AGP Executive Report

Ethiopia–Myanmar Diplomacy: Myanmar will send a delegation to Ethiopia to study the country’s National Dialogue process, with Ethiopia praised for advancing inclusive peace efforts despite major challenges. Amhara Gold Push: Amhara Region delivered 357kg of gold to Ethiopia’s National Bank for the first time, citing tighter mining regulation and crackdowns on illegal mineral trade. Ethiopian Arts & Culture (Diaspora/Heritage): Ethiopia’s cultural diplomacy gets a spotlight as Myanmar’s interest in dialogue echoes wider regional engagement, while global arts coverage highlights Ethiopia’s place in the legacy of Live Aid’s Ethiopia-linked history. BRICS in Focus: India invited Russia to the 18th BRICS Summit in New Delhi (Sept 12–13), with China backing the summit’s success while staying non-committal on Xi’s attendance; Ethiopia remains listed among BRICS members. Tech & Health Training: Ethiopia opened two robotic surgery and endoscopic technology training centres with China’s support, aiming to expand advanced medical care and specialist training. Water Crisis (Regional Human Stories): Eritrea’s capital Asmara faces chronic water shortages, with residents adapting to rationing and costly tanker water. Media & Reporting Ethics: Journalists from Kenya, Ethiopia, and Somalia trained on survivor-centred, accurate terminology for reporting FGM. Sports/Entertainment: AFTV founder Robbie Lyle returns to Kenya to mentor digital creators, spotlighting African sports media growth.

Water & Daily Life: Chronic water shortages in Eritrea’s capital Asmara are forcing families to ration showers, stagger laundry, and flush toilets only when everyone has used them, with fear of authorities keeping complaints quiet. Governance & Rights: An opinion piece argues East Africa is sliding from constitutional democracy toward entrenched authoritarian rule, with elections, courts, and legislatures increasingly used to consolidate power. Ethiopia-Africa Tech & Training: Ethiopia opened two robotic surgery and endoscopic technology training centres with China’s support, aiming to upgrade specialist skills and expand access to advanced care. Security & Drugs: AFRICOM says illegal drug trafficking across Africa has surged more than sixfold in two years, warning that logistics and communications are key to countering transnational threats. Media & FGM Language: Equality Now urged journalists in a regional workshop (Kenya, Ethiopia, Somalia) to use accurate terms, warning that calling FGM “circumcision” can downplay harm. Culture & Heritage: BRICS Culture Working Group meetings under India’s presidency focused on protecting heritage, supporting creative economies, and setting ethical rules for AI and copyright. Youth & Sports: Reports say about 20 Ethiopian youth footballers and officials went missing after Sweden’s 2026 Gothia Cup, with Swedish police treating it as voluntary for now. Arts & Music: Mulatu Astatke is highlighted for pioneering Ethio-jazz and honoring his roots. Tech & Business: Safaricom’s AI push is framed as a shift from telecom into AI-driven services, including finance, healthcare, and streaming.

Robotic Surgery Training: Ethiopia opened two China-backed robotic surgery and endoscopic technology training centres, aiming to upgrade specialist skills and expand access to advanced care. Tech & Culture Policy: BRICS Culture Working Group meetings under India’s presidency focused on protecting heritage, supporting creative economies, and setting ethical AI and copyright guidelines for creators. Media & Rights: Journalists from Somalia, Ethiopia and Kenya were trained on ethical, survivor-centred reporting around FGM, with experts stressing the term “mutilation” is medically and human-rights accurate. Ethiopian Arts & Music: Mulatu Astatke reflects on pioneering Ethio-jazz and honoring his roots, while a new Ethiopian-Eritrean/ Ethiopian diaspora food culture spotlight highlights how art travels through cuisine. Sports & Youth: Reports say 20 Ethiopian youth footballers and officials vanished after Sweden’s Gothia Cup; police suspect voluntary departures. Digital Creators: AFTV founder Robbie Lyle returns to Kenya to mentor African digital creators, with Safaricom support and a workshop at Zetech University.

Ethiopian Arts & Culture: Mulatu Astatke—pioneer of Ethio-jazz—reflects on decades of building a sound that fuses Ethiopian roots with global jazz, including early pushback abroad and the lasting impact of his genre-bending music. Youth & Society: A new African Youth Survey reports youth optimism is at its highest since the pandemic, but young people across the continent are demanding real delivery: jobs, clean government, and democracy that matches everyday realities. Human Rights: UK Church of England bishops urge Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince to halt alleged execution of Ethiopian Christians in Khamis Mushait Prison, citing claims of trafficking recruitment, torture, and unfair legal treatment. Digital Identity & Inclusion: MOSIP highlights co-creation as a path to sustainable digital public infrastructure, pointing to Ethiopia’s collaboration on an Android registration tool used to expand services into remote areas.

Ethiopia–UNECA Partnership: Ethiopia has joined UNECA’s Transforming Health Financing in Africa Initiative as an early-adopter, aiming to strengthen domestic health funding, attract private investment, and improve fiscal sustainability. Global South Diplomacy: Ethiopia hosted talks pushing a more action-oriented India–Africa partnership, while leaders also discussed broader Global South cooperation and emerging-world-order priorities. African Youth Politics: A new African Youth Survey reports Gen Z backing democracy but rejecting Western-style models, demanding jobs, youth representation, accountability, and stability. Online Scam Trafficking Warning: The UN’s IOM says criminal networks are increasingly trafficking people into forced online scam operations, with victims from many countries including Ethiopia and Kenya. Regional Security: Al-Shabab killed five Kenyan security personnel in Mandera near the Somalia border, underscoring continued attacks in the area. Arts & Culture (Ethiopia-linked): A new East African music project, Chikka, is set to spotlight contemporary dance and cross-cultural collaboration, including Ethiopian artists. Sports/Entertainment: HYBE appointed Jenni Pfaff to a new global HR role, reflecting ongoing shifts in the entertainment industry.

East African Music & Fashion: Kenyan producer MR. LU* and Ethiopian producer Isat Irat (Guta Wakuma Chimsa) are building buzz for debut album Chikka, blending East African rhythms with futuristic dance music, plus a minimalist “Mass High” video featuring dancer Anu performing Esketsa and Maasai beadwork; the 12-track project (due September) spans artists across Ethiopia, Eritrea, Sudan, Kenya, Tanzania, Lesotho and Seychelles. Cultural Diplomacy: Indonesia and Ethiopia used jazz to deepen ties at Addis Ababa’s African Jazz Village, with Ethiopian and Indonesian musicians sharing the stage. Contemporary Art in Ethiopia: Addis Ababa hosts “Unity,” an international contemporary art exhibition opening July 29 alongside the World Public Summit Africa, featuring artists from 16 African countries. Human Rights & Safety: The UN’s IOM warns online scam networks are trafficking hundreds of thousands—often English-speaking and educated—using fake job ads, with Ethiopia named among affected origins. Sudan Conflict Reporting: Coverage highlights how drone warfare and communications blackouts are making Sudan’s atrocities harder to report. Diplomacy Watch: Ethiopia is mentioned in Colombia’s planned embassy closures, while Ethiopia-U.S. defense talks continue to expand cooperation.

Online Scam Trafficking: The UN’s IOM warns criminal networks are forcing hundreds of thousands into online scam centers, with victims often lured by fake social media job ads and then trapped through violence and “debt bondage,” including people from Ethiopia and Kenya. Refugee Protection at 75: UNHCR marks the 75th anniversary of the Refugee Convention as asylum and migration debates grow more divisive, stressing protection still matters. Ethiopia–Indonesia Jazz Diplomacy: Indonesia’s embassy in Addis Ababa hosted a jazz concert at the African Jazz Village, featuring Ethiopian and Indonesian musicians and strengthening cultural ties. Contemporary Art Spotlight: Addis Ababa hosts “Unity,” an exhibition bringing together contemporary artists from 16 African countries alongside the World Public Summit Africa. Coffee Culture Update: Yemeni-Ethiopian cafe Mokhaport in Tucker plans to close its physical location by December and pivot to online sales. Ethiopia–U.S. Defense Talks: Ethiopia’s ENDF chief met AFRICOM’s commander to expand counter-terror and defense cooperation. Climate & Water Pressure: Sudan’s Nile levels drop, sparking debate over water management and coordination across the basin, with Ethiopia’s dam operations in the spotlight. Hunger & Enset Story: A TEDx preview highlights enset’s role in hunger solutions, including a project that helped bring enset to Kenya.

Ethiopia–U.S. Defense Talks: Field Marshal Birhanu Jula met AFRICOM commander General Dagvin Anderson to expand bilateral defense cooperation, including joint work against threats from Al-Shabaab and ISIS in Somalia. AI for Climate Safety: Ethiopia’s Meteorological Institute is working with China to train experts and deploy MAZU, an AI-powered multi-hazard early warning system for droughts and flash floods—aiming to strengthen real-time alerts and disaster response. AMECEA Youth Focus: Catholic bishops meeting in Nairobi adopted 10 pastoral priorities for young people, including stronger faith formation, mental health and psycho-social support, and more guidance for engaging with AI and social media. Ethiopia in Regional Spotlight: Ethiopia is listed among countries affected by Colombia’s president-elect plan to close 14 embassies and 15 consulates, while severing ties with Cuba and Nicaragua. Crime & Courts (Nigeria): A Lagos federal court sentenced a fugitive drug trafficker and a former international footballer to a combined 24 years for cocaine importation involving an Ethiopian Airlines route via Addis Ababa. Arts & Culture (Ethiopia-linked): A piece highlights Ethiopia’s role in the story of “SOAP Aid,” a music-and-soap fundraiser tied to the 1980s Ethiopian famine.

Ethiopia–U.S. Defense Talks: Field Marshal Birhanu Jula met AFRICOM commander General Dagvin Anderson in Addis Ababa to deepen defense cooperation, including joint counter-terror efforts against threats from Al-Shabaab and ISIS. AI for Climate Safety: Ethiopia’s Meteorological Institute is working with China’s AI systems for life-saving early warnings, with MAZU helping issue real-time alerts for droughts and flash floods. Logistics & Comms Symposium: Ethiopia will host the first African Logistics and Communication Symposium in Addis Ababa (40 countries, 26 partners), highlighting how better logistics and communications support peace, security, and humanitarian operations. AMCEEA Youth Priorities: Catholic Bishops of AMECEA wrapped up a plenary assembly in Nairobi, adopting pastoral priorities for young people, including mental health support and responsible engagement with digital life and AI. Ethiopian Film in the Spotlight: An Ethiopian film titled “Reference” was honored by Protoje, adding to the week’s momentum for Ethiopian creative work. Sports & Culture: Ethiopia’s classics finale in Harar saw Sena Gemechu and Rahel Embibel win, while AfCON 2028 hosting bids keep regional football buzz alive.

Ethiopia-China Tech for Climate Safety: Ethiopia’s Meteorological Institute says cooperation with China’s meteorology agency is upgrading AI-powered forecasting and early warning, aiming to improve data accuracy and disaster response. National Green Push: Ethiopia’s Green Legacy Initiative is framed as a development symbol built on multinational unity, with tree-planting at Lake Hora Arsedi in Bishoftu under “Planting Hope.” Logistics & Security Forum in Addis Ababa: Ethiopia will host the inaugural African Logistics and Communication Symposium, bringing 40 countries and major partners to share practical solutions for civilian and military operations. Film Across East Africa: Bigger Motion confirms cinema venues for “Memory of Princess Mumbi,” with Ethiopia’s stop at Videobet Cinema in Addis Ababa (showtimes to be released closer to dates). Sports Spotlight: Ethiopia’s Sena Gemechu and Rahel Embibel win the men’s and women’s titles at the Ethio Telecom Great Ethiopian Run Harar. Governance Debate: Ethiopia’s National Dialogue is considering alternative governance models, including presidential and semi-presidential options.

Logistics & Security Forum: Ethiopia will host the inaugural African Logistics and Communication Symposium in Addis Ababa (July 27–31), bringing together 40 countries and 26 industry partners to share practical solutions for both civilian and peace-security operations. Tech for Climate Resilience: Ethiopian Meteorological Institute officials say cooperation with China—using AI-powered forecasting and early warning tools—is strengthening weather accuracy and disaster response, with plans to expand such systems across more countries. Film Across East Africa: Bigger Motion has confirmed cinema venues for the regional run of sci-fi romance “Memory of Princess Mumbi,” with Ethiopia’s stop at Videobet Cinema in Addis Ababa (showtimes to be released closer to screening dates). Tourism Momentum: Addis Ababa is seeing record growth in international conferences and a new Africa-wide tourism promotion campaign kicked off in Kenya, aiming to boost intra-African travel and highlight Ethiopia’s cultural heritage. Education & Skills: Addis Ababa Mayor Adanech Abiebie launched construction of the city’s first Smart Polytechnic College, targeting job-ready technical training in fields like manufacturing, electronics, and CNC. Sports Spotlight: Ethiopia’s Sena Gemechu and Rahel Embibel won the men’s and women’s titles at the Ethio Telecom Great Ethiopian Run in Harar.

Music & Film: Protoje drops the official video for “Reference,” filmed in Ethiopia during Melkam Gena, spotlighting Rastafari and African identity. Cinema (East Africa): Bigger Motion confirms where to watch sci‑fi romance “Memory of Princess Mumbi,” with Ethiopia’s Videobet Cinema in Addis Ababa among the listed venues. Arts & Culture (Addis Ababa): A cultural feature traces how Russian classical music found a home at the Adwa Victory Memorial Museum’s Gasha Cinema Hall, linking music to Ethiopia’s historical memory. Sports (Road Running): Sena Gemechu and Rahel Embibel win the men’s and women’s titles at the Ethio Telecom Great Ethiopian Run Harar, closing the Discover Ethiopia Classics series. Sports (Marathon): Amos Kipruto and Jacob Kiplimo renew their rivalry at the Chicago Marathon on Oct 11. Policy & Society (Ethiopia/US): A Massachusetts judge temporarily blocks the Trump administration from ending TPS for Ethiopian nationals while a legal challenge proceeds. Tech & Climate: Ethiopia’s Meteorological Institute highlights AI-backed Ethiopia–China cooperation to strengthen early warning and disaster response. Tourism: Addis Ababa’s tourism push grows with more international conferences and a new Smart Polytechnic College launch, plus an Africa-wide tourism campaign kicking off in Kenya.

Film & Culture: Bigger Motion has confirmed cinema venues for the East African theatrical run of sci-fi romance “Memory of Princess Mumbi,” with Ethiopia’s stop at Videobet Cinema in Addis Ababa (plus Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda, and Tanzania). Performing Arts & Inclusion: Wales’ Humans Move will bring “Let Life Dance” to Mold, featuring disabled and non-disabled dancers and spotlighting belonging through movement. Sports: Ethiopia’s Sena Gemechu and Rahel Embibel won the men’s and women’s titles at the Ethio Telecom Great Ethiopian Run in Harar, closing the Discover Ethiopia Classics circuit. Tourism & Events: Addis Ababa says it hosted 221+ international conferences, and Mayor Adanech Abiebie launched construction of Ethiopia’s first Smart Polytechnic College to boost job-ready skills. Climate Tech: Ethiopia’s Meteorological Institute highlighted AI-backed Ethiopia–China cooperation to strengthen early warning and disaster response. Diaspora Music: Protoje released the “Reference” video filmed in Ethiopia during Melkam Gena, tying Rastafari faith to African identity.

Logistics Liberalization: Ethiopia’s freight and shipping sector is moving from state-controlled protectionism toward full liberalization, with foreign investors now able to fully own logistics and freight forwarding firms—aimed at tackling long-running issues like high Djibouti demurrage costs and capacity gaps. Classical Music in Addis Ababa: A Russian classical concert at the Adwa Victory Memorial Museum’s Gasha Cinema Hall turned the venue into a cultural bridge, pairing Ethiopia’s Adwa legacy with Tchaikovsky-style sound. Road Running in Harar: Sena Gemechu and Rahel Embibel won the men’s and women’s titles at the Ethio Telecom Great Ethiopian Run in Harar, closing the Discover Ethiopia Classics series with a puzzle-medal finish. Tourism Push: Addis Ababa is reporting record conference growth and launching an Africa-wide tourism promotion campaign in Kenya, with plans to expand to 10 countries. Smart Skills for Youth: Addis Ababa Mayor Adanech Abiebie launched construction of the city’s first Smart Polytechnic College, targeting job-ready training in tech and manufacturing. Music & Heritage: LG is backing the Kagnew Choir with a dedicated practice studio in Addis Ababa’s Korean War Veterans Memorial Hall, supporting descendants through sound and song. Protoje Video Premiere: Jamaican reggae artist Protoje released “Reference,” filmed in Ethiopia during Melkam Gena, spotlighting Haile Selassie I and African identity.

Ethiopia–China Tech for Climate: The Ethiopian Meteorological Institute says cooperation with China’s meteorology agency is upgrading AI-driven weather and early-warning systems to improve disaster response. Heat Threat to Livelihoods: Reports warn extreme desert temperatures are killing camels, pushing herders across the Horn and North Africa to fear losses of a key transport and survival animal. Tourism Push in Addis Ababa: Addis Ababa says it hosted 221 international conferences this fiscal year, helped by urban renewal and visitor upgrades, while Ethiopia also launched an Africa-wide tourism promotion campaign in Kenya. Skills & Education: Addis Ababa Mayor Adanech Abiebie broke ground on Ethiopia’s first Smart Polytechnic College, aiming to train youth for manufacturing, automotive, electronics, textiles and CNC. Cultural Spotlight: Jamaican reggae artist Protoje released the video for “Reference,” filmed in Ethiopia during Melkam Gena, tying Rastafari themes to Ethiopian celebration. Arts & Community: LG is backing the Kagnew Choir with a dedicated practice studio and audio/IT equipment in Addis Ababa, honoring descendants of Ethiopian veterans. Human Stories: Ethiopian federal police say they dismantled a trafficking network that lured tens of thousands of migrants with false job promises, involving torture and ransom videos. Global Stage for Ethiopia: Addis Ababa will host the inaugural World Public Summit Africa (July 29–30), bringing leaders and cultural voices together under “New World: Africa in Shaping a Shared Future.”

World Public Summit in Addis Ababa: Global leaders are set to gather in Ethiopia for the first-ever World Public Summit in Africa, running July 29–30 under “New World: Africa in Shaping a Shared Future,” bringing together government, business, media, youth, civil society and cultural leaders. Arts & Culture Spotlight: Alongside the summit, Addis Ababa will host “Unity,” a major exhibition featuring contemporary artists from 16 African countries, showcasing paintings, sculpture, collage, digital and mixed-media works. Music for Veterans’ Legacy: LG is building a dedicated music practice studio in Addis Ababa for the Kagnew Choir, descendants of Ethiopian veterans of the Korean War, giving the ensemble a permanent home and proper sound equipment. Digital Creativity via M-PESA: M-PESA Ethiopia has partnered with Gebeya to add AI mini-app tools to its platform, letting users pay through M-PESA and create digital content like music, videos and apps. Human Story, Hard News: Ethiopian federal police say they dismantled a trafficking network that allegedly lured tens of thousands of migrants with false jobs, using torture videos to extort families.