AGP Executive Report

AU Diplomacy in Addis Ababa: Foreign ministers and senior officials are arriving for the 49th AU Executive Council session (July 28–29) under the theme “Assuring Sustainable Water Availability and Safe Sanitation Systems to Achieve the Goals of Agenda 2063.” Regional Security & Logistics: The U.S. Africa Command opened the inaugural African Logistics and Communications Symposium in Addis Ababa with Ethiopia’s defense leadership, stressing that readiness depends on reliable logistics and secure communications. Sino-Africa Health Cooperation: China and Africa launched new medical partnership initiatives in Addis Ababa, including minimally invasive medicine and training centers, as Ethiopia pushes for modern technology and a stronger health workforce. Ethiopia’s Revenue Push: Ethiopia’s Ministry of Revenues says annual tax income rose about 68.7% to 1.518 trillion birr for the fiscal year ended July 7, 2026. Ethiopia in the Spotlight for Travel: South Africa’s eVisa list includes Ethiopia among eligible African countries, while the AU meeting continues to draw regional attention to cross-border movement.

Digital Identity Push: Ethio Telecom says it has enrolled 32 million Ethiopians for the Fayda digital ID, covering about 69% of registered users, as Ethiopia’s legal identity drive accelerates. Revenue Drive: Ethiopia’s Ministry of Revenue reports collecting 1.518 trillion Birr in the 2018 fiscal year, beating a revised target and citing tax reforms, a wider base, and digital administration. National Dialogue Gains: Civil society leaders call Ethiopia’s ongoing National Dialogue a milestone for nation building, with about 4,000 participants reviewing eight agenda items. Power Grid Overhaul: The Ethiopian Electric Utility unveils a 25-year plan to expand and modernize power distribution through 2049, including 128 new substations and rising peak demand. Regional Security & Logistics: AFRICOM’s top commander tells an Addis symposium that logistics and communications are key to sustaining forces and protecting sovereignty. AU Diplomacy: Kenya’s Musalia Mudavadi arrives in Addis ahead of the AU Executive Council session, with regional priorities on peace, security, and integration.

AU Diplomacy in Addis Ababa: Sahrawi Foreign Minister Mohamed Yeslem Beissat and Burundi’s Édouard Bizimana arrived for the 49th AU Executive Council, where ministers will focus on reports and, in Bizimana’s case, the theme of sustainable water availability and safe sanitation under Agenda 2063. Ethiopia’s Trade Push: Ethiopia says horticultural exports earned $490m in 2025/26, with flowers leading at $412m, and targets $575m from 357,450 tonnes in 2026/27. AI Capacity Building: Ethiopia is graduating AI startup trainees from the Ethiopian Artificial Intelligence Institute, with leaders urging graduates to turn skills into practical innovations. Logistics and Security Forum: Ethiopia will host the inaugural African Logistics and Communication Symposium in Addis Ababa, bringing 40 countries and 26 partners to strengthen logistics and communications for civilian and peace-security operations. Regional Sports: Ethiopia is among bidders for AfCON 2028 as COSAFA pushes its regional hosting credentials.

National Dialogue: Ethiopia’s “Week of Dialogue, Diplomacy and Strategic Reach” spotlighted the official opening of the National Dialogue Conference in Addis Ababa, as leaders aim to build consensus and expand international engagement. World Public Summit: Addis Ababa will host the first-ever World Public Summit: Africa (July 29–30) at UNECA, drawing 700+ participants to discuss sustainable development, innovation, public diplomacy and youth engagement. Health & Security: DRC Ebola response is under strain, with Africa CDC and WHO warning of falling contact tracing coverage and lab kit shortages as cases spread across Central Africa. DRC Peace Diplomacy: Qatar reiterated support for AU-led peace efforts in eastern DRC during talks in Gaborone, backing ceasefire monitoring and detainee exchange mechanisms. Defense & Tech: Ethiopia inaugurated an Advanced Central Laboratory at the Ethiopian Defense University, aimed at boosting cybersecurity, AI, prototyping and renewable-powered research. Digital Economy: Ethio telecom said it is still negotiating with Netflix on Ethiopia’s rollout, citing commercial and payment barriers beyond local caching. Digital Finance: Ethiopia launched a formal Ethiopian Digital Financial Service Providers Association to coordinate policy input and expand financial inclusion. Saudi Crackdown: Saudi Arabia arrested nearly 15,000 expatriates in a week, with Ethiopians among those detained for residency and border violations.

US Immigration Court Fight: A federal judge in Massachusetts blocked the Trump administration from ending Temporary Protected Status for Ethiopians, keeping deportation protections in place while the case is reviewed. Judicial Ruling on Education Fees: Federal judges struck down an Education Ministry tuition-directive amendment used by Sandford International School to justify a disputed fee rise, backing 132 parents. AI for National Capacity: Ethiopia’s AI institute graduated its first startup trainees after six months of training, with officials saying the push is meant to build a skilled AI workforce for national priorities. Horticulture Exports: Ethiopia reported $490m from horticultural exports in 2025/26 and targets $575m in 2026/27, led by flower exports. Security and Smuggling Crackdown: India’s DRI busted two gold-smuggling syndicates at Mumbai airport, including operations involving flights from Addis Ababa, seizing 15.764kg of gold worth about ₹23.63 crore and arresting eight. Climate and Early Warning: Ethiopia said AI-backed cooperation with China is strengthening meteorological and early-warning systems to improve disaster response.

National Dialogue: Ethiopia’s National Dialogue forum is weighing major governance changes, with proposals including presidential and semi-presidential systems as participants push for constitutional amendments after week-one discussions on representation and elections. Public Service Reform: Ethiopia is advancing homegrown public administration reforms focused on better delivery, accountability, and results, with change-management approaches highlighted as key to institutional learning. Green Legacy: The Green Legacy Initiative is being framed as a development symbol built on multinational unity, with tree-planting in Bishoftu presented as both climate action and a diplomatic message for regional cooperation. Security: Field Marshal Berhanu Jula says the Ethiopian National Defense Force is effectively thwarting “destructive forces” seeking to undermine Ethiopia’s progress, citing ongoing threats to peace and security. Digital Transformation: ICT leaders praise Ethiopia’s first Artificial Intelligence University as a catalyst for Africa’s digital future, data sovereignty, and homegrown innovation. Economy & Industry: Ethiopia’s industrial parks are reported to have generated billions of birr in revenue and tens of thousands of jobs, while reforms at AU STC talks spotlight the Ten-Year Development Plan and exchange-rate and tax measures. Environment: Lake Tana faces an ecological tipping point as water hyacinth spreads to more kebeles, raising fears of navigation loss, falling water levels, and biodiversity decline. Humanitarian Update: Tigray IDP sites are seeing critical aid gaps, with food, health, WASH, education, and shelter coverage reported as insufficient in many assessed locations.

Ethiopia-U.S. Investment Dialogue: Senior Ethiopian officials and U.S. business leaders met in Addis Ababa to push commercial diplomacy, remove investment barriers, and create a more predictable environment for U.S. firms. Digital Economy: Ethio Telecom says Telebirr processed 2.61 billion transactions in the 2018 fiscal year, adding millions of customers and expanding microloans, savings and overdrafts through a wide agent and merchant network. GERD and Growth: U.S.-based economics professors told ENA that the GERD is a strong domestic-policy driver for electricity, growth and climate resilience. Health Access Drive: St. Peter Specialized Hospital launched a 2026 summer volunteer program promising free screening, consultation and treatment for 20 million Ethiopians, with private partners joining. National Dialogue Volunteers: Hundreds of volunteers supported Ethiopia’s National Dialogue Conference, helping with logistics, information desks and delegate hospitality. AU Regional Security: The AU urged Somalia to nominate delegates for AUSSOM consultations in Addis Ababa and Kampala ahead of an AU summit decision. Meteorology Cooperation: Ethiopia’s Meteorological Institute highlighted deepening collaboration with China to strengthen early warning and disaster response systems.

Tourism Push: Addis Ababa is seeing a surge in international conference tourism, hosting 221+ global events in the latest fiscal year as urban renewal and visitor infrastructure improve the city’s appeal. Regional Hospitality & Jobs: Southern Ethiopia says it is raising tourist accommodation standards, hitting 75% of its plan for 7,020 rooms, while also expanding certified tourism services and job creation. Digital Services: MESOB One Stop Service launched a three-year roadmap to expand technology-enabled, citizen-centric government services nationwide, aligned with Digital Ethiopia 2030. National Digital ID: Ethio Telecom reports it registered nearly 32 million citizens for Fayda, accounting for 69% of registrations, and generated 17.17 million FINs in 2025/26. Skills for Youth: Addis Ababa Mayor Adanech Abiebie launched construction of the city’s first Smart Polytechnic College to train youth for manufacturing, engineering, electronics, textiles and CNC. Public Health Recognition: WHO praised the Ethiopian Public Health Institute for 100 years of disease surveillance, lab excellence and emergency preparedness. Somalia/AU Diplomacy: The AU urged Somalia to nominate delegates for AUSSOM consultations in Addis Ababa and Kampala as the mission’s future is reviewed amid funding concerns.

Digital Transformation: Ethio telecom says its 2025/26 revenue hit 215.82 billion birr, with mobile data and internet (31.1%) overtaking voice (23.5%) for the first time, signaling a major shift in Ethiopia’s telecom business model. National Dialogue: Ethiopia’s National Dialogue Conference is moving “as scheduled,” with 4,000 delegates working in small groups to generate and synthesize ideas, and a new phase set to begin as reports roll up to larger groups. Market Stabilisation: Trade Minister Kassahun Gofe told the Prosperity Party forum that efforts to improve product supply and cut living costs included FX approvals worth over US$568.8m, weekend markets, and new market centers, alongside crackdowns on illegal trade. Climate Resilience: The African Development Fund approved a US$9.3m grant for Ethiopia and South Sudan to expand solar water systems, flood management, climate-smart training for farmers, and youth skills for climate-resilient value chains. AI in Public Services: Former UK PM Tony Blair visited Ethiopia’s Artificial Intelligence Institute, backing AI-driven reforms to modernize government services and strengthen digital governance. Red Sea Security: The African Union condemned Houthi attacks on Red Sea oil tankers, warning of escalation risks to maritime security and Africa’s supply chains. GERD Water Talks: A water expert urged Ethiopia and Sudan to share daily GERD operational data and agree binding rules to prevent repeated Nile shortages and flooding.

Ethiopia–Gulf Cooperation: An ODI researcher says Ethiopia’s fast-growing economy and young population could make it a key partner and “pilot” for deeper Gulf investment in agriculture, manufacturing, mining and critical minerals. Telecom Growth: Ethio Telecom reported 215.8 billion birr revenue and a 47.5% earnings jump, expanding mobile, 4G and 5G coverage and adding millions of customers and network capacity. Diplomacy: Ethiopia and Kyrgyzstan pledged to deepen ties in mining, energy, agro-processing, tourism, trade and infrastructure, with Ethiopia briefing partners on its National Dialogue. Regional Security: The AU condemned Houthi attacks on Red Sea oil tankers, warning of risks to maritime security and African trade. Nile/GERD Tensions: Receding Nile waters in Sudan are reviving GERD debate, with concerns that dam operations and lack of shared data leave Sudan and Egypt exposed. Border Trade Facilitation: Ethiopia and Djibouti agreed a roadmap to operationalise the Galafi One-Stop Border Post to speed customs and reduce duplication. Sports & Society: Ethiopia’s opposition accuses the Abiy government of steering Tigray toward renewed conflict as national dialogue continues.

AU Health Push: AU Commission Chair Mahmoud Ali Youssouf urged African leaders to move from health pledges to measurable action, stressing domestic financing, local medicine and vaccine production, stronger regulation, and sustained political leadership. Ethiopia’s Health Sovereignty: Ethiopia’s Deputy PM Temesgen Tiruneh told the AU summit in Accra that declining aid should spur self-reliant, resilient health systems funded by Africa’s own resources. Ethiopia in the Spotlight: Ethiopia’s national dialogue and diplomatic momentum remain in focus as the country continues pushing for political and institutional progress. Regional Security: The AU’s Somalia peace mission faces growing funding uncertainty, with member states questioning how long AUSSOM can be sustained. Humanitarian Pressure: UN reporting warns Africa has overtaken Asia in hunger, with hundreds of millions unable to afford a healthy diet. Ethiopia-Linked Crime Abroad: In Minnesota, an Ethiopian migrant accused of killing three people over a $65 parking contract dispute told investigators he “hated the American system,” drawing fresh attention to migrant experiences and violence. Education Boost: Mastercard Foundation launched the AHEFT Prize, with Addis Ababa University among inaugural winners receiving $3 million.

AI Readiness Gap: The IMF warns Sub-Saharan Africa could miss most AI benefits unless governments urgently fix unreliable electricity, expand internet access, and boost digital skills. Agriculture & Food Losses: Ethiopia’s Agricultural Transformation Institute says it is rolling out cold-chain storage and refrigerated transport, alongside hybrid sorghum, to cut post-harvest losses and raise farmers’ income. Ethiopia’s Inflation: Ethiopia’s annual inflation rate climbed to 13.4% in May, driven mainly by higher food prices. Tourism Push: Addis Ababa is positioning itself as a top conference and tourism hub, citing a surge to 221+ international conferences in the latest fiscal year. Golden Visa Plan: Ethiopia plans to issue 10-year Golden Visas starting in the 2026/27 fiscal year, with a $10 million investment threshold for applicants. GERD Tensions: Egypt accuses Ethiopia of “politicising” GERD operations as it warns of existential water risks. Health Security: Africa CDC urges the U.S. to lift Ebola-related entry restrictions on Uganda, saying the outbreak is under control.

Human Trafficking Crackdown: Ethiopian police arrested 17 suspects, including alleged ringleader Mohammed Tahir “Wordi,” accused of smuggling 40,000+ Ethiopians to Saudi Arabia via Djibouti and Yemen, with claims of 60 migrant deaths, sexual abuse, and extortion of over 1 billion birr. Refugee Tech Update: UNHCR is expanding the use of face biometrics and moving toward QR-code standards to improve refugee registration and access as funding pressures reshape operations. Inflation Watch: Ethiopia’s annual inflation climbed to 13.9% in June, driven mainly by rising food prices, while non-food inflation also accelerated. Aviation & Connectivity: Ethiopia signed an air services agreement with the Maldives to enable direct scheduled flights, and Ethiopia also hosted the Connected Banking Summit as financial modernization accelerates. Transport Safety Audit: A performance audit found most of Ethiopia’s reviewed airports lack master plans, with safety and fencing gaps flagged across several locations.

Migration & Xenophobia in South Africa: Fresh unrest in Jeffreys Bay’s Ocean View saw armed police respond after anti-migrant violence, with Ethiopian shopkeeper Zelalem Tesfaye describing how looters attacked his store; authorities say they’re investigating claims that gunfire came from defenders of migrant-run “spaza” shops. Deadly Mediterranean/Atlantic crossings: UNHCR reported 144 refugees and migrants dead or missing after maritime incidents off Mauritania, even as rescue operations brought 387 people safely ashore. Ethiopia’s livestock exports: Ethiopia earned about $128.4m from exporting 24,200 tonnes of processed livestock products in 2025/26, with Middle East instability, supply chain disruptions and illegal cross-border trade cited as bottlenecks. GERD tensions: Egypt’s foreign minister reiterated rejection of any unilateral Ethiopian GERD actions, warning downstream risks and calling for coordination. Addis Ababa diplomacy & hosting: Delegates praised Addis Ababa’s hospitality and urban transformation, while the AU Commission chair commended Morocco’s commitment to joint African action. Health & energy access: UAE’s Beyond2020 backed solar-powered health centres in India reaching 200,000 people, highlighting resilience where electricity access is limited.

National Dialogue & Governance: Ethiopia’s National Dialogue conference is underway, with officials pushing a path toward a new political culture and consensus-building as the country seeks concrete results. AI & Digital Cooperation: Ethiopia signed on to the World Artificial Intelligence Cooperation Organization (WAICO), joining 29 founding members and signaling stronger global AI governance and tech collaboration. Agriculture & Exports: Ethiopia reported agricultural gains for 2025/26, citing 29 million hectares cultivated, 130 million tonnes harvested, and record agricultural export revenue of $4.55bn, led by coffee. Energy & Infrastructure: Ethiopia’s push for electricity access and major projects continues, including funding progress for large wind development and broader rural power expansion. Youth & Church Priorities: Eastern Africa Catholic bishops committed to making young people their top pastoral priority for the next four years, focusing on belonging, hope, and good governance. Trade & Industry: Ethiopia is also in the spotlight for industrialization efforts, including cotton-to-clothing plans and special economic zone activity aimed at substituting imports. Legal/Accountability: A contractor issued a formal response after media reports on audit findings tied to the Welmel irrigation and Chelchel dam projects, stressing transparency and the need to review the full audit report.

National Dialogue: Ethiopia’s National Dialogue Conference has moved into its core deliberations, with participants starting substantive discussions on eight agenda items after the July 15 opening in Addis Ababa, as the ENDC prepares to publish recommendations later. Tourism & Travel: Ethiopia has published official tourist visa fees on its e-visa portal, setting costs for 30-day (USD 62) and 90-day (USD 152) single-entry extensions, with processing noted as about three days. Energy Investment: Ethiopia’s Aysha Wind Project, a 300MW wind farm in the Somali region, has advanced after the AfDB approved up to $110 million toward the $508 million scheme, including transmission upgrades and a 25-year power purchase plan. Road Safety: At least 13 people were killed in a crash in Ethiopia’s Somali region, and a funeral procession later saw additional deaths after a grave collapsed. Local Economy & Industry: Ethiopia’s Special Economic Zones and industrial parks supplied over ETB 26.7 billion in import-substitute goods to the domestic market in the fiscal year ending July 7, 2026.