AGP Executive Report

Ethiopia’s Green Legacy Push: Ethiopia says it planted 805.3 million tree seedlings in a single day, with PM Abiy citing 26.2 million participants and linking the drive to the Green Legacy Initiative’s climate and farming gains. Reforestation by Ethio telecom: The telecom operator announced a nationwide reforestation push tied to the Green Legacy campaign, mobilizing thousands of staff and partners to plant 250,000 seedlings. Tigray Crisis at the Border: Clashes between Ethiopian forces and TPLF have sent hundreds of civilians fleeing into Sudan; AFP reports 15 Tigray rebel bodies recovered in a Sudanese border town. Sudan Humanitarian Alarm: The UN warns of a rising civilian toll after a reported drone strike in North Darfur killed at least 35, urging de-escalation and safe humanitarian access. Disaster in Amhara: A landslide at a monastery ritual in Tsadqane Debre Mitmaq killed 14 and injured seven, with more people feared trapped. Sports Spotlight: Ethiopian fans may cheer as Harshita Jakhar, who rode with an Ethiopia contingent, became the first Indian woman to feature in the Tour de France Femmes 2026.

Tigray Crisis at the Border: Heavy clashes between Ethiopia’s federal forces and TPLF fighters near Shererina have sent hundreds of Tigrayans fleeing into Sudan, with reports of wounded people crossing and fears the 2022 peace deal could unravel. Refugee Safety: Sudan’s Interior Ministry says projectiles hit refugee camps along the Sudan-Ethiopia border, killing people and injuring others, raising humanitarian alarm. Green Legacy Momentum: Ethiopia’s Green Legacy Initiative keeps dominating the news in Addis Ababa, with President Taye Atske Selassie and ministers joining a nationwide push to plant 800 million seedlings, while officials frame it as climate action, water protection, and jobs for farmers. US Visa Bond Shock: The US has made its visa bond policy permanent for applicants from 50 countries, including Ethiopia, with refundable deposits up to $20,000 for certain B1/B2 visas. Regional Mobility Debate: Pan-Africanist Prof. Patrick Lumumba urges African governments to drop visa restrictions to boost AfCFTA trade and investment, arguing investors should be able to travel freely across borders. EU Migrant Policy Pressure: Italy is pushing an “Albania model” for EU migrant return hubs, with several African countries named as possible hosts.

Green Legacy Launch: Ethiopia has kicked off a nationwide push to plant 800 million tree seedlings in a single day, as part of a wider plan to plant 8 billion during the rainy season, aiming to reverse land degradation and boost climate resilience. BRI Investment Boost: A new report says Africa led Belt and Road Initiative investment in the first half of the year, with Ethiopia emerging as the biggest growth case, including major green energy deals worth billions. Tigray-Sudan Fallout: Fighting in western Tigray has triggered fresh displacement, with hundreds crossing into Sudan and wounded people receiving first aid before transfer to sites hosting earlier war-displaced communities. US Visa Bond Turns Permanent: The United States is making its visa bond programme permanent from Aug. 3, requiring applicants from 50 countries—including Ethiopia—to post refundable deposits up to $20,000 for B1/B2 visas. Human-Centred Leadership: At a World Public Summit in Addis Ababa, speakers stressed that Africa’s prosperity depends on leadership focused on people, dignity, and human capital. El Niño Preparedness: The African Union urged member states to strengthen preparedness as forecasts point to a strong El Niño intensifying from August.

Green Legacy Initiative: Ethiopia is hours away from planting 800 million seedlings nationwide under the Green Legacy Initiative, with leaders saying the drive is boosting environmental restoration, water security and agricultural productivity while strengthening Ethiopia’s global climate reputation. Water & Ecosystems: The Water and Energy Minister says GLI is improving watershed health and helping springs and streams recover, with impacts verified through satellite data and basin studies, and calls for internationally recognized Payment for Ecosystem Services. Tigray Conflict Watch: Fighting between Ethiopian federal forces and Tigray rebels near the Sudan border in western Tigray has de-escalated after heavy artillery and drone clashes, but both sides trade accusations and warn of renewed war. U.S. Visa Bond Policy: The United States is making its visa bond programme permanent for travellers from 50 countries, including Ethiopia, with deposits up to $20,000 for B1/B2 visas starting Aug 3. BRICS Statistics Track: India will host BRICS Heads of National Statistical Offices in Lucknow Aug 3–4, with Ethiopia among participants focused on data quality and innovation. Connected Banking Summit: Ethiopia is hosting the 29th Connected Banking Summit on digital financial systems and banking modernisation, as regulators and banks discuss faster, safer payments and inclusion.

Tax Pressure in Addis Ababa: Ethiopia is charging citizens twice for services they already fund through income tax, as budget gaps push the state toward more fees and levies; the latest flashpoint is Mercato’s Shematera, where nearly 180 shops were sealed for three weeks in a VAT enforcement drive, disrupting thousands of traders. U.S. Visa Bond Rule: The U.S. is making its visa bond programme permanent from Aug. 3, letting consular officers require refundable deposits up to $20,000 for B1/B2 applicants from 50 countries, including Ethiopia—aimed at cutting overstays. Tigray Security Update: Fresh fighting has broken out in western Tigray, with Tigrayan authorities accusing federal forces of launching an offensive and warning peace is unraveling. Green Legacy Push: Ethiopia is mobilising millions for a mass tree-planting drive tied to the Green Legacy Initiative, with officials saying 800 million seedlings are planned in a single day ahead of COP32. Health and Policy: Ethiopia called for stronger African cooperation to improve cardiovascular care during a joint cardiac professionals congress in Addis Ababa. Diplomacy and Reform Messaging: PM Abiy says Ethiopia has built resilience to counter threats to national existence and urges internal disputes to be settled through dialogue.

Tigray–Federal Clash Fears: Fresh fighting between Ethiopia’s federal forces and Tigray-aligned forces in western Tigray has reignited worries of a wider return to war, despite the Pretoria ceasefire. Green Legacy Push: Ethiopia is mobilizing millions for a nationwide tree-planting drive tied to the Green Legacy Initiative, with officials saying 800 million seedlings are targeted in a day ahead of COP32. Diplomatic Reform Signals: Outgoing Indian and Finnish ambassadors praised Ethiopia’s reform momentum, infrastructure build-out and growing investment appeal. US Visa Bond Policy: The US made its visa bond programme permanent, with some B1/B2 applicants from 50 countries (including Ethiopia) facing refundable deposits up to $20,000. Ethiopia–Somalia Security: Ethiopia reaffirmed support for AUSSOM and Somalia’s stability at a troop-contributing summit in Kampala. Digital Economy & Telecom: Ethio Telecom reports data overtaking voice as its top revenue driver, while Safaricom Ethiopia highlights rapid data growth and expanding digital finance use. Amhara Conflict Calls: Researchers urged third-party mediated peace talks to resolve the protracted Amhara fighting. Ebola Watch: Africa CDC flagged operational constraints in DRC’s Ebola response while praising Uganda’s containment progress.

Ethiopia’s Green Leadership Push: Deputy Prime Minister Temesgen Tiruneh says Ethiopia is investing in a new generation of leaders to drive green transformation, food self-sufficiency, climate resilience and green innovation at the LCC2026 leadership conference in Addis Ababa. PM Abiy on Medemer: Abiy Ahmed tells an interview audience that Medemer—synergy, unity and collective progress—is Ethiopia’s only viable path to prosperity, stability and reform shaped by national consultations. Red Sea Shipping Disruption: State-owned Ethiopian Shipping and Logistics (ESL) says it’s monitoring Middle East security risks and weighing rerouting or feeder services to keep Ethiopian cargo moving. NBE Enforcement: The National Bank of Ethiopia bars former Global Bank CEO Tesfaye Boru from senior roles for five years over regulatory violations found in a special inspection. US Visa Shift Affecting Africans: The US ends routine visa processing in Abuja from August 1, moving Nigerians to the Lagos consulate for appointments and fees. Ethiopia-US Airport Talks: US officials say they’re pushing for strong US participation in Ethiopia’s $12.5bn Bishoftu airport project, tied to Ethiopian Airlines growth and Boeing plans. El Niño Warning: The African Union urges countries to prepare for a projected 2026/27 El Niño that could bring droughts, floods, food insecurity and economic losses. Church Under Attack: Ethiopia’s ancient Saint Arsema monastery in South Wollo was severely damaged in a drone attack, with reports of deaths and injuries among clergy and worshippers.

Regional Health Security: IGAD has reopened its Mission in Khartoum, signaling renewed regional engagement to support Sudan’s peace and recovery, while Kenya and partners are also drafting a framework to jointly procure emergency medical supplies during outbreaks, including Ethiopia. Climate Risk: The African Union is urging countries to prepare for a potentially strongest El Niño since 1950, warning of droughts, floods, food insecurity, disease outbreaks and pressure on national economies. Ebola Watch: Africa CDC says Ebola response capacity is constrained in DR Congo, even as Uganda shows progress, with plans to strengthen early detection and stop spread to new zones. Ethiopia Politics & Security: ENA reports hardline TPLF leaders are pushing for renewed conflict, while Ethiopia and Morocco reaffirmed cooperation across trade, investment and capacity building. Public Health & Agriculture: AU-linked updates highlight progress against PPR “goat plague” but call for more funding and political commitment to eradicate it. Local Economy: Amhara Region supplied 357kg of gold to Ethiopia’s National Bank, citing efforts to formalize mining and curb illegal trade. Information Integrity: A viral claim about an Iranian strike on a US facility shared in Ethiopia was flagged as false, traced to an older AI-generated video.

Ethiopia’s Aviation Push: The U.S. is seeking a bigger role in Ethiopia’s $12.5bn Bishoftu airport project, with officials saying American firms could help shape contracts and aircraft plans as the hub targets 60m passengers in phase one. AU National Dialogue: Participants say Ethiopia’s national dialogue conference is building consensus through an inclusive, free exchange of ideas across society. Health & Media Integrity: Ethiopia, Kenya and Somalia journalists are being trained on ethical, survivor-centred reporting on FGM, with experts warning that misleading terms can downplay harm. Security & Logistics: AFRICOM says illegal narcotics trafficking across Africa has surged more than sixfold in two years, urging stronger coordination and communications. Controversy at AIDS 2026: The U.S. State Department apologized after a map of Africa at the AIDS conference mislabeled every country, sparking anger among African partners. Youth Mobility Alert: Ghana warns unemployed youth against risky travel routes, urging use of approved visa pathways. Sports & Community: Ethiopia’s youth football team reportedly vanished during Sweden’s Gothia Cup, with police saying there are no signs of trafficking. Business & Investment: United Capital says assets have crossed N2tn and it plans to expand across 12 African countries, including Ethiopia.

Bishoftu Airport Push: The US is seeking a bigger commercial role in Ethiopia’s $12.5bn Bishoftu International Airport project, with officials saying American participation could mean more Boeing aircraft and GE Aerospace engines as construction targets a 2030 first phase. Ethiopia–Kenya Expansion: Kenya’s top cabinet official Musalia Mudavadi says cooperation with Ethiopia is widening across transport and energy, pointing to LAPSSET corridor plans and power links that let Kenya buy hydro electricity from Ethiopia. National Dialogue Momentum: Participants at Ethiopia’s National Dialogue Conference say the process is inclusive and freely sharing ideas to build consensus for long-term peace and development. PPR “Goat Plague” Drive: AU officials report progress against Peste des Petits Ruminants but warn eradication needs stronger political commitment and more domestic funding, not just external support. AU Diplomacy in Addis: Foreign Minister Gedion Timotheos held talks with Cameroon’s counterpart on boosting economic cooperation and AU financial capacity, while Libya’s foreign minister met AU leadership on security coordination and reopening AU mission plans. Regional Security Watch: Somalia’s foreign minister met AU Commission chair Mahmoud Ali Youssouf on AUSSOM and UNSOS, as security-transition concerns grow amid donor fatigue.

Ethiopian Airlines Growth: Ethiopian Airlines Group reported record fiscal revenue of $9.1 billion, up 20%, as passenger numbers rose to 20.7 million and cargo climbed to 897,000 metric tons, while the airline added new routes and aircraft to support its Vision 2035 push. Somalia Peace Mission Funding: Ethiopian and other troop-contributing leaders gathered in Uganda for an AUSSOM summit focused on sustaining Somalia’s security transition amid a looming funding crisis and tighter resources. Youth Demand for Delivery: A new African Youth Survey says optimism is at its highest since the pandemic, but young people in countries including Ethiopia want jobs, clean government, and real democracy—not slogans. Hepatitis Elimination Push: Africa CDC urged faster continental action to eliminate hepatitis by 2030, citing low testing and treatment coverage and calling for stronger domestic financing. Saudi Death-Row Concerns: UK House of Lords bishops urged Saudi leadership to halt alleged executions of Ethiopian Christians, citing claims of trafficking, torture, and unfair legal treatment. US TPS Legal Twist: A US appeals court allowed the Trump administration to move forward with ending Ethiopia’s TPS, though the case is set for further proceedings. China-Robotics Training in Addis Ababa: Libya and other African medical professionals joined the first cohort of a China-backed robotic surgery training centre in Addis Ababa aimed at boosting minimally invasive care across the region.

COP32 Planning: A new op-ed argues Addis Ababa must start now to make COP32 deliver real climate action, noting COPs’ structural limits and the need for better planning, finance and policy architecture. Health Financing Reform: Ethiopia and UNECA will deepen the Transforming Health Financing in Africa Initiative, with Ethiopia joining early adopters to push sustainable, innovative health funding reforms. AU Executive Council Wrap-Up: The 49th AU Executive Council session in Addis Ababa concluded with focus on development priorities, institutional reforms and sustainable financing under the theme on water and sanitation. Manufacturing Push: Ethiopia’s “Made in Ethiopia” initiative is credited with boosting manufacturing output and exports, as the industry ministry reviews performance and recognizes top firms. Evidence for Policy: Afrobarometer highlights citizen-generated data use in Addis Ababa’s Africa Evidence Summit, stressing real-time, reliable evidence for Agenda 2063. US Visa Shift: The US will end routine visa services in Abuja and 24 African posts from Aug. 1, moving processing to regional hubs. Ethiopian Airlines Growth: Ethiopian Airlines reports a 20% revenue rise to $9.1bn and 20.7m passengers, despite Middle East conflict and Ebola disruptions. Gold Deal Update: Zijin Gold’s $5.5bn takeover of Allied Gold is terminated; Zijin will instead invest about $295m for a 9.2% stake, including ramp-up of Allied’s Kurmuk mine in Ethiopia. Water Access Alarm: UNECA warns 400m Africans lack basic drinking water and 700m lack safely managed sanitation, urging integrated planning and stronger financing.

AU Executive Council in Addis Ababa: The 49th Ordinary Session is under way at the AU headquarters, with regional and international delegations including the Sahrawi Republic taking part in discussions on Agenda 2063, treaty ratification and the AU’s 2026 theme. Diplomacy: Azerbaijan’s parliament speaker arrived for official talks with Ethiopia’s House of People’s Representatives speaker, while Ethiopia’s President Taye bid farewell to outgoing ambassadors from Finland, Norway and India. Humanitarian and security: Ethiopian Christians mourn after a reported drone strike hit the Arsema Monastery in South Wollo, Amhara, killing clergy and worshippers. Air connectivity: Jazeera Airways announced direct Addis Ababa flights starting Sept 7 with three weekly services. Migration and rights: The IOM warns online scam trafficking is expanding, with victims coerced into forced cybercrime; separate reports also highlight Saudi executions of Ethiopian migrants on drug-related charges. Global policy: UN and other reports note growing pressure on asylum and protected-status systems, including renewed US moves affecting TPS holders.

AU Executive Council in Addis Ababa: The AU’s 49th Executive Council session opened with renewed calls for fair, permanent African representation at the UN Security Council, with leaders warning that conflicts and climate shocks are reshaping Africa’s priorities. Peace and security focus: Defence chiefs at the AU logistics and communications symposium praised Ethiopia’s role in continental peace and security, stressing that regional cooperation on logistics and communications is key to stability. Middle East spillover: African leaders warned that renewed fighting in the Middle East is driving energy shocks, supply disruptions and higher prices across the continent. Human trafficking and online scams: IOM warned that criminal networks are increasingly forcing victims into online fraud operations, with cases involving people from Ethiopia and Kenya highlighted ahead of World Day Against Trafficking in Persons. Ethiopia’s digital push: Ethio Telecom said Telebirr is partnering with the Great Ethiopian Run to digitise registration and payments for the 10km race in November. Aviation and travel: The FAA proposed inspections for hundreds of Boeing 737 MAX seats over installation concerns, while the US announced it will end routine visa processing at 25 African diplomatic posts from August 1, routing applicants to regional hubs including Addis Ababa.

AU Executive Council in Addis Ababa: Foreign ministers and senior officials are arriving for the 49th Ordinary Session of the AU Executive Council (July 28–29), with water security and safe sanitation at the center of the agenda. Ethiopia-U.S. defense talks: Field Marshal Birhanu Jula met AFRICOM Commander General Dagvin Anderson to expand bilateral defense cooperation, including joint work on counterterrorism and logistics. Logistics and communications push: The inaugural African Logistics and Communications Symposium opened in Addis Ababa, bringing leaders from 40 countries to strengthen readiness through better logistics and secure communications. Sino-Africa health cooperation: China and African partners launched medical partnership initiatives in Addis Ababa, including training centers for robotic surgery and endoscopic technology, as part of broader public health modernization. Ethiopia revenue update: Ethiopia’s Ministry of Revenues says annual tax income rose about 68.7% year-on-year to 1.518 trillion birr, exceeding targets. Regional travel policy: South Africa expanded its eVisa eligibility list, including Ethiopia, while most African countries remain outside the online access.

AU Executive Council in Addis Ababa: Foreign ministers and senior officials are arriving for the 49th AU Executive Council session on July 28–29, with Kenya’s Musalia Mudavadi in town to push support for its ICJ and ICC nominees. National Dialogue Momentum: Civil society leaders say Ethiopia’s National Dialogue is building trust and shared problem-solving through consultations on eight agenda items. Power Sector Roadmap: The Ethiopian Electric Utility unveiled a 25-year plan to modernize and expand power distribution through 2049, targeting major growth in peak demand and new substations. Digital ID Push: Ethio Telecom says it has enrolled 32 million people for the Fayda digital ID, covering most administrative zones and reinforcing telecoms’ role in national digital public infrastructure. Logistics & Security: AFRICOM’s commander told an Addis symposium that sustainment, logistics, and communications are key to military readiness and regional stability. Regional Diplomacy: Somalia’s opposition leaders urged AU troop contributors to prioritize an inclusive political settlement before further AUSSOM security transitions. Court Case (Nigeria): A Lagos court sentenced a fugitive drug trafficker and a former footballer to a combined 24 years for cocaine importation involving an Ethiopian Airlines route via Addis Ababa.