Ethiopia’s Bale Mountains National Park reported a sharp increase in tourist arrivals and revenue following major road and tourism infrastructure upgrades. Park officials said 3,690 visitors arrived in the first quarter, with foreign tourists making up 45%, a rise of more than 17% from last year. Local eco-tourism groups earned nine million Birr, while park revenue reached 600,000 Birr. Officials noted that UNESCO World Heritage status continues to strengthen the park’s international appeal.

Ethiopia will sign a Host Country Collaborative Agreement to launch the Gas-by-Rail Economic Corridor Initiative valued at $29 trillion. The project establishes a 73,500-kilometre freight railway network to move densified natural gas across 40 countries. Officials said the system will expand clean-energy access and reduce wood fuel use. Ethiopia will host the Ethio-Cluster industrial hub, with leaders planning a 2026 summit to advance cross-border protocols.

Ethiopia launched its National Digital Payment Strategy 2026–2030 and an Instant Payment System at a conference in Addis Ababa. Officials said the strategy will strengthen interoperability, expand digital access, and support ongoing reforms. Deputy Prime Minister Temesgen Tiruneh noted progress in digital services and emphasized inclusion and trust. National Bank Governor Eyob Tekalign said the plan will support secure systems, data exchange, and innovation while addressing infrastructure and access gaps.

M-PESA Ethiopia said Ethio Telecom blocked customer access to its newly launched mobile money app, escalating an ongoing dispute in the telecom market. The company said users on Ethio Telecom’s network could not log in or transact despite regulatory approval. A recent World Bank assessment noted similar concerns about unequal market conditions and structural advantages held by the state operator. The incident renewed debate on Ethiopia’s telecom liberalization and investor confidence.

IMF Deputy Managing Director Nigel commended Ethiopia’s economic reform momentum during meetings with senior officials in Addis Ababa. Clarke said the Homegrown Economic Reform Agenda, supported by a four-year IMF program, has delivered notable gains, including stronger foreign exchange reserves, lower inflation, and rising tax revenues. Finance Minister Ahmed Shide said the reforms are stabilizing the economy and promoting private sector-led growth. Officials also noted improved export earnings and a more flexible foreign exchange market.

Ethiopia is integrating climate resilience into its economic reform agenda to attract investment and expand green financing, State Minister Bereket Fisehatsion said at the Ethiopian Capital Market Summit. He noted that climate policy tools and the Homegrown Economic Agenda are helping strengthen regulatory systems and modernize financial markets. Officials said efficient capital markets will be essential for mobilizing private investment and supporting long-term growth, underscored by the launch of the Ethiopian Securities Exchange.