The Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF) accused guarantors of the Pretoria Peace Agreement, including the US, EU, AU, and UN, of failing to act on commitments and alleged ongoing humanitarian crises in Tigray. The party rejected the Ethiopian election board’s revocation of its legal status and called for full implementation of the agreement, including the removal of occupying forces and the safe return of displaced persons. The Tigray Interim Administration emphasizes efforts to maintain peace.

Russian President Vladimir Putin met Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed in Moscow, where officials signed an action plan between Rosatom and Ethiopia’s Electric Power Corporation to develop a nuclear power plant. Senior Russian ministers and Ethiopian officials attended the talks, which covered cooperation in energy, trade, agriculture, healthcare, and defense. Putin described Ethiopia as a long-standing partner since 1898, while Abiy highlighted the importance of strengthening bilateral ties and strategic collaboration.

Ethiopia advanced its World Trade Organization (WTO) accession after concluding the sixth Working Party meeting, Trade Minister Kassahun Gofe said. The country completed bilateral negotiations with six of 18 partners, marking a milestone in its 23-year bid launched in 2003. WTO membership will expand market access, attract investment, and align Ethiopia’s trade laws with global standards.

Ethiopia inaugurated the Grand Renaissance Dam (GERD), Africa’s largest hydroelectric project, expected to generate 15,700 GWh annually and up to US$1 billion in export revenue. The project aims to boost Ethiopia’s economy and expand electricity access for 60 million people. Egypt and Sudan criticized Ethiopia’s unilateral filling of the dam, citing threats to water security. Experts say cooperation could optimize Nile water management, but mistrust and failed negotiations keep the dispute tense.

Ethiopia and Kenya renewed their Defense Cooperation Agreement (DCA), the first since 1963, to strengthen regional security and prosperity. Signed in Addis Ababa by ENDF Chief Field Marshal Berhanu Jula and KDF Chief Lt. Gen. Charles Kahariri, the pact enhances interoperability, intelligence sharing, joint training, and counter-terrorism operations. Both countries said the agreement promotes African self-reliance, builds bilateral trust, and supports peace and stability across the Horn of Africa and East Africa.

Ethiopia and China reaffirmed plans to deepen industrial cooperation, citing policy reforms, infrastructure investment, and incentives that have positioned Ethiopia as a light manufacturing hub. Industry Minister Melaku Alebel welcomed Chinese investment, while Minister Li Lecheng praised Ethiopia’s progress and pledged stronger engagement in technology transfer and industrial integration. Both governments said the partnership will drive industrialization and attract sustainable foreign investment.

President Taye Atske-Selassie met Kuwait’s Crown Prince Sheikh Sabah Al-Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Sabah on the sidelines of the 80th UN General Assembly in New York to reaffirm Ethiopia–Kuwait ties. The leaders emphasized historic diplomatic relations, pledged to reactivate 12 bilateral agreements, and discussed closer coordination on multilateral issues, including cooperation at the UN Security Council. The talks underline Ethiopia’s diplomatic outreach and efforts to strengthen Gulf partnerships.

Ethiopia began formal talks in Paris with investors to restructure its $1 billion Eurobond, which defaulted in 2023. The move follows a July deal with bilateral creditors that secured $3.5 billion in relief. Ethiopia proposed a 20% haircut, citing debt sustainability concerns, while bondholders argued the issue is liquidity. The bond gained 2.6 cents to 94.88 cents on the dollar after news of the talks.

The US State Department’s 2025 Investment Climate Statement praised Ethiopia’s reforms, including the currency float, a $10.5 billion IMF-World Bank package, the relaunch of the Ethiopian Securities Exchange, and foreign bank entry. But it cited insecurity in Amhara and Oromia, weak property rights, corruption, and forced displacement under “corridor development” projects as major risks undermining investor confidence and rule-of-law protections.