Significant Growth in Ethiopia’s Revenue Collection Amid Economic Resilience Addis Abeba – The Ethiopian federal government has reported a remarkable surge in revenue collection, amassing 323 billion birr in the first quarter of the fiscal year, a substantial increase compared to 152 billion birr during the same period last year. This accomplishment was revealed by Dr. Fitsum Assefa, Minister of Planning and Development, during the government’s 100-day performance report for the fiscal year 2018 (July 2025 – June 2026). Focused Efforts Yield Positive Results Dr. Fitsum highlighted that the government has taken targeted measures to enhance revenue collection across various…
Author: Abren
When Eyob Tekalign, Governor of the National Bank of Ethiopia, met with diaspora remittance operators in Washington, DC, earlier this month, his remarks combined optimism with unease. Remittances were growing, exports were surging, and the country’s foreign-exchange reserves were inching upward. Gold and coffee, the traditional pillars of Ethiopia’s trade, were enjoying record earnings, while money sent home from abroad remained a crucial lifeline. Yet beneath the upbeat tone ran a note of warning: the same inflows that sustain the economy are increasingly slipping through illegal channels. Last year Ethiopia undertook one of its most consequential macroeconomic reforms in decades.…
From Tumahole to Addis Ababa: A Creative Initiative Takes Center Stage In the heart of Tumahole, a township near Parys in South Africa’s Free State region, art thrives as a powerful tool for social change. In a community grappling with unemployment and inequality, Hupenyu Creative Initiatives emerges as a beacon of hope, utilizing the transformative power of performance to elevate social consciousness and challenge silence. A Monumental Opportunity The dedicated team at Hupenyu has received a remarkable invitation: to represent South Africa at Africa Celebrates 2025, the continent’s premier Pan-African cultural festival. This prestigious event will run from November 4…
Ethiopia’s Progressive Partnership with the World Bank: Major Achievements and Future Prospects Introduction Ethiopia is on a transformative journey under its comprehensive reform agenda, which has garnered international recognition for its significant achievements. Recently, World Bank Managing Director for Operations, Anna Bjerde, lauded Ethiopia’s progress across various economic indicators during a crucial meeting with Ethiopian Finance Minister Ahmed Shide in Washington. Key Highlights of the Meeting Strengthening Strategic Partnerships In their discussions, Minister Ahmed Shide emphasized the necessity of deepening strategic partnerships with the World Bank on prioritized development initiatives. This includes ongoing structural reforms and innovative financing solutions essential…
Ethiopia’s Strategy for Military and Industrial Autonomy: The 44th Commando Cohort Ethiopia’s National Defense Force (ENDF) recently marked a significant milestone with the inauguration of its 44th commando training cohort. This event is far more than a routine ceremony; it signifies a broader national strategy aimed at leveraging Ethiopia’s demographic strength and industrial ambitions to achieve operational and strategic autonomy. The Role of Human Capital in Defense Strategy Ethiopia is harnessing its population of approximately 130 million as a strategic asset. This approach focuses on human capital development intertwined with domestic defense industrialization. By investing in military training and advanced…
Enhancing Upland Rice Resistance Against Rice Blast: A Study in Ethiopia In the realm of agricultural research, the resilience of upland rice has taken center stage, especially in regions vulnerable to challenging environmental conditions. This focus is particularly pertinent in the Metekel Zone of North West Ethiopia, where researchers have delved into adult-plant resistance in upland rice genotypes against Pyricularia oryzae, the notorious pathogen responsible for rice blast disease. The Significance of Adult-Plant Resistance in Upland Rice Understanding Rice Blast Rice blast is one of the most destructive diseases affecting rice globally, threatening the livelihoods of millions who depend on…
Ethiopia and The Rockefeller Foundation: A Partnership for Sustainable Development Addis Ababa, October 20, 2025 – Ethiopia’s Minister of Finance, Ahmed Shide, engaged in a significant bilateral meeting with William Asiko, Senior Vice President for Africa at The Rockefeller Foundation. The discussion centered on enhancing collaborative efforts in sustainable development financing. This important dialogue took place during the 2025 World Bank Group and International Monetary Fund (IMF) Annual Meetings held in Washington, D.C. Strengthening Global Partnerships During their meeting, Minister Shide expressed gratitude to The Rockefeller Foundation for its global commitment to advancing climate initiatives and development strategies. This partnership…
Transformative Infrastructure Revitalizes Addis Ababa: A Model for Urban Development Addis Ababa is undergoing a remarkable transformation, with significant advancements in infrastructure and public services enhancing daily life. These developments not only improve mobility and economic productivity but also promote environmental sustainability, extending benefits beyond the city and influencing the entire African continent. Infrastructure Improvements Driving Progress The capital city of Ethiopia has seen substantial enhancements over recent years. Melvin Thamba Joseph, Secretary General of the African Union Staff Association (AUSA), highlights how living in Addis Ababa for over a decade has allowed him to witness these changes firsthand. The…
Ethiopia Calls for Inclusive Global Financial Support for Climate Vulnerable Nations Addis Ababa, October 19, 2025 — Finance Minister Ahmed Shide of Ethiopia has emphasized a pressing need for a more inclusive and responsive global financial system to better support developing nations and those particularly susceptible to climate change. His remarks were delivered during the V20 Ministerial Dialogue at the International Monetary Fund (IMF) Headquarters in Washington, D.C. Urgent Challenges for Climate Vulnerable Countries Minister Ahmed articulated the urgent challenges facing climate-vulnerable nations like Ethiopia, which are increasingly subjected to extreme climate events such as droughts and floods. These climatic…
Ethiopia’s Strategic Ties to the Red Sea and Nile Basin Ethiopia’s future is indelibly linked to its access to vital water resources, primarily the Red Sea and the Nile Basin. This relationship was the focal point of a recent conference co-hosted by the Institute of Foreign Affairs (IFA), the Defense War College, and Samara University in Samara, under the theme “The Two Water Systems and Ethiopia’s Strategic Autonomy: Exploring the Nile – Red Sea Nexus and the Afar Region’s Strategic Role.” The Importance of the Red Sea and Nile Basin During the conference, Jafar Bediru, Executive Director of the IFA,…