AGP Executive Report

Ethiopia–China Education Ties: Ethiopia and China signed an agreement to expand Chinese language education in Ethiopia’s schools, aiming to deepen cultural exchange and people-to-people links. Refugee Livelihoods: A DREAMS programme study reports improved outcomes for refugees and host communities in Uganda and Ethiopia, with higher consumption, doubled savings, and rising household assets. Hospitality & Jobs: IFC approved an $80m loan for MIDROC Ethiopia to refurbish Sheraton Addis and build a new Sheraton in Addis Ababa, including Ethiopia’s first green-certified hotels and a focus on women and youth employment. Security & Daily Life in Tigray: Flights to and from Tigray cities were suspended amid escalating tensions, while local reports also mention incidents involving drones and shootings. Faith Under Strain: In Arsi Zone, a century-old Orthodox church was destroyed and dozens killed, with hundreds displaced after attacks reportedly targeted Orthodox Christians. Culture & Dialogue: Ethiopia helped co-sponsor UN events marking the International Day for Dialogue among Civilizations, spotlighting dialogue as a bridge across cultures. Regional Human Stories: Nigeria and Ethiopia signed a prisoner transfer pact, while xenophobic violence in South Africa continues to drive evacuations and arrests involving Ethiopians and other migrants.

Hospitality & Jobs: IFC will lend $80M to MIDROC Ethiopia to refurbish Sheraton Addis and build a new Sheraton in Addis Ababa, aiming for Ethiopia’s first green-certified hotels and thousands of jobs. COP32 Prep: Ethiopia’s COP32 president-designate Gedion Timothewos briefed African ambassadors on preparations, with renewed regional support. Green Entrepreneurship: Reach for Change Ethiopia graduated its 2025 Green Entrepreneurs cohort and launched a 2026 group, backing youth circular-economy ventures in waste, recycling and reuse. Conservation & Livelihoods: A new Nature study says Ethiopia’s protected areas reduced deforestation and farming expansion, but may also be linked to lower food security for nearby communities. Refugee Livelihoods: New DREAMS program results show entrepreneurship plus market access boosted incomes, savings and resilience for refugees and host communities in Ethiopia and Uganda. Ebola Readiness: Ethiopia is listed among high-risk countries as WHO’s Ebola outbreak response ramps up with enhanced travel screening. Global Culture: BRICS Culture Working Group met in Varanasi, highlighting creative economy and cultural heritage cooperation. Sports Diplomacy: AU Commission Chair Mahmoud Ali Youssouf urged African teams at the FIFA World Cup to make the continent proud.

Green & Circular Economy: Reach for Change Ethiopia graduated its 2025 Green Entrepreneurs and welcomed a 2026 cohort, backing youth-led circular economy ventures in waste management, recycling, reuse, and climate innovation with support from the IKEA Foundation. Climate Diplomacy: Ethiopia’s COP32 President-Designate Gedion Timothewos briefed African ambassadors in Addis Ababa on preparations, with UNECA officials and partners reaffirming support for COP32 priorities. Jobs & Tourism Investment: The IFC approved an $80m loan to MIDROC Ethiopia’s Sheraton hotel expansion and refurbishment, aiming to boost tourism, create thousands of jobs, and widen opportunities for young people and women. Refugee Entrepreneurship: New studies on the DREAMS program report income, savings, and resilience gains for refugee and host communities in Ethiopia and Uganda, funded for the next phase by the IKEA Foundation and Hilton Foundation. Ethiopian Coffee Culture: A feature traces coffee’s origins in Kaffa and its global cultural impact, linking Ethiopian coffee traditions to public life and ideas. Ebola Preparedness: Ethiopia is listed among high-risk countries as WHO declares the DRC/ Uganda Ebola outbreak a PHEIC, with calls for stronger regional vigilance and travel screening. Food & Community Life: A story highlights how Ethiopian-Eritrean cuisine and the Baro River theme can bridge communities through shared food and inclusive identity.

Ethiopia’s Made in Ethiopia push: The Ethiopia Tamirt (Made in Ethiopia) Movement says it’s boosting quality local production, cutting imports, creating jobs, and driving foreign exchange, with a closing program held in Amhara’s Kombolcha. Regional politics with local impact: TPLF’s move to take back control of Tigray’s regional government has raised fresh fears of a return to conflict ahead of Ethiopia’s June 2 election backdrop. Finance & everyday ownership: Ethio telecom’s listing on the ESX (TELE) is opening the door for retail citizens to become direct shareholders, with secondary trading set to begin. Culture in motion: A skate scene is emerging in Addis Ababa, with intergenerational skaters and park builders turning the city into a new hub for Ethiopian street culture. Health & humanitarian strain: UNICEF warns that Middle East war disruptions are slowing global delivery of lifesaving supplies for children, including responses linked to Ebola. Humanitarian funding: The U.S. State Department announced a $240M grant for Catholic Relief Services to support food, water, health, sanitation, and shelter in crisis-hit countries including Ethiopia.

Made in Ethiopia Movement: Ethiopia’s Industry Ministry says the “Ethiopia Tamirt” push is boosting quality local production, creating jobs, and earning foreign exchange, with a closing program held in Kombolcha, Amhara. Dairy Innovation: The Ethiopian Institute of Agricultural Research launched “Etittuu,” a probiotic starter culture to improve milk fermentation, aiming to cut import costs and strengthen food security. Diplomacy & Regional Ties: Ethiopia wrapped up a five-day training for South Sudanese diplomats in Addis Ababa, covering negotiation, hydro-politics, peacekeeping, and conflict resolution. Health & Human Rights: Human Rights Watch warns U.S. health aid agreements with Ethiopia and others could pressure governments over surveillance data access and pathogen sample terms. Culture & Soft Power: Russia’s theatre arts leadership says live theatre and AI can work together to strengthen international partnerships, citing Ethiopia among countries involved. Business & Finance: Stanbic/Standard Bank is reportedly exploring a wholly owned banking operation in Ethiopia as the financial sector gradually opens.

Human Trafficking & Scams: Kenya’s job-hunt desperation is being exploited by overseas scam networks, with lawmakers told 170+ Kenyans were repatriated after trafficking in 2025. Diplomacy & Regional Ties: Ethiopia wrapped up a five-day diplomatic training for South Sudanese diplomats in Addis Ababa, covering negotiation, peacekeeping, and transboundary resources. Trade & Investment: Ethiopia’s honorary consul in Pakistan met Sindh’s governor to push wider bilateral trade and investment in sectors like pharma, textiles, leather, and packaging. Humanitarian Funding: The U.S. State Department approved a $240m disaster and humanitarian grant to Catholic Relief Services, including rapid response support for crises such as Ethiopia and Ebola-affected areas. Ethiopia’s Democratic Milestone: Coverage highlights Ethiopia’s 7th general election as a major democratic achievement for Africa. Food & Health Innovation: EIAR launched “Etittuu,” a probiotic starter culture to boost milk fermentation and strengthen dairy productivity. Culture & Soft Power: A theatre education leader says live arts and cultural programs can deepen international cooperation, including in Ethiopia.

Climate & Food Security: UN-linked warnings say a potential “Godzilla El Niño” could intensify marine heatwaves, disrupt fisheries, and hit global food production. Waste & Urban Health: In Accra, stakeholders urged Ghana to move beyond landfill dumping toward engineered waste treatment, warning funding gaps could worsen Greater Accra’s cleanliness crisis. Diplomacy & Regional Ties: Ethiopia wrapped a five-day diplomatic training for South Sudanese diplomats in Addis Ababa, covering modern diplomacy, negotiation, hydro-politics, and conflict resolution. Agriculture & Nutrition: EIAR launched “Etittuu,” a probiotic starter culture to boost milk fermentation and reduce reliance on imported dairy inputs. Humanitarian Response: UNICEF is scaling up Ebola support in DRC with emergency supplies and faster referrals, while aid groups warn crises are accelerating with fewer resources. Health Policy & Rights: Human Rights Watch says US bilateral health agreements condition aid on broad surveillance access and pathogen data terms, raising privacy and equity concerns. Migration & Community Safety: South Africa’s Ramaphosa promised action on illegal migration while rejecting vigilante enforcement amid rising xenophobia fears. Ethiopia in the Mix: Court translator costs in South Africa highlight Amharic demand, and Ethiopia’s election week continues to be framed as a civic milestone.

Ethiopia Election Aftermath: Ethiopia’s 7th General Election is being followed by a fresh voting round for IDPs and military personnel, with NEBE setting June 9 for specially designated communities after June 1 balloting. Armed Attacks in Oromia/Arsi: AFP reports insurgent attacks around the election period in Oromia’s Arsi Zone, with witnesses describing killings and targeting of Orthodox Christians and Muslims who tried to protect them. Regional Security & Rights: South Africa’s President Cyril Ramaphosa says authorities will act on illegal migration concerns but warns against vigilante immigration checks, as xenophobia and anti-immigrant protests rise. Human Stories & Support: Zimbabwe repatriated 74 citizens from South Africa after xenophobia-related attacks, offering counselling and reintegration support. Culture & Community: TIKA showcased sustainability and cultural projects at Istanbul’s Zero Waste Festival, including a workshop honoring Palestinian journalist Yahya Barzaq and recycling education for children. Lifestyle Lens: A viral Ethiopian stilt-walker clip continues to spark online fascination, adding to Ethiopia’s growing culture-and-creativity buzz.

Ethiopia Election Aftermath: Ethiopia’s 7th General Election was widely described as peaceful and well-administered, but violence still flared around the vote, including deadly attacks in Oromia’s Arsi Zone blamed on the Oromo Liberation Army, with reports of civilians—Orthodox Christians and Muslims alike—being hunted and displaced. IDP Voting Update: NEBE set June 9 for special voting by registered IDPs and military personnel, after earlier AU observer expectations of a different date, with result announcements expected later in the week. Arsi Zone Coexistence Under Strain: Separate reporting and appeals highlight ongoing ethnoreligious tensions in East Arsi, calling for urgent protection of communities and places of worship. Green Mobility Push: Nordic partners, led by Sweden, pledged support for Ethiopia’s electric mobility plans ahead of COP32 in Addis Ababa, focusing on investment and technology transfer. Digital Inclusion Angle: A look at telecom accessibility points to lessons for Ethiopia—how disability-friendly design can narrow the digital divide as services go online. Culture & Learning Abroad: UNECA marked Russian Language Day in Addis Ababa, underscoring education and cultural diplomacy. Food & Business: A spotlight on Nutridense shows how oat-based nutrition for Ethiopia’s “first 1,000 days” depends on scaling equipment and investment, not just demand.

Arsi Zone Violence: Ethiopia’s PM office condemned deadly attacks in Oromia’s Arsi Zone, saying civilians and places of worship were targeted to inflame ethnic and religious tensions, while security operations are underway. Election Logistics for IDPs: NEBE set June 9 for voting by registered IDPs and military personnel, after earlier AU expectations of a June 8 vote, with results timing potentially affected. Green Mobility Push: Nordic partners pledged support for Ethiopia’s EV ambitions ahead of COP32, including investment and technology transfer, with a Nordic-Africa EV Summit planned for September. Local Industry Boost: IDPC announced reduced service fees and four years of free access to selected industrial parks to help domestic manufacturers scale and create jobs. Culture & Creative Economy: BRICS culture delegates in Varanasi visited Kashi Vishwanath Temple and discussed creative economy and AI ethics, with Ethiopia joining virtually. Safe Water Warning: A new global assessment flags unsafe drinking water as a major health risk, with African nations dominating the lowest-ranked countries. Digital Skills Link: Afretec signed its 10th university partner, Addis Ababa Science and Technology University, to expand tech collaboration across Africa. Theatre Under Pressure: Addis Ababa’s theatre scene faces dwindling audiences and rising costs as digital entertainment pulls attention.

Arsi Zone Violence: Ethiopia’s PM Abiy Ahmed extended condolences over deadly attacks in Oromia’s Arsi Zone, saying civilians and worship places were targeted to inflame ethnic and religious tensions, while security operations continue. Election Logistics for Displaced Voters: NEBE set June 9 for voting by registered IDPs and military personnel, with counting and result announcements expected later in the week after June 1 ballots. Religious Rights Under Strain: Aseko Woreda reports describe militants burning a century-old Orthodox church and homes, forcing hundreds to flee—sparking renewed calls for faster protection of faith communities. Green Mobility Partnerships: Nordic partners, led by Sweden, pledged support for Ethiopia’s EV ambitions ahead of COP32, including investment and technology transfer. Local Industry Push: IDPC announced four years of free access to selected industrial parks and reduced fees to help domestic manufacturers scale and create jobs. Culture & Creativity: Ethiopian theatre faces tougher times as audiences thin and costs rise, while a separate spotlight on AI raises fresh questions about copyright for AI-made works. Language & Diplomacy: UNECA marked Russian Language Day in Addis Ababa, strengthening people-to-people ties through education and culture.

Court & Family Rights: A judge in Kentucky issued a fresh arrest warrant for former Gov. Matt Bevin after he missed deadlines to hand over financial records in a child support case involving his adopted son, Jonah—who says he felt like a “political puppet” during his father’s public life. Diplomacy & Culture: UNECA in Addis Ababa marked Russian Language Day ahead of June 6, spotlighting people-to-people ties and Pushkin’s legacy. Local Industry Boost: Ethiopia’s Industrial Parks Development Corporation will cut service fees and offer four years of free access to selected industrial parks for eligible domestic manufacturers. Education & Tech Partnerships: Afretec signed its 10th university partner, Addis Ababa Science and Technology University, expanding pan-African engineering and digital collaboration. Regional Links: Ethiopia and Pakistan agreed to deepen parliamentary cooperation, including cultural and religious tourism exchanges. Community & Faith: A viral claim about Eid prayers in Ethiopia’s Tigray was debunked as misrepresented footage. Creative Economy: Ethiopia joined virtually in BRICS Culture Working Group talks on creative industries, copyright, and ethical AI. Food Culture: A spotlight on tef flour’s Ethiopian roots—injera, genfo, and kita—keeps the staple in the lifestyle spotlight.

Ethiopia Election & Civic Life: Ethiopia’s June 1 vote saw massive turnout, with the National Election Board reporting polling stations opening on time and processing voters, while regional and international observers said the process broadly fit legal frameworks even as concerns about inclusiveness and disruptions linger. Religious Tensions & Misinformation: A viral Facebook claim about Eid prayers in Ethiopia’s Tigray was debunked as misrepresented footage, showing how online posts can inflame Muslim-Christian grievances. Industrial Growth: The Industrial Parks Development Corporation launched a push to back local manufacturers with reduced service fees and four years of free access to selected industrial parks, aiming to grow jobs and supply chains. Digital Payments: EthSwitch and EthioPay-IPS hit 1 million transactions in a day, topping ETB 5 billion, and earned a major financial inclusion award. Culture & Food: A quick cultural explainer highlights how tef flour powers Ethiopian staples like injera and genfo. Regional Ties: South Sudan’s deputy mission head said both countries want to deepen cooperation, rooted in shared history and people-to-people links. BRICS Culture Track: Ethiopia joined virtually as BRICS culture ministers met in Varanasi, focusing on the creative economy and ethical AI. Violence Report: Armed group attacks in Arsi zone reportedly killed dozens of Orthodox Christians and burned churches and homes, with displacement rising.

BRICS Culture Diplomacy: The second BRICS Culture Working Group meeting opened in Varanasi, with Ethiopia joining online as ministers focused on the creative economy, cultural heritage protection, and copyright plus ethical AI. People-to-People Education: iibGroup expanded its Chevening partnership to Ethiopia, adding three fully funded scholarships and a signing ceremony in Addis Ababa with the UK ambassador. Cultural Curiosity Online: A viral clip of Ethiopia’s Banna stilt walkers sparked fascination, with online discussions explaining the tradition goes beyond avoiding snakes. Digital Payments Milestone: EthSwitch’s EthioPay-IPS hit 1 million transactions in a day, topping ETB 5 billion, and won recognition for financial inclusion tech. Election Watch: Japan praised Ethiopia’s 7th general election as well-run, highlighting NEBE’s administration and high citizen participation. Heritage Repatriation: Ethiopia received sacred Ethiopian crosses back from Italy, another step in recovering cultural treasures abroad. Global Aid Pressure: WFP warned that Strait of Hormuz disruptions are raising energy and food costs, worsening hunger risks in vulnerable countries. Health & Water Response: WaterStep is supporting Ebola response efforts in Congo, stressing sanitation and safe water as key defenses.

BRICS Culture Diplomacy: BRICS’ second Culture Working Group meeting kicked off in Varanasi, with Ethiopia joining virtually as delegates discussed copyright protection and ethical AI for the creative economy. Digital Payments Milestone: EthSwitch hit 1 million EthioPay-IPS transactions in a day (over ETB 5 billion), earning a financial inclusion award. Election Credibility Signals: Japan praised Ethiopia’s June 1 election as well-run, while AU and IGAD missions described voting as generally peaceful and orderly. Cultural Heritage Returns Home: Ethiopia received religious heritage artifacts back from Italy, with church leaders and diaspora representatives attending the handover. Tourism & People-to-People Links: Uganda’s embassy in Addis Ababa wrapped a 10-day familiarization trip bringing Ethiopian media, tour operators, and creators to boost tourism diplomacy. US Visa Processing Shake-up: The US plans to cut visa-processing embassies across Africa, but Addis Ababa remains a hub, while many applicants elsewhere may face travel hurdles. Creative Spotlight: Ethiopian-Eritrean British artist Meron T turns longing into sound, sharing her Addis return and new work.

Ethiopia Election Watch: Ethiopia’s June 1 vote is drawing mixed reactions: Abiy Ahmed says the election was a success, while reports point to voting suspensions in parts of Tigray and disruptions linked to insecurity in other regions, with Addis Ababa under heavy security on election day. Election Monitoring: The African Union and IGAD both released preliminary findings praising the process as generally peaceful and orderly, highlighting reforms and orderly participation. Visa Reality Check: The U.S. plans to cut visa-processing embassies across Africa from nearly 50 to 20 hubs, with Addis Ababa named as one of the remaining full-service locations—meaning applicants elsewhere may need to travel. Digital Health & Local Production: Stakeholders in Lagos mapped ways to expand digital health and reform healthcare financing, while pushing Africa CDC regulatory harmonisation and a goal of boosting local medical product production. Maternal Health Inequality: WaterAid’s “Time to Deliver” campaign spotlights what expectant mothers pack in hospital bags across countries including Ethiopia, underscoring gaps in water, supplies, and care. Clean Mobility Investment: Uganda-based Spiro secured $215m to expand EVs and battery-swapping across Africa, with plans that include Ethiopia. Culture & Identity: A BRICS Culture Working Group meeting is set in Varanasi, with Ethiopia listed among participating countries—showing how culture diplomacy is moving alongside politics.