AGP Executive Report

UNECA Diplomacy & Skills: UNECA in Addis Ababa hosted Russian Language Day ahead of June 6, spotlighting people-to-people ties, education and culture with Russia’s ambassador and UN partners. Banking Expansion: Standard Bank East Africa says it wants to become the region’s biggest bank by 2030, targeting 2 million clients and doubling earnings across Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Ethiopia, South Sudan and Malawi. Industrial Policy for Local Firms: Ethiopia’s Industrial Parks Development Corporation (IDPC) will cut service fees and offer four years of free access to selected industrial parks to help domestic manufacturers scale up jobs and supply chains. Tech & University Linkages: Afretec signed its 10th university partner, Addis Ababa Science and Technology University, expanding pan-African engineering and digital collaboration. E-Mobility & Climate: UNECA says Ethiopia’s e-mobility strategy supports a low-carbon, climate-resilient economy by reducing emissions and dependence on imported fossil fuels. Regional Energy Integration: GERD was framed as a catalyst for Horn of Africa cooperation and regional integration at Assosa University’s research conference. EV Market Watch: China’s Yadea entered Kenya’s e-motorcycle market with battery-swapping models, partnering locally for infrastructure access. Health Preparedness: WHO and Africa CDC launched a joint Ebola preparedness and response plan for Kenya, covering surveillance, labs, logistics and community engagement. Trade & Services: Smart Hands Africa was appointed an authorised Supermicro services partner, expanding post-sales support across multiple African countries including Ethiopia.

Digital Payments & Inclusion: EthSwitch says it hit 1 million EthioPay-IPS transactions in a single day, worth over 5 billion birr, and won an African financial inclusion technology award with BPC. Industrial Parks for Local Firms: IDPC will cut service fees and offer four years of free access to selected industrial parks to eligible domestic manufacturers, aiming to grow supply chains and jobs. E-Mobility & Climate: UNECA’s director links Ethiopia’s e-mobility strategy to lower emissions, better energy efficiency, and reduced dependence on imported fossil fuels. Tech Services Expansion: Smart Hands Africa became an authorised Supermicro services partner, offering installation, maintenance, break-fix support and consulting across multiple African markets including Ethiopia. Trade & Investment Outlook: Indonesia is expanding Sub-Saharan trade partnerships, with Ethiopia among the countries at talks in Jakarta. Regional Growth Lens: A UN report highlights East Africa as Africa’s fastest-growing sub-region in 2026, with Ethiopia and Kenya driven by reforms, integration and renewable power build-out. Energy Security Pressure: The IMF is stepping up support for Ethiopia and other African states amid fallout from the US-Iran conflict, including fertilizer and energy-linked shocks. Mobility Market Signals: Yadea entered Kenya’s market with a commercial electric motorcycle, after selling over 48,000 units in Ethiopia. Misinformation Watch: A viral Facebook claim about Eid prayers violence in Tigray was debunked; the clip actually shows peaceful Eid prayers in Harar.

Digital Payments Surge: EthSwitch says EthioPay-IPS hit 1 million transactions in a single day worth over 5 billion birr, alongside The Asian Banker’s “Best Financial Inclusion Technology Initiative in Africa for 2026” award. Education & Workforce: Ethiopia’s parliament approved the 2026/27 budget, including funding to absorb 20,000 intern teachers into permanent, pensionable roles. Agri-Trade & Food Security: BRICS agricultural trade cooperation is framed as a resilience play as members expand and push shared food governance priorities. Climate & Land Restoration: The Great Green Wall highlights slower-than-expected progress but renewed focus on restoring degraded land across Sahel countries, including Ethiopia. Macroeconomic Support: The IMF stepped up support for Ethiopia via an accelerated access proposal tied to the ECF review, aiming to unlock about $468m in additional financing. Energy & Industry Context: A US petition targets Ethiopia-linked solar supply chains with new trade enforcement moves, adding pressure to export-oriented manufacturing. Livelihoods for Pastoral Areas: Parliament ratified ADB/IDA loans for pastoral food and livelihood improvement and scaling the Productive Safety Net Program.

Digital Payments: EthSwitch hit 1 million EthioPay-IPS transactions in a single day, topping ETB 5bn and earning a top financial inclusion tech award for Ethiopia’s instant payments push. IMF Support: Ethiopia secured an IMF staff-level deal for the fifth review of its reform program, paving the way for about USD 468m in additional financing as inflation eases. Energy & Power Reliability: A Kenya electricity supply crisis is blamed on failure to follow the Least Cost Power Development Plan, with continued power imports from Ethiopia. Public Finance for Resilience: Ethiopia’s House ratified ADB and IDA loan agreements for pastoral food and livelihood upgrades and the Productive Safety Net Program, including water, veterinary services, land management, agribusiness and renewable options. Local Industry & Construction: Ethiopia unveiled an 80% local participation plan to cut reliance on foreign contractors, aiming to grow domestic contractor capacity for major infrastructure tenders. EV & Mobility Investment: Spiro raised $215m to expand battery-swapping EV infrastructure across Africa, with Ethiopia flagged for further rollout. Trade & Agriculture: Ethiopia’s election coverage continues amid security disruptions, while Ethiopia also appears in global policy discussions on food loss and BRICS food agendas.

Monetary Reform Watch: Ethiopia’s tight monetary policy just earned IMF praise after a staff-level agreement for the fifth review of its reform program, with inflation easing but risks rising from global uncertainty and Middle East-linked import shocks. Local Contractor Push: Ethiopia unveiled an 80% local participation plan to cut reliance on foreign contractors, aiming to lift capable licensed firms from about one-third to 55% first, then 80%—a bid to grow domestic construction capacity for big infrastructure pipelines. E-Mobility Investment: Norwegian investors signaled interest in Ethiopia’s green investment and e-mobility push, as the Ethiopian Investment Commission highlights reforms and EV infrastructure opportunities. EV Infrastructure Funding: Across Africa, Spiro secured $215m equity to expand battery-swapping networks and manufacturing, with Ethiopia listed among planned new markets. Mining & Industry Inputs: MITHRA Metals advanced a nickel laterite initiative in Southern Ethiopia, targeting energy-transition metals for electrification and battery storage. Election & Business Risk: Ethiopia’s election day saw voting disruptions in multiple regions amid security concerns and claims of irregularities—an environment that can affect near-term operations and investor confidence.

Electric Mobility Investment: Spiro, an African EV and battery-swapping operator, secured $215m in equity funding to scale its battery-swapping network, expand manufacturing, and push into new markets including Ethiopia—building on deployments across seven countries. EV Market Signals: The IEA’s Global EV Outlook 2026 says BYD’s Africa EV share jumped to 35% in 2025, up from 4% two years earlier, as many African countries rely heavily on Chinese imports. Ethiopia Investment Climate: Ethiopia’s Investment Commission met a Norwegian delegation to discuss green investment, renewable energy, and e-mobility, highlighting reforms that open more sectors to private investors and aim for predictable rules. Urban Development in Addis Ababa: PM Abiy inaugurated the 9.6-km Entoto–Kechene Medhanealem Riverside Development Project, linking renewed leadership focus to growth targets. Brand and Industry Spotlight: Dangote Industries retained Africa’s Most Admired Brand title for the eighth straight year in Brand Africa 100 rankings, reinforcing its industrial brand leadership. Agribusiness Trade Compliance: Major coffee traders launched the Coffee Canopy Partnership to map coffee farms using satellite and field checks, aiming to help suppliers meet EU deforestation rules.

Clean Mobility Investment: Spiro secured a landmark $215M equity round to expand electric mobility and battery-swapping infrastructure across seven African markets, aiming to scale manufacturing, technology and new country entries. EV Policy Push: Ethiopia’s transport shift continues after the gasoline/diesel vehicle import ban, with Addis Ababa’s electric bus rollout highlighted as a practical step toward cleaner urban transit. Brand & Industry Recognition: Dangote Industries was named Africa’s Most Admired Brand for an eighth straight year in Brand Africa 100 rankings, reinforcing its footprint across cement, fertiliser, energy and logistics. Climate & Fossil Fuel Phaseout Planning: A “Santa Marta Coalition” of mostly Global South countries advanced frameworks and road maps for phasing out fossil fuels, linking transition plans to emissions targets and financial-system reforms. Land Restoration Focus: New reporting highlights how degraded land in Ethiopia is undermining crop growth and water retention, pushing community-led, low-cost restoration as both a development and climate priority. Ethiopia Business Links: Dubai Chambers concluded a trade mission in Addis Ababa, meeting Ethiopia’s Industry Ministry and investment bodies to deepen trade and joint investment channels. Digital Skills Network: Afretec signed its 10th university partner, Addis Ababa Science and Technology University, expanding Africa-wide engineering and technology collaboration.

Urban Infrastructure & Growth: PM Abiy Ahmed inaugurated Addis Ababa’s 9.6-km Entoto–Kechene Medhanealem Riverside Development Project, urging federal and regional leaders to stay focused on delivering 10.2% economic growth as Ethiopia counts down to the July 7 fiscal close. EV & Transport Policy: Addis Ababa’s electric bus rollout is gaining traction as the city implements Ethiopia’s ban on importing gasoline and diesel vehicles, supported by EV tax breaks and local EV component plants. Clean Mobility Investment: Spiro secured $215M in equity to expand battery-swapping and electric mobility/energy infrastructure across African cities, aiming to cut fuel dependence and scale manufacturing. Logistics & Trade Facilitation: The US plans to cut Africa visa-processing centres from nearly 50 to 20 hubs, with Addis Ababa included—an operational shift that could affect business travel and freight-related planning. Health & Vaccines: SK Bioscience won its first UNICEF influenza vaccine contract, with deliveries planned for Ethiopia and other countries across both hemispheres. Energy & Industry Finance: AfDB launched a Clean Cooking Program under the Rome Process/Mattei Plan with an initial EUR 25M to reach about one million households and cut CO2 emissions. Governance & Security: Ethiopia’s general election vote counting began after polling extensions, with disruptions reported in parts of Oromia and Amhara.

Ethiopia’s EV push: Addis Ababa rolled out 100 electric buses in 2025 and is moving ahead as the country bans gasoline and diesel vehicle imports, pairing transport electrification with incentives and charging plans. Clean mobility investment: African EV platform Spiro secured a $215M equity round to expand battery-swapping and EV infrastructure across multiple markets, with Ethiopia flagged for future entry. Election logistics and access: Ethiopia’s 7th general election drew over 54M registered voters, but voting was canceled in Tigray and suspended in parts of Amhara due to security, while polling day faced delays and closures at some stations. Agribusiness export spotlight: Ethiopia’s strawberry sector is seeking inclusion in national programs after strong export returns—about $25M from roughly 521 hectares over five years—highlighting high-value fruit growth. Manufacturing digitisation gap: A report warns Ethiopia and wider Africa’s factories are digitising fast, but quality labs are often left behind, risking compliance and exportability. Tax pressure on air cargo: Traders in the region opposed proposed 16% VAT on aircraft spare parts, warning it could raise freight costs and hit food security.

Clean Mobility Investment: Spiro, an African EV and battery-swapping platform, secured $215m in equity funding to expand battery-swapping infrastructure, manufacturing/assembly, and EV deployment across markets including plans for Ethiopia. Energy Policy: The AfDB urged African states to diversify energy mixes and markets, fast-track PIDA energy projects, and scale renewables to cut oil import dependence. Agri-Exports Spotlight: Ethiopia’s strawberry sector is pushing for stronger inclusion in national programs after 521 hectares generated about $25m in export earnings, with high value per ton versus other fruits. Election & Logistics Reality Check: Ethiopia’s 7th general election opened nationwide with 54m+ registered voters and 52,000 polling stations, but voting was affected by security risks (including areas where polling did not open) and heavy administrative/logistics strain. Ethiopia–Dubai Trade: Dubai Chambers held meetings in Addis Ababa with Ethiopia’s Ministry of Industry and investment bodies to deepen trade and investment ties and unlock joint industrial partnerships. Logistics Liberalization: Ethiopia revised rules for foreign logistics operators, removing the 49% ownership cap while raising entry requirements like offices, warehouses, fleets, and qualified boards.

Ethiopia Election Watch: With voting set for June 1, election materials have been delivered to polling stations across regions including Degehabur, where officials say preparations are “proceeding smoothly,” as more than 54 million voters are registered for the 7th general election. Capital Markets & Finance: ECMA says it is pushing digital integration for Ethiopia’s capital market—linking investment platforms with payment systems, strengthening investor protection, improving financial literacy, and attracting foreign portfolio investment. Trade & Industry Links: Dubai Chambers held meetings in Addis Ababa with Ethiopia’s Ministry of Industry, the Ethiopian Investment Commission, and Ethiopian Investment Holdings to expand industrial cooperation, trade exchange, and joint investment. Brand & Industry Spotlight: Dangote Industries retained its “Africa’s Most Admired Brand” title for an eighth straight year in Brand Africa 100 rankings unveiled in Addis Ababa, reinforcing its industrial, jobs, and logistics footprint. Climate Finance Push: At an Africa Climate Summit in Addis Ababa, leaders urged a shift from “climate aid” to “climate investment,” calling for fair financing for adaptation and renewables. Energy Access: AfDB launched a clean cooking programme in Africa backed by Italy, targeting about one million households and aiming to cut millions of tonnes of CO2.

Ethiopia Election Countdown: Ethiopia is in the final hours before its June 1, 2026 general election, with election materials delivered to polling stations nationwide and voting set to start at 6:00 a.m.; NEBE says more than 54 million voters are registered, with 42 parties and over 10,000 candidates competing. Capital Markets & Investor Confidence: ECMA says it is pushing digital integration and investor trust in Ethiopia’s capital market, including linking investment platforms with payment systems, strengthening investor protection, and improving financial literacy to attract foreign portfolio flows. Trade & Industry Links: Dubai Chambers held meetings in Addis Ababa with Ethiopia’s Ministry of Industry, the Ethiopian Investment Commission, and Ethiopian Investment Holdings to expand industrial cooperation, private-sector partnerships, and joint investment. Agri-Value Chain Upgrade: Ethiopia inaugurated a US$30m cold storage facility in Akaki-Qaliti to cut post-harvest losses and stabilize supply for fruits, vegetables, and animal products, supporting modern logistics and market linkages. Logistics Liberalization: Ethiopia moved to fully liberalize freight forwarding, allowing foreign investors to operate without local partnership requirements, aiming to improve market efficiency and tackle inflation pressures. Energy & Climate Finance: AfDB launched a clean cooking programme for Africa with an initial €25m envelope, targeting energy access for about one million households and emissions cuts. Agroforestry for Climate Resilience: A new intra-Africa agroforestry drive led by JKUAT and Addis Ababa University targets climate mitigation through research, training, and student mobility starting September 2026.

Election Logistics: Ethiopia is distributing voting materials for the June 1, 2026 general election, with preparations underway across Sidama’s 2,266 polling stations and Dire Dawa’s 297 stations, as NEBE finalizes dispatches ahead of Monday’s vote. Cold Chain & Agribusiness: Ethiopia opened a US$30M cold storage facility in Addis Ababa (Akaki-Qaliti) to cut post-harvest losses, with capacity for 20,000 quintals of fruits/vegetables and 10,000 quintals of animal products, plus logistics support. Logistics Liberalization: Ethiopia moved to fully liberalize the freight forwarding sector for foreign investors, removing the prior joint-venture and 49% cap rules, while industry voices split on market impact. Foreign Exchange Rules: The National Bank of Ethiopia enacted a new “Franco Valuta” import directive (effective May 29) to regulate eligible users and curb illicit flows while enabling investment imports. Energy Policy: A draft energy policy approved by the Council of Ministers targets full cost recovery by 2028, with tariff reforms and a shift toward targeted subsidies. Climate Finance & Land: A new agro-forestry carbon framework shifts carbon credit title rights toward Ethiopian landowners, alongside a draft carbon market proclamation. Coffee Trade: China will allow eligible coffee beans from all 53 African countries with diplomatic ties to enter from July 20, using unified phytosanitary requirements. Power Infrastructure: The 400/220kV Mariakani substation commissioning is highlighted as a key step to stabilize power supply on Kenya’s coast, addressing long-standing transmission constraints. Wildlife Enforcement: Ethiopia is featured in efforts to combat wildlife trafficking, with East Africa described as a key transit route for illegal wildlife products.

Ethiopia Election Tech Push: With June 1, 2026 polls days away, Ethiopia’s election board says digital registration via the “Mirchaye” app has pushed registered voters to 50.5 million, alongside GIS mapping to improve polling logistics and transparency. Election Security & Voting Gaps: The NEBE also announced voting will not take place in 46 districts in Amhara and Tigray due to insecurity and political tensions, underscoring how conflict still shapes turnout and access. Transport & Aviation Expansion: PM Abiy Ahmed inaugurated Negele Borena Geda Airport in Oromia, enabling 3 weekly flights and adding to Ethiopian Airlines’ growing domestic network. E-Mobility Industrial Plan: Ethiopia launched a National E-Mobility Strategy 2025–2030, targeting charging infrastructure, regulatory reforms, local assembly, battery value chains, and skills training to build an EV ecosystem. Water-Energy Debate: A new claim from an Egyptian water expert puts GERD reservoir storage at 64 bcm instead of 74 bcm, reigniting technical arguments tied to Nile governance. Clean Energy Finance Focus (Regional): East Africa’s clean energy startups say financing remains the biggest barrier even as investor interest rises. Food Security Shock (Regional): WFP scaled up emergency food and nutrition aid in South Sudan’s Akobo amid catastrophic hunger risk, with displacement and malnutrition driving the crisis.

Electric Mobility Push: Ethiopia unveiled its National E-Mobility Strategy 2025–2030, aiming to speed up electric vehicle adoption with charging buildout, regulatory reforms, and incentives for local assembly, battery value chains, and skills training. Aviation & Connectivity: Ethiopia inaugurated Negele Borena Geda Airport, starting 3 weekly flights and adding to a growing domestic network that now totals 24 destinations for Ethiopian Airlines. Election Tech & Inclusion: With June 1 polls approaching, NEBE says Ethiopia’s 7th election is set to be more transparent and inclusive, highlighting digital voter registration via the “Mirchaye” app and GIS-based polling logistics. Food Security Shock: WFP scaled up emergency food and nutrition aid in South Sudan’s Akobo as catastrophic hunger and malnutrition deepen, with tens of thousands projected in the highest IPC phases. Fertilizer Cost Pressure: A new analysis links the Iran war’s disruption of natural gas-derived fertilizer inputs to higher global fertilizer prices, creating a policy window for domestic production and cheaper logistics. Solar Supply Surge: China’s record solar component exports are lifting demand across Africa, with Ethiopia among countries importing more panels as costs shift. Mining & Security Watch: Coverage warns northern Ethiopia remains volatile ahead of elections, with voting suspended in parts of Amhara and Tigray due to insecurity.

Aviation & Connectivity: Ethiopia inaugurated the Negele Borena Geda Airport in Oromia on May 27, enabling 3X weekly flights and adding to Ethiopian Airlines’ growing domestic network. Rural Finance & Food Security: Ethiopia urged scaled-up strategic financing for Africa’s rural transformation at IFAD14, linking agriculture, climate resilience, and rural finance to jobs and macro stability. Macro Outlook: AfDB projected Africa’s GDP growth at 4.2% in 2026, with East Africa (including Ethiopia) forecast to lead at 5.9%, supported by reforms and stronger agricultural output. Water Diplomacy: Ethiopia reiterated its push for a collaborative, win-win approach to transboundary water development and safe sanitation. Trade & Agriculture: China will open its coffee market to eligible beans from all 53 African countries from July 20, with Ethiopia already among approved exporters. Digital & Skills: Ethiopia plans to launch an AI university in 2027 to build local capacity and support its Digital Ethiopia 2030 agenda. Investment Climate: Investors continue to praise Ethiopia’s economic reforms as Ethiopia courts more business and capital. Election Disruptions: NEBE said voting will not take place in conflict-affected districts in Amhara and Tigray ahead of June 1 parliamentary elections.