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,…
Author: Abren
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…
Introduction Malaysian Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim is gearing up for an important diplomatic mission as he prepares to visit Ethiopia, South Africa, and Kenya from November 18 to November 24, 2023. This visit is pivotal in strengthening trade ties and enhancing diplomatic relations between Malaysia and these African nations. Strengthening Trade Ties Anwar’s upcoming visit aims to explore new avenues for cooperation in various sectors, notably in trade and investment. With Malaysia’s robust economic framework, the Prime Minister seeks to foster partnerships that can lead to mutually beneficial growth in both Malaysia and Africa. Emphasizing Economic Cooperation One…
Ethiopia is set to embark on a transformative journey with the establishment of its first nuclear power plant, a significant move aimed at diversifying the nation’s energy sources and expanding access to electricity for millions. This initiative has garnered attention from international partners, particularly Russia. Commitment to Energy Diversity In a recent interview, Evgeny Terekhin, the Russian Ambassador to Ethiopia, praised the Ethiopian government’s efforts to broaden its energy portfolio. The completion of the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) is a testament to Ethiopia’s commitment to enhancing energy resources, pushing for sustainable growth in the region. Terekhin emphasized that “this…
Rethinking the Ethiopia–Eritrea Relationship: A Call for Strategic Clarity Understanding the Ethiopia–Eritrea Dynamics For years, the international community has approached the relationship between Ethiopia and Eritrea through an oversimplified lens. This perspective captures Eritrea as a small, vulnerable state and Ethiopia as the presumptive aggressor, primarily because of its larger size. Such a skewed interpretation—often termed the “small state syndrome”—has not only distorted diplomatic engagement but also allowed unsubstantiated narratives to shape international policies toward the two nations. The Inherent Asymmetry in Relations The ongoing tensions between Ethiopia and Eritrea are far from being a mere dispute over territory or…
Ethiopia’s Surge in Local Vaccine Production: A Promising Path for Africa Ethiopia is emerging as a leading force in Africa’s quest for local vaccine production, gaining formal recognition from the World Health Organization (WHO) for its swift advancements and robust regulatory framework. Strategic Moves Highlighted at Africa Health Summit During a high-profile panel at the Africa Health Summit in Kampala, Ethiopia’s Ambassador to Uganda, H.E. Etsegenet Bezabih Yimenu, discussed the crucial strategies that have positioned Ethiopia as a key player in healthcare self-reliance on the continent. The WHO has acknowledged this significant progress, particularly as the Ethiopian Food and Drug…
Legal Reforms Empower Women in Rural Ethiopia: A New Era of Land Ownership Land ownership in Ethiopia, particularly for women, has undergone significant transformations in recent years. This legal shift not only empowers women but also paves the way for gender equality and economic stability in rural communities. The Shift in Land Ownership Laws Historically, Ethiopian laws have often marginalized women’s rights to own land. Women traditionally faced numerous barriers in securing land tenure, which limited their economic independence. However, recent legal reforms have aimed to address these disparities, providing women with greater rights to own and manage land. Key…
Successful Conclusion of the 5th Youth Model African Union Summit The Center for Peace Advocacy and Sustainable Development (CEPASD) recently partnered with esteemed organizations, including the African Union, UNDP Regional Service Centre in Addis Ababa, and Model African Union Ethiopia (MAU-E), to host the 5th Youth Model African Union (YMAU) Extraordinary Summit at the iconic African Union Headquarters in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. This transformative event gathered dynamic young leaders from across the continent to engage in a simulation of crucial AU organs, including the AU Assembly, Peace and Security Council (AUPSC), and the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights…
Italy Plans Major Investment in Ethiopia: Opportunities for Growth Addis Ababa, November 15, 2025 – Italy is set to embark on a significant investment initiative in Ethiopia, with keen interest from Italian businesses amidst a favorable investment climate established by the Ethiopian government. This move is aimed at strengthening bilateral trade relations and harnessing the untapped potential of both nations. The Current Trade Landscape In a recent interview, Italian Trade Commissioner Claudio Pasqualucci emphasized that despite the rich history and diplomatic ties between Italy and Ethiopia, bilateral trade remains surprisingly low. He noted, “As we speak now in November 2025,…