A Week in the Horn 16.05.2025
NEWS IN BRIEF
Ethiopia
President Taye Atske Selassie of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia joined other world leaders in Moscow to commemorate the 80th anniversary of Russia’s victory in the Great Patriotic War of 1941–1945 against Nazi Germany. (See article)
Ethiopia concluded its Invest in Ethiopia 2025 High-Level Business Forum on a confident note, securing over $1.6 billion USD in investment commitments during a landmark two-day event held in the capital. The forum, hosted this week from May 12–13, marks a significant milestone in the country’s ambitious economic reform agenda and growing drive to attract foreign direct investment. (See article)
The “Made in Ethiopia 2025” Expo, officially launched on Saturday (May 3) at the Addis International Convention Center, ran for five days and highlighted Ethiopia’s growing efforts to build an economy centered on manufacturing. The event brought together 288 local producers who displayed a diverse range of products, from leather goods and textiles to processed food items. It served as a strong signal of the country’s ongoing shift from primary sectors toward industrialization. (See Article)
The East Africa Regional Meeting of the Committee of Intelligence and Security Services of Africa (CISSA) opened in Addis Ababa on Tuesday (May 13) with calls for stronger regional ownership of security. Deputy Prime Minister Temesgen Tiruneh emphasized local solutions and coordination.
The Ethiopian delegation, led by Minister of Defense Aisha Mohammed, participated in the 2025 UN Peacekeeping Ministerial Meeting from May 13-14, held in Berlin, and reaffirmed its long-standing commitment to international peace and security.
Foreign Minister Gedion Timothewos held discussions with Younous OMARJEE, Vice-President of the European Parliament, on Wednesday (May 14), where the two sides discussed further strengthening the relations between Ethiopia and the European Parliament.
FM Gedion received a courtesy call on Wednesday (May 14) from Belgian Ambassador Annelies Verstichel, where they discussed bilateral relations, as well as mutually important regional and international issues. The Minister stressed making trade and investment central to future Ethiopia-Belgium cooperation.
The Ethiopia-China (Xinjiang) Business Cooperation and Exchange Conference was held at the Sheraton Addis Hotel in Addis Ababa on Tuesday (May 13). The conference brought together senior government officials and representatives of various companies and chambers of commerce of both countries. (See article)
State Minister Ambassador Hadera Abera met with Caroline Mary Delany, Director General for African Affairs at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Canada, on Tuesday (May 13). He highlighted Ethiopia-Canada ties and encouraged more Canadian investment, citing Ethiopia’s favorable climate for business.
State Minister Ambassador Hadera received the US Ambassador to Ethiopia, Ambassador Ervin Masinga, on Thursday (May 15). On the occasion, the State Minister discussed bilateral, regional and economic relations with Ambassador Masinga. The State Minister also briefed the Ambassador on regional peace and security developments.
On the same day, State Minister Ambassador Hadera also met with British Ambassador to Ethiopia, Darren Welch. Ambassador Hadera underscored the longstanding relationship and strong partnership between Ethiopia and the United Kingdom. He emphasized the importance of deepening bilateral cooperation, particularly in the area of economic development. Highlighting Ethiopia’s favorable investment environment, the State Minister encouraged British companies to explore and expand their investment portfolios in the country.
Ethiopia participated in the BRICS Tourism Ministerial Meeting in Brazil on Tuesday (May 13), where Ambassador Leulseged Tadesse highlighted tourism as a key pillar of Ethiopia’s 10-Year Development Plan.
Djibouti
Foreign Minister Gedion Timothewos met with his Djiboutian counterpart, Abdoulkader Houssein Omar, in Addis Ababa on Wednesday (May 14) to discuss bilateral and regional issues, reaffirming their commitment to strengthening ties between the two countries.
Kenya
President William Ruto hosted Finnish President Alexander Stubb for a state visit to Kenya on Monday (May 12). The leaders discussed strengthening cooperation in education, peace and security, trade, investment, and climate action.
Somalia
President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud has been elected as the leader of the Justice and Solidarity Party at the party’s first convention held in Mogadishu (May 13).
Africa and the African Union
The 6th COMESA Federation of Women in Business (COMFWB) Trade Fair and Business Conference kicked off in Addis Ababa on Wednesday (May 7), with more than 200 women entrepreneurs from across the 21 member nations of the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA). The event, which ran until Friday (May 9), was held under the theme “A Thriving COMESA Advancing Gender-Responsive Regional Integration to Unlock Green Investments, Value Chains, Tourism, and Mining within the AfCFTA.” (See article)
Chairperson of the African Union Commission Mahmoud Ali Youssouf received Ambassador Hirut Zemene, Ethiopia’s Permanent Representative to the AU, on Tuesday (May 13), where they discussed regional issues of mutual interest.
On Monday (May 12), the newly elected AU Commission Chairperson Mahmoud Ali Youssouf unveiled his administration’s priorities in Addis Ababa, focusing on peace and security, global representation, and digital-led development.
African leaders, finance ministers, and experts gathered for the inaugural African Union Debt Conference in Lomé, Togo, on Monday (May 12). The conference is held from May 12-13 on the need for African-led solutions and better debt oversight. The conference is set to adopt the Lomé Declaration for future reforms.
Note: For detailed reports, please check out the rest of this week’s news published in separate posts.