AGP Executive Report

Ethiopia’s Election Debate: As Ethiopia’s June 1 vote approaches, analysts warn that formal electoral structures are being undermined by insecurity, shrinking civic space, and limited political competition—raising doubts about whether the result can reflect citizens’ will. Urban Renewal in Addis Ababa: PM Abiy says the Addis Ababa Riverside Development Project is more than beautification, promising green corridors, public spaces, jobs across construction and logistics, and stronger local contractor participation. Digital Payments Milestone: EthSwitch reports EthioPay-IPS has hit over 1 million transactions in a day worth more than 5 billion birr, alongside an award for expanding interoperable instant payments. Eurobond Talks Stall: Ethiopia’s $1bn Eurobond restructuring talks have collapsed again, leaving the country facing tighter external financing and renewed pressure to mobilize domestic revenue. Sports Spotlight: Winfred Yavi set a Bahrain 5,000m record in Rome while Ethiopian runners dominated the top finish; Ethiopia also saw athletes set new national marks in the same meet.

Ethiopia’s Election Watch: International observers and domestic monitors say Ethiopia’s 7th general election was largely peaceful and well administered, even as some polling stations closed early and security incidents were reported in parts of Oromia and Amhara. IMF Support: The IMF said it is stepping up financing for Ethiopia and other African countries to cushion economic fallout from the US-Iran conflict, with Ethiopia’s board set to consider an accelerated $200 million tranche. Digital Payments: EthSwitch says EthioPay-IPS has topped 1 million transactions in a single day, surpassing ETB 5 billion, and won a financial inclusion award. BRICS Culture Track: Ethiopia joined BRICS Culture Working Group discussions in Varanasi on copyright, cultural attribution, and ethical AI in the creative economy. Ebola Response Link: With Ebola concerns in the region, Ethiopia-related travel and health screening measures continue to be discussed as outbreaks strain public health systems. Regional Diplomacy: AU and IGAD urged maximum restraint and de-escalation in Mogadishu amid renewed violence in Somalia.

Ethiopia Election Watch: Japan praised Ethiopia’s 7th General Election as successful, highlighting NEBE’s work and high citizen participation. IMF & Economy: Ethiopia reached a staff-level IMF deal on the fifth review of its reform program, paving the way for about $468 million in additional financing, with inflation easing and reserves improving—though risks remain after the Middle East conflict shock. Election Monitoring: AU and IGAD observers said voting was generally peaceful and orderly, while also flagging operational and accessibility problems at some polling stations. Local Governance & Capacity: Ethiopia is pushing an 80% local participation plan for infrastructure work to cut reliance on foreign contractors, aiming to grow the share of capable domestic firms. Regional Security: IGAD urged immediate de-escalation in Somalia after violence escalated in Mogadishu. Health Alert: A suspected Ebola-related case triggered an alert at Hyderabad airport after a traveler arriving from Ethiopia was isolated and sent for testing. Cultural Heritage: Ethiopian religious artifacts held by an Italian family were officially returned to Ethiopia.

Ethiopia’s Election Watch: International observers say Ethiopia’s June 1 general election largely met democratic expectations, with the African Union and IGAD praising the legal framework and orderly voting, while IGAD flagged crowded polling infrastructure and urged NEBE to standardize voter ID and reduce station capacity. Diplomacy & Regional Ties: EU and member states welcomed the election’s conduct, and Prime Minister Abiy thanked AU observer chief Uhuru Kenyatta and the mission for supporting Ethiopia’s democracy-building. Monetary Policy Boost: Ethiopia’s tight monetary stance earned IMF praise as a staff-level agreement for the fifth review moved forward, with inflation gains noted despite external shocks. US Visa Shake-Up: The US plans to cut visa-processing hubs across Africa from nearly 50 to 20, keeping Addis Ababa as a full hub—meaning many applicants may need to travel farther. BRICS Disaster Risk Meeting: BRICS DRR talks opened in Puri, with Ethiopia among participants discussing early warning, resilient infrastructure, and community-based disaster risk reduction. Business & Energy: Spiro raised $215m to expand battery-swapping EV infrastructure, with Ethiopia listed among planned new markets.

Ethiopia Election Update: Vote counting is still under way two days after Ethiopia’s 7th general election, with delays blamed on long queues and insecurity. NEBE says counting continues in Sidama, Gambella, Amhara and Somalia, while some polling stations in Oromia and Amhara did not open due to security issues. Election Observers: IGAD released a preliminary report praising Ethiopia’s electoral administration, reforms and peaceful participation, while the EU and the British Embassy also welcomed the voting stage where it was possible and urged access for constituencies that were unable to vote. Diplomacy & Ties: Ethiopia’s State Minister of Foreign Affairs met Qatar’s DOC Holding Group in Doha to discuss healthcare investment and PPP cooperation. U.S. Visa Shake-up: The U.S. plans to cut routine visa-processing posts across Africa from nearly 50 to 20 hubs, with Addis Ababa listed among the regional locations. Ebola Support: India sent medical aid to Africa CDC and Uganda to bolster Ebola preparedness and response. Aviation: Ethiopian Airlines will launch direct thrice-weekly flights from Addis Ababa to Port Louis starting July 12.

Ethiopia’s Election Wrap: The National Election Board of Ethiopia (NEBE) says the 7th General Election concluded successfully nationwide, with ballot counting still ongoing in parts of Sidama, Gambella, Amhara and Somali, while the EHRC reports no fundamental human rights violations so far. Observer Missions: The African Union and IGAD election observation missions are set to present preliminary findings on Wednesday after post-election debriefs. AU Humanitarian Call: The African Union Peace and Security Council urged stronger African-led action and sustainable financing as displacement and humanitarian crises worsen across the continent, citing Sudan and eastern DRC among the gravest emergencies. US Visa Hub Shake-up: The US plans to cut Africa visa-processing sites from nearly 50 to 20 hubs, with Addis Ababa listed among the remaining processing locations. Ethiopian Airlines Routes: Ethiopian Airlines announced thrice-weekly passenger flights to Port Louis, Mauritius, starting July 12, and will resume Kuwait flights on June 16 after earlier regional disruptions. Clean Transport in Addis Ababa: Addis Ababa’s electric bus rollout continues under the city’s push for greener mobility, following the gasoline and diesel vehicle import ban.

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.