Update: #Egypt, #Somalia, #Turkey, and #Djibouti reject #Israel’s official recognition of #Somaliland
Egypt, Somalia, Turkey, and Djibouti have jointly rejected and condemned Israel’s reported recognition of Somaliland, reaffirming their support for Somalia’s unity and territorial integrity.
In a statement released on Friday, Egypt’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs said the four countries’ foreign ministers held consultations in which they expressed their “total rejection and condemnation” of Israel’s move, stressing their “full support for the unity, sovereignty, and territorial integrity of the Federal Republic of Somalia.”
“They also underscored their complete rejection of any unilateral measures that could undermine Somali sovereignty or erode the foundations of stability in the country.”
Read more: https://x.com/addisstandard/status/2004603572596441272?s=46&t=ofAzVW8-64dDK-xsjodCGA
Egypt, Somalia, Turkey, and Djibouti have jointly rejected and condemned Israel’s reported recognition of Somaliland, reaffirming their support for Somalia’s unity and territorial integrity.
In a statement released on Friday, Egypt’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs said the four countries’ foreign ministers held consultations in which they expressed their “total rejection and condemnation” of Israel’s move, stressing their “full support for the unity, sovereignty, and territorial integrity of the Federal Republic of Somalia.”
“They also underscored their complete rejection of any unilateral measures that could undermine Somali sovereignty or erode the foundations of stability in the country.”
Read more: https://x.com/addisstandard/status/2004603572596441272?s=46&t=ofAzVW8-64dDK-xsjodCGA
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#In_Pictures: Pictures emerging from #Somaliland’s capital #Hargeisa show scenes of public celebration following Israel’s announced recognition of Somaliland.
Crowds gathered along major streets and in public squares, many waving Somaliland’s green, white, and red tricolour, some draped over shoulders.
Photos: Via Abdirashid Ibrahim
Crowds gathered along major streets and in public squares, many waving Somaliland’s green, white, and red tricolour, some draped over shoulders.
Photos: Via Abdirashid Ibrahim
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#Breaking- #AU rejects recognition of #Somaliland, reaffirms “unwavering commitment to #Somalia’s unity and sovereignty”
The Chairperson of the African Union (AU) Commission, Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, has rejected any move to recognize Somaliland as an independent state, and reaffirmed the AU’s “unwavering commitment to the unity and sovereignty” of Somalia.
In a statement issued in response to what he described as “recent developments relating to Somaliland,” Youssouf said the African Union “unequivocally reaffirms the longstanding and consistent position of the African Union,” which it said is anchored in the principles of its Constitutive Act.
Read more: https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1Em8Vxxbma/?mibextid=wwXIfr
The Chairperson of the African Union (AU) Commission, Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, has rejected any move to recognize Somaliland as an independent state, and reaffirmed the AU’s “unwavering commitment to the unity and sovereignty” of Somalia.
In a statement issued in response to what he described as “recent developments relating to Somaliland,” Youssouf said the African Union “unequivocally reaffirms the longstanding and consistent position of the African Union,” which it said is anchored in the principles of its Constitutive Act.
Read more: https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1Em8Vxxbma/?mibextid=wwXIfr
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#Tigray Interim Administration President Lt. Gen. Tadesse Werede on #IDP situation
Lt. Gen. Tadesse Werede highlighted that the current conditions in Tigray’s IDP camps, while primarily a humanitarian crisis, also carry the risk of a relapse into conflict.
“There are calls for peace, but sustaining it requires addressing these urgent issues,” he said, cautioning that what begins as a humanitarian crisis could escalate into a broader security threat, not only for Tigray but for the entire region.
Watch
Lt. Gen. Tadesse Werede highlighted that the current conditions in Tigray’s IDP camps, while primarily a humanitarian crisis, also carry the risk of a relapse into conflict.
“There are calls for peace, but sustaining it requires addressing these urgent issues,” he said, cautioning that what begins as a humanitarian crisis could escalate into a broader security threat, not only for Tigray but for the entire region.
Watch
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#Trump tells The Post he’s not ready to embrace #Somaliland independence — unlike pal Netanyahu
President Trump told The Post that he won’t quickly follow #Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in recognizing the independence of Somaliland — saying he has to “study” his longtime Mideast ally’s pitch on behalf of the breakaway republic.
Israel on Friday became the world’s first country to recognize Somaliland’s split from anarchic Somalia and Netanyahu vowed to deliver a message to Trump, with whom he is meeting Monday.
“I’ll communicate to President Trump your willingness and desire to join the Abraham Accords,” Netanyahu told Somaliland President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi in a video call celebrating the diplomatic breakthrough.
But Trump said that he wasn’t swayed and expects his talks with Netanyahu will prioritize the Gaza Strip, where Trump brokered an October cease-fire...
https://web.facebook.com/AddisstandardEng/posts/pfbid02hRzZ5BTu4wKJsYxPS3DpaAULrt6HPkzXJmjYMTmL1d2MGvfk2Ce9MW3A2aycBqkBl
President Trump told The Post that he won’t quickly follow #Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in recognizing the independence of Somaliland — saying he has to “study” his longtime Mideast ally’s pitch on behalf of the breakaway republic.
Israel on Friday became the world’s first country to recognize Somaliland’s split from anarchic Somalia and Netanyahu vowed to deliver a message to Trump, with whom he is meeting Monday.
“I’ll communicate to President Trump your willingness and desire to join the Abraham Accords,” Netanyahu told Somaliland President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi in a video call celebrating the diplomatic breakthrough.
But Trump said that he wasn’t swayed and expects his talks with Netanyahu will prioritize the Gaza Strip, where Trump brokered an October cease-fire...
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Feature: Mass starvation, disease stalk displaced civilians in #Tigray amid shrinking humanitarian support
In the tiny, hard-to-reach village of #Hitsats in #Ethiopia’s northern Tigray region, home to one of the country’s largest concentrations of internally displaced persons, an unprecedented famine is unfolding with devastating consequences.
Alem Dessalgen, 70, has buried most of her family members and friends this year. She is now struggling to save her only surviving son, but time is running out as famine continues to claim lives.
Her son, who suffers from a mental health condition, no longer eats regularly. His medication has been interrupted, and amid shrinking humanitarian support, Alem now begs on the streets in the hope of finding help.
Watching her son’s condition deteriorate has been devastating. With food and medicine out of reach, she has been forced to chain him to his bed to prevent harm, even as anguish takes a heavy toll on both of them...
Read more: https://addisstandard.com/?p=54343
In the tiny, hard-to-reach village of #Hitsats in #Ethiopia’s northern Tigray region, home to one of the country’s largest concentrations of internally displaced persons, an unprecedented famine is unfolding with devastating consequences.
Alem Dessalgen, 70, has buried most of her family members and friends this year. She is now struggling to save her only surviving son, but time is running out as famine continues to claim lives.
Her son, who suffers from a mental health condition, no longer eats regularly. His medication has been interrupted, and amid shrinking humanitarian support, Alem now begs on the streets in the hope of finding help.
Watching her son’s condition deteriorate has been devastating. With food and medicine out of reach, she has been forced to chain him to his bed to prevent harm, even as anguish takes a heavy toll on both of them...
Read more: https://addisstandard.com/?p=54343
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News: #IGAD, #Arab_League, #GCC reject Israel’s recognition of Somalia’s breakaway region of #Somaliland
Regional and international bodies, including the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD), the Arab League, the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), and the #Chinese government, have rejected Israel’s reported recognition of Somalia’s breakaway region of Somaliland, reaffirming their support for Somalia’s sovereignty, unity, & territorial integrity.
In a statement issued by its Secretariat, IGAD said it had taken note of recent developments in the Horn of Africa, including announcements regarding #Israel’s recognition of Somaliland.
The regional bloc reaffirmed that the Federal Republic of Somalia remains a sovereign IGAD member state whose unity, sovereignty, and territorial integrity are fully recognized under international law.
China also reaffirmed its position in support of Somalia. In a statement posted on its official X account, the Chinese ...
Read more: https://addisstandard.com/?p=54351
Regional and international bodies, including the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD), the Arab League, the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), and the #Chinese government, have rejected Israel’s reported recognition of Somalia’s breakaway region of Somaliland, reaffirming their support for Somalia’s sovereignty, unity, & territorial integrity.
In a statement issued by its Secretariat, IGAD said it had taken note of recent developments in the Horn of Africa, including announcements regarding #Israel’s recognition of Somaliland.
The regional bloc reaffirmed that the Federal Republic of Somalia remains a sovereign IGAD member state whose unity, sovereignty, and territorial integrity are fully recognized under international law.
China also reaffirmed its position in support of Somalia. In a statement posted on its official X account, the Chinese ...
Read more: https://addisstandard.com/?p=54351
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News: #Tigray statistics agency says #Fayda national ID registration in Western, Southern zones violates regional sovereignty
The Tigray Statistics and Vital Events Registration Agency has raised concerns over the issuance of the National Digital Identity Card, known as Fayda, in parts of #Western and #Southern Tigray, warning that current registration practices undermine the region’s constitutionally defined boundaries and sovereignty.
In an official letter addressed to the National ID Program on Friday, the Agency said Fayda registration activities conducted since last year in areas including #Humera, #Raya, #Tsegede, and #Welkait have failed to respect Tigray’s legally recognized territorial jurisdiction.
“The areas in question are constitutionally recognized as part of the Tigray Region,” the Agency said, adding that the manner in which registration is being carried out does not reflect this status and risks contributing to demographic changes.
Read more: https://addisstandard.com/?p=54354
The Tigray Statistics and Vital Events Registration Agency has raised concerns over the issuance of the National Digital Identity Card, known as Fayda, in parts of #Western and #Southern Tigray, warning that current registration practices undermine the region’s constitutionally defined boundaries and sovereignty.
In an official letter addressed to the National ID Program on Friday, the Agency said Fayda registration activities conducted since last year in areas including #Humera, #Raya, #Tsegede, and #Welkait have failed to respect Tigray’s legally recognized territorial jurisdiction.
“The areas in question are constitutionally recognized as part of the Tigray Region,” the Agency said, adding that the manner in which registration is being carried out does not reflect this status and risks contributing to demographic changes.
Read more: https://addisstandard.com/?p=54354
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Missed the week’s biggest stories?
Here’s your Addis Standard Weekly News Recap — all the key headlines, explained and in one place.
▶️ Watch now on YouTube.
https://youtu.be/O1e6fhGezcA?si=PequNxApSJ_QDlWN
Here’s your Addis Standard Weekly News Recap — all the key headlines, explained and in one place.
▶️ Watch now on YouTube.
https://youtu.be/O1e6fhGezcA?si=PequNxApSJ_QDlWN
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Update: #EU joins #AU, others in reaffirming support for #Somalia’s unity, calls for dialogue with #Somaliland
The European Union (EU) has become the latest international actor to reaffirm its support for the unity, sovereignty, and territorial integrity of Somalia, aligning itself with similar positions recently reiterated by the African Union.
Earlier, Iran, Syria, and Saudi Arabia had also issued similar statements affirming Somalia’s unity and territorial integrity, reflecting a growing convergence among regional and international actors around support for Mogadishu’s position.
Read more: https://www.facebook.com/share/p/16s2wHN9rR/?mibextid=wwXIfr
The European Union (EU) has become the latest international actor to reaffirm its support for the unity, sovereignty, and territorial integrity of Somalia, aligning itself with similar positions recently reiterated by the African Union.
Earlier, Iran, Syria, and Saudi Arabia had also issued similar statements affirming Somalia’s unity and territorial integrity, reflecting a growing convergence among regional and international actors around support for Mogadishu’s position.
Read more: https://www.facebook.com/share/p/16s2wHN9rR/?mibextid=wwXIfr
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#UAE vows to provide $8m aid to help #East_African refugees
The UAE International Aid Agency has signed a cooperation agreement with the #Norwegian Refugee Council to provide assistance to refugees in East Africa, with the aim of expanding the scope of humanitarian aid delivered to populations in countries affected by conflicts, and supporting host communities for refugees in Ethiopia, Uganda, and other countries in the region.
In the presence of Fatema Khamis Salem Khalfan Al Mazrouei, UAE Ambassador to Norway, the agreement was signed by Rashid Salem Al Shamsi, Executive Director of Logistics Support at the UAE Aid Agency, and Jan Egeland, Secretary General of the Norwegian Refugee Council.
Under the agreement, the UAE will provide a grant of $8 million to support humanitarian assistance for refugees in host countries across East Africa.
Dr Al Ameri affirmed "the UAE’s commitment to supporting refugees ..
https://www.gulftoday.ae/news/2025/12/28/uae-vows-to-provide-8m-aid-to-help-east-african-refugees
The UAE International Aid Agency has signed a cooperation agreement with the #Norwegian Refugee Council to provide assistance to refugees in East Africa, with the aim of expanding the scope of humanitarian aid delivered to populations in countries affected by conflicts, and supporting host communities for refugees in Ethiopia, Uganda, and other countries in the region.
In the presence of Fatema Khamis Salem Khalfan Al Mazrouei, UAE Ambassador to Norway, the agreement was signed by Rashid Salem Al Shamsi, Executive Director of Logistics Support at the UAE Aid Agency, and Jan Egeland, Secretary General of the Norwegian Refugee Council.
Under the agreement, the UAE will provide a grant of $8 million to support humanitarian assistance for refugees in host countries across East Africa.
Dr Al Ameri affirmed "the UAE’s commitment to supporting refugees ..
https://www.gulftoday.ae/news/2025/12/28/uae-vows-to-provide-8m-aid-to-help-east-african-refugees
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#Sudan's gold production reaches 70 tons in 2025
Sudan's Ministry of Minerals said on Sunday the country's gold production for 2025 reached 70 tons, 13 percent higher than the target.
The Sudanese Mineral Resources Company, an affiliate of the ministry, said in a statement the mining sector brought about 1.087 trillion Sudanese pounds (about 1.8 billion U.S. dollars) in public revenues this year.
Minister of Minerals Nour Al-Daem Taha called for doubled efforts in 2026 and directed that new national projects be included in the mining sector's development plan.
Sudan relies primarily on gold exports to obtain foreign currency. Its gold production had peaked between 2017 and 2022. In 2022, gold was the country's top non-oil export, accounting for 46.3 percent of total non-oil exports, with a value of 2.02 billion dollars out of total exports of 4.357 billion dollars, according to statistics from the Central Bank of Sudan...
https://english.news.cn/africa/20251229/4aabbeb7bd1d4668a98019af8d682fc6/c.html
Sudan's Ministry of Minerals said on Sunday the country's gold production for 2025 reached 70 tons, 13 percent higher than the target.
The Sudanese Mineral Resources Company, an affiliate of the ministry, said in a statement the mining sector brought about 1.087 trillion Sudanese pounds (about 1.8 billion U.S. dollars) in public revenues this year.
Minister of Minerals Nour Al-Daem Taha called for doubled efforts in 2026 and directed that new national projects be included in the mining sector's development plan.
Sudan relies primarily on gold exports to obtain foreign currency. Its gold production had peaked between 2017 and 2022. In 2022, gold was the country's top non-oil export, accounting for 46.3 percent of total non-oil exports, with a value of 2.02 billion dollars out of total exports of 4.357 billion dollars, according to statistics from the Central Bank of Sudan...
https://english.news.cn/africa/20251229/4aabbeb7bd1d4668a98019af8d682fc6/c.html
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News: #Eritrea invokes #China–#Taiwan analogy as 21 Arab, Islamic, and #African states reject Israel’s #Somaliland recognition
Eritrea has issued a forceful diplomatic response to #Israel’s decision to recognize Somaliland as an independent state, invoking what it described as an analogy with the China–Taiwan question and calling for urgent action at the #United_Nations Security Council.
In a separate press release, Eritrean authorities said the move was “neither sudden nor accidental” and warned that it has been “brewing for some time now to stoke dangerous regional and global crises and mayhem.”
Eritrea argued that the issue “warrants unequivocal response at the level of the UN Security Council and its members,” and appealed to China to “shoulder its moral responsibilities,” citing parallels with the Taiwan issue.
Israel announced on 26 December that it would officially recognize Somaliland, a region in northern Somalia that declared independence in ...
Read more: https://addisstandard.com/?p=54364
Eritrea has issued a forceful diplomatic response to #Israel’s decision to recognize Somaliland as an independent state, invoking what it described as an analogy with the China–Taiwan question and calling for urgent action at the #United_Nations Security Council.
In a separate press release, Eritrean authorities said the move was “neither sudden nor accidental” and warned that it has been “brewing for some time now to stoke dangerous regional and global crises and mayhem.”
Eritrea argued that the issue “warrants unequivocal response at the level of the UN Security Council and its members,” and appealed to China to “shoulder its moral responsibilities,” citing parallels with the Taiwan issue.
Israel announced on 26 December that it would officially recognize Somaliland, a region in northern Somalia that declared independence in ...
Read more: https://addisstandard.com/?p=54364
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News: After reports of #Egypt’s deal on #Djibouti and #Eritrea ports, Egypt and Djibouti sign agreements on ports, solar energy, and logistics
Egypt and Djibouti signed three cooperation agreements covering renewable energy, port development, and logistics.
The agreement was signed during an official visit by Kamel El-Wazir, Egypt’s Deputy Prime Minister for Industrial Development and Minister of Industry and Transport, to Djibouti on 27 December, 2025, according to the Djibouti Ports & Free Zones Authority (DPFZA).
The agreements were signed at the Djibouti International Free Trade Zone (DIFTZ) in the presence of Hassan Houmed, Djibouti’s Minister of Equipment and Transport; Djibouti’s Ambassador to Egypt, Ahmed Ali Barreh; and Egypt’s Ambassador to Djibouti, Abdelrahman Raafat Khattab.
Ahead of the signing ceremony, the ministerial delegation conducted site visits to the #Doraleh Container Terminal (SGTD), the location of a planned solar park in Doraleh...
Read more: https://addisstandard.com/?p=54368
Egypt and Djibouti signed three cooperation agreements covering renewable energy, port development, and logistics.
The agreement was signed during an official visit by Kamel El-Wazir, Egypt’s Deputy Prime Minister for Industrial Development and Minister of Industry and Transport, to Djibouti on 27 December, 2025, according to the Djibouti Ports & Free Zones Authority (DPFZA).
The agreements were signed at the Djibouti International Free Trade Zone (DIFTZ) in the presence of Hassan Houmed, Djibouti’s Minister of Equipment and Transport; Djibouti’s Ambassador to Egypt, Ahmed Ali Barreh; and Egypt’s Ambassador to Djibouti, Abdelrahman Raafat Khattab.
Ahead of the signing ceremony, the ministerial delegation conducted site visits to the #Doraleh Container Terminal (SGTD), the location of a planned solar park in Doraleh...
Read more: https://addisstandard.com/?p=54368
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#Commentary: From Addis to #Berbera: #India’s strategic pivot in Horn of Africa
In mid-December 2025, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi undertook his first official visit to #Ethiopia, marking a decisive step toward elevating bilateral relations to a strategic partnership. In this commentary, Gulaid Yusuf Idaan situates the visit within India’s broader foreign-policy shift toward maritime connectivity and more systemic global engagement.
He argues that the Horn of #Africa—once viewed primarily through a humanitarian lens—has emerged as the “western anchor of India’s Indo-Pacific strategy,” with Ethiopia serving as its continental linchpin. However, Ethiopia’s landlocked status renders access to seaports a central strategic concern, thereby elevating Somaliland’s Berbera Port as a critical alternative to China-dominated Djibouti.
The author further underscores that “a phased, strategic recognition of #Somaliland could strengthen India–Ethiopia ties.”
https://addisstandard.com/?p=54357
In mid-December 2025, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi undertook his first official visit to #Ethiopia, marking a decisive step toward elevating bilateral relations to a strategic partnership. In this commentary, Gulaid Yusuf Idaan situates the visit within India’s broader foreign-policy shift toward maritime connectivity and more systemic global engagement.
He argues that the Horn of #Africa—once viewed primarily through a humanitarian lens—has emerged as the “western anchor of India’s Indo-Pacific strategy,” with Ethiopia serving as its continental linchpin. However, Ethiopia’s landlocked status renders access to seaports a central strategic concern, thereby elevating Somaliland’s Berbera Port as a critical alternative to China-dominated Djibouti.
The author further underscores that “a phased, strategic recognition of #Somaliland could strengthen India–Ethiopia ties.”
https://addisstandard.com/?p=54357
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News: #Ethio_Telecom announces tariff increase across selected service packages
Addis Abeba — State-owned telecommunications provider Ethio Telecom has announced price increases on several of its service packages, citing rising operational costs and broader macroeconomic pressures.
In a statement issued today, the company said the decision to introduce what it described as “modest tariff adjustments” was driven by escalating capital and operational expenditures amid a challenging economic environment.
Ethio Telecom noted that the revised pricing is aimed at “safeguarding the continuity” of its services while supporting the ongoing expansion of telecommunications and digital infrastructure nationwide.
The company said it has incorporated measures to “cushion customers” from the impact of the price increase. These include “enhanced incentives” for Telebirr users, with discounts on ....
https://web.facebook.com/AddisstandardEng/posts/pfbid02EUsPrsDrzcteM9Khp6sZtAmdqi3GDfQaRGCwFfiGqffKb8S7uRCNNQBFiRfYNhAjl
Addis Abeba — State-owned telecommunications provider Ethio Telecom has announced price increases on several of its service packages, citing rising operational costs and broader macroeconomic pressures.
In a statement issued today, the company said the decision to introduce what it described as “modest tariff adjustments” was driven by escalating capital and operational expenditures amid a challenging economic environment.
Ethio Telecom noted that the revised pricing is aimed at “safeguarding the continuity” of its services while supporting the ongoing expansion of telecommunications and digital infrastructure nationwide.
The company said it has incorporated measures to “cushion customers” from the impact of the price increase. These include “enhanced incentives” for Telebirr users, with discounts on ....
https://web.facebook.com/AddisstandardEng/posts/pfbid02EUsPrsDrzcteM9Khp6sZtAmdqi3GDfQaRGCwFfiGqffKb8S7uRCNNQBFiRfYNhAjl
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News: #Ethiopia, #China hold first coffee trade conference, launch Ethiopian Coffee Trading Center
Ethiopia held its first-ever bilateral #coffee trade conference with China, its fourth-largest coffee importer, alongside the inauguration of the Ethiopia Coffee (China) Trading Center.
The new center aims to leverage Ethiopia’s status as a premium coffee origin and boost the entry of Ethiopian coffee into the Chinese market.
The conference took place on 27 December 2025 in #Zhuzhou City, #Hunan Province, attracting about 300 participants, including government officials, industry experts, & business representatives from both countries, according to Xinhua.
Ethiopian state media reported that the event provided a platform to showcase Ethiopia’s unique coffee flavors to more than 700,000 attendees.
Ethiopia’s Ambassador to China, Tefera Derbew Yimam, highlighted China’s growing coffee consumption as a key opportunity for Ethiopian exporters. “Ethiopia seeks...
Read more: https://addisstandard.com/?p=54372
Ethiopia held its first-ever bilateral #coffee trade conference with China, its fourth-largest coffee importer, alongside the inauguration of the Ethiopia Coffee (China) Trading Center.
The new center aims to leverage Ethiopia’s status as a premium coffee origin and boost the entry of Ethiopian coffee into the Chinese market.
The conference took place on 27 December 2025 in #Zhuzhou City, #Hunan Province, attracting about 300 participants, including government officials, industry experts, & business representatives from both countries, according to Xinhua.
Ethiopian state media reported that the event provided a platform to showcase Ethiopia’s unique coffee flavors to more than 700,000 attendees.
Ethiopia’s Ambassador to China, Tefera Derbew Yimam, highlighted China’s growing coffee consumption as a key opportunity for Ethiopian exporters. “Ethiopia seeks...
Read more: https://addisstandard.com/?p=54372
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