Ethiopia Directs Banks to Use Customs Prices for Letters of Credit and Import Permits
Ethiopia Directs Banks to Use Customs Prices for Letters of Credit and Import PermitsEthiopia Directs Banks to Use Customs Prices for Letters of Credit and Import PermitsAddis Ababa, January 25, 2026 (FMC) — National Bank of Ethiopia (NBE) has directed all banks to apply Ethiopian Customs Commission indicative prices when opening Letters of Credit and issuing import permits for selected imported items, effective January 27, 2026. In a press release issued today, Ethiopia’s central bank said the measure aims to strengthen consistency and ensure data integrity in import-related foreign exchange transactions. The central bank noted that following the implementation of the consolidated Foreign Exchange Directive No. The directive also repealed the previous “minimum price” requirement, assigning banks the responsibility to conduct proper price verification when opening Letters of Credit and processing import permits. During implementation, Ethiopia’s central bank observed that prices used in Letters of Credit by most banks differed significantly from the reference prices applied by the Ethiopian Customs Commission.
Source:Ethiopian News
January 25, 2026 10:46 UTC
Egypt shifts narrative on GERD, demands compensation from Ethiopia
Egypt has shifted its public stance on the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD), with the country’s Minister of Water Resources and Irrigation, Hani Sweilem, demanding that the dam pay compensation for the damage it has caused to Egypt and Sudan. Speaking during a plenary session of the Egyptian Senate on Sunday, Minister Sweilem said that no dam of GERD’s scale has ever been constructed on the Nile River through unilateral action. He claimed the dam has already reduced Egypt’s share of Nile water by 38 billion cubic meters from its allocated 55 billion cubic meters. According to Sweilem, Egypt’s water demand has now risen to 88.5 billion cubic meters, while its allocated share remains at 55.5 billion cubic meters. “We reuse 23.2 billion cubic meters annually to bridge the water gap, and treatment plants contribute an additional 4.8 billion cubic meters,” he said, adding that Egypt’s per capita water share has fallen to 500 cubic meters—half the global average of 1,000 cubic meters per person.
Source:Ethiopian News
January 25, 2026 09:29 UTC
Ethiopia’s Interests Can Only Be Safeguarded by Ethiopians, Says PM Abiy
Ethiopia’s Interests Can Only Be Safeguarded by Ethiopians, Says PM AbiyEthiopia’s Interests Can Only Be Safeguarded by Ethiopians, Says PM AbiyAddis Ababa, January 25, 2026 (FMC) — Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed has stressed that safeguarding Ethiopia’s national interests and long-term aspirations is an exclusive responsibility of Ethiopians, underscoring that reliance on external actors cannot substitute domestic resolve and action. In a message shared on his official social media platforms this morning, the Prime Minister said protecting Ethiopia’s interests “belongs to no one else but us Ethiopians,” stressing that the role of Ethiopians in this regard is non-transferable. He further noted that while Ethiopia’s friends may extend support, such assistance is voluntary and cannot replace the responsibility borne by Ethiopians themselves. “Whether we like it or not, we must clearly understand that ensuring Ethiopia’s interests and aspirations is a task expected of us Ethiopians, and we must act accordingly,” the Prime Minister said.
Source:Ethiopian News
January 25, 2026 09:20 UTC
Christianity in Africa: From Roman Margins to Colonial Instrument, and a Contemporary Political Force
In sub-Saharan Africa alone, nearly 700 million people, or about 62 percent of the population, adhere to Christianity. Under Roman rule in North Africa, Christianity initially took root among the lower classes as a form of resistance against a pagan empire. Christianity did not spread widely across sub-Saharan Africa until the fifteenth century, with the arrival of Portuguese explorers and missionaries. By 2060, more than 40 percent of the world’s Christians are projected to live in sub-Saharan Africa. Christianity in Africa today is not only a religion—it is an economic, cultural, and political engine.
Source:Ethiopian News
January 25, 2026 09:05 UTC
Ethiopia confirm Tom Saintfiet was first-choice coach but ruled out on cost
The decision followed the departure of former head coach Mesay Teferi and came after a period of internal review by the federation. Saintfiet, 52, is no stranger to Ethiopian football, having previously managed the national team during a brief spell in 2011. The Belgian coach, who has also served as head coach of The Gambia, gained recognition for assembling disciplined and resilient teams. “As the Ethiopian Football Federation, we examined the matter in detail and discussed it. While Saintfiet remains highly regarded within Ethiopian football circles, the federation acknowledged that ambition had to be balanced against practical constraints.
Source:Ethiopian News
January 25, 2026 08:32 UTC
Prime Minister Abiy Calls for Unity to Uphold Ethiopia’s Resilience and Sovereignty
Addis Ababa, January 24, 2026 (FMC) — Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed has called on Ethiopians to reinforce national unity as a means of safeguarding the country’s resilience and sovereignty. In a message shared on social media, the Prime Minister likened Ethiopia to a mother who never abandons her children, regardless of circumstance. He emphasized that, much like a mother who remains steadfast in both times of prosperity and hardship, Ethiopia remains an irreplaceable homeland for all its citizens. “Whether in prosperity or in hardship, a mother never abandons her children because of her motherhood,” Prime Minister Abiy wrote. “Recognizing that Ethiopia is an irreplaceable mother to her children, it is expected of all of us, by standing united, to uphold Ethiopia’s resilience and sovereignty, as did the heroes of yesterday.”The Prime Minister’s message underscored the importance of collective responsibility, national unity, and a shared commitment to preserving Ethiopia’s independence and enduring strength.
Source:Ethiopian News
January 24, 2026 18:50 UTC
Singing contest in Rio prison offers creative outlet for women behind bars
A group of Brazilian women behind bars applied makeup, donned gowns and competed in a singing contest held on Friday in a Rio de Janeiro prison, during an event designed to spotlight talents and boost confidence ahead of the detainees’ release. Many performed gospel songs, while others offered interpretations of MPB, the acronym for Brazilian popular music in Portuguese — including “Black Sheep” by the much-loved, late singer Rita Lee. Rilary Cristina Leite, 31, used to sing in bars, at parties and at church before being arrested six years ago. We’re in prison and art liberates us,” Leite said, adding that her dream is to sing at the Rock in Rio festival. This year's competition, with the theme of “hope and emancipation,” was the third organized by Rio de Janeiro’s state prison administration authority.
Source:Ethiopian News
January 24, 2026 13:49 UTC
Air Force Expert: Regaining Seaport Vital for Protecting Ethiopia’s Sovereignty
Addis Ababa, January 24, 2026 (FMC) – Ethiopian Air Force Aviation Medical Officer Solomon Gurmu has emphasized that securing access to a seaport is essential for strengthening the country’s airspace control and safeguarding national sovereignty. Speaking with Fana Media Corporation amid celebrations marking the 90th anniversary of the Ethiopian Air Force, Solomon Gurmu highlighted the Air Force’s ongoing role in protecting Ethiopia’s borders. He noted that the Air Force is steadily modernizing and enhancing its capabilities through advanced weaponry. At the same time, he underlined key institutional priorities, particularly the strategic importance of seaports in enhancing airspace control. “Strengthening airspace control is vital for protecting national sovereignty,” Solomon Gurmu said.
Source:Ethiopian News
January 24, 2026 10:50 UTC
My Mum Died in Ethiopian Airlines Flight from Abuja to US (Video)
My Mum Died in Ethiopian Airlines Flight from Abuja to US and the Airline is Covering Up Cause of Her Death, Adiele Jacqueline Cries Out for Help 😭😭My Mom now of blessed memory.. Mrs Patience Ngozi Adiele returned to Nigeria from United States of America during the Christmas festive season to celebrate with her family as she turned 70 years old. She boarded Ethiopian airlines *ET 950** and *ET500* respectively on the 19th of January, 2026 going back to the USA from Abuja. She did not make it alive back to the USA as she died on board Ethiopian airlines on the 20th of January, 2026. We are calling on passengers on board Ethiopian airlines who flew from Abuja International Airport on the 19th January , 2026 to come forward to share eye witness account of who could have gone wrong on board that led to her death on that faithful day. Any relevant information from passengers of the same aircraft could be shared to this email address @ princeucheadiele@yahoo.com
Source:Ethiopian News
January 24, 2026 07:29 UTC
Lawsuit Challenges Trump Ending Ethiopians' Temporary Legal Status
By Nate RaymondBOSTON, Jan 23 (Reuters) - Immigrant rights advocates have filed a lawsuit seeking to block U.S. President Donald Trump's administration from ending temporary protections from deportation that had been granted to thousands of Ethiopians living in the United States. Three Ethiopian nationals, along with the non-profit African Communities Together, allege in a lawsuit filed in Boston federal court on Thursday that the U.S. Department of Homeland Security is unlawfully putting over 5,000 people at risk of losing their temporary protected status after February 13. It marked the latest in a series of lawsuits challenging the Trump administration's efforts to curtail protections from deportation extended to citizens of numerous countries through grants of Temporary Protected Status, or TPS. While that civil war formally ended later in 2022, the Biden administration extended TPS for Ethiopians in mid-2024, citing armed conflict in another region, Amhara, which is ongoing.
Source:Ethiopian News
January 23, 2026 22:13 UTC
Five African riders named in women's World Cycling Centre team and former pro becomes head coach as UCI builds on Rwanda World Championships legacy
This year, the team is welcoming six new riders and retaining four existing names to create a 10-strong team. Of the six new arrivals, five come from nations across Africa, as the UCI looks to build the legacy from the first African Road World Championships in Rwanda last year. Although African cycling has been a focal point for the UCI under David Lappartient's presidency, the WCC team hosts riders from all around the world. "I had the pleasure of leading the WCC Team last year at the Tour de Charente-Maritime Féminin in France, and it was enriching to hear their stories. "As I’ve seen with the Down Under Cycling Academy riders, real progress already shows after the first weeks.
Source:Ethiopian News
January 23, 2026 16:40 UTC
Ethiopian Airlines orders nine new Boeing Dreamliners
Ethiopian Airlines, Africa’s largest carrier, ordered nine new Boeing 787 Dreamliners. The airline is expanding its fleet because of rising demand for long-haul travel, the two companies said. The new 787-9 jets will be used to grow the airline’s route network, which currently serves 145 international destinations. Ethiopian Airlines also completed its purchase of 11 more 737 MAX planes. Boeing’s 737 MAX jets have a troubled history: They were grounded in 2019 after two crashes occurred fewer than five months apart off the coast of Indonesia and in Ethiopia, killing 346 people.
Source:Ethiopian News
January 23, 2026 16:30 UTC
DHS Termination of Ethiopian Migrant Protections Challenged (1)
The Trump administration’s removal of protections for several thousand Ethiopian nationals in the US was motivated by unconstitutional animus against nonwhite immigrants, according to a new lawsuit. Removing a Temporary Protected Status designation for Ethiopia violated the Administrative Procedure Act and the Fifth Amendment’s equal protection clause, according to a complaint filed Thursday in the US District Court for the District of Massachusetts. The TPS program allows immigrants from designated countries to remain in the US with work authorization for up to 18 months when circumstances like armed conflict make returning unsafe. Dismantling TPS and other humanitarian protections covering more ...
Source:Ethiopian News
January 23, 2026 15:37 UTC
Deputy Sec. Landau Visits Egypt, Ethiopia, Kenya, Djibouti
Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau will travel to Egypt and will then travel with Commander of U.S. Africa Command General Dagvin Anderson to Ethiopia, Kenya, and Djibouti January 24-February 1. In Cairo, Deputy Secretary Landau will engage U.S. companies operating and investing in Egypt. During his visit to Addis Ababa, Deputy Secretary Landau will promote opportunities for U.S. commercial engagement with both the Ethiopian government and the private sector. In Djibouti, Deputy Secretary Landau will engage government leaders on security and counterterrorism cooperation as well as our commercial relationship. Throughout the trip, Deputy Secretary Landau will promote President Trump's priorities of rebalancing trade, ensuring a positive business environment, and promoting security and peace.
Source:Ethiopian News
January 23, 2026 14:28 UTC
Restoration of Africa Hall in Ethiopia wins WMF modernism prize
The renovation of Africa Hall in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, by Australian studio Architectus has been awarded the 2026 World Monuments Fund/Knoll Modernism Prize. The studio will be awarded the 2026 World Monuments Fund/Knoll Modernism Prize at a ceremony during Modernism Week in Palm Springs on 18 February. Forming part of the World Monuments Fund's Modernism Program, the prize was founded in 2008 with the aim of celebrating innovative efforts to protect modernist architecture. Africa Hall is the first building on the African continent to have won the award. "Our Modernism Program and the World Monuments Fund/Knoll Modernism Prize were created to bring attention to these challenges and highlight exemplary preservation efforts around the world," he continued.
Source:Ethiopian News
January 23, 2026 08:58 UTC