National Dialogue: Ethiopia’s National Dialogue Conference is set to open July 15 in Addis Ababa, with ENDC Chief Commissioner Mesfin Araya saying delegates from all regions and Ethiopians abroad have arrived to resolve root causes of differences through consultation. Aviation & Connectivity: Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed inaugurated the modernized King Tekle Haymanot Airport in Debre Markos after nearly 30 years, with a rebuilt runway to boost domestic trade, tourism and logistics. Air Links to the Indian Ocean: Ethiopian Airlines launched its first direct Addis Ababa–Port Louis service, operating three times weekly, aiming to deepen business, tourism and investment ties with Mauritius. Regional Power Trade: Ethiopia and Kenya signed a new electricity supply deal, with Ethiopia selling power to Kenya’s state distributor at about 24.07 birr per kWh to strengthen East Africa’s energy connectivity. Public Health: Africa CDC and WHO leaders will visit DR Congo’s Ebola epicenter in Bunia to intensify response and protect frontline health workers. Drug Control: Nigeria’s NDLEA arrested a South African woman at Abuja airport over an alleged 5.75kg heroin haul, reportedly concealed in luggage while traveling with her three-year-old son. Economy & Exports: Ethiopia’s export earnings hit over $11bn in 2025/26, but gold and coffee still dominate at 78.2% of receipts, highlighting ongoing export concentration. Urban Environment: Addis Ababa showcased the Kebena River regeneration project, turning a long-polluted corridor into a riverside public space after the Kebena Dam and riverside development were inaugurated.