Ambassador Musa A. Yasin argues that an Afar faction formed by former regional official Ibrahim Osman does not represent the Afar people and warns against its alliance with several opposition groups, which he views as aligned with forces hostile to Ethiopia. He recalls episodes of Afar resistance to Egyptian and Italian incursions and Afar service in defending Assab, using them to emphasize Afar patriotism and the community's historical ties to Ethiopia. He describes Afars as deeply integrated into Ethiopian society and urges Afar leaders, regional authorities, and the federal government to respond carefully to prevent political divisions within Afar communities and wider instability.

U.S. Ambassador Ervin Massinga says conflict should not be the first option as renewed fighting in northern Ethiopia raises urgent concerns for civilians, especially in Tigray. He calls for dialogue, protection and restitution for civilians harmed in conflict, and implementation of the Pretoria Agreement's principles, including the return of displaced people and disarmament and reintegration. Massinga describes U.S. aid policy as more narrowly focused on lifesaving humanitarian and health assistance, with greater reliance on Ethiopian institutions and safeguards against aid diversion. He supports a constitutional process for resolving contested areas and says Ethiopians must lead any durable peace settlement, while the United States is ready to facilitate. He also discusses regional diplomacy, Nile water negotiations, media freedom, and the need to prioritize displaced people's return and self-reliance.

Africa attracted $33.5 billion in Chinese Belt and Road Initiative investment in the first half of the year, a 254 percent increase from the same period last year, led by manufacturing, energy and infrastructure. Ethiopia recorded the largest growth in BRI engagement globally, including agreements with Ming Yang Smart Energy Group worth more than $14 billion for green energy development. The proposed work includes an initial $7.5 billion, 8.4-gigawatt wind and solar project, followed by $7.3 billion for green ammonia and equipment manufacturing. The report says BRI investment and construction activity reached record first-half levels, with energy and green-energy spending especially strong. Green Finance & Development Center director Christoph Nedopil Wang expects large deals to continue despite economic uncertainty.

Egypt and Ethiopia opened Group A of the U-17 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco with a 0-0 draw. Ethiopia nearly scored early from a free kick by captain Tinsae Mengistu, while Egypt created little clear danger. Goalkeeper Tadesse Temesgen made a late save to preserve the point for Ethiopia, which is competing in the tournament for the first time since 2003. Egypt next face Tunisia, while Ethiopia play hosts Morocco.

Ethio Telecom extended the deadline for its public offering of a 10 percent stake by five weeks, to February 14, 2025. The company began selling 100 million ordinary shares in October 2024 at 300 birr each, with minimum and maximum purchase limits and applicable service fees and VAT; sales are conducted through Telebirr. The extension followed doubts from experts that the state-owned operator would meet its original January 3 target. Experts also questioned the reliability of information in the offering prospectus, including asset valuations based largely on a Deloitte re-evaluation that put property, plant and equipment at nearly 130 billion birr, compared with 51 billion birr in the prior year’s audited statements. Ethio Telecom did not respond to the publication’s inquiries.

Tella, Ethiopia’s traditional fermented barley drink, is gaining popularity among young people in Addis Ababa as an affordable alternative to increasingly costly beer and a way to connect with cultural traditions. Demand has also created opportunities for home brewers such as Frehiwot Tadele. But rising rents, redevelopment and the loss of traditional gathering places threaten tella houses and the cultural practices they sustain. Some foreign residents are developing an interest in the drink, although its international appeal remains limited.

Ethiopia’s Customs Commission extended the deadline for franco valuta importers by another 30 days after they reported complications completing shipments. The scheme, which lets importers use their own foreign currency to buy selected basic commodities, was reinstated in August 2024 amid severe forex shortages and a floating exchange-rate policy. The extension follows an earlier government move to phase out the scheme and criticism that it could enable smuggling. Experts have questioned whether the repeated policy changes are effective or sustainable.

National Bank of Ethiopia regulators say foreign-bank entry could transmit economic crises into Ethiopia and leave domestic banks unable to compete, while also bringing capital, technology, skills, greater efficiency and additional foreign-exchange revenue. The amended banking law permits foreign banks to establish subsidiaries or branches, acquire stakes in local banks, or open representative offices, with foreign ownership limits. A separate amendment to the central bank’s founding law caps direct advances to the government at 15 percent of average tax revenue over three years, although exceptions apply during major shocks.

Salsay Weyane Tigray urged the Tigrayan diaspora and international observers of the Pretoria Agreement to intensify peaceful diplomatic efforts, warning that Tigray faces an existential threat amid humanitarian and security crises. The party blamed the federal government for failing to uphold the agreement and constitutional commitments, and said internal TPLF conflict and its continued control of the regional administration have weakened governance and public services. Findings from a UK Visas and Immigration fact-finding mission said key provisions of the 2022 agreement—including constitutional order, human rights protections and unhindered aid—remain largely unfulfilled, while civilians fear property expropriation by militants or federal forces.

National Bank of Ethiopia Governor Mamo Mihretu said Parliament was expected to ratify a banking proclamation the following week, opening Ethiopia’s banking sector to foreign institutions. The draft law, approved by the cabinet in June and under legislative review, would allow foreign banks to establish subsidiaries and branches, acquire stakes in local banks, and appoint foreign nationals to senior roles, while requiring Ethiopian representation on their boards. The government could issue up to five new banking licenses. Kenya’s KCB Bank and Standard Bank are among the firms reported to have expressed interest. Mihretu presented the reform at the Africa Financial Summit in Casablanca as a historic opening to investment in Ethiopia, a country of about 120 million people.