IMF Approves $261 Million Disbursement for Ethiopia Amid Economic Reforms The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has recently approved a significant disbursement of $261 million for Ethiopia, marking a crucial milestone in the country’s ongoing economic reform efforts. This funding was sanctioned after the completion of the fourth review of Ethiopia’s 48-month Extended Credit Facility (ECF) program, designed to support the nation’s financial stability and growth. Total Disbursements Under the ECF Program With this latest injection of funds, the total IMF disbursements under the ECF program now exceed $2.18 billion, part of a broader support package approximated at $3.4 billion. The…
Author: Abren
Ethiopia’s New Development Cooperation Programme with Finland: A Focus on Education and Climate Resilience Ethiopia’s Ministry of Finance recently announced the launch of a new development cooperation programme in partnership with Finland, set to run from 2026 to 2028. This initiative is designed to align with Ethiopia’s national priorities, aiming to address critical areas such as education, climate resilience, and digital transformation. Key Focus Areas Education and Skills Training One of the programme’s primary objectives is to enhance access to quality education and skills training. By investing in educational infrastructure and resources, this initiative seeks to combat the alarming rates…
The Red Sea-Horn of Africa Corridor: A New Regional Landscape The situation across the Red Sea-Horn of Africa corridor is marked by increasing instability, often viewed as a failure of regional governance. This landscape is defined by collapsing states, a surge of non-state armed groups, and escalating proxy battles. However, amidst this chaos exists a crucial distinction between actors that are fragmented and those that tactically exploit this fragmentation. The current crisis has birthed a spectrum of winners and losers, including not only jihadist and criminal networks but also state actors adept at maneuvering through the disorder. Egypt, in particular,…
The Strengthening Partnership Between the EU and Ethiopia Addis Ababa, January 17, 2026 – In a significant move to bolster international relations, the European Union has reaffirmed its commitment to enhancing cooperation with Ethiopia across several strategic domains. This follows high-level discussions between Ethiopian leadership and representatives from the European External Action Service (EEAS). Key Discussions Between EU and Ethiopian Officials Recently, Olof Skoog, the Deputy Secretary-General for Political Affairs of the EEAS, visited Ethiopia for discussions with key figures, including Foreign Minister Gedion Timothowes and President Taye Atske Selassie. The primary focus was to review the current state of…
Ethiopian Investment Holdings: Pioneering Domestic Currency and Economic Growth Introduction to Ethiopian Investment Holdings Ethiopian Investment Holdings (EIH) is poised to revolutionize the country’s economic landscape by establishing domestic currency printing capabilities. In a bold announcement, Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed (PhD) outlined this initiative during the Finance Forward Ethiopia 2026 conference, highlighting the importance of reducing reliance on foreign production of banknotes. Strategic Goals of Currency Printing Initiative Prime Minister Abiy emphasized that the development of domestic currency printing is a crucial component of a larger national strategy aimed at strengthening public ownership and enhancing critical capabilities within Ethiopia’s financial…
The Most Expensive Schools in Kenya for 2026 Kenya boasts a range of prestigious educational institutions, with many international schools in Nairobi topping the fee charts. For families considering enrollment, here’s a comprehensive look at the priciest schools in the country for the upcoming year. Nairobi: The Most Expensive City for Education According to an analysis by the International Schools Database, Nairobi has the highest average school fees in Africa, highlighting the significant investments parents make in education. This competitive landscape involves international schools offering British and other curricula, further driving up fees. Top Expensive Schools in Kenya for 2026…
Egypt’s Evolving Role in the Sudan Conflict: From Covert Support to Active Intervention As the Sudan conflict continues to unfold, Egypt is transitioning from a behind-the-scenes power broker to a direct participant. Since mid-2025, Cairo has ramped up its military operations, reportedly targeting weapon convoys associated with the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) along a critical supply corridor from southeastern Libya to Darfur. This shift in strategy marks a significant evolution in Egypt’s approach, moving from indirect support of the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) to active enforcement of its national security interests. The Strategic Importance of Geography The tri-border zone linking…
Ethiopia and the European Union: A Strong Partnership for Regional Development Addis Ababa, January 15, 2026 – Ethiopia’s Foreign Minister, Gedion Timothewos, recently emphasized the significance of the relationship between Ethiopia and the European Union (EU), describing it as a vital partnership based on shared values and aspirations. Key Meeting Minister Timothewos met with Olof Skoog, the Deputy Secretary-General for Political Affairs at the European External Action Service, to discuss the enduring partnership. During this meeting, both parties reaffirmed their commitment to enhancing cooperation in various sectors. Regional Integration and Economic Commitment Gedion Timothewos highlighted Ethiopia’s ongoing efforts towards regional…
Ethiopia’s Economic Transformation: A Seven-Year Journey to Stability Overview of Economic Progress Addis Ababa, January 15, 2026 (ENA) – Ethiopia is witnessing a remarkable transformation in its macroeconomic landscape, primarily due to extensive economic reforms implemented over the past seven years. According to Ahmed Shide, the Minister of Finance, these reforms have played a pivotal role in stabilizing public finances and tackling previous economic challenges. Addressing Past Economic Challenges Seven years ago, Ethiopia was grappling with severe macroeconomic pressures, including significant imbalances, an overwhelming debt burden, currency shortages, and market fluctuations. Minister Ahmed highlighted that the government responded to these…
Ethiopia’s Ongoing Battle Against External Destabilization The recent interception of a significant arms shipment by Ethiopian security forces illustrates the ongoing external pressures facing the Ethiopian state. This incident underscores Ethiopia’s long-standing position that hostile external actors—particularly the Eritrean regime—continue to employ destabilization tactics aimed at undermining the country’s sovereignty and stability. A Coordinated Supply Network Ethiopian authorities have traced the seized ammunition’s route from Asmara to Mekelle and eventually to the Amhara region. This trajectory highlights a well-coordinated supply network that aligns with Ethiopia’s assessment of Eritrea’s strategy. For decades, Eritrea has allegedly leveraged proxy warfare to weaken Ethiopia…