Ethiopia and Kenya Lead Africa’s Economic Growth in 2026 Addis Ababa, January 11, 2026 — As highlighted in the recent UN World Economic Situation and Prospects 2026 report, Ethiopia and Kenya are poised to be at the forefront of Africa’s economic expansion this year. The East African region is projected to witness the fastest growth on the continent, solidifying its role as an economic powerhouse. Economic Growth Projections for Africa The United Nations forecasts a robust overall economic growth rate for Africa at 4.0% in 2026 and 4.1% in 2027, up from 3.5% in 2024 and 3.9% in 2025. This…
Author: Abren
Ethiopia Launches Construction of Africa’s Largest Airport Near Addis Ababa Ethiopia has officially commenced the construction of what is set to be Africa’s largest airport, located in Bishoftu, around 40 km southeast of Addis Ababa. This ambitious project aims to bolster the region’s aviation capacity, with plans for completion by 2030. A Transformative Project for African Air Travel The new Bishoftu airport will feature four runways and the capacity to accommodate up to 270 aircraft simultaneously. The initial phase of construction will allow the airport to handle 60 million passengers annually, with a future expansion of capacity intended to manage…
Sudan Conflict: A 1,000-Day Crisis and the Rising Role of Mercenaries As the conflict in Sudan marks its 1,000-day milestone on January 9, 2026, it has transformed from a local power struggle into a multi-dimensional regional conflict. Recent reports highlight the capture of South Sudanese fighters by the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) in North Kordofan, adding credibility to claims regarding the mercenary reliance of the Rapid Support Forces (RSF). The Capture of South Sudanese Combatants On January 1, 2026, the SAF announced the capture of over ten South Sudanese nationals following intense clashes in Kazqil and Al-Rayash, strategic locations in…
The Fractured Coalition: Aidarous al-Zubaidi’s Extraction and Its Implications for Yemen The recent extraction of Aidarous al-Zubaidi from Aden to Abu Dhabi, via Somaliland, signals a severe rift within the Saudi-led coalition in Yemen. This event illustrates the emergence of competing patron states, each with diverging interests, complicating the already protracted conflict in the region. Context of the Extraction Statements from the Saudi-led coalition and reports confirm that al-Zubaidi departed Aden by boat and was subsequently flown to Abu Dhabi after a stop in Mogadishu, Somalia. This operation was meticulously planned, as evidenced by flight-tracking data and official communications, turning…
Ethiopian Airlines Expands Service to Bahrain in 2026 Ethiopian Airlines is set to enhance its global connectivity by introducing a fourth weekly flight on the Addis Ababa – Bahrain route later in 2026. This development promises increased convenience for both leisure and business travelers looking to explore or connect through these important destinations. New Flight Schedule Details Starting on June 30, 2026, Ethiopian Airlines will operate additional flights originating from its hub in Addis Ababa, providing more options for passengers. The specific details of the flight are as follows: Flight ET424 departs Addis Ababa at 22:10 and arrives in Bahrain…
Ethiopia’s Significant Progress in Maternal and Infant Health Addis Ababa, January 9, 2026 — Ethiopia has recorded commendable advancements in reducing maternal and infant mortality rates, thanks to consistent policy implementation and long-term investments in the healthcare sector, according to a recent announcement from the Ministry of Health. Celebrating Healthy Motherhood Month This January marks the 39th global observance of Healthy Motherhood Month and the 20th anniversary of its celebration in Ethiopia. The theme for this year’s initiative is “Innovative and Sustainable Financing for Healthy Motherhood.” The ministry has officially launched the 20th nationwide Safe Motherhood Month under this same…
Ethiopia’s Exceptional Leadership in Refugee Management Amid Global Challenges Introduction In a world increasingly burdened by humanitarian crises, Ethiopia stands as a beacon of hope. The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) has commended the country’s robust efforts in managing one of Africa’s largest refugee and internal displacement situations, a testament to its unwavering commitment amidst dwindling global support. Ethiopia’s Refugee Landscape As highlighted in an exclusive interview with the UNHCR representative Aissatou M. Ndiaye, Ethiopia is currently home to over one million refugees and asylum seekers. These individuals primarily come from conflict-stricken nations such as Sudan, South Sudan,…
The Evolving Saudi-UAE Rivalry: Implications for the Red Sea Region Introduction As we step into 2026, the long-standing alliance between Saudi Arabia and the UAE, once a pillar of stability for the Red Sea corridor, has entered a multifaceted decline. This shift from cooperation to open confrontational rivalry signals not only changes in oil diplomacy but also a broader struggle for regional dominance. The Breaking Point: December 30, 2025 A significant turning point occurred on December 30, 2025, when Saudi airstrikes targeted a UAE-linked weapons shipment in Mukalla, Yemen. This aggressive act marked a shift from strategic disagreements to outright…
Empowering Women in Ethiopia’s Leather Industry: The LISEC Initiative For many women across Ethiopia, balancing paid employment with unpaid domestic responsibilities presents a significant challenge. This dual burden often limits their access to education, stable jobs, and career growth, especially in labor-intensive sectors such as leather and agro-processing. Consequently, numerous women are kept from opportunities that could enhance their economic independence and long-term prospects. Tackling Gender Imbalance in the Workforce The Leather Initiative for Sustainable Employment Creation (LISEC), a project spearheaded by the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) and funded by the European Union, seeks to address this gender…
Ethiopia and Oman Strengthen Bilateral Ties with New Agreement On January 5, 2026, Ethiopia and the Sultanate of Oman took a significant step forward in their diplomatic relationship by signing a memorandum of understanding (MoU) during their inaugural political consultation held in Addis Ababa. This agreement aims to enhance cooperation across various sectors, laying the groundwork for a robust partnership moving forward. Expanding Cooperation in Key Areas Both nations expressed a mutual interest in expanding collaboration in multiple domains, including trade, investment, finance, security, and multilateral affairs. The political consultation was focused on identifying strategies to bolster these areas, indicating…