Ethiopia is poised to transform its telecoms industry. In the coming months, two new full-service telecommunications licenses will be awarded in a market that has been served solely by state-owned Ethio-Telecom. Opening the market to competition and new investment will expand and improve services for consumers. Importantly, this expansion will underpin a digital transformation in Ethiopia.

An expansion in mobile communications, internet access, and other telecom services is critical to accelerating economic growth and service delivery in Ethiopia. Sectors such as agriculture, health, trade, insurance, and transport will benefit tremendously from digitalization and increased inclusion. Digitalization of government services will also expand and improve the efficiency, reliability, and transparency of those services.
The Government of Ethiopia has sought to improve the enabling environment for the telecoms industry by reforming and updating existing policies, laws, and regulations. The Government has also evaluated international experiences and best practices in order to mitigate risks and manage change. Analysis of global experiences (such as in Korea, Japan, Myanmar, United Kingdom, China, and United States of America) demonstrated that deregulation and liberalization of the telecommunications sector in state-owned, state-operated, or operated in protected, monopolistic markets, led to economic growth and employment generation. On the African continent, in Nigeria, where information and communications technology attracted huge investment and generated significant revenues and employment opportunities, deregulation of the telecom sector jump-started strong economic growth.

The Ethiopian Parliament adopted the Communications Service Proclamation which is a key legislative and regulatory milestone in the process of liberalization. This proclamation allows for private investors, both domestic and international, to enter the sector, including building telecommunications infrastructure. It also establishes the Ethiopia Communications Authority (ECA) which is responsible to administer, monitor, and enforce telecommunications regulations and issue licenses to existing and new operators.

The Government of Ethiopia cannot deliver on this vision by continuing with the status quo. Technological advancements in the telecommunications sector evolve rapidly and require expertise and regular updates and investments in new infrastructure. Liberalizing the telecoms sector is a prerequisite to jump-starting Ethiopia’s digital revolution.

Simultaneously, Ethio telecom will be partially privatized to bring on board a strategic investment partner that has well-established experience as a telecom operator. This will boost Ethio telecom’s financial and technological capacity. The Government of Ethiopia will continue to be a major stakeholder in Ethio-telecoms with a 55% majority stakeholder. A 5% stake of Ethio telecom will also be sold to citizens.

This process is a win-win. As new operators come into the market and digital services and access expand, opportunities in new industries, with new customers, by new firms will expand as well. Private-sector-led technology and innovation are foundational for employment growth in Ethiopia, including among the youth. This digital transformation will change the way we live and do business in Ethiopia.

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The Spokesperson of The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ethiopia, H.E. Ambassador Dina Mufti, has presented the Ministry’s biweekly press briefing today (February 23) focusing on #political diplomacy, the current situations in #Tigray, the #Ethiopia-#Sudan border issue, including major activities related to #Economic Diplomacy, #citizen-centered diplomacy and activities in #capacity building. Please find the summary report below:

I. #Political Diplomacy

Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister H.E. Demeke Mekonnen, paid an official visit to India from 17-19 February 2021. The Deputy Premier held bilateral talks with the External Affairs Minister of India, h.E. Dr. S. Jaishankar during his visit. He has inaugurated the newly built Ethiopian embassy and residence building and participated in a business forum that aimed to strengthen relations between the two countries. The visit was accompanied by the signing of visa waver agreement for diplomatic passport holders and a Memorandum of Understanding between educational two institutions.

H.E. Demeke Mekonnen, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ethiopia and H.E. Mevlüt Çavuşoğlu, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Republic of Turkey had a discussion last week in Ankara on ways to strengthen the relationship between the two countries. On the occasion, Mr. Demeke appreciated the all-weather friendship of Turkey and Ethiopia and called on to expedite the growth momentum of the Ethio-Turkish cooperation and strategic partnership. The two senior officials had participated in an inauguration ceremony of the newly built Ethiopian embassy and residence building in Ankara.

Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ethiopia, H.E. Demeke Mekonnen had a phone conversation on February 11 with State Councillor & Minister of Foreign Affairs of China H.E. Mr. Wang Yi about current humanitarian supports in the Tigray region, cooperation against the #COVID19 pandemic, the negotiations over the #GERD and the #Ethiopia-#Sudan border dispute.

Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister H.E. Demeke Mekonnen received at his office on February 10 the #EU Envoy and Minister of Foreign Affairs of Finland, H.E. Pekka Haavisto. At the meeting, Mr. Demeke briefed the Envoy on the ongoing rehabilitation and reconstruction activities in the Tigray region. Mr. Pekka Haavisto, following his visits in Ethiopia said (on his twitter page) that he has spent two intensive days in Ethiopia, held substantive meetings with Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed Ali, President Sahle Work and and other key ministers mainly on the issue of humanitarian access to Tigray. He said, International humanitarian organizations are doing #good work.

State Minister H.E. Ambassador Redwan Hussein had a meeting with resident Asian Ambassadors on the pertinent issues of national and regional significance. In the meeting, border issues, GERD and Current affairs are covered. Regarding the humanitarian support in Tigray, he said, all the assistance coming from partners is less than 1/3 of what is required. What the Ambassador underlined was that “real partners” should help the government take care of its citizens providing all the necessary support rather than being taken away by disinformation and other negative campaigns that add nothing to lessen the suffering of affected people.

Ethiopia and #Israel held a fruitful and productive political consultation virtually on February 15, 2021, reaching a common understanding to intensify their long-standing and historical relations in bilateral, regional, and multilateral fields. The Political Consultation was held on a special occasion to celebrate the 30th year anniversary of the opening of the Ethiopian Embassy in Israel with the spirit of the 3000 years of historical friendship and partnership.

H.E. Ambassador Dina Mufti gave a briefing last week to South Sudan based local and international media outlets regarding the GERD negotiations, the Ethiopia-Sudan border dispute and the humanitarian assistance efforts underway in Tigray.

II. Situations in #Tigray

Humanitarian Support
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• Over the past three months, 75 members of international organizations who have applied for access to the Tigray Regional State have been granted access to support the humanitarian and rehabilitation process.
• Emergency humanitarian assistance is underway in 36 Woredas of Tigray Region at 92 food distribution points.
• 70% of food items covered by the Ethiopian government and 30% by development partners and NGOs.
• So far we have reached out to 2,007,000 beneficiaries in the region.
• Prime Minister Dr. Abiy Ahmed Ali and the regional presidents and city administrators launched a solidarity initiative for the Tigray Regional Provisional Administration and the people of the region. The solidarity initiative aims at mobilising the contribution of regions and federal institutions as well as other stakeholders in supporting humanitarian efforts underway.
• Ethiopian Red Cross has refuted AFP’s misquoted report issuing a statement that saqid, “the President was not referring to geographical location. He was rather expressing lack of capacity and shortage of resources we are currently encountering. The fact that we have so far reached close to 400, 000 beneficiaries in Tigray, even less than 20% of the total beneficiaries in need of assistance is what our president alluded to…”

Power Supply
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• One of the two Electricity power lines in the Tigray region (i.e., Alamata-Mehoni-Mekelle power line) was cut off by members of the TPLF clique in the Adigudom area. The line had been badly damaged in the past, and it took a long time to repair. The other power line in the region (the Tekeze-Axum line) is under construction. Ethiopian Electric Power is working to rehabilitate the damaged infrastructure. The clique has shown to the world, once again, that it has a complete disregard to the wellbeing of the people of Tigray.

Continued Allegations
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• There are various allegedly committed atrocities and crimes in Tigray (such as the killings of many people in Axum, sexual violence against women, denial of access to the region, the presence of Eritrean troops and many other).
• Although the Government of Ethiopia has officially refuted the claims of using ‘hunger as weapon,’ it also understands that rape, plunder, callous and intentional mass killings, as observed and verified in Mikadra, and every other imaginable crime could have happened in Tigray where many are illegally armed, the legal and administrative structure compromised and 13000 prisoners are intentionally released.
• The government of Ethiopia has been diligent to end the impunity in Tigray achieving notable results so far. Any serious offense committed against the rights of citizens, including refugees in the region will be investigated and perpetrators will be brought to justice. To this end, the Interim government in Tigray, the Federal Police and the Attorney General will independently investigate any allegedly committed crime.

III. #Ethiopia-#Sudan Border

• We have issued a statement on Thursday (February 18) condemning the “provocative behavior”, of the Sudan on the joint border adding that it will cause damage to the two countries. We have stated that the Ethiopian government strongly believes that the conflict being trumpeted by the Sudanese government’s military wing could only serve the interests of a third party at the expense of the Sudanese people.

• Our standing has always been consistent, the Sudanese army has to withdraw from our land, then we will start to negotiate and solve the issue through existing mechanisms.

IV. #Economic Diplomacy

• Coordinated by our embassy in #Djibouti, a delegation comprised of more than 21 people from Djibouti Tourism, Tour Operators’ Association, and Hotel Owners as well as scores of Ethiopian have had a three-day business forum in Addis Ababa. It was aimed at reviving intraregional tourism at the time where COVID-19 has depressingly affected the sector.

V. #Citizen-centered Diplomacy

• 1669 citizens were repatriated from Jidda and Riyadh from February 8-22.

VI. #Capacity Building

• The Ethiopian Foreign Service Training Institute has organized and gave a two-week long diplomatic training for newly appointed Ambassadors and deputies. The training covered topics, among others, Diplomacy and International relations, international conventions, Ethiopian Foreign Policy, political, economic, and public diplomacy, including digital diplomacy.

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On February 18, 2021, H.E. Hirut Zemene, Ambassador of Ethiopia to Belgium, Luxembourg and EU institutions held a fruitful exchange of views with Ambassador Rita Laranjinhha, Director of Africa at the European External Action Service (EEAS) and Mr. Jean marc Pisani, Head of Horn of Africa Division, on the works that the Government of Ethiopia have been doing to address the Humanitarian situation in Tigray region and the ongoing investigation of human rights violations.
Furthermore, the two sides also exchanged views on current regional issues.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia condemns in the strongest possible terms the escalation and provocative behavior of the Government of the Sudan regarding the boundary issue between Ethiopia and the Sudan. Ethiopia believes that any conflict between our two countries would only result in a colossal collateral damage and jeopardizes the well-being of the two nations. Therefore, the Ethiopian government strongly believes that the conflict being trumpeted by the Sudanese government’s military wing could only serve the interests of a third party at the expense of the Sudanese people.

It is to be noted that the two governments have sufficient mechanisms to deal with any claims and counterclaims of the border or any territorial claims. However, the Sudanese National Army violated the basic principles of international law and peaceful settlements of disputes by unceremoniously invading Ethiopia in early November 2020. In doing so, Sudan has violated the bilateral boundary agreements, which stipulate non-displacement of nationals of either nation from their farms jointly registered by the two Governments, the status quo of which shall be maintained until the disposition of the case by an agreement.

The Sudanese side has also overturned and undermined the efforts of the joint boundary committees that have been making tireless efforts to finalize the re-demarcation process of the common boundary. Contrary to the spirit of friendship and cooperation existing between our two brotherly countries, the Sudanese Army looted properties, burned camps, attacked and displaced thousands of Ethiopians and controlled vacated Ethiopian Military Camps.

What is more deplorable is, in an apparent misrepresentation of the facts on the ground, Sudan is deliberately engaged in misinformation campaigns against Ethiopia by accusing the victim as an aggressor, evading accountability by shifting blame and camouflaging its belligerence and continue its provocation in an attempt to control more lands.

Amidst of all these escalatory and provocative behaviour of the Sudan, Ethiopia has shown a great deal of patience, remained restrained from exercising its legitimate right of self-defence and time and again expressed its commitment to a peaceful settlement of differences regarding the boundary through existing bilateral agreements and joint border mechanisms. What is needed is a political will of the two governments, which would enable them reach at an amicable solution.

Ethiopia firmly believes in the long standing fraternal relations between the people of Ethiopia and Sudan regardless of the nature of their respective governments. The attempt being made by the Sudanese Army to push the friendly peoples of Ethiopia and Sudan to unwarranted war is a serious blunder that will undermine their peace, stability and development of the two nations in particular and the region in general.

Ethiopia while reiterating its commitment for a peaceful settlement of the boundary issue, once again calls upon the Government of the Sudan to reverse the aggression, desist from provocation and resort to a peaceful settlement of the boundary issue.

Therefore, the Ethiopian government would like to call upon the people of the Sudan to check on its government from serving a third party interest which only would result in the determent of the two nations. Furthermore, Ethiopia calls upon brotherly African countries to advice the Sudanese government to finalize the border issues through available mechanisms in peaceful manner.

The government of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia also thanks the people of Ethiopia for showing maximum patience and profound understanding.

18 February 2021
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ethiopia
Addis Ababa

H.E. Ambassador Hirut Zemene together with representatives of the diplomatic staff of the Embassy visited the Ethiopian Airlines cargo centre at Liege airport, located about 95 km for Brussels on February 16, 2021.

During the visit, the Ambassador held in depth discussion with Mr. Haileye Ayele, the manager of Liege Cargo Hub of Ethiopian Airlines on how to strengthen joint promotion of Ethiopian export items to Belgium.

Mr Haileye has explained the importance of EAL Liege Cargo centre as it is the second largest cargo hub, for Ethiopian Airlines, next to Addis Ababa. The Airlines has on average more than 40 cargo flights per week to Liege airport.

Among the most important export items that the inbound cargo flights from Addis Ababa carries, flowers and perishables.

Ambassador Hirut appreciated the role of the Ethiopian Airlines in promoting Ethiopia’s foreign trade especially at the heights of the COVID pandemic.

The two sides exchanged views on how to boost market opportunities for Ethiopian flower and perishables in the Belgian market as almost all of Ethiopian flowers that arrive in Brussels are destined to the Netherlands.

On February 15, 2021, Ambassador Hirut Zemene, held a virtual discussion with Mrs Lise Betjes, Area Manager of Africa at the Flanders Investment and Trade Agency on strategic investment opportunities in Ethiopia and mutual cooperation. During the discussion, the Ambassador explained the untapped investment resources that exist for foreign investors in Ethiopia and the market access such as AGOA and EBA. She also noted the launching of the AfCFTA will provide another wide market opportunity to do business with Ethiopia and Africa. The availability of trainable and affordable labour force and a huge local market with more than 110 million population also makes Ethiopia more attractive to investors, she said.

H.E Ambassador Hirut Zemene also noted that there are some prominent companies from the Flanders region that have invested in Ethiopia which could encourage more companies from the region and Belgium at large to follow suit. She also said that more companies would be welcome to invest in the country. She further stated the importance of holding a business promotion event in cooperation with FIT to increase awareness of the investment opportunities in Ethiopia for mutual benefits.

Mrs Lise Betjes, on her part, thanked the Embassy for the briefing and said that the Flanders Investment and Trade Agency would work with the other regional investment and trade agencies to organize a business delegation to visit Ethiopia when the COVID-19 situation allows. She also expressed further interest in working with the embassy on sector-specific promotional activities.

The two sides agreed to explore areas of collaboration to promote Ethiopia in the Flanders region.
Flanders Investment and Trade Agency (FIT) is one of the three regional bodies promoting foreign trade and investment in Flanders region and abroad.

H.E. Demeke Mekonnen, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ethiopia and H.E. Mevlüt Çavuşoğlu, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Republic of Turkey had a discussion today (February 15) in Ankara on ways to strengthen the relationship between the two countries.

On the occasion, Mr. Demeke appreciated the all-weather friendship of Turkey and Ethiopia and called on to expedite the growth momentum of the Ethio-Turkish cooperation and strategic partnership.

Recalling the already strong ties, in investment, education, and cultural exchanges between Ethiopia and Turkey, the two Foreign Ministers underlined the need to further expand engagements in other sectors too.

The discussion between the two sides also covered the current situation between the Ethiopia-#Sudan border dispute and other regional issues of mutual concern.

During the discussion, Mr. Demeke reiterated Ethiopia’s unwavering stance to solve the Ethiopia-Sudan border dispute amicably.

Mr. Mevlüt Çavuşoğlu, on his part, recalled that Ethiopia is one of the investment destinations for Turkish investors in Africa, where his country’s investment stands the second largest in Ethiopia.

The Turkish foreign minister concluded his remarks reiterating his countries keen interest to further cement relationships with Ethiopia.

At the time that the two countries are commemorating the 125th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties between Ethiopia and Turkey, the two Ministers have attended a photo exhibition and jointly inaugurated the newly constructed building of the residence of the Ethiopian ambassador in Ankara and the chancery as well.

Speaking at the inauguration ceremony, Mr. Demeke appreciated H.E. Dr. Mulatu Teshome, former President and Ambassador of Ethiopia to Turkey, and H.E. Ambassador Ayalew Gobeze , former Ambassador of Ethiopia to Turkey for exerting efforts to the construction of the building.

State Minister, H.E. Ambassador Birtukan Ayano also delivered a speech thanking the government and people of Turkey, including all responsible bodies that contributed to the successful completion of the building.

H.E. Ambassador Dina Mufti, Spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ethiopia, and H.E. Ambassador Girma Temesgen, Ethiopia’s Ambassador to Turkey, and other dignitaries from both sides have attended the ceremony.

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