#Ethiopia, #UAE expand coding initiative from five to seven million
Ethiopia and the United Arab Emirates have expanded the 5 Million Ethiopian Coders Initiative to seven million participants, after the program “exceeded its original target” of five million registrants nearly two years ahead of schedule, according to a statement sent to Addis Standard.
The statement said the initiative had registered 5,005,146 participants by June 2026, prompting the two governments to add another two million places as part of their partnership on digital transformation and skills development.
Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed described the milestone as “an extraordinary achievement that reflects Ethiopia's firm commitment to digital transformation and empowering youth and communities with future skills.”
“The great turnout that the initiative witnessed from Ethiopian youth, and the success it achieved in exceeding its target ahead of schedule...
https://x.com/addisstandard/status/2075856434907005390?s=20
Ethiopia and the United Arab Emirates have expanded the 5 Million Ethiopian Coders Initiative to seven million participants, after the program “exceeded its original target” of five million registrants nearly two years ahead of schedule, according to a statement sent to Addis Standard.
The statement said the initiative had registered 5,005,146 participants by June 2026, prompting the two governments to add another two million places as part of their partnership on digital transformation and skills development.
Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed described the milestone as “an extraordinary achievement that reflects Ethiopia's firm commitment to digital transformation and empowering youth and communities with future skills.”
“The great turnout that the initiative witnessed from Ethiopian youth, and the success it achieved in exceeding its target ahead of schedule...
https://x.com/addisstandard/status/2075856434907005390?s=20
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#Dangote Group selects #Kenya for planned $17 billion, 700,000-barrel-per-day oil refinery
Africa’s richest businessman, Aliko Dangote, has selected Kenya as the site for a planned $17 billion, 700,000-barrel-per-day oil refinery that would become East Africa’s largest refining facility, according to Bloomberg. The project is expected to reduce the region’s reliance on imported petroleum products while strengthening energy security.
The refinery will be built in #Lamu on Kenya’s Indian Ocean coast, where site selection has been finalized and preliminary works, including soil testing, engineering, and design, are underway. Construction is expected to take about three years, with the facility supplying refined fuel to Kenya as well as neighboring markets such as Uganda, Tanzania, and South Sudan, Reuters reported.
https://www.facebook.com/share/p/19AND3kydf/?mibextid=wwXIfr
Africa’s richest businessman, Aliko Dangote, has selected Kenya as the site for a planned $17 billion, 700,000-barrel-per-day oil refinery that would become East Africa’s largest refining facility, according to Bloomberg. The project is expected to reduce the region’s reliance on imported petroleum products while strengthening energy security.
The refinery will be built in #Lamu on Kenya’s Indian Ocean coast, where site selection has been finalized and preliminary works, including soil testing, engineering, and design, are underway. Construction is expected to take about three years, with the facility supplying refined fuel to Kenya as well as neighboring markets such as Uganda, Tanzania, and South Sudan, Reuters reported.
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News: #Tigray authorities accuse federal government of preparing for war, says '#Pretoria Agreement has collapsed'
In a statement issued today, the administration—recently reinstated by the Tigray People's Liberation Front (#TPLF) after it dissolved the Tigray Interim Regional Administration and announced the restoration of what it calls the National Regional Government of Tigray—said it had concluded that the peace agreement could no longer serve as a viable framework for resolving the conflict.
The administration claimed that although Tigray had "gone to great lengths" to implement the Pretoria Agreement, the process had failed because of what it described as "obstructive and destructive actions" by the federal government and the failure of the agreement's guarantors to fulfill their responsibilities.
https://addisstandard.com/?p=58235
In a statement issued today, the administration—recently reinstated by the Tigray People's Liberation Front (#TPLF) after it dissolved the Tigray Interim Regional Administration and announced the restoration of what it calls the National Regional Government of Tigray—said it had concluded that the peace agreement could no longer serve as a viable framework for resolving the conflict.
The administration claimed that although Tigray had "gone to great lengths" to implement the Pretoria Agreement, the process had failed because of what it described as "obstructive and destructive actions" by the federal government and the failure of the agreement's guarantors to fulfill their responsibilities.
https://addisstandard.com/?p=58235
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Those responsible ‘will be held accountable’: #Iran’s Supreme Leader vows ‘to avenge’ Ayatollah Ali Khamenei’s killing
Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei has vowed that those responsible for the killing of his father and predecessor, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, as well as others he described as “martyrs” of the #US-#Israel war on Iran , “will be held accountable,” according to a statement published on his official Telegram channel and broadcast by Iranian state television on Saturday.
In the statement, Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei pledged to “avenge the blood of the martyred leader and all the martyrs” from what he called the “criminal and disgraced killers,” adding that revenge “is the demand of our nation, and it must certainly take place, Middle East Eye reported citing his statement. He further warned that those responsible “will take the hope of a peaceful death in their beds to the grave,” according to the reports.
https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1Ga9SfYRre/?mibextid=wwXIfr
Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei has vowed that those responsible for the killing of his father and predecessor, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, as well as others he described as “martyrs” of the #US-#Israel war on Iran , “will be held accountable,” according to a statement published on his official Telegram channel and broadcast by Iranian state television on Saturday.
In the statement, Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei pledged to “avenge the blood of the martyred leader and all the martyrs” from what he called the “criminal and disgraced killers,” adding that revenge “is the demand of our nation, and it must certainly take place, Middle East Eye reported citing his statement. He further warned that those responsible “will take the hope of a peaceful death in their beds to the grave,” according to the reports.
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#Iran conducts several strikes on #US military facilities across #Gulf states in retaliation for U.S. attacks
Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (#IRGC) said it carried out coordinated missile and drone strikes targeting U.S. military facilities in #Kuwait, #Bahrain, #Jordan, and #Oman, describing the attacks as retaliation for recent U.S. strikes on Iranian military sites in the country’s south, according to Al Jazeera and Iranian state media.
The IRGC said it struck Ali Al Salem and Ahmad Al-Jaber air bases in Kuwait, targeting missile systems, fuel storage facilities, Patriot air defense batteries, radars, bunkers, and warehouses. It also said attacks hit Bahrain’s Sheikh Isa Air Base and the U.S. Fifth Fleet area in Juffair, as well as Jordan’s Prince Hassan Air Base and radar installations in Oman. Kuwait said its air defenses intercepted “hostile aerial targets.”
https://www.facebook.com/share/p/19Md2PtvVc/?mibextid=wwXIfr
Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (#IRGC) said it carried out coordinated missile and drone strikes targeting U.S. military facilities in #Kuwait, #Bahrain, #Jordan, and #Oman, describing the attacks as retaliation for recent U.S. strikes on Iranian military sites in the country’s south, according to Al Jazeera and Iranian state media.
The IRGC said it struck Ali Al Salem and Ahmad Al-Jaber air bases in Kuwait, targeting missile systems, fuel storage facilities, Patriot air defense batteries, radars, bunkers, and warehouses. It also said attacks hit Bahrain’s Sheikh Isa Air Base and the U.S. Fifth Fleet area in Juffair, as well as Jordan’s Prince Hassan Air Base and radar installations in Oman. Kuwait said its air defenses intercepted “hostile aerial targets.”
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#Pakistan International Airlines selects former #Ethiopian Airlines CEO Tewolde Gebremariam to lead post-privatization turnaround
Pakistan International Airlines (#PIA) has selected former Ethiopian Airlines Group Chief Executive Officer Tewolde Gebremariam as its new CEO following the airline’s privatization and transfer of management control to a consortium led by Arif Habib Group. The appointment is expected to spearhead efforts to revive the loss-making national carrier through fleet modernization, network expansion, and operational reforms backed by fresh investment.
Bloomberg previously reported that Tewolde had been shortlisted for the role, citing a person familiar with the matter, with a formal announcement expected after the completion of required procedures. Arab News reported that the airline is withholding an official announcement until security clearances are finalized.
https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1BoS3LHUph/?mibextid=wwXIfr
Pakistan International Airlines (#PIA) has selected former Ethiopian Airlines Group Chief Executive Officer Tewolde Gebremariam as its new CEO following the airline’s privatization and transfer of management control to a consortium led by Arif Habib Group. The appointment is expected to spearhead efforts to revive the loss-making national carrier through fleet modernization, network expansion, and operational reforms backed by fresh investment.
Bloomberg previously reported that Tewolde had been shortlisted for the role, citing a person familiar with the matter, with a formal announcement expected after the completion of required procedures. Arab News reported that the airline is withholding an official announcement until security clearances are finalized.
https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1BoS3LHUph/?mibextid=wwXIfr
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News: Wildlife Authority calls for nationwide action to save #Ethiopia’s critically endangered #Walia_Ibex
The appeal comes days after the IUCN upgraded the conservation status of the Walia Ibex (Capra walie) to Critically Endangered, citing a steep population decline that has pushed the species to the brink of extinction in the wild. The latest assessment concluded that the Walia population fell from 865 animals in 2015 to 306 by May 2024, while the number of mature breeding individuals dropped below the threshold of 250, meeting the IUCN criteria for the highest risk category before extinction in the wild.
https://addisstandard.com/?p=58240
The appeal comes days after the IUCN upgraded the conservation status of the Walia Ibex (Capra walie) to Critically Endangered, citing a steep population decline that has pushed the species to the brink of extinction in the wild. The latest assessment concluded that the Walia population fell from 865 animals in 2015 to 306 by May 2024, while the number of mature breeding individuals dropped below the threshold of 250, meeting the IUCN criteria for the highest risk category before extinction in the wild.
https://addisstandard.com/?p=58240
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European Parliament urges #EU to designate #Sudan’s #RSF a “terrorist organization” over war crimes, crimes against humanity
The European Parliament has called on the European Union to designate Sudan’s Rapid Support Forces (RSF) as a “terrorist organization”, condemning what it described as war crimes and crimes against humanity committed during the ongoing war, particularly in the besieged city of El-Obeid.
In a resolution adopted last week by 476 votes in favor, 28 against, and 96 abstentions, Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) strongly condemned atrocities committed by the RSF and urged all parties to end attacks on civilians, including sexual violence and actions contributing to famine.
The resolution called on the EU to impose sanctions on individuals responsible for attacks against civilians, as well as external actors accused of facilitating the conflict, including the Global Security Services Group, for allegedly violating the UN arms embargo on Sudan.
https://x.com/addisstandard/status/207
The European Parliament has called on the European Union to designate Sudan’s Rapid Support Forces (RSF) as a “terrorist organization”, condemning what it described as war crimes and crimes against humanity committed during the ongoing war, particularly in the besieged city of El-Obeid.
In a resolution adopted last week by 476 votes in favor, 28 against, and 96 abstentions, Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) strongly condemned atrocities committed by the RSF and urged all parties to end attacks on civilians, including sexual violence and actions contributing to famine.
The resolution called on the EU to impose sanctions on individuals responsible for attacks against civilians, as well as external actors accused of facilitating the conflict, including the Global Security Services Group, for allegedly violating the UN arms embargo on Sudan.
https://x.com/addisstandard/status/207
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News: New report highlights plight of #Ethiopian migrants on #Saudi death row
In 2026, 71 people had reportedly been executed for non-lethal drug crimes by the time of publication, with Ethiopians constituting the largest group of foreign nationals executed for such offenses, according to the investigation.
Ethiopian authorities say they have engaged Saudi Arabia on the repatriation of nationals.
In a statement issued today, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said the government “attaches the highest importance to the welfare, protection, and consular assistance of its citizens abroad,” adding that 1,971 Ethiopian nationals benefited from royal amnesties granted by Saudi authorities.
https://addisstandard.com/?p=58245
In 2026, 71 people had reportedly been executed for non-lethal drug crimes by the time of publication, with Ethiopians constituting the largest group of foreign nationals executed for such offenses, according to the investigation.
Ethiopian authorities say they have engaged Saudi Arabia on the repatriation of nationals.
In a statement issued today, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said the government “attaches the highest importance to the welfare, protection, and consular assistance of its citizens abroad,” adding that 1,971 Ethiopian nationals benefited from royal amnesties granted by Saudi authorities.
https://addisstandard.com/?p=58245
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#Policy_Brief: From QR Chaos to E-Invoicing Rollout Challenges: #Ethiopia’s fast-track tax reform, cost of regulatory whiplash
Ethiopia recently replaced its manual QR-code tax invoice policy with a fully digital Electronic Invoicing System. While the initiative aims to boost transparency and modernize tax administration, Hassen Mama Muse argues that implementing such a sweeping overhaul within a single year has caused severe business disruption and capital losses.
He points out that "this quick change in rules goes against basic principles of good taxation, especially Adam Smith's principle of certainty," leading to significant confusion in regulations. Furthermore, high vendor fees and structural system glitches now penalize compliant firms.
The author emphasizes that "effective tax administration requires not merely technological sophistication but regulatory wisdom."
https://addisstandard.com/?p=58237
Ethiopia recently replaced its manual QR-code tax invoice policy with a fully digital Electronic Invoicing System. While the initiative aims to boost transparency and modernize tax administration, Hassen Mama Muse argues that implementing such a sweeping overhaul within a single year has caused severe business disruption and capital losses.
He points out that "this quick change in rules goes against basic principles of good taxation, especially Adam Smith's principle of certainty," leading to significant confusion in regulations. Furthermore, high vendor fees and structural system glitches now penalize compliant firms.
The author emphasizes that "effective tax administration requires not merely technological sophistication but regulatory wisdom."
https://addisstandard.com/?p=58237
#Somalia detains soldiers over #US flag video as Washington warns against anti-American acts
Somalia's Ministry of Defense says it has detained members of the Somali National Army after a video circulated on social media showing individuals in military uniform engaging in what it described as “unacceptable conduct” involving the United States flag.
In a statement issued on 10 July, the ministry said the conduct was “inconsistent with the values, discipline and professionalism of the Somali National Army” and “does not reflect the views of the Ministry of Defense or the Federal Government of Somalia.”
The ministry said the individuals involved “have been detained,” adding that an investigation is underway to determine the circumstances surrounding the incident and any disciplinary or legal measures to be taken.
The response came after a video circulated online last week showing members of Somalia's military standing on the U.S. flag.
https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1Bdk47hkpc/
Somalia's Ministry of Defense says it has detained members of the Somali National Army after a video circulated on social media showing individuals in military uniform engaging in what it described as “unacceptable conduct” involving the United States flag.
In a statement issued on 10 July, the ministry said the conduct was “inconsistent with the values, discipline and professionalism of the Somali National Army” and “does not reflect the views of the Ministry of Defense or the Federal Government of Somalia.”
The ministry said the individuals involved “have been detained,” adding that an investigation is underway to determine the circumstances surrounding the incident and any disciplinary or legal measures to be taken.
The response came after a video circulated online last week showing members of Somalia's military standing on the U.S. flag.
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News: #Sudanese court sentences #RSF leader #Hemetti, others to death in absentia over West #Darfur killings
The verdict, issued by a Sudanese court, marks one of the most significant judicial rulings against the RSF leadership since war erupted between the paramilitary group and the Sudanese Armed Forces (#SAF) in April 2023. The sentences were handed down in absentia because the accused are not in government custody.
The case centers on the June 2023 killing of Governor #Khamis_Abakar in #El_Geneina, the capital of #West_Darfur. #Abakar, a prominent leader of the #Masalit community, was abducted and killed shortly after publicly accusing the RSF and allied #Arab militias of carrying out attacks that he described as genocidal against civilians.
https://addisstandard.com/?p=58253
The verdict, issued by a Sudanese court, marks one of the most significant judicial rulings against the RSF leadership since war erupted between the paramilitary group and the Sudanese Armed Forces (#SAF) in April 2023. The sentences were handed down in absentia because the accused are not in government custody.
The case centers on the June 2023 killing of Governor #Khamis_Abakar in #El_Geneina, the capital of #West_Darfur. #Abakar, a prominent leader of the #Masalit community, was abducted and killed shortly after publicly accusing the RSF and allied #Arab militias of carrying out attacks that he described as genocidal against civilians.
https://addisstandard.com/?p=58253
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News: #WB shifts #Ethiopia strategy toward private sector-led jobs, scales back large public projects
Accordingly, the Bank said it will no longer finance large public power generation projects, citing “existing capacity from completed investments.” It will also shift away from tourism sector investments “until conditions are more conducive,” which marks a divergence from one of the government’s top economic pillars.
Beyond economic reforms, the framework highlights Ethiopia’s persistent social challenges, particularly in education and child nutrition. The Bank notes that “90 percent of 10-year-olds [are] unable to read with understanding,” while between 35% and 40% of children suffer from stunting.
https://addisstandard.com/?p=58250
Accordingly, the Bank said it will no longer finance large public power generation projects, citing “existing capacity from completed investments.” It will also shift away from tourism sector investments “until conditions are more conducive,” which marks a divergence from one of the government’s top economic pillars.
Beyond economic reforms, the framework highlights Ethiopia’s persistent social challenges, particularly in education and child nutrition. The Bank notes that “90 percent of 10-year-olds [are] unable to read with understanding,” while between 35% and 40% of children suffer from stunting.
https://addisstandard.com/?p=58250
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News: Farmers say crops destroyed in East #Bale and West #Hararghe due to failure of Belg rains
Residents who spoke with #Addis_Standard stated that although the Belg (Spring) rains commenced around March, they abruptly stopped midway through the crop development stage, causing planted crops—particularly in the lowland areas—to dry up and fail completely.
Describing the situation, a resident from #Sewena Woreda in #East_Bale Zone, #Oromia region, said that lowland kebeles extending up to the border with the #Somali Region suffered complete crop loss due to the interrupted rainfall. A resident of Qasho Dambali kebele in Sewena Woreda noted that the Belg rains stopped almost immediately after farmers finished planting their seeds.
https://addisstandard.com/?p=58256
Residents who spoke with #Addis_Standard stated that although the Belg (Spring) rains commenced around March, they abruptly stopped midway through the crop development stage, causing planted crops—particularly in the lowland areas—to dry up and fail completely.
Describing the situation, a resident from #Sewena Woreda in #East_Bale Zone, #Oromia region, said that lowland kebeles extending up to the border with the #Somali Region suffered complete crop loss due to the interrupted rainfall. A resident of Qasho Dambali kebele in Sewena Woreda noted that the Belg rains stopped almost immediately after farmers finished planting their seeds.
https://addisstandard.com/?p=58256
#Yemen’s #Saudi-backed govt says it struck #Sanaa airport runway to block #Iranian aircraft
Yemen’s Saudi-backed government announced on Monday that it had struck the runway at Sanaa International Airport, which is under #Houthi control, saying the operation was intended to prevent an Iranian aircraft from landing in the capital. According to Yemen’s Defence Ministry, the targeted plane was reportedly operated by Iran’s Mahan Air.
The Defence Ministry said the runway was targeted after the Houthis allegedly barred Yemeni national aircraft from using the airport while allowing the Iranian flight to enter Yemeni airspace. The government also said it had offered a Yemenia Airways flight for a Houthi delegation returning from Iran after attending the funeral of Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, but the proposal was rejected. Authorities urged civilians, airport staff, and humanitarian organizations to stay away from the airport area.
https://www.facebook.com/share/18pFWwyUsL/?mibextid=wwXIfr
Yemen’s Saudi-backed government announced on Monday that it had struck the runway at Sanaa International Airport, which is under #Houthi control, saying the operation was intended to prevent an Iranian aircraft from landing in the capital. According to Yemen’s Defence Ministry, the targeted plane was reportedly operated by Iran’s Mahan Air.
The Defence Ministry said the runway was targeted after the Houthis allegedly barred Yemeni national aircraft from using the airport while allowing the Iranian flight to enter Yemeni airspace. The government also said it had offered a Yemenia Airways flight for a Houthi delegation returning from Iran after attending the funeral of Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, but the proposal was rejected. Authorities urged civilians, airport staff, and humanitarian organizations to stay away from the airport area.
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PM Abiy arrives in #Qatar to offer condolences
Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed has arrived in #Doha, Qatar, to offer #Ethiopia’s condolences following the death of Qatar’s former Amir and Father Amir, Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani.
He ruled Qatar from 1995 to 2013 and is widely credited with transforming the Gulf state into a global energy and diplomatic power, launching the Al Jazeera media network, and steering the country’s rise on the international stage, including preparations that culminated in hosting the 2022 FIFA World Cup.
The visit “reflects the longstanding friendship between Ethiopia and Qatar and honors the legacy of a leader who left a lasting impact on the region and the world,” his office said.
https://addisstandard.com/?p=58264
Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed has arrived in #Doha, Qatar, to offer #Ethiopia’s condolences following the death of Qatar’s former Amir and Father Amir, Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani.
He ruled Qatar from 1995 to 2013 and is widely credited with transforming the Gulf state into a global energy and diplomatic power, launching the Al Jazeera media network, and steering the country’s rise on the international stage, including preparations that culminated in hosting the 2022 FIFA World Cup.
The visit “reflects the longstanding friendship between Ethiopia and Qatar and honors the legacy of a leader who left a lasting impact on the region and the world,” his office said.
https://addisstandard.com/?p=58264
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