Strengthening Trade Relations: Anwar Ibrahim’s Visit to Ethiopia From November 18 to 20, 2023, Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim engaged in a significant visit to Ethiopia, marked by the first high-level business forum between the two nations. This initiative aims to enhance trade relations and explore new avenues for collaboration. The Evolution of Diplomatic Ties Ethiopian President Taye Atske-Selassie addressed the forum, highlighting that diplomatic relations between Ethiopia and Malaysia were established back in 1965. However, he emphasized that the rapidly changing geoeconomic and geopolitical landscape necessitates deeper and more strategic collaboration. This meeting marked a pivotal moment in fostering…
Author: Abren
Strengthening Regional Cooperation Against Human Trafficking: Insights from the IGAD Workshop in Uganda Introduction From November 18 to 20, 2025, Entebbe, Uganda, hosted a crucial bilateral workshop aimed at bolstering cooperation between Ethiopia and Uganda in combating pressing transnational threats such as human trafficking, migrant smuggling, and illicit financial flows. The event, organized by the Intergovernmental Authority on Development Security Sector Program (IGAD-SSP), gathered senior officials, law enforcement authorities, and legal practitioners to address the complex nature of these security challenges. Addressing Transnational Security Threats The workshop kicked off with opening remarks from key figures, including the IGAD SSP Head…
Ethiopia’s Official Development Assistance: Insights from the Annual Development Cooperation Report 2023/24 The Ministry of Finance in Ethiopia has recently disclosed vital statistics regarding the disbursement of Official Development Assistance (ODA) for the fiscal year 2023/24. Notably, it has been revealed that a mere 15 percent of ODA allocated through government-to-government agreements was funneled through the national treasury. Overview of ODA Disbursement This statistic, as highlighted in the Annual Development Cooperation Report, underscores a continuing trend towards reliance on off-budget aid channels. Such a dependency hinders the alignment of ODA with national priorities and long-term development planning. Semereta Sewasew, the…
Ethiopia and Russia Forge New Agricultural Cooperation Addis Ababa, November 21, 2025 – Ethiopia and Russia have embarked on an exciting new phase of collaboration in the agricultural sector following a significant meeting between high-ranking officials. This crucial dialogue took place during an international conference focused on food sovereignty in Africa, highlighting both countries’ commitment to enhancing agricultural productivity. Key Discussions on Agricultural Development Ethiopia’s Minister of Agriculture, Addisu Arega, engaged with Russian Deputy Minister of Agriculture, Andrey Razin, to explore avenues for technical cooperation and joint initiatives that aim to develop improved seed varieties. These developments are integral to…
Strengthening Ties: Ethiopia and Malaysia Sign Key Agreements Ethiopia and Malaysia have taken a significant step towards deepening their bilateral relations during Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim’s visit to Addis Ababa. On November 19, 2025, the two nations signed several memoranda of understanding (MoUs) focusing on crucial areas such as tourism, health, air transport, and urban management. Expanding Cooperation Across Key Sectors The agreements aim to enhance cooperation across multiple strategic sectors that are vital for both countries. Among the signed documents are agreements on tourism and health, an air services agreement, and a MoU linking the Kuala Lumpur City…
Addis Ababa, November 20, 2025 — The recent Ethiopia-Saudi Arabia Business Forum has emerged as a pivotal event, fostering collaboration and investment between the two nations. This year’s forum attracted significant attention, showcasing a remarkable increase in participation from both countries. Encouraging Saudi Investments in Ethiopia The forum’s primary focus is to engage Saudi companies in Ethiopia’s diverse business landscape. Megabi Taye Leta, a board member of the Ethiopian Chamber of Commerce and Sectoral Associations (ECCSA), emphasized the event’s importance in piquing interest among Saudi businesses for investment opportunities in Ethiopia. In comparison to previous years, this year saw enhanced…
Strengthening Ties: Kuala Lumpur and Addis Ababa Unite for Sustainable Development Kuala Lumpur and Addis Ababa Collaboration In a significant move towards international cooperation, Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL) and Addis Ababa City Hall have formalized their partnership with a collaboration agreement. This strategic alliance aims to enhance urban development and sustainability efforts in both capitals, showcasing their commitment to shared growth. Opportunities for Urban Development Datuk Seri Dr. Zaliha Mustafa, the Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department for Federal Territories, emphasized the prospects offered by this cooperation during the exchange of the collaboration document in Addis Ababa. She articulated…
Ethiopia’s Commitment to Public Financial Management Reform Addis Ababa, November 19, 2025 – The Ethiopian Ministry of Finance has reiterated the nation’s dedication to transparency, accountability, and fiscal governance. This commitment was highlighted during a high-level meeting of the Public Financial Management (PFM) Joint Working Group, where government officials outlined key reforms aimed at enhancing budgeting, cash management, procurement processes, and the oversight of public investments. Collaborative Efforts in Fiscal Reforms The meeting saw the attendance of various development partners, including the World Bank, IMF, European Union, African Development Bank, and organizations like the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, UNICEF,…
Community-Based Study on Breastfeeding Practices in Hadiya Zone, Ethiopia Study Setting and Period This research will be conducted in the rural regions of the Hadiya Zone, located in South Ethiopia, approximately 232 km from Addis Ababa, the country’s capital. The Hadiya Zone has a total population of about 1.8 million, with a fairly even gender distribution: 49.6% male and 50.4% female. Notably, women of childbearing age (15–49 years) represent 23.3% of the population. The region anticipates around 61,092 pregnancies, constituting 3.46% of the total population. Healthcare services in Hadiya Zone include one general hospital, three primary hospitals, 62 health centers,…
Ethiopia’s parallel currency market is driven by offshore financial networks tied to illicit traders, gold smugglers and informal remittance brokers. Exchange-rate liberalisation may narrow the gap, but it will not dismantle the system. Economists tend to agree on one point: when a currency is allowed to float freely, parallel markets lose their appeal. Arbitrage opportunities disappear, black-market premiums shrink, and capital gravitates toward formal channels. Several readers responding to Abren’s recent reports on illicit financial flows (IFFs) argued that Ethiopia should adopt precisely this approach—abandon administrative controls, allow the Birr to find its natural level, and in the process eliminate…