AGP Executive Report

BRICS Diplomacy: India’s Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal says New Delhi does not support any BRICS common currency plan, after BRICS trade talks in Jaipur focused on market access and MSME financing. Health & WASH: A global health expert tells ENA that Ethiopia’s outbreak preparedness and WASH expansion—led by EPHI and growing regional capacity—could help shape disease control strategies across Africa and Asia. Finance & Governance: The AfDB warns Ethiopia’s EIH cannot replace a true sovereign wealth fund, citing debt distress and weak external buffers, while DBE reforms under EIH introduce tighter privacy, fraud monitoring, and anti-money laundering rules. Security Flashpoint: Reports say clashes near Shererina in northern Ethiopia during the national dialogue have sent civilians fleeing into Sudan, raising fears of a wider northern front. Environment & Jobs: Ethiopia’s Green Legacy push highlights the scale of mass tree planting, while a separate focus calls for more practice-ready accounting technicians to support reforms. Regional Health Capacity: UK’s new Ethiopia development director discusses priorities amid climate pressure and shifting donor focus.

Independent Media Under Pressure: Ethiopia’s Addis Standard says its editor was detained and assaulted, while security forces raided the newsroom, seized equipment, and issued an eviction notice—prompting international watchdog calls to halt harassment and return seized property. Hydropower & Water Strategy: Policy experts urge Ethiopia to build more mega-dams on the Abay (Blue Nile) after GERD’s inauguration, saying the project has shifted the Nile narrative toward equitable use. Mining Revenue Boost: Ethiopia recorded a record $5.7bn from mineral exports in FY 2025/26, led by gold, with plans to push mining export earnings higher next year. Electricity Utility Performance: Ethiopian Electric Utility (EEU) reported revenue of 118.91bn birr, surpassing its target, alongside major customer growth and continued grid expansion. National Dialogue: Ethiopia’s national dialogue is underway with thousands of participants discussing eight agenda items, aiming to build consensus for a better future. BRICS Education Cooperation: India’s BRICS education ministers meeting in Bhubaneswar adopted a declaration focused on resilience, skills, research, and people-centric cooperation, with Ethiopia among participants.

Digital Transformation: Ethiopia says it is ready to share its digital transformation experience with Benin, citing progress under “Digital Ethiopia 2025” and “Digital Ethiopia 2030,” and plans for a formal knowledge-sharing agreement. Mining & Exports: Ethiopia reports mining export earnings of over $5.7 billion in foreign currency in the 2018 fiscal year, driven mainly by gold (44 tons) and backed by jobs, investment, and new natural gas extraction. BRICS Education: India chairs the 13th BRICS Education Ministers’ Meeting in Bhubaneswar, with Ethiopia among participants, focusing on early childhood education, skills, research and innovation, and mutual recognition of qualifications. Climate Innovation: A conference in Addis Ababa connects African youth climate innovators with investors, highlighting climate-smart tech, digital market links, and youth-led businesses. Food Security Risk: Analysts warn fertiliser disruptions tied to global shipping bottlenecks could hit Ethiopia and other import-dependent countries, raising prices and reducing yields. Media Freedom: Ethiopia’s authorities detained and raided the Addis Standard, continuing a broader crackdown on independent media. Aviation Leadership: Air India appoints former Ethiopian Airlines Group chief Tewolde Gebremariam as CEO and managing director, as the airline moves into an expansion phase.

Tigray Security: Fighting between the Ethiopian National Defence Force and the TPLF has intensified again in northern Tigray, raising fears of miscalculation and wider escalation involving Eritrea and Sudan. Anti-Corruption Crackdown: Ethiopia says it has arrested 91 suspects, including a deputy customs commissioner, over alleged organized economic crimes tied to tax manipulation, forged receipts, and deleted records—aimed at protecting the country’s macroeconomic reform. Ethiopia Red Cross Financing: The Ethiopian Red Cross Society urged stronger local fundraising to cut dependence on foreign donors, targeting about 80% of resources from domestic sources by its centenary. Central Bank Social Drive: The National Bank of Ethiopia backed housing for internally displaced families, education support, and tree planting in Amhara’s Awi Zone. Ethiopia Education Policy: A new ETA interpretation limiting higher education to two semesters a year is drawing criticism for restricting institutional autonomy, especially for private colleges. Ethiopia Food Security Angle: An AU agriculture leader urged African countries to boost inter-African trade and partnerships to reach food self-sufficiency.

Air India Leadership: Ethiopia’s aviation veteran Tewolde Gebremariam has been appointed CEO and Managing Director of Air India, replacing Campbell Wilson, as the Tata-owned carrier moves from stabilization into faster execution and global expansion—amid heightened scrutiny after past safety incidents. Digital Sovereignty: Ethiopia officially turned its National ID Program into a state-owned enterprise, Faydaverse, integrating it into the Ethiopian Investment Holdings portfolio to scale the Fayda Digital ID ecosystem and biometric eKYC services. Nile Politics: A fresh commentary argues Egypt is using diplomatic pressure and regional leverage to block Ethiopia’s Nile agenda, including the Nile Basin Cooperative Framework. Opposition Crackdown: Ethiopia arrested two opposition members and a lawyer over alleged “terror acts,” with defense lawyers calling the claims baseless. Regional Security/Trade: Cambodia graduated mine-detection dog experts from Ukraine, Ethiopia, and Jordan, boosting humanitarian demining capacity. Sports: At the World Athletics U20 Championships in Eugene, Kenya dominated the men’s 5,000m while Ethiopia won bronze; Uganda took women’s 5,000m gold with Ethiopia and Kenya also on the podium.

Airline Leadership: Air India has appointed former Ethiopian Airlines Group CEO Tewolde Gebremariam as its new CEO and Managing Director, replacing Campbell Wilson as the Tata-owned carrier pushes its next growth and transformation phase. Regional Security: Fresh fears of renewed conflict in Ethiopia’s Tigray grow as clashes between federal forces and TPLF-linked fighters reportedly drive hundreds of people to flee into Sudan. Nile Politics: Ethiopia’s public diplomacy officials say Egypt is intensifying a media campaign over GERD to deflect domestic pressures, framing the dam dispute as a political tool rather than water management. Digital Ethiopia: Benin’s digital transformation minister calls Ethiopia’s MESOB and National ID services a “textbook case,” saying Ethiopia’s digital strategy offers lessons for wider African adoption. Health: WHO chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus returns to the DRC amid a fast-spreading Ebola outbreak, urging a major scale-up of response efforts. Climate Tech: China’s AI-driven MAZU platform is boosting weather forecasting capacity in African countries, including port-focused early warnings.

Tigray Conflict Watch: Fresh clashes between the Ethiopian military and the TPLF are raising fears that fighting could spread and merge with wider regional instability. Digital Ethiopia: Ethiopia opened an AI defense research lab at the Ethiopian Defence University with UAE backing, while Interpol’s latest cyber report ranks Ethiopia fifth in Africa for digital vulnerabilities, warning that cyber defenses are lagging behind fast tech growth. Public Services Upgrade: Benin’s digital transformation minister visited Ethiopia’s MESOB one-stop platform, highlighting efforts to make government services easier to access. Nile Tensions: Egypt reiterated it will not allow Ethiopia to build new Nile dams and pressed for a legally binding GERD data-sharing deal. Disaster in Amhara: A deadly landslide struck an Orthodox monastery during prayer, killing at least 14 and injuring others as rescue operations ended. Human Smuggling Probe: Tanzanian truck drivers were arrested in Malawi over an alleged smuggling ring involving Ethiopian nationals. Sports: Chess federation officials say Ethiopia will host the Africa Chess Federation head office.

Green Legacy Push: Ethiopia says millions joined a nationwide drive, planting a record 805.3 million tree seedlings in a single day under the Green Legacy Initiative. Urban Clean-Up & Power: UNECA highlights Addis Ababa’s greener, cleaner transformation, citing electrification, tree planting, and growing electric-vehicle support. Aviation Expansion: CNN spotlights Ethiopia’s Bishoftu International Airport project, aiming for 110 million passengers and 4 million tons of cargo annually by 2030. Disaster Watch: A landslide at an Orthodox monastery in Amhara killed at least 14 worshippers during overnight prayers; funerals begin as rescue teams wind down. Humanitarian Funding: UNICEF warns Ethiopia’s child-focused humanitarian appeal is funded at only 22%, urging urgent donor support amid conflict, climate shocks, and disease. Digital Cooperation: Benin’s Digital Transformation minister begins a five-day official visit to Ethiopia to deepen ties on e-government, innovation, and governance. Regional Diplomacy: The AU-backed Ambassadors’ Open Meeting on education in conflict areas hears calls to protect refugee children’s right to schooling.

Green Legacy Initiative: Ethiopia’s nationwide push to plant 800 million seedlings in a single day is drawing international praise, with media highlighting the scale and public participation behind the “Plant Hope” campaign. Disaster Response: A landslide buried worshippers at Tsadkane Mariam Orthodox monastery in Amhara during a purification ritual, killing 14 and injuring others as rescue teams continue searching. Regional Security: Fierce clashes in western Tigray near the Sudan border have driven hundreds of Ethiopians to flee into Sudan, raising fears of renewed wider conflict. Technology & Forecasting: A China-developed meteorological early warning system is now helping Ethiopia improve hazard forecasting, using satellite data, AI, and local inputs to speed up warnings for droughts and flash floods. Aviation & Business: Ethio telecom announced a nationwide reforestation drive tied to its Green Legacy goals, while Boeing’s 737 Max 7 received FAA certification—an update with wider aviation implications. Sports: Cyclist Harshita Jakhar became the first Indian woman to ride in Tour de France Femmes, with Ethiopia listed among the riders in the ceremonial group.

Green Legacy Initiative: Ethiopia launched a nationwide drive to plant a record 800 million tree seedlings in one day, with Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed later saying 805.3 million seedlings were planted and over 26.2 million people took part, despite rain. Tigray Crisis: Renewed clashes in western Tigray between federal forces and the TPLF have pushed hundreds of civilians to flee into Sudan, raising fears the 2022 peace deal could unravel. Human Rights Watch: Amnesty International warned that renewed violence in Tigray puts residents at renewed risk and urged unhindered access for monitors and humanitarian actors. EU Migration Policy: Italy plans to propose EU-funded migrant return centers modeled on the Albania system, with a preliminary list of possible host countries that includes Ethiopia. US Visa Rules: The US made permanent a visa bond policy requiring deposits up to $20,000 for selected B-1/B-2 applicants from about 50 countries, including Ethiopia. Aviation: The FAA certified Boeing’s 737 Max 7 for commercial service after years of delays and safety scrutiny.

Green Legacy Initiative (GLI): Ethiopia kicked off a nationwide push to plant 800 million seedlings in a single day, with PM Abiy Ahmed joining the campaign at the Artificial Intelligence University under the “Planting Hope” theme, while Deputy PM Temesgen Tiruneh and PP VP Adem Farah said the effort is turning climate commitments into action and building resilience. Climate Diplomacy: Namibia’s ambassador told ENA Ethiopia’s GLI offers a practical model for turning reforestation “words into action,” as Namibia faces ongoing deforestation and drought. Tigray Conflict: AFP reports clashes between Ethiopian federal forces and Tigray rebels in western Tigray near the Sudan border, with fears of renewed war and hundreds fleeing into Sudan. US Visa Bond Policy: The US made permanent a refundable visa bond scheme for nationals of 50 countries, including Ethiopia, requiring up to $20,000 for certain B1/B2 applicants, aimed at reducing overstays. Youth and Jobs Pressure: A new African Youth Survey says optimism is rising since the pandemic, but young people are demanding jobs, cleaner government, and safer communities. Ethiopia-China/BRICS Context: China’s embassy reportedly seeks curbs on media access linked to Falun Gong and Tibet groups ahead of a likely Xi visit to India for BRICS.

Western Tigray Clashes: Fighting erupted in Shererina, western Tigray, with both sides trading blame over a breach of the 2022 peace deal; AFP reports the clashes later de-escalated. Border Displacement: Hundreds of Ethiopians fled into Sudan over the same fighting, with wounded arrivals reported at a border health centre. El Niño Preparedness: The African Union urged member states to strengthen preparedness as forecasts warn a strong El Niño could intensify from August, bringing higher rain in parts of East Africa and drought risk in southern Africa. Green Legacy Initiative: Ethiopia’s Green Legacy Initiative marked a major push toward planting 800 million seedlings, with officials and CSOs saying it’s improving water, restoring watersheds, and boosting agricultural productivity. US Visa Bonds: The US made its refundable visa bond programme permanent for B1/B2 travellers from 50 countries, including Ethiopia, raising the maximum deposit to $20,000. BRICS Statistics Meet: India will host BRICS heads of national statistics offices in Lucknow on Aug 3–4, with Ethiopia among participating countries.

Tigray–Addis Ababa Rift: Tigray authorities accuse the federal government of launching “open war” in western Tigray, with clashes reported near the Sudan border and no immediate federal response. US Visa Policy: The US will make its visa bond programme permanent from Aug 3, with refundable deposits up to $20,000 for B1/B2 applicants from 50 countries, including Ethiopia—aimed at cutting overstays. Saudi Crackdown: Saudi Arabia says it arrested 14,154 people in a week over residency, labour and border violations, including 54% Ethiopians among those detained for illegal entry. Ethiopia Reform & Health: PM Abiy says Ethiopia has the resilience to counter threats and urges dialogue for internal disputes, while Ethiopia calls for stronger African cooperation to improve cardiovascular care. Tax Pressure in Addis Ababa: An IMF-backed VAT enforcement drive has sealed nearly 180 shops in Mercato’s Shematera market, disrupting thousands of traders. Digital Finance: Ethiopia hosts the Connected Banking Summit as it pushes digital payments and banking modernisation.

Tigray Crisis: Fresh fighting erupted in western Tigray, with Tigrayan authorities accusing federal forces of launching an offensive near Sheraro and warning the peace deal is unraveling. Saudi Crackdown: Saudi Arabia arrested 14,970 people in a week over residency, labor and border violations, including 54% Ethiopians among those caught trying to enter illegally, and deported 12,613. US Immigration: A federal judge again blocked the Trump administration from ending Somalia Temporary Protected Status, extending protections while a legal challenge proceeds. Health & Policy: Ethiopia urged stronger African cooperation to tackle rising cardiovascular disease burdens, highlighting prevention, early detection and expanded non-communicable disease services. Green Legacy: Ethiopia’s Green Legacy Initiative is mobilizing millions for a mass tree-planting push of 800 million seedlings in a day ahead of COP32. Digital & Telecom: Ethio Telecom reported data and internet services now lead revenue growth, while Telebirr continues expanding its user base. Conservation Alert: A coalition urged Ethiopia to halt planned baboon culling at Nech Sar National Park, calling it an unsustainable fix. Visa Bonds: The US made a visa bond programme permanent for citizens of 50 countries, including Ethiopia, with deposits up to $20,000 for B1/B2 applicants.

Somalia Security: Ethiopia reaffirmed its unwavering commitment to Somalia’s peace and stability, pledging continued support for AUSSOM and warning against any reversal of gains against terrorism, as troop-contributing leaders met in Kampala to push for a UN-backed extension. Electricity Output: Ethiopia generated 35,670.99 GWh in the fiscal year ending July 7, up 21% year-on-year, with GERD contributing 51.5% of total power. Public Health Preparedness: Ethiopia graduated 89 health professionals under the African Volunteer Health Corps (AVoHC SURGE) SURGE initiative, trained to detect and respond to outbreaks within 24–48 hours, supported by WHO and the Pandemic Fund. Finance and Regulation: The National Bank of Ethiopia barred former Global Bank CEO Tesfaye Boru from senior roles for five years over repeated regulatory violations. Shipping and Trade: State-owned Ethiopian Shipping and Logistics said it is monitoring Red Sea security risks and weighing rerouting or feeder services to keep cargo moving. Human Rights: A BBC report highlights a rise in death sentences and executions in Saudi Arabia involving Ethiopians, citing due-process concerns. Culture and Education: Addis Ababa’s Alle School of Fine Arts and Design showcased graduating student work across multiple disciplines, reflecting a new generation of Ethiopian artists.

Unity & Prosperity: PM Abiy Ahmed tells Amhara Media Corporation that Medemer—unity and shared progress—is Ethiopia’s only viable route to lasting stability, saying reforms since 2018 were shaped by wide national consultations to build consensus on inclusive political and economic change. National Dialogue Watch: Myanmar’s president says Ethiopia’s inclusive national dialogue is a model, and will send a delegation to study Ethiopia’s process. Regional Peace Diplomacy: IGAD officially reopens its mission in Khartoum, signaling renewed Horn of Africa engagement to support Sudan’s peace and recovery. Health Security: AU calls for stronger preparedness for the projected 2026/27 El Nino, warning of droughts, floods, food insecurity and economic shocks. Ebola Update: Africa CDC warns Ebola response in DRC faces mounting operational constraints while praising Uganda’s containment progress. Telecom Investment: Safaricom Ethiopia says it has increased funding to its subsidiary by KSh1.4bn in the latest quarter, lifting cumulative investment to KSh159.6bn as it pushes toward profitability. Conflict & Rights: Drone strike reported on an Ethiopian Orthodox monastery in Amhara killed nuns and priests, drawing international condemnation and calls for a transparent investigation. Migration Legal Shift (US): A US appeals court clears the way for ending Temporary Protected Status for Ethiopians and South Sudanese, following Supreme Court limits on TPS challenges.