Ethiopian Airlines will operate Europe’s shortest Airbus A350 service between Geneva and Lyon, covering 53 miles, starting July 2, 2026. The flight is part of a through routing from Addis Ababa via Geneva, operated by an A350-900 widebody. The airline said the move supports fleet efficiency and network expansion by keeping aircraft productive during European daytime hours, while providing long-haul cabin comfort on a brief intra-European segment within its growing European network and expanded continental connectivity.

The Ethiopian Customs Commission said it is expanding the use of technology under the Digital Ethiopia 2030 strategy to improve trade facilitation and service delivery. Deputy Commissioner Muluwork Derese said paperless systems, electronic cargo tracking, and the electronic Single Window platform now link over 80 institutions. The reforms aim to reduce clearance times, limit physical contact, curb smuggling, and enhance transparency through automated, AI-enabled customs operations.

Qatar and Ethiopia held business-focused talks to expand cooperation in the livestock and fisheries sectors. Qatar’s Ministry of Municipality met Ethiopia’s State Minister for Livestock and Fisheries Resources Development to explore commercial partnerships, sector investment, and knowledge exchange. Discussions centered on strengthening value chains, improving production systems, and advancing trade opportunities in livestock and fisheries. The engagement reflects growing economic collaboration between the two countries in agriculture-related industries with potential for mutual market growth.

French retailer Carrefour has entered Ethiopia through a franchise and supply deal with Queens Supermarket PLC, part of Midroc Investment Group. Under the agreement, 13 existing stores will rebrand as Carrefour Market in 2026. The company plans to open 17 new outlets by 2028. The expansion follows Carrefour’s recent entry into Ghana and targets Ethiopia’s growing urban population, rising middle class, and increasing demand for modern retail formats.

Ethiopian Airlines will break ground on the Bishoftu Mega International Airport to ease congestion at Bole International Airport and support the airline’s rapid expansion. Group CEO Mesfin Tasew said the new hub will initially handle 60 million passengers annually and could exceed 100 million in capacity. The airport city will also strengthen Ethiopia’s position as a regional aviation and economic hub, attracting investment and boosting trade.

Ethiopia is expanding exports of value-added coffee to increase foreign currency earnings, according to the Ethiopian Coffee and Tea Authority. The shift prioritizes roasted and ground coffee over raw beans as part of a long-term sector strategy. Ethiopia earned $2.6 billion from exporting about 470,000 tons last fiscal year. Reforms include productivity gains, quality controls, shorter supply chains, and guidelines that enable domestic value addition and foreign-currency sales, aimed at boosting competitiveness and sustainable market access worldwide.

Ethiopia has recorded a significant reduction in maternal and infant mortality following sustained health sector investments, the Ministry of Health said. The ministry reported higher rates of facility-based childbirth, expanded maternal health services, and wider access to surgical and emergency services. Officials cited the growing number of voluntary blood donors as key to reducing postpartum hemorrhage. The gains were highlighted during Healthy Motherhood Month, which promotes sustainable financing and innovation in maternal and newborn care.

The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees has praised Ethiopia for its leadership in managing one of Africa’s largest refugee and internal displacement situations amid declining global humanitarian funding. UNHCR said Ethiopia hosts more than one million refugees from neighboring countries and continues to support internally displaced people affected by conflict and climate shocks. The agency highlighted Ethiopia’s inclusive asylum policy, strong institutions, and close coordination with the government and host communities.

The Ethiopian Council of Ministers approved new regulations covering mining, housing, finance, health, immigration, aviation security, cooperatives, sports, and public service delivery. The cabinet authorized mining license agreements to increase fertilizer supply and foreign exchange earnings. It endorsed a new housing policy and reviewed a $30 million concessional loan for medical equipment. Several revised proclamations were sent to parliament for ratification.