NEWS IN A Week in the Horn 15.08.2025
Ethiopia
Preparations are well underway for Addis Ababa to host the Second Africa Climate Summit (ACS2) under the theme “Accelerating Global Climate Solutions: Financing for Africa’s Resilient and Green Development” from September 8 to 10. Organized by Ethiopia and the African Union, the summit will bring together over 45 Heads of State and Government, more than 25,000 delegates, and over 100 speakers. It presents a vital opportunity to redefine Africa’s aspirations for a climate-resilient and prosperous future. (See article)
Foreign Minister Gedion Timothewos held a phone conversation on Monday (August 11) with Rwanda’s Foreign Minister Olivier Jean Patrick Nduhungirehe. They discussed bilateral, regional, and continental matters of mutual interest.
FM Gedion also held a phone conversation with Burundi’s newly appointed Minister of Foreign Affairs, Regional Integration, and Development Cooperation of the Republic of Burundi, Edouard Bizimana, congratulating him on his appointment.
State Minister of Foreign Affairs Ambassador Hadera Abera met with Danish Ambassador to Ethiopia Sune Krogstrup on Thursday (August 14) , commending Denmark’s support in various development sectors and encouraging Danish investment in Ethiopia.
On the same day, Ambassador Hadera met with Uganda’s Minister of State for Foreign Affairs in charge of Regional Cooperation, Mulimba John, to discuss strengthening bilateral ties, enhancing economic cooperation, and promoting regional peace and security.
Ambassador Hadera also received Avraham Neguise, Ambassador of Israel to Ethiopia, at his office on Friday (August 15). The two sides agreed to strengthen cooperation in innovation, technology, agriculture, water management, health, and peace and security.
State Minister for Foreign Affairs Ambassador Berhanu Tsegaye convened the National Organizing Committee on Wednesday (August 13) to review progress as Ethiopia prepares to host the 2nd African Climate Summit and the African-CARICOM Summit.
Ethiopian Airlines appointed the African Development Bank on Monday (August 11) to lead $8 billion in financing for the new Bishoftu International Airport, set to become Africa’s largest airport and a global aviation hub. The signing ceremony in Addis Ababa was attended by Finance Minister Ahmed Shide and AfDB President Akinwumi Adesina.
Kenya
The Embassy of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia in Nairobi, Kenya, in collaboration with the Kenya National Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KNCCI), conducted a breakfast meeting entitled “Business and Investment Opportunities in Ethiopia” at the embassy premises on Wednesday (August 6). Erick Ruto, President of KNCCI, CEOs, Regional Directors, and representatives of 150 companies from different sectors attended the forum. (See article)
President William Ruto received a delegation of California State Secretaries and private sector leaders, led by Transportation Secretary Toks Omishakin, on Monday (August 11). They discussed advancing clean energy, smart agriculture, research, AI, trade, and clean transportation.
South SudanSouth Sudanese President Salva Kiir and Ugandan Chief of Defense Forces Muhoozi Kainerugaba met in Juba on Sunday (August 10) to discuss ways to strengthen regional stability and deepen peace and security cooperation.
The Permanent Representative of Ethiopia to the AU and UNECA, Ambassador Hirut Zemene, participated in the AU PSC field mission conducted to South Sudan on Tuesday (August 12) to assess the current situation in the country, including the national election anticipated for December 2026. It also conducted an in-depth dialogue with the South Sudanese stakeholders to get the latest on the security situation in the country.
Africa and the African Union
African Union Commission Chairperson Mahmoud Ali Youssouf highlighted the importance of inclusive policy-making and fair resource-sharing to empower Africa’s indigenous communities. In a Statement released by the Commission on the International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples on Saturday (August 9), he underscored the vital role of indigenous peoples in preserving cultural diversity, protecting the environment, and advancing sustainable development aligned with Agenda 2063.
Selma Malika Haddadi, Deputy Chairperson of the African Union Commission, received Jean Claude Gakosso, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of the Congo, on Saturday (August 9), where they held discussions on areas of common interest.
Note: For detailed reports, please check out the rest of this week’s news published in separate posts