AGP Executive Report

World Public Summit in Addis Ababa: Addis Ababa will host the inaugural World Public Summit: Africa (July 29–30) at UNECA, drawing 700+ participants from all 54 African countries and international partners to discuss sustainable infrastructure, food and information systems, education, youth engagement, public diplomacy, and cultural heritage. National Dialogue Momentum: Ethiopia’s “Week of Dialogue, Diplomacy and Strategic Reach” highlights the opening of the National Dialogue Conference as a potential turning point, alongside broader diplomatic engagement. Defense and Tech Capacity: Ethiopia inaugurated an Advanced Central Laboratory at the Ethiopian Defense University, backed by the UAE, aimed at boosting cybersecurity, AI, power systems, and advanced manufacturing for national security and research. Digital Economy Push: Ethio telecom says it is still negotiating with Netflix on the commercial rollout despite local caching, while Ethiopia launched a new Digital Financial Service Providers Association to strengthen coordination and financial inclusion. Regional Security Cooperation: Kenya Coast Guard reaffirmed maritime security cooperation after AMFS 2026 in Rabat, holding talks with partners including Ethiopia. Church and Youth Priorities: AMECEA bishops pledged a four-year pastoral priority plan for young people, calling on leaders to end youth exploitation. Eastern DRC Peace Support: Qatar reiterated support for the AU-led eastern DRC peace process during Gaborone talks, including ceasefire monitoring and detainee exchange mechanisms. Fano Rejects Dialogue: The Amhara National Movement Fano says it will not participate in Ethiopia’s National Dialogue and calls for intensifying armed struggle against the federal government.

U.S. Immigration Court Fight: A Massachusetts federal judge temporarily blocked the Trump administration from ending Temporary Protected Status for Ethiopians, keeping deportation protections in place while the case is reviewed, even as DHS accused lower courts of defying the Supreme Court. AI Capacity Building: Ethiopia’s Deputy Prime Minister said the Ethiopian Artificial Intelligence Institute is graduating AI startup trainees to build a homegrown workforce and protect national interests through innovation. Climate & Early Warning: Ethiopia and China are deepening cooperation on meteorology and disaster early warning, with officials citing new technical collaboration to strengthen national forecasting and response. Security & Border Threats: Kenya repelled an alleged al-Shabaab attack on a security camp in Mandera County, injuring a student and underscoring ongoing instability along the northeastern border. Trade & Industry Push: Ethiopia reported $490m from horticultural exports in 2025/26 and aims to scale exports further, while Nigeria’s governors pledged to replicate Benin’s agro-industrial zone model after earlier study visits to Ethiopia. Regional Legal Diplomacy: Ethiopia reiterated its sovereign right over the Abay River and rejected Egypt’s GERD campaign as misinformation. Public Service Reform: Ethiopia continues public administration change efforts aimed at improving delivery, accountability, and institutional effectiveness. Crackdown on Smuggling: India’s DRI arrested three Ethiopian nationals over an alleged gold smuggling attempt at Mumbai airport, with gold concealed in aircraft washroom panels.

Public Service Reform: Ethiopia is pushing homegrown public administration change management, stressing leadership, institutional learning, and accountability to improve citizen-centered delivery. National Dialogue Governance: The National Dialogue forum in Addis Ababa is weighing governance models, including presidential and semi-presidential options, alongside electoral and representation changes. Security & Sovereignty: The Ethiopian National Defense Force says it is thwarting “destructive forces” and conspiracies against national progress. Green Legacy & Diplomacy: Officials frame the Green Legacy tree-planting push as a development symbol and a diplomatic message of regional cooperation ahead of COP32. Lake Tana Environment: Experts warn Lake Tana is nearing an ecological tipping point as water hyacinth spreads to more kebeles, threatening navigation, biodiversity, and livelihoods. Humanitarian Pressure in Tigray: IDP sites face critical aid gaps, with food, health, WASH, education, and shelter coverage falling short amid new arrivals. Digital & AI Capacity: ICT leaders hail Ethiopia’s first AI University as a catalyst for homegrown innovation and data sovereignty. GERD Messaging: Egypt’s GERD campaign is said to fail against Ethiopia’s sovereign right to use Abay/Blue Nile waters. U.S. Immigration Court: A federal judge temporarily blocks the Trump administration from ending Ethiopia’s TPS while legal challenges proceed. Economy & Trade: Ethiopia highlights its Ten-Year Development Plan and reforms at AU STC talks, including tax base expansion and exchange-rate measures. Fintech Crackdown: A report alleges Ethiopia’s fintech sector faced an existential tax and enforcement crisis tied to major accounting disputes. Logistics Liberalization: Ethiopia’s freight forwarding sector is moving toward full foreign investment openness as it seeks to fix capacity and cost issues.

National Dialogue & Civic Mobilization: Addis Ababa volunteers are supporting the July 15 opening of Ethiopia’s National Dialogue, running protocol, information desks, logistics and hospitality as delegates seek consensus on long-running national challenges. City Development & Skills: Mayor Adanech Abiebie launched construction of Ethiopia’s first Smart Polytechnic College, aiming to train youth for manufacturing, automotive, electronics, textiles and CNC, with close monitoring for quality and timelines. Digital Government: MESOB One Stop Service unveiled a three-year strategic plan to expand technology-enabled, citizen-centric public services nationwide under Digital Ethiopia 2030. GERD & Growth Narrative: US-based economics professors told ENA that GERD is a major domestic policy driver for electricity-led growth and climate resilience, while noting private-sector roles in resource mobilization. Ethiopia-U.S. Investment Talks: Ethiopia and the U.S. held a Public-Private Dialogue in Addis Ababa to remove investment barriers and improve market access and regulatory predictability for U.S. firms. Health Access Push: St. Peter Specialized Hospital launched a summer volunteer program targeting free screening, consultation and treatment for 20 million Ethiopians, with 120,000 expected to benefit at the hospital. Regional Energy Note: Sudan received a new power barge to cut daily blackouts, amid wider grid strain and reduced imports linked to the conflict. Climate & Early Warning: Ethiopia highlighted growing cooperation with China’s meteorology and AI early-warning systems to strengthen disaster preparedness.

Regional Security & Migration: IOM launched a three-year counter-smuggling program in Somalia, targeting migrant smuggling, document fraud and transnational organized crime across Ethiopia, Kenya and Somalia, with a focus on modernizing border management and airport security. Environment & Land Restoration: A new study on Ethiopia’s drylands reports forest cover rising from 1.9% in 2015 to over 22% by 2024, with assisted natural regeneration linked to major reductions in severe topsoil loss. Public Health: WHO praised the Ethiopian Public Health Institute for 100 years of work in surveillance, emergency preparedness, laboratory excellence and health innovation, highlighting a decades-long partnership. Urban Governance & Jobs: Addis Ababa Mayor Adanech Abiebie launched construction of the city’s first Smart Polytechnic College, aimed at hands-on training for manufacturing, automotive, electronics and CNC skills. Digital Government: MESOB One Stop Service unveiled a three-year roadmap to expand technology-enabled, citizen-centric public services nationwide. Tourism Diplomacy: Ethiopia kicked off an Africa-wide tourism promotion campaign in Kenya, with plans to tour ten countries and boost intra-African travel. National Dialogue Mobilization: Volunteers supporting Ethiopia’s National Dialogue Conference say their work is a direct civic contribution to peace and unity. Red Sea Access Debate: A geopolitical analyst argues Ethiopia’s loss of direct Red Sea access stemmed from transitional decisions lacking constitutional legitimacy. BRICS & International Positioning: Iran’s interior minister urged BRICS to take a “clear and decisive” stand against attacks on civilians and critical infrastructure. Business & Industry: L&T Heavy Engineering secured major international orders, including Dangote-linked refinery and fertiliser expansion equipment for Nigeria and Ethiopia. Sports: World Athletics ratified Kenya’s Sabastian Sawe’s 1:59:30 London Marathon as a world record.

Digital Governance & AI: Former UK PM Tony Blair visited Ethiopia’s Artificial Intelligence Institute, backing AI-driven public service reforms and capacity-building with the Ethiopian AI agenda. Telecom & Economy: Ethio telecom reported a major shift in revenue, with data and internet overtaking voice for the first time, alongside strong earnings growth. National Dialogue (Diaspora): Diaspora delegates at Ethiopia’s National Dialogue Conference say consultations are underway to resolve deep-rooted problems and build consensus for sustainable peace. Market Stabilization: Trade Minister Kassahun Gofe told a Prosperity Party forum that supply measures, market infrastructure expansion, and crackdowns on illegal trade helped stabilize product availability and reduce costs. Finance & Regulation: The National Bank of Ethiopia reaffirmed a broad ban on virtual assets and warned the public against crypto transactions without authorization. Public Health: UNICEF and WHO reported modest global immunization gains but persistent gaps, including millions of “zero-dose” children. Human Security: Federal police announced arrests tied to a major human trafficking network that allegedly exploited migrants with torture and ransom schemes. Regional Water Politics (GERD): A water expert urged a legally binding GERD operating deal with stronger daily data-sharing to prevent Nile shortages and flooding risks for Sudan.

Ethiopia–Djibouti Trade Facilitation: Ethiopia and Djibouti agreed a joint roadmap to operationalise the Galafi One-Stop Border Post, aiming for single-window clearance to cut delays and duplication along the Ethiopia–Djibouti corridor that carries most of Ethiopia’s trade. Telecom & Digital Economy: Ethio Telecom reported 215.8 billion birr in total revenue for the just-ended fiscal year, up 33.2%, alongside growth in subscribers and 4G/5G expansion—an update that matters as Ethiopia moves toward telecom liberalisation and potential privatisation. Diplomacy & Regional Ties: Deputy PM Temesgen Tiruneh met Ghana’s President John Dramani Mahama on the sidelines of an AU emergency health summit, reaffirming cooperation and highlighting preparations for the Tana Forum. Nile/GERD Pressure: Sudan’s receding Nile waters are reviving the GERD debate, with renewed downstream concern over Ethiopia’s unilateral operations and data-sharing. Ethiopia’s Political Tensions: Opposition figures accuse the Abiy government of steering Tigray toward renewed conflict, warning the 2022 Pretoria peace deal is under strain amid election-related uncertainty. International Economic Links: Russia–Ethiopia trade is described as growing steadily, while a Russian-Ethiopian intergovernmental commission meeting and business forum are expected in late 2026. Immigration Numbers: Ethiopia’s immigration service says it issued over 1.04 million visas in the fiscal year ended July 7, citing digital upgrades and expanded visa services.

AU Health Push: AU Commission Chair Mahmoud Ali Youssouf urged African leaders to move from health pledges to measurable action, stressing stronger domestic financing, local medicine and vaccine production, and resilient health systems. Ethiopia’s Health Sovereignty: Ethiopia’s Deputy PM Temesgen Tiruneh echoed the call, arguing declining external aid should accelerate self-reliant, locally financed health systems. Ebola Alarm: A fast-growing Ebola outbreak in eastern DRC is outpacing response, with WHO warning that community deaths and weak access to care are driving spread. National Dialogue Context: Foreign Policy’s Africa Brief flags Addis Ababa’s highly anticipated Ethiopian national dialogue as a key political moment this week. Ethiopia in Education: Mastercard Foundation launched the Africa Higher Education for Transformation (AHEFT) Prize, with Addis Ababa University named an inaugural laureate receiving $3m. Agriculture & Jobs: ATI says Ethiopia is expanding cold-chain infrastructure and hybrid sorghum to cut post-harvest losses and boost farmer incomes. Regional Security Watch: AU member states are questioning the sustainability of Somalia’s AUSSOM peace mission amid funding shortfalls. Sports Governance: CAF opened bidding for AFCON 2028, 2032 and 2036, with Ethiopia among those expressing interest.

Food Security: A UN-backed FAO report says Africa has overtaken Asia as the world’s hunger hotspot, with 309 million Africans facing hunger and most struggling to afford a healthy diet, as humanitarian nutrition funding remains under pressure. AI & Infrastructure: The IMF warns Sub-Saharan Africa may miss most AI gains unless governments urgently expand reliable electricity, internet access, and digital skills. Ethiopia’s Agriculture: Ethiopia’s Agricultural Transformation Institute says it’s scaling cold-chain infrastructure and hybrid sorghum to cut post-harvest losses and raise farmers’ incomes. Diaspora & Tourism: A diaspora scholar urges Ethiopians abroad to use networks and expertise to boost tourism and development beyond remittances. Cooperatives Digitization: Ethiopia’s cooperative financial sector is moving away from paper-based systems, with a new digital push aimed at reducing leakage and boosting efficiency. Ethiopia–Egypt Nile Tensions: Egypt again accuses Ethiopia of “politicising” GERD operations, warning unilateral actions harm downstream water access for Egypt and Sudan. National Politics (Tigray): Ethiopia’s opposition EPRP alleges Addis Ababa is preparing public opinion for renewed conflict in Tigray amid claims of forced recruitment. Golden Visa: Ethiopia plans 10-year Golden Visas for high-value investors, with a minimum $10 million investment threshold. Addis as a Hub: Addis Ababa says conference tourism is surging, citing urban regeneration and a growing international events calendar.

Human Trafficking Crackdown: Ethiopian police arrested 17 suspects, including alleged ringleader Mohammed Tahir “Wordi,” in a 15-day operation targeting a network accused of smuggling 40,000+ Ethiopians to Saudi Arabia via Djibouti and Yemen, with allegations of torture, sexual violence, and more than 1bn birr collected from victims. National Dialogue & Governance: Ethiopia’s National Dialogue Commissioner Yonas Adaye said the homegrown process aims to unearth structural causes of conflict and broaden participation through 4,000 delegates and eight agenda pillars. Refugee Integration: Ethiopia’s Makatet inclusion plan seeks to fold refugees into national education and health systems and enable employment, shifting policy from “liability” to “dignity and opportunity.” Security & Diplomacy: Ethiopia called for stronger continental cooperation and full implementation of Africa’s security frameworks to counter terrorism and violent extremism, including operationalizing the Africa Standby Force. Health Diplomacy: Ethiopia’s Deputy PM Temesgen Tiruneh attended an AU extraordinary summit on health in Accra focused on health sovereignty, universal health coverage, and a sustainable health-financing roadmap. Regional Mobility: Russia expanded visa-free travel agreements, including Ethiopia, as part of broader ties with African states. Digital Finance & Banking: Ethiopia hosted the 29th Connected Banking Summit, spotlighting banking modernization and digital financial systems. Education Investment: Mastercard Foundation launched the AHEFT Prize, awarding Addis Ababa University $3m to scale higher-education transformation across Africa.

National Dialogue & Governance: Ethiopia’s National Dialogue Commissioner Yonas Adaye says the homegrown process is meant to surface root causes of conflict and build inclusive governance, with 4,000 delegates working through eight agenda pillars. AU Health Diplomacy: Ethiopia’s Deputy Prime Minister Temesgen Tiruneh arrives in Accra for the AU Extraordinary Summit on Health, focused on health sovereignty, universal health coverage, and a sustainable financing roadmap. Security & Terrorism: Ethiopia calls for stronger continental cooperation and full implementation of Africa’s security frameworks, warning that terrorist groups increasingly use digital platforms and social media for recruitment. Democracy & Regional Ties: A Nigerian parliamentarian praises Ethiopia’s election process as a “leading light” for democracy and highlights growing Ethiopia–Nigeria parliamentary cooperation. Biodiversity & Conservation: UN CBD Executive Secretary Astrid Schomaker commends Ethiopia’s role as a biodiversity hub during the Ethiopian Wildlife Conservation Authority’s diamond jubilee. Migration & Humanitarian Costs: UNHCR reports 144 refugees and migrants dead or missing after maritime incidents off Mauritania, underscoring the deadly Atlantic route. Trade & Connectivity: Ethiopia exported 24,200 tonnes of processed livestock products, earning $128.4m despite Middle East instability and supply chain bottlenecks. GERD: Egypt reiterates rejection of unilateral GERD actions, saying Ethiopia’s dam operations require coordination and warning of downstream risks. Higher Education Boost: The Mastercard Foundation launches the AHEFT Prize with $500m over a decade; Addis Ababa University is named a 2026 laureate receiving $3m. Digital Entrepreneurship: UN ECA launches a four-year initiative to expand women’s participation in the digital economy across Ethiopia and three other countries. Air Links: Maldives and Ethiopia sign an air services agreement to enable scheduled flights between Addis Ababa and the Maldives.

Sudan Spillover and Regional Security: A new report warns Sudan’s war is seeping into Ethiopia, describing a large RSF-linked training camp at an Ethiopian military base near Asosa and a refugee camp in Ura where people fear reprisals could cross the border. Horn of Africa Diplomacy: Egypt, Somalia, Eritrea and a senior U.S. envoy held consultations in Cairo aimed at coordinating security approaches across the Horn and the Red Sea, with Ethiopia’s regional role and maritime ambitions shaping the agenda. GERD Tensions: Egypt’s foreign minister renewed accusations that Ethiopia operates the GERD unilaterally and without coordination, citing impacts on Nile flows, flooding in Sudan, and river-level fluctuations in Egypt. National Dialogue Moves to Core Deliberations: Ethiopia’s National Dialogue Conference entered its main phase, with delegates starting substantive talks on eight agenda items under ENDC facilitation. Trade and Industry Watch: The U.S. Department of Commerce opened an AD/CVD probe into Ethiopian solar cell producers, alleging tariff circumvention via Chinese-linked components, while Ethiopian exporters push back. Agriculture and Exports: Ethiopia reported agricultural gains for 2025/26, including 29 million hectares cultivated, 130 million tonnes harvested, and record agricultural export revenue. AI Governance and Ethiopia’s WAICO Bid: Ethiopia signed on as a founding member of WAICO, signaling a push for international AI cooperation and governance. Energy Transition Push: Ethiopia is listed among supporters of the “Electrify Now” campaign to accelerate renewable-powered electrification. Youth and Church Priorities: Eastern Africa Catholic bishops set young people as their top pastoral priority for the next four years, with AMECEA sessions in Nairobi and related youth programming.

National Dialogue: Ethiopia’s National Dialogue Conference in Addis Ababa has moved into its core deliberations, with participants beginning substantive talks on eight agenda items after the July 15 opening, as the ENDC deploys facilitators to structure group discussions. Transitional Justice: A new commentary argues transitional justice should gain momentum alongside the dialogue, not wait for its outcome, citing Ethiopia’s 2018 transition roots and the 2024 transitional justice policy. Trade & Industry: The US Department of Commerce has started an anti-dumping/countervailing duty probe into Ethiopian solar cell producers, after claims of tariff circumvention tied to Chinese-linked components; Toyo Solar denies using Chinese wafers. Energy & Water Diplomacy: Egypt says GERD operations require continuous updates to downstream water plans, while Israeli and Austrian ambassadors tell ENA Ethiopia is on the right reform path, pointing to economic transformation and digital development. Tourism Policy: Ethiopia publishes tourist visa fees for 30-day and 90-day single-entry stays and details extension costs. Regional Security: A report says Sudan’s war economy is fueled by looted gold and gum arabic, financing armed groups and spilling instability into neighboring states including Ethiopia. Road Safety: At least 13 died in a crash in Ethiopia’s Somali region, with additional deaths reported after a funeral grave collapse.

National Dialogue Momentum: Ethiopia’s National Dialogue Conference opened in Addis Ababa with 4,000+ delegates, aiming to institutionalize consensus-building beyond elections and to deliver concrete peace and reconciliation outcomes, while the EU’s Kaja Kallas praised the process as inclusive and grassroots-driven. Tigray Tensions: Demonstrations in Addis Ababa condemned TPLF “subversive actions,” including alleged abductions and forced recruitment, with calls for full implementation of the Pretoria cessation of hostilities. Monetary Policy Shift: The National Bank of Ethiopia lifted its three-year credit cap and is moving to a targeted reserve requirement framework, signaling a faster shift toward indirect, interest-rate-linked guidance for lending. GERD Water Dispute: Egypt said GERD operations require constant updates to downstream dam operating plans due to variability and lack of a binding data-sharing framework. Local Governance & Rights: Addis Ababa’s corridor development is boosting tourism and conference hosting, while a legal rights piece highlights longstanding grievances over nationalized private housing and compensation. Public Health Funding: Ethiopia and Addis Ababa adopted dedicated tobacco-control budget lines, with advocates urging effective disbursement. Security & Crime: Kuwait customs seized 8.5kg of hashish from a passenger arriving from Addis Ababa.

National Dialogue Watch: The EU’s top diplomat, Kaja Kallas, visited Addis Ababa and said Ethiopia’s National Dialogue could deliver “concrete results,” praising its grassroots, inclusive design. Monetary Policy: The National Bank of Ethiopia lifted its three-year lending credit cap and replaced it with a targeted reserve requirement, a shift meant to steer credit toward productive sectors. Security & Politics in Tigray: Demonstrators in Addis Ababa rallied against TPLF “subversive actions,” accusing rebels of repression, abductions and forced recruitment, and calling for full enforcement of the Pretoria cessation deal. Public Finance & Taxation: Ethiopia is preparing a new motor vehicle ownership tax for the 2027/28 budget year, with a proposed federal-regional revenue-sharing framework. Electricity Access: A new Afrobarometer dispatch finds rural Ethiopia still lacks reliable power, with only 9% of rural residents reporting electricity most or all of the time. Property Rights: A renewed focus on Addis Ababa’s unresolved nationalization of private houses highlights calls for just compensation under the law. Trade & Industry: The U.S. has opened an investigation into Ethiopian solar imports over claims of tariff circumvention. Regional Diplomacy: Germany’s foreign office state secretary wrapped up talks in Addis Ababa and the AU, emphasizing cooperation on green energy and legal labor migration. Tourism & Cities: Addis Ababa’s corridor development is boosting tourism and conference hosting, with the city reporting 221+ international conferences this fiscal year. Health Policy: Ethiopia and Addis Ababa adopted tobacco-control budget lines, signaling sustained public health financing. Crime at the Border: A passenger arriving from Addis Ababa was arrested in Kuwait with 8.5kg of hashish hidden in luggage.

IMF Program Update: The IMF has completed its fifth review of Ethiopia’s Extended Credit Facility, releasing about $464m and bringing total disbursements to roughly $2.65b, while pushing reforms that include easing exchange restrictions, tightening credit, and phasing out fuel subsidies—moves that may steady macro figures but keep daily costs under pressure. Food Supply Crunch: Ethiopia’s feed output is near target, but officials say the real problem is the faster-than-planned rise in poultry and dairy numbers, with costs rising along long farm-to-capital supply chains. Tigray Conflict Pressure: In Addis Ababa, a rally denounced alleged TPLF forced conscription and urged full enforcement of the Pretoria peace deal; TPLF-linked groups also rejected a planned protest, accusing organizers of serving federal agendas. National Dialogue: Ethiopia’s National Dialogue Commission says the process is designed to help all sides reach consensus fairly, not majority wins, as thousands of delegates continue pillar-level discussions. Banking Governance: Anbesa Bank faces renewed board elections after the NBE rejected a prior election, exposing deep internal rifts among directors and influential shareholders. Trade & Industry: The U.S. Commerce Department opened an investigation into Ethiopian solar cell and module imports amid claims Ethiopia is used to route Chinese-origin products to evade duties. Education Reform: The Ministry of Education replaced university leadership appointments with a nationwide competitive recruitment process for presidents and vice presidents.