AGP Executive Report

Water & Daily Life: Eritreans in Asmara are enduring chronic dry-season water shortages, buying costly tanker water and rationing basic needs as fear and tight media controls keep complaints quiet. National Dialogue: Ethiopia’s National Dialogue Conference is underway with thousands of delegates, as party representatives say discussions are building a new culture of consensus on major national issues. Global Spotlight in Addis Ababa: The World Public Summit is being held in Addis Ababa for the first time in Africa, bringing together 700+ delegates from 54 countries to shape a shared future. Gender in Startups: A new report finds slow but steady progress for women in African startup leadership, with female co-founder and CEO representation rising since 2023. Rastafari Culture: Rastafarians across the country marked Haile Selassie I’s 134th earthstrong, urging unity, respect, and faith. Ethiopia in the World: Ethiopia’s role in international cooperation also shows up in education and tech links, including plans to introduce Chinese in tertiary institutions.

Education & Culture Diplomacy: Ethiopia plans to introduce Chinese as a foreign language across all tertiary institutions, building on growing Ethio-Chinese cooperation in culture, festivals, and academic exchanges. Media & Rights: Journalists from Somalia, Ethiopia, and Kenya trained on ethical, survivor-centred reporting to help end FGM, with experts stressing the term “mutilation” over “circumcision.” Sports & Youth Safety: Twenty Ethiopian junior footballers (14–17) went missing in Sweden after the Gothia Cup, with police saying there’s no sign of trafficking so far. Migration & Protection: Ethiopia’s sports betting ban remains in force as regulators warn citizens against unlicensed operators exploiting confusion. Community & Faith: Bishops urged the UK foreign secretary to intervene for Ethiopian Christians on Saudi Arabia’s death row, alleging coercion and mistreatment in prison. Tech & Daily Life: A report highlights how China-Africa digital cooperation is bringing AI into services like drought warnings and healthcare support, including Ethiopia. International Cooperation: ADA University and Ethiopia’s foreign affairs institute signed an MoU to expand academic ties with Azerbaijan. Lifestyle & Learning: A global-themed children’s summer camp in Sharjah included Ethiopia among the featured cultures, with crafts, food experiences, and storytelling.

Ethiopia’s Golden Visa Boom: Ethiopia has become the world’s priciest investment residency route, with a $10 million minimum for a 10-year permit—plus steep processing fees—putting Addis Ababa in the global “golden visa” spotlight. Health & Daily Life: New research highlights how early cholesterol checks can prevent fatal heart attacks and strokes, stressing that many people only learn they have high LDL during routine screening or after a crisis. Food Heritage Crossing Borders: Enset—Ethiopia’s drought-resilient “tree against hunger”—was reportedly harvested for the first time in Kenya, with the project aiming to prove cultivated enset can thrive beyond Ethiopian soil. Culture & Music: Mulatu Astatke reflects on pioneering Ethio-jazz and honoring his roots, from London’s jazz haunts to global audiences embracing his fusion sound. Youth Voices: An African Youth Survey reports rising optimism and safety in Rwanda, but also a clear demand for jobs, clean government, and real democracy. Public Health Inequality: A study in a major medical journal argues economic inequality predicts pandemic outcomes more than technical readiness—citing Ethiopia among countries that fared better than expected. Diaspora & Rights: A U.S. appeals court cleared the way for ending TPS for Ethiopians, adding fresh uncertainty for families living in the U.S. Human Stories: Church leaders in the UK urged Saudi authorities to halt alleged execution plans involving Ethiopian Christians, citing trafficking and legal rights concerns.

Ethiopia–Azerbaijan Cooperation: Ethiopia’s parliament speaker Tagesse Chafo met Azerbaijan’s Sahiba Gafarova in Addis Ababa, reaffirming plans to deepen ties in mining, oil and gas, trade, tourism, education, science, and people-to-people links. Evidence for Policy: Afrobarometer highlighted how citizen-generated data can guide better decisions, with a workshop at the 2026 Africa Evidence Summit in Addis Ababa. Women’s Migration Safety: Ethiopia says 1,834 nationals were repatriated from Saudi Arabia this week, including 192 women and 53 minors, as the government expands reintegration and anti-trafficking awareness. Public Health Focus: WHO-backed updates are set to change Kenya’s kala-azar (visceral leishmaniasis) treatment guidelines, with trials also conducted in Ethiopia. Regional Mobility Talks: Somalia and Kenya tensions over entry denials were discussed in Addis Ababa by Musalia Mudavadi and Somalia’s foreign minister, aiming to ease travel and consular cooperation. Youth & Politics: A new African Youth Survey reports rising optimism and strong support for democracy, but demands jobs, accountability, and an Africa-rooted model. Saudi Executions: Human Rights Watch reports five Ethiopians executed in Saudi Arabia on drug charges after trials it says were rushed and lacked due process.

Ethiopia’s Culture & Travel: Jazeera Airways announced direct Addis Ababa flights from Kuwait starting Sept 7, with three weekly services—an easy boost for family visits, coffee lovers, and conference-goers. Arts & Identity: Kenyan producer MR. LU* and Ethiopian producer Isat Irat (Guta Wakuma Chimsa) are teaming up on “Chikka,” a September-bound album blending East African rhythms with dance and fashion, including Esketsa by Ethiopian dancer Anu. Faith & Community Safety: Ethiopian Christians are mourning after a reported drone strike hit Arsema Monastery in South Wollo, Amhara, killing clergy and worshippers and shaking trust in places of worship. National Dialogue: Diaspora scholar Prof. Alemayehu G. Mariam praised Ethiopia’s National Dialogue as a grassroots-led, legislatively backed process aimed at tackling root causes of conflict. Regional Human Stories: Uganda’s Karamoja faces a worsening drought hunger crisis, with emergency food distribution underway as families grieve deaths and malnutrition risks rise. Global Warning (Ethiopians included): The UN migration agency says online scam networks are trafficking people worldwide, including from Ethiopia, often targeting educated English speakers with fake job offers.

Aviation & Connectivity: Jazeera Airways says it will launch direct commercial flights to Addis Ababa with three weekly services starting Sept 7, a boost for Ethiopia–Kuwait ties and travel convenience. Diplomacy: President Taye bids farewell to outgoing ambassadors from Finland, Norway and India, highlighting cooperation in education, rural water, agriculture and digital land administration. Catholic Church & Community Needs: A Catholic bishop in Bahir Dar–Dessie renews a long-running dream of building a cathedral after more than a decade in rented spaces, calling attention to the church’s marginalization. National Dialogue: Diaspora scholar Prof. Alemayehu G. Mariam praises Ethiopia’s National Dialogue as a grassroots-led, legislatively mandated process aimed at tackling root causes of conflict. Culture & Arts: Addis Ababa hosts a major “Unity” exhibition and the World Public Summit Africa, bringing together contemporary artists from across the continent. Public Health & Advocacy: African tobacco-control advocates train in Lagos, including Ethiopian participants, to better monitor and counter tobacco industry interference. Migration & Safety: UN warns criminal networks are trafficking hundreds of thousands—often English-speaking and educated—into online scam centers, with Ethiopia among affected origins. Human Rights Watch: Saudi Arabia executed five Ethiopian migrants for drug-related offenses, with critics alleging unfair trials and imminent risks for more detainees. Politics (Regional): Kenya’s Aden Duale argues for a parliamentary system and says pastoralists and the Coast will shape future elections.

Cultural Diplomacy: Indonesia and Ethiopia brought diplomats and music lovers together at Addis Ababa’s African Jazz Village for a joint jazz night featuring Indonesian pianist Nial Djuliarso, Ethiopian artists, and guest performers—an upbeat bridge between two cultures. Public Health & Data: World Hepatitis Day is marked with a push to “break it down,” while a separate health-tech critique warns that Ethiopia and other countries don’t need more apps—they need better use of existing data and less “data cooking.” National Dialogue: Ethiopian civil society leaders say the National Dialogue is a real milestone for nation building, with thousands of participants discussing key agenda items and building a culture of constructive listening. Economy & Taxes: Ethiopia reports strong tax gains, with annual tax income rising sharply year-on-year as reforms focus on boosting domestic revenue. Church & Youth: AMECEA’s leadership elections and pastoral priorities put youth, mental health, and responsible digital engagement at the center of the regional church agenda. Regional Security: Coverage also flags how Red Sea tensions and Horn of Africa conflicts are converging, raising risks for the maritime corridor.

Ethiopia’s Tax Push: Ethiopia’s Ministry of Revenues says annual tax income jumped about 68.7% to 1.518 trillion birr, hitting 101.24% of its target as the government presses macroeconomic reforms. National Dialogue Momentum: Civil society leaders call Ethiopia’s National Dialogue a major milestone, with about 4,000 participants discussing eight agenda items to build trust and inclusive solutions. Church Leadership in AMECEA: Catholic bishops elected new AMECEA leadership and backed youth-focused pastoral priorities, including mental health support and responsible engagement with AI and social media. AI & Digital Skills: Ethiopia continues building an AI workforce, with new AI university efforts and startup graduation momentum aimed at preparing young tech talent. Regional Finance Idea: An OpEd argues Islamic banking could help the Horn of Africa expand financial inclusion and fund infrastructure—if institutions and rules keep up. Global Humanitarian Shock: Reports highlight fears of renewed deportations as Temporary Protected Status ends in the US, with major impacts on migrant workers and families.

AI & Startups: Ethiopia is graduating its first wave of AI startup trainees from the Ethiopian Artificial Intelligence Institute, with leaders urging graduates to build homegrown solutions for national priorities. Public Service Reform: A new look at Ethiopia’s public sector change-management push highlights the need for leadership, learning, and culture shifts to improve delivery and accountability. Environment & Nation Branding: The Green Legacy Initiative is framed as a symbol of development and multinational unity, with tree-planting in Bishoftu tied to climate-resilient growth and regional diplomacy. Security & Sovereignty: The Ethiopian National Defense Force says it is neutralizing “destructive forces” and safeguarding progress, while Egypt’s GERD messaging is met with renewed claims of Ethiopia’s sovereign water rights. Migration & Rights (Global, with Ethiopia links): A US federal judge temporarily blocks the Trump administration from ending TPS for Ethiopian nationals while courts review the case, as refugee protection debates intensify worldwide. Culture & Film: East African cinemas confirm Ethiopia screenings for the sci-fi romance “Memory of Princess Mumbi,” expanding across Kenya, Ethiopia, Rwanda, Uganda, and Tanzania.

Ethiopia’s AI push: Ethiopia’s Ethiopian Artificial Intelligence Institute is graduating its first cohort of AI startup trainees, with leaders urging graduates to turn skills into practical innovations for the country and Africa’s digital future. National Dialogue & governance: Ethiopia’s National Dialogue forum is weighing options for a new political system, including presidential and semi-presidential models, as constitutional amendments move from debate toward consensus. Green Legacy: Ethiopia’s Green Legacy Initiative is being framed as a development symbol built through multinational unity, with tree-planting tied to climate resilience and diplomatic credibility ahead of COP32. Public service reform: A new analysis highlights Ethiopia’s homegrown public administration reforms, focusing on how institutions can deliver better, more accountable services through real change management. Health & protection: Ethiopia is also cited among countries with high numbers of children orphaned by maternal cancer, while Tigray’s IDP sites face critical aid gaps, especially for food, healthcare, and WASH. Culture & sport: Harar’s Ethio Telecom Great Ethiopian Run ends with Sena Gemechu and Rahel Embibel taking the classics titles, adding to Ethiopia’s growing road-running culture.

TPS Court Win: A U.S. federal judge temporarily blocked the Trump administration from ending Temporary Protected Status for Ethiopians, keeping deportation protections in place while the case is reviewed. AI Skills Push: Ethiopia’s first AI University is graduating startup trainees trained over six months, with leaders urging graduates to build locally useful innovations. Green Legacy: Ethiopia’s “Green Legacy” campaign is framed as a development symbol and diplomatic bridge, with tree-planting at Lake Hora Arsedi in Bishoftu. National Dialogue Governance: Ethiopia’s National Dialogue is weighing major governance options, including presidential and semi-presidential models, as constitutional amendments are discussed. Labor Market Reality Check: Abiy Ahmed’s “jobs exist, workforce is missing” claim clashes with reports of underemployment and mismatched skills. Culture & Memory: Ethiopia’s Kagnew Choir performed in Seoul to honor descendants of Kagnew Battalion veterans, strengthening Ethiopia–Korea ties through music. Human Stories in Education: A report highlights alleged sex-for-grades and harassment by university lecturers, reigniting calls for safer campuses. Sports: Sena Gemechu and Rahel Embibel won the Harar classics finale in the Ethio Telecom Great Ethiopian Run series.

AI Workforce: Ethiopia is graduating its first cohort of AI startup trainees from the Ethiopian Artificial Intelligence Institute, with Deputy PM Temesgen Tiruneh urging graduates to turn skills into practical innovations for national benefit. Public Service Reform: A new discussion on Ethiopia’s public sector change management highlights the need for leadership, learning, and culture shifts to make reforms deliver results. Green Legacy: Officials say the Green Legacy Initiative is more than tree planting—it’s a climate-resilient growth symbol and a diplomatic message of Horn of Africa unity. National Dialogue: Ethiopia’s National Dialogue is weighing governance options, including presidential and semi-presidential models, as constitutional change talks move forward. Health & Welfare: WHO reports Ethiopia among the top countries for children orphaned by maternal cancer, while St. Peter Specialized Hospital launches a summer volunteer drive promising free screenings and treatment for millions. Humanitarian Needs: Tigray IDP sites face critical aid gaps, with shortages most severe in food, nutrition, healthcare, and WASH. Security & Migration: Ethiopia says it dismantled a trafficking network that filmed migrants’ torture for ransom, and a U.S. judge temporarily blocks termination of TPS for Ethiopians. Culture & Lifestyle: A regional cinema rollout confirms Ethiopia’s Videobet Cinema in Addis Ababa as a stop for the sci-fi romance “Memory of Princess Mumbi.”

AI & Education: ICT leaders from Ghana, Egypt, and Zimbabwe praised Ethiopia’s first Artificial Intelligence University as a push for homegrown innovation, data sovereignty, and AI research tied to local needs. Water & Sovereignty: Eustaz Jamal Bashir rejected Egypt’s GERD messaging, stressing Ethiopia’s sovereign right over the Blue Nile’s Ethiopian origin and calling for dialogue-based shared benefits. Business & Jobs: Ethiopia’s logistics sector is moving toward full liberalization, with foreign ownership ceilings scrapped—aimed at easing bottlenecks like high Djibouti demurrage and capacity gaps. Campus Safety: A new report highlights alleged abuse of academic power in Ethiopian higher education, including sexual harassment, extortion, and “sex-for-grades” claims by lecturers. Culture & Tourism: Addis Ababa’s tourism push keeps climbing—more international conferences, plus an Africa-wide Ethiopia promotion campaign launched in Kenya. City Services: MESOB One Stop Service unveiled a three-year roadmap to expand digital, citizen-centric government services. Health Access: St. Peter Specialized Hospital launched a 2026 summer volunteer drive promising free screening and treatment for millions nationwide. Church & Youth: SECAM announced major Catholic education and synod-prep gatherings in Addis Ababa in August.

U.S. Immigration & Rights: A federal judge ordered an administrative stay blocking the Trump administration’s push to end Temporary Protected Status for Ethiopia, keeping protections in place while the case moves forward. Catholic Education & Youth: SECAM announced a First Continental Conference on Catholic Education in Africa (Aug 6–8, Addis Ababa) and a preparatory seminar for the 2028 Ecclesial Assembly (Aug 3–5), with themes ranging from safeguarding and AI to educator formation. Addis Ababa Tourism & Skills: Addis Ababa says it hosted 221+ international conferences, while the mayor launched Ethiopia’s first Smart Polytechnic College to train youth for manufacturing, electronics, textiles and CNC. MESOB Digital Services: MESOB One Stop Service unveiled a three-year plan to expand technology-enabled, citizen-centric government services nationwide. Culture & Travel: Ethiopia kicked off an Africa-wide tourism promotion campaign in Kenya, aiming to boost intra-African travel and showcase UNESCO heritage. Church in Africa, 2028 Roadmap: Preparations continue for the synodal journey toward the 2028 Ecclesial Assembly with continental collaboration. Women in Tech: UNECA launched a program to boost women’s digital entrepreneurship in Ethiopia and other African countries, pairing training with policy support. Global Spotlight in Addis: Addis Ababa will host the World Public Summit Africa (July 29–30), bringing cultural leaders and policymakers together under “New World: Africa in Shaping a Shared Future.”

World Public Summit in Addis Ababa: Addis Ababa will host the first-ever World Public Summit in Africa on July 29–30, 2026, bringing together government leaders, diplomats, business, academics, youth, civil society and cultural figures under “New World: Africa in Shaping a Shared Future.” Culture Spotlight: The summit’s “Unity” exhibition opens alongside the event, featuring contemporary artists from 16 African countries plus an Afro-Brazilian voice, using art to explore shared identity and cultural memory. Women in Digital Economy: UNECA launches a four-year initiative to boost women entrepreneurs’ digital and financial skills in Namibia, Burkina Faso, Ethiopia and Congo, aiming to train 1,000+ women and support policy makers. Education & Tech: Ethiopia’s newly announced Artificial Intelligence University is framed as a potential AU “torchbearer,” while Mastercard Foundation’s AHEFT Prize expands higher-education pathways with major funding. Trade & Living Costs: Ethiopia’s Trade Minister reports progress on market supply, weekend markets, and anti-illicit trade efforts, including large foreign-currency approvals for sugar and edible oil. Sports & Youth Culture: LG will build a music studio in Addis Ababa for descendants of Ethiopian veterans of the Korean War, supporting the Kagnew Choir. Community & Faith: AMECEA-related coverage highlights Catholic bishops’ focus on young people and closer collaboration across Eastern Africa.

World Public Summit & Arts: Addis Ababa hosts the “Unity” exhibition (July 29–30) as the cultural centerpiece of the inaugural World Public Summit Africa, bringing together contemporary artists from 16 African countries plus the diaspora. Higher Education Upgrade: Ethiopia is urged to keep quality assurance standards while protecting universities’ freedom to choose curriculum models, as global higher-ed shifts toward skills and measurable outcomes. Mastercard Foundation Push: A US$500 million investment over the next decade backs Africa’s higher education transformation, including the AHEFT Prize awarding US$3m to top institutions. AI University Spotlight: The new Artificial Intelligence University is framed as a potential AU “torchbearer” for Ethiopia and a model for tech-driven education across the continent. National Dialogue, Diaspora Role: Diaspora delegates at Ethiopia’s National Dialogue Conference say consultations are underway to tackle deep-rooted problems and shape a better future. Trade & Cost of Living: The Trade Minister reports market stabilization efforts—weekend markets, market centers, and supply of sugar, edible oil, and fuel—aimed at easing prices. Digital Life & Learning: M-PESA Ethiopia partners with Gebeya to bring AI tools into its mini app platform for education and creators. Health & Care: Global immunization coverage shows modest gains, but “zero-dose” and drop-out gaps still leave millions unprotected.