#Nairobi Railway City project gets boost under renewed #UK-#Kenya deal

Kenya and the United Kingdom have renewed their strategic partnership, setting the momentum for more bilateral trade and investment.

The pact, which succeeds the 2020-2025 framework, is also expected to deliver growth in Information and Communication Technology.

It will also cement the two countries’ joint responses to global and regional peace and security challenges.

This follows a Tuesday meeting between President William Ruto and Prime Minister Keir Starmer of the United Kingdom at 10 Downing Street in London.

President Ruto said the partnership will double Kenya-UK trade volumes in the next five years.

“This will be transformative; it will improve mobility, stimulate growth and foster prosperity in the Nairobi Metropolitan.”

He said the financing framework for the project was being finalized, with Kenya undertaking to provide counterpart funding.

https://www.citizen.digital/news/nairobi-railway-city-project-gets-boost-under-renewed-uk-kenya-deal-n365551

#Ethiopia: Lawmakers approve landmark law allowing foreigners to own homes with $150,000 investment threshold

The House of People’s Representatives has approved a landmark proclamation allowing foreign nationals to own immovable residential property in Ethiopia, marking a major policy shift aimed at “attracting foreign investment” and “boosting the housing sector”.

Regardless, some lawmakers voiced concern that the threshold might be “too low,” potentially opening the door to “uncontrolled influx” of foreign nationals.

The new law sets a minimum investment threshold of $150,000 and permits ownership of residences, but not the land itself, in an attempt to maintain Ethiopia’s constitutional principle that land remains collectively owned by the people and government. Foreign ownership is limited to the investor and their immediate family, with regional states responsible for enforcement outside the capital.

https://addisstandard.com/?p=51200

#Ethiopia: #Tigray Islamic Council accuses #Axum education officials of barring hijab-wearing students from national exam; Education Bureau denies allegations

The Tigray Islamic Affairs Supreme Council has accused local education officials in Axum of preventing 14 Muslim female students from sitting for the national 12th-grade examination, citing “months-long restrictions” on wearing the hijab.

Haji Mohammod Kahsay, General Secretary of the Council, told Addis Standard the students “were not registered like other students,” alleging that their “registration was done at a hotel.” He claimed the girls “were not allowed to attend classes unless they removed their hijabs,” and that even after registration, they “were not permitted to enter the school compound” or receive their admission cards.

He said the exclusion persisted for “more than seven months,” during which time the girls “have been prevented from attending school.” Haji Mohammod described the situation as a “violation of their rights” and said the Council was “raising the matter with the appropriate authorities” while also engaging the local community.

In response, the Tigray Education Bureau denied the allegations. Kiros Guesh (PhD), head of the Bureau, said in a statement on Monday that “no Muslim student has been expelled from a testing center for wearing a hijab.” He stated that the 24 registered female students “did not show up of their own volition,” and confirmed they would be allowed to sit for the second-round exams scheduled for 03 July 2025.

https://addisstandard.com/?p=51204

#USAID cuts may cause 14 million more deaths in next five years, study says

Funding cuts to the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) by the #Trump administration could lead to more than 14 million additional deaths globally over the next five years, according to a new study, as the toll of the government’s dismantling of one of the largest aid agencies worldwide unfolds.

The study, published Monday in the Lancet, estimates that 91 million deaths in low- to middle-income countries were prevented between 2001 and 2021, owing to USAID, whose programs have played a vital role administering humanitarian and developmental assistance to vulnerable populations around the world.

Through projection models assessing two scenarios — one in which 2023 funding levels continue and another that reflects the cancellation of 83 percent of USAID’s programs announced by the Trump administration — researchers estimated that more than 14 million preventable deaths could occur by 2030, including 4.5 million deaths among children under 5, if cuts continue.

https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/2025/07/01/usaid-cuts-aid-14-million-deaths/

#AfDB approves $400,000 in grant funding to deepen #Ethiopia’s capital markets

The African Development Bank Group's Capital Markets Development Trust Fund approved a $400,000 technical assistance grant for the Ethiopian Capital Market Authority and the Ethiopian Securities Exchange.

Under the Ethiopia Capital Market Development Support Project, the grant will advance infrastructure development at the Ethiopian Capital Market Authority (ECMA) and support the Ethiopian Securities Exchanges (ESX) to diversify product offerings and strengthen capacity. Established in June 2021, the ECMA is the regulator of Ethiopia’s capital market industry; ESX is the country’s securities exchange, offering shares and other market products to investors. The grant will be sourced from the Capital Markets Development Trust Fund (CMDTF), a multi-donor trust fund managed by the African Development Bank.

At the ECMA, the funding will support the establishment of a public disclosure platform to enable the timely and accurate dissemination of company information to investors, shareholders, and other market actors, and ultimately improve decision-making and fair price discovery in the market. The ESX is expected to expand its offerings to include exchange-traded funds, sukuks, and green bonds.

https://www.afdb.org/en/news-and-events/press-releases/afdbs-capital-markets-development-trust-fund-approves-400000-technical-assistance-grant-ethiopian-capital-market-authority-and-ethiopian-securities-exchange-85077

#Ethiopia: Safaricom reaches 10 million subscribers in #Ethiopia

Safaricom Ethiopia, which officially launched its telecom services in the Ethiopian market in October 2022, has announced that it has reached 10 million subscribers. The company stated that it has provided daily telecom services to these 10 million users across the country for 90 consecutive days.

Out of the 10 million subscribers, 7.1 million are internet users, and each user consumes an average of 6.5 gigabytes of data per month, according to Safaricom.
Safaricom said that it has invested a total of 300 billion birr in Ethiopia over the past four years. The company stated that it is providing 4G internet services in 150 cities across Ethiopia and 31,000 new customers are joining its network daily.

“To say we now have 10 million customers means we’ve surpassed a milestone,” said Safaricom Ethiopia CEO Wim Vanhelleputte, adding, “This shows the strong trust Ethiopians have placed in us.”

#Op_ed: False Claims, Real Stakes:Why #Ethiopia should refute Trump’s recent remarks about #GERD

U.S. President Donald Trump recently made controversial remarks on Truth Social concerning the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD), claiming that “#America funded” the project and that it “has cut off water from the #Nile_River, reducing Egypt's water supply.” Abdirezak Sahane Elmi, the author of this op-ed, firmly refutes these assertions, describing Trump’s comments as “illogical and dangerously irresponsible.” He argues that the statement reflects “a deliberate attempt to inflame geopolitical tensions” and “weaponize misinformation for political gain.” He further emphasizes that such rhetoric oversimplifies a highly complex issue and evokes colonial-era power dynamics while disregarding Ethiopia’s sovereignty and the region’s fragile stability.

The author underscores that the GERD was constructed without foreign assistance,relying primarily on domestic resources and the collective contributions of the
Ethiopian people. He also recalls similar remarks made by Trump in 2020, when the president suggested that #Egypt might “blow up” the dam—a comment that Ethiopia swiftly denounced as a “belligerent threat.” While the current official response has been notably restrained, Abdirezak warns that such silence may be misinterpreted as a sign of weakness, noting, “In the realm of global power dynamics, silence can be mistaken for weakness.”

The author cautions that “failure to counter Trump’s rhetoric risks emboldening foreign actors” intent on exploiting regional divisions. He calls for “unified national resolve,” urging that the GERD be treated as “a non-partisan, national priority” in the face of “disinformation and growing foreign interference.” As a sovereign nation, Abdirezak writes, “Ethiopia should strive to determine its own path to development—free from threats, distortions, or pressure from Western actors engaged in global power plays.”

https://addisstandard.com/false-claims-real-stakes-why-ethiopia-should-refute-trumps-recent-remarks-about-gerd/

#Ethiopia: #ONLF rejects #Jigjiga conference by state-backed group as orchestrated takeover, warns of consequences

The Ogaden National Liberation Front (ONLF) has rejected a recent conference held in #Somali region’s capital, Jigjiga, calling it an “illegitimate and politically orchestrated” attempt to dismantle its leadership. In a statement issued on 30 June, ONLF accused the ruling Prosperity Party, the National Election Board of Ethiopia (NEBE), and the Somali regional government of working together to install a “manufactured leadership” aligned with federal interests.

ONLF warned that the move threatens the 2018 peace agreement and could reignite tensions. “The state has no interest in reconciliation - only control,” the party stated, reaffirming that its leadership remains democratically elected and rooted in the people. It also condemned the militarization of the region and linked the recent political interference to efforts aimed at extracting oil from #Ogaden without local consent.

The party called on the international community and investors to “halt all operations in Ogaden until a transparent, just, and inclusive political framework is restored.” As a rival group, reportedly backed by federal and region state governments, attempt to claim the ONLF leadership, the party urged the Somali people to “reject imposed leadership and false representation” and reiterated its commitment to a democratic, federal Ethiopia.

https://addisstandard.com/?p=51221

#Iran made preparations to mine the #Strait_of_Hormuz, #US sources say

The Iranian military loaded naval mines onto vessels in the Persian Gulf last month, a move that intensified concerns in Washington that Tehran was gearing up to blockade the Strait of Hormuz following Israel's strikes on sites across Iran, according to two U.S. officials.

The previously unreported preparations, which were detected by U.S. intelligence, occurred sometime after Israel launched its initial missile attack against Iran on June 13, said the officials, who requested anonymity to discuss sensitive intelligence matters.

The loading of the mines - which have not been deployed in the strait - suggests that Tehran may have been serious about closing one of the world's busiest shipping lanes, a move that would have escalated an already-spiraling conflict and severely hobbled global commerce.

About one-fifth of global oil and gas shipments pass through the Strait of Hormuz and a blockage would likely have spiked world energy prices.

Global benchmark oil prices have instead fallen more than 10% since the U.S. strikes on Iran's nuclear facilities, driven in part by relief that the conflict did not trigger significant disruptions in the oil trade.

https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/iran-made-preparations-mine-strait-hormuz-us-sources-say-2025-07-01/

#Ethiopia: Army claims neutralizing over 80 #Fano combatants in #Gojjam and #South_Gonder Zones as #Amhara region conflict drags on

The Ethiopian National Defense Forces (ENDF) has claimed the killing of 83 Fano fighters during what it called a “coordinated operation” in Gojjam and South Gondar zones of the Amhara region between 25 June and 02 July. According to the army, the offensive also left 39 wounded, 12 captured, and resulted in “20 voluntary surrenders,” alongside the seizure of weapons and vehicles.

The announcement follows recent remarks by Army Chief of Staff Field Marshal Birhanu Jula, who told lawmakers that “90% of operations in Amhara region have been completed,” with efforts ongoing to “eliminate” the remaining “extremist armed groups.” But the latest figures - and continued reports of clashes - highlight a persistent and deepening conflict.

In April, ENDF claimed to have killed over 300 fighters in a single day in Gojjam, amid rising concern over drone strikes and civilian casualties.

A recent in-depth report by Addis Standard revealed despite dire humanitarian needs and displacements, the two-year conflict in the region has entered a new phase marked by the growing role of regional paramilitary units and anti-riot police.

https://addisstandard.com/army-claims-naturalizing-more-than-80-fano-combatants-in-gojjam-and-s-gonder-zones-as-amhara-region-conflict-drags-on/

An #African_Union military helicopter crashes in #Somalia’s capital, killing at least 3

At least three people were killed when a military helicopter serving the African Union peacekeeping mission in Somalia crashed Wednesday at the airport in the capital, #Mogadishu, according to Somali authorities.

The helicopter was arriving from Balli-doogle Airfield in the Lower Shabelle region with eight people on board. At least three people have been confirmed killed, said Artan Mohamed, who heads the immigration office at Mogadishu’s Aden Abdulle airport.

The helicopter originally belonged to the Ugandan Air Force but was being operated by the African Union peacekeeping mission, he said.

Ahmed Moalim Hassan, director-general of the Somalia Civil Aviation Authority, told state media that investigations are underway to determine the full extent of casualties and damage.

“Once the situation is under control and the fire is extinguished by the firefighters, we will know more,” he said. “The firefighting team is still working to contain the fire — most of it has been put out, but there is still smoke, which we hope will be cleared soon.”

Aviation officer Omar Farah, who was among the first to reach the wreckage, told the AP the he “saw the helicopter spinning and then it fell very fast.”
https://apnews.com/article/somalia-african-union-crash-mogadishu-aden-adde-969f61f53c502f6da4fd579bd22b26b5

Analysis: Proposed #CSO law amendment raises fears of #Ethiopia’s repressive backslide

A proposed amendment to Ethiopia’s Civil Society Organizations (CSO) Proclamation is facing strong backlash from rights groups and advocates, who warn it could signal a return to Ethiopia’s repressive laws.

The draft law seen by Addis Standard reveals one major structural change which allows authorities to suspend CSOs based on suspicion alone and ban foreign or foreign-established groups from engaging in any election-related activities. The draft also proposes that registration can be denied if “the Authority believes the organization poses a threat to national security.”
“If passed, the amendment will narrow the civil space, there is no doubt about that,” said rights advocate Befekadu Hailu.

A senior legal expert warned the draft would strip CSOs of their right to judicial appeal, calling it “an inappropriate extension of executive power.”

The proposal comes amid Ethiopia’s deteriorating civic space. The Ethiopian Human Rights Defenders Center recently said several CSO leaders have fled the country due to threats and harassment, while Amnesty International condemned the recent suspension of three rights groups as part of a “growing crackdown.”

International organizations have echoed the alarm. The Observatory for the Protection of Human Rights Defenders called the bill “a major step backwards,” warning it undermines key freedoms.

Befekadu drew parallels to post-2005 crackdowns, saying, “All three suppressive laws – the media law, the terrorism law, and the CSO law – are being reversed.”
https://addisstandard.com/?p=51233

Researchers uncover oldest-ever #Ethiopian #Jewish noscriptures

Tel Aviv University researchers have identified two 15th-century manunoscripts as the oldest known sacred texts of Ethiopia’s Jewish community, Beta Israel.

The discovery was made as part of a program dedicated to preserving, studying, and continuing the biblical traditions of Ethiopian Jewry.

The team identified four Orit scrolls—two from the 15th century and two from the 18th—as well as 13 additional sacred books dated to between the 17th and 20th centuries.


All the manunoscripts were documented with the permission of their owners and remain in their hands, so they can continue to serve their communities. Tel Aviv University stated that this effort now enables academic research and the creation of a digital archive in the National Library.

https://www.ynetnews.com/jewish-world/article/rjvsewmsel

#IMF Executive Board completes third review under Extended Credit Facility for #Ethiopia, unlocks $262.3M in support

The Executive Board of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) concluded today the 2025 Article IV consultation with Ethiopia together with the third review of the 48-month Extended Credit Facility (ECF). The Board’s decision allows for an immediate disbursement of about US$262.3 million (SDR 191.7 million), which will help Ethiopia meet its balance of payments and fiscal financing needs. The completion of the review brings total disbursements under the arrangement to about US$1.873 billion.


https://www.imf.org/en/News/Articles/2025/07/02/pr-25234-ethiopia-imf-completes-3rd-rev-under-ecf-arrang-and-2025-art-iv-consult

#Ethiopia: PM Abiy confirms #GERD inauguration in September, invites #Egypt, #Sudan, and all Nile Basin countries to attend

Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed confirmed today that the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) will be inaugurated in September following the end of the current rainy season, and extended a formal invitation to Egypt, Sudan, and all Nile Basin countriesto attend the ceremony.

Speaking during a question-and-answer session with members of parliament, the Prime Minister said, “Because Parliament is the highest organ, I am extending an invitation in front of this Parliament for Egypt, Sudan, and all Nile Basin countries to join in the inauguration.”

Reaffirming Ethiopia’s position, Prime Minister Abiy emphasized that the GERD will not cause harm to downstream nations. The Aswan Dam has not lost a single liter of water, he said, adding that Ethiopia has “no desire for either Egypt or Sudan to be harmed.”

PM Abiy says #Ethiopia to begin supplying domestically produced gas for first time as export ambition shift to domestic consumption

Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed announced that Ethiopia will soon begin supplying domestically produced natural gas to the market for the first time.

The government has partnered with private companies to develop gas resources in the Somali Regional State’s Ogaden Basin, where Ethiopia received its first gas reserves certificate confirming the presence of seven trillion cubic feet (TCF) of natural gas.

PM Abiy said today that the first phase of production has been completed and is expected to be “inaugurated soon.”

The Ogaden oil and gas exploration has been facing criticisms for years, including from the Ogaden National Liberation Front (ONLF) over lack of transparency, public safety and the renewed engagement with Chinese company Poly-GCL. The group recently denounced a meeting held between the Chinese company Poly-GCL and local Somali region officials, calling it an attempt to “plunder Somali resources” while ignoring the political rights of the Somali people.

Today’s announcement by PM Abiy also came as a recent report revealed that Ethiopia has abandoned its earlier ambitious plan to export natural gas through a pipeline to Djibouti, a project halted mainly due to funding shortages and delays. Instead, the government is now prioritizing domestic utilization of its gas reserves, focusing on fertilizer production and electricity generation to boost local development.

This pivot aligns with recent news that of a $3 billion agreement with Dangote Industries to build a large fertilizer plant in the Somali Region. Prime Minister Abiy said the inauguration of a new fertilizer factory will be held after 40 months.

https://addisstandard.com/pm-abiy-says-ethiopia-to-begin-supplying-domestically-produced-gas-for-first-time-as-export-ambition-shift-to-domestic-consumption/

#Ethiopia: PM Abiy likens economic reform challenges to painful chemotherapy treatment

Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed compared the challenges facing the ongoing economic reform his administration started in the summer of 2024 to battling cancer that cannot be cured with just painkillers.

“When this reform started, I said it would be painful. It’s a disease like a cancer. We cannot treat cancer with painkillers,” he said addressing lawmakers.

He explained that just as chemotherapy is itself a harsh treatment but necessary for cure, so too is the reform an exhausting ordeal that tests resilience.

“A person who believes this [treatment] and endures the difficult treatment does so with the thought that they will find a cure after that terrible and exhausting ordeal.”

Watch

#Ethiopia: PM Abiy repeats pursuit of sea access peacefully, dismisses war specters with #Eritrea

Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed repeated that Ethiopia’s pursuit of access to the sea will only be through peaceful means, while emphasizing the country’s sovereign right to this vital goal.

“Our desire is to sow good seeds. We want access to sea based on the principle of mutual benefit, not by force,” he told parliamentarians, stressing the need for cooperation and respect for neighbors’ sovereignty.

Addressing concerns over possible conflict with Eritrea, PM Abiy dismissed fears of war, saying, “We do not desire any conflict on our part; they should also do the same.”

He also highlighted Ethiopia’s capacity to defend itself while underscoring “seven years” of peaceful relations with neighboring countries.

The Prime Minister’s remarks come amid rising diplomatic tensions. Last week Eritrea accused Ethiopia of provocative actions and military posturing.

Despite the rhetoric, PM Abiy stressed Ethiopia’s commitment to peace and shared growth: “We want to live in peace with all our neighbors. However, if there is anything that threatens our peace, Ethiopia has sufficient capacity to defend itself.”

https://addisstandard.com/?p=51246

#Ethiopia: PM Abiy tells religious leaders, stakeholders to ‘act now’ to prevent war in #Tigray; warns it will be ‘worthless after conflict begins”

Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed today issued a call to all religious leaders across Ethiopia to immediately intervene to prevent the escalation of conflict in Tigray, warning that any efforts to speak after war breaks out would be futile.

Speaking during the 42th regular session of the House of Peoples’ Representatives, PM Abiy responded to questions from parliamentarians on the current tensions in the war-torn Tigray region, urging, “you have no other work. Immediately start your work now to prevent Tigray from entering conflict, from entering war; it will be worthless if you speak after it begins.”

The Prime Minister also called on investors, diplomats, scholars, and embassies to play proactive roles in averting conflict. “Because if it starts, it will not be what we knew before; things will deteriorate,” he cautioned.

https://addisstandard.com/pm-abiy-tells-religious-leaders-stakeholders-to-act-now-to-prevent-war-in-tigray-warns-it-will-be-worthless-after-conflict-begins/?amp=1

#Ethiopia: #AfDB approves $50M trade finance guarantee to boost SMEs, local corporates via #Awash_Bank

The African Development Bank has approved a $50 million Trade Finance Transaction Guarantee Facility to support Awash Bank’s trade finance operations in Ethiopia.

In a statement sent to Addis Standard, the Bank said the facility aims to boost access to import financing for SMEs and local corporates while strengthening intra-African trade. “Trade finance is an important driver of economic growth,” said Lamin Drammeh, AfDB’s Head of Trade Finance. “We are delighted to work with Awash, a strong partner with deep knowledge and networks in Ethiopia.”

Awash Bank CEO Tsehay Shiferaw said the AfDB facility will ease the need for cash collateral and boost liquidity. “It will enable us to support more trade clients and strengthen our relationships with international and African confirming banks,” he said.

Just days ago, Awash Bank announced it has generated over 22 billion birr in pre-tax, unaudited profit for the 2024/25 fiscal year. The bank recorded a 77% growth in total income, reaching 64 billion birr.

https://addisstandard.com/?p=51257

Analysis: Calls for peace, restrain echo as intra-faction rifts threaten Tigray’s fragile peace

As internal rifts deepen in Tigray, civil society organizations have issued a public campaign under the banner “Peace and Dialogue”, urging an end to escalating tensions.

In a joint statement, groups including Solidarity of Tigrayans for Independence and Liberty and Voice for Democracy and Social Justice cautioned that the region risks sliding back into an intra-factional conflict if dialogue is not prioritized. “Let us all refrain from inflammatory speech, condemn those who incite such speech, and deny them recognition and attention,” the groups pleaded.

Opposition party Salsay Weyane Tigray echoed the alarm, calling the current moment “a path of mutual destruction.” The party urged all political actors to urgently return to “civilized dialogue” and warned that Tigray “cannot find a solution through violence.” Leake Zegeye of Solidarity of Tigrayans emphasized to Addis Standard, “Our recommendation is dialogue. That is the only way differences can be settled amicably.”

His remarks follow reports of a new armed group, Tigray Peace Force, entering the region from Afar under the command of Brig. Gen. Gebreegzabher Beyene. This week saw an incident in and around Sen’ale Tabia in the Wajerat district, in southern Tigray, where tensions were reported between Tigrayan forces and armed forces affiliated with the Tigray Peace Force, prompting the call from the civil society groups.

Last week, Lt. Gen. Fiseha Kidanu, Head of the Tigray Security Bureau, during his address at the Tigray Martyrs’ Memorial Day in Asgede, northwestern Tigray called on the forces in Afar to return home. He accused, “the Ethiopian government is supporting forces in Afar, Amhara and in Tselemti parts of Tigray to incite conflict between each other.”

However, speaking in parliament today, Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed distanced the federal government and urged all stakeholders to “act now”. He warned that “it will be worthless if you speak after it begins.”
https://addisstandard.com/calls-for-peace-retrain-echo-as-intra-faction-rifts-threaten-tigrays-fragile-peace/