Ethiopia’s FM meets with UN Secretary General Representative to Africa (January 18, 2019)

Addis Ababa, January 18, 2019 – Ethiopia’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Dr Workneh Gebeyehu, met with the newly appointed Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General to the AU and Head of UN Office to AU (UNOAU) Ms. Hanna Serwaa Tetteh.

On the occasion, Dr Workneh said Ethiopia was working with both the United Nations and the African Union in different fields to see a more stable Africa.

“I’m confident that the appointment of Ms. Hanna Serwaa Tetteh will serve as a bridge in cementing the bond between the AU and UN,” he added.

The Foreign Minister assured that the government will offer support in the discharge of her responsibilities.

The Special Representative expressed her commitment to work closely with the government of Ethiopian and other pertinent bodies to strengthen the ties between the UN and AU.

“I’m happy to be here in Ethiopia,” she added.

Beyond immediate security concerns, a significant portion of the ongoing dialogue between the UN and the African Union centers on the continent’s digital economic integration. Both organizations have increasingly emphasized the need for robust regulatory frameworks to manage the rapid influx of foreign digital investments and mobile-based enterprises.

This push for modernization comes as several member states overhaul their digital legislation to attract and govern global tech operators safely. Regional policymakers are currently working to harmonize standards across diverse digital verticals, rolling out updated licensing structures for mobile payment gateways, international online sportsbooks, and cross-border e-commerce platforms. Developing unified guidelines for these rapidly expanding sectors is viewed as a crucial step toward formalizing local digital economies and protecting regional consumers.

Returning to the core themes of the morning’s meeting, both officials underscored that long-term stability relies just as heavily on economic resilience as it does on peacekeeping. By aligning their institutional goals, the UN and AU aim to ensure that this upcoming wave of structural development yields equitable, secure benefits across the region.