Ethiopia will expand tourism with new resorts, eco-lodges, and cultural destinations to boost economic growth and global competitiveness. The government launched projects under the “Dine for Ethiopia” initiative, including Halala Kela Resort, Wonchi Eco-Tourism, Gorgora Resorts, and Beynouna Village. Officials say the developments aim to attract international visitors, generate revenue, support local communities, and ensure Ethiopia benefits from projected global tourism growth.

Ethiopia said negotiations to join the World Trade Organization have entered a decisive phase, signalling progress toward integration into the global trading system. Deputy Prime Minister Temesgen Tiruneh said recent advances follow renewed policy coordination and economic reforms. He noted that WTO membership could improve market access, trade predictability, and investor confidence, while supporting a more transparent and rules-based business environment for Ethiopian exporters, manufacturers, and foreign investors.

Ethiopian Airlines Cargo received recognition as a key logistics partner in the China–Belgium–Europe trade corridor, underscoring its role in global supply chains. The Belgian government and the China Logistics Association presented the award during a ceremony in Guangzhou. Over the past year, the airline operated more than 2,256 cargo flights on the route and transported over 140 million kilograms of freight, supporting time-sensitive international trade.

A senior United Nations nuclear official said nuclear energy could support Ethiopia’s clean and reliable power expansion as demand rises. International Atomic Energy Agency Deputy Director General Mikhail Chudakov said nuclear power would help address electricity access gaps and support industrial growth. He confirmed the agency is assisting Ethiopia across regulatory, safety, and workforce areas as the country advances plans to introduce nuclear power into its energy mix.

Ethiopia’s Ministry of Labor and Skills plans to facilitate overseas employment for 800,000 citizens in the current fiscal year to expand income opportunities and labor exports. Labor Minister Muferihat Kamil said overseas placements rose from about 40,000 in 2014 EFY to more than 500,000 by 2017 EFY. The ministry is strengthening bilateral agreements, improving skills training, and enhancing worker protection to support legal employment and remittance growth.

The African Development Bank approved a $184 million grant to support Phase II of Ethiopia’s Adama–Awash Expressway under the Ethiopia–Djibouti–South Sudan Transport Corridor project. The financing will fund construction of a 67-kilometre road segment linking Melka Jilo and Awash, a key route for Ethiopia’s maritime trade. Officials said the project will strengthen logistics efficiency, regional connectivity, and economic integration, while also supporting trade facilitation, skills development, and community initiatives.

Ethiopia’s Parliament Speaker Tagesse Chafo said expanding bilateral relations with Iran is a priority, citing opportunities for political, economic, and cultural cooperation. Speaking in Tehran, Chafo and Iran’s Parliament Speaker Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf highlighted more than 70 years of diplomatic ties and the role of parliamentary diplomacy. Officials said shared BRICS membership could support closer collaboration, with discussions covering trade, investment, energy, agriculture, and future reciprocal visits.

Ethiopia launched nationwide public dialogues to review achievements and challenges under the Medemer State philosophy. The discussions are taking place in more than 25 cities and bring together citizens, community leaders, and officials. Participants are assessing development progress, governance reforms, and future priorities while highlighting concerns over the cost of living, unemployment, housing, and service delivery. Officials said the dialogues aim to strengthen public ownership of reforms, enhance accountability, and promote inclusive civic participation nationwide.

Ethiopia’s National Election Board announced that the country’s seventh general election will be held on June 1, 2026. NEBE Chairperson Melatwork Hailu said preparations are underway, including organizing branch offices, improving polling stations, and training political parties. Candidate registration will be conducted through newly developed software, alongside voter registration using both digital and manual systems. The board is also finalizing digital registration tools for election observers.