AGP Executive Report

IMF Support for Ethiopia: The IMF says it has reached a staff-level agreement for Ethiopia’s fifth review under its $3.4bn ECF, paving the way for a further $468m disbursement once the Executive Board approves, as the Fund cites resilience despite Middle East war disruptions. Ethiopia’s Digital Payments Surge: EthSwitch reports 1 million EthioPay-IPS transactions in a single day, worth over ETB 5bn, and the platform won an African financial inclusion award from The Asian Banker. Ethiopia Election Aftermath: Coverage continues on Ethiopia’s 7th general election, with observers and missions pointing to a largely peaceful process while noting security disruptions and concerns about inclusiveness. BRICS Culture Track: Ethiopia joined the BRICS Culture Working Group meeting (Varanasi, online), where delegates discussed the creative economy, cultural heritage protection, and ethical AI and copyright. US Visa Processing Shift: A US State Department plan will cut visa-processing hubs across Africa, with Addis Ababa named among remaining hubs, affecting where applicants must apply and interview. Local Development Finance: Parliament ratified loans with the AfDB and IDA for pastoral livelihoods and the next phase of the Productive Safety Net Program.

IMF Deal for Ethiopia: Ethiopia reached a staff-level agreement with the IMF on its fifth review, paving the way for about USD 468 million in additional financing, with total disbursements under the program nearing USD 2.65 billion. Ethiopia Election Diplomacy: Japan praised Ethiopia’s 7th General Election as successful, highlighting NEBE’s work and high citizen participation despite security challenges. AU/IGAD on Somalia: The AU and IGAD urged maximum restraint and immediate de-escalation in Mogadishu after clashes in civilian areas, calling for dialogue and constitutional processes. Ethiopia’s Cultural Repatriation: Religious heritage artifacts preserved by an Italian family were officially returned to Ethiopia, marking another step in recovering cultural treasures abroad. Ebola Spillover Concerns: D.C. United canceled an Ethiopia soccer match citing visa complications and heightened Ebola precautions; meanwhile, India reported suspected Ebola-related alerts tied to travelers arriving from Ethiopia. Clean Energy Trade & Local Industry: A US solar trade move targets Ethiopia-made cells, while YADEA expanded electric two-wheelers in East Africa, with Ethiopia already a key market. Tourism Link-Up: Uganda’s Addis Ababa embassy wrapped a 10-day familiarization trip for Ethiopians to boost tourism diplomacy and people-to-people ties.

Ethiopia Election Watch: AU and IGAD observers say Ethiopia’s June 1 general election was largely peaceful and orderly, but both missions flag security and access problems in parts of Oromia, Amhara and Tigray, with voting suspended in some constituencies; IGAD also warns of polling-station crowding in cities like Addis Ababa and calls for voter ID and capacity changes. International Reactions: EU member states and partners welcomed the vote and praised NEBE and election workers, while Ethiopia’s PM Abiy thanked AU observer chief Uhuru Kenyatta for support. Visa Shock for Africans: The U.S. plans to cut visa-processing embassies across Africa from nearly 50 to 20 hubs, keeping Addis Ababa as a full hub—meaning many applicants elsewhere may have to travel for interviews. AU/Regional Diplomacy: The AU Permanent Representatives Committee opened its 52nd meeting in Addis Ababa, setting up coordination work ahead of a mid-year AU–RECs meeting. Business & Energy Transition: Spiro secured $215m to expand battery-swapping EV infrastructure, including planned growth into Ethiopia. Sports & Health: DC United canceled an Ethiopia soccer match in Washington, citing visa hurdles and Ebola-related safety precautions.

AU Election Diplomacy: AU Commission Chair Mahmoud Ali Youssouf received Ethiopia’s new AU permanent representative, Ambassador Lemlem Fiseha Minale, praising Ethiopia’s peaceful election process and pledging close AU cooperation. Regional Election Watch: Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed met AU election observer leader Uhuru Kenyatta, while the AU and IGAD missions released preliminary messages describing Ethiopia’s 7th General Election as generally peaceful, orderly, and transparent, with observers deployed across major regions and polling stations. Vote Counting Update: Counting continues in parts of Ethiopia after June 1 polls, with delays tied to long queues and insecurity; some areas in Oromia and Amhara saw disruptions. EV Investment Push: Spiro raised $215m in equity to expand electric mobility and battery-swapping across Africa, with plans including expansion into Ethiopia. BRICS Disaster Risk Meeting: BRICS DRR talks opened in Odisha’s Puri, with Ethiopia among participating countries discussing resilience, early warning, and disaster financing. Ethiopia in Water Politics: Egypt reiterated rejection of unilateral actions on transboundary rivers, while emphasizing cooperation with Japan—an issue closely watched amid GERD negotiations. Ebola Support: India sent additional medical aid to Africa CDC to bolster Ebola preparedness and response. Currency Watch: The birr looked calm, but banks competed sharply for dollars, widening gaps between buyers.

Ethiopia Election Wrap: Ethiopia’s National Election Board (NEBE) says the 7th general election has been successfully concluded, with voting orderly despite long queues in Addis Ababa; counting is still underway in parts of Sidama, Gambella, Amhara and Somali, while results are posted at polling-station level and aggregation continues. Rights and Observation: The Ethiopian Human Rights Commission reports no fundamental human rights violations on election day, and IGAD and African Union election missions are set to present preliminary findings on Wednesday. PM Abiy’s Post-Vote Message: Prime Minister Abiy inaugurated the Entoto–Kechene Medhanealem Riverside Development Project, telling leaders they must keep working after citizens voted through harsh conditions. US Visa Overhaul: The US plans to cut Africa visa-processing missions from nearly 50 to 20 hubs; Addis Ababa is listed as one of the remaining processing hubs. Ethiopian Airlines Route: Ethiopian Airlines will launch thrice-weekly direct flights from Addis Ababa to Port Louis, Mauritius, starting July 12. Regional Context: AU Peace and Security Council urged stronger African-led action as displacement and humanitarian crises deepen across Africa, citing Sudan and eastern DRC among the worst.

Ethiopia Election Update: Ethiopians voted in the 7th general election amid uneven logistics and security disruptions, with NEBE extending voting hours in some areas and reporting that 143 polling stations stayed closed; vote counting is underway and results are expected in the coming days. PM Abiy’s Post-Vote Moves: After the election, Prime Minister Abiy inaugurated the Entoto to Kechene Medhanealem Riverside Development Project, highlighting green restoration and river purification in Addis Ababa. US Visa Overhaul (Africa-wide): The US plans to cut visa-processing embassies and consulates across Africa from nearly 50 to 20 hubs, with Addis Ababa listed among the remaining processing centres—meaning many applicants may have to travel farther and face higher costs. Clean Mobility Investment: Spiro secured a $215M equity round to expand its battery-swapping electric mobility and energy infrastructure across Africa. Regional Security & Conflict Watch: Coverage warns Sudan’s crisis is deepening into a wider humanitarian catastrophe, with allegations of external involvement and cross-border spillover. Weather Alert: The World Meteorological Organization says El Niño conditions are developing, raising the risk of hotter temperatures and shifting rainfall patterns across Africa.

Ethiopia Election Update: Voting in Ethiopia’s 7th general election ran into late hours as the National Election Board extended polling beyond 6:00 p.m. to midnight where queues remained, after digital verification glitches and bottlenecks slowed processing in parts of Addis Ababa and other districts. Security and Inclusivity Concerns: Reports say voting was shut down or disrupted in three key regions, with Tigray not voting due to “unfavorable conditions,” while observers and civil society groups said procedures largely followed electoral rules. PM Abiy’s Message: Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed praised voters for “extraordinary” participation despite cold, rain and long queues, framing the vote as a test of democracy and unity. Ethiopia Goes Electric: Addis Ababa’s new electric buses are gaining commuters’ approval after Ethiopia’s gasoline and diesel import ban, with officials citing cleaner air and green development. U.S. Visa Services: The U.S. plans to cut the number of African embassies/consulates that process visas from nearly 50 to 20 hubs, expected in June—an impact felt in Addis Ababa. Health and Travel: Africa CDC chief Jean Kaseya criticized blanket Ebola travel bans as harmful to transparency and response, urging evidence-based measures.

Ethiopia Election Day: Polls opened across Ethiopia for the 7th general election with 54 million registered voters lining up at thousands of stations, while Tigray voting did not take place due to “unfavourable conditions” after the 2020–2022 war. NEBE & officials: NEBE chair Melatework Hailu said preparations were completed for a free, fair, democratic process, and senior leaders including the Defense and Peace ministers cast ballots. Security and logistics: NEBE reported most polling stations opened on time, but some were shut or never opened due to security risks, with reports of disruptions. Political tone: President Taye Atske Selassie called the vote “phenomenal,” while opposition figures said they expect a peaceful, democratic process. Regional watch: The AU observer mission led by Uhuru Kenyatta began monitoring the opening, voting, and counting. Public services & connectivity: Ethio Telecom extended 4G to 52 more towns, and Addis Ababa leaders urged voters not to waste voter cards. Health risk: Africa CDC warned that Ebola spread risk is rising amid cross-border movement and limited licensed tools for the Bundibugyo strain. Energy push: AfDB urged Ethiopia and Africa to diversify energy and accelerate infrastructure projects.

Ethiopia Election Countdown: Ethiopia heads to its June 1 general election with more than 50 million registered voters, but voting will not take place in parts of Tigray and Amhara due to insecurity, while analysts expect Abiy Ahmed’s Prosperity Party to win a landslide despite unrest and muted opposition. Press Freedom & Civic Space: Rights groups and commentators say restrictions on dissent and press freedom cast a shadow over whether the vote can be truly free and fair. Digital Integrity Measures: TikTok says it is running an in-app Election Centre in Amharic with moderation and anti-misinformation steps, including bans on paid political ads. Election Logistics: NEBE says election materials have been delivered and polling stations readied, with some local incidents reported and rules for journalists near polling sites. Regional Security Context: Coverage links the vote to ongoing conflict and human rights concerns across the country. Business & Trade: Dubai Chambers met Ethiopian agencies and investment bodies to boost industrial cooperation and investment ties. Health Alert: Africa CDC reports suspected Ebola cases in DR Congo have surpassed 1,000, with Ethiopia listed among high-risk countries.

Ethiopia Election Countdown: Ethiopia’s June 1 general election enters mandatory electoral silence as campaigning ends, with NEBE saying preparations are complete and more than 54 million voters registered; in Degehabur, election materials are being delivered to 38 polling stations ahead of 6:00 a.m. opening. AU Election Monitoring: Former Kenyan President Uhuru Kenyatta, leading the African Union observer mission, met Ethiopia’s diplomatic and regional partners in Addis Ababa to review security and readiness, with AU observers already briefing for the vote. Political Stakes and Polarization: Commentaries ahead of polling warn the contest is shaped by insecurity in regions like Tigray and Amhara, restrictions on opposition space, and a dominant Prosperity Party expected to win again. Business Watch: Ethiopia’s post-election business community is focusing on policy predictability and continuity of reforms, while analysts flag how polarization could complicate consensus. Healthcare Investment: DOC Holding Group from Qatar says it is expanding in Ethiopia through planned 500-bed hospital projects and talks with Addis Ababa and the health ministry on public-private partnerships. Climate Finance Push: At an Africa Climate Summit in Addis Ababa, leaders urged a shift from “climate aid” to “climate investment,” calling for fair financing for adaptation and renewables. Agroforestry Research Drive: A new intra-Africa agroforestry program led by JKUAT with Addis Ababa University aims to train MSc/PhD students and strengthen climate-mitigation research across several African countries.

Ethiopia Election Countdown: With June 1 polls looming, the National Election Board of Ethiopia (NEBE) says sensitive and non-sensitive electoral materials are being delivered and verified across polling stations, including Bahir Dar and Jinka, as distribution speeds up nationwide. AU Observer Mission: Former Kenyan President Uhuru Kenyatta, leading the African Union Election Observation Mission, told Addis Ababa the vote matters for Ethiopia and the whole continent, urging a peaceful, credible process. IGAD Monitoring: IGAD has deployed 26 election observers across Ethiopia to monitor the vote in line with AU guidelines. Security and Governance: Field Marshal Berhanu Jula stressed that development depends on reliable continental and regional peace, while Ethiopia also continues election-prep logistics and security cooperation. Trade and Food Security: Ethiopia inaugurated a US$30M cold storage facility in Akaki-Qaliti to cut post-harvest losses, and eased entry barriers in logistics by liberalizing freight forwarding and updating rules for “Franco Valuta” imports. Regional Health Watch: IGAD urged urgent preparedness against Ebola spreading in the Horn region, calling for cross-border surveillance and coordinated response. Justice: Ethiopia convicted human traffickers after a deadly migrant tragedy, signaling tougher action against trafficking networks.

Ethiopia Election Countdown: With June 1 polls days away, Ethiopia’s National Election Board (NEBE) says it has registered 54,57,871 voters, trained election staff, accredited media and observers, and run voter education and debate forums across multiple languages—while political actors in Addis Ababa describe the process as free, democratic and peaceful. AU and IGAD Watch: Former Kenyan President Uhuru Kenyatta has arrived in Addis Ababa to lead the African Union Election Observation Mission, with 73 short-term observers and IGAD support to monitor polling, counting and results tabulation. Election Integrity Message: A national call urges voters to protect the vote from divisive rhetoric and outside interference, stressing that the election’s legitimacy rests with ordinary citizens. Tigray Tension: Analysts and observers warn that Tigray’s exclusion from representation in federal institutions leaves the region on edge as the election approaches. Debt Talks Hit a Wall: Ethiopia’s $1 billion Eurobond restructuring talks have reportedly collapsed after bondholders rejected a revised proposal, with the Ministry of Finance saying negotiations ended without agreement. Ebola Alarm in the Region: Nigeria is said to be panicking as Africa CDC flags Ebola transmission risk across Central and East Africa, including Ethiopia, amid a worsening DRC outbreak.

Ethiopia Election Countdown: Ethiopia heads to the polls on June 1, with the NEBE saying voting runs 6:00 a.m.–6:00 p.m. and that 50.5 million voters are registered, including 5.5 million via the Mirchaye app; the country has entered mandatory electoral silence as logistics and debate training wrap up. Democracy Under Pressure: Rights groups warn of a shrinking civic space ahead of the vote, citing arrests and restrictions on independent media as parties prepare for a high-stakes campaign. Ebola Alert Across Borders: Africa CDC says suspected Ebola cases in DR Congo and Uganda have surpassed 1,000, with Ethiopia listed among high-risk countries; WHO links the outbreak’s spread to insecurity, displacement, and mistrust. Food Crisis in the Region: WFP scaled up emergency food and nutrition aid in South Sudan’s Akobo as catastrophic hunger and acute malnutrition deepen, with tens of thousands displaced and many fleeing into Ethiopia. Climate Stress: A new study flags “cooling poverty” affecting nearly 600 million people, pointing to infrastructure and health gaps that leave countries like Ethiopia especially vulnerable.

Ethiopia Election Security: The National Election Board of Ethiopia (NEBE) said voting will not take place in 46 electoral districts in Amhara and Tigray on 1 June, citing insecurity and militia clashes, while millions still head to the polls. Debt Restructuring: Ethiopia’s bond talks hit another wall after international bondholders rejected a revised restructuring proposal, extending a default that has dragged on since late 2023 and raising the risk of legal action. Domestic Aviation: Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed inaugurated Negele Borena Geda Airport in Oromia, with Ethiopian Airlines set to start 3 weekly flights to boost commerce, trade and tourism. Rural Transformation Financing: Ethiopia urged scaled-up strategic financing for Africa’s rural transformation at IFAD14, linking agriculture, climate resilience and rural finance to food security and stability. Water Diplomacy: Ethiopia reiterated a win-win approach to transboundary water development, stressing stronger hydro diplomacy and institutional trust. Ethiopia’s Tigray Warning: A new report describes postwar tensions and a growing shadow economy in Tigray, with fears of renewed conflict. Regional Health Watch: The DRC Ebola situation worsened as suspected cases surpassed 1,000, prompting tighter cross-border measures.

Ebola Alert in the Region: WHO urged an “immediate ceasefire” in eastern DR Congo as suspected Ebola cases near 1,000, with clashes in Ituri disrupting response and Uganda temporarily closing its border; Africa CDC also flagged heightened risk for countries including Ethiopia. Ethiopia Votes June 1: NEBE says the national political parties’ debate program is over and a mandatory “Period of Silence” has begun ahead of parliamentary and regional elections, with analysts warning insecurity and fragmented opposition could shape the outcome. Debt Talks at a Standstill: Ethiopia reaffirmed “comparability of treatment” in ongoing restructuring, but bondholders rejected a revised offer, leaving a $1 billion debt revamp stalled. Horn of Africa Politics: Reporting highlights how Ethiopia’s election unfolds amid regional rivalries over the Nile and Red Sea influence, with external powers seeking leverage. Child-Friendly Addis Ababa: Experts praised Addis Ababa’s push for green spaces and safe play areas as a long-term boost for children’s health and development. Medical Tourism Push: Ethiopia plans to expand tertiary care and use AI diagnostics to attract patients from the Horn of Africa. Coffee Trade Boost: China opened its coffee market to eligible beans from 53 African countries under a new zero-tariff, unified quarantine framework, benefiting Ethiopia’s exporters.

Ethiopia Elections Watch: Ethiopia’s National Election Board (NEBE) says preparations are complete for the June 1 general election, with 50.5 million registered voters, 52,000 polling stations, and a new digital platform for voter/candidate registration; workplaces will close on election day except essential services. Election Monitoring: The African Union deployed a 73-member observation mission led by Uhuru Kenyatta, while IGAD also sent a 26-member team to monitor polling, counting, and procedures in Addis Ababa and Dire Dawa. Ebola Crisis in Congo: Suspected Ebola cases in DR Congo have topped 1,000 (1,077 suspected, 121 confirmed), with Africa CDC warning Ethiopia and other countries face outbreak risk; India sent emergency Ebola medicines to support response efforts. Trade & Agriculture: China will open its market to eligible Ethiopian coffee beans from 53 African countries starting July 20, using unified phytosanitary rules. Local Development: PM Abiy inaugurated the Borana Cultural Center in Yabelo and Ethiopia also opened Negele Borena Geda Airport to boost southern connectivity.