Ethiopia

Trans Ethiopia in hot pursuit of missing trucks

Once a top player in the logistics sector, the transport firm lost most of its vehicles after the Tigray war broke out in 2020. The company is desperately trying to recover them, but is not receiving encouraging responses from the Ethiopian government.

Uhuru Kenyatta struggles to revive Tigray mediation effort

The African Union mediator for Tigray wants to convene a meeting of the signatories to the so-called Pretoria peace deal amid escalating tensions in northern Ethiopia, yet he is facing resistance from Abiy Ahmed.

Lithium from the Kenticha mine coveted once again

The potentially lithium- and tantalum-rich site has been the subject of two close bids in recent months. RWG Lithium and Arena Investors are neck and neck for this permit, at the heart of a dispute between the former partner and the Ethiopian authorities.

End of the line for the Ankara process

After bringing the Ethiopian and Somali governments to the table last year, Turkey struggled to reach a technical agreement on a port outlet for Ethiopia in Somalia. Discussions have been suspended indefinitely.

Will President Irro ever make it to Addis Ababa?

Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi, head of the secessionist state of Somaliland, is due to visit the Ethiopian capital shortly. Yet the trip, a highly strategic move for the self-proclaimed republic, has already been postponed several times.

Abiy Ahmed powerless over reopening of Tigray-Eritrea border

The resumption of free movement across the country's northern border is beyond Addis Ababa's control. The federal government is trying to put a stop to both smuggling activities and the political rapprochement between Asmara and Mekele.

Ruling party influence dents credibility of national dialogue process

The absence of key players from the opposition and armed groups is preventing the Ethiopian National Dialogue Commission getting off the ground. Its chief commissioner, appointed by a circle of the Pentecostal church to which the prime minister belongs, defends a vision that is close to that of the ruling party.

French employers' federation to hold major conference with European investors

Under the watchful eye of Paris and Brussels, the French employers' association, Medef, is working on organising a European forum in the French capital, with the hope of reviving private investment in Addis Ababa.

The AfDB calls on Interpol to recover missing €4.8m

In cooperation with the AfDB's director of anti-corruption, Paula Santos Da Costa, Interpol investigators are trying to recover the annual fee owed by Ethiopia, which disappeared at the end of 2023.

Addis Ababa appoints new ambassador to Somalia

A hardliner against Ethiopia's “enemies" will be tasked with advancing the roadmap from Addis Ababa to Mogadishu.

French firms remain sceptical about pace of Abiy's reform programme

Exchange rate liberalisation, the main condition for Ethiopia to get an extended credit facility from the IMF, has not yet fully borne fruit. Foreign companies, already among the country's largest taxpayers, have to pay a high price for their foreign currency.

All-change at electoral commission a year from 2026 vote

Twelve months from the next polls, the Ethiopian electoral commission is undertaking an in-depth reform of the country's voting laws, while also changing its leadership.

Djibouti foils Ethio-Djibouti Railway's plans

Addis Ababa's former mayor promised to relaunch the state-owned railway company after years of financial losses. But his strategy for breaking into Djibouti's multimodal logistics sector is not on track.

Private investors hang on Paris Club decision

The IMF has completed the third review of its $3.4 billion support programme. This could influence negotiations over restructuring Ethiopia's debt.

The New Guard
Ethiopia, Central African Republic, Tunisia

Every Wednesday, Africa Intelligence spotlights a new generation of movers and shakers in business and politics.

EthiopiaMahlet Afework, the haute couture entrepreneur who's in fashion

Central African RepublicAnge-Gabriel Patassé, government's trusted commander

TunisiaWael Chouchane wants to reconnect Tunis with the EU