NEWS IN A Week in the Horn 25.07.2025
President Taye Atseke Selassie bade farewell to the outgoing Ambassadors of Tunisia and Zambia on Wednesday (July 23) at his office. The President expressed appreciation for their commitment to strengthening bilateral relations between their countries and Ethiopia throughout their service.
Ethiopia is completing final preparations to host the United Nations Food Systems Summit +4 Stocktake (UNFSS+4) from 27 to 29 July 2025 at the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA) headquarters in Addis Ababa. Co-hosted by the Governments of Ethiopia and Italy, the summit will convene heads of state and government, ministers, UN officials, researchers, youth representatives, civil society organizations, private sector actors, Indigenous Peoples, and producers from around the world. (See article)
Ethiopia presented its review report on the implementation of the SDGs at the 2025 edition of the High-Level Political Forum (HLPF). HLPF is held under the theme “Advancing sustainable, inclusive, science- and evidence-based solutions for the 2030 Agenda and its SDGs for leaving no one behind” on July 14-24 in New York. This year’s HLPF reviewed progress on five Sustainable Development Goals: Good Health and Well-being (SDG 3), Gender Equality (SDG 5), Decent Work and Economic Growth (SDG 8), Life Below Water (SDG 14), and Partnerships for the Goals (SDG 17). (See article)
Finance Minister Ahmed Shide stated on Tuesday (July 22) that Ethiopia’s macroeconomic reform agenda has delivered sustainable and inclusive growth across all sectors. Speaking at the Ethiopian Finance Conference’s Private Sector Forum, the minister highlighted progress in agriculture, tourism, mining, industry, and services, alongside improved foreign exchange earnings and reduced inflation.
State Minister Ambassador Hadera Abera and Ambassador Berhanu Tsegaye met with U.S. Ambassador to Djibouti Cynthia Kierscht on Tuesday (July 22) for a substantive discussion on key regional issues. The meeting focused on joint efforts to combat terrorism, prevent human trafficking, and address other pressing regional challenges.
Ambassador Hadera received the Ambassador of Italy to Ethiopia, Agostino Palese, at his office on Thursday (July 24). The two sides also exchanged views on regional peace and security issues of common interest.
Ambassador Berhanu held talks with UAE Ambassador to Ethiopia Mohamed Salem Alrashedi on Monday (July 21), focusing on strengthening the longstanding ties between the two countries. The discussion covered key areas of mutual interest aimed at enhancing collaboration across multiple sectors.
A three-day diplomatic training on diplomacy and international relations, co-organized by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ethiopia and the Institute of Foreign Affairs (IFA), for young diplomats from East African countries concluded in Addis Ababa last week on Friday (July 18). The training aimed to enhance regional cooperation and strengthen diplomatic ties across the Horn of Africa and the broader East African region.(See article)
In a world where narratives shape power, Ethiopia is making it clear: media and think tanks have a vital role to play in strengthening the BRICS alliance and empowering the Global South. Speaking recently to Xinhua, Ambassador Nebiat Getachew, Spokesperson for Ethiopia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, emphasized that BRICS is no longer just an emerging voice; it’s fast becoming a central pillar in global affairs. With its growing influence and expanded membership, BRICS has the potential to push forward a more inclusive and equitable international order. (See article)
An Ethiopian cultural troupe comprising 70 members is in China for a week, having arrived on Sunday (July 20), as the first stop in a world tour aimed at promoting the country’s rich cultural heritage. The delegation, traveling under the theme “Kin Ethiopia: Ethiopia Rising,” will present performances, exhibitions, and cultural exchanges in various countries.
Djibouti
On Tuesday (July 22), the Ethio-Djibouti Railway officially launched green electric vehicle (EV) transport, marking a step toward sustainable logistics. The initiative aims to reduce costs for importers, support Ethiopia’s Green Economy Initiative, and lower the carbon footprint.
Kenya
Finance ministers from across the Horn of Africa convened in Nairobi on Monday (July 14) for the 25th Ministerial Meeting of the Horn of Africa Initiative (HoAI), with digital connectivity and integration high on the agenda. Hosted at the African Development Bank (AfDB) headquarters, the meeting brought together finance ministers and high-level representatives from member states and development partners to assess progress and accelerate momentum on digital transformation across the region. (See article)
IGAD, in collaboration with the Kenyan government, convened the Regional Forum of Eminent Personalities for Peace on Thursday (July 24) in Nairobi to advance dialogue and preventive diplomacy in the Horn of Africa.
Africa and the African Union
A high-level event on “A Sustainable Ocean Economy” was held in New York on Tuesday (July 22), co-organized by the African Peer Review Mechanism (APRM) and the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) at the African Union (AU) Permanent Observer Mission. African Union Commission (AUC) Deputy Chairperson Ambassador Selma Malika Haddadi attended and reaffirmed the AU’s commitment to ocean health as a key priority under Agenda 2063 and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Note: For detailed reports, please check out the rest of this week’s news published in separate posts