Foreign banks seeking to operate in Ethiopia must follow new rules set by the National Bank of Ethiopia. They need an investment-grade credit rating of at least BBB- and a minimum paid-up capital of Birr 5 billion. Approval from home regulators is also required. The law limits foreign ownership in domestic banks to 49% and mandates joint supervision agreements to ensure the stability of the banking system.

Akobo Minerals AB reported strong performance in October 2025, producing 7 kilograms of doré gold at its Segele mine in Ethiopia, surpassing its 5-kilogram target. The company also made major progress in vertical shaft development, site preparation, and camp upgrades. Akobo, listed on the Euronext Growth Oslo and Frankfurt exchanges, said the developments reinforce its operational and sustainability goals, strengthening its presence in Ethiopia’s growing gold mining sector.

Ethiopian Airlines has partnered with Sabre Corporation to adopt the SabreMosaic Airline Retailing system, accelerating its shift to AI-driven pricing and personalized offers. The technology enables the carrier to manage real-time offers, enhance fare flexibility, and expand distribution through modern channels. The move supports Ethiopia’s Vision 2035 strategy to become one of the world’s top 20 airlines by passenger traffic while strengthening competitiveness and boosting ancillary revenue across global markets.

A business mission from Azerbaijan will visit Addis Ababa from November 23 to explore trade and investment opportunities, according to the Africa Azerbaijan Cooperation (AFAZ). The program includes a business forum, B2B and B2G meetings, and visits to industrial parks. The mission aims to boost economic cooperation, strengthen partnerships, and expand the Azerbaijani business presence in Africa, following high-level discussions between the economic ministers of both countries last year.

Safaricom Plc has reduced its losses in Ethiopia to 13.3 billion shillings in the six months ending September, down from 28.2 billion a year earlier, as its customer base nearly doubled to 11.1 million. Group net income rose 52%  to 42.8 billion shillings, driven by growth in Kenya and Ethiopia. CEO Peter Ndegwa said the market holds major potential despite currency challenges. Safaricom expects profitability in Ethiopia by fiscal year 2027.

The Ethiopian Youth Entrepreneurs Association and Saudi Arabia’s Small and Medium Enterprises General Authority (Monsha’at) have signed a partnership to strengthen cooperation between young entrepreneurs from both countries. Announced during the BIBAN 2025 Forum in Riyadh, the agreement focuses on knowledge exchange, startup matchmaking, capacity building, and access to cross-border markets. The initiative supports Saudi Vision 2030 and aims to foster sustainable, youth-led innovation and job creation across both regions.

Ethiopia’s Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed reaffirmed that the country’s pursuit of Red Sea access will remain peaceful and rooted in dialogue. Responding to lawmakers, he described the issue as legal, historical, and economic, stressing regional cooperation over confrontation. MP Buzuayehu Degefa said access to the Red Sea is vital for Ethiopia’s trade, logistics, and collective prosperity in the Horn of Africa, aligning with national transformation goals and growing international recognition.

Tigray’s Interim Administration, led by Tadesse Worede, denied claims that Tigray forces entered Afar region, countering Afar’s accusation of border violations. The administration accused unidentified actors of fueling conflict and criticized the federal government’s slow implementation of the Pretoria peace deal. Meanwhile, Afar alleged that TPLF attacks displaced about 2,000 civilians, while TPLF accused the federal army of drone strikes breaching the peace accord.

Ethiopia’s national mega-projects are central to its foreign policy and economic sovereignty, political scholar Prof. Brooke Hailu Beshah said. He cited the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) as a symbol of national unity and self-reliance, alongside new ventures such as a nuclear power plant, Bishoftu Airport, and a fertilizer factory. Prof. Brooke noted these projects will strengthen food and energy security, deepen regional integration, and promote peaceful, development-driven cooperation across the Horn of Africa.