AGP Executive Report

Urban Resilience Diplomacy: Ethiopia is among delegations at India’s-hosted 13th BRICS Urbanisation Forum in New Delhi, focused on “Cities for People” and climate- and disaster-resilient, digitally enabled urban development. Climate Risk & Food Security Skills: CIMMYT and Ambo University trained Ethiopian researchers in applied research and statistical modelling with R, aiming to turn agricultural data into evidence for stronger productivity and resilience. Protected Areas Trade-offs: A new Nature study reports Ethiopia’s protected areas slowed deforestation and farm expansion (2000–2020), but also found nearby communities sometimes saw weaker food security and wellbeing—highlighting the need for better alignment between conservation and livelihoods. Green Tourism Investment: IFC approved an $80m loan to MIDROC Ethiopia for Sheraton Addis refurbishment and a new Sheraton property, targeting Ethiopia’s first green-certified hotels ahead of COP32 in 2027. Circular Economy Push: Reach for Change Ethiopia graduated green entrepreneurs from its Green Innovation Lab and Incubator, backed by IKEA Foundation support, to scale waste management, recycling, reuse and circular business models.

Climate Risk & Equity: A new Nature Sustainability analysis warns that “cooling poverty” leaves more than 2 billion people in poor communities exposed to deadly heat, with risks rising as hot spells intensify and households lack safe, affordable cooling, housing, healthcare, and heat information. Conservation Trade-offs: A Nature study says Ethiopia’s protected areas slowed deforestation and farm expansion from 2000–2020, but also found nearby communities reporting weaker food security and wellbeing in some places—highlighting that conservation wins may depend on aligning protected-area goals with local livelihoods. Green Tourism Investment: The IFC will lend $80 million to MIDROC Ethiopia to refurbish Sheraton Addis and build a new Sheraton hotel in Addis Ababa, aiming to add Ethiopia’s first “green-certified” hotels and support jobs ahead of COP32 in 2027. Circular Economy & Waste: Reach for Change Ethiopia and partners backed green entrepreneurs in circular economy work, including waste management and recycling, through incubator and lab programs supported by the IKEA Foundation. Protected Areas Research: The protected-areas findings also stress that “win-win” outcomes are not automatic and may require more than higher budgets.

Green Finance & Banking: Stanbic Bank (via Standard Bank) is weighing a greenfield entry into Ethiopia, but the 49% foreign ownership cap remains a major constraint even as the lender points to improving performance in Ethiopia’s telecom sector. Sea Access & Regional Security: A senior parliamentarian says Ethiopia’s renewed push for sea access is tied to regional security, trade, and shared prosperity across the Horn. Circular Economy & Waste: Reach for Change Ethiopia graduated a 2025 cohort of Green Entrepreneurs and launched a 2026 group, backing youth-led circular economy work in waste management, recycling, reuse, and green innovation. Tourism Jobs & Investment: IFC plans an $80m loan to MIDROC Ethiopia’s hotel expansion, including Sheraton Addis refurbishment and a new Sheraton hotel, targeting thousands of jobs and more formal employment for women and youth. Refugee Livelihoods: New studies on the DREAMS entrepreneurship program report gains in Ethiopia and Uganda—higher consumption, big jumps in savings, and stronger assets for refugees and host communities. Agri-innovation for Pest Control: Red Fox Ethiopia inaugurated the country’s first beneficial insect breeding center to reduce reliance on imported pest-control inputs and cut chemical risks for farm workers. Ethiopia Budget Signals Scale: The Council of Ministers approved a draft federal budget of 2.3 trillion Birr for the coming fiscal year, covering recurrent and capital spending and support for regional governments and SDGs.

Livestock Health & Trade: England plans to start vaccinating cattle against bovine TB from 2030, aiming for TB-free status by 2038, alongside expanded badger vaccination and a “Diva” test to keep vaccinated and infected animals distinguishable—though it will require EU talks since vaccination is currently banned. Humanitarian Funding: The U.S. State Department announced $240M+ for Catholic Relief Services for food, water, health, sanitation and shelter across crisis-hit countries including Ethiopia, after earlier USAID cuts. Ethiopia Development Projects: Ethiopia’s Deputy PM Temesgen Tiruneh inaugurated Woldia projects in Amhara, framing them as proof of steady transformation and resilience against forces driving division and poverty. Beneficial Insects for Safer Farming: Red Fox Ethiopia inaugurated the country’s first beneficial insect breeding center to reduce reliance on imported pest-control inputs and lower chemical risks for farm workers. Women & Reforestation: A feature highlights how Ethiopian women are driving restoration through tree planting and watershed work under the Green Legacy Initiative, targeting 50 billion seedlings by 2026. Forest Governance Gap: A regional webinar warns that Africa’s forest and biodiversity policies still lag in real-world implementation, despite stronger national commitments. Ethiopia’s Green Legacy in Focus: The same week also spotlights Ethiopia’s reforestation momentum and landscape restoration as central to climate resilience.

Waste & Public Health: Ghana’s Greater Accra waste crisis is pushing leaders to abandon landfill-only disposal, warning that funding gaps are already driving environmental damage and rising health costs; officials cite 4,400 tonnes of solid waste daily and only ~80% collection, with stakeholders calling for engineered treatment, recycling and composting instead of “dead end” landfills. Forest Governance Gap: A regional webinar says Africa’s forest and biodiversity policies are not translating into on-the-ground action, with researchers pointing to a persistent implementation gap even where national strategies align with global climate and biodiversity commitments. Climate-Smart Agriculture Diplomacy: BRICS agriculture talks in Indore put food security, climate-resilient farming and farmer welfare front and center, with Ethiopia among participating countries and discussions on technology exchange and climate-friendly smart agriculture. Energy Transition Reporting: Nigeria’s Secure Energy Programme is funding media grants to boost coverage of renewable energy, energy access and sustainable development—an indirect boost for accountability in clean-energy policy debates across the region. Ethiopia-Energy & Climate Research Link: Scientists are screening forage varieties to develop climate-smart livestock feed aimed at cutting methane while protecting milk and meat output, with Ethiopian research institutions involved. Ethiopia’s Policy & Investment Signals: Ethiopia’s Council of Ministers approved a 2.3-trillion birr draft budget for the coming EFY, while separate business updates highlight growing private-sector activity tied to national development goals.

BRICS Agriculture: A five-day BRICS Agriculture Working Group meeting opened in Indore under India’s chairmanship, with Ethiopia among members, aiming to shape a joint declaration on food security, climate-smart farming, agricultural trade, and farmer welfare. Climate-smart livestock: An Ethiopia-focused research update highlights efforts to screen forage varieties to cut livestock methane while protecting milk and meat output, involving EIAR and partners. Humanitarian funding: The US State Department announced a $240m disaster response grant to Catholic Relief Services, including rapid response support for crises that have included Ethiopia. Ethiopia diplomacy: Ethiopia concluded a five-day diplomatic training program for South Sudanese diplomats in Addis Ababa, covering hydro-politics and transboundary resource management. Energy and environment policy: A new report warns Africa’s solar power pools face rising climate-driven synchronization risk, threatening regional power reliability. Waste and sanitation (regional lesson): Ghana stakeholders urged a shift away from landfill-heavy waste disposal toward engineered treatment systems, citing funding gaps—an issue Ethiopia cities watch closely as urban waste grows. Ethiopia finance (enabler): United Capital won Ethiopia’s first foreign investment banking licence, a signal for capital market deepening that can support green investment.

Climate Risk: A new warning flags a possible “Godzilla El Niño,” driven by rapidly warming Pacific waters and a massive North Pacific marine heatwave—raising fears of longer marine disruptions and stronger climate impacts into 2027. Waste & Health: In Ghana, sanitation stakeholders are pushing a shift away from landfill-heavy disposal toward engineered treatment systems, warning that funding gaps could keep Greater Accra unsafe. Energy & Power Systems: A study warns Africa’s solar power pools may face rising “synchronization risk,” where climate-driven low-solar days hit multiple countries at once, stressing regional electricity resilience. Ethiopia Diplomacy & Water Politics: Ethiopia wrapped up a five-day diplomatic training for South Sudanese diplomats in Addis Ababa, covering negotiation, hydro-politics, and transboundary resource management. Ethiopia Finance & Growth: Ethiopia’s capital market gets a boost as ECMA licenses United Capital to operate investment banking via a local subsidiary in Addis Ababa. Ethiopia in BRICS: Ethiopia joined the BRICS foreign policy dialogue in New Delhi, highlighting climate action via the Green Legacy Initiative and pushing green finance and resilience.

Green Mobility: YADEA officially debuted its Africa-focused electric motorcycle KIFA at Autoexpo Kenya 2026, targeting the boda boda market with a 150 km range, 30-second battery swapping, and LFP battery packs—after selling more than 48,000 units in Ethiopia since entry three years ago. Climate-Resilient Agriculture: Nestlé, with Ivory Coast’s CNRA, developed six high-yield robusta varieties resistant to climate stress, aiming to boost yields by up to 86% when farmers plant a mix. Forest Food & Governance: New research warns Africa’s forest and tree-based foods are shrinking as traditional knowledge fades, while another study says policy frameworks on desertification, biodiversity and climate change are not translating into consistent on-the-ground implementation. Carbon Rights Rules: Ethiopia is moving toward a centralized federal framework for carbon markets, with a draft proclamation positioning the federal government as default owner of carbon rights—interacting with a prior directive that had aimed to vest ownership in local forest owners. Urban Greening: EEPA says Abiy Ahmed’s Riverside and Corridor developments are delivering visible environmental gains, alongside the Green Legacy Initiative’s massive tree-planting push. Disaster Risk Cooperation: Ethiopia participated in BRICS foreign policy dialogue in New Delhi, where sustainability and climate action—linked to the Green Legacy Initiative—featured prominently.

Green Transition & Waste: TIKA used Istanbul’s Zero Waste Festival to showcase recycling and waste-management projects across multiple countries, including initiatives tied to plastic recycling and waste-to-bricks in Tanzania and other circular-economy efforts. Climate Policy & Carbon Rights: Ethiopia is moving toward a centralized framework for forest and atmospheric carbon assets, with a draft proclamation positioning the federal government as default owner of carbon rights—potentially reshaping how local forest owners trade credits. Urban Environment & Conservation: Ethiopia’s EEPA highlighted World Environment Day and National Environmental Protection Day achievements, pointing to projects like the Entoto-Kechene Riverside Development and the Green Legacy Initiative’s massive tree-planting impact. Forest Food Security: New research warns that forest and tree-based foods in Ethiopia and other biodiversity hotspots are under pressure, as traditional knowledge fades and environmental and social change reduce availability. Ethiopia in BRICS Dialogue: Ethiopia joined the 11th BRICS Foreign Policy Dialogue in New Delhi, emphasizing climate action through the Green Legacy Initiative and pushing green finance and resilience cooperation. Safe Water Risk: A new global drinking-water assessment flags unsafe water as a major health risk, with many African countries among the lowest-ranked—relevant for Ethiopia’s water and sanitation priorities.

Climate & Water Security: A new Environmental Performance Index review flags unsafe drinking water as a major public health risk, with African nations dominating the lowest-ranked countries—linked to weak water infrastructure, sanitation gaps, wastewater limits, and climate pressure. Green Transition & Transport: Ethiopia’s push to electrify mobility is getting fresh backing, including Nordic support for electric mobility ahead of COP32 and policy momentum after Ethiopia signaled a ban on importing traditional internal-combustion vehicles. Carbon Markets & Forest Governance: Ethiopia is moving toward a centralized carbon-rights framework, with a federal draft proclamation positioning the government as default owner of mitigation outcomes and carbon credits, reshaping how communities and project developers manage forest carbon. Biodiversity & Seeds: The Ethiopian Biodiversity Institute marks 50 years protecting crop diversity and seed systems, while confronting new technological and governance shifts in biodiversity and food security. Disaster Risk & Resilience: Ethiopia is among BRICS participants praising Odisha’s near-zero-casualty cyclone preparedness model, highlighting regional learning on early warning, evacuation planning, and rescue readiness. Humanitarian Needs: The U.S. approved over $240m for Catholic Relief Services programs, including water, sanitation, health, food and shelter support for Ethiopia amid ongoing crises.

Ethiopia’s Green Transition & COP32 Prep: Nordic partners are stepping up support for Ethiopia’s electric mobility push, with Sweden highlighting upcoming COP32 in Addis Ababa and pledging investment, tech transfer, and policy cooperation ahead of a Nordic-Africa EV summit. Climate & Carbon Governance: Ethiopia is moving toward a more centralized framework for forest carbon rights, with a draft proclamation positioning the federal government as the default owner of carbon rights and mitigation outcomes, reshaping how communities and developers can trade credits. Urban Environment & Conservation: Ethiopia’s Environmental Protection Authority says PM Abiy’s Riverside and Corridor development projects are delivering visible ecological gains, alongside the ongoing Green Legacy afforestation drive. Disaster Resilience Diplomacy: Ethiopia is among BRICS delegates at Odisha’s disaster risk reduction meetings, where Ethiopia’s participation sits within a wider push for near-zero casualty preparedness and stronger early warning and response systems. E-mobility for Emissions Cuts: UNECA’s director links Ethiopia’s e-mobility strategy to lower greenhouse gas emissions and reduced dependence on imported fossil fuels. Humanitarian Aid Link: The US announced $240m+ for Catholic Relief Services, including Ethiopia, with multi-sector support spanning food, health, water, sanitation, and shelter. Ethiopia’s Biodiversity Legacy: The Ethiopian Biodiversity Institute marks 50 years of safeguarding crop diversity and seed systems, while confronting new pressures on biodiversity governance and food security.

E-Mobility for climate goals: UNECA says Ethiopia’s e-mobility strategy is cutting carbon emissions, boosting energy efficiency, and reducing dependence on imported fossil fuels. Regional water diplomacy: At Assosa University, speakers framed GERD as more than power—an engine for Horn of Africa cooperation and a call for evidence-based research to protect Ethiopia’s Nile rights. Electric two-wheelers expand: Yadea entered Kenya with electric motorcycles for boda bodas and logistics, using battery swapping and partnering locally for the swap network—building on its earlier Ethiopia sales. Diplomatic capacity-building: Ethiopia’s Foreign Ministry wrapped a reform training for 60+ diplomats on situational analysis and crisis diplomacy, with plans to extend training to more staff. Trade links: Ethiopia and Canada moved to deepen business ties via a newly launched Canadian Chamber of Commerce in Ethiopia. Tech services for data centers: Smart Hands Africa signed as a Supermicro services partner, offering installation, maintenance, and break-fix support across Ethiopia and other African markets.

E-Mobility for Climate Cuts: UNECA says Ethiopia’s e-mobility strategy is a major step to reduce CO2, cut greenhouse gases, improve energy efficiency, and lessen dependence on imported fossil fuels. EV Rollout in East Africa: Chinese e-motorcycle maker Yadea entered Kenya’s market after selling over 48,000 units in Ethiopia, signaling faster regional uptake of cleaner transport. Heat Risk and “Cooling Poverty”: A new study warns over 2 billion people face life-threatening heat without safe cooling, with El Niño expected to worsen hotter-than-normal conditions. IMF Support for Ethiopia: Ethiopia is set to receive $468m from the IMF after a staff-level deal on the ECF review, citing progress under the Homegrown Economic Reform Agenda despite fuel and fertilizer disruptions. UN Climate Talks Access: Visa barriers are forcing some of the world’s poorest, most climate-vulnerable countries to send smaller delegations to Bonn. Waste and Urban Cleanup: Hyenas are reportedly helping process thousands of tonnes of Ethiopian city waste, turning sanitation into a wildlife-assisted service. Small Hydro Growth: Global small hydropower is projected to more than double by 2035, reinforcing distributed renewable options for power access.

IMF Support for Ethiopia’s Reforms: Ethiopia has reached a staff-level agreement with the IMF for the fifth review of its Extended Credit Facility, paving the way for about $468m in additional financing (total program disbursements could reach ~$2.65bn), with the Fund citing progress on reforms and noting external shocks from the Middle East war. Climate Risk Finance for Pastoralists: Ethiopia’s House ratified loan agreements with the AfDB and IDA for the Pastoral Community Food and Livelihood Improvement Project and the Productive Safety Net Program phase six, including funding for water infrastructure, veterinary services, sustainable land management and climate-shock resilience. Urban Waste and Wildlife in Mekelle: A study reports spotted hyenas in Mekelle help process nearly 5,000 tonnes of organic waste yearly, potentially cutting disease risks and methane from landfills. Clean Mobility Push: YADEA entered Kenya’s market with an electric motorcycle for boda boda operators, partnering on battery swapping—while Spiro secured $215m to expand battery-swapping electric mobility across Africa, including Ethiopia. Desertification Fight: The Great Green Wall is highlighted as a long-running Sahel restoration effort shifting from “trees only” to mosaics of green landscapes across 11 countries (now broader), targeting land restoration, carbon capture and green jobs. BRICS Disaster Resilience Talks: BRICS DRR working group meetings in Puri focus on multi-hazard early warning, climate-smart infrastructure and knowledge sharing, with Ethiopia participating online.

Urban Waste & Wildlife: A new study in Mekelle finds spotted hyenas help process nearly 5,000 tonnes of organic waste each year, cutting landfill burden and potentially lowering public-health risks by quickly removing carcasses and reducing contamination. Climate Risk Preparedness: Ethiopia is among countries participating in a UN-backed push for early warning systems; the wider initiative highlights how multi-hazard alerts for floods, droughts, storms and lightning can protect vulnerable communities. Election & Governance: Multiple observer reports on Ethiopia’s June 1 general election describe generally peaceful, orderly voting despite security challenges in parts of Oromia, Amhara and Tigray, while international partners—including Japan and EU member states—commended NEBE and civic participation. Clean Mobility & Energy Transition: YADEA’s entry into Kenya (after Ethiopia sales) and regional EV investment trends underscore growing demand for lower-cost electric transport, including battery-swapping models. Macroeconomy & Resilience Finance: Ethiopia’s IMF staff-level deal for the fifth review points to about USD 468m in potential disbursement, with inflation easing but external shocks still a concern.

Climate Resilience Cooperation: Ethiopia is among seven countries joining Cambodia’s five-year “Advancing Early Warning for All” project, aimed at strengthening multi-hazard early warning systems for storms, floods, droughts and lightning. Ethiopia Election & Governance: AU and IGAD election observers say Ethiopia’s June 1 general election was generally peaceful and orderly, while also flagging security-driven voting suspensions in parts of Tigray and Amhara. Disaster Risk Reduction Diplomacy: BRICS DRR talks kicked off in Puri, Odisha, with Ethiopia among participating states; delegates focus on community-based risk reduction, multi-hazard early warning, resilient infrastructure and climate-smart planning. Clean Mobility Investment: Spiro secured $215m in equity to expand battery-swapping EV infrastructure across Africa, including plans to enter Ethiopia; the model targets faster, cheaper rides for urban motorcycle users. Urban Waste & Health: A study highlights how Mekelle’s hyenas and other scavengers process about 5,000 tonnes of organic waste yearly, potentially easing public health risks. Water Politics: Egypt reiterated opposition to unilateral actions on transboundary rivers, while pointing to cooperation with Japan—an issue closely tied to the GERD dispute involving Ethiopia and Sudan.