NEWS IN A Week in the Horn 18.07.2025
Ethiopia
The Council of Ministers, chaired by Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, held a two-day session from July 14 to 15 to review the 2018 National Development Plan. The meeting featured sector-specific reflections and assessments of the plan’s implementation and outcomes.
The Ministry of Tourism, in collaboration with the Information Network Security Administration (INSA), launched a new digital platform named “Visit Ethiopia” on Tuesday (July 8), aimed at showcasing Ethiopia’s diverse tourism offerings and enhancing its international visibility. (See article)
Foreign Minister Gedion Timothewos, along with State Ministers Ambassador Hadera Abera and Ambassador Berhanu Tsegaye, held a productive consultation on Wednesday (July 16) with officials and staff of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and affiliated institutions. The discussion focused on a three-year institutional plan aimed at strengthening Ethiopia’s national interests, advancing prosperity, and safeguarding the country’s peace and development.
FM Gedion received Liu Jifan, Chief Executive Officer of Huawei Ethiopia, on Thursday (July 17) at his office. The Minister commended Huawei’s contributions to Ethiopia’s digital transformation and encouraged the company to enhance its support for the country’s ongoing digitalization efforts, invest in research and development, and continue initiatives aimed at youth empowerment.
State Minister Ambassador Hadera met with Shibata Hironori, the Ambassador of Japan to Ethiopia, on Thursday (July 17) at his office. The two sides exchanged views on the longstanding relations between Ethiopia and Japan, and ongoing preparations for the upcoming TICAD-9 Conference.
Ambassador Hadera conferred with Cheryl Urban, Assistant Deputy Minister for Africa and Pan-Geographic Affairs at Global Affairs Canada, on Wednesday (July 16) at his office. Ambassador Hadera highlighted Ethiopia’s recent economic progress and encouraged Canadian investors to explore growing business opportunities in the country.
Ambassador Hadera also met with US Ambassador to Ethiopia Irvin Jose Masinga on Tuesday (July 15), discussing ways to deepen bilateral ties and address regional issues of mutual concern.
State Minister Ambassador Berhanu received members of the Ethiopian diaspora from Kenya at his office on Thursday (July 17). The discussion focused on the diaspora’s participation in Ethiopia’s summer volunteer initiatives. The State Minister commended their active engagement and strong support for the country’s development efforts.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs held a three-day regional diplomacy training program this week (July 14-16) in Addis Ababa for young diplomats from Somalia, Kenya, South Sudan, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Rwanda, and Uganda. The initiative, organized by the Institute of Foreign Affairs (IFA), aimed to strengthen regional cooperation, enhance diplomatic skills, and promote collective responses to shared challenges.
Kenya
President William Ruto met with World Meteorological Organization Director-General Celeste Saulo at State House Nairobi on Monday (July 14). The meeting focused on strengthening cooperation to enhance climate resilience and advance meteorological services.
An Ethiopian delegation led by State Minister of Finance Eyob Tekalign participated in the 25th Horn of Africa Initiative Finance Ministers Meeting on Monday (July 14) in Nairobi. He highlighted Ethiopia’s significant progress in digital integration, including telecom liberalization, data protection and cybersecurity laws, expanded fiber infrastructure, and a digital ID system.
Somalia
The mid-term review meeting of the first Ethiopia–Somalia Joint Ministerial Commission was held in Addis Ababa on Friday (July 18). The discussion focused on addressing bilateral, regional, and multilateral issues of common concern to both countries, while also exploring ways to expand areas of cooperation to ensure mutual benefit.
Sudan
Sudanese Prime Minister Kamil Idris appointed five new ministers on Tuesday (July 15), aiming to promote national dialogue and enhance stability through greater political inclusivity.
South Sudan
Minister of Foreign Affairs Gedion Timothewos met with South Sudanese Foreign Minister Monday Semaya Kumba on Friday (July 11) in Addis Ababa. The two ministers discussed bilateral relations, as well as regional and continental matters, and agreed to deepen cooperation to promote peace, stability, and economic partnership.
Africa and the African Union
The 3rd African Job Creation Forum officially opened on Monday (July 7) at the Adwa Victory Memorial Museum in Addis Ababa. Organized by the African Union (AU) in collaboration with the Government of Ethiopia, the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) Secretariat, and AeTrade Group. The event was held under the theme “Advancing Job Creation and Economic Resilience through Regional Integration, Digital and Financial Inclusion along Agricultural Value Chains in the AfCFTA Market.” (See article)
The African Union (AU) and the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) held the 7th AU Mid-Year Coordination Meeting from July 10 to 13 in Malabo, Equatorial Guinea. The meeting focused on strengthening coordination and advancing the implementation of Agenda 2063 to promote Africa’s unity, integration, and development.
Note: For detailed reports, please check out the rest of this week’s news published in separate posts