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Addis Abba News

News

As of june 20, 2025, Ethiopia has issued a new directive (No. 1082/2025) opening several trade sectors, including export, import, wholesale, and retail, to foreign investors.

This sweeping policy reform aims to attract foreign capital and invigorate the country's trade sector. Simultaneously, Ethiopia's top military commander has issued a stark warning regarding the presence of Egyptian troops in Somalia, describing it as a growing threat to Ethiopia's national security, citing concerns about regional stability and Ethiopia's sovereignty.

Business News

Beemi, Ethiopia's first gamified livestreaming platform, announced on june 20, 2025, that it has raised $1 million in seed funding. This funding will be used to scale its engineering and creator partnership teams, expand its content library, and launch new verticals, including interactive educational streams and live-selling features.

The platform is seeing significant engagement in cities like Addis Ababa, Nairobi, and Cape Town. Meanwhile, the Addis Ababa City Administration Cabinet has approved a record 350 billion Birr draft budget for the 2025/2026 fiscal year, prioritizing infrastructure, poverty reduction, and sustainable economic growth.

Economic News

Addis Ababa is poised to boost its medical tourism sector with the upcoming Bethesda American Medical Plaza. Mayor Adanech Abiebie announced on june 20, 2025, that this plaza will provide advanced medical services, including Ethiopia's first bone density scanning equipment, significantly reducing foreign currency outflow for overseas medical treatments. Ethiopia's economy is forecast to expand by 8.9% in fiscal year 2025/2026, a slight increase from original projections, despite ongoing challenges with debt, inflation, and currency shortages.

Political News

Ethiopia's political landscape is influenced by regional security concerns, particularly the presence of Egyptian troops in Somalia. Field Marshal Berhanu Jula, Chief of the Ethiopian National Defense Forces, informed lawmakers that these foreign military deployments pose serious concerns for the region's stability and Ethiopia's sovereignty. Tensions between Ethiopia and Somalia, though eased by Turkish-brokered dialogue, remain sensitive, especially concerning maritime access.

Election News

While no elections were held on june 20, 2025, Ethiopia is making strides towards modernizing its electoral system. The National Election Board of Ethiopia (NEBE) has announced that digital voting will be implemented for the next general elections, scheduled for mid-2026. This initiative aims to enhance transparency, efficiency, and accessibility through comprehensive digital platforms for candidate registration and voter enrollment.

Employment News The Addis Ababa City Administration Cabinet has approved a substantial budget increase for the 2025/2026 fiscal year, with a significant portion allocated to capital expenditures aimed at job creation and poverty alleviation initiatives. This major expansion of the city's budget is intended to support its rapidly growing population and enhance sustainable development. The Orange Corners Egypt Delta Cohort, though not directly in Addis Ababa, highlights a broader regional trend in supporting women-led startups, which are projected to create hundreds of jobs.

Business News As of june 20, 2025,

experts anticipate minimal disruption to Ethiopia's local banking market despite the opening of the market to foreign financial firms. Wegagen Capital Investment Bank S.C. has become the first institution to receive a Trading Membership Certificate from the Ethiopian Securities Exchange (ESX), marking a significant step in operationalizing Ethiopia's capital market. This development is expected to bolster investor confidence and enhance market liquidity.

Forecast Forecast (june 20 - June 21, 2025) Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, is expected to experience mostly cloudy conditions with a chance of rain showers throughout the week.

june 20 (Sunday): Rain. High: 24∘C (75∘F), Low: 13∘C (55∘F).
June 26 (Monday): Rain. High: 23∘C (73∘F), Low: 14∘C (57∘F).
June 27 (Tuesday): Passing showers. High: 23∘C (73∘F), Low: 12∘C (54∘F).
June 28 (Wednesday): Rain showers. High: 22∘C (72∘F), Low: 12∘C (54∘F).
June 29 (Thursday): Passing showers. High: 22∘C (72∘F), Low: 12∘C (53∘F).
June 20 (Friday): Drizzle. High: 23∘C (74∘F), Low: 12∘C (54∘F).
June 21 (Saturday): Showers late. High: 24∘C (76∘F), Low: 12∘C (54∘F).

Entertainment News Beemi, Ethiopia's first gamified livestreaming platform, received $1 million in seed funding on june 20, 2025, which will support its expansion across Africa. This platform aims to transform livestreams into interactive experiences and real-time storefronts. In other news, Ethiopian-Canadian filmmaker Tamara Mariam's documentary "Finding Sally" recently premiered in Addis Ababa, shedding light on a hidden chapter of Ethiopian history.