Mining & Jobs: Allied Gold says commissioning is advancing at its Kurmuk Mine in western Ethiopia, with first ore to the grinding circuit expected imminently and first gold shortly after, while exploration targets extensions at Ashashire and Dish Mountain to extend mine life and add higher-grade zones. Macroeconomy & Policy Credibility: Economists surveyed by the Ethiopian Economics Association cast doubt on official inflation figures, National Bank of Ethiopia independence, and the credibility of the single-digit inflation push—citing weak trust in CPI data and perceived political or institutional pressure. Parliament & Growth Plan: Ethiopia opened a new parliamentary year as President Taye Atske-Selassie laid out priorities including peace, structural transformation, quality public services, and stronger foreign relations, alongside a push for 10.1% growth for the 2019 fiscal year with targets across electricity, water, health insurance, forests, and tourism. Regional Trade & Connectivity: Kenya’s Port of Lamu welcomed MV Hamouna, discharging about 5,200 TEUs, underscoring Lamu’s deep-water capacity and growing role as a regional maritime hub. AI Governance: A new focus across Africa is shifting from adopting AI to ensuring accountability—who owns systems, who is responsible for outcomes, and how to translate AI strategies into real safeguards, including in Ethiopia. Nile & Red Sea Diplomacy: Ethiopia’s foreign ministry reiterated that any Abay and Red Sea discussions must reflect Ethiopia’s geography and national interests, responding to regional claims that Red Sea governance belongs to littoral states.