AGP Executive Report

World Public Summit in Addis Ababa: Ethiopia’s capital will host the World Public Summit on July 29–30, bringing together public diplomacy leaders, cultural and education voices, youth, media, and civil society around “Africa — A New World: Africa in Shaping a Shared Future.” Ethiopia–Malaysia ties: PM Abiy Ahmed thanked Malaysian PM Anwar Ibrahim for congratulating him on election victory, highlighting Global South solidarity and plans to advance bilateral initiatives. Digital policing rollout: Ethiopia’s Federal Police launched unmanned Smart Police Stations, calling it a major step in security reform and Digital Ethiopia 2030. Cultural funding open call: The British Council Cultural Protection Fund opened expressions of interest for heritage-protection projects, including Ethiopia, with grants up to £500,000. Press freedom and safety: A report highlights the assault of an Ethiopian journalist and the wider risks facing queer people amid rising criminalization and mob justice. Regional arts-adjacent spotlight: Ethiopia is also mentioned in coverage of Africa’s creator power and pan-African journalism history.

Ethiopia–India Diplomacy: PM Narendra Modi congratulated Ethiopian PM Abiy Ahmed and the Prosperity Party on a decisive parliamentary election win, reaffirming deep ties and a push to strengthen the strategic partnership. Human Rights & Law: Human Rights Watch urged Tigray authorities to withdraw a sweeping conscription and dissent-punishing proclamation, warning it enables abuse and harsh penalties. Queer Rights Under Pressure: A gay Ethiopian journalist was assaulted in a horrifying attack, highlighting fears and growing criminalization of sexual minorities. Creative Economy Policy: Ethiopia’s creative and cultural industries face a major barrier: exclusion from the national investment code, limiting growth for art, film, and crafts. Arts & Culture Calendar: Addis Ababa will host the World Public Summit on July 29–30, with sessions on sovereignty, education, youth, innovation, and cultural preservation. Diaspora Sports & Culture: The ESFNA soccer tournament returns to Minnesota (June 27–July 4), blending football with Ethiopian food, music, dance, and community fundraising.

Human Rights & Law: Human Rights Watch urged Tigray authorities to withdraw a sweeping new proclamation tied to forced conscription and harsh penalties, warning it could enable abuses and punish dissent. Queer Rights & Safety: An Ethiopian journalist was assaulted in a case linked to his sexual orientation, highlighting rising persecution of sexual minorities amid growing mob justice. Healthcare & Education: Merck Foundation marked World Health Day by spotlighting its “More Than a Mother” work, including scholarships that have trained thousands of healthcare specialists across Africa, with Ethiopia among beneficiaries. Culture & Creative Economy: A new study says Ethiopia’s creative industries are held back less by funding and more by exclusion from the national investment code, slowing art, film, and crafts as standalone growth drivers. Diaspora Sports & Community: Minnesota’s ESFNA soccer tournament (June 27–July 4) returns as a full Ethiopian cultural gathering—food, crafts, dance, and community fundraising. Coffee Culture: A guide to Ethiopia’s traditional coffee ceremony—roasting, jebena brewing, and hospitality—frames it as a shared social and spiritual ritual. International Spotlight: Addis Ababa will host the World Public Summit on July 29–30, with sessions on sovereignty, culture, education, youth, and public diplomacy.

World Public Summit in Addis Ababa: The World Public Summit will be held in Ethiopia’s capital on July 29–30, bringing diplomats, youth, media, and civil society to discuss sovereignty, education, science, cultural preservation, and public diplomacy. Creative industry policy hurdle: A new study says Ethiopia’s culture and creative economy is held back not by lack of funding, but by exclusion from the national investment code, slowing art, film, and crafts as standalone growth sectors. Aviation skills push: Airbus and Boeing announced training initiatives aimed at growing Africa’s aviation workforce, including an Airbus Advanced Master programme in aeronautical management for Ethiopian Airlines professionals. Ethiopia–UK ties: Ethiopia’s foreign minister called for a deeper, people-to-people driven partnership with the UK, highlighting business, universities, and diaspora links. Election backdrop: Reuters reports Abiy Ahmed’s Prosperity Party won another big parliamentary majority, with voting not held in Tigray and some Amhara areas. Documentary spotlight: Sundance named Ethiopian American filmmaker Ameha Molla as part of its 2026 Documentary Edit Intensive, backing new nonfiction storytelling. Coffee culture: A feature breaks down Ethiopia’s traditional coffee ceremony—roasting, brewing in a jebena, and the hospitality and community bonds it creates.

Creative Economy Policy: A new study says Ethiopia’s culture and creative industries are being held back less by funding and more by exclusion from the national investment code, slowing art, film and crafts from growing as a standalone growth engine. Coffee Culture: A look at the Ethiopian coffee ceremony—roasting, grinding, brewing in a jebena, and serving it as hospitality, community bonding, and spiritual reflection. Aviation Skills & Jobs: Airbus and Boeing roll out aviation workforce training in Ethiopia and Nigeria, betting on Africa’s fast-growing demand for pilots, cabin crew and technicians. Mobility Tech: Spiro secures $55M from China’s NewTrails to expand its electric motorcycle battery-swapping network across multiple African markets, pushing cleaner transport. Diplomacy & People-to-People Ties: Ethiopia’s FM Gedion Timothewos calls for a deeper Ethiopia–UK partnership, highlighting trade, education, research and diaspora links. Election Politics: Reports confirm Abiy Ahmed’s Prosperity Party winning another big parliamentary majority, with voting not held in parts of Tigray and some areas of Amhara. Arts & Media: Paramount+’s spy thriller The Agency returns for season 2, with the plot tying back to a CIA mission in Ethiopia. World Stage in Addis Ababa: Addis Ababa is set to host the World Public Summit in July, with discussions spanning sovereignty, sustainable development, education, science, cultural preservation and youth.

Ethiopia Politics: Reuters reports Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed’s Prosperity Party won another huge parliamentary majority, taking 438 seats (about 90% of announced results), as voting didn’t happen in Tigray and some parts of Amhara. US–Ethiopia Security: The US announced targeted visa restrictions for individuals tied to undermining peace in Ethiopia’s Tigray region, warning of renewed instability and civilian displacement. Housing & Justice: Homebuyers have filed collective lawsuits over a failed subscription housing model, after the National Bank of Ethiopia invalidated performance guarantee bonds—buyers say they’re left with incomplete shells instead of promised homes. Arts & Culture: LG is sponsoring a visit by descendants of Ethiopia’s Kagnew Battalion to South Korea, including the Kagnew Choir, continuing music-led cultural exchange. Digital Services: Abiy inaugurated the Unified MESOB application, billed as Africa’s first unified one-stop digital service platform. Climate & Jobs: Ethiopia’s Green Legacy Initiative is scaling up with a US$9.8m project to boost ecosystem-based climate resilience for smallholders. Entertainment: Paramount+’s spy thriller The Agency returns for season 2, with the plot again tied to Ethiopia.

Parliamentary Politics: Ethiopia’s Prosperity Party has won another huge majority in the June elections, taking 438 seats (about 90% of announced results), as voting didn’t happen in parts of Tigray and Amhara. Climate & Culture of Restoration: A new US$9.8 million project will scale up nature-based climate resilience under the Green Legacy Initiative, focusing on ecosystem restoration that protects watersheds, soil, and livelihoods. Tech for Daily Life: Prime Minister Abiy inaugurated Africa’s first unified digital service platform, the MESOB application, aiming to streamline government services and reduce corruption gaps. Arts & Heritage Exchange: LG is sponsoring a visit by descendants of Ethiopia’s Kagnew Battalion to South Korea, including a “Kagnew Choir” for music education and international cultural exchange. Music Festival Spotlight: Jerusalem’s Hullegeb Israeli-Ethiopian Arts Festival (June 23–25) spotlights Ethiopian-rooted Takzina and Yemenite heritage through upcycled, handmade instruments. Sports & Community: Homebuyers are pushing a major housing finance dispute to court over failed subscription promises, while Ethiopian-linked sports stories keep circulating online.

Housing Court Clash: Hundreds of Ethiopian homebuyers have filed a collective civil suit against Key Housing Finance Solutions and Bunna Insurance after the National Bank of Ethiopia invalidated performance guarantee bonds, freezing tens of millions of birr and alleging “turnkey” homes were delivered as incomplete shells. Digital Services Push: PM Abiy Ahmed inaugurated the Unified MESOB Application, calling it Africa’s first unified one-stop digital service platform meant to save citizens’ time and reduce corruption gaps. Election Praise: A Kenyan and a Burundian youth told ENA Ethiopia’s 7th General Election was peaceful and well organized, highlighting high turnout and smooth polling operations. Arts & Culture Spotlight: Hawassa-based Yemisrach Kine-Tibeb founder and event organizer profiles a small team building monthly poetry and cultural nights to promote young writers. Viral Compassion Story: A 12-year-old boy in Amhara went viral after taking his sick chicken to a human hospital, then to a vet—an internet hit for its pure empathy. Sports Note: Malawi coach Kalisto Pasuwa named 65 players in 10 call-ups as the team looks toward future AFCON qualification.

Digital Transformation: PM Abiy Ahmed inaugurated the Unified MESOB Application, billed as Africa’s first unified digital service platform meant to streamline government services and cut corruption gaps. Civic Life: Youth from Burundi and Kenya praised Ethiopia’s 7th General Election as peaceful, well-organized, and high-turnout, highlighting voter confidence and smooth polling. Arts & Culture (Viral Human Story): A 12-year-old boy in Amhara went viral after taking his sick chicken to a human hospital, then to a vet—an instant reminder of Ethiopia’s compassion and community spirit. Sports: Malawi coach Kalisto Pasuwa named 65 players across 10 call-ups, with Ethiopia’s friendly match noted as a key marker in his rebuilding push. International Spotlight: EU Ambassador Sofie From-Emmesberger called the election a democratic milestone, while Israel’s UN ambassador clashed publicly over a blacklist dispute—both underscoring how Ethiopia’s political moment is being watched abroad.

Ethiopian Election Spotlight: The EU’s ambassador to Ethiopia, Sofie From-Emmesberger, called the country’s 7th General Election a major democratic milestone, praising peaceful voting by about 40 million citizens and commending NEBE, parties, civil society, and security for keeping the process orderly. Human-Interest Viral Moment: In Amhara, a 12-year-old boy won hearts after taking his sick chicken to Dembecha Primary Hospital—only to be redirected to a vet, where the bird recovered; the story spread widely online for the child’s compassion. Arts & Culture (Addis Ababa): Ethiopia is pushing stronger African digital storytelling, with officials recognizing contributors to the inaugural African Social Media Influencers Summit (ASMIS) in Addis Ababa. Coffee & Culture: A piece highlights coffee as Ethiopia’s economic backbone—linking smallholder livelihoods, national traditions of brewing, and the crop’s global reach. International Arts/Media: A review of London’s “Art in the Service of Faith” spotlights faith-linked artworks reaching as far as Ethiopia. Sports/Entertainment: The 2026 US Barista Championship moves into Round One Day Two coverage, while Father’s Day posts and global marathon planning also dominated entertainment feeds.

Democracy & Civic Life: The EU Ambassador to Ethiopia, Sofie From-Emmesberger, praised Ethiopia’s 7th General Election as a major democratic milestone, highlighting peaceful voting by about 40 million citizens and commending NEBE, parties, civil society and security institutions. Arts & Culture: A China-Ethiopia Food Festival in Addis Ababa, hosted by CSCEC at the Oromia Media Complex site, brought Chinese and Ethiopian communities together with shared cuisine and people-to-people exchange. Media & Storytelling: Ethiopia’s Minister Coordinator Bikila Hurisa backed the inaugural African Social Media Influencers Summit (ASMIS) 2026, stressing Africans’ role in shaping the continent’s digital narrative. Heritage & Economy: A feature on Ethiopia’s “coffee economy” spotlights coffee’s role for millions of smallholders and its cultural rituals, linking livelihoods to national identity. Sports & Global Spotlight: London Marathon 2027 will run as a two-day event, with 100,000 runners expected—an international sports moment that also nods to Ethiopia’s recent marathon breakthroughs.

London Marathon 2027: The TCS London Marathon will run over two days (Apr 24–25) as a one-off, with mass races on both days to boost ballot chances and fundraising. Sino-Ethiopia culture: A China-Ethiopia Food Festival in Addis Ababa brought hundreds together at the Oromia Media Complex site, pairing Chinese Dragon Boat traditions with Ethiopian cuisine. Digital storytelling push: Ethiopia says it will keep shaping Africa’s narrative by strengthening African digital content creation, spotlighting outcomes from the African Social Media Influencers Summit in Addis Ababa. BRICS security diplomacy: Chinese FM Wang Yi will attend BRICS NSAs talks in New Delhi (June 22–23), with Ethiopia listed among BRICS members. Faith & heritage in art: A London exhibition review highlights “Art in the Service of Faith,” including works connected to Ethiopia. Politics & dialogue: Ethiopia’s National Dialogue is framed as a long-term path to consensus, with a mid-July conference planned. Sports: Uganda’s Halimah Nakaayi is set for the Doha Diamond League, facing Ethiopia’s Tsige Duguma.

Ethiopian Diplomacy & Culture: A new feature argues Ethiopia is “Africa’s diplomatic ascendance” hub, with Addis Ababa hosting major continental and global forums as Pan-African ideals and reforms reshape the continent’s narrative. Green Legacy Initiative: Ethiopia’s 2026 planting season kicks off in Bishoftu with a target of 8 billion seedlings, building on years of GLI growth and a push to link climate action with economic value. National Dialogue: Ethiopian National Dialogue Commission Commissioner Yonas Adaye says the process is becoming an inclusive platform for consensus, with a mid-July conference planned and thousands of delegates expected. Sports Spotlight: Uganda’s Halimah Nakaayi lines up for the Doha Diamond League 800m, facing Ethiopia’s Tsige Duguma in a race framed as a key test ahead of major championships. Arts & Fairs: Liste art fair 2026 spotlights fresh galleries and artists, with sold-out stands and new dialogues across contemporary art. Global Media Figure: Sheeraz Hasan praises Ethiopia and pledges global amplification through his celebrity-media network.

Ethiopian National Dialogue: Ethiopia’s National Dialogue Commission says the mid-July conference is building an inclusive path to consensus and sustainable peace, with thousands of delegates chosen through grassroots and constituency mechanisms. Media & Harmony: The Ethiopian Media Authority and the Inter-Religious Council of Ethiopia signed an MoU to curb misinformation and hate speech from religious media, with joint capacity building planned. Green Legacy Initiative: Ethiopia’s 2026 planting season has kicked off in Bishoftu with a target of 8 billion seedlings, as the Green Legacy Initiative pushes toward 65 billion trees and highlights community and economic value. Diplomacy in Focus: An exclusive interview with Ethiopian diplomat Yidnekachew Tekle highlights democratic reforms and the National Dialogue’s role in expanding participation, including opposition involvement. Public Safety: Reports continue to follow a deadly Ethiopian bus crash in the mountains, with dozens killed and many injured. Regional Humanitarian Concern: WHO condemns xenophobic attacks in South Africa, including reports of Ethiopians among victims.

Green Legacy Initiative: Ethiopia kicked off the 2026 planting season in Bishoftu with a target of 8 billion seedlings, aiming to reach 65 billion trees, as officials frame GLI as both climate action and food-sovereignty momentum. Democratic Reforms: In an exclusive interview, Ethiopian diplomat Yidnekachew Tekle highlighted post-election democratic reforms, the National Dialogue push, and greater inclusion of opposition figures in executive roles. Media & Harmony: The Ethiopian Media Authority and the Inter-Religious Council of Ethiopia signed an MoU to curb misinformation and hate speech, noting 51 religious media institutions are active. Religious Tensions Watch: A Pew report says more countries saw spikes in religious hostility in 2023, alongside continued government restrictions. Public Safety: Multiple reports focus on deadly Ethiopian bus crashes, including one killing at least 31 and injuring dozens. Arts & Culture Lens: A media strategist argues Africa’s biggest hurdle is visibility, calling for stronger African-led storytelling to reach global audiences.

Education Under Attack: A new GCPEA report says global attacks on schools and universities rose by 40% in 2024–2025, harming at least 10,600 students and education workers across 83 countries, with Ethiopia among the worst-hit. Media & Democracy: Ethiopia’s Government Communication Service honored media institutions and journalists for covering the 7th General Elections and countering disinformation. Hate Speech Watch: The Ethiopian Media Authority and the Inter-Religious Council signed an MoU with 51 religious media institutions to curb misinformation and hate speech. Green Legacy Initiative: Prime Minister Abiy launched the 2026 GLI drive targeting 8 billion seedlings, building on Ethiopia’s push for climate resilience and food sovereignty. Road Safety Tragedy: A bus crash on the Harego road in Amhara killed at least 31 people and injured 33, with delays in medical access blamed. Arts & Culture: Ethiopia’s visibility conversation gets a boost as media strategist Sheeraz Hasan urges stronger African-led storytelling to reach global audiences.