Addis Ababa, August 17, 2025 (FMC) — Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed has expressed profound sorrow over the passing of veteran Ethiopian artist Debebe Eshetu, who died at the age of 83.

In a message shared on his social media channels, the Prime Minister described the loss as deeply saddening and praised artist Debebe Eshetu for leaving a significant mark on the history of modern Ethiopian art.

He noted that the late artist was one of the pioneers who helped shape modern Ethiopian theater and film. “We will always remember and honor the role he played with his artistic talent in ensuring Ethiopia’s journey of renewal succeeds with resilience,” the Prime Minister said.

He concluded by invoking a blessing for the departed, saying, “May the Creator rest his soul.”

Addis Ababa, August 17, 2025 (FMC) — Ethiopia mourns the loss of veteran artist Debebe Eshetu, who passed away today at the age of 83 following treatment for an illness, the Minister of State for Culture and Sports, Nebiyou Baye, confirmed to Fana Digital.

Renowned for his extraordinary contributions to Ethiopian arts, Debebe Eshetu’s career spanned decades across theater, radio, television, film, and journalism. He was celebrated for his versatility as an actor, comedian, and producer, captivating audiences with performances that ranged from thought-provoking dramas to lighthearted comedies.

Debebe was a prominent figure on the stages of the National Theater (formerly the Haile Selassie I Theater) and the Hager Fiker Theater, where he produced and acted in numerous acclaimed productions.

Addis Ababa, August 17, 2025 (FMC) — President Taye Atske-Selassie has expressed heartfelt condolences on the passing of veteran Ethiopian artist Debebe Eshetu, describing him as a man of wisdom, truth, and inspiration.

In a statement shared on his social media page, the President said he was deeply saddened by the loss of the “distinguished and beloved” artist, whose life and work left a profound mark on Ethiopia’s cultural and intellectual landscape.

He noted that Debebe will be remembered not only for his deep love for Ethiopia and its people but also for his enduring contributions to the development of art and knowledge.

“Debebe was a great man who dedicated his life to truth and wisdom, serving as a role model for generations,” President Taye said, adding that his legacy will continue to inspire Ethiopians for years to come.

Addis Ababa, August 17, 2025 (FMC) — Ethiopia mourns the loss of veteran artist Debebe Eshetu, who passed away today at the age of 83 following treatment for an illness, the Minister of State for Culture and Sports, Nebiyou Baye, confirmed to Fana Digital.

Renowned for his extraordinary contributions to Ethiopian arts, Debebe Eshetu’s career spanned decades across theater, radio, television, film, and journalism. He was celebrated for his versatility as an actor, comedian, and producer, captivating audiences with performances that ranged from thought-provoking dramas to lighthearted comedies.

Debebe was a prominent figure on the stages of the National Theater (formerly the Haile Selassie I Theater) and the Hager Fiker Theater, where he produced and acted in numerous acclaimed productions.

Addis Ababa, August 17, 2025 (FMC) — The Commercial Bank of Ethiopia (CBE), the country’s largest commercial bank, confirmed that it has released more than $1.3 billion in foreign exchange since July 1, 2025.

In a statement sent to Fana Media Corporation, the Bank said the allocations reflect its central role in meeting Ethiopia’s foreign currency demands and in supporting the national economy by ensuring a steady supply of foreign exchange to its customers.

On August 16, the Bank approved all pending applications from clients, authorizing foreign exchange transactions worth $420.4 million to cover a wide range of needs. Together with allocations made since July 29, the total approvals reached $541.4 million, benefiting 1,140 customers, CBE’s statement said

Addis Ababa, August 16, 2025 (FMC) — Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed has lauded Wolaita Sodo as a symbol of Ethiopia’s commitment to environmental restoration and sustainable development, highlighting its achievements under the Green Legacy initiative.

In a message shared after his visit on Saturday, the Prime Minister said his drive from Arba Minch to Wolaita revealed significant progress in fruit cultivation and landscape restoration. He noted that these efforts are not only rehabilitating degraded land but also transforming the livelihoods of local communities.

Abiy praised the people of Wolaita for their hard work, unity, and continued contribution to Ethiopia’s greening campaign, describing them as key partners in the nation’s environmental and economic transformation.

Addis Ababa, August 16, 2025 (FMC) — Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed says the “Dine for Generations” projects in Arba Minch will transform the southern Ethiopian city into a leading tourist destination and a venue capable of hosting major international conferences.

During his visit on Saturday, the Prime Minister inspected completed and ongoing developments, describing the initiative as grand in scope and capable of generating significant revenue for Ethiopia’s tourism industry. He noted that Arba Minch, already renowned for its natural beauty, abundant springs, and lush landscapes, is on track to become a key attraction for both domestic and international visitors.

Abiy toured flagship projects including the Dine for Generations complex, the Arba Minch Riverside project, and extensive corridor developments aimed at enhancing the city’s appeal and visitor experience. The Dine for Generations facility features . . . .  

Addis Ababa, August 16, 2025 (FMC) — Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed praised ongoing development projects in Arba Minch, highlighting the city’s potential to emerge as a major conference destination and tourism hub.

In a message shared on social media following his visit on Friday, the Premier described Arba Minch as “beautiful in its natural form” and underscored the progress made under the government’s Dine for Generations initiative.

He noted that the project would enable the southern city to host large-scale conferences, citing the Kulfo Riverside development as a “remarkable addition” to Arba Minch’s unique natural and cultural attractions. Corridor expansion works, he added, have also shown significant progress since their last review.

The Prime Minister further commended infrastructure upgrades at the Arbaminch Forest, where new access routes have opened  . . . . .

Addis Ababa, August 15, 2025 (FMC) – Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed visited the Vietnam Toyo Solar facility at Hawassa Industry Park on Friday, reviewing the operational solar cell plant and praising its contributions to Ethiopia’s industrial and economic growth.

The Prime Minister highlighted the facility’s impressive quality, large-scale capacity, and highly automated system, emphasizing that the operation is expected to significantly contribute to manufacturing exports. “This aligns strongly with our investment strategy, which focuses on value-added projects that meet our set targets and policies, representing truly game-changing investments,” he said.

PM Abiy noted that while two additional solar facilities are still under construction, the operational plant demonstrates the country’s progress in attracting strategic foreign investment and delivering on prior commitments. The visit follows earlier discussions with the company’s president, who had promised to begin production at the facility.

Addis Ababa, August 15, 2025 (FMC) – Ethiopia’s world-renowned hominid fossils, Lucy (Dinknesh) and Selam, departed today for the Czech Republic to be featured in a historic exhibition titled Human Origins and Fossils at the National Museum of the Czech Republic in Prague, opening on August 25, 2025.

Tourism Minister Selamawit Kassa, speaking at a farewell ceremony at Addis Ababa Bole International Airport, said the fossils will showcase Ethiopia’s rich prehistoric heritage in a new way to international audiences. The event was attended by Czech Ambassador to Ethiopia, Miroslav Kosek. “For decades, Ethiopia has been promoting Lucy to the world; now it’s Lucy’s turn to promote the new Ethiopia to the whole world,” the Minister stated.

Discovered in Ethiopia and confirmed as some of the oldest fossils in human evolution research, Lucy and Selam will offer European . . . .

Addis Ababa, August 15, 2025 (FMC) — Ethiopia has officially published its Provisional Schedule of Tariff Concessions (PSTCs) in the national gazette, a decisive move toward fully implementing the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) Agreement.

Gazetting the PSTCs makes the new tariff measures a matter of public record, ensuring transparency and enabling businesses, trade organizations, and the public to prepare for the changes, local news agency ENA reported, citing the nation’s foreign ministry. The schedule sets out the specific tariff reductions Ethiopia will grant to eligible goods under the AfCFTA framework.

The AfCFTA Secretariat, in a statement on social media, hailed the step as providing traders with “clarity and legal certainty” that Ethiopia will offer preferential tariff treatment in line with its commitments.

By formalizing its tariff concessions, Ethiopia joins a growing number of member states moving from policy commitments to  . . . .

Addis Ababa, August 14, 2025 (FMC) – The National Movement of Amhara (NaMA), a political party active in Ethiopia’s Amhara region and nationwide, has reaffirmed its strong support for the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD), emphasizing Ethiopia’s sovereign right to develop the Nile and framing the project as a symbol of national unity, progress, and resilience.

In its statement, NaMA underlined that Ethiopia’s pursuit of energy security, agricultural modernization, and industrialization through projects such as the GERD is not only legitimate but essential for national development and regional stability. The party criticized Egypt for obstructing Ethiopia’s development ambitions, describing its stance as rooted in colonial-era treaties—the 1929 and 1959 Nile Waters Agreements—which excluded Ethiopia and other upstream nations. These treaties, NaMA said, have no legal or moral standing under modern international law, including the 1997 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Non-Navigational Uses of . . . . .

Addis Ababa, August 13, 2025 (FMC) — Namibia’s President Dr. Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah has praised Ethiopia’s historic role in supporting her country’s independence and called for closer cooperation in economic sectors during a credentials ceremony for Ethiopia’s new ambassador to Namibia.

Ethiopian Ambassador Delil Kedir — who holds permanent residence in Pretoria — presented his credentials to President Nandi-Ndaitwah at State House in Windhoek, the Ethiopian Embassy in Pretoria told Fana Media Corporation today.

During the ceremony, President Nandi-Ndaitwah recalled Ethiopia’s pivotal contributions to Namibia’s liberation struggle and highlighted the longstanding diplomatic relations between the two nations.

She emphasized the importance of further strengthening bilateral ties, particularly in trade, investment, and the aviation sector.

Addis Ababa, August 14, 2025 (FMC) – Addis Ababa, August 14, 2025 (FMC) – Ethiopia’s Disaster Risk Management Commission (EDRMC) has announced plans to add 50,000 metric tons of agricultural produce to the country’s national emergency reserve during the current Meher (main rainy season) of the 2017 Ethiopian Year, Commissioner Shiferaw Teklemariam said.

Commissioner Shiferaw emphasized that strengthening the national reserve is a cornerstone of Ethiopia’s broader strategy to ensure food sovereignty. He highlighted that the country’s robust agricultural productivity across all sectors is playing a pivotal role in enhancing the capacity of the emergency reserve.

A system has been established to enable regional governments to build their own reserves, allowing for rapid, localized responses to citizens in need. To support this initiative, a 3-billion-Birr fund has been allocated to improve crop productivity specifically for reserve purposes.

Addis Ababa, August 14, 2025 (FMC) – Ethiopia has strengthened the business environment for the private sector in the energy sector and beyond by opening up its economy and revising investment policies, Water and Energy State Minister Sultan Welle said.

Speaking at a panel discussion on Ethiopia’s solar energy organized by the Ministry of Water and Energy in collaboration with the International Solar Alliance, the State Minister highlighted the country’s abundant renewable energy potential.

“I can confidently say that all renewable energy sources available globally exist in Ethiopia, though their extent, locations, and generation capacity may vary,” he noted. He acknowledged that, despite this vast potential, the nation’s current power generation remains limited relative to its resources.

Addis Ababa, August 14, 2025 (FMC) – Ethiopia is taking an active role in the inaugural Africa Water Investment Summit, currently underway in Cape Town, South Africa, aimed at mobilizing $30 billion annually to close Africa’s water investment gap.

Ethiopia’s Minister of Water and Energy, Habtamu Ittefa, is representing the country at the three-day event, which brings together African heads of state, G20 representatives, investors, sector ministers, development partners, and private sector stakeholders. The summit, hosted by South Africa under its G20 presidency and organized jointly with the African Union (AU) and the AU–Africa Water Investment Program (AU-AIP), follows the directives of the 34th African Union Summit.

Addis Ababa, August 14, 2025 (FMC) – The National Rehabilitation Commission (NRC) has announced that former militants who have successfully completed the rehabilitation program will be reinstated to their previous government positions, including roles within the security forces, with full institutional benefits.

In a press statement, Brigadier General Derbe Mekuria, Deputy Commissioner of the NRC, explained that the commission has compiled detailed profiles of ex-combatants, including individuals who previously served in the Ethiopian National Defense Forces (ENDF) and participated in international peacekeeping missions before joining the former TPLF. These individuals are now undergoing targeted rehabilitation training to support their reintegration, in line with the Pretoria Cessation of Hostilities Agreement.

Addis Ababa, August 13, 2025 (FMC) — Ethiopia’s Minister of Tourism, Ms. Selamawit Kassa, met with renowned American actress, filmmaker, and humanitarian Angelina Jolie to discuss ways of connecting Ethiopian youth to the global creative industry.

“Renowned Hollywood actress and humanitarian Angelina Jolie, during her stay in Addis Ababa, discussed with us ways in which Ethiopian youth can be connected to the global creative industry,” Minister Selamawit told Fana Digital.

The minister added that their conversation also highlighted the importance of telling Ethiopian stories through the voices of Ethiopians and emphasized that this initiative should be pursued across Africa. “I would like to sincerely thank Angelina Jolie for her heartfelt affection for Ethiopia and for the support she extends in various fields, including tourism,” she said.

Addis Ababa, August 14, 2025 (FMC) – Ethiopia’s State Minister of Planning and Development, Seyoum Mekonnen, has called on the private sector to play an active role in efforts to mitigate climate change, highlighting its critical contribution to Africa’s sustainable development.

Ethiopia, in collaboration with the African Union Commission (AUC), will host the Second African Climate Summit (ACS2) from 8 to 10 September 2025 at the Addis International Convention Center. The summit will convene policymakers, practitioners, businesses, and civil society under the theme: “Accelerating Global Climate Solutions: Financing for Africa’s Resilient and Green Development.”

State Minister Seyoum Mekonnen said extensive preparations are underway for the summit, with discussions currently ongoing with private sector leaders and financial institutions in Addis Ababa. . . . .

Addis Ababa, August 14, 2025 (FMC) – The Southwest Ethiopia People’s Regional State is preparing to expand its school feeding program to benefit more than 120,000 students in the 2018 (2025/26) Ethiopian academic year, in a major effort to reduce dropout rates and improve learning outcomes.

Deputy Head of the Regional Education Bureau, Desta Geneme, said the initiative will provide daily meals to students in pre-primary, primary, and secondary schools who require special support. The program is designed not only to meet children’s immediate nutritional needs but also to keep them in classrooms, improve attendance, and strengthen academic performance.

Addis Ababa, August 13, 2025 (FMC) – The Ethiopian National Dialogue Commission (ENDC) has urged Ethiopian diaspora communities worldwide to prepare and submit proposals that address the country’s most pressing challenges, as part of its ongoing effort to foster national reconciliation and lasting peace.

Chief Commissioner Prof. Mesfin Araya announced that the Commission will soon begin gathering agendas from Ethiopian communities abroad, complementing the agenda collection already completed in 11 regions, including the Addis Ababa and Dire Dawa city administrations. He confirmed that initial steps have also been taken to initiate the process in the Tigray Region.

Political parties in Tigray have welcomed the Commission’s August 1, 2025 visit to Mekelle as a meaningful step toward peace. During the visit, the ENDC held discussions with multiple political groups, all of which expressed strong support for launching the dialogue in . . . . 

Addis Ababa, August 13, 2025 (FMC) – Ethiopia and the International Solar Alliance (ISA) have signed an agreement to accelerate the development of solar mini-grid and solar park projects, marking a significant step in advancing the country’s renewable energy ambitions.

Speaking at the signing ceremony, State Minister of Water and Energy Sultan Welle said energy is the engine of growth for any nation, stressing that Ethiopia has placed strong emphasis on fully harnessing its energy sector. He highlighted the crucial role of development partners in supporting the country’s priority areas, particularly in expanding and transforming solar energy infrastructure.

Sultan said the agreed initiatives reflect Ethiopia’s steadfast commitment to tapping solar power, advancing rural electrification, and creating new opportunities for socio-economic progress.

Addis Ababa, August 13, 2025 (FMC) — A team of scientists working in Ethiopia’s Afar Region has unveiled the discovery of a previously unknown species of Australopithecus alongside the oldest known specimen of the genus Homo. The groundbreaking find could significantly reshape scientific understanding of human evolution.

Unearthed by the Ledi-Geraru Research Project, the fossils show that two distinct human ancestors — Australopithecus and early *Homo* — inhabited the Lower Awash Valley at the same time between 2.6 and 2.78 million years ago.

“This is the first evidence from eastern Africa showing these two lineages overlapping in both time and space,” said Professor Amy Rector, Co-director of the Ledi-Geraru Research Project. “Their potential coexistence raises fascinating questions — from how they interacted and competed for resources to how their evolutionary paths may have influenced each other in the Afar region, and ultimately, what . . . . .

Addis Ababa, August 13, 2025 (FMC) – The Ministry of Water and Energy has emphasized that tackling the impacts of climate change demands unified action from all sectors, highlighting Ethiopia’s significant contributions toward global mitigation efforts.

Speaking at a pre-summit exhibition organized ahead of the Second African Climate Summit in Addis Ababa, State Minister Sultan Wolle said the two-day event aims to showcase Ethiopia’s and Africa’s strides toward a sustainable, low-carbon future driven by renewable energy initiatives.

Sultan noted that climate change has severely affected ecosystems, economies, and public health worldwide, with developing countries like Ethiopia experiencing prolonged droughts, unpredictable rainfall patterns, declining agricultural productivity, and diminishing water resources. He stressed that mitigating such challenges requires the concerted engagement of governments, the private sector, . . . . .

Addis Ababa, August 12, 2025 (FMC) – Ethiopia’s Deputy Prime Minister Temesgen Tiruneh stated the official launch of the Construction Industry Transformation Initiative, a bold 25-year plan (2025–2050) designed to build a modern, competitive, and globally recognized construction sector.

Speaking at the launch ceremony hosted this morning by the Ministry of Urban Development and Infrastructure, Deputy Prime Minister Temesgen emphasized that the government has become increasingly effective in starting and completing major development projects with quality and speed.

“The nature of our government is to plan extensively, look far ahead, and implement quickly with the active participation of the people,” he said. “Our mission is not only to complete long-promised projects but to execute them with excellence.”

Addis Ababa, August 12, 2025 (FMC) — Ethiopia’s ruling Prosperity Party has urged political leaders across Africa to abandon zero-sum approaches and embrace inclusive polits as a foundation for peace and prosperity on the continent.

Vice President of the Prosperity Party and Head of the Coordination Center for Democracy Building, Adem Farah, delivered the address at the ongoing 2025 African Political Parties Summit, which runs from August 12 to 14 under the theme “From Politics to Prosperity: Strengthening Inter-Party Collaboration for Africa’s Development and Economic Transformation.”

Speaking to party leaders, civil society representatives, and international stakeholders, Adem stressed that the continent’s future depends on the choices made by its political leaders today.

Addis Ababa, August 12, 2025 (FMC) — Ethiopia’s ruling Prosperity Party is actively participating in the 2025 African Political Parties Summit, which officially opened yesterday at the Accra International Conference Centre in Ghana. The summit convenes political leaders, policymakers, and stakeholders from across Africa and the Caribbean to foster democratic governance and political cooperation.

Leading Ethiopia’s delegation is Adem Farah, Vice President of the Prosperity Party and Head of the Coordination Center for Democracy Building, with the rank of Deputy Prime Minister.

The opening ceremony featured welcome remarks, keynote addresses, and cultural presentations, with Ghana’s President John Dramani Mahama and other African Heads of State and senior international officials in attendance.

Addis Ababa, August 11, 2025 (FMC) — National Bank of Ethiopia Governor Mamo Mihretu held a productive meeting with U.S. Ambassador to Ethiopia Ervin Massinga to discuss key initiatives aimed at improving Ethiopia’s investment climate.

The discussions also focused on enhancing regulatory cooperation between the two countries, particularly regarding cross-border remittance flows.

Both parties emphasized the importance of channeling these financial transfers through formal and regulated systems to promote transparency and stability in Ethiopia’s financial sector.

The meeting reflects ongoing efforts to strengthen bilateral collaboration in support of Ethiopia’s economic development priorities, the central bank told Fana Media Corporation.

Addis Ababa, August 12, 2025 (FMC) – Minister of Urban Development and Infrastructure, Chaltu Sani, said the newly launched Construction Industry Transformation Initiative will significantly enhance Ethiopia’s national competitiveness by modernizing the construction sector.

Speaking at the launch event, Minister Chaltu noted that the construction industry’s growth has not yet reached the expected level due to various challenges. She said the initiative is of great importance in addressing these issues.

She highlighted the sector’s heavy reliance on imported materials as a key challenge and emphasized that finding sustainable solutions to reduce this dependency is a major focus of the initiative.

Minister Chaltu also explained that facilitating human resource development and creating job opportunities through coordinated efforts are among the goals of the initiative.

Addis Ababa, August 12, 2025  (FMC) — The Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) has opened a three-day technical consultation in Addis Ababa to set up two new regional fisheries governance bodies aimed at boosting sustainability, strengthening cooperation, and tackling illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing.

The meeting, organised with support from the EU-funded IOC-ECOFISH Programme, marks the start of consultations on the IGAD Fisheries Forum Agency (IFFA) and the Fisheries Monitoring, Control and Surveillance Coordination Centre (MCS CC).

The IFFA will provide a dedicated platform for member states to coordinate fisheries and aquaculture development, while the MCS CC will focus on joint enforcement operations and technical support to protect aquatic resources.

Addis Ababa, August 12, 2025 (FMC) — Ethiopia has reaffirmed its unwavering commitment to the Intergovernmental Authority on Development’s (IGAD) Blue Economy Agenda, pledging to work with regional partners to strengthen fisheries governance, expand aquaculture, and combat illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing.

Opening a three-day IGAD Regional Fisheries and Blue Economy Consultation Workshop in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia’s State Minister of Agriculture, Dr. Fikru Regassa, said the country is fully aligned with IGAD’s Sustainable Fisheries Strategy (2021–2025) and will continue to support joint initiatives aimed at protecting and developing aquatic resources.

“Our region is blessed with substantial inland and marine fisheries resources that are vital to livelihoods, food systems, and economies,” Dr. Fikru said. “Yet the sector faces challenges including overfishing,  . . . . .

Addis Ababa, August 12, 2025 (FMC) – Across the African continent, cities are transforming climate change challenges into innovative opportunities that promote sustainable urban development. These efforts will be spotlighted at the upcoming Second Africa Climate Summit (ACS2), scheduled to take place in Addis Ababa from September 8–10, 2025.

Hosted by the Government of Ethiopia in partnership with the African Union Commission, the summit will bring together over 20,000 participants, including more than 45 African heads of state and government, alongside policymakers, youth representatives, technical experts, and climate practitioners.

Urban centers across Africa are adopting a range of climate-smart solutions. In Dakar, Senegal, a solar-powered Bus Rapid Transit system is helping reduce emissions while improving urban mobility. Kigali, Rwanda, is advancing green building codes to guide  . . . . .

Addis Ababa, August 12, 2025 (FMC) – Ethiopia’s National Rehabilitation Commission announced in a press release that more than 65,500 former combatants have been rehabilitated and reintegrated into civilian life since November 2024, marking significant progress in the country’s peacebuilding and development efforts.

The Prosperity Party Council recently pledged its full support to militants who choose to lay down arms and pursue peaceful options. According to the commission, this commitment has helped create a favorable environment for the successful transition of former combatants into peaceful and productive lives.

The commission emphasized that its efforts focus on supporting former fighters who have come forward through peace agreements and in response to calls from the government, elders, and religious leaders, encouraging them to become active contributors to the ........

Addis Ababa, August 12, 2025 (FMC) – Ethiopia has been engaged in expanding renewable energy development to combat the impacts of climate change, State Minister of Water and Energy, Sultan Walli, revealed.

The Ministry of Water and Energy is holding a pre-summit exhibition in preparation for the second African Climate Summit in Addis Ababa.

The two-day exhibition aims to highlight efforts being undertaken in the sector to realize a sustainable and low-carbon renewable energy initiative for both Ethiopia and Africa.

Opening the exhibition, Water and Energy State Minister, Sultan Wolle, said that the exhibition serves as a platform for sharing innovative solutions, knowledge, and experiences that can lead to sustainable development in the water and energy sector.

Addis Ababa, August 11, 2025 (FMC) — House of Federation Speaker Agegnehu Teshager has announced that Ethiopia will observe the 20th Nations, Nationalities, and Peoples’ Day with heightened ceremony and dedication, aimed at deepening the nation’s unity and fraternity.

In preparation for this milestone celebration, Speaker Agegnehu convened the inaugural leadership planning session, guided by proposals from the general committee members.

Celebrated annually on December 8, Nations, Nationalities, and Peoples’ Day is a significant occasion that honors Ethiopia’s rich cultural mosaic and its unparalleled diversity.

Home to over 80 distinct nationalities—each with its own language, customs, and traditions—Ethiopia stands as one of Africa’s most culturally diverse nations.

Addis Ababa, August 11, 2025 (FMC) – Ethiopia’s Finance Minister Mr. Ahmed Shide described the new Bishoftu International Airport as a transformative infrastructure project that will serve as a vital gateway for Africa’s connectivity and economic progress.

Speaking at the signing ceremony between Ethiopian Airlines Group and the African Development Bank for financing Ethiopia’s mega aviation project earlier today, Minister Shide said the airport will be Africa’s largest and will position Ethiopia among the world’s top 20 aviation hubs by 2035.

Located 40 kilometers southeast of Addis Ababa, the greenfield airport is expected to serve between 60 million and 130 million passengers at full capacity, addressing rapidly growing regional air traffic demands and relieving saturation at Addis Ababa International Airport.

Addis Ababa, August 11, 2025 (FMC) – Let.-Gen. Yilma Merdasa, Chair of the Ethiopian Airlines Group Board and Commander of the Ethiopian Air Force, hailed the signing of the mandate letter with the African Development Bank as a historic milestone for Ethiopian Airlines and African aviation.

In his remarks at the event marking the financing partnership for the new Bishoftu Mega Airport, Let.-Gen. Yilma emphasized the project’s significance not only for Ethiopia but for Africa and the wider world.

Despite global aviation challenges, he said Ethiopian Airlines continues to be a source of African pride, underpinned by unwavering government support, committed leadership, and employee loyalty.

He highlighted the airline’s ongoing institutional reforms aimed at developing professional human capital, expanding infrastructure, ......

Addis Ababa, August 11, 2025 (FMC) — African Development Bank (AfDB) President Dr. Akinwumi Adesina today lauded Ethiopia’s ambitious “think big, do big” mentality, emphasizing the transformative impact of the Bishoftu International Airport project in positioning the country as a global aviation hub.

Speaking at the ceremonial signing appointing AfDB as the mandated lead arranger to mobilize $8 billion in financing for the airport, Dr. Adesina highlighted Ethiopia’s remarkable speed and scale of transformation under the visionary leadership of Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed.

“The scale and speed of transformation in Ethiopia are truly inspiring,” Dr. Adesina said. “The transformation is happening every single hour, every single day, every single week, at scale. This mega project, the Bishoftu International Airport, is a powerful symbol of vision, determination, and Africa’s rising prominence on the global aviation map.”

Addis Ababa, August 11, 2025 (FMC) – Ethiopian Airlines Group and the African Development Bank (AfDB) signed a Mandate Letter today for financing of the Abusera Mega Airport Project at Bishoftu.

The ceremony was held at the Ethiopian Skylight Hotel in the presence of Finance Minister Ahmed Shide, senior government officials, the Airline’s senior executives, AfDB President Akinwumi Adesina, and ministers and diplomats of various African.countries.

The project aims to build Africa’s largest airport, located 40 kilometers south of Addis Ababa.

The new airport will feature four runways and advanced passenger and cargo facilities.

Upon completing its first phase, Bishoftu International Airport will handle 60 million passengers annually, more than double the capacity of Africa’s busiest airports like Johannesburg’s O.R. Tambo and Cairo International. The full build-out will increase capacity to 110 million . . . .

Addis Ababa, August 11, 2025 (FMC) — The Ethiopian Statistical Service announced that it is entering a new era of progress, driven by a comprehensive reform aimed at modernizing its organizational structure and data production systems.

A capacity building program between Statistics Korea and the Ethiopian Statistical Service, with support of the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) and Africa Development Bank (AfDB) is underway in Addis Ababa.

Opening the three-day program today, Ethiopian Statistics Service Director General Beker Shale said the Service is currently undertaking a major reform to modernize its organizational structure and data production system.

“We have been implementing a roadmap for this transformation–the Ethiopian Statistical Development Program, from 2023 to 2026,” he affirmed.