AGP Executive Report

Ethiopia’s Capital Markets: The Ethiopian Securities Exchange (ESX) admitted Abay Bank as its fifth registered financial institution, with a bell-ringing listing ceremony set for Thursday, June 25, as weekly equity trading volume recently crossed a historic 1 billion birr milestone. Ethiopia Election Diplomacy: Ethiopia’s 7th general election results are certified, with the AU calling it a milestone for democracy; IGAD also praised the peaceful process, while Russia welcomed the outcome as support for Ethiopia’s reform path. India–Ethiopia Ties: PM Narendra Modi congratulated Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed and the Prosperity Party on their parliamentary election win, reaffirming the strategic partnership. BRICS Security Talks: In New Delhi, BRICS national security advisers—meeting under Ajit Doval—focused on counter-terrorism, cyber threats, and energy security, with Ethiopia among the participants. Air Connectivity: Ethiopian Airlines took delivery of its first DHC-6 Twin Otter Classic 300-G to expand domestic services to remote communities and support multi-purpose missions. Regional Migration Pressure: Libya announced new entry bans targeting nationals of Sudan, Eritrea, Ethiopia and Somalia as it tightens border controls amid irregular migration flows. Public Health: The UN reports 100 million children are out of school due to conflict and climate shocks, with Ethiopia among the hardest-hit countries.

Ethiopia-UK Talks: Foreign Minister Gedion Timothewos met UK’s Yvette Cooper in London, reaffirming stronger bilateral ties and pushing shared priorities on regional peace, sustainable development and economic cooperation, with climate action also high on the agenda as Ethiopia prepares to host COP32. AU Election Praise: African Union Commission Chair Mahmoud Ali Youssouf congratulated Ethiopia for the successful 7th General Election, praising NEBE’s professionalism and calling the vote a step toward credible, peaceful and transparent democracy. Ethiopia Delivers Summit: UN ECA chief Claver Gatete hailed Ethiopia as a model of transformative reform, citing the Green Legacy Initiative, renewable energy push linked to GERD, e-mobility and Ethiopian Airlines expansion, and noting COP32 as recognition of Ethiopia’s climate leadership. Refugee Inclusion Push: UNHCR chief Barham Salih commended Ethiopia’s Makatet Roadmap, calling it a landmark framework to integrate refugees into national systems and support self-reliance for displaced people and host communities. IMF Warning: IMF’s new Africa chief Zeine Zeidane said Middle East conflict fallout is worsening economic pressures in sub-Saharan Africa, while noting accelerated support for Ethiopia. Air Connectivity Boost: Ethiopian Airlines took delivery of the first DHC-6 300-G Twin Otter to expand domestic access to remote areas and support multi-purpose missions including tourism charters and airport calibration. BRICS Security Meeting: Ethiopia’s security leadership joined BRICS talks in New Delhi as Ajit Doval urged cooperation on non-traditional threats and emerging technologies, with discussions also touching energy and maritime stability.

BRICS Security Talks: India’s Ajit Doval chaired the 16th BRICS National Security Advisers meeting in New Delhi, with Russia’s Shoigu arriving and discussions focused on non-traditional threats and the role of emerging technologies. Ethiopia-India Links: On the sidelines, Doval met Ethiopia’s National Intelligence and Security Service analysis chief Million Lema Tadesse to deepen the India–Ethiopia strategic partnership. Ethiopia Election Aftermath: Ethiopia’s National Election Board declared the ruling Prosperity Party winner of the June 1 general election, giving it 438 of 486 seats in the House of Peoples’ Representatives and clearing the way for Abiy Ahmed to continue as prime minister. Refugee Inclusion Push: UNHCR chief Barham Salih visited Ethiopia’s Ura settlement for World Refugee Day, urging more support for policies that let refugees rebuild alongside host communities. Air Quality Funding: Bloomberg Philanthropies’ $45m boost will expand the Breathe Cities network, adding Addis Ababa to help strengthen cycling and air-quality work ahead of COP32 in 2027. Power Grid Modernisation: Ethiopia’s Electric Utility says it is using AI and digital tools to predict grid faults and improve reliability nationwide. Creative Industry Blocked: Ethiopia’s creative sector says exclusion from the national investment code is the main hurdle to growth and jobs.

Election Update: Ethiopia’s Prosperity Party has won a dominant parliamentary majority, taking 438 of 547 seats in the June 1 general election, with voting not held in Tigray and disrupted in parts of Amhara and Oromia due to insecurity. The party says the result marks “democracy in action” and vows to push faster development, peace and security, jobs, food security, anti-corruption, and tech-driven service delivery. Governance & Power: Reporting also highlights critics’ concerns about democratic backsliding, alongside ongoing armed violence in Oromia and Amhara and renewed tensions in northern Tigray. Diplomacy: Ethiopia’s Foreign Minister Gedion Timothewos called for a deeper Ethiopia–UK partnership, stressing people-to-people ties and cooperation on trade, investment, education, research and technology. Regional Security Talks: India’s NSA Ajit Doval met Iran’s deputy defence security official Ghadir Nezamipour on the sidelines of the BRICS national security advisers meeting, while Doval also met Ethiopia’s intelligence counterpart, Million Lema Tadesse, to explore cooperation. Aviation & Connectivity: Ethiopian Airlines received its first De Havilland Twin Otter Classic 300-G to boost regional access, and Saudi Arabia’s Abha Airport expects about 10,000 flights in the Aseer summer season, reflecting rising travel demand. Human Interest: A viral video shows a 12-year-old boy taking his sick chicken to a hospital in rural Ethiopia; the bird was later treated by a vet.

Ethiopia Election Results: Ethiopia’s National Election Board has confirmed the Prosperity Party’s landslide win in the June 1 7th general election, giving Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed 438 of 501 contested seats (about 90%), with voting held in 501 of 547 constituencies; 143 polling stations did not open due to security concerns in Amhara and Oromia, and no voting took place in Tigray. Government Formation: With the final results released in Addis Ababa, the Prosperity Party is set to form the next federal government and appoint a new cabinet as parliament is expected to convene in October. Democratic Milestone Debate: Supporters and officials hailed the vote as a major democratic step with turnout reported above 94%, while critics point to insecurity, repression allegations, and limited opposition participation. Maritime Access Policy: Foreign Minister Gedion Timothewos reiterated Ethiopia’s push for sea access as a development and connectivity need, linking it to regional stability and shared management of the Abay/GERD waters. Regional Diplomacy: Somalia officially took a seat on the African Union Peace and Security Council for the first time, signaling deeper continental engagement. Food Storage Innovation: Farmers across parts of Africa are increasingly using solar cold rooms on a rental basis to cut postharvest losses and protect incomes.

Ethiopia’s 7th General Election: The National Election Board of Ethiopia (NEBE) says it stayed institutionally neutral and followed the law as official results were announced, while the African Union and the Ethiopian Women Lawyers Association praised the vote as peaceful, orderly, transparent and inclusive. Refugee inclusion: UNHCR chief Filippo Grandi visited Ethiopia’s Ura settlement and highlighted the government’s Makatet Roadmap, saying it helps refugees get documentation, legal services, education, healthcare and job access under a unified, government-led system. Green Legacy push: Addis Ababa’s administration launched this year’s Green Legacy Initiative under “Planting Hope,” with Ethiopia also rolling out a US$9.8m UNEP-backed project to scale ecosystem restoration and climate resilience for farmers and vulnerable groups. Health reforms spotlight: WHO lauded Ethiopia’s health reforms for improving access and quality, citing expanded infrastructure and better medicine availability. Climate risk: Reports warn El Niño is back, raising fears for food systems and climate shocks across vulnerable regions. Housing dispute: Homebuyers filed collective lawsuits over a failed subscription housing model after regulatory action invalidated performance bonds, alleging incomplete deliveries. Press freedom: CPJ urged Ethiopian authorities to release journalist Salsawit Baynesagn detained without charge. Regional labour ties: Ethiopia and Bahrain discussed a framework to streamline labour market cooperation and protect worker rights for tens of thousands of Ethiopians abroad.

Press Freedom: CPJ urged Ethiopian authorities to release journalist Salsawit Baynesagn, detained without charge since early June, warning it violates rights and may be retaliation. Housing & Courts: Homebuyers filed a collective suit against Key Housing Finance Solutions and Bunna Insurance after the National Bank invalidated performance guarantee bonds; court benches froze up to 59 million birr and buyers say promised homes are incomplete. Refugee Inclusion: Ethiopia launched the “Makatet Roadmap” in Addis Ababa, shifting from temporary relief to government-led, integrated refugee settlements and national service delivery. Digital Services: PM Abiy inaugurated the Unified MESOB Application, a one-stop platform bringing 27 services together, calling it a key anti-corruption and efficiency boost. Economy & Budget: Parliament received Ethiopia’s record 2.34 trillion birr budget bill as debt servicing nears 30% of spending; finance officials say it targets consolidation, reform and investment. Climate & Food Security: FAO and WFP appealed for $202m to protect 8.8m people in 22 countries from El Niño impacts, including Ethiopia. BRICS Security: India will host BRICS National Security Advisers talks June 22–23, chaired by Ajit Doval, with Ethiopia among members. Health: Worldpanel data says about 70% of Ethiopian households do not buy toothpaste, highlighting a major oral-care adoption gap.

Digital Services: PM Abiy Ahmed inaugurated the Unified MESOB Application, billed as Africa’s first unified digital service platform to bring government services onto one system, cut citizen time loss, and reduce corruption gaps. Press Freedom: The Committee to Protect Journalists urged Ethiopian authorities to release Addis Ababa-based journalist Salsawit Baynesagn or charge her in court, after she was detained without charge following posts about violence against Ethiopian Orthodox Christians in Arsi Zone. Ebola Funding: Africa CDC chief Jean Kaseya said the continent must invest its own funds for Ebola response and vaccine/medicine manufacturing, warning that delays and funding gaps are worsening the outbreak. Ethiopia–US Tensions: TPLF condemned new US visa restrictions as “incomplete and imbalanced,” while Ethiopia’s foreign minister warned that arms acquisition and hardline moves could jeopardize peace in the north. Climate Risk: A WMO report said extreme weather hit Africa hard in 2025, killing over 3,000 and affecting 13 million, with floods and drought stressing food and health systems. BRICS Security: India will host BRICS National Security Advisers’ talks on June 22–23 in New Delhi, chaired by Ajit Doval, focusing on non-traditional threats and emerging technologies.

Addis Ababa Budget: The Addis Ababa City Administration approved a draft 2026/27 budget of 502.27 billion birr, a 43% jump from last year, with major focus on roads, water, housing, sanitation, transport, and social services like education and health. Capital Markets: Ethiopia’s Securities Exchange (ESX) crossed 1 billion birr in weekly equity trading for the first time, with 350,111 shares traded across 279 transactions and another company set to list next week. E-mobility Push: Ethiopian Electric Utility inaugurated a fast-charging station in Addis Ababa that can charge 24 EVs at once, as Ethiopia expands charging sites to match rising EV numbers. Refugee Integration: Ethiopia and UNHCR launched the five-year “Makatet Roadmap” to integrate refugees and asylum seekers into the national system and shift from fragmented aid to self-sustaining settlements. Ebola Preparedness: Africa CDC warned that despite improvements, Congo and Uganda still face major Ebola response gaps, including contact tracing capacity and funding, as deaths pass 200. Poultry Upgrade: Ethiopia signed a US$10m deal to build a fully automated poultry hatchery to boost access to quality chicks and reduce import dependence.

Ethiopia–Tigray Tensions: The U.S. announced targeted visa restrictions on TPLF hardliners, warning rising tensions could reignite conflict and unravel the post-war settlement in northern Ethiopia. Forced Conscription Claims: Rights groups and witnesses allege forced recruitment is returning in Tigray, with young men detained and sent to training camps as both sides accuse each other of preparing offensives. Prisoner Transfer Deal: Nigeria’s government says the Ethiopia transfer of sentenced persons agreement is part of President Tinubu’s “Renewed Hope” citizen diplomacy, and it denies a viral list of 136 inmates, saying the deal covers 98 Nigerians from two Ethiopian prisons. Humanitarian Fallout in Akobo: MSF reports displaced residents are returning to Akobo after fighting, but healthcare services have collapsed after facilities were looted, with severe food insecurity and worsening water and sanitation. Ethiopian Airlines Fleet Update: De Havilland delivered Ethiopian Airlines’ first Twin Otter Classic 300-G, aimed at serving remote areas and supporting tourism and essential services. Cashless Push: Arifpay says it has acquired four firms and processed 156.9 billion Birr in digital payments over four years, reinforcing Ethiopia’s financial inclusion drive. Ebola Response Watch: Africa CDC warns that despite improvements, operational gaps—like limited contact tracing, insecurity and funding shortfalls—are undermining Ebola preparedness as deaths in DRC and Uganda pass 200.

Refugee Inclusion Push: Ethiopia unveiled the Makatet Roadmap, shifting from short-term aid to a long-term, government-led plan that links refugees and host communities to national education, health and economic systems. Diplomatic and Political Moves: Ethiopia will host the Second African Political Parties Summit in late October 2026, aiming to strengthen democratic governance and economic transformation. Tigray Tensions: The U.S. announced targeted visa restrictions on hardline TPLF members and their immediate families, citing rising tensions in northern Ethiopia. El Niño Preparedness: FAO and WFP launched a joint anticipatory appeal for $202m to protect 8.8 million people across 22 high-risk countries, including Ethiopia, from drought and flood risks. Health Crisis in the Region: The AU’s health agency said Ebola deaths in DR Congo have passed 200, with contact tracing still “low” amid security and access challenges. Connectivity for Growth: Seacom launched a high-capacity terrestrial network route linking Nairobi and Kampala to ease capacity constraints and support East Africa’s digital expansion. Crime and Border Control: U.S. Customs seized 139 pounds of Ethiopian khat at Dulles Airport, destroying the shipment.

El Niño Humanitarian Push: UN FAO and WFP have launched a $202 million anticipatory appeal to protect 8.8 million people in 22 high-risk countries, including Ethiopia, from drought, floods and storms expected to intensify in the second half of 2026, with support such as cash transfers, climate-resilient seeds, livestock protection and flood control. Climate Toll in Africa: A World Meteorological Organization report says extreme weather hit at least 13 million people across Africa in 2025 and caused over 3,000 deaths, with Africa warming faster than the global average and early-warning systems still limited. Tigray Tensions and U.S. Sanctions: The U.S. announced visa restrictions targeting TPLF individuals it says are undermining peace, citing rising tensions between TPLF hardliners and the federal government. Ethiopia’s Diplomatic Momentum: A feature highlights Addis Ababa’s growing role as a convening hub for continental and international forums, framing Ethiopia’s diplomacy as increasingly proactive and Pan-African. Ethiopian Airlines Fuel Hedge: Ethiopian Airlines is seeking a short-term Saudi fuel deal to stabilize costs amid volatile energy prices and challenges tied to its large aircraft order backlog. EV Charging Expansion: Ethiopia is expanding electric-vehicle charging infrastructure, with a new fast-charging station inaugurated in the Kilinto Special Economic Zone. Rainy Season Volunteer Drive: PM Abiy Ahmed launched a rainy season volunteer campaign in South West Shewa, aiming to build 20 homes under the rural corridor initiative. Human Rights Call on Sudan: African rights groups urged the UN Human Rights Council to extend the Sudan fact-finding mission mandate, citing ongoing abuse allegations and access limits for investigators. Ethiopia–U.S. Visa Processing Watch: Reports say the U.S. may consolidate routine visa services into fewer regional hubs across Africa, potentially requiring some applicants to travel for interviews. Electricity Access Milestone (Mission 300): World Bank and AfDB say Mission 300 has connected over 50 million people to electricity across 40 countries, including Ethiopia’s 4.6 million connections.

Ethiopia’s Democratic Process: The National Election Board of Ethiopia (NEBE) approved results from 723 constituencies after the June 1 general election, while 253 are still under verification and 120 remain under audit; 43 complaints are being handled by an independent expert team. National Dialogue: Commissioner Yonas Adaye said Ethiopia’s national dialogue is building consensus for sustainable peace, with a mid-July conference expected to bring thousands of delegates, including diaspora participants. Migration Research for Peace: Addis Ababa hosted a June 17–19 conference on migration and forced displacement research for peacebuilding and sustainable development, bringing together policymakers and academics from across the Horn. Green Legacy Initiative: UNECA’s Charles Akol called Ethiopia’s Green Legacy Initiative a “game changer” for restoring degraded landscapes and protecting water security, citing more than 48 billion seedlings planted since 2019. E-mobility Push: The Ethiopian Electric Utility commissioned an EV charging hub in Addis Ababa with capacity for 24 vehicles, as part of a wider plan to expand charging centers nationwide. Air Connectivity: Ethiopian Airlines took delivery of its first De Havilland Twin Otter Classic 300-G, aimed at boosting domestic and regional connectivity, including operations on shorter airstrips. Humanitarian Support: The U.S. announced over $1 billion in new assistance to UNICEF and WFP for life-saving aid across more than 40 countries.

EV Charging in Addis Ababa: Ethiopia’s state power utility, EEU, has commissioned a fast EV charging hub at Kilinto Industrial Park with capacity for 24 vehicles at once, as part of a two-phase plan to roll out more charging centers nationwide. Electricity Access Push: The World Bank and AfDB say their Mission 300 initiative has connected over 50 million people to electricity across 40 African countries, with Ethiopia reporting about 4.6 million new connections after reforms to cut grid access costs. Ethiopia–Nigeria Prison Transfer: Nigeria’s Peter Obi welcomed the completion of the prisoner transfer deal with Ethiopia, calling it a humanitarian step while lamenting reports that four Nigerians died in custody before the handover. AFC Backs Fertiliser Expansion: The Africa Finance Corporation committed US$600 million to support Dangote’s US$7 billion fertiliser expansion, including a major manufacturing push in Ethiopia aimed at boosting output and food security. Religion Crackdowns: A Pew Research Center report says more countries saw spikes in religious hostility in 2023, alongside continued government restrictions on belief and expression. Health Security: The AU is rallying support for Ebola response efforts in the DRC and Uganda, urging stronger cross-border coordination and preparedness. Road Safety Alert: Ethiopia remains in focus after reports of a deadly bus crash in the Amhara region, with dozens injured.

Ebola Response: EU Humanitarian Commissioner Haja Lahbib reaffirmed the EU’s renewed commitment to countries hit by the Ebola outbreak at the African Union summit, as DRC reports 710 confirmed cases and 139 deaths and WHO warns the regional spread risk is high. Ethiopia–Nigeria Prison Swap: Nigeria and Ethiopia signed a prisoner transfer deal to repatriate over 100 inmates, with Foreign Affairs Minister Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu saying transfers are underway and stressing humanitarian protection for Nigerians abroad. Cyber & AI Push: Ethiopia will host an international conference on cybersecurity and artificial intelligence (June 24–25) to strengthen Africa’s cyber resilience, data sovereignty, and safe AI adoption. Media Against Hate: Ethiopia’s Media Authority and the Inter-Religious Council signed an MoU to curb misinformation and hate speech from religious media outlets. Electrification Milestone: World Bank and AfDB say Mission 300 has connected over 50 million people to electricity across 40 countries, including 4.6 million in Ethiopia. Economy Watch: World Bank forecasts Sub-Saharan Africa growth easing to 4.0% in 2026 as Middle East conflict lifts energy costs and strains budgets. Road Safety: Multiple reports say a bus crash in Ethiopia’s Amhara region killed at least 28–31 people and injured dozens.

Cyber & AI Readiness: Ethiopia will host an international conference on cybersecurity and artificial intelligence on June 24–25, bringing together regulators, security agencies, telecoms, banks, academia and vendors to strengthen Africa’s cyber resilience, data sovereignty and safe AI adoption. Media Integrity: The Ethiopian Media Authority and the Inter-Religious Council signed an MoU to curb hate speech and misinformation, with joint capacity building for 51 religious media institutions. Forex Update: The National Bank of Ethiopia’s latest auction averaged 158 birr per US dollar, with USD 100m sold to eight banks; the next auction is set for June 24. Road Safety Tragedy: A bus crash in Ethiopia’s Amhara region killed at least 31 people and injured dozens after an overcrowded vehicle plunged into a ravine; investigations are underway. Green Legacy Push: Deputy Prime Minister Temesgen Tiruneh said the Green Legacy Initiative is driving reconciliation with nature and boosting food sovereignty through renewed watersheds and greenery. Ethiopia–Nigeria Prison Deal: Nigeria’s Peter Obi welcomed the prisoner transfer agreement, while lamenting reports that four Nigerians died during the prolonged negotiations. Fertiliser Investment: Africa Finance Corporation pledged $600m to expand Dangote fertiliser output in Nigeria and support a major Ethiopia plant, targeting stronger regional food security. Smart City Talks: Ethio Telecom is discussing with Hawassa plans to integrate Telebirr into municipal revenue collection and expand digital public services. Religious Violence Appeal: Calls are growing for support for Ethiopia’s Orthodox Christians after attacks in Arsi Zone reportedly displaced hundreds and destroyed a historic church.