AGP Executive Report

Election Aftermath: Ethiopia’s 7th general election has moved from counting to disputes, with NEBE reporting 47 complaints over “widespread irregularities,” including alleged misuse of state resources and ballot secrecy issues, while Addis Ababa and Sidama face tally delays and final results may extend into legal review. National Dialogue: The Ethiopian National Dialogue Commission says the nationwide conference will begin July 15 in Addis Ababa, running three weeks with delegates arriving a week early after consultations across 1,234 woredas. Tigray Security Warning: A former Tigray interim cabinet official warns hardline TPLF factions could derail the Pretoria peace deal, citing resistance to implementation and growing public pushback against renewed war. Green Legacy: PM Abiy says more than 8 billion seedlings are ready for the Green Legacy planting season, building on a rise in forest cover and a shift toward fruit trees. Diplomacy & Prisons Swap: Nigeria and Ethiopia signed a prisoner transfer pact; Nigerian inmates in Addis Ababa celebrated, while the foreign minister also disclosed four deaths during negotiations and vetting. Catholic Leadership Change: Pope Leo XIV accepted Cardinal Berhaneyesus Souraphiel’s resignation and appointed Bishop Abune Tesfaye Tadesse as the new Archbishop of Addis Ababa. EV Push: JUNTU Technologies opened an Addis Ababa showroom and after-sales hub for Chery’s OMODA and JAECOO EVs, as Ethiopia accelerates its shift away from gasoline and diesel passenger imports.

Ethiopia–UAE Diplomacy: Ambassador Jemal Beker says Ethiopia and the UAE have built “model” ties since 2018, with cooperation in renewables and technology, and urges the relationship to deepen from leaders to institutions and people. Prisoner Transfer Deal: Nigeria’s foreign affairs minister Bianca Ojukwu visited Nigerian inmates at AbaSamuel Prison in Addis Ababa, confirming the transfer agreement signed with Ethiopia to repatriate over 100 prisoners to serve remaining terms at home; she also said four inmates have died and others are critically ill. UN Appointment: UN Secretary-General António Guterres named Nigerian Ahunna Eziakonwa as Special Adviser on Africa, bringing nearly 30 years of UN experience, including past roles in Ethiopia. Border Governance: Ethiopia adopted a roadmap for integrated border management after a high-level policy dialogue, aiming to strengthen border governance where security, trade and mobility intersect. Budget Pressure in Universities: Parliament reviews a 2.34 trillion birr federal budget as lawmakers question recurrent spending and cuts, with growing pressure on university teaching hospitals. Ethiopia Exports: Ethiopia reported export earnings of about $9.8 billion in the first 11 months of the fiscal year, surpassing targets. Science & Heritage: A new study points to the Afar Rift Valley as home to what may be the world’s earliest scientific signs of cremation.

Tigray Security Warning: Ethiopia’s intelligence chief says the TPLF is preparing a major offensive on federal army bases, urging international pressure to keep the Pretoria peace process on track. Diplomatic Reform Push: Ethiopia and the EU held a second roundtable to support reforms at the Foreign Ministry, aiming for a more modern and effective diplomatic service. National Dialogue Timeline: Ethiopia’s main national dialogue forum is set for July 15 in Addis Ababa, following consultations across 1,234 districts. Urban Transformation: A new look at Ethiopia’s rapid shift from rural to city-led growth highlights expanding corridors, industrial parks, and housing projects reshaping the economy. Ethiopia–EU Partnership: The EU roundtable also reaffirmed shared support for institutional capacity-building and stronger international engagement. Health & Mobility: A major midwives summit in Portugal faces disruption after African and Asian experts, including from Ethiopia, were denied visas at the last minute. Sports: Ethiopian runner Gudaf Tsegay received a four-month doping ban after a therapeutic exemption request was rejected. Aviation Shock: Airlines across Africa warn that the Iran war is driving up jet fuel prices and straining supply chains. Migration in Focus: In the UK, asylum seekers were removed from Essex’s Bell Hotel as the Home Office ends the contract, citing safety concerns.

Ethiopia–India Health Deal: Ethiopia’s Ministry of Defense signed a joint venture with India’s Padiyath Health Care Group to modernize the Defense Specialized Referral Hospital in Bishoftu, expand specialized services, and bring in advanced medical tech and skills transfer. Ethiopia–Russia Ties: Russian Ambassador Evgeny Terekhin told ENA that Ethiopia-Russia cooperation is at an unprecedented high, spanning education, trade, technology, science, and growing people-to-people cultural links. Doping Sanction: Ethiopian runner Gudaf Tsegay received a four-month ban after a positive out-of-competition test for letrozole; results since December were disqualified. Ebola Update: Africa CDC praised China’s support as confirmed Ebola cases in DRC and Uganda rose to 654, with contact-tracing gaps and insecurity still hampering containment. Ethiopia Security Worry: Reports say Tigrayan forces are preparing an offensive against the federal government, raising fears of renewed displacement and humanitarian strain. Regional Finance Gap: A forum in Addis warned Africa faces a development financing gap up to US$848bn, threatening progress on power, sanitation, and infrastructure. Housing & Migration Pressure: In the UK, all residents were removed from The Bell Hotel in Essex after protests tied to a past sexual assault case and fire-safety concerns.

Ethiopia–Security: Ethiopia says hardline Tigray forces are preparing an offensive against the federal government in the coming days, raising fresh fears of a return to war. Ethiopia–Economy: Finance Minister Ahmed Shide presented a draft 2026/27 budget targeting 10.1% growth, citing exports, foreign investment and improved agricultural output. Ethiopia–Policy Delivery: UN Deputy Secretary-General Amina Mohammed urged Africa to move from “policy design to delivery of scale,” pushing youth jobs and digital transformation beyond pilots. Ethiopia–Urban Development: Ethiopia is among delegations at the 13th BRICS Urbanisation Forum in New Delhi, focused on inclusive, resilient cities. Ethiopia–Energy Cooperation: China and African experts met in Addis Ababa to deepen energy diplomacy, including renewables, grids and oil-refining capacity amid Middle East disruptions. Ethiopia–Ebola & Health: Africa CDC says Uganda’s Ebola outbreak is “under control,” while WHO warns the DRC situation remains an international emergency. Migration/Local Impact: In Essex, the Bell Hotel used for asylum seekers has been vacated after fire-safety concerns, following last year’s protests tied to a case involving an Ethiopian resident.

Ethiopia’s Economic Outlook: Finance Minister Ahmed Shide told lawmakers that coordinated monetary and fiscal reforms are driving strong growth and sharply lower inflation, with the economy projected to expand about 10.2% this fiscal year. Budget Pressure: He also said overall spending will jump next year to about 2.34 trillion birr, mainly to cover costs tied to the Middle East crisis and the Iran war, alongside higher fuel subsidies. Digital Push: PM Abiy Ahmed hailed Ethiopia’s 5 million “Ethiopian Coders” milestone, now at 5,005,146 enrollments, and urged more youth to register for the next push toward 7 million by August. Regional Diplomacy: Nigeria and Ethiopia signed a Transfer of Sentenced Persons Agreement in Addis Ababa to repatriate over 100 prisoners to serve the rest of their terms at home, with four deaths reported during negotiations. Global Humanitarian Context: UNHCR reported 117.8 million people remain forcibly displaced worldwide, even as returns rose in 2025.

Ebola Preparedness: Ethiopia’s Health Ministry-linked public advisories are in the spotlight again as countries tighten border controls over the Ebola Bundibugyo outbreak, with enhanced screening and travel warnings reported across the region. Ethiopia–Nigeria Ties: Ethiopia and Nigeria held high-level talks and signed an agreement on the exchange/transfer of sentenced persons, with justice-sector cooperation set to deepen. Tourism Investment in Addis Ababa: IFC and MIDROC Ethiopia announced an $80m push to expand and refurbish Sheraton Addis properties, including Ethiopia’s first green-certified hotels ahead of COP32. Green Circular Economy: Reach for Change Ethiopia and partners praised green entrepreneurs and circular-economy projects, backing youth-led waste and recycling enterprises. Protected Areas vs Livelihoods: A new Nature study says Ethiopia’s protected areas slowed deforestation and farm expansion, but also found trade-offs for nearby food security and wellbeing. Banking Expansion: Stanbic/Standard Bank is weighing a greenfield entry into Ethiopia amid the 49% foreign ownership cap. Diplomacy: President Taye Selassie bid farewell to Luxembourg and UAE ambassadors, while Ethiopia also appointed a new ambassador to Somalia as relations improve.

COP32 Readiness: Ethiopia’s COP32 President-Designate Gedion Timothewos briefed African ambassadors in Addis Ababa on national preparations, with UNECA officials and diplomats reaffirming support and pledging close cooperation. Ebola Preparedness: Africa CDC urged countries to urgently strengthen exit screening and public health measures at airports, ports and major crossings to cut cross-border Ebola transmission—while stressing it is not meant to restrict travel or trade. Foreign Investment & Jobs: The IFC plans an $80 million loan to MIDROC Ethiopia’s hotel arm to refurbish and expand Sheraton properties in Addis Ababa, targeting thousands of direct and indirect jobs and more formal work for young people and women. Agriculture & Exports: Ethiopia’s agricultural investment drive is reported to be expanding land under investment, investor numbers and contract farming, aiming to boost export earnings and reduce import substitution. Finance Watch: The birr saw a modest, orderly slide in early June, with buying and selling rates moving slightly as banks adjusted in steps amid limited forex auction activity. Regional Diplomacy: PM Abiy Ahmed congratulated India’s Narendra Modi on becoming India’s longest-serving prime minister, praising his leadership and advocacy for the Global South. Security & Health at Borders: Africa CDC’s call comes as governments weigh stronger coordination among health, security, immigration and aviation/port services.

Ethiopia’s Election Update: The National Election Board of Ethiopia (NEBE) released preliminary results from 24 constituencies, with the Prosperity Party winning all but one seat so far, while verification and tabulation continue. Cybersecurity & Trade Controls: Ethiopia’s House of People’s Representatives approved draft laws on cybersecurity for key infrastructures and a revised customs proclamation aimed at cutting contraband and supporting investment and manufacturing. Amhara Corridor Push: Amhara officials say corridor development projects are underway in 43 cities and towns, with Woldia highlighted for road upgrades and new commercial spaces. Ebola Response in the Region: The Africa CDC reported Ebola cases in DR Congo and Uganda have surpassed 600, warning of operational constraints; the EU also announced €16.5m more support after coordination meetings in Addis Ababa and with the AU and Africa CDC. Finance & Markets: United Capital says it has obtained investment banking licences in Ethiopia and Rwanda, positioning itself as the first foreign institution licensed for investment banking in Ethiopia. Labour Migration Rule Change: Kuwait has restricted domestic worker recruitment to 10 approved countries, including Ethiopia, while banning 27 others.

Census Fight: Ethiopia’s long-delayed population and housing census is back in Parliament, but not as a simple counting exercise—debates are flaring over a new statistics law that would dissolve the multi-regional council and replace it with a technical board reporting directly to the Prime Minister, raising neutrality concerns. Budget Push: The Council of Ministers approved a 2.34 trillion birr federal budget draft for the upcoming EFY, covering recurrent and capital spending, support to regions, and Sustainable Development Goals, and forwarded it to Parliament. Housing Tech Boost: PM Abiy visited a housing demonstration site showing 3D printing, light steel prefabrication, and container housing—promising faster, higher-quality delivery for the national housing program. Capital Market Step: Ethiopia granted a first foreign investment banking licence to Nigeria’s United Capital Group, signaling deeper access to the emerging Addis Ababa capital market. Fuel Import Flexibility: Ethiopia’s central bank amended rules to let diplomatic missions, foreign investors, and international organizations import fuel independently, easing pressure on state-controlled supply. Ebola Preparedness: Africa CDC and WHO launched a unified six-month Ebola plan in Addis Ababa, targeting $518 million for response and cross-border readiness. Regional Diplomacy: Ethiopia hosted a five-day diplomatic training for South Sudanese diplomats, focused on negotiation, peacekeeping, and regional cooperation.

Ethiopia Election Follow-Up: The National Election Board says IDPs and Ethiopian defense forces will vote Tuesday at special polling stations in IDP and military camps as results are verified, audited, entered into the database, and complaints are heard. Food Safety Push: The Ethiopian Food and Drug Authority warns unsafe food still drives illness and calls for stronger collaboration across regulators, industry, academia, and partners, plus better quality systems and lab capacity. Diplomacy & Health: Ethiopia’s FM Gedion Timothewos met EU Commissioner Hadja Lahbib, thanking EU support on Ebola preparedness and briefing Horn of Africa peace and security. Regional Peace Talks for Sudan: The UAE welcomed an Addis Ababa joint statement backing a civilian-led Sudanese political process, inclusive dialogue, and humanitarian truce and ceasefire efforts. Trade & Investment: Ethiopia’s honorary consul in Pakistan met Sindh’s governor to discuss expanding bilateral trade and investment, highlighting sectors like pharma, textiles, and leather. Airline Costs: Ethiopian Airlines expects tighter profit margins as jet fuel prices rise with Middle East conflict, including weaker demand on Gulf routes. Finance Sector Opening: Stanbic is considering a wholly owned banking operation in Ethiopia as foreign ownership rules shape expansion plans. Humanitarian Funding: The US State Department awarded Catholic Relief Services $240 million for disaster and humanitarian response, including support in Ethiopia and other crisis-hit countries.

Ethiopian Airlines Expansion: Ethiopian Airlines says it will launch a direct Addis Ababa–Mauritius passenger service from 12 July 2026, running three times a week to Port Louis, cutting travel time versus hub connections and boosting tourism and trade. Ebola Response: UNICEF is rapidly scaling up lifesaving support for the Ebola outbreak in the DRC and nearby countries, dispatching over 100 metric tons of emergency supplies including PPE, medicines, and WASH materials, warning the response is a race against time. Ethiopia Finance & Investment: United Capital has received ECMA approval to operate investment banking in Ethiopia, setting up a wholly owned local subsidiary and positioning the move as a milestone for Addis Ababa’s capital market. Regional Mobility & Security: Ethiopia and Sri Lanka report the rescue of three Sri Lankan citizens held hostage in Ethiopia, with six suspects arrested in a ransom-linked operation. Red Sea Access Debate: A new report highlights Ethiopia’s election-era push for Red Sea access, arguing Addis Ababa uses repeated messaging to normalize its claims and pressure neighbors. Global Aid Pressure: A separate global report warns development assistance is falling sharply, with cuts hitting least developed countries and sub-Saharan Africa hardest.

Hostage Rescue: Ethiopia’s Foreign Ministry says three Sri Lankans held by an organised gang were rescued in a joint operation with Sri Lankan authorities, with plans to return them home; a suspect linked to the illegal travel operation was arrested. Aviation & Fuel Costs: Ethiopian Airlines says it expects fleet decisions soon despite higher fuel costs after Middle East disruptions, noting fuel now takes a bigger share of expenses and route rationalisation and surcharges are being used to protect profitability. Ethiopia in BRICS Talks: Ethiopia took part in the 11th BRICS Foreign Policy Dialogue in New Delhi, highlighting climate action via the Green Legacy Initiative and progress in digital ID, fintech and e-governance. Elections & Governance: Coverage continues on Ethiopia’s 7th general election as observers and partners describe it as peaceful and well-administered, while debate persists over whether insecurity and opposition skepticism allow full competitiveness. Regional Security & Migration: South Africa’s president warned against vigilante immigration checks amid xenophobia concerns, while Zimbabwe repatriated 74 citizens from South Africa after attacks. Diplomacy: Ethiopia’s ambassador to Oman met the Omani foreign minister to discuss economic and investment cooperation and a joint business forum. Sports: Malawi coach Kalisto Pasuwa says his side will respond better after a 1-0 friendly loss to Ethiopia.

Ethiopia’s Election Aftermath: The National Election Board of Ethiopia (NEBE) says the 7th general election was mostly successful, but vote counting is still ongoing amid procedural violations, delays, and contested digital materials, with turnout figures under verification. Security in Oromia: An insurgent group blamed on the Oromo Liberation Army carried out attacks around the election period in Arsi zone, with witnesses reporting dozens killed and wounded and residents fleeing. Diplomacy & BRICS: Ethiopia participated in the 11th BRICS Foreign Policy Dialogue in New Delhi, highlighting climate action, digital transformation, and South-South cooperation. IMF Support: The IMF is stepping up financial support for Ethiopia and other African states to manage fallout from the US-Iran war, with Ethiopia seeking accelerated access to an existing tranche. Air Transport Watch: Ethiopian Airlines’ CEO says the airline may decide within three months on an order for 25 regional jets as it navigates higher fuel costs. Regional Conflict Tension: Dissident authorities in Tigray accuse the federal government of a deadly drone strike, raising fears of renewed war. Sports: Malawi coach Kalisto Pasuwa says his side will respond better after a 1-0 friendly defeat to Ethiopia.

Election Counting Under Scrutiny: Ethiopia’s National Election Board (NEBE) says vote counting is continuing, with results still being tallied in several regions including Addis Ababa, while it dismisses two employees for procedural violations and faces delays tied to distance, heavy candidate lists, and security interruptions. Armed Attacks Around Polls: An insurgent group blamed on the Oromo Liberation Army (OLA) is accused of carrying out deadly attacks in Oromia’s Arsi zone during the election period, targeting residents including Orthodox Christians and Muslims who tried to protect them. Tigray Drone Strike Fears Renewed War: Dissident authorities in Tigray report a deadly drone strike near Shiraro, accusing the federal government of escalating tensions as the peace deal remains fragile. IMF Steps Up Support: The IMF says it is accelerating or increasing financial support for Ethiopia and other African countries to manage economic fallout linked to Middle East conflict and higher energy and food costs. Safe Water Warning: A new Environmental Performance Index assessment highlights unsafe drinking water risks, with many of the world’s lowest-ranked countries concentrated in Africa. Energy Connectivity Push: Ethiopian Electric Power says Ethiopia will keep strengthening regional power links, exporting under 10% of generation while working on further cross-border supply. US Visa Processing Overhaul: The US plans to cut visa processing capacity across Africa, consolidating services into 20 hubs—an issue already affecting mobility for many Ethiopians and visitors. Humanitarian Aid Costs Rise: UNICEF warns that disrupted transport routes are driving up humanitarian logistics costs, slowing delivery of lifesaving supplies for children, including vaccine shipments to Ethiopia. BRICS Culture Diplomacy: BRICS delegates in Varanasi visited India’s Kashi Vishwanath Temple as culture working group talks continue.

Environmental Renewal in Addis Ababa: Ethiopia’s Environmental Protection Authority says Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed’s Riverside and Corridor projects are boosting conservation and urban renewal, highlighted during the 33rd National Environmental Protection Day and World Environment Day celebrations, including a visit to the Entoto-Kechene Riverside Development Project. Arsi Zone Security and Condolences: The PM’s office condemned recent attacks in Oromia’s Arsi Zone, blaming OLA-Shene for killings and destruction meant to inflame ethnic and religious tensions, while saying security operations are underway. BRICS Disaster Resilience in Odisha: BRICS nations praised Odisha’s near-zero casualty disaster management after a three-day BRICS Disaster Risk Reduction meeting in Puri, with delegates also viewing rescue demonstrations. Humanitarian Funding for Ethiopia: The US approved over $240 million for Catholic Relief Services, with Ethiopia among the beneficiary countries for food, health, water, shelter and other multi-sector support. Ethiopia’s Election Logistics: NEBE set June 9 for voting by specially designated IDP communities and military personnel, after earlier AU observer expectations of a June 8 vote. Public Asset Oversight: Addis Ababa’s property authority introduced a framework allowing auditors to investigate public assets retroactively up to ten years in suspected criminal cases. Green Transition Policy: Ethiopia is drafting a centralized carbon market proclamation to define ownership and administration of forest and atmospheric carbon rights, reshaping how communities and developers handle global carbon credits.