Ethiopia

French firms remain sceptical about pace of Abiy's reform programme

Exchange rate liberalisation, the main condition for Ethiopia to get an extended credit facility from the IMF, has not yet fully borne fruit. Foreign companies, already among the country's largest taxpayers, have to pay a high price for their foreign currency.

All-change at electoral commission a year from 2026 vote

Twelve months from the next polls, the Ethiopian electoral commission is undertaking an in-depth reform of the country's voting laws, while also changing its leadership.

Djibouti foils Ethio-Djibouti Railway's plans

Addis Ababa's former mayor promised to relaunch the state-owned railway company after years of financial losses. But his strategy for breaking into Djibouti's multimodal logistics sector is not on track.

Private investors hang on Paris Club decision

The IMF has completed the third review of its $3.4 billion support programme. This could influence negotiations over restructuring Ethiopia's debt.

The New Guard
Ethiopia, Central African Republic, Tunisia

Every Wednesday, Africa Intelligence spotlights a new generation of movers and shakers in business and politics.

EthiopiaMahlet Afework, the haute couture entrepreneur who's in fashion

Central African RepublicAnge-Gabriel Patassé, government's trusted commander

TunisiaWael Chouchane wants to reconnect Tunis with the EU

Somali region leader Mustafa Omer aligns with Addis Ababa

Far from the escalating tensions in Tigray, the leader of the Somali region has to battle with the demands of autonomist group ONLF. With one year to go before the general elections, Mustafa Omer is toeing the line to avoid being replaced by the federal government.

National Intelligence bans foreigners from travelling to Tigray

Amid escalations between Addis Ababa and Mekele, the National Intelligence and Security Service has stopped foreigners from visiting the north of the country.

Ethiopia's Afar leadership splits over Issa question

The influential Ibrahim Osman Aliyu has left the Afar region for neighbouring Eritrea due to disputes with Ethiopia's central government. His defection lays bare the tensions within the Afar community following the rapprochement between Addis Ababa and Djibouti.

Oromo opposition cornered by government

The recent rapprochement between the two Oromo opposition parties has failed to lead to a breakthrough for the OLF and OFC. The Ethiopian government secretly orchestrated this alliance in the hopes of mobilising public opinion in the Oromia region.

Central bank sounds out foreign investors before opening up sector

The National Bank of Ethiopia has sent out a first draft of its directive on the criteria for access to the Ethiopian banking market. But this long-awaited reform is now being met with some reservations.