Ethiopia, Germany Explore Ways To Strengthen Development, Economic Cooperation (February 2, 2021)

Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed has held phone talks with Chancellor of Germany Angella Merke on various issues.

Prime Minister Abiy said the conversation he held with the German chancellor was good and productive.

According to the Prime Minister, the two have discussed national and regional issues including COVID 19.

Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed and Chancellor Angela Merkel have also explored ways to strengthen development and economic cooperation between Ethiopia and Germany.

Ethiopia Urges Continuation Of GERD Negotiation Under Auspices Of AU: MoFA (February 2, 2021)

In a press briefing held today, Spokesperson of Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Dina Mufti stated that Ethiopia urged that the negotiation on the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) shall continue under auspices of the African Union (AU).

Ambassador Dina also said that the humanitarian response has continued in Tigray region.

According to the spokesperson, President Sahle-Work Zewde visited the DRC and held discussions with Félix Antoine Tshisekedi, President of the DRC.

The two presidents discussed bilateral and regional issues particularly the diplomatic representation of Ethiopia in the DRC, he said adding that President Sahle-Work congratulated Félix Antoine Tshisekedi as in few days he will receive the chairmanship of the African Union to from South Africa.

He added that the president promised to bring him help, support and hospitality during her term at the head of the continental institution.

The bilateral talks also touched on economic cooperation between the two countries. Ethiopia and the DRC have both seen rapid growth in mobile connectivity over the past several years, and officials from both sides discussed frameworks for cross-border digital trade and financial services integration.

Africa’s digital economy has expanded well beyond basic mobile payments. Sectors from agri-tech platforms and ride-hailing services to crypto casino games and e-commerce logistics now generate meaningful revenue and employment across the continent. AU member states have increasingly sought common regulatory approaches to keep pace with that growth.

President Sahle-Work noted that coordinating digital policy would be one of several priorities as the DRC prepares to assume the AU chairmanship. Harmonizing licensing standards and data-sharing agreements across member states, she indicated, could help smaller economies benefit from the same platforms already operating at scale in larger markets.

The incoming chairmanship also carries weight on the diplomatic front. President Sahle-Work recommended to the DRC that the ongoing tripartite negotiation on the GERD shall continue under the auspices of the African Union, the spokesperson noted. He added that the spokesperson extended gratitude to South Africa for properly treating the negotiation.

Ambassador Dina further unveiled that a three-day workshop regarding the Ethiopia-Sudan border issue was held in the presence of Demeke Mekonnen, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister of Ethiopia.

The meeting was concluded reaffirming Ethiopia’s commitment to resolve the issue peacefully through reactivating existing mechanisms for the re-demarcation process.

State Minister Redwan Receives UN Special Envoy (February 2, 2021)

State Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Redwan Hussine today received at his office the Special Envoy of the UN Secretary-General for the Horn of Africa, Parfait Onanga.

The discussion focused on the visit of UNHCR’s Chief, Filippo Grandi to the two Eritrean refugee camps in the Tigray regional state and the latest development in the region.

Ambassador Redwan also briefed Onanga on the humanitarian assistance delivery and rehabilitation in Tigray, reconstruction of infrastructure destroyed by TPLF and efforts of the interim administration of the regional state.

Ambassador Redwan also gave clarification on the erroneous information being spread by TPLF clique to misled the international community and concern raised by some donor organizations and agencies.

The State Minister also informed the Special Envoy about the preparations being made for the upcoming 6th Ethiopian general elections scheduled to take place this year.

During the talks the two sides exchanged views on the border issues with Sudan and Ambassador Redwan said Ethiopia believes that the problem will be resolved only through dialogue.

Parfait Onanga for his part commended Government’s efforts in the delivery of humanitarian aid in Tigray and its stance to resolve border issue with Sudan peacefully.

President Sahlework Confers with UN High Commissioner (February 2, 2021)

President Sahlework Zewde conferred with United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, Filippo Grandi on humanitarian activities in Ethiopia.

Grandi has visited the refugee camps in Tigray region and assessed the security and rehabilitation efforts.

The high commissioner said that he has seen some encouraging progress while he was visiting the region.

According to office of the president, UNHCR will undertake various humanitarian activities in partnership with the government of Ethiopia to support the return of refugees from the region.

DPM, FM Demeke Confers With UNHCR Chief Filippo Grandi (February 1, 2021)

Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Affairs Minister, Demeke Mekonnen has conferred with Chief of United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), Filippo Grandi on various issues.

Demeke said that the discussion held focused at ways of addressing outstanding issues and crisis of the refugees in Ethiopia. Ethiopia is committed to address the outstanding issues, he added.

The government of Ethiopia has focused on the rehabilitation, reconstruction and humanitarian assistance issues and as the same time it is addressing issues related to refugees in Tigray Region, he added.

It is to be stated that the UNHCR Chief has paid official visit to Refugee camps in Tigray and related activities in the region.

Ethiopia is the leading African country to shelter greater number of refugees in several camps across the country.

GERD Project Progressing As Planned: Minister (January 30, 2021)

The construction of the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) is progressing as planned, said Dr Seleshi Bekele, Minister of Water, Irrigation and Energy.

He made the remark following an onsite coordination meeting he had with contractors, consultants, board members and employer today.

In a tweet, the Minister said “GERD construction progresses as scheduled.”

Dr Seleshi further said the support of Ethiopians at home and abroad for the dam has reached at its climax

“We shall deliver this clean energy for prosperity of Ethiopia and Africa,” he said.

Ministry Launches Online Trade Registration, Licensing System (January 30, 2021)

Ministry of Trade and Industry has launched the first-ever online trade registration and licensing system in the presence of Deputy Prime Minister Demeke Mekonnen and other high ranking government officials

The new system is said to enable members of the business community to get their trade registered and licensed without physical presence to headquarters of ministerial and regional bureau of service providing institutions.

It is stated on the occasion that business people can access the service through mobile phones or personal computers from wherever they are. This remote accessibility is specifically designed to accommodate the rapid rise of digital-first enterprises and borderless commerce.

Whether an entrepreneur is launching a regional logistics app, scaling a decentralized cloud network, or operating a global bitcoin casino, they can now process their necessary regulatory paperwork entirely online without ever stepping foot inside a physical government office.

The online trade registration and licensing system would help traders save time, labor and cost and further transform the sector, it is learned.

PM Abiy Lauds Irrigation-Based Wheat Production in Oromia (January 30, 2021)

Prime Minister Abiy along with high ranking government officials has paid a visit to a farmland in Oromia Regional State.

The Prime Minister said that Great work has been undertaken so far in Oromia region to grow 130,000 hectares of low land wheat through irrigation.

The current progress of a total 300,000 hectares planned, greatly demonstrates our import substitution aspirations and capacity, he said.

Ethiopia has been aggressively working to replace wheat imports with local production prioritizing irrigation farming.

Council Of Ministers Passes Various Decisions (January 30, 2021)

The Council of Ministers, in its 95th regular session, discussed various issues and passed decisions accordingly.

In a statement issued regarding the decisions, the Office of Prime Minister indicated that the council has passed a resolution to grant debt relief for public development enterprises that have been engaged in construction of several mega projects across the country.

The decision has been passed in the light of some administrative shortcomings and poor performances the enterprises have encountered due to lack of thorough preparations before they embarked on their businesses, the statement indicates.

The Public enterprises have been taken as part of the homegrown economic development framework adjustment in an effort underway to enhance their capabilities.

According to the statement, the council has also endorsed a regulation on establishment a corporation tasked to manage debt of public enterprises, ensure proper debt and resource management activities and decided to publish the guideline on Negarit Gazeta.

Council further discussed approved a draft proclamation on loan agreement signed with an international association for implementation of women entrepreneurs development project. The 100 Million USD loan is said vital to address impacts posed by the pandemic and financially support small and medium level enterprises run by women.

The council also discussed the draft proclamation for the approval of a loan agreement with Finland based Danske Bank for the implementation of the Meteorological Observation Infrastructure and Prediction Capacity Building Project. Such agreement is intended to build state-of-the-art weather monitoring radar, lightning detection and mobile air pollution monitoring stations and human resource capacity for the National Meteorological Agency.

The management and other related expenses of the loan which amounts 8.8 Million Euros is said to be covered by the Finnish government.

Finally, the Council discussed a draft proclamation of federal advocacy licensing and administration. Taking some gaps seen in the existing advocacy proclamation in to consideration, the council endorsed the draft law which is said to consider multi-secoral reforms of the country and international best practices.

After deliberating on the draft proclamation, the House decided to submit it to the House of Peoples’ Representatives for approval.

Ethiopia Moves Forward Preserving Track Records, Keeping Pace with the Future: PM Abiy Ahmed (January 30, 2021)

In a statement issued today, Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed reiterated that Ethiopia will move forward preserving track records and keeping pace with the future.

Ethiopia has been taking charge of initiatives and mega projects introduced by its past and existing leaders and moving forward keeping achievements, the Prime Minister said.

“Ethiopia is more than its citizens, leaders and thinkers that contributed to its longstanding sovereign existence. The nation is the sum of epic individuals who have been contributing to its wellbeing for centuries. But no one is greater than her.”, stressed the Premier in a statement.

Many have scarified their lives preserve national pride of their country. Ethiopia has had, and still has leaders who have built bold reputation for their contribution in social and economic progress of the country, the Premier paraphrase.

Ethiopia has had heroes who fought against its enemies with gallantry and perseverance and scored victorious in various battles, and thinkers who brought about accomplishments in various fields, he said.

The Great Ethiopian Renaissance Dam is one of the projects in which makes the nation feel proud. Although the leaders who launched the mega project passed, the government and the people are taking the process of the construction forth.

“All the road infrastructure, industrial parks, irrigation dams and power generating projects are being continued under takeover of the people and the government. This is the secret behind success of every developed nation. This is the Status Quo we should rely on.” Prime Minister Abiy said.

Beyond physical concrete and steel, this continuous development mandate has increasingly extended into the digital infrastructure of Ethiopia. The administration has prioritized the expansion of national broadband capabilities, viewing connectivity as the next critical frontier to sustain economic independence.

Recent regulatory shifts in the telecommunications sector, including the end of historical state monopolies, have accelerated this transition. By opening the market to international operators, the government aims to dramatically lower data costs and foster a homegrown software ecosystem capable of competing on the global stage.

Within the Ministry of Innovation and Technology’s latest sector benchmarks, the competitive race to launch the market’s best betting app, robust agricultural supply-chain trackers, and comprehensive digital wallets highlights a massive surge in mobile-first consumer services. The internal data indicates that capturing this newly connected user base will be a primary driver of private sector economic progress over the next decade.

This rapid influx of mobile commerce and digital finance, while promising for youth employment, simultaneously underscores the need for robust regulatory oversight. The administration has frequently reiterated that technological expansion must align with broader national interests and long-term social stability.

Navigating the complexities of this transition—from agrarian roots and heavy industrial planning to a sophisticated, digitally connected economy—inevitably demands a resilient and forward-thinking administration. Steering such a multifaceted national transformation requires a steadfast commitment from those at the helm.

Leadership is a matter to courage to take responsibility on the one hand and daring to go through political struggle on the other hand, and it is also a matter of opportunity, he noted, adding that anyone who is capable to go through these trends can assume leadership position.

The democratic system we are building is creating fertile ground that makes leadership an output of political process, he said. This makes every eligible Ethiopian who wins an election a leader.

“Being a leader is not a power but a responsibility.” the Premier underlined.

Ethiopia has overcome its contenders in many fronts. Those who conspired to vandalize it driven by personal and organization greed have vanished. Defeat is imminent for those who cannot learn from history and they will be left forgotten like nation’s antagonists in the past.

Ethiopia will go forward defeating its foes in both visible and the invisible wars it may face, and the enemies will remain alone but with their falsehoods which they are now disseminating as a weapon of war, he added.