Sovereign Wealth Fund Eyes Ports Abroad, Urges Foreign Ministry Backing

‎Ethiopian Investment Holdings (EIH) is positioning itself to pursue port investments beyond Ethiopia’s borders, with the sovereign wealth fund emphasizing the need for stronger collaboration with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to navigate the political and diplomatic complexities entailed by the venture. ‎‎Speaking to officials during a recent consultative forum, DidimosGetachew (PhD), an investment advisor at EIH, said the institution is actively exploring strategic logistics projects including new ports and trade corridors. However, he cautioned that EIH cannot operate in isolation from Ethiopia’s foreign policy apparatus and its backing. ‎“EIH has the mandate to facilitate cross-border investment and engage in investments in foreign countries,” Didimos told The Reporter. “But when it comes to ports and strategic logistics infrastructure, this is not simply about economic calculations. These are investments that are deeply tied to politics and diplomacy. That’s why guidance from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs is essential.” He also stated that EIH is looking for investment opportunities that can bring about significant economic and social transformation beyond just building another port. “That’s why investments of this nature are heavily tied to politics and diplomatic relations, and therefore require close guidance from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs”. Economists have long cautioned that with over 95 percent of Ethiopia’s import and export trade flowing through congested ports in Djibouti, the country’s reliance on a single maritime route has become a bottleneck—both economically and strategically. The IMF and World Bank have repeatedly flagged Ethiopia’s high logistics costs, which exceed 25 percent of GDP, as a critical constraint to trade competitiveness. A quarterly economic profile published by the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) in April 2025 indicated that Ethiopia’s goods exports have the potential to reach USD 10 billion by the year 2030, with manufactured goods taking a predominant share, but warned thatmanufacturing remains constrained by the trifecta of available land, expensive capital, and complex logistics. Recent geopolitical developments further amplify the urgency. With new port projects underway in Berbera (Somaliland), Lamu (Kenya), and Eritrea’s Massawa and Assab, regional competition is heating up. Analysts argue that Ethiopia’s active presence or absence in these emerging logistics hubs will likely shape its trade access and geopolitical relevance for decades to come. However, according to the EIH advisor, the sovereign wealth fund’s interest in foreign ports is not driven by opportunism but by a long-term vision to secure Ethiopia’s economic competitiveness and regional integration. ‎“We are asking: What strategic opportunities exist for Ethiopia beyond its own borders? How can we position ourselves in regional logistics to trigger real economic and socio-political transformation?” he said. “These are not questions the Investment Holdings can answer alone.” Although the Foreign Ministry is an important piece of the puzzle, Didimos revealed the relationship between EIH and its officials has thus far been limited. “Over the past four years, the engagement between EIH and the Ministry has been limited. That must change,” he told The Reporter. ‎‎Didimos noted that while diplomatic groundwork has historically been the sole domain of the Ministry, emerging investment dynamics—especially in infrastructure—require a joint approach. “A lot of investment opportunities are opening up, and we, as EIH, must analyze and engage with these jointly with the Ministry,” he said. ‎The EIH advisor emphasized that economic analysis should follow, not precede, diplomatic groundwork. “Before any investment decision is made, diplomacy must come first. We need to ask: What kind of relationship do we have with the host country? What’s the political climate? What doors are open or closed diplomatically? That’s where the Ministry’s role is indispensable,” Didimos told The Reporter. ‎He clarified that EIH is not rushing into port deals, but initiating exploratory discussions that must mature into coordinated strategy. “What we’re doing now are initial discussions. The idea is to send a clear signal that this cannot be EIH’s work alone. We must act together,” said Didimos. “EIH has the mandate. The Ministry has the diplomatic leverage. Let’s align our efforts and bring about something transformative.” ‎‎Analysts emphasize that with Ethiopia’s landlocked status placing increasing pressure on logistics capacity and trade competitiveness, shifting towards foreign port investment could mark a significant pivot in the country’s economic strategy if backed by coherent diplomatic support.

Dashen Bank Unveils Secure Valuable Asset Deposit Service for Individuals and Institutions

Dashen Bank Unveils Secure Valuable Asset Deposit Service for Individuals and Institutions Dashen Bank has officially launched a secure valuable asset deposit service, offering its customers the ability to store high-value items—such as securities, gemstones, gold, precious metals, and important documents—in specialized safes and deposit boxes with top-tier security protocols. The new service, introduced by Dashen’s Treasury Management Division, represents a significant step in the bank’s ongoing mission to provide innovative, customer-focused financial solutions. During the announcement, Mr. Andualem Beliko, Director of Treasury Management at Dashen Bank, highlighted that the service was developed in response to specific requests from clients—especially those operating in the mining and trade sectors, where handling and securing high-value assets is a routine necessity. “This valuable asset deposit service is equipped with advanced, internationally recognized security technologies,” Mr. Andualem explained. “It ensures that our customers can store their assets with complete peace of mind. From passports and marriage certificates to gold bars and gemstones, customers now have a trusted place to keep their most valuable possessions.” The deposit service offers a range of box sizes to suit varying customer needs and asset volumes. Whether for personal use or institutional purposes, customers can select the size and type of safe deposit box that meets their requirements. Access to this service is available through select Dashen Bank branches and regional offices, with registration and verification processed at the bank’s head office. Customers utilizing this service will be issued a unique ID card that allows controlled and secure access. Beyond enhancing customer convenience and asset protection, Mr. Andualem noted that the service is expected to contribute positively to the bank’s revenue through annual rental fees, while simultaneously helping the bank reach new customer segments. “However,” he emphasized, “the true value lies in reinforcing our promise: to be a reliable custodian of our clients’ trust and property.” Dashen Bank is no stranger to innovation. It has previously led the market by launching digital platforms like the SuperApp, positioning itself as a pioneer in Ethiopia’s rapidly modernizing banking industry. This new asset deposit service aligns with its broader strategy to expand service offerings while prioritizing safety, efficiency, and personalization. The bank has called on individuals and businesses across Ethiopia to take advantage of the new offering. As economic activity expands and the need for asset protection becomes more urgent, Dashen Bank’s move is timely and strategically important. Looking ahead, the bank has announced its intention to roll out additional high-value services in the near future, aimed at meeting the evolving needs of its increasingly diverse and security-conscious clientele.

Ethiopia’s Forex Auction Sets Average Exchange Rate at 136.63 Birr/USD

Ethiopia’s Forex Auction Sets Average Exchange Rate at 136.63 Birr/USD This development comes as part of the central bank’s ongoing managed forex auction system aimed at addressing Ethiopia’s foreign currency shortages while ensuring fair and market-reflective pricing. The weighted average rate reflects the mean of all successful bids submitted by participating banks. According to the announcement, the NBE continues to implement periodic forex auctions in a bid to gradually align the official exchange rate with market conditions, improve transparency, and promote efficiency in foreign currency distribution. While the central bank did not disclose the total volume of currency traded in this round, the allocation to 11 banks signals a continued demand for hard currency amid a challenging macroeconomic environment marked by import pressures and limited foreign reserves. For more information and official updates, visit nbe.gov.et.

Meet Ethiopian-American Dr. Aminé: A Rapper Reimagining Diaspora, Academia, and Home

Meet Ethiopian-American Dr. Aminé: A Rapper Reimagining Diaspora, Academia, and Home When Adam Aminé Daniel—better known simply as Aminé—returned to Portland State University this June, he did so not as a student or guest performer, but as an honoree. Nine years after he left the university to pursue music full-time, the institution awarded him an honorary Doctorate of Humane Letters. In that moment, as the applause echoed through the stadium, Aminé joined a rare cultural lineage: artists whose work has transcended genre and geography, folding popular culture, personal heritage, and social meaning into something worthy of academic recognition. It is tempting to cast Aminé’s doctorate as a tidy arc of redemption, from college dropout to campus laureate. But that narrative would miss the deeper stakes. His return was not just a personal triumph; it was a cultural homecoming—for Portland, for Ethiopian-Americans, and for a vision of Black creativity rooted in heritage rather than erasure. It was not just the hooding ceremony that made this moment feel significant. It was what he brought with him: an album saturated in memory and a commitment to place, shaped not by spectacle but by return. This journey, like masterarbeiten hilfe — which means “thesis help” in German — reflects the support and dedication needed to achieve such a meaningful comeback. A Life Between Worlds Aminé was born and raised in Portland, Oregon, to Ethiopian and Eritrean immigrant parents. His household was steeped in East African culture: Amharic was spoken at home, traditional dishes were a fixture of family life, and the weight of intergenerational aspiration—common to many immigrant households—was ever-present. In interviews, Aminé has reflected on this tension between worlds, navigating American adolescence while holding onto ancestral customs that set him apart. That duality eventually became his signature. From his 2016 breakout single “Caroline” to his most recent release, 13 Months of Sunshine, Aminé’s work exudes an openness rarely associated with mainstream rap. His music is playful, melodic, and emotionally transparent—but beneath its levity is a refusal to flatten the complexity of identity. He is not simply a rapper from Portland. He is an Ethiopian-American artist, and he brings that hyphenation to the front of the mix. Thirteen Months, and the Light Between In May 2025, just weeks before the PSU commencement, Aminé released 13 Months of Sunshine, an album whose title references the Ethiopian calendar. Ethiopia’s thirteen-month system—twelve months of thirty days, followed by a thirteenth of five or six—has long served as a cultural shorthand for the country’s exceptionalism. For Aminé, it became a metaphor: for brightness beyond measure, for time outside of the Western frame, and for a form of home not bound by geography. The album features his father’s voice, East African instrumentation, and references that move between Portland and Addis Ababa. But its power lies not in its explicit declarations of heritage, but in how seamlessly it incorporates them. This is not an album that introduces Aminé’s Ethiopian-ness to an American audience. It assumes it, centers it, and builds upon it. In a music industry where Black identity is often funneled into commercially viable archetypes—either street-wise or polished, aggressive or assimilated—Aminé’s presentation is quieter, subtler, and ultimately more disruptive. He does not shout his lineage. He lives inside it. Academia and the Aesthetics of Return Honorary degrees often feel ceremonial, symbolic gestures to public figures whose contributions lie outside traditional scholarship. But Aminé’s doctorate, awarded by a university he once walked away from, feels different. It is not simply a reward for celebrity, but an acknowledgment of cultural labor: the work of representation, self-definition, and bridging generational divides. This is particularly significant in the context of Ethiopian and broader African immigrant communities in the United States, where academic achievement is often valorized as the highest form of success. The arts, by contrast, can be viewed with ambivalence—an indulgence, perhaps, but not a vocation. Aminé, by receiving an academic honor for his creative contributions, gently reorders that logic. He shows that cultural production, too, can be rigorous, intellectual, and worthy of institutional respect. That message was underscored when he pledged $25,000 to KBPS, the student-run radio station at his former high school, Benson Polytechnic. It was a gesture of return, not just to Portland but to the networks that first nurtured him. As much as the doctorate was an acknowledgment of what he has built, his donation was a commitment to those just beginning. Reframing Black Diaspora To call Aminé’s recognition a moment of pride for Ethiopian-Americans is both accurate and insufficient. It is a moment of possibility, one that complicates the binaries that so often shape diasporic life: old world and new, academic and creative, belonging and departure. In 13 Months of Sunshine, and in the ceremony that followed, Aminé refuses to choose between those poles. He performs in English, samples Ethiopian melodies, speaks in Amharic to his family, and signs off, jokingly but not inaccurately, as “Dr. Aminé.” It is a fusion that does not dilute. It thickens. Much like Dr. Dre—whose moniker redefined how artists could assert mastery in their craft—Dr. Aminé’s title is more than a gimmick. It is a declaration of ownership over a narrative that is often told from the outside in. Here is a young Black artist who claims both his American upbringing and his Ethiopian ancestry, not as contradictions but as coordinates. His doctorate doesn’t flatten those dimensions. It sharpens them. A Legacy Still Forming At thirty-one, Aminé’s story is far from finished. His latest album suggests a deepening of his musical vision. His honorary degree points toward a broader cultural reach. There is talk of future visual work, of writing, perhaps even of curating platforms for other young artists of African descent. Whatever direction he takes next, it seems certain that Aminé will continue to reframe what it means to move between cultures—gracefully, deliberately, and with humor. For now, he stands at an intersection rarely occupied. A rapper with a doctorate. A diasporic artist whose sound feels as rooted in Portland as it does in Addis Ababa. And a cultural bridge not built for optics, but for truth. He has always made music about joy. Now, he makes music from a place of recognition. And from here, the future looks sunlit. Maybe even a little bit longer than twelve months.

National Palace Museum Officially Opens Its Doors to the Public

National Palace Museum Officially Opens Its Doors to the Public Addis Ababa — June 17, 2025 The National Palace Museum in Addis Ababa, renovated and inaugurated four months ago, is now officially open to the public, marking a significant milestone in Ethiopia’s efforts to promote cultural tourism. Mitku Deresa, Director General of the Palace Administration, announced that the museum is open for public visits starting today. The museum welcomes visitors every day from 3:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m., except on Tuesdays when it remains closed for maintenance. Visitors can choose between two types of entry tickets: a standard ticket priced at 300 birr and a premium ticket available for 1,000 birr. The Director emphasized that the renovation of the National Palace is part of a broader government initiative aimed at strengthening Ethiopia’s tourism sector over the past seven years. The restoration process, he noted, was carried out with great care to preserve the historic and cultural significance of the palace while making it accessible to all citizens. The museum offers a wide array of exhibits, including a car museum, a special section dedicated to the former palace, various royal artifacts, and diplomatic gifts from nations around the world. These exhibits have been carefully curated to enrich the visitor experience. In addition to the exhibits, the museum grounds include entertainment facilities and visitor amenities. Spanning a total of 27 hectares, the palace complex is also undergoing further expansion with large-scale new construction projects underway to enhance its infrastructure. The opening of the National Palace Museum represents a significant step forward in preserving Ethiopia’s heritage while inviting both locals and tourists to engage with the nation’s rich history.

Ethiopian Airlines Suspends Tel Aviv Flights Amid Heightened Regional Tensions

Ethiopian Airlines Suspends Tel Aviv Flights Amid Heightened Regional Tensions Addis Ababa, June 16, 2025 — Ethiopian Airlines has temporarily suspended all flights between Addis Ababa (ADD) and Tel Aviv (TLV) until June 22, 2025, citing “operational considerations,” according to an official announcement shared on the airline’s social media channels. The suspension affects both outbound and inbound flights and comes amid intensifying tensions in the Middle East. The airline expressed regret for the inconvenience caused, urging affected passengers to contact the nearest Ethiopian Airlines ticket office or reach out to the Global Customer Interaction Center at +251 116 179 900 for assistance and rebooking. This move follows a pattern of growing unease surrounding air travel in and out of Israel, as multiple carriers have adjusted or halted services due to security risks stemming from the ongoing conflict in the region. Background on the Regional Conflict The temporary flight suspension coincides with a worsening security situation in Israel and the occupied Palestinian territories. As of mid-June 2025, Israel has continued its military campaign in Gaza, now in its ninth month, following the October 2024 escalation sparked by a large-scale surprise attack by Hamas. The conflict has since expanded, with reports of increasing hostilities along the northern border with Hezbollah and occasional rocket fire reaching central Israel. Tel Aviv’s Ben Gurion Airport has remained operational, but with heightened security and occasional disruptions. Several international airlines, including Lufthansa, Turkish Airlines, and Emirates, have at times reduced frequency or rerouted flights. While Ethiopian Airlines did not explicitly cite security threats as the reason for its suspension, analysts suggest that airspace risk, insurance liabilities, and potential diplomatic calculations may have played a role. Ethiopia maintains diplomatic relations with Israel and has a sizable Ethiopian Jewish community with frequent travel between the two countries. However, Addis Ababa is also under internal and external pressure to adopt more neutral stances on regional conflicts as geopolitical alignments shift globally. Passenger Impact and Next Steps Passengers booked on Ethiopian flights to or from Tel Aviv this week are urged to check their flight status and seek rebooking through official channels. The airline has promised further updates as more information becomes available. This is not the first time Ethiopian Airlines has had to adjust routes for political or safety reasons, as the carrier often operates in volatile regional environments while maintaining one of Africa’s most expansive global networks. As the situation in the Middle East evolves, observers will be closely watching how long this suspension lasts and whether it signals a broader reevaluation of Ethiopian Airlines’ engagement with the Israeli travel market.

Addis Ababa Approves Record 350 Billion Birr Budget for 2025 Fiscal Year

Addis Ababa Approves Record 350 Billion Birr Budget for 2025 Fiscal Year Addis Ababa, June 16, 2025 — The Addis Ababa City Administration Cabinet has approved a landmark 350 billion birr (approx. $6 billion USD) draft budget for the 2018 Ethiopian fiscal year (2025/26), marking the city’s largest budget allocation to date. The proposal will now be submitted to the City Council for final approval. The decision was made during the Cabinet’s 12th regular meeting of the fourth year, where two critical citywide agenda items were discussed in depth. The proposed budget prioritizes infrastructure development, poverty reduction, and sustainable economic growth. Out of the total proposed amount, 249.9 billion birr is earmarked for capital expenditures. These funds will support: Large-scale infrastructure and development projects Anti-poverty initiatives Job creation programs Basic service delivery improvements Foundational works for long-term urban transformation The remaining 100.1 billion birr is allocated for recurrent expenditures, such as salaries, maintenance, and essential operational costs. Officials emphasized that this portion of the budget was developed with a strong emphasis on fiscal discipline, efficiency, and strategic savings. In addition to the budget, the Cabinet also passed a resolution concerning current lease prices for urban land, following a presentation by the city’s Land Development and Management Bureau. The move aims to better reflect rising development demands in rapidly growing areas and adjust for inflationary pressures on land value. Specifically, in high-potential development corridors like Lemu and surrounding zones, revised lease prices will now better align with ongoing and future urban expansion plans. According to the City’s Communication Bureau, this revision reflects both the appreciation of land value and Addis Ababa’s evolving urban landscape. The proposed budget underscores the city’s ambition to transform itself into a resilient, inclusive, and globally competitive metropolis. The City Council is expected to deliberate and vote on the budget proposal in the coming weeks.

Ethiopia at Risk of U.S. Travel Ban Amid Growing Immigration Scrutiny

Ethiopia at Risk of U.S. Travel Ban Amid Growing Immigration Scrutiny Addis Ababa, Ethiopia – June 15, 2025 Ethiopia has been named among 36 countries facing potential travel restrictions to the United States, according to a classified memo from the U.S. State Department leaked to The Washington Post. The document, signed by Secretary of State Marco Rubio, signals a new chapter in U.S. immigration enforcement and could have significant diplomatic and economic consequences for Ethiopia. The memo outlines a 60-day ultimatum for the listed countries—including Ethiopia, Nigeria, Egypt, Djibouti, and 21 other African nations—to address concerns related to immigration compliance and document reliability or risk full or partial travel bans. According to the U.S. State Department, the potential ban stems from issues such as high rates of visa overstays by nationals, widespread document fraud, and the inability of some governments to produce reliable identity verification. Ethiopia was not singled out in the document, but its inclusion on the list suggests that U.S. authorities have raised concerns over similar issues. The document also mentions additional concerns regarding countries that sell citizenship without requiring residency and those whose nationals are accused of engaging in antisemitic or anti-American behavior within the United States. The memo suggests that countries demonstrating willingness to accept deported third-country nationals or entering into “safe third country” agreements could avoid sanctions. If enacted, the policy would expand a previous U.S. travel restriction issued on June 4, which targeted countries like Eritrea, Somalia, and Sudan. That order led to complete bans on some nations and partial entry restrictions on others, raising concerns among human rights groups and African governments about disproportionate targeting of the Global South. Impact on Ethiopia The prospect of a travel ban has already sparked concern among Ethiopian students, families with relatives in the U.S., and the country’s sizable diaspora. The United States remains one of the most popular destinations for Ethiopian migrants, professionals, and students. In 2023 alone, over 12,000 Ethiopian nationals were granted non-immigrant visas to the U.S., with many pursuing higher education, work opportunities, or family reunification. Political Reactions Ethiopia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has not yet issued an official response, but diplomatic sources in Addis Ababa said the government is preparing to engage U.S. officials to clarify the country’s stance and compliance efforts. In Washington, critics have accused the policy of being politically motivated and racially biased. “This is a targeted crackdown on African and Caribbean nations under the guise of security and immigration enforcement,” said Rep. Ayanna Pressley (D-MA), a vocal critic of the Trump administration’s immigration policies. With the 60-day clock now ticking, Ethiopian officials are under pressure to demonstrate cooperation or risk further isolation from one of their key global partners.

Ethiopia Opens Trade Sectors to Foreign Investors: New Directive Unlocks Export, Import, Wholesale, and Retail Markets”

Ethiopia Opens Trade Sectors to Foreign Investors: New Directive Unlocks Export, Import, Wholesale, and Retail Markets” ADDIS ABABA, Ethiopia — June 13, 2025 — In a sweeping policy reform aimed at attracting foreign capital and invigorating the country’s trade sector, the Ethiopian Investment Board has issued a landmark directive—Directive No. 1082/2025—lifting long-standing restrictions on foreign participation in export, import, wholesale, and retail trade. The move marks a significant departure from Ethiopia’s traditionally protectionist stance, signaling a bold shift toward liberalizing its domestic markets. Background: A Policy Rethink For years, Ethiopia maintained a cautious approach to foreign investment in its trade sectors, reserving large swaths of commercial activity—particularly in import and retail—for domestic investors. The aim was to shield local businesses from foreign competition and to incubate a homegrown entrepreneurial base. However, the government now acknowledges that Directive No. 1001/2024, which allowed limited foreign entry into select sectors under specific conditions, failed to achieve the anticipated scale of transformation. Despite preferential policies, complaints about poor service delivery, inefficiency, and limited product access persisted across sectors protected from foreign competition. According to the Investment Board, the new directive is designed to support Ethiopia’s macroeconomic, structural, and sectoral reforms by creating a competitive business environment that fosters both domestic and foreign enterprise. Key Provisions of Directive 1082/2025 The directive sets out clear and transparent conditions under which foreign investors can participate in previously restricted trade sectors. Here’s what the directive entails: 1. Export Trade: Greenlight for Key Commodities Foreign investors can now freely invest in the export of: Raw coffee Oilseeds Khat Pulses Hides and skins Forest products Poultry and livestock To secure an export trade license, investors must submit a due diligence report validating their business integrity, financial capacity, and absence from global sanction or watch lists. 2. Import Trade: Broad Access With Exceptions With the exception of fertilizer and petroleum, all import sectors previously reserved for domestic investors are now open. However, foreign investors must submit: Verified integrity reports Compliance documents indicating the source of funds and track record in line with international norms 3. Wholesale Trade: Inclusion With Flexibility Foreign investors can now participate in wholesale trade—excluding fertilizers. They are permitted to: Sell imported goods Purchase and distribute domestically manufactured products All wholesale entrants are required to present similar integrity and capacity reports, ensuring accountability and preventing market abuse. 4. Retail Trade: High Capital Threshold, Select Flexibility Perhaps the most dramatic policy change lies in retail trade. Under the new rules: Foreign investors must bring in a minimum of $2.5 million in paid-up capital (cash and/or assets) A comprehensive due diligence report is mandatory However, the Board reserves discretionary authority to approve reputable single-brand retail businesses operating at a smaller capital base, indicating potential flexibility for globally recognized consumer brands seeking market entry. Institutional Oversight: Guardrails and Governance To ensure robust oversight and prevent anti-competitive practices: The Ethiopian Investment Commission (EIC) will handle investor applications and issue investment permits. The Ministry of Trade and Regional Integration will monitor retail and wholesale conduct, and issue operational licenses. A Joint Regulatory Committee, comprising the EIC, Ministry of Industry, Ministry of Revenue, Customs Commission, and the National Bank of Ethiopia, among others, will evaluate implementation outcomes and ensure the policy’s effectiveness. Implications: A Signal to Global Investors This liberalization effort comes at a time when Ethiopia is courting international finance, aiming to stabilize its economy amidst mounting debt and inflation. Analysts suggest that Directive 1082/2025 could attract multinational firms seeking new African markets, particularly in agribusiness, retail, and logistics. “Ethiopia is signaling that it is open for business,” said a senior official at the Ministry of Finance. “But we are doing so on terms that safeguard national interests and encourage long-term partnerships, not short-term extraction.” Challenges Ahead While the directive offers hope for revitalizing Ethiopia’s trade sectors, some local entrepreneurs fear displacement and rising foreign dominance. Critics warn that unless carefully monitored, liberalization could widen inequality and concentrate market power in the hands of foreign conglomerates. However, the government appears prepared. “This is not a free-for-all,” said Ambassador Girma Birru, Chair of the Investment Board. “It’s a rules-based opening designed to reward integrity, transparency, and mutual benefit.” As Ethiopia navigates the complexities of economic reform, Directive No. 1082/2025 stands as a bold experiment in balancing openness with national development goals. Its success will depend on fair enforcement, investor accountability, and the government’s ability to shield vulnerable local actors while leveraging foreign capital for inclusive growth.