AGP Executive Report

Ethiopia’s EV push: Addis Ababa rolled out 100 electric buses in 2025 and is moving ahead as the country bans gasoline and diesel vehicle imports, pairing transport electrification with incentives and charging plans. Clean mobility investment: African EV platform Spiro secured a $215M equity round to expand battery-swapping and EV infrastructure across multiple markets, with Ethiopia flagged for future entry. Election logistics and access: Ethiopia’s 7th general election drew over 54M registered voters, but voting was canceled in Tigray and suspended in parts of Amhara due to security, while polling day faced delays and closures at some stations. Agribusiness export spotlight: Ethiopia’s strawberry sector is seeking inclusion in national programs after strong export returns—about $25M from roughly 521 hectares over five years—highlighting high-value fruit growth. Manufacturing digitisation gap: A report warns Ethiopia and wider Africa’s factories are digitising fast, but quality labs are often left behind, risking compliance and exportability. Tax pressure on air cargo: Traders in the region opposed proposed 16% VAT on aircraft spare parts, warning it could raise freight costs and hit food security.

Clean Mobility Investment: Spiro, an African EV and battery-swapping platform, secured $215m in equity funding to expand battery-swapping infrastructure, manufacturing/assembly, and EV deployment across markets including plans for Ethiopia. Energy Policy: The AfDB urged African states to diversify energy mixes and markets, fast-track PIDA energy projects, and scale renewables to cut oil import dependence. Agri-Exports Spotlight: Ethiopia’s strawberry sector is pushing for stronger inclusion in national programs after 521 hectares generated about $25m in export earnings, with high value per ton versus other fruits. Election & Logistics Reality Check: Ethiopia’s 7th general election opened nationwide with 54m+ registered voters and 52,000 polling stations, but voting was affected by security risks (including areas where polling did not open) and heavy administrative/logistics strain. Ethiopia–Dubai Trade: Dubai Chambers held meetings in Addis Ababa with Ethiopia’s Ministry of Industry and investment bodies to deepen trade and investment ties and unlock joint industrial partnerships. Logistics Liberalization: Ethiopia revised rules for foreign logistics operators, removing the 49% ownership cap while raising entry requirements like offices, warehouses, fleets, and qualified boards.

Ethiopia Election Watch: With voting set for June 1, election materials have been delivered to polling stations across regions including Degehabur, where officials say preparations are “proceeding smoothly,” as more than 54 million voters are registered for the 7th general election. Capital Markets & Finance: ECMA says it is pushing digital integration for Ethiopia’s capital market—linking investment platforms with payment systems, strengthening investor protection, improving financial literacy, and attracting foreign portfolio investment. Trade & Industry Links: Dubai Chambers held meetings in Addis Ababa with Ethiopia’s Ministry of Industry, the Ethiopian Investment Commission, and Ethiopian Investment Holdings to expand industrial cooperation, trade exchange, and joint investment. Brand & Industry Spotlight: Dangote Industries retained its “Africa’s Most Admired Brand” title for an eighth straight year in Brand Africa 100 rankings unveiled in Addis Ababa, reinforcing its industrial, jobs, and logistics footprint. Climate Finance Push: At an Africa Climate Summit in Addis Ababa, leaders urged a shift from “climate aid” to “climate investment,” calling for fair financing for adaptation and renewables. Energy Access: AfDB launched a clean cooking programme in Africa backed by Italy, targeting about one million households and aiming to cut millions of tonnes of CO2.

Ethiopia Election Countdown: Ethiopia is in the final hours before its June 1, 2026 general election, with election materials delivered to polling stations nationwide and voting set to start at 6:00 a.m.; NEBE says more than 54 million voters are registered, with 42 parties and over 10,000 candidates competing. Capital Markets & Investor Confidence: ECMA says it is pushing digital integration and investor trust in Ethiopia’s capital market, including linking investment platforms with payment systems, strengthening investor protection, and improving financial literacy to attract foreign portfolio flows. Trade & Industry Links: Dubai Chambers held meetings in Addis Ababa with Ethiopia’s Ministry of Industry, the Ethiopian Investment Commission, and Ethiopian Investment Holdings to expand industrial cooperation, private-sector partnerships, and joint investment. Agri-Value Chain Upgrade: Ethiopia inaugurated a US$30m cold storage facility in Akaki-Qaliti to cut post-harvest losses and stabilize supply for fruits, vegetables, and animal products, supporting modern logistics and market linkages. Logistics Liberalization: Ethiopia moved to fully liberalize freight forwarding, allowing foreign investors to operate without local partnership requirements, aiming to improve market efficiency and tackle inflation pressures. Energy & Climate Finance: AfDB launched a clean cooking programme for Africa with an initial €25m envelope, targeting energy access for about one million households and emissions cuts. Agroforestry for Climate Resilience: A new intra-Africa agroforestry drive led by JKUAT and Addis Ababa University targets climate mitigation through research, training, and student mobility starting September 2026.

Election Logistics: Ethiopia is distributing voting materials for the June 1, 2026 general election, with preparations underway across Sidama’s 2,266 polling stations and Dire Dawa’s 297 stations, as NEBE finalizes dispatches ahead of Monday’s vote. Cold Chain & Agribusiness: Ethiopia opened a US$30M cold storage facility in Addis Ababa (Akaki-Qaliti) to cut post-harvest losses, with capacity for 20,000 quintals of fruits/vegetables and 10,000 quintals of animal products, plus logistics support. Logistics Liberalization: Ethiopia moved to fully liberalize the freight forwarding sector for foreign investors, removing the prior joint-venture and 49% cap rules, while industry voices split on market impact. Foreign Exchange Rules: The National Bank of Ethiopia enacted a new “Franco Valuta” import directive (effective May 29) to regulate eligible users and curb illicit flows while enabling investment imports. Energy Policy: A draft energy policy approved by the Council of Ministers targets full cost recovery by 2028, with tariff reforms and a shift toward targeted subsidies. Climate Finance & Land: A new agro-forestry carbon framework shifts carbon credit title rights toward Ethiopian landowners, alongside a draft carbon market proclamation. Coffee Trade: China will allow eligible coffee beans from all 53 African countries with diplomatic ties to enter from July 20, using unified phytosanitary requirements. Power Infrastructure: The 400/220kV Mariakani substation commissioning is highlighted as a key step to stabilize power supply on Kenya’s coast, addressing long-standing transmission constraints. Wildlife Enforcement: Ethiopia is featured in efforts to combat wildlife trafficking, with East Africa described as a key transit route for illegal wildlife products.

Ethiopia Election Tech Push: With June 1, 2026 polls days away, Ethiopia’s election board says digital registration via the “Mirchaye” app has pushed registered voters to 50.5 million, alongside GIS mapping to improve polling logistics and transparency. Election Security & Voting Gaps: The NEBE also announced voting will not take place in 46 districts in Amhara and Tigray due to insecurity and political tensions, underscoring how conflict still shapes turnout and access. Transport & Aviation Expansion: PM Abiy Ahmed inaugurated Negele Borena Geda Airport in Oromia, enabling 3 weekly flights and adding to Ethiopian Airlines’ growing domestic network. E-Mobility Industrial Plan: Ethiopia launched a National E-Mobility Strategy 2025–2030, targeting charging infrastructure, regulatory reforms, local assembly, battery value chains, and skills training to build an EV ecosystem. Water-Energy Debate: A new claim from an Egyptian water expert puts GERD reservoir storage at 64 bcm instead of 74 bcm, reigniting technical arguments tied to Nile governance. Clean Energy Finance Focus (Regional): East Africa’s clean energy startups say financing remains the biggest barrier even as investor interest rises. Food Security Shock (Regional): WFP scaled up emergency food and nutrition aid in South Sudan’s Akobo amid catastrophic hunger risk, with displacement and malnutrition driving the crisis.

Electric Mobility Push: Ethiopia unveiled its National E-Mobility Strategy 2025–2030, aiming to speed up electric vehicle adoption with charging buildout, regulatory reforms, and incentives for local assembly, battery value chains, and skills training. Aviation & Connectivity: Ethiopia inaugurated Negele Borena Geda Airport, starting 3 weekly flights and adding to a growing domestic network that now totals 24 destinations for Ethiopian Airlines. Election Tech & Inclusion: With June 1 polls approaching, NEBE says Ethiopia’s 7th election is set to be more transparent and inclusive, highlighting digital voter registration via the “Mirchaye” app and GIS-based polling logistics. Food Security Shock: WFP scaled up emergency food and nutrition aid in South Sudan’s Akobo as catastrophic hunger and malnutrition deepen, with tens of thousands projected in the highest IPC phases. Fertilizer Cost Pressure: A new analysis links the Iran war’s disruption of natural gas-derived fertilizer inputs to higher global fertilizer prices, creating a policy window for domestic production and cheaper logistics. Solar Supply Surge: China’s record solar component exports are lifting demand across Africa, with Ethiopia among countries importing more panels as costs shift. Mining & Security Watch: Coverage warns northern Ethiopia remains volatile ahead of elections, with voting suspended in parts of Amhara and Tigray due to insecurity.

Aviation & Connectivity: Ethiopia inaugurated the Negele Borena Geda Airport in Oromia on May 27, enabling 3X weekly flights and adding to Ethiopian Airlines’ growing domestic network. Rural Finance & Food Security: Ethiopia urged scaled-up strategic financing for Africa’s rural transformation at IFAD14, linking agriculture, climate resilience, and rural finance to jobs and macro stability. Macro Outlook: AfDB projected Africa’s GDP growth at 4.2% in 2026, with East Africa (including Ethiopia) forecast to lead at 5.9%, supported by reforms and stronger agricultural output. Water Diplomacy: Ethiopia reiterated its push for a collaborative, win-win approach to transboundary water development and safe sanitation. Trade & Agriculture: China will open its coffee market to eligible beans from all 53 African countries from July 20, with Ethiopia already among approved exporters. Digital & Skills: Ethiopia plans to launch an AI university in 2027 to build local capacity and support its Digital Ethiopia 2030 agenda. Investment Climate: Investors continue to praise Ethiopia’s economic reforms as Ethiopia courts more business and capital. Election Disruptions: NEBE said voting will not take place in conflict-affected districts in Amhara and Tigray ahead of June 1 parliamentary elections.

Ethiopia Investment Climate: Investors say Ethiopia’s agro-processing push is gaining traction as reforms and “Made in Ethiopia” support local manufacturers and help firms like DINA Food Processing and Tena Cooking Oil expand market links and eye exports. Coffee Trade Boost: China’s customs authority will open its market from July 20, 2026 to eligible coffee beans from all 53 African countries with diplomatic ties, using unified phytosanitary rules—Ethiopia already has access. Ethiopia–Ghana Business Link: Ghana’s GIPC pitched Ethiopian firms at an Addis Ababa expo, urging them to use Ghana as an AfCFTA/ECOWAS gateway and outlining steps for market entry and incentives. Regional Health Security: IGAD launched a $31.9m pandemic preparedness project across Djibouti, Ethiopia, Kenya, Somalia, South Sudan, Sudan and Uganda, backed by WHO and IFRC, to strengthen cross-border surveillance and labs. Drone Arms Race: A new dataset maps 234 drone procurement records across Africa since 1980, showing surging buys since 2020 and dominance by China–Turkey–Israel. Energy Transition: Africa’s power pipeline is shifting toward solar, wind and storage as projects scale faster and cheaper than traditional plants.

Ethiopia–Mobility Push: Ethiopia launched its National E-Mobility Strategy 2025–2030, setting out policy reform, fleet transition, EV market growth, charging rollout, electrified public transport and local capacity building to cut fossil-fuel dependence and scale EV adoption. Air Connectivity: Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed inaugurated Negele Borena Geda Airport, boosting Ethiopian Airlines’ domestic network and enabling larger aircraft with immediate service plans. Water Security for Pastoral Areas: Abiy announced the Borena Water Supply Project is transforming East Borana and Borena zones with thousands of kilometers of pipelines, pumping stations and reservoirs to shift from emergency drought relief to long-term resilience. Industrial Policy & Trade Rules: Ethiopia moved to liberalize freight forwarding and end the monopoly on China-bound export permits, while also approving an Agribusiness Companies Proclamation to modernize farming. Capital Markets Pressure: A surge of filings overwhelmed the Ethiopian Capital Market Authority, slowing reviews and highlighting capacity gaps as the ESX aims to broaden participation. Coffee Access to China: China will open full quarantine access for eligible coffee beans from all 53 African countries starting July 20, with Ethiopia among those already secured. Dubai–Addis Business Link: Dubai Chambers held meetings in Addis Ababa with Ethiopia’s industry ministry and investment bodies to deepen trade and joint investment ties.

Transport & Connectivity: Ethiopia inaugurated the new Negele Borena Geda Airport, boosting Ethiopian Airlines’ domestic network and aiming to improve access for southern communities. Water & Agriculture: PM Abiy said the Borena Water Supply Project is transforming East Borana and Borena zones with thousands of km of pipelines and reservoirs, shifting from emergency drought relief to long-term water security and farm output. Mobility Transition: Ethiopia launched its National E-Mobility Strategy 2025–2030 to accelerate EV adoption, charging rollout, and public transport electrification while cutting costly fossil-fuel dependence. Energy Shift: Across Africa, solar, wind and battery storage are overtaking traditional power builds as projects move faster and cost less amid rising fuel-import pressure. Capital Markets: Ethiopia’s capital market regulator faced a paperwork rush as most filings landed at the ECMA deadline, exposing capacity gaps for new listings. Trade & Compliance: Ethiopia and partners pushed deforestation-free value chains to meet EU rules and create green jobs. Food & Logistics Risk: El Niño-linked rainfall swings could hit tropical rice regions, while freight disruptions are already damaging flower supply chains.

Hydropower Spotlight: Ethiopia inaugurated Africa’s largest dam, the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam, lifting hopes for cheaper power at home while Egypt and Sudan raise water and security concerns. Renewables Momentum: Across Africa, industry leaders say solar, wind and battery storage are overtaking slower coal and big-dam builds as grids struggle and fuel-import bills rise. Ethiopia–China Trade Lift: Ethiopia ended the CBE-only export-license rule for China-bound trade, easing bottlenecks for exporters and banks. Remittance Upgrade: TerraPay and Cooperative Bank of Oromia launched blockchain-based settlement for inward remittances to Ethiopia, targeting faster, more transparent euro flows. Policy Push: Cabinet approved sweeping reforms across energy, trade, insurance, statistics and women’s empowerment, alongside new agribusiness and pastoral-food financing. Regional Watch: The AU postponed the India-Africa Forum Summit 2026 due to Ebola risks, underscoring how health shocks can disrupt business calendars.

Remittance Tech Push: TerraPay, Cooperative Bank of Oromia and Quantoz launched blockchain-based settlement for euro-denominated inward remittances to Ethiopia, aiming to cut friction and boost transparency as foreign-exchange reforms reshape cross-border flows. FX Pressure in Focus: Ethiopia’s forex auction showed demand still outstripping supply, with a new clearing baseline around 159.9 birr per dollar and a widening gap between bank tiers—signaling a market under strain. Trade Rules Open Up: Ethiopia lifted the CBE-only monopoly on China-bound export permits, letting all licensed commercial banks issue permits and handle trade banking—an effort to speed up exporters’ access. Policy Momentum: The Council of Ministers approved and referred major loan agreements and a broad reform package spanning energy, trade, insurance, statistics, and women’s empowerment. Coffee Outlook: USDA forecasts Ethiopia could become the world’s fourth-largest coffee producer in 2026/27, potentially overtaking Indonesia.

Healthcare & Equity: At 9, Hamdiya Mumade’s emergency surgery experience shaped her push for more humane, patient-centered care and better outcomes for Black women. Monetary Policy Shock: Africa’s hoped-for rate cuts are stalling as Iran-linked oil price pressure brings inflation back—central banks across the region, including Ethiopia, are holding rates steady. Ebola Alert: WHO and Africa CDC warn Ebola in DR Congo is spreading rapidly; 10 countries are flagged at high risk, including Ethiopia and Kenya. Ethiopia’s Industrial Moves: Ethiopia says domestic suppliers now cover over 44% of medicines, vaccines and medical equipment procurement, and it has launched an E-Mobility Strategy (2025–2030). Fertiliser Investment: Dangote Group lifts its Ethiopia urea project plan to $4bn+ with added pipeline, power and NPK blending scope. Energy Reality Check: Kenya Power is rationing due to wind/solar shortfalls—an issue Ethiopia’s own electrification push will watch closely. Trade & Logistics Reform: Ethiopia fully liberalizes freight forwarding for foreign investors.

Ethiopia’s Health Supply Push: The Ministry of Health says domestic suppliers now cover over 44% of national procurement for medicines, vaccines and medical equipment—up from about 8% five to six years ago—signaling a faster shift toward local manufacturing. E-Mobility Rollout: Ethiopia has launched a national E-Mobility Strategy (2025–2030) aimed at cleaner cities and reduced fossil-fuel dependence, with plans spanning charging, regulation, public transport integration and private-sector participation. Fertiliser Mega-Project: Dangote’s planned Ethiopia urea complex has been scaled to over $4bn, adding a 110km pipeline, 120MW power and NPK blending—positioning Ethiopia for regional fertiliser exports. Trade & Logistics Reform: Ethiopia has fully liberalized the freight forwarding sector, opening it to foreign investors to cut logistics costs and speed up modern services. Industry Support: Ethiopia’s food fortification drive is expanding, with a B2B workshop pushing fortified staples like flour, oil, salt and maize to reduce import dependence and micronutrient gaps. Regional Context: Africa Day celebrations renewed calls for unity and development across the continent.

Logistics Liberalisation: Ethiopia is preparing to open “core” logistics operations to foreign investors, a shift from a long-closed model that local firms say risks leaving them behind unless implementation support improves. Digital Sovereignty: Addis Ababa hosted a national push for “Data Sovereignty for Policy Autonomy,” with officials arguing Ethiopia must rely on locally generated data to guide development. Trade & Integration: AfCFTA is facing a fresh test as Nigeria’s commodity-exchange push gains momentum, with leaders arguing Africa needs its own platform to trade commodities in local currencies and set African prices. Security & Interdiction: Nigeria’s NDLEA reported major drug seizures and arrests, including a 63-year-old Chinese woman accused of smuggling 31kg of synthetic cannabis via Lagos, plus large Tapentadol recoveries. Regional Risk: Climate warnings are rising across East Africa, with forecasts pointing to below-normal rainfall that could threaten food security in parts of the region.