Nile Basin Talks: Ethiopia says Egypt and Sudan’s resistance is slowing the Nile River Basin Commission’s full operation under the Cooperative Framework Agreement. Ethiopian Airlines Expansion: Ethiopian Airlines will add daily midday flights to Kinshasa from Dec. 1, 2026, boosting its DRC network. Regional Investment: Aliko Dangote’s planned Lamu refinery could bring East African equity stakes—Kenya 10%, with Ethiopia and Rwanda also signaling interest. Health & Economy: Ethiopia is pushing Addis Ababa as a hub for specialized healthcare and regional health investment, urging local production and stronger cooperation. US Immigration Impact: A US court cleared the way to end deportation protections for about 5,000 Ethiopians under Temporary Protected Status. Tigray Culture: Ethiopia’s Ashenda festival in Mekelle was cancelled amid drone-attack fears.

Tigray Security Update: A drone strike hit Mekelle, injuring at least 13 people, including five children, as fears grow of renewed conflict between federal and Tigrayan forces. US-Ethiopia Defense Ties: Ethiopia and the United States agreed to establish comprehensive strategic cooperation in defense and security after Pentagon talks, aiming to strengthen coordination for peace and stability in the Horn of Africa. Nile Waters Tension: Egypt warned Ethiopia against building new Nile dams, saying Cairo will defend its water security, as the dispute over GERD and additional projects continues to escalate. BRICS Youth & Sports: Ethiopia is set to participate in a BRICS Sports and Youth Ministers meeting in Visakhapatnam, where ministers will discuss youth empowerment and sports manufacturing, with joint declarations expected. Digital Payments Push: M-Pesa Ethiopia launched a 90-day campaign to boost merchant digital payments, offering prizes to accelerate adoption of cashless commerce. Trade & Exports: China launched an “Export to China” Ethiopia session in Addis Ababa, with 33 cooperation deals worth over $330 million signed between Ethiopian and Chinese firms. Health Research: A new study reports increasing drug- and diagnostic-resistance mutations in Ethiopia as malaria cases surge. Business & Investment: Ethiopian and Chinese companies signed deals worth $330 million during a trade promotion event, highlighting growing economic links.

Nile Water Showdown: Ethiopia’s Water Minister Habtamu Itefa says Addis Ababa “does not need permission” to develop Nile resources and rejects any joint management that would give others control, as Egypt renews opposition to new Ethiopian dams and the GERD dispute reshapes regional diplomacy. Sudan Displacement Update: UN-linked reporting says nearly 14,000 people have been displaced in Sudan’s Blue Nile state amid worsening security, including from Qaisan and Kurmuk localities near the Ethiopian border. Sudan Conflict Spillover: An Africa File report claims RSF gains in southeastern Sudan may be supported by operations launched from Ethiopian territory, adding pressure on SAF along Nile corridors. Ethiopia’s Exports Push: Ethiopia is working to turn growing banana production into major exports by improving quality, productivity, and access to international markets beyond Djibouti and Somalia. Humanitarian Leadership: UN Resident Coordinator Ozonnia Ojielo praised Ethiopia’s shift toward refugee inclusion through the Makatet Roadmap, linking humanitarian action with education, health, legal documentation, and labor access. Coffee Sector Upgrade: Ethiopia’s coffee traceability system is being handed over for EU deforestation-rule compliance, aiming to track beans from farm to export gate. Education Feedback Tool: A tracer study at Debre Berhan University finds 62.1% employment within two years, with employers praising knowledge but flagging gaps in creativity and project management.