Ethiopia earned more than $2.48 billion from exports in the first quarter of the current Ethiopian fiscal year, Trade and Regional Integration Minister Kassahun Gofe said. The figure marks a 65% increase from the same period last year and represents 117% of the quarterly target. Key export sectors drove the growth, positioning Ethiopia to meet its $9.4 billion annual goal and advance integration with regional markets under the African Continental Free Trade Area.

The European Investment Bank (EIB) approved $110 million for Ethiopia’s Rural Financial Intermediation Program Phase III. The commitment followed Finance Minister Ahmed Shide’s meetings with EU and EIB officials during the World Bank and IMF Annual Meetings in Washington, D.C. The funding aims to expand rural financial access, support small enterprises, and boost agricultural productivity. Both sides reaffirmed their partnership to promote inclusive growth, private sector development, and sustainable economic transformation.

Ethiopia’s Finance Minister Ahmed Shide met with senior officials from the U.S. International Development Finance Corporation (DFC) in Washington, D.C., to discuss financing options for Ethiopia’s planned international airport project. The talks, held during the IMF-World Bank Annual Meetings, focused on potential U.S. investment, guarantees, and partnerships with private-sector firms. The project aims to expand passenger and cargo capacity, improve logistics efficiency, and support Ethiopia’s aviation and economic infrastructure growth.

The Commission of Inquiry on Tigray Genocide (CITG) released a report accusing Ethiopia’s transitional justice process of inefficacy and bias, saying it failed to meet international standards. The report documented widespread sexual and gender-based violence in Tigray, affecting nearly 300,000 women and girls. CITG said the crimes amounted to genocide, crimes against humanity, and war crimes, implicating Ethiopian and Eritrean forces. The Commission called for independent international investigations and survivor-centered rehabilitation.

Ethiopia reaffirmed its commitment to advancing peace and stability in Africa during the 17th International Training on Post-Conflict Reconstruction in Addis Ababa. The forum, organized by Romania’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Ethiopia’s Institute of Foreign Affairs, brought together experts from across the continent. IFA Executive Director Jafar Bedru highlighted Ethiopia’s efforts in National Dialogue and Transitional Justice, while Romanian officials emphasized regional collaboration and combating disinformation to strengthen peacebuilding.

Ambassador Tibor Nagy, former US Ambassador to Ethiopia, urged Egypt to shift from political confrontation to technical dialogue with Ethiopia over the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam. Nagy warned that pressure tactics toward Ethiopia are counterproductive and advised Cairo to engage professionally on technical issues. His comments follow renewed tensions amid African Union-led talks. Nagy said Ethiopia’s self-financed hydroelectric dam exemplifies regional cooperation and national determination to boost energy access across Africa.

Ethio Telecom launched Znexus, a range of affordable, cloud-powered smart devices designed to expand digital access across Ethiopia. CEO Frehiwot Tamiru said the initiative targets affordability gaps that limit internet use. The Znexus lineup includes smart feature phones, tablets, and laptops linked to Ethio Telecom’s TeleCloud platform. The company plans to distribute 3.5 million devices by year-end, supporting its Horizon Strategy for nationwide digital inclusion by 2028.