NEWS IN A Week in the Horn 22.08.2025
Ethiopia
Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed held an interview with an Ethiopian Media outlet on Wednesday (August 20) about his fourth and latest book on Medemer thought, titled “The Medemer State.”
PM Abiy visited Arba Minch and Wolaita Sodo from August 15–16, where he reviewed ongoing development projects. He also toured the Vietnam Toyo Solar facility at Hawassa Industrial Park, which manufactures solar panels.
Foreign Minister Gedion Timothewos met with the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of Belgium on Friday (August 22). As Ethiopia and Belgium approach the 120th anniversary of their bilateral relations, the two sides discussed the need to strengthen cooperation across various sectors.
At the Ninth Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD-9), held in Yokohama from August 20–22, Ethiopia’s delegation for the Conference, led by Industry Minister Melaku Alebel, underlined that sustainable peace and development in Africa require African-led solutions backed by international partners. He reaffirmed Ethiopia’s support for the African Peace and Security Architecture, shared Ethiopia’s ongoing governance and reform efforts, and emphasized the need for stronger African representation in global decision-making, particularly at the UN Security Council. (See article)
Addis Ababa is set to welcome delegates for the second Africa Climate Summit from September 8 to 10, in collaboration with the African Union. The Summit will be held under the theme “Accelerating Global Climate Solutions: Financing for Africa’s Resilient and Green Development.” A series of preparatory engagements have been taking place to ensure the success of the event. (See article)
The 9th Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD 9) was held from August 20–22, in Yokohama, Japan. Ethiopia was represented by a delegation led by State Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Hadera Abera, who participated in the ministerial segment convened as part of the preparatory session for the Summit.
Kenya
President William Ruto held a meeting with Japan’s Prime Minister, Shigeru Ishiba, ahead of the opening of the 9th Tokyo International Conference on African Development, in Yokohama City on Wednesday (August 20).
Africa and the African Union
African Union Commission Chairperson Mahmoud Ali Youssouf met with Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba on Wednesday (August 20) on the sidelines of the 9th Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD 9) in Yokohama. The discussions highlighted AU-Japan cooperation in peace and security, trade, technology, agriculture, and education. Both leaders welcomed the longstanding partnership between Africa and Japan and reaffirmed their commitment to further strengthening collaboration through TICAD.
Executive Secretary of the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD), Workneh Gebeyehu also joined the Head of States and Governments as well as International Organizations in Yokohama, Japan to participate in the 9th Tokyo International Conference on African Development.
Note: For detailed reports, please check out the rest of this week’s news published in separate posts