World Bank says #Ethiopia’s poverty rate expected to climb to 43% in 2025, reversing years of progress

The #World_Bank’s latest assessment on poverty and equity in Ethiopia forecasts that poverty will increase to 43% by 2025, up from 33% in 2016 (measured at $3 per day, 2021 PPP).

After making significant strides in reducing poverty for over two decades, Ethiopia has in recent years encountered internal and external challenges that impacted living standards, the World Bank says. These challenges include the COVID-19 pandemic, the Tigray conflict, severe droughts, a slowdown in GDP growth, and soaring inflation.

As a result, poverty levels rose sharply from 33 percent in 2016 to 39 percent by 2021 (measured at $3 per day, 2021 PPP), with expectations of further increases in subsequent years, according to the World Bank.

Inflation hit urban households hardest, while most rural families did not benefit from higher food prices due to limited market engagement.

https://addisstandard.com/?p=52877

Op-ed: The Northeastern State of #Somalia: A gateway to enhance the federal model or a step to exacerbate existing tensions?

This op-ed- argues that the declaration of the Northeastern State of Somalia, or #Khatumo, “marks an important juncture in the history of this region.”

Announced in July 2025 in Laascaanood, the new state covers the disputed regions of Sool, Sanaag and Ayn. While #Mogadishu says it reflects “the aspirations of marginalized communities,” #Puntland and #Somaliland condemn it as a violation of their sovereignty.

Mogadishu’s backing of Khatumo aims “to recalibrate the federal balance of power in favor of the central government.” Recognized as Somalia’s sixth federal state, Khatumo also serves to “undermine Somaliland’s secessionist agenda” and “curtail Puntland’s influence.” Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre’s April 2025 visit to Laascaanood - the first in five decades - symbolized this assertive shift.

Somaliland and Puntland have denounced the move as a “direct threat to territorial integrity.” Hargeisa accuses Mogadishu of “inciting internal conflict through tribal affiliations,” while Garowe warns that “the federal government is attempting to divide the nation.”

The op-ed notes that this crisis could push the two rivals toward “collaboration in confronting the central government” or renewed armed confrontation.

Despite federal support, however, Khatumo’s future “hinges on its ability to gain legitimacy and recognition.” Deep clan divisions, weak governance, and limited control still plague the new state. “Without sufficient acceptance,” the op-ed warns, “the administration risks remaining a symbolic entity.”

Whether it strengthens Somalia’s federal model or fuels new tensions remains uncertain.

https://addisstandard.com/?p=52880

#IMF, #Somalia Reach Staff-Level Agreement on Fourth Review of Credit Facility

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the Somali authorities have reached a staff-level agreement on the fourth review of Somalia’s Extended Credit Facility (ECF) arrangement, reflecting what the IMF described as continued strong reform implementation and solid program performance.

According to the IMF, Somalia’s economy has shown resilience despite external challenges, with growth for 2025–26 projected between 3 and 3.25 percent.

However, the Fund cautioned that the short-term outlook remains uncertain due to declining foreign aid and adverse climate shocks.

https://www.imf.org/en/News/Articles/2025/10/10/pr-25341-somalia-imf-completes-agreement-on-the-4th-review-of-the-ecf-arrangement#:~:text=%E2%80%9CI%20am%20pleased%20to%20announce,No.%2023%2F463

News: #Egypt’s El-Sisi to award #Trump Nile Collar for role in Gaza ceasefire, renews warning over #GERD

Egyptian media have reported that President Abdel-Fattah #El-Sisi has decided to confer the Nile Collar, Egypt’s highest state honor, on U.S. President Donald Trump in recognition of his role in promoting peace and ending the war in Gaza.

The announcement came a day after El-Sisi released a video message warning over the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD), stating that Egypt would take “all necessary measures to safeguard its water security.”

The London-based outlet The New Arab reported on 20 July 2025 that the Trump administration had offered what one senior U.S. official described as a “decisive intervention” to resolve the dispute over the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD). In exchange, Egypt was reportedly asked to support Israel’s plan to relocate millions of Palestinians to an area near the Rafah border........

https://addisstandard.com/?p=52886

#Ethiopia: Zemen Bank’s net profit soars 145% to 5.87 billion Birr

Addis Abeba – Zemen Bank has reported a significant increase in its financial performance for the 2024/25 Ethiopian budget year, with its net profit reaching 5.87 billion Birr, marking a 145 percent rise compared to the previous year.

The Bank announced the results during its 17th Ordinary and 12th Extraordinary General Assembly held on 11 October 2025.

According to Zemen Bank, its Earnings Per Share (EPS) rose by 68.3 percent, while pre-tax profit reached 8.9 billion Birr, placing it among the highest in Ethiopia’s banking industry.

During the fiscal year, the bank registered total revenue of 14.4 billion Birr, with overall profit increasing by 136 percent compared to the previous year.

The Bank also exceeded its annual target by 135 percent, underscoring what it described as a year of “exceptional success.”

#Somaliland president to visit #Ethiopia on official invitation

Somaliland President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdillahi (Phd) will travel to Ethiopia on Tuesday following an official invitation from the Ethiopian government, officials told Horn Diplomat. This will be his first visit to Ethiopia since being elected president.

Several Somaliland ministers are already in Addis Ababa preparing for the visit, which is expected to last two to three days, according to sources.

The president is scheduled to hold talks with Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed on bilateral relations, regional cooperation, and efforts to further strengthen Ethiopia-Somaliland ties.

On 12 October 2025, Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed met with Somalia’s President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud in Addis Abeba for discussions...

https://www.horndiplomat.com/2025/10/somaliland-president-to-visit-ethiopia-on-official-invitation/

#Ethiopia: Students to choose universities as unselected institutions face alternative use amid declining enrollment

The Ministry of Education has announced that students will begin enrolling in universities of their choice, while institutions that fail to attract students may be reassigned for alternative purposes amid a nationwide decline in enrollment.

Speaking on Friday, 10 October 2025, during a joint forum with public universities under the 2018/2019 academic calendar framework, Minister of Education Professor #Berhanu_Nega said the government will ensure “proper placement” of students in the coming academic years. “Universities that students do not select can be allocated for other services,” he cautioned, stressing that substantial public funds should not be spent on underutilized institutions.

Professor Berhanu underscored that the previous system of automatically funding universities regardless of student intake will no longer continue.

https://addisstandard.com/?p=52891

#South_Africa one of the importers of first AfCFTA shipments from #Ethiopia

Ethiopia has completed its first commercial shipments under the African Continental Free Trade Area (#AfCFTA), marking a significant milestone in its efforts to advance continental trade integration.

The move follows the government’s recent steps to finalize internal preparations, including the approval of tariff schedules and regulatory frameworks required for export eligibility.

While the development has been welcomed as an important step for both Ethiopia and Africa’s broader integration agenda, trade analysts caution that realizing the full benefits of AfCFTA will depend on addressing logistical, administrative, and compliance challenges that continue to affect cross-border trade.

According to experts, Ethiopia’s success under AfCFTA will require efficient customs systems, reliable transport links,.....

https://www.freightnews.co.za/article/sa-one-of-the-importers-of-first-afcfta-shipments-from-ethiopia

Conflict sends 300,000 people fleeing from #South_Sudan in 2025: UN

Renewed fighting between rival leaders forces mass exodus across South Sudan’s borders as fears of wider war rise.

About 300,000 people have fled South Sudan so far in 2025 as armed conflict between rival leaders threatens civil war, the United Nations warns.

The mass displacement was reported on Monday by the UN Commission on Human Rights in South Sudan. The report cautioned that the conflict between President Salva Kiir and suspended First Vice President Riek Machar risks a return to full-scale war.

South Sudan has been beset by political instability and ethnic violence since it gained independence from Sudan in 2011.

The country plunged into civil war in 2013 when Kiir dismissed Machar as vice president. The pair agreed a ceasefire in 2017, but their fragile power-sharing agreement has been unravelling for months and was suspended last month amid outbreaks of violence among forces loyal to each.

https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2025/10/13/conflict-sends-300000-people-fleeing-from-south-sudan-in-2025-un

News: #Ethiopia, #Italy sign €1.7 million deal to support post-conflict recovery and heritage conservation in Tigray’s Wukro–Gheralta Belt

Ethiopia and Italy have signed a €1.7 million agreement to launch a two-year project aimed at supporting post-conflict recovery and heritage conservation in the Wukro–Gheralta Belt of #Tigray.

According to the ministry of finance, the project titled “Supporting Community Resilience through Community-Based Tourism and Heritage Conservation in the Wukro–Gheralta Belt, Tigray, Ethiopia,” was signed between the ministry and the Italian Agency for Development Cooperation (AICS).

Semereta Sewasew, State Minister of Finance, and Agostino Palese, Italian Ambassador to Ethiopia, signed the agreement in Addis Abeba. The initiative seeks to promote sustainable livelihoods, peacebuilding, and cultural preservation in communities recovering from conflict....

https://web.facebook.com/AddisstandardEng/posts/pfbid02HWexfKXBWYyWBLLPpJqPHCxnkrikpzchrqy11NiuFAB6Dt4G6hPgFJNXzTUvg64zl

#Ethiopia accuses #Egypt of “colonial-era mindset,” says Cairo’s threats undermine Nile cooperation

Ethiopia’s Ministry of Water and Energy has accused Egypt of intensifying “hostile rhetoric” over the Nile River and the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (#GERD), warning that Cairo’s “colonial-era mindset” threatens regional cooperation among Nile Basin countries.

The statement, issued on Monday, following remarks by Egyptian President Abdel-Fattah El-Sisi on Sunday, who warned that Egypt “will not stand with its hands tied” in the face of Ethiopia’s “irresponsible approach” and vowed to take “all necessary measures” to safeguard Egypt’s water interests.

In response, the ministry said Ethiopia “will not be pressured or cowed into abandoning its right to utilize the Nile,” describing Egypt’s stance as a “failed policy of undermining Ethiopia instead of fostering collaboration.”

It accused Cairo of repeatedly blocking “transboundary cooperation rooted in international law,”

https://addisstandard.com/?p=52896

Council of Ministers approves regulation establishing #Ethiopian Nuclear Power Commission

Ethiopia’s Council of Ministers has approved a regulation establishing the Ethiopian Nuclear Power Commission during its 49th regular session held today.

The new regulation is designed to guide and coordinate the country’s peaceful use of nuclear technology in line with international frameworks. The Commission will be mandated to lead and oversee the application of nuclear science in areas including electric power generation, industrial development, food security, healthcare, and scientific research and innovation.

In September, Ethiopia and #Russia signed an action plan to advance the development of a nuclear power project in Ethiopia as part of a broader cooperation roadmap discussed during Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed’s visit to Moscow.

https://web.facebook.com/AddisstandardEng/posts/pfbid0HnP7pVTnnbaV5bR4dfF9bwqYbbDDKT5dHnHCuipV9o4mUkxsfC1kh1ZBg7oGcMS5l

#Kenyan banks want to enter #Ethiopia despite the risks

Kenya’s two largest banks are accelerating plans to launch in Ethiopia in their bid to capitalize on Addis Ababa’s economic liberalization, even as a new World Bank report highlighted major challenges faced by telecoms giant Safaricom in its expansion in the country.

Kenyan banks are preparing to enter the market, betting on the growing demand for financial services among young people. In August, Kenya Commercial Bank confirmed plans to acquire a 40% stake in an undisclosed Ethiopian lender.

And last month #Equity_Bank Kenya pushed forward on its plans to enter Ethiopia. Equity Group CEO James Mwangi met with the head of the Ethiopian Investment Commission and said the bank “wants to serve as an example for other foreign companies that wish to operate in Ethiopia.”

Their moves come as the World Bank last week highlighted the lack of a level playing field in Ethiopia in its market assessment report, looking specially at the case of #Safaricom, which received Ethiopia’s first private telco license in 2021 after paying a $1 billion entry fee.

The World Bank found that state-owned #Ethio_Telecom is afforded major advantages by the Ethiopian government at the expense of Safaricom, including regulatory decisions on pricing, saying that the operating conditions warranted “further investigation by authorities.”

https://www.semafor.com/article/10/13/2025/kenyan-banks-want-to-enter-ethiopia-despite-the-risks

#Tigray forces’ protest over pay and benefits enters second day despite President Tadesse Werede’s address

Mekelle – A protest by members of the Tigray forces demanding improved salaries and benefits has continued for a second day across parts of the region, despite an appeal by Tadesse Werede, President of the Tigray Interim Administration, who addressed the demonstrators late Monday.

On Monday, soldiers blocked several roads in #Mekelle, including the main route connecting the city center to Alula Aba Nega Airport, calling for salary increases and allowances comparable to those granted to the former regional special forces, as well as housing and other support.

Addis Standard observed that the protest persisted on Tuesday, with additional road closures reported. In #Agula, about 35 kilometers northeast of Mekelle, members of the force blocked the main road linking the regional .....

https://web.facebook.com/AddisstandardEng/posts/pfbid033Ha86wbiFEy5dtuAAouwiAi8rmYXJxsnLsxfSdFZUzE9F768gijNekxRhAArTs1Vl

#Op_ed: Beneath #Ogaden Sands: #Somali region’s pursuit of rightful share in #Ethiopia’s energy awakening

Earlier this month, Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed inaugurated the first phase of the Ogaden LNG Project in #Calub, Somali Regional State, which has an estimated annual production capacity of 111 million liters. He also laid the foundation for a $2.5 billion fertilizer factory and a fuel refinery in #Gode. In this op-ed, Kamaludin Hassan argues that “without transparent governance and regional participation,” these new ventures “risk becoming yet another chapter in a tragic saga of extraction without equity.”

To substantiate his argument, the author references historical grievances, ranging from colonial-era exploitation to decades of federal control over the region’s extensive gas reserves, which he contends “have fueled repression rather than prosperity.” Highlighting Ethiopia’s recent shift from “failed export fantasies” to “a domestic-first strategy,” Kamaludin states that the federal government must confront a stark truth: “Without justice for the Somali region, this pivot will ignite, not illuminate, the path forward."

In a bid to avert a “resource curse” in the region, the article calls for the enactment of a Resource-Sharing Law requiring that 30% of revenues generated from Somali region projects be allocated locally, alongside transparent audits and community oversight. It also proposes the establishment of a Tripartite Oversight Council and a Somali Resource Governance Authority to ensure accountability and local participation.

The author emphasizes that “The Somali region is no peripheral pawn in Ethiopia’s energy chessboard; it is the queen.” True, sustainable progress, he contends, hinges on whether these ambitious projects will ultimately “become monuments to mutual flourishing, not marginalization.”

https://addisstandard.com/beneath-ogaden-sands-somali-regions-pursuit-of-rightful-share-in-ethiopias-energy-awakening/

#Ethiopia and #Kenya to benefit from Solar-Powered agricultural technologies

The International Water Management Institute (IWMI) announced the launch of the Solar Energy for Agricultural Resilience (SoLAR) project in Ethiopia and Kenya to strengthen food systems and enhance climate resilience through solar-powered technologies.

Funded by the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC), the project builds on IWMI’s previous success in South Asia, where solar-powered irrigation systems helped farmers reduce dependence on rainfall.

In Ethiopia, the initiative aims to address challenges in small-scale irrigation, including rising demand, inefficiencies, and limited access to modern technology.

IWMI said that in Ethiopia, where more than 11 million hectares of land are suitable for irrigation but only a small portion is currently utilized, the project will tackle these gaps........

https://web.facebook.com/AddisstandardEng/posts/pfbid0Cj3X3MtF2aYH3k9gziXcUGa9SUVXSYqzBzRJHqpYbEmyJszb76RMFLrtFqp1egzLl

#Trump Adviser said #GERD dispute should be resolved technically, not politically

The dispute over the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) must be resolved through “technical means” rather than political pressure, according to U.S. President’s Senior Adviser for African, Arab, and Middle Eastern Affairs, Massad Boulos.

In an interview with Al Arabiya Arabic, Boulos reaffirmed Washington’s commitment to facilitating a peaceful and mutually acceptable solution among the three countries involved.

“We are working to find a solution suitable for all parties, especially on the technical side, as it is purely a technical matter that must be resolved in a technical way,” Boulos said.

While acknowledging that the issue is a “matter of life and death” for #Egypt, #Sudan, and #Ethiopia, the senior adviser noted that the massive hydropower project “is now a reality” following its completion...

https://web.facebook.com/AddisstandardEng/posts/pfbid024pFYQjLsWmLXRE3yv7UZ8SeNmLQdaB3EHxYRPMEmW9DeamTQW985vhggpywpbScWl