AGP Executive Report

BRICS Summit (New Delhi): Ethiopia’s PM Abiy Ahmed used the 18th BRICS Leaders’ Summit to pitch stronger ties through BRICS capital, technology and markets, calling for AI that serves Africa’s priorities and predictable debt solutions. Middle East Diplomacy: Iran and the UAE signed onto a joint BRICS statement urging “maximum restraint,” while leaders pushed de-escalation despite the wider Iran-UAE divide. Trade & Rules: BRICS adopted the New Delhi Declaration, flagging concern over unilateral tariff and non-tariff measures and calling for WTO dispute settlement to be restored. No BRICS Currency: India’s MEA said there’s no proposal for a common BRICS currency, though local-currency trade talks continue. Culture at the Summit: Modi’s gala featured “BRICS Symphony” and “Navarasa,” with instruments including Ethiopia’s traditional masenqo lute—plus a BRICS Bazaar spotlighting crafts from across member and partner countries. Ethiopia in the Spotlight: Ethiopia was also listed among countries attending and engaging on summit sidelines, including meetings involving EAM Jaishankar.

BRICS Summit Culture & Diplomacy: New Delhi’s Bharat Mandapam hosted “BRICS Symphony” and “Navarasa,” with folk instruments including Ethiopia’s traditional masenqo, while the BRICS Bazaar at the National Crafts Museum showcased crafts from member and partner countries, from Iran’s Rashti embroidery to Ethiopia-linked cultural presence. Ethiopia-India Ties: Ethiopia’s PM Abiy Ahmed used the summit to push BRICS partnerships in minerals, renewable energy, AI for Africa’s priorities, and predictable debt resolution, while Modi met Abiy on the sidelines to deepen the Ethiopia-India strategic partnership. New Delhi Declaration: BRICS leaders unanimously adopted the New Delhi Declaration 2026, stressing “maximum restraint” in West Asia, stronger people-to-people cooperation, and multilateral governance reform. Regional Horn Tensions: Eritrea accused Ethiopia of destabilising the region, adding fresh pressure to Horn of Africa diplomacy. Arts & Soft Power: India’s push for cultural exchange—through crafts, music, and heritage—ran alongside summit politics, turning arts into a visible part of the bloc’s public diplomacy.

Ethiopia-India Diplomacy: Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed met India’s Narendra Modi in New Delhi, with both sides pushing deeper defence cooperation, technology transfer, capacity building, mining, and collaboration toward COP32. BRICS Summit Culture & Arts: India’s BRICS chairmanship is pairing politics with public art—artists from member countries created a “Sangam: Confluence of Cultures” mural at Bharat Mandapam, while a BRICS Culture Bazaar showcases crafts and handlooms under tight security. BRICS Peace Messaging: International journalists at the summit highlighted local-currency trade and digital payments, while a Russian blogger urged BRICS to prioritize peace amid ongoing conflicts. Ethiopia in the Spotlight: Ethiopia is listed among BRICS leaders attending the summit, and Modi also held a bilateral meeting with Ethiopia on the sidelines focused on critical minerals, energy, and food security. Regional Tensions Over Ports: Eritrea’s foreign minister accused the UAE of “port imperialism” across Africa, naming stakes and concessions tied to East Africa and the Red Sea—an issue that intersects with Ethiopia’s wider maritime access ambitions.

BRICS Summit in New Delhi: Leaders including Xi Jinping, Vladimir Putin, Masoud Pezeshkian and host PM Narendra Modi are arriving for the Sept. 12–13 summit, with the Iran war and wider geopolitical rifts hanging over talks. Ethiopia in the spotlight: Ethiopia is listed among full BRICS members, and separate coverage highlights Ethiopia’s push to share its AI experience regionally, plus its role in digital identity cooperation. Digital ID momentum: Ethiopia’s Faydaverse is framed as an exportable model for digital public infrastructure, while Malawi prepares a digital ID wallet rollout. Culture meets diplomacy: India is using art and food as soft power—BRICS media goodie bags feature regional items like Odisha coffee, Bihar sattu and Gujarat handicrafts, alongside sand and chalk artworks welcoming leaders. Arts & entertainment: Nari Ward’s exhibition “Until That Day” opens in Hydra, and Meta’s $17.1B settlement ties into the release of Sorkin’s “The Social Reckoning” trailer. Youth & tech: A global study finds many young people are turning to AI companions as close friendships narrow.

Coffee & Industry: Henan Mission Machinery says it will send a senior delegation to Ethiopia (Oct 14–25) to bid on a turnkey 10 TPH coffee bean cleaning and drying plant in Addis Ababa for the Oromia Coffee Farmers’ Cooperative Union. Ethiopian Calendar & Culture: Ethiopia marks Enkutatash, beginning 2019 on the 13-month Ethiopian calendar (Meskerem 1), a tradition tied to the seasons and the Coptic/Julian heritage. Global Arts & Media (Ethiopia in the mix): A Young Life report on youth faith and belonging includes responses from Ethiopia, adding a new lens on how young people relate to pastors and religious communities. Film & Distribution: AfroPix founder Tyrone Satchwell expands a UK-based streaming push for African and Caribbean cinema, with an official showcase partnership involving the Ethiopian International Film Festival. Sports & Community: A study ranks South Africa as Africa’s most football-obsessed nation and Nigeria as having the biggest fan base—useful context for how sport culture travels across the region. BRICS Spotlight (Ethiopia included): As BRICS leaders gather in New Delhi, India highlights “vocal for local” media kits and a gala “BRICS Symphony,” while discussions also touch cross-border payments and food/energy priorities.

BRICS Summit Culture & Media: India is gearing up for the Sept. 12–13 BRICS leaders’ summit in New Delhi, expecting 1,200–1,300 journalists and setting up an international media centre at Bharat Mandapam, while the host country also plans a “BRICS Symphony” gala with 160 artistes and releases media kits featuring regional food and crafts (Bihar’s sattu/makhana, Odisha’s Koraput coffee, Gujarat handicrafts) to sell an “India Story” to the world. Ethiopia in the Spotlight: Ethiopia is listed among BRICS members as India pushes ideas like linking CBDCs for cross-border payments, even as political and technical hurdles loom. Arts & Film Business: UK-based AfroPix founder Tyrone Satchwell says his streaming platform is building a route for African and Caribbean cinema to reach global audiences, with an “First to 54” goal and an official showcase partnership with the Ethiopian International Film Festival. Ethiopian Judaism & Identity: A feature explores how Ethiopian Jewish (Bete Israel) traditions developed along a different path from rabbinic Judaism, reshaping how communities think about scripture, practice, and religious consciousness. Coffee Culture (Diaspora): A local profile spotlights Sweet Maria’s coffee world—an artist-turned-roaster’s long-running passion for green bean roasting and DIY brewing.

BRICS Summit Watch: India is gearing up for the 18th BRICS Summit in New Delhi on Sept 12–13, with heavy security and traffic changes around Bharat Mandapam as leaders including Putin, Xi, Ramaphosa and Ethiopia’s partners are expected to attend. Digital Money Push: Reuters reports India wants BRICS countries to link central bank digital currencies for cross-border payments, but political and technical hurdles could slow progress. Ethiopia’s Tech Sovereignty: Prime Minister Abiy urged African leaders and youth to embrace technological sovereignty and shape Africa’s digital future, tying the message to AU Day and Ethiopia’s AI and digital health push. Media & Diplomacy: Ethiopia’s media cooperation gets a boost as Viory and the Ethiopian News Agency sign an MoU to strengthen media ties. Honorary Doctorate Debate: Amupanda accuses politicians of trading favours for honorary PhDs, calling for tighter rules on who can use the “Dr” title. Arts & Film: Final Cut in Venice wrapped its 14th edition, with Ethiopia-linked African post-production projects among the winners. Sports & Culture: Ethiopian runner Abebe Bikila is remembered for winning Olympic gold on Sept 10, 1960. Climate & Health: WHO and Kenya prepare for El Nino impacts, focusing on flood risk, early warning and outbreak readiness across the region.

Tech Sovereignty: Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed urged African leaders and youth to embrace technological sovereignty and shape Africa’s digital future, marking African Union Day from Addis Ababa. Climate & Health Preparedness: WHO says Kenya is stepping up readiness for the 2026/27 El Nino season, focusing on early warning, safe water, sanitation, and keeping essential health services running as floods could trigger outbreaks. BRICS Spotlight: The 18th BRICS Summit opens in New Delhi on Sept. 12–13, with Ethiopia among full members; discussions center on resilience, innovation, cooperation, and reforms, while experts highlight opportunities for Africa through local-currency trade and infrastructure financing. Infrastructure Finance: Ethiopia’s Finance Minister Ahmed Shide met AIIB President Zou Jiayi to explore AIIB support for major projects, including Bishoftu International Airport and climate-resilient development. Arts & Film: Final Cut in Venice named Machérie Ekwa Bahango’s “Madi Makambu” the La Biennale di Venezia Prize winner, spotlighting African post-production talent. Education Under Attack: Education Above All marked the International Day to Protect Education from Attack, stressing resilience so learning survives conflict and displacement. Ethiopia in the Air: Ethiopia’s Office of the Prime Minister shared holiday gifts and educational supplies ahead of the Ethiopian New Year.

Ethiopian New Year outreach: Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed shared holiday gifts with Office of the Prime Minister staff and educational supplies for children ahead of Ethiopian New Year on Sept. 11. Education access: Ethiopia’s Ministry of Higher Education announced 75 TVET scholarships for South Sudanese students for 2026–27, with applications running Sept. 7–22 and an entrance exam set for Oct. 16 in Juba. Media ties: Ethiopian News Agency (ENA) signed a memorandum with Viory to expand Global South news exchange, training, and newsroom cooperation using AI and multimedia tools. Local arts & culture: “Hugo in Venice,” the final film in Stefano Knuchel’s 20-year Hugo Pratt trilogy, premieres at Venice Film Festival on Sept. 12. Sports spotlight: ZIFA confirmed Zimbabwe’s Warriors will return to Harare’s National Sports Stadium for AFCON 2027 qualifiers. Defense & tech: Reports say Ethiopia is producing drones domestically at two factories, with a fleet potentially numbering in the thousands.

Ethiopian Defense Tech: Ethiopia is ramping up domestic drone production, with analysts saying it now has a fleet in the thousands after Turkish UAVs proved decisive in the 2020–2022 civil war; Prime Minister Abiy also framed the push as “deterrence” and resilience. Ethiopian Governance & Media: A rights-focused piece warns that independent reporting in Ethiopia is increasingly treated as a national security threat, with authorities using “national interest” arguments amid unresolved tensions from the Tigray war and other flashpoints. Film & Culture: “Madi Makambu” by Machérie Ekwa Bahango won major awards at the Venice Film Festival’s Final Cut, tackling pregnancy denial through a “truly universal and intense” story. Sports (Ethiopia in the mix): Ethiopia’s Deresa Geleta is listed among entrants for the AJ Bell Great North Run Half Marathon, while Ethiopia’s Birhanu Legese headlines the Delhi Half Marathon elite field. Diaspora & Identity: “Addis Raw” turns Addis Ababa’s architecture into wearable art, spotlighting local design culture.

Defense & Industry: Ethiopia says it’s ramping up domestic drone production, with analysts pointing to two factories and a possible fleet “of thousands,” as Prime Minister Abiy marks “Day of Resilience” and frames self-reliance in UAVs and other military tech as deterrence. Human Rights & Media: Amnesty and Human Rights Watch warn Ethiopia’s environment for independent reporting is tightening, with authorities increasingly using “national interest” and security arguments against journalists. Regional Diplomacy: Somaliland’s president is in Washington seeking closer US ties and support for recognition, despite continued US backing for Somalia’s territorial integrity. Sports & Entertainment: Ethiopia’s Saida Tsehaye takes third in a Diamond League women’s 800m race, while Giants of Africa makes its European debut in Berlin with an Ethiopia-led women’s delegation. Culture & Community: Addis Raw turns Addis Ababa’s architecture into wearable art, and Ethiopian New Year celebrations are reported from Bahrain. Arts & Society: A report on corporate communications highlights how Ethiopia’s Telegram-first culture changes how brands build reputation.

Public Health & Misinformation: Africa CDC says rumours can turn deadly during outbreaks, pointing to the “genital theft” panic that sparked mob violence in Kenya’s Coast region and killed multiple people. Diplomacy & Regional Ties: Ethiopia’s PM Abiy Ahmed sent condolences to Tanzania over the death of First Gentleman Hafidh Ameir Hassan, with other African leaders also expressing support. Early Warning Push: Addis Ababa hosted an “Early Warnings for All” call to strengthen forecasting, alerts, and last-mile action across Africa. Ethiopia in the Spotlight: A new report warns corporate reputation in Ethiopia is shaped in Telegram-heavy closed channels, leaving many brands blind to the conversations that matter. Arts & Culture: Ethiopia’s diaspora culture gets a spotlight as “Nu Africans” moves from a virtual debut to a physical exhibition at Hammonds House Museum. Sports: CAF Champions League first-leg results included Sidaama Buna drawing 0-0 with Aiglons FC in Ethiopia’s tie.

Ethiopia Prosperity Push: The Government Communication Service says Ethiopia is building “holistic prosperity” through infrastructure, tourism expansion, a shift toward irrigation and jobs, and renewable energy diversification—while linking the plan to democratic governance and election participation. Ethiopian Fashion & Art: Addis Raw turns Addis Ababa architecture into wearable art, while designer Bezawit “Beza” Tibebu blends architecture training with Ethiopian handwoven textiles for a globally minded contemporary fashion vision. Miss World Spotlight: Ethiopia’s Ruth Yirgalem Weldesilasie prepares for Miss World 2026 in Vietnam, vowing to turn her sister’s kidnapping and murder into advocacy. Sports—Ethiopia on the global stage: Emmanuel Wanyonyi’s 1000m world record is officially ratified, and Ethiopian runner Gemechu Godana is noted for edging Soufiane El Bakkali in the steeplechase race narrative. Culture & Heritage Returns: Toledo Museum of Art partners with Ethiopia’s Heritage Authority to return five objects to Ethiopia. Youth Safety Online: UNICEF reports 20 million children across 21 countries have faced technology-facilitated sexual abuse, with Ethiopia among the surveyed nations.

Ethiopian Arts & Culture: Addis Raw turns Addis Ababa’s architecture into wearable art, while Bezawit “Beza” Tibebu’s Tibebu Collection blends Ethiopian handwoven textiles with sharp, modern silhouettes. Diaspora & Community: Ethiopia’s New Year celebrations in Bahrain brought 500+ guests together for music, traditions, and messages of peace and unity. Fashion & Beauty Spotlight: Ethiopian Miss World contestant Ruth Yirgalem Weldesilasie says she’ll “change my pain to my purpose” after her sister’s kidnapping and murder, using the platform to highlight violence against women. Sports & Spotlight (Ethiopia in the mix): Emmanuel Wanyonyi’s 1000m world record was officially ratified, and Pitso Mosimane’s return to Bafana Bafana keeps Ethiopia-linked football talk buzzing. Safety Online (UNICEF): A UNICEF report warns that 20 million children across 21 countries have faced technology-facilitated sexual abuse, with Ethiopia among the surveyed nations. Heritage & Museums: Toledo Museum of Art partners with Ethiopia’s Heritage Authority to return five objects to Ethiopia.

Ethiopian Fashion & Design: Bezawit “Beza” Tibebu is turning Ethiopian handwoven craft into contemporary fashion, with her Addis Raw collection translating Addis Ababa’s architecture into wearable art. Arts Residency: Kokopelli Art Foundation’s first “Once Upon A Time (OUT)” residency brings together Ethiopian and other African artists for a short, studio-led run that culminates in new works by the “OUTliers.” Miss World Spotlight: Ethiopian contestant Ruth Yirgalem Weldesilasie is heading to Miss World with a message of turning grief into purpose after her sister’s abduction and murder. Cultural Heritage in Museums: Toledo Museum of Art partners with Ethiopia’s Heritage Authority to return five medieval objects from a private collection. Sports & National Pride: Emmanuel Wanyonyi’s men’s 1000m world record is officially ratified, while Pitso Mosimane returns to Bafana Bafana amid talk of redemption. Digital Safety: UNICEF reports Kenya’s children face high exposure to unwanted sexual content online, with Ethiopia also among the highest rates.

Miss World, Ethiopia spotlight: Ruth Yirgalem Weldesilasie says she’ll “change my pain to my purpose” after her sister was abducted and murdered ahead of the pageant in Vietnam, turning grief into a platform on violence against women. Sports, Ethiopia-linked athletics: World Athletics ratified Kenyan Emmanuel Wanyonyi’s 1000m world record (2:11.83) after his Diamond League run in Monaco, while Diamond League Final coverage also highlighted other standout performances. Culture & heritage, Ethiopia abroad: Toledo Museum of Art partnered with the Ethiopian Heritage Authority to return five medieval objects from a private collection, tackling the hard provenance gap in antiquities. Digital safety, Ethiopia in the UNICEF report: UNICEF warns that internet-using children face unwanted sexual content; Kenya is highlighted, and Ethiopia is among the highest exposure rates in the surveyed countries. Regional security, Ethiopia-Somalia: Ethiopia interrogates Somali National Army soldiers who crossed into Ethiopia after training in Somalia, raising questions about movement and security along the border. Telecom milestone, Ethiopia: Safaricom Ethiopia surpassed 15 million 90-day active subscribers, marking rapid network rollout and growing connectivity.