NEWS IN A Week in the Horn 16.01.2026
Ethiopia
President Taye Atske-Selassie on Thursday (January 15) received Letters of Credence from 14 newly appointed Ambassadors representing Kyrgyzstan, Italy, Mauritius, Zambia, Germany, Jordan, New Zealand, South Sudan, Burkina Faso, Mozambique, Kenya, Belarus, the Philippines and Latvia.
President Taye received Olof Skoog, Deputy Secretary-General for Political Affairs of the European External Action Service, on Thursday (January 15), during which they reaffirmed their commitment to elevating EU–Ethiopia relations to new heights. Earlier the same day, Foreign Minister Gedion Timothewos also held discussions with the Deputy Secretary-General at his office.
President Taye bid farewell to the outgoing Sri Lankan Ambassador, K.K. Theshantha Kumarasiri, at his office on Wednesday (January 14). The President reaffirmed Ethiopia’s commitment to strengthening bilateral relations and cooperation.
Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed attended the Finance Forward Ethiopia conference on Thursday (January 15) and said institution-building is a core government responsibility, highlighting efforts to strengthen Ethiopia’s finance and economic institutions and advance ongoing economic reforms.
The construction of Bishoftu International Airport was officially launched on Saturday (January 10), with Prime Minister Abiy presiding over the ceremony in the presence of senior government officials and Ethiopian Airlines Group Chief Executive Officer Mesfin Tasew. The Prime Minister formally inaugurated the project, while the CEO of Ethiopian Airlines placed the commemorative plaque marking the commencement of construction. (See article)
Foreign Minister Gedion received at his office on Monday (January 12) a delegation led by Kunimitsu Ayano, State Minister for Foreign Affairs of Japan. As part of the delegation’s visit, FM Gedion provided a comprehensive briefing to a group of 48 business representatives from more than 35 Japanese companies.
The Ethiopia–Japan Business Forum took place on Tuesday (January 13) at the Skylight Hotel in Addis Ababa, strengthening the economic partnership between the two nations. Co-hosted by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Embassy of Japan, and the Ethiopian Investment Commission, the event brought together nearly 50 representatives from around 35 Japanese firms, alongside Ethiopian business leaders, to explore investment prospects and deliberate on ongoing economic reforms. (See article)
State Minister for Foreign Affairs Ambassador Hadera Abera met with Gideon Sa’ar, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the State of Israel, on Monday (January 12) during his visit to the country. The two sides held productive discussions focused on further strengthening the long-standing relations between Ethiopia and Israel. On the following day, Ethiopia and Israel held the fourth round of political consultations in Jerusalem.
The United Nations has launched its annual Global Economic Outlook for 2026, noting that despite heightened global uncertainty driven by trade tensions, geopolitical and geo-economic pressures, and policy unpredictability, East Africa is projected to record notable economic growth. (See article)
State Minister for Foreign Affairs Ambassador Berhanu Tsegaye received John Banza Lunda, Minister of Infrastructure and Public Works of the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Discussions focused on further strengthening strategic cooperation initiatives between the two countries, particularly in the fields of aviation and infrastructure development, reflecting a shared commitment to harnessing African capabilities.
Ethiopia and India have formally implemented a mutual visa waiver for holders of diplomatic passports, effective on Thursday (January 15). The agreement enables visa-free travel for eligible officials and strengthens the historic and strategic partnership between the two countries.
Djibouti
Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed paid an official visit to Djibouti on Sunday (January 11). He was warmly received by President Ismail Omar Guelleh upon arrival at Djibouti International Airport. (See article)
South Sudan
A high-level Ethiopian delegation, led by Gedion Timothewos, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia, engaged in a discussion with President Salva Kiir Mayardit on Thursday (January 15) in Juba, South Sudan, to bolster the longstanding bilateral relations between the two countries. Gedion also met his South Sudanese counterpart, Monday Semaya Kumba, with discussions focusing on the strategic necessity of deepening economic integration and promoting regional stability.
Africa and the African Union
The Chairperson of the African Union Commission, Moussa Faki Mahamat, on Wednesday (January 13) received Kunimitsu Ayano, State Minister for Foreign Affairs of Japan, at the AU Headquarters in Addis Ababa. The two sides discussed ways to further strengthen African Union–Japan relations.
The Ethiopian delegation, led by Ambassador Hirut Zemene, Permanent Representative of Ethiopia to the African Union and the UN Economic Commission for Africa, took part in the 51st Session of the Permanent Representatives’ Committee (PRC) of the African Union, which kicked off on Wednesday (January 13) at the headquarters of the Union.