Op_ed: The ‘Green Gold’ Trap: #Ethiopia’s booming #Khat economy, hidden national costs
Khat, often described as Ethiopia’s “green gold,” plays a vital role in generating export revenue and sustaining rural livelihoods, writes Abdunasir Isak. However, he argues that this economic pillar conceals a deepening social and economic crisis. Rising consumption, particularly among young people, is also contributing to addiction, poverty, and broader social instability.
The author notes that “by treating this potent stimulant solely as a cash cow while ignoring its societal impact, policymakers have left a dangerous, gaping hole in the nation's legal framework.”
To save what he describes as a “lost generation,” Abdunasir urges the state to move beyond fiscal dependence by introducing stronger regulation.
https://addisstandard.com/?p=58155
Khat, often described as Ethiopia’s “green gold,” plays a vital role in generating export revenue and sustaining rural livelihoods, writes Abdunasir Isak. However, he argues that this economic pillar conceals a deepening social and economic crisis. Rising consumption, particularly among young people, is also contributing to addiction, poverty, and broader social instability.
The author notes that “by treating this potent stimulant solely as a cash cow while ignoring its societal impact, policymakers have left a dangerous, gaping hole in the nation's legal framework.”
To save what he describes as a “lost generation,” Abdunasir urges the state to move beyond fiscal dependence by introducing stronger regulation.
https://addisstandard.com/?p=58155
❤2👍1
News: PM Abiy, Lavrov hold talks on strengthening #Ethiopia–#Russia cooperation
Prime Minister #Abiy_Ahmed said he met with Russia's Foreign Minister, #Sergey_Lavrov, on Tuesday evening, where the two sides discussed Ethiopia–Russia bilateral relations and explored new opportunities for cooperation.
In a brief statement shared on his social media accounts, Abiy said it was "a pleasure" to meet Lavrov and the Russian delegation during the latter's official visit to Ethiopia.
"Our discussions focused on bilateral relations and exploring new opportunities for cooperation," the Prime Minister said, without providing further details.
The meeting came after Lavrov held talks earlier in the day with Ethiopia's Minister of Foreign Affairs, Gedion Timothewos, as part of his working visit to #Addis_Abeba.
According to Ethiopia's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Gedion and Lavrov......
https://www.facebook.com/AddisstandardEng/posts/pfbid0fAHY1qjRQrA2hZNPbRe8H3xiNW1ebPay8ukXvn6jCYeUZSHmBanf88C4nEqjs3bDl
Prime Minister #Abiy_Ahmed said he met with Russia's Foreign Minister, #Sergey_Lavrov, on Tuesday evening, where the two sides discussed Ethiopia–Russia bilateral relations and explored new opportunities for cooperation.
In a brief statement shared on his social media accounts, Abiy said it was "a pleasure" to meet Lavrov and the Russian delegation during the latter's official visit to Ethiopia.
"Our discussions focused on bilateral relations and exploring new opportunities for cooperation," the Prime Minister said, without providing further details.
The meeting came after Lavrov held talks earlier in the day with Ethiopia's Minister of Foreign Affairs, Gedion Timothewos, as part of his working visit to #Addis_Abeba.
According to Ethiopia's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Gedion and Lavrov......
https://www.facebook.com/AddisstandardEng/posts/pfbid0fAHY1qjRQrA2hZNPbRe8H3xiNW1ebPay8ukXvn6jCYeUZSHmBanf88C4nEqjs3bDl
👎1
Lavrov says he hopes head of African Union Commission will attend #Russia-#Africa summit
Russia expects Mahamoud Ali Youssouf, who is chairperson of the #African_Union Commission, to attend the 3rd Russia-Africa summit in person to be hosted by #Moscow in October, Russian Foreign Minister #Sergey_Lavrov said.
"Hopefully you will be able to represent the African Union Commission personally at the third summit. The agenda of the summit will center on pressing issues of material cooperation between Russia and the African Union," Lavrov told Youssouf at a meeting on Tuesday.
Russia’s top diplomat referred to Youssouf’s speech at the latest African Union summit where he pushed for economic and energy independence following political sovereignty.
"We will always be allies with the African Union in this work as we embrace processes that have been taking shape quite naturally & inevitably.....
https://www.facebook.com/AddisstandardEng/posts/pfbid02L7xBdExEJawdZybHH8oVRJhe4uKuAxA5sBCZerWkLAZVNf6kh5VUG4nGwNXpddfsl
Russia expects Mahamoud Ali Youssouf, who is chairperson of the #African_Union Commission, to attend the 3rd Russia-Africa summit in person to be hosted by #Moscow in October, Russian Foreign Minister #Sergey_Lavrov said.
"Hopefully you will be able to represent the African Union Commission personally at the third summit. The agenda of the summit will center on pressing issues of material cooperation between Russia and the African Union," Lavrov told Youssouf at a meeting on Tuesday.
Russia’s top diplomat referred to Youssouf’s speech at the latest African Union summit where he pushed for economic and energy independence following political sovereignty.
"We will always be allies with the African Union in this work as we embrace processes that have been taking shape quite naturally & inevitably.....
https://www.facebook.com/AddisstandardEng/posts/pfbid02L7xBdExEJawdZybHH8oVRJhe4uKuAxA5sBCZerWkLAZVNf6kh5VUG4nGwNXpddfsl
❤2👍1
#Commentary: Booming in Local Currency, Stagnant in Dollars: #Ethiopia’s 2.34 trillion birr budget paradox
Ethiopia has recently approved a record 2.34 trillion birr budget for the 2026/27 fiscal year, representing a 21% increase over the previous year. However, Samson Hailu argues that this substantial nominal growth conceals a deeper macroeconomic reality. Although the budget has nearly tripled in local currency terms since 2023, rapid currency depreciation has left its value virtually unchanged in U.S. dollar terms, at approximately $14.8 billion.
He notes, “This is the paradox at the heart of Ethiopia's fiscal story: a budget that grows explosively in local currency while stagnating in hard currency.”
Samson emphasizes that “Long-term prosperity depends not merely on increasing the quantity of money circulating within the economy, but also on expanding productivity.”
https://addisstandard.com/?p=58167
Ethiopia has recently approved a record 2.34 trillion birr budget for the 2026/27 fiscal year, representing a 21% increase over the previous year. However, Samson Hailu argues that this substantial nominal growth conceals a deeper macroeconomic reality. Although the budget has nearly tripled in local currency terms since 2023, rapid currency depreciation has left its value virtually unchanged in U.S. dollar terms, at approximately $14.8 billion.
He notes, “This is the paradox at the heart of Ethiopia's fiscal story: a budget that grows explosively in local currency while stagnating in hard currency.”
Samson emphasizes that “Long-term prosperity depends not merely on increasing the quantity of money circulating within the economy, but also on expanding productivity.”
https://addisstandard.com/?p=58167
❤1👍1
News: Report says #Ethiopians among refugees facing arbitrary arrests, deportations in #Egypt over residency delays
Ethiopian refugees and asylum seekers are among thousands facing arbitrary arrest, prolonged detention, and deportation in Egypt due to government delays in renewing residency permits, despite many holding valid documentation issued by the UN refugee agency, according to a new report by Human Rights Watch (#HRW).
The report, released yesterday, says Egyptian authorities have intensified a campaign of arrests and deportations since late 2025, targeting refugees and asylum seekers—primarily from #Sudan and #South_Sudan, but also including Eritreans and Ethiopians—whose residency permits have expired while they await renewal appointments delayed by administrative backlogs.
https://addisstandard.com/?p=58162
Ethiopian refugees and asylum seekers are among thousands facing arbitrary arrest, prolonged detention, and deportation in Egypt due to government delays in renewing residency permits, despite many holding valid documentation issued by the UN refugee agency, according to a new report by Human Rights Watch (#HRW).
The report, released yesterday, says Egyptian authorities have intensified a campaign of arrests and deportations since late 2025, targeting refugees and asylum seekers—primarily from #Sudan and #South_Sudan, but also including Eritreans and Ethiopians—whose residency permits have expired while they await renewal appointments delayed by administrative backlogs.
https://addisstandard.com/?p=58162
#Trump announces plan to lift #US sanctions on #Turkey, signals openness to F-35 sales
U.S. President Donald Trump has announced that the United States will lift sanctions imposed on Turkey under the Countering America’s Adversaries Through Sanctions Act (CAATSA), marking a major shift in Washington’s approach toward its NATO ally and signaling a possible revival of defense cooperation between the two countries.
Trump made the announcement on 7 July during a bilateral meeting with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan on the sidelines of the NATO summit in Ankara, saying the United States was “going to be taking the sanctions off” because “we don’t want to sanction friends.” He also instructed senior officials, including Secretary of State Marco Rubio, to begin the process of removing the restrictions, according to Reuters.
The sanctions were imposed in December 2020 after Turkey acquired #Russia’s S-400 air defense system. https://www.facebook.com/20531316728/posts/10154009990506729/
U.S. President Donald Trump has announced that the United States will lift sanctions imposed on Turkey under the Countering America’s Adversaries Through Sanctions Act (CAATSA), marking a major shift in Washington’s approach toward its NATO ally and signaling a possible revival of defense cooperation between the two countries.
Trump made the announcement on 7 July during a bilateral meeting with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan on the sidelines of the NATO summit in Ankara, saying the United States was “going to be taking the sanctions off” because “we don’t want to sanction friends.” He also instructed senior officials, including Secretary of State Marco Rubio, to begin the process of removing the restrictions, according to Reuters.
The sanctions were imposed in December 2020 after Turkey acquired #Russia’s S-400 air defense system. https://www.facebook.com/20531316728/posts/10154009990506729/
❤3
News: #Ghana postpones high-level talks with #South_Africa over anti-migrant violence
Government spokesperson #Felix_Kwakye_Ofosu said the decision was taken because the deteriorating security situation and growing tensions surrounding attacks on foreign nationals could overshadow the planned meetings between the two countries.
The bilateral commission meeting, which Ghana was due to host in August, was expected to be co-chaired by #Ghanaian President #John_Dramani_Mahama and South #African President #Cyril_Ramaphosa. Officials said both governments remain committed to the partnership and will agree on a new date once conditions improve.
https://addisstandard.com/?p=58170
Government spokesperson #Felix_Kwakye_Ofosu said the decision was taken because the deteriorating security situation and growing tensions surrounding attacks on foreign nationals could overshadow the planned meetings between the two countries.
The bilateral commission meeting, which Ghana was due to host in August, was expected to be co-chaired by #Ghanaian President #John_Dramani_Mahama and South #African President #Cyril_Ramaphosa. Officials said both governments remain committed to the partnership and will agree on a new date once conditions improve.
https://addisstandard.com/?p=58170
👍3
News: #Amhara Islamic Affairs Council says imams, mosque attendants targeted by threats, deadly attacks after national election
The Amhara Regional Higher Council for #Islamic_Affairs has alleged that imams and mosque khadims (attendants) have faced threats, intimidation, and deadly attacks in the weeks following Ethiopia's national election, warning that the incidents appear to be aimed at instilling fear within the Muslim community.
In a directive issued on 7 July 2026 to zonal and city Islamic affairs councils, the Council said imams and mosque attendants have faced sustained threats and intimidation extending to their homes in the aftermath of the election. It further alleged that armed assailants have targeted imams and worshippers returning from Isha (night) prayers, with some victims killed after attackers "opened a barrage of gunfire."
The Council said the attacks were.......
https://www.facebook.com/AddisstandardEng/posts/pfbid02nBXgTbswi17QMBCesby3BWMyMuZeDNduWHgAGDFFppMYc9cN3MaDyGY6RTiFLQEXl
The Amhara Regional Higher Council for #Islamic_Affairs has alleged that imams and mosque khadims (attendants) have faced threats, intimidation, and deadly attacks in the weeks following Ethiopia's national election, warning that the incidents appear to be aimed at instilling fear within the Muslim community.
In a directive issued on 7 July 2026 to zonal and city Islamic affairs councils, the Council said imams and mosque attendants have faced sustained threats and intimidation extending to their homes in the aftermath of the election. It further alleged that armed assailants have targeted imams and worshippers returning from Isha (night) prayers, with some victims killed after attackers "opened a barrage of gunfire."
The Council said the attacks were.......
https://www.facebook.com/AddisstandardEng/posts/pfbid02nBXgTbswi17QMBCesby3BWMyMuZeDNduWHgAGDFFppMYc9cN3MaDyGY6RTiFLQEXl
News: #Sudanese army claims recapture of strategic border town of #Kurmuk near #Ethiopia
Brig. Gen. Abadi al-Tahir, commander of the army's Al-Naba al-Yaqeen task force, announced the recapture in a video circulated by pro-army media outlets.
He claimed Sudanese forces inflicted heavy casualties and destroyed military equipment belonging to the RSF, forcing the remaining fighters to withdraw.
The reported recapture follows an intensified military campaign launched last week to regain control of Kurmuk, a strategically important town whose capture by the RSF and its allies earlier this year heightened concerns over instability along Sudan's border with Ethiopia.
https://addisstandard.com/?p=58185
Brig. Gen. Abadi al-Tahir, commander of the army's Al-Naba al-Yaqeen task force, announced the recapture in a video circulated by pro-army media outlets.
He claimed Sudanese forces inflicted heavy casualties and destroyed military equipment belonging to the RSF, forcing the remaining fighters to withdraw.
The reported recapture follows an intensified military campaign launched last week to regain control of Kurmuk, a strategically important town whose capture by the RSF and its allies earlier this year heightened concerns over instability along Sudan's border with Ethiopia.
https://addisstandard.com/?p=58185
❤2
News: #Tigray Orthodox Church says archbishops survive assassination attempt in #Axum
The Tigray Orthodox Tewahedo Church said an overnight assassination attempt targeted two senior archbishops inside the church's patriarchate compound in Axum, in the latest incident to raise concerns over the deteriorating security situation in Tigray.
In an urgent statement issued today, the Head Office of the See of Selama Kessate Berhan said the attack occurred at around 00:30 a.m. at the residence where His Eminence #Abune_Natnael and His Eminence #Abune_Aregawi, General Secretary of the Holy Synod, were staying.
https://addisstandard.com/?p=58188
The Tigray Orthodox Tewahedo Church said an overnight assassination attempt targeted two senior archbishops inside the church's patriarchate compound in Axum, in the latest incident to raise concerns over the deteriorating security situation in Tigray.
In an urgent statement issued today, the Head Office of the See of Selama Kessate Berhan said the attack occurred at around 00:30 a.m. at the residence where His Eminence #Abune_Natnael and His Eminence #Abune_Aregawi, General Secretary of the Holy Synod, were staying.
https://addisstandard.com/?p=58188
😡3❤2
#US launches new airstrikes on #Iran and Tehran fires back at #Gulf_Arab states
The United States launched new airstrikes against Iran early Thursday, and #Tehran responded by targeting #Bahrain, #Kuwait and #Qatar in crossfire that again threatened an interim deal intended to help end the war in the #Persian_Gulf.
The strikes came hours after U.S. President Donald Trump said recent Iranian attacks on ships in the Strait of Hormuz signaled the end of the fragile ceasefire. The U.S. struck a variety of military sites and port facilities early Wednesday after Iran targeted several merchant vessels off the coast of Oman, sparking Iranian fire then as well.
But Thursday’s attacks appeared bigger all around, with sirens sounding at least twice in Bahrain, home to the U.S. Navy’s 5th Fleet headquarters. There was no immediate word of damage in the three Gulf Arab countries. Kuwait’s military said it was......
https://apnews.com/article/iran-us-israel-war-oil-july-9-2026-0472764b119d7aa204de4f7f5e44a9bf
The United States launched new airstrikes against Iran early Thursday, and #Tehran responded by targeting #Bahrain, #Kuwait and #Qatar in crossfire that again threatened an interim deal intended to help end the war in the #Persian_Gulf.
The strikes came hours after U.S. President Donald Trump said recent Iranian attacks on ships in the Strait of Hormuz signaled the end of the fragile ceasefire. The U.S. struck a variety of military sites and port facilities early Wednesday after Iran targeted several merchant vessels off the coast of Oman, sparking Iranian fire then as well.
But Thursday’s attacks appeared bigger all around, with sirens sounding at least twice in Bahrain, home to the U.S. Navy’s 5th Fleet headquarters. There was no immediate word of damage in the three Gulf Arab countries. Kuwait’s military said it was......
https://apnews.com/article/iran-us-israel-war-oil-july-9-2026-0472764b119d7aa204de4f7f5e44a9bf
#UN probe says #RSF atrocities in #Sudan’s El Fasher bear “distinct markers of genocide,” warns #El_Obeid at risk
A UN Independent International Fact-Finding Mission for Sudan has released new evidence concluding that atrocities committed by the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) in #El_Fasher, #North_Darfur, bear the “distinct markers of genocide,” while warning that a similar pattern of violence could unfold in El Obeid if urgent action is not taken, according to the United Nations.
In a supplementary report released on 08 July, the Mission said its investigation documented mass killings, systematic abductions of women and girls, mass gang rapes, torture, ransom-taking, and enforced disappearances committed during the RSF’s October 2025 assault on El Fasher following an 18-month siege.
https://www.facebook.com/share/1EDmPTr9Rf/?mibextid=wwXIfr
A UN Independent International Fact-Finding Mission for Sudan has released new evidence concluding that atrocities committed by the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) in #El_Fasher, #North_Darfur, bear the “distinct markers of genocide,” while warning that a similar pattern of violence could unfold in El Obeid if urgent action is not taken, according to the United Nations.
In a supplementary report released on 08 July, the Mission said its investigation documented mass killings, systematic abductions of women and girls, mass gang rapes, torture, ransom-taking, and enforced disappearances committed during the RSF’s October 2025 assault on El Fasher following an 18-month siege.
https://www.facebook.com/share/1EDmPTr9Rf/?mibextid=wwXIfr
😭1
News: #Ethiopia says cross-border electricity trade infrastructure completed as #Eastern_Africa Power Pool considers governance reforms
Ethiopian Electric Power (#EEP) says infrastructure needed to facilitate cross-border electricity trade in Eastern Africa has been completed, as member states of the Eastern Africa Power Pool (#EAPP) meet in #Addis_Abeba to discuss governance reforms aimed at strengthening regional power integration.
The announcement was made by Engineer Ashebir Balcha, Chief Executive Officer of EEP and Chairperson of the EAPP Executive Committee, during the 37th Special Meeting of the EAPP Steering Committee, which is being held in Addis Abeba.
According to EEP, the meeting is considering proposed amendments to the intergovernmental and inter-institutional Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs), as well as related governance documents submitted by member states.
https://addisstandard.com/?p=58178
Ethiopian Electric Power (#EEP) says infrastructure needed to facilitate cross-border electricity trade in Eastern Africa has been completed, as member states of the Eastern Africa Power Pool (#EAPP) meet in #Addis_Abeba to discuss governance reforms aimed at strengthening regional power integration.
The announcement was made by Engineer Ashebir Balcha, Chief Executive Officer of EEP and Chairperson of the EAPP Executive Committee, during the 37th Special Meeting of the EAPP Steering Committee, which is being held in Addis Abeba.
According to EEP, the meeting is considering proposed amendments to the intergovernmental and inter-institutional Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs), as well as related governance documents submitted by member states.
https://addisstandard.com/?p=58178
❤2
News: #Ethiopia’s 2025 ‘lower middle-income’ goal remains unmet as #World_Bank latest classification places country among low-income economies
The World Bank’s latest Country Income Classifications place Ethiopia among low-income economies, based on Gross National Income (#GNI) per capita calculated using the World Bank Atlas method.
The classification comes as the government said it continues to pursue its stated ambition of achieving lower middle-income country (#LMIC) status by 2025 and becoming “an African beacon of prosperity by 2030” under its 10-Year Development Plan (2021–2030).
https://addisstandard.com/?p=58192
The World Bank’s latest Country Income Classifications place Ethiopia among low-income economies, based on Gross National Income (#GNI) per capita calculated using the World Bank Atlas method.
The classification comes as the government said it continues to pursue its stated ambition of achieving lower middle-income country (#LMIC) status by 2025 and becoming “an African beacon of prosperity by 2030” under its 10-Year Development Plan (2021–2030).
https://addisstandard.com/?p=58192
News: #Ethiopian exporters urged to utilize #UK duty-free trade scheme
Ethiopian exporters have been encouraged to make greater use of the United Kingdom's Developing Countries Trading Scheme (#DCTS), which provides eligible products with reduced or zero-tariff access to the UK market, during a training workshop held in Addis Abeba on 8 July 2026.
The hybrid workshop was co-organized by the Ethiopian Embassy in London, the Ministry of Trade and Regional Integration, the UK Department for Business and Trade, the British Embassy in Addis Abeba, and the Ethiopian Chamber of Commerce and Sectoral Associations. It brought together around 100 participants from Ethiopia and the UK, both in person and online.
Speaking at the event, Ethiopia's Ambassador to the UK, Biruk Mekonnen, said the scheme offers significant opportunities for Ethiopian exporters, particularly in coffee, agriculture......
https://www.facebook.com/AddisstandardEng/posts/pfbid0fAWEDUt576nXpGMvBiDVQYE4UsyzdFBVqyg9zkr8vDQPUBzmXp9Q6nT4UAs5kGPfl
Ethiopian exporters have been encouraged to make greater use of the United Kingdom's Developing Countries Trading Scheme (#DCTS), which provides eligible products with reduced or zero-tariff access to the UK market, during a training workshop held in Addis Abeba on 8 July 2026.
The hybrid workshop was co-organized by the Ethiopian Embassy in London, the Ministry of Trade and Regional Integration, the UK Department for Business and Trade, the British Embassy in Addis Abeba, and the Ethiopian Chamber of Commerce and Sectoral Associations. It brought together around 100 participants from Ethiopia and the UK, both in person and online.
Speaking at the event, Ethiopia's Ambassador to the UK, Biruk Mekonnen, said the scheme offers significant opportunities for Ethiopian exporters, particularly in coffee, agriculture......
https://www.facebook.com/AddisstandardEng/posts/pfbid0fAWEDUt576nXpGMvBiDVQYE4UsyzdFBVqyg9zkr8vDQPUBzmXp9Q6nT4UAs5kGPfl