AGP Executive Report

Cybersecurity: Ethiopia will mark its seventh National Cybersecurity Month from October 11 to November 9, with campaigns on safer technology use, online child protection and the links between AI and cyber threats. Technology leadership: Former Ethio Telecom CEO Frehiwot Tamiru has been approved as innovation and technology minister, bringing telecom experience to a role tasked with advancing the country’s technology agenda. Agricultural science: A new livestock genetics platform launched in Addis Ababa uses animal performance data to help farmers and breeding programs select more productive, resilient animals. Researchers also report improved yields from soil-restoration work using compost, biofertilizers and treatments for acidic or waterlogged soils. Biodiversity: Scientists have identified a new nonvenomous egg-eating snake in the Bale Mountains’ Harenna Forest, adding a newly documented species to Ethiopia’s wildlife record.

Technology Leadership: Parliament approved former Ethio Telecom CEO Frehiwot Tamiru as Ethiopia’s Minister of Innovation and Technology, bringing telecom-sector experience into a ministry tasked with advancing the country’s technology agenda. Agricultural Research: Ethiopia’s agricultural research institute and Korea’s KOPIA are using soil amendments, compost and biofertilizers to restore soil health and improve crop yields. AI and Applied Research: Ethiopia says it is expanding artificial intelligence and applied research, as the new government sets its technology priorities. Livestock Genetics: A digital genetics platform launched in Addis Ababa will use animal performance data to help farmers and breeding programmes select livestock with stronger genetic traits. Digital Skills: M-PESA Ethiopia trained 100 young developers in a digital-payments hackathon, supporting local talent in financial technology.

Technology Leadership: Parliament has approved former Ethio Telecom CEO Frehiwot Tamiru as Ethiopia’s Minister of Innovation and Technology. She led the operator’s expansion into digital finance, cloud and other services, and now faces the task of turning that experience into national technology policy. AI and Research: Ethiopia is stepping up AI development and applied research, part of a wider push to expand the use of technology. Digital Skills: M-PESA Ethiopia trained 100 young developers through a digital-payments hackathon, adding to efforts to build local tech talent. Digital Education: Ethiopia has also completed a UNESCO–Huawei project to advance technology-enabled secondary education and is expanding digital transformation in higher education.

AI and Research: Ethiopia says it is expanding AI, applied science and homegrown technology, while building support for start-ups and developing its bioeconomy and space sector. Climate Science: UN and African forestry experts praised Ethiopia’s Green Legacy Initiative, urging science-based policy and agroforestry to sustain restoration gains and benefit communities. Digital Education: Ethiopia has completed a UNESCO–Huawei project to bring more technology into secondary schools, part of a wider push to build digital skills. Engineering: Work is underway on the Bishoftu mega-airport, a planned $12.5 billion hub designed to expand Ethiopia’s aviation capacity and regional connections. Archaeology: A study suggests a 2,800-year-old Ethiopian palace may have stood as tall as 16 storeys, offering a striking glimpse of ancient engineering.

Environmental Science: UN and African forestry experts praised Ethiopia’s Green Legacy Initiative as a major restoration effort, while stressing that science-based policy and agroforestry will be key to sustaining its gains. Digital Skills: M-PESA Ethiopia trained 100 young developers in a digital-payments hackathon, building local talent for the country’s growing tech sector. Growth and Technology: The World Bank raised its 2026 Sub-Saharan Africa growth forecast to 4.3% and named Ethiopia among countries with stronger projections; it pointed to investment in digital technologies, but warned that growth still needs to create more jobs.

Ethiopia’s macro push: President Taye Atske-Selassie told Parliament Ethiopia targets 10.1% growth and aims to cut inflation below 10%, as the National Bank of Ethiopia plans $840m in dollar auctions via six FX sales between mid-October and late December. National renewal & governance: In the same parliamentary opening, Abiy Ahmed’s new five-year term emphasized unity, peace, dialogue, anti-corruption, and stronger implementation capacity, with a shift away from violent politics. AI governance in Africa: A new policy-focused piece highlights the accountability gap as AI adoption accelerates, pointing to the African Union’s Continental AI Strategy and the need for clear responsibility, data rules, and secure deployment. Hydropower geopolitics: Analysis revisits how Ethiopia’s hydropower buildout—especially GERD—has reshaped regional water and energy leverage despite diplomatic friction. Agriculture systems debate: A food-sovereignty voice warns that “improved” crops can still repeat old models if African seeds and farmers are steered mainly by large buyers. Global tech diplomacy: India’s Jaishankar met Ghana’s foreign minister to expand cooperation in trade, defence, pharmaceuticals, and technology, and witnessed MoUs on zoological and agricultural research. Regional conflict risk: Fighting in Ethiopia’s Tigray continues amid renewed concern about Eritrea’s role, raising fears of wider Horn of Africa spillover. Mining & jobs: Allied Gold reports exploration progress at Ethiopia’s Kurmuk Mine as commissioning and first ore move closer.

Red Sea–Horn of Africa security links: A new look at the region shows “local” wars pulling in far-away actors, with ports, gold flows, and drones increasingly tied to external backers across Sudan, Libya, Ethiopia, Eritrea, Somalia and Yemen. Ethiopia’s political reset: Ethiopia opened a new five-year parliamentary chapter as PM Abiy Ahmed was sworn in again, with Medemer framed as the guiding philosophy for unity, peace, and development. AI governance in Africa: A policy-focused piece argues AI adoption is accelerating, but accountability is lagging—pushing for clearer responsibility, safeguards, and better implementation of AU and national AI strategies. Digital payments push: M-PESA Ethiopia trained 100 young developers in a CODE! hackathon bootcamp to build fintech solutions using its developer portal ahead of a mid-October hackathon. Health research in pregnancy: A study highlights why standard blood test reference ranges may mislead clinicians when interpreting hematology in healthy pregnant women. Higher education rankings: Ethiopia’s KUHes made its first Times Higher Education World University Rankings appearance, while broader Africa coverage shows universities climbing globally. Energy and tech signals: World Bank raised Sub-Saharan Africa’s 2026 growth forecast to 4.3%, and solar expansion analysis points to record installations across the continent.

Ethiopia’s Inflation Credibility Under Fire: An Ethiopian Economics Association survey finds most economists doubt official inflation figures, question National Bank of Ethiopia independence, and say political or institutional pressure may be distorting CPI data. Fiscal Reform for Growth: The IMF argues countries can raise revenue and growth without rate hikes by fixing tax design flaws—especially corporate tax and VAT distortions that suppress investment. Solar Surge Across Africa: Ember analysis says Africa is set for a record 17GW of solar in 2026, with much growth in distributed rooftop and estate systems that national registers often miss; Ethiopia is among key beneficiaries. Ethiopia’s New Political Chapter: Ethiopia inaugurated the 7th House of Peoples’ Representatives, set parliamentary leadership, and sworn in PM Abiy Ahmed for a second term. Red Sea Access Tensions: Abiy again demands Ethiopia’s access to the Red Sea amid renewed fighting in Tigray and escalating regional disputes. Digital Public Infrastructure Lessons: A World Bank ID4D expert urges countries to export DPI “mistakes” and legal safeguards, warning identity agencies can be captured without political protection. Science-Policy Link for Forestry: SPIN Africa’s Addis dialogue aims to connect forestry research with policymaking across seven countries. Ethiopia’s Capital Market Momentum: ECMA reports rising citizen participation, digitized security records, and growing daily trading volumes. Ethiopian Airlines Cargo Expansion: Ethiopian Airlines signs with Boeing to add 777-8F and 777F freighters to strengthen logistics capacity.

Red Sea Access Tensions: Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed renewed Ethiopia’s demand for an outlet to the Red Sea after a summit warning that responsibility lies with coastal states, as Ethiopia’s relations with neighbors worsen amid renewed fighting in Tigray. Digital Higher Education: Ethiopia is expanding digital transformation in higher education, adding online, blended and micro-credential learning, while also pushing digital literacy for teachers and students. Capital Market Participation: Ethiopia’s ECMA says citizen participation in the capital market is rising, with digitized security records and growing numbers of active trading accounts. Forestry Science-Policy Link: Addis Ababa hosted the first SPIN Africa in-person dialogue on forestry, aiming to connect researchers and policymakers across seven African countries. Aviation Cargo Boost: Ethiopian Airlines signed with Boeing to acquire eight 777-8F and two 777F freighters to expand cargo capacity and logistics reach. Housing Affordability Pressure: Habitat for Humanity’s global report finds 3 in 4 people cut back on essentials to afford housing, with delayed healthcare showing up among the trade-offs. BRICS Tech & Trade Push: BRICS’ 18th summit in India put trade, technology and Global South cooperation on the agenda, with Ethiopia listed among newer members.

Ethiopia’s Higher Ed Digital Push: Ethiopia is expanding digital transformation in higher education, rolling out online, blended and micro-credential learning, while also building digital literacy for teachers and students. Currency Reform Watch: An Ethiopian Economics Association survey finds 56.4% of economists doubt the birr float will last 2–3 years without controls returning, warning that pricing for policy reversal could keep inflation high. Tigray Transition Plan: Ethiopia is preparing a new interim administration in Tigray with community-led structures from kebele level upward and regional elections planned within months. Banking Liberalization: The National Bank of Ethiopia says two foreign banks have applied to enter via greenfield investments, signaling a further opening after decades of restrictions. Industrial Capacity Boost: Ethiopia reports manufacturing capacity utilization above 69% after targeted policy measures, including resolving electricity, water, capital and input bottlenecks. Ancient Tech Insight: A study using advanced modeling suggests Yeha’s 2,800-year-old palace could have supported a building up to 16 storeys high. Climate Fossil Fuel Pressure: A 350.org report links Australia and Türkiye’s coal trade to over 75 million tonnes of CO emissions since Paris, arguing COP31 leadership is underplaying fossil fuels.

Higher Education Digital Push: Ethiopia is expanding digital transformation in higher education, rolling out online, blended, and micro-credential learning while building digital literacy for teachers and students. Tigray Transition: Ethiopia is preparing a new interim administration in Tigray with community-led governance from kebele level upward, aiming for regional elections within months. Banking Openness: The National Bank of Ethiopia says two foreign banks have applied to enter via greenfield investments, signaling a further shift away from decades of restrictions. Manufacturing Momentum: Targeted policy measures lifted Ethiopia’s manufacturing capacity utilization to over 69%, with factories reopening as electricity, water, capital, and input constraints ease. Housing Finance Strain: Goh Betoch Bank paused long-term mortgages after its loan-to-deposit ratio hit 160%, highlighting liquidity mismatches as housing finance reforms take shape. Financial Inclusion Risks: Ethiopia’s NFIS II warns high digital transaction fees and weak digital fraud controls could derail universal financial inclusion goals. Engineering Standards Update: Ethiopia overhauled building codes to strengthen seismic safety and wind standards, plus new protocols for assessing older structures. Ancient Science Spotlight: A study suggests a 2,800-year-old Yeha palace could have supported a multi-storey structure up to 16 levels high.

Foreign Banking Liberalization: Ethiopia’s National Bank says two foreign banks have applied to enter via greenfield investments, signaling the slow dismantling of the 1975 ban on foreign commercial banking. Digital Finance & Inclusion: A new assessment warns Ethiopia’s financial inclusion push is threatened by high digital transfer fees, hidden charges, and weak digital fraud defenses, even as consumer complaints are increasingly handled. Industrial Policy Results: Ethiopia reports manufacturing capacity utilization above 69% after targeted measures, including resolving electricity, water, capital, and raw material bottlenecks. Building Safety Standards: Ethiopia overhauled building codes to mandate stronger seismic safety and wind standards, with new protocols for assessing older structures. AI & Education Tech: Ethiopia concluded a UNESCO–Huawei project to expand technology-enabled secondary education, training educators and producing curriculum-aligned digital science and English content. Archaeology & Engineering: A study of Yeha’s 2,800-year-old Grat Be’al Gibri palace suggests the structure could have supported up to 16 storeys, using advanced structural modeling. Regional Security Shock: Renewed fighting in northern Ethiopia and a drone strike in Addis Ababa coincide with Ethiopia–Eritrea diplomatic rupture, raising fears of wider Horn spillover.

Industrial Policy Update: Ethiopia says targeted measures and reforms have pushed domestic manufacturing capacity utilization above 69%, with bottlenecks in electricity, water, capital, and raw materials being eased and import substitution saving about $5.9bn in foreign exchange. Education & Tech: Ethiopia and UNESCO–Huawei have wrapped a technology-enabled secondary education project, including digital training for educators and curriculum-aligned multimedia content for Grades 9–10. AI & Research Push: Ethiopia is stepping up AI development and applied research, with plans to expand digital tools in schools and explore areas like the bioeconomy and space. Digital Public Infrastructure: A new DPI 50 list highlights public-sector leaders building identity and payments systems, with Ethiopia-linked momentum in digital public infrastructure ecosystems. Higher Education Rankings: African universities keep gaining ground globally; Ethiopia’s Mekelle University re-enters the THE 2027 ranking, while UCT returns to the top 150. Regional Security Shock: Ethiopia and Eritrea sever ties after a drone attack in Addis Ababa, with renewed fears that the conflict could spill across the Horn. Diplomacy & Mobility: Ethiopia is also rebuilding regional links, including renewed efforts with Libya through a joint ministerial committee. Aviation Logistics: Ethiopian Airlines signed an order for Boeing 777 freighters, signaling a push to expand cargo capacity.

UNESCO–Huawei Education Tech: Ethiopia wrapped a UNESCO–Huawei push for technology-enabled secondary schooling, backing 24 pilot schools (about 12,000 students, 250 educators) with tablets, laptops, Wi‑Fi, smartboards, teacher training, and 150 multimedia science/English lessons for Grades 9–10. AI & Research Drive: Ethiopia is stepping up AI adoption and applied research, with plans to expand digital tools in education and explore areas like bioeconomy and space. Digital Public Infrastructure: A new DPI 50 list by Apolitical and the WEF spotlights public-sector leaders building identity, payments, and inclusive digital services, with Africa showing strong momentum. Higher Education & Rankings: Ethiopia returned to global university rankings via Mekelle University, as African universities overall gained ground. Scholarships for Ethiopians: Bocconi and Fondazione Nuovo Fiore opened 2026–2027 scholarships covering tuition, living, travel, and tech equipment for Ethiopian students. Ancient Tech Insight: New research suggests an Ethiopian palace at Yeha could have reached “skyscraper” proportions (~16 storeys), highlighting advanced construction methods. Finance Reform: NBE says reforms are building a more dynamic financial system, including a more flexible foreign-exchange regime and inflation controls. Regional Security Watch: Ethiopia faces renewed conflict risks and wider regional spillover concerns, alongside renewed Ethiopia–Eritrea diplomatic rupture.

AI & Research Push: Ethiopia is stepping up AI use and applied research, with plans to strengthen homegrown solutions, expand digital tools in schools, and explore areas like the bioeconomy and space industry. Higher Education Rankings: African universities gained ground in the 2027 global rankings; Ethiopia returned with Mekelle University, while University of Cape Town climbed back into the global top 150. Digital Economy & Telecom: Ethio Telecom was recognized for driving Ethiopia’s digital transformation during the Stride Ethiopia 2.0 Summit. Commerce & Tech Networks: Ethiopia was selected to host the 2027 Africa Commerce Convergence Summit in Addis Ababa, backed by marketing, ICT, and logistics associations. Solar Irrigation: Ethiopia’s solar-powered irrigation projects are cutting diesel dependence for farmers, with pilots near Addis Ababa and wider rollouts across regions. Ancient Tech & Heritage: A study suggests an ancient Ethiopian palace could have been as tall as 16 storeys—an early “skyscraper” concept. Health Tech & Care: A new approach to essential emergency and critical care is showing lower mortality in hospital settings, highlighting practical, scalable care.

Horn of Africa Security: Full-scale fighting is flaring again in Ethiopia’s Tigray after a coalition of armed groups announced plans to remove PM Abiy Ahmed, with TPLF forces reportedly seizing airports and Addis Ababa warning of a return to war—raising fears of wider regional destabilization. Aviation Safety: A Flydubai cockpit stabbing and attempted crash on a Dubai–Tel Aviv route has revived focus on crew-linked hijacking attempts, with past cases showing how cockpit access can be abused. Public Health: Ethiopia’s malaria rebound hit 7.3 million confirmed cases in 2024 and 1,157 deaths, with researchers pointing to gaps in nets, spraying, diagnostics, and surveillance—and calling for a stronger push on radical cure for vivax. Digital Economy: Ethio Telecom was recognized for digital transformation work, while Ethiopia’s banking sector sees a turning point as mobile money and digital payments surge alongside finance reforms. Hospitality Investment: EIH unveiled a $55m Hilton Garden Inn expansion in Addis Ababa, aiming to boost lodging and conference capacity ahead of major global events. Tech & Policy: JICA/BCG highlight Ethiopia’s startup support and Startup Act incentives as key to driving Africa-wide digital transformation.