Ethiopia concluded its fiscal year with significant strides across various sectors. The nation has reported progress in its economic development, diplomatic engagements, and other key areas despite facing internal security challenges in some pockets of the country.
A nation on a determined quest for sea access, Ethiopia has garnered considerable international attention through its tireless and strategic diplomatic efforts. These endeavors are not only aimed at securing its geopolitical objectives but also at fostering broader regional stability and cooperation.
Recently, the Institute of Foreign Affairs (IFA) Multilateral Affairs Researcher Addis Alemayehu stated that countries bordering the Red Sea should respond positively to Ethiopia’s quest to access the sea to ensure regional peace with joined hands.
Also, while responding to the queries forwarded by MPs on July 3, 2025, Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed (PhD) explained that Ethiopia’s pursuit of access to the sea is rooted in peaceful negotiation and respect for sovereignty.
Ethiopia is a sovereign nation with a large economy, a growing population, and a capable, modern army. Despite historical and ongoing challenges, Ethiopia will persevere, prosper, and continue moving forward, he added.
Moreover, domestically, the government continues to implement its comprehensive macroeconomic reform agenda vigorously. This ambitious program is designed to create a more attractive investment climate, stimulate capital inflow, and enhance overall economic productivity and competitiveness.
Recently, to assess the general direction of the financial system and the broader economy, the National Bank of Ethiopia partnered with stakeholders from the public sector, private sector, and think tanks hosted a seminar called the “Ethiopia Finance Forum”. During the opening ceremony, President Taye Atskesilasie stated that the country’s extensive macroeconomic reform program aims to tackle structural issues and drive sustainable economic development.
Furthermore, through active engagement in diplomatic talks and high-level visits, Ethiopia is steadfastly working to maintain and expand its national interests on the global stage. This proactive approach underscores the country’s commitment to strengthening its international partnerships and securing favorable outcomes in an evolving geopolitical landscape.
For instance, an Ethiopian high-level delegation, led by the then Foreign Minister Taye Atske Selassie, actively participated in the 79th Session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York. The delegation engaged in various bilateral and multilateral talks, promoting Ethiopia’s interests on the global stage. This included discussions with counterparts from South Sudan, Algeria, and China, as well as with the US Assistant Secretary for African Affairs.
Also, at the end of FY, Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed embarked on a crucial diplomatic tour to Singapore, Vietnam, and France. This tour resulted in strengthened bilateral relations and concrete agreements across various sectors, including trade, investment, agriculture, infrastructure, and digital innovation. These visits highlighted Ethiopia’s aspiration to become a more connected and forward-looking nation, actively seeking foreign enterprises and investors while positioning itself as a hub for innovation and logistics.
Regarding regional peace mediation, an Ethiopian delegation conveyed Prime Minister Abiy’s message to the Sudanese leadership, reaffirming Ethiopia’s unwavering support for Sudan’s efforts to achieve peace and stability. This demonstrates Ethiopia’s commitment to regional peace and security.
In addition, as the host of the African Union headquarters, Addis Ababa consistently welcomes numerous delegations for AU-related meetings and summits. The influx of delegations highlights a nation firmly committed to leveraging diplomacy to achieve its developmental aspirations and secure its place as a significant player on the world stage.
On 10 July, a press briefing of Ethiopia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA) announced that a highly successful diplomatic year concluded for the fiscal year 2017 E.C. (2024/25 FY), highlighting achievements in strengthening international relations, economic diplomacy, and citizen-centered services.
The Spokesperson of MoFA, Ambassador Nebiat Getachew, said several diplomatic engagements were made to strengthen bilateral relations, regional integration, and continental and international cooperation that served our national interests.
A key achievement cited was the ratification of 11 international agreements by the House of People’s Representatives, deemed to be in Ethiopia’s best interests. Legal reviews were also conducted on 198 international agreements and memoranda of understanding, fostering mutually beneficial cooperation with various countries.
In terms of strengthening people-to-people relations, 968 free higher education scholarships were provided to neighboring countries during the fiscal year.
Ambassador Nebiat highlighted that, by strengthening economic diplomacy, Ethiopia actively promoted investment opportunities at 160 forums, attracting 806 companies for pre-investment visits. The Ministry also facilitated 151 new market linkages by promoting Ethiopian export products at 118 trade promotion forums.
In a demonstration of citizen-centered diplomacy, Ambassador Nebiat reported the repatriation of 131,014 Ethiopian citizens from tough situations in 21 countries. The Ministry also successfully protected the rights of 1,556 citizens residing abroad, reaffirming its commitment to the safety and dignity of its nationals.
Looking ahead, Ambassador Nebiyat stated that the second UN Food System Summit will be held in Addis Ababa from July 27 to 29, 2015, jointly organized by Ethiopia and Italy. He also noted that Ethiopia is focusing on issues that protect its national interests at this summit.
He particularly highlighted that this summit will be an opportunity to showcase Ethiopia’s achievements in agriculture and food systems and promote food sovereignty.
Ambassador Nebiat added that the second African Climate Change Conference is expected to attract up to 25,000 guests. This conference will take place a month after the UN Food Systems Summit. Ethiopia plans to highlight its practical implementation of climate change mitigation efforts through the Green Legacy Initiative, demonstrating its global commitment.
He also mentioned Ethiopia’s ongoing peace efforts in Somalia and its pivotal role in establishing the Nile Basin Commission, which has helped protect the nation’s interests. Ethiopia also successfully navigated negotiations concerning the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) through the African Union, countering attempts to escalate the matter to the UN Security Council.
Ethiopia’s recent membership in BRICS was highlighted as a significant factor in elevating its global acceptance and influence, he added.
Looking ahead, the current fiscal year promises to be even more significant. A highly anticipated milestone is the long-awaited inauguration of the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD). This monumental project is expected to revolutionize Ethiopia’s energy sector and play a crucial role in its development aspirations.
To strengthen its agricultural sector, a vital component of Ethiopia’s economy, the country is initiating the construction of a new fertilizer factory. This project aims to increase domestic fertilizer production, which will help enhance agricultural productivity and improve food security.
Additionally, Ethiopia has recently signed a major agreement with Aliko Dangote to develop the fertilizer factory, signaling increased investment and collaboration in key industrial sectors.
The confluence of these economic reforms, diplomatic successes, and ambitious development projects positions Ethiopia for a dynamic and potentially transformative fiscal year.
BY EYUEL KIFLU
THE ETHIOPIAN HERALD WEDNESDAY 16, July 2025
