The Information Network Security Administration (INSA) has unveiled that the country is actively phasing out international applications like Gmail, Telegram, and WhatsApp in favor of Ethiopian-developed alternatives. The move is part of a broader push to protect sensitive national data and reduce reliance on foreign-owned technologies that operate beyond Ethiopia’s legal and regulatory reach.

In an exclusive interview with Sheger FM, INSA’s sales expert, Eshetu, said the shift is not only about cybersecurity but also about national ownership of critical digital infrastructure. Among the flagship local platforms is “Ergamail”, a government email client currently deployed across federal institutions. For messaging and voice services, “Serkutni”, positioned as an Ethiopian alternative to WhatsApp and Telegram, is under implementation. For virtual meetings, “Debo”, another INSA-developed platform, is already being piloted.

Beyond communications, INSA has also developed critical software for tax collection and land registry. Eshetu pointed to the new electronic tax system, now used by the Ethiopian Revenues and Customs Authority, and a modernized cadastral registry system for land administration. The former is streamlining tax filing by eliminating paper trails, while the latter replaces outdated, map-heavy land verification processes with digital landholding records.

According to INSA, these tools are not just under development but already in use across key government agencies. They enable faster service delivery, boost operational efficiency, and protect classified information from external breaches. The agency says more platforms are under way, with the goal of replacing all foreign-based software used in public service delivery with fully local solutions.

Ethiopian Airlines is preparing to launch its inaugural direct flights to Australia, entering the continent that has not been landed by the airline. The planned service will operate from Addis Ababa Bole International Airport (ADD), though the specific Australian destination and timeline are yet to be confirmed.

In October 2024, CEO Mesfin Tasew announced that Australia would be among the airline’s new destinations within the next two years, highlighting the move as part of efforts to strengthen its global service and fleet size. Currently, Ethiopian Airlines operates flights to all continents except Australia .

Passenger demand data from OAG Traffic Analyzer for the year ending July 2024 identifies Melbourne (MEL) as the most viable destination from Addis Ababa (ADD), with nearly 6,000 round-trip travelers. Brisbane (BNE) and Perth (PER) trail far behind with approximately 1,000 passengers each. Sydney (SYD) data was not disclosed, likely due to volumes falling below the reporting threshold, but it remains a significant connection point via African hubs .

The CEO told EBR that the airline is considering the continent into its long-term roadmap, in line with Vision 2035, which aims to expand destinations to 207, double its fleet to over 250 aircraft and serve 65 million passengers annually.

Telila Deressa Gutema, the airline’s Regional Manager for the Asia-Pacific, has stated that preparations are well underway. The new route aims to strengthen Ethiopian Airlines’ global reach and position it as a competitive player in the intercontinental market.

The proposed Australian routes would be among the longest in Ethiopian Airlines’ network. However, the airline’s hub in Addis Ababa offers geographic advantages for eastbound flights and connectivity across the African continent, supporting its broader mission to position itself as a global connector.

The airline has not yet announced an official launch date.

Leaders of the BRICS nations gathered in Rio de Janeiro this weekend to press for significant reforms in global governance, focusing on the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and United Nations (UN) systems. The expanded bloc, now comprising 11 member countries, called for a more equitable international order that reflects current economic realities and the growing influence of the Global South.

The 17th BRICS Summit culminated in a 31-point joint declaration urging major global institutions to modernize their governance frameworks. Finance ministers agreed on a landmark proposal to realign IMF voting rights based on economic output and purchasing power, aiming to give emerging economies a stronger voice in international financial decision-making.

“The world is changing, and so must the institutions that govern it,” said Brazil’s President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, chairing the summit under the theme “Inclusive and Sustainable Global South.” He emphasized the importance of cooperation among developing nations to reshape global systems long dominated by Western powers.

Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, attending the summit, highlighted the crucial need to improve decision-making processes at international financial institutions. He noted that successful cooperation relies on institutions that foster mutual trust and collective security.

“Our global financial institutions need improved decision-making mechanisms,” Prime Minister Abiy said in remarks shared by his office. “Institutions that promote trust and cooperation among nations are essential for achieving sustainable and effective partnerships.”

He further stated that BRICS has evolved into a strong force for global change, strengthened by the addition of new members. “With the inclusion of new countries, our collective voice grows stronger, and our shared objectives become clearer and more impactful.”

BRICS members also condemned the rise of protectionist policies, expressing concern over the uncertainty tariffs bring to international trade. The group reiterated its opposition to any unilateral actions that undermine multilateral cooperation and economic stability.

The summit further addressed geopolitical tensions in the Middle East, condemning recent military strikes on Iran and Gaza as violations of international law. While avoiding direct naming of responsible parties, the bloc called for peaceful dialogue and respect for sovereignty.

On the climate front, the leaders urged wealthy nations to increase funding for global climate initiatives. They backed Brazil’s “Tropical Forests Forever” fund as part of efforts to balance environmental protection with the developmental needs of emerging economies.

Ethiopia’s Council of Ministers has approved a bilateral agreement with the Federal Republic of Nigeria on the issuance of diplomatic and service visas. The decision was made during the Council’s 48th regular session on July 4, 2025.

The agreement facilitates the streamlined issuance of visas for officials and diplomats traveling between the two countries, reflecting a commitment to removing procedural barriers that often hinder smooth diplomatic interactions. By easing visa formalities, Ethiopia and Nigeria aim to foster closer political, economic, and cultural ties.

Alongside this diplomatic milestone,  the Council endorsed two foreign loan agreements totaling approximately $486 million USD (equivalent to 285.4 million Special Drawing Rights (SDRs)). One loan is directed toward financing Ethiopia’s second Sustainable Development Policy, while the other is allocated to road sector development. Both agreements come with a 0.75% service charge and a six-year grace period, although the financing institutions have not yet been disclosed.

In legislative matters, the Cabinet also greenlit reforms to the Income Tax Proclamation, designed to modernize Ethiopia’s tax system and better align it with evolving domestic and global economic realities. The revised law is slated for submission to the House of Peoples’ Representatives for further consideration.

Awash Insurance S.C. has registered a record Gross Written Premium (GWP) exceeding ETB 4.5 billion for the 2024/25 fiscal year, reflecting a 44% year-on-year growth, underpinned by strong underwriting discipline, expanded distribution channels, and enhanced customer retention initiatives, the company said in an official statement.

In the Life Assurance segment, Awash Insurance generated over ETB 656 million, posting an impressive 48% increase compared to the previous year. Plus, through its Sharia-compliant Takaful window—Salaam Takaful, the company mobilized over ETB 150 million in contributions, realizing an 120% growth rate.

Taken together, Awash Insurance achieved a consolidated premium growth of 46% across all business lines. This historic performance showcases Awash Insurance’s ability to generate strong and diversified premium growth across its core portfolios.

The Board of Directors praised these remarkable achievements and highlighted the impressive results attained despite numerous challenges. Tadese Gemeda, the chairman of the Board, acknowledged the company’s exceptional performance across all business lines. He congratulated the employees and management, expressing his gratitude to the board, management, staff, and stakeholders for their invaluable contributions.

The Ministry of Finance has signed a series of major project agreements with various private developers under Ethiopia’s growing public-private partnership (PPP) framework. The signing ceremony, held at the Ministry’s conference hall, marks a new chapter in the government’s effort to mobilize private capital for national development.

Finance Minister Ahmed Shide highlighted that the legal and institutional framework now in place enables effective implementation of PPP projects. He stressed that the agreements signed will have “a significant impact on the economic and social development of the country.”

Seven new projects spanning housing, tourism, health, and diagnostics were formalized during the event. These include: Partial Forest Housing Development Projects in lmi Kura Sub-City:

Lot A1 Plot 4 and 7: ICE Home Development and Construction PLC will build a G+6 shopping mall and 1,200 residential units on 5.7 hectares, with a total investment of 32.37 billion birr.

Lot A1 Plot 12: OVID Chaka Housing Development PLC will construct two shopping malls and 1,852 homes across 9.45 hectares at a cost of 23.06 billion birr.

Additional Plot: The Ethiopian Construction Works Corporation, in collaboration with private investors, will develop 1,123 homes and 48 shops on 9.45 hectares for 11.7 billion birr.

Teyt Bet Housing Project in Arada Sub-City: OVID Kings Tower PLC will develop 1,823 housing units and a shopping center on 4.5 hectares for 4.31 billion birr.

Tourism Projects: Awash Waterfall Resort: Boston Partners PLC will build 50 luxury villas and related infrastructure on 11.6 hectares in Awash Park, investing 813.51 million birr.

Denbi Lake Lodge: MIDROC Investment Group will construct 15 bungalows, a restaurant, and amenities on 36.67 hectares for 125.89 million birr. Integrated Diagnostic Services Center: Aimed at boosting healthcare access, this $5.2 million initiative will provide laboratory and imaging services across six hospitals, including St. Peter’s Specialized Hospital. It will be executed by a consortium of Ceraba Lancet Africa, International Clinical Laboratories, and Pioneer Diagnostic Center.

The government has identified 34 projects across energy, transport, health, housing, logistics, and tourism as suitable for PPP implementation. These projects are at different stages, with selected developers expected to secure financing through loans and equity investments.

As part of this framework, on August 17, 2024, Ethiopia signed a power purchase and operation agreement with AMEA Power Aysha Wind One PLC for the USD620 million Aysha-1 Wind Power Project. The 300 MW project will be implemented under the MGA (Management Grant Agreement) model.

The Ministry’s Economic Development Department will continue to coordinate with stakeholders to ensure all PPP projects meet environmental and regulatory prerequisites. Future projects will also be screened and supported under this expanding development framework.

The House of Peoples’ Representatives has unanimously voted to repeal the outdated Foreign Employment Affairs Proclamation No. 923/2024 and replace it with Proclamation No. 1389/2025 during its 41st regular session held yesterday.

Presenting the resolution to parliament, Dr. Negeri Lencho, Chair of the Standing Committee on Human Resource Development, Employment, and Technology Affairs highlighted that the previous law contained segmented clauses restricting categories of overseas work, including domestic service, unskilled labor, and partially foreign-educated roles, which hindered citizens’ ability to access timely and efficient overseas employment. 

The revised law clarifies that it will prevent illegal foreign work permits, enable a modern centralized work permit agency, protect the rights and security of citizens working abroad, and require sending agencies to deposit standby funds, all to safeguard citizens. 

This will provide a streamlined pathway for overseas work, emphasizing professional and technical skills, and supporting individuals with varied vocational backgrounds, including those lacking formal credentials or having non-traditional experience. 

Minister Muferihat Kamil of Labor and Skills contrasted the changes, noting the repeal will eliminate previous restrictions and promote technology-backed professional development aligned with national competitiveness objectives. “Previously marginalized professions and semi-skilled workers faced legal barriers,” noted the Minister, praising the repeal as a victory for legal clarity and equal opportunity. 

Lawmakers noted that the draft proclamation will save citizens from illegal brokers and prevent illegal trafficking. 

The African Development Bank has granted 400,000 dollars to help the country’s two key capital market institutions: the Ethiopian Capital Market Authority (ECMA) and the Ethiopian Securities Exchange (ESX). This support is aimed at giving Ethiopia’s young capital market the tools it needs to grow, attract investment, and ultimately become a meaningful player in the regional financial landscape.

The grant will support ECMA in launching a modern public disclosure platform designed to enhance transparency and ensure that investors, issuers, and stakeholders have timely access to market-relevant information. This system is expected to promote informed decision-making, enable fair price discovery, and foster investor confidence. For the ESX, the grant will enable the introduction of innovative financial instruments, including exchange-traded funds (ETFs), sukuks, and green bonds.

Speaking on the development, Hana Tehelku, Director General of ECMA, called the partnership “a critical step in building a vibrant and resilient Ethiopian capital market.” ESX CEO Tilahun Kassahun noted the importance of transitioning from foundational setup to real market impact, while AfDB’s Financial Sector Development Director Ahmed Attout highlighted Ethiopia’s potential to become a regional financial hub.