Ethiopia’s Central Bank Holds Interest Rate at 15% as Inflation Cools and Economy Strengthens

Ethiopia’s Central Bank Holds Interest Rate at 15% as Inflation Cools and Economy Strengthens Addis Ababa — Ethiopia’s central bank kept its benchmark interest rate unchanged at 15% and opted for only a cautious loosening of credit growth limits, signaling that policymakers remain focused on containing inflation even as the economy shows signs of broad-based strength. The Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) of the National Bank of Ethiopia (NBE), which met for the fourth time on September 15, said that while price pressures have eased steadily over the past year, inflation remains well above the single-digit target. The decision underscores the balancing act facing policymakers: sustaining economic momentum and managing banking-sector liquidity while safeguarding price stability. Inflation Slows, but Target Still Elusive Headline inflation cooled to 13.6% in August 2017 from 18.8% a year earlier. Food-price growth dropped sharply to 12.7%, helped by improved agricultural productivity and government price-stabilization measures. Non-food inflation, however, crept up to 15.1%, reflecting the lingering effects of foreign-exchange market pressure and imported input costs. Monthly inflation eased to 1.1% in August, signaling that the pace of price increases is moderating. The NBE credits its own tight monetary policy and improved agricultural output for the slowdown, but officials stressed that the rate of inflation is still above their preferred single-digit threshold. Economy Shows Broad Strength Despite the policy squeeze, Ethiopia’s economy continues to post robust growth. The National Bank’s Composite Index of Economic Activities points to solid expansion, driven by bumper harvests, rising industrial output and a rebound in export earnings. Gold and coffee—two of Ethiopia’s most important export commodities—posted notable gains, while individual remittances and service exports helped narrow the current account deficit. Imports of semi-finished and consumer goods, by contrast, slowed, a shift that has also helped improve the balance of payments. Money Supply Growth Outpaces Policy Tightening Monetary aggregates are expanding far faster than the central bank’s policy stance might suggest. By the end of August 2017, broad money supply had grown 23.1% year-on-year, while base money surged 70.7%—a jump attributed mainly to an increase in the NBE’s foreign-exchange reserves from gold purchases. Domestic credit expanded 14% year-on-year, and total bank credit rose 5.4% compared to June levels. The MPC noted that its credit growth restrictions prevented broad money from rising “elastically,” but acknowledged that higher foreign-exchange reserves have injected more liquidity into the banking system than initially expected. Banking Sector Sound, but Liquidity Pressures Persist Ethiopia’s banking industry remains broadly healthy, with low non-performing loans and solid capital buffers. Yet some lenders are experiencing liquidity tightness due to high loan-to-deposit ratios, the committee observed. The NBE has leaned on its newly operational Interbank Money Market and daily lending facilities to ease these pressures. Since October 2017, interbank trading volumes have climbed sharply, reaching 945.1 billion birr by the end of August 2017, highlighting the growing role of market-based liquidity support. Interest Rate Corridor Anchors Market Short-term market rates have responded to the NBE’s open-market operations. The average yield on 91-day Treasury bills declined to 15% in August from 17.6% in June, while the seven-day interbank rate fell to 13.7%, comfortably within the NBE’s desired corridor. Policymakers said these moves signal a revival of the money market and demonstrate the effectiveness of their operations in guiding liquidity. Fiscal Restraint Supports Monetary Policy The central bank praised the government’s fiscal stance, noting that it refrained from borrowing from the NBE during the first two months of the current fiscal year. That discipline, the MPC said, reinforces the effectiveness of tight monetary policy and reduces the risk of inflationary financing. External Sector Strengthens Exports of gold and coffee, along with higher remittance inflows and improved net service trade, have helped narrow the current account deficit and push the overall balance of payments into surplus. The MPC credited the comprehensive economic reforms introduced in July 2016 for strengthening external performance and building resilience to global market volatility. Global Backdrop: Growth with Lingering Risks According to the International Monetary Fund, global growth is expected to rise to 3.0% in 2025 and 3.1% in 2026, while global inflation is projected to ease to 4.2% and 3.6% respectively. A weaker US dollar, improved financial conditions and fiscal expansion in major economies underpin the positive outlook. However, the MPC cautioned that rising tariffs and supply chain disruptions could reignite price pressures in the US and other major economies, posing risks to Ethiopia’s external accounts and imported inflation. Policy Call: Hold Rates, Loosen Credit Caps—But Cautiously The MPC recommended keeping the National Bank Rate steady at 15% and leaving the standing deposit and lending facility rates as well as the reserve requirement ratio unchanged. While the committee acknowledged the need to support growth by allowing more credit, it opted for a measured step—raising the cap on annual bank credit growth from 18% to 24% rather than scrapping it entirely, as had been planned for September. The move is intended to “maintain the current trend of deflation and preserve the soundness of the financial sector,” the MPC said. The NBE will also continue to deploy its full suite of non-market-oriented policy tools—interest rate management, open-market operations including foreign-exchange interventions, and reserve requirements—to steer inflation toward its target. The MPC signaled that the next policy review will take place in December 2018, when it will reassess inflation dynamics, liquidity conditions and global risks. For now, Ethiopia’s monetary authorities appear intent on treading a narrow path: allowing just enough credit expansion to support an economy that is still growing strongly, while keeping their eye firmly on bringing inflation down into single digits and maintaining financial stability.

Malaysia Reopens Embassy in Addis Ababa After 43 Years

Malaysia Reopens Embassy in Addis Ababa After 43 Years Malaysia has officially re-established its diplomatic presence in Ethiopia, reopening its embassy in Addis Ababa after more than four decades of closure. The decision marks a significant step in strengthening political, economic, and cultural links between the two countries and underscores Malaysia’s growing interest in the African continent. Historic Closure and Reopening Malaysia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced on 29 September 2025 that the embassy resumed operations effective 23 September 2025. According to a senior Ethiopian Ministry of Foreign Affairs official who spoke to Addis Standard, Malaysia originally shut its embassy in 1982 amid strained relations with the military regime of the time, known as the Derg. The Derg’s socialist policies and political instability during the Cold War period led several nations to scale back or suspend their diplomatic representation in Ethiopia. The reopening is therefore not merely an administrative move but a symbolic act of reconciliation and a recognition of Ethiopia’s more stable and open political environment. It reflects the steady normalization of ties and the mutual interest in reinvigorating a relationship that has been dormant for over four decades. Strengthening Bilateral Relations “The reopening of the Embassy underscores Malaysia’s commitment to further strengthening the warm and close bilateral relations with Ethiopia,” Malaysia’s foreign ministry said in its statement. The ministry highlighted that the embassy will act as a catalyst for cooperation in key sectors such as trade, investment, education, and cultural exchange. Ethiopia, Africa’s second-most populous nation and one of the continent’s fastest-growing economies in recent years, presents opportunities for Malaysian investors in sectors such as infrastructure, agriculture, manufacturing, and technology. For Ethiopia, Malaysia’s advanced manufacturing base and expertise in areas like palm oil, electronics, and Islamic finance could open doors for knowledge transfer and joint ventures. The presence of a resident embassy is expected to facilitate business-to-business connections and make it easier for companies on both sides to explore partnerships. People-to-people ties—including tourism, student exchanges, and diaspora engagement—are also anticipated to benefit from direct diplomatic representation. Gateway to the African Union The reopening carries a regional dimension as well. Addis Ababa hosts the headquarters of the African Union (AU), making it a strategic location for countries seeking to deepen their engagement with continental institutions. Malaysia’s new embassy will serve not only as a platform for bilateral diplomacy with Ethiopia but also as a hub for Malaysia’s outreach to the AU and other African states. For Malaysia, which has been expanding its South-South cooperation efforts, closer ties with Africa align with a broader foreign policy strategy that emphasizes multilateral engagement and diversified trade partners. Temporary Premises and Future Plans For now, the Malaysian embassy is operating from a temporary office inside the Sheraton Addis Hotel. Officials have indicated that preparations are underway to establish a permanent chancery in the city. The appointment of an ambassador is expected in the coming months, with both governments signaling readiness to elevate diplomatic exchanges and organize high-level visits. Looking Ahead The reopening of the Malaysian embassy in Addis Ababa after 43 years stands as a milestone in the two countries’ relationship. It reflects a mutual recognition of the growing economic and political importance of both nations and sets the stage for a deeper partnership. For Ethiopia, the move is another sign of its expanding global ties; for Malaysia, it is a renewed commitment to engage with Africa’s emerging markets and multilateral institutions. Diplomatic observers say the next phase will likely involve new bilateral agreements and initiatives aimed at turning the goodwill generated by this reopening into tangible economic and cultural cooperation.

Abyssinian Flight Launches First Tourist Charter to the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam

Abyssinian Flight Launches First Tourist Charter to the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam Abyssinian Flight Services & Aviation Academy (AFS), one of Ethiopia’s leading private air charter operators, has inaugurated the first tourist charter flight to the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD), positioning the iconic dam as a premier national tourism destination. The milestone flight, carrying Ethiopian-American diaspora visitors, took place on September 25, 2025, shortly after the dam’s official inauguration. For more than 13 years, AFS has provided critical air transport to the GERD site, supporting the project through its construction phase. This latest move signals AFS’s evolution from a primarily logistical service provider to a key player in Ethiopian tourism, underscoring growing public and diaspora interest in the dam as a powerful symbol of national pride and achievement. Founded in 1999, AFS operates passenger and cargo charters, medical evacuation services, and aerial surveys across Ethiopia and neighboring regions. Its affiliated Abyssinian Aviation Academy—the country’s first private pilot training school—continues to cultivate skilled professionals and strengthen Ethiopia’s aviation sector.

Ethiopia to Enforce 30% Tax on Petroleum Products in Current Fiscal Year

Ethiopia to Enforce 30% Tax on Petroleum Products in Current Fiscal Year The Ministry of Finance has announced that it will fully implement a 30% tax on petroleum products during the current 2018 fiscal year. The tax comprises a 15% value-added tax (VAT) and a 15% excise duty. According to the ministry, this policy marks a significant shift in the country’s fiscal strategy and forms part of Ethiopia’s broader domestic economic reform agenda. Presenting the national budget late last week, the Minister detailed the new tax measures scheduled for this fiscal year. In addition to the 30% combined VAT and excise duty on petroleum products, the budget also includes a property tax. Capital Newspaper has further learned that the government plans to introduce an alternative minimum tax and advance tax payments in the same period. Given the central role of petroleum in Ethiopia’s economy, observers have cautioned that the tax increase could heighten inflationary pressures.

Commercial Bank of Ethiopia Strikes North America Remittance Deal With Ramad Pay

Commercial Bank of Ethiopia Strikes North America Remittance Deal With Ramad Pay The Commercial Bank of Ethiopia (CBE), the country’s largest financial institution, has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Ramad Pay, a North America–based money transfer company, in a move designed to capture a larger share of Ethiopia’s fast-growing remittance market and bring more of those flows into formal channels. Tapping Into a Multi-Billion Dollar Lifeline Remittances remain one of Ethiopia’s most reliable sources of foreign exchange, providing critical hard-currency inflows that help the nation finance essential imports such as fuel, wheat, and industrial inputs. The World Bank estimates that Ethiopia receives well over USD 5 billion annually from its global diaspora—much of it originating in the United States and Canada, where a large Ethiopian community has settled over the past five decades. Yet, a significant portion of these remittances traditionally moves through informal hawala networks—trusted community money brokers who transfer funds outside the banking system. While these networks are fast and familiar, they can undercut the central bank’s ability to monitor inflows and manage the foreign-exchange market. Expanding Legal and Digital Channels Speaking at the signing ceremony, CBE President Abe Sano said the agreement with Ramad Pay will both widen the bank’s international footprint and give Ethiopians in North America a safe, legal, and convenient way to send money home. “This partnership ensures that remittances come through regulated channels, benefiting both citizens and the broader Ethiopian economy,” he noted. Sano emphasized that the CBE already handles a majority of formal remittance flows, but sees room to capture more by offering technology-driven services comparable to those of informal brokers. With a large and increasingly tech-savvy diaspora, the bank views the Ramad Pay alliance as a gateway to users who value digital convenience but also want the security and compliance of a regulated institution. A Digital Twist on Hawala Ramad Pay CEO Aden Hussein welcomed the partnership, calling it a milestone for his company and a major win for customers. He pointed to CBE’s extensive branch network, its decades of brand recognition, and its ability to process transactions across Ethiopia’s banking system as crucial advantages. Hussein explained that Ramad Pay’s platform integrates the trusted relationships of traditional hawala with modern digital infrastructure. By allowing customers to initiate transfers through mobile apps or partner outlets in the U.S. and Canada, the service can deliver funds almost instantly in Ethiopia—without the high service fees often charged by global money transfer giants. Supporting Monetary Policy and Financial Inclusion For Ethiopian policymakers, the timing is strategic. The National Bank of Ethiopia has been pushing to formalize remittances and reduce pressure on the country’s foreign-exchange reserves. Bringing more inflows into the banking system strengthens the central bank’s ability to stabilize the birr, supports the government’s broader reform agenda, and provides new funding channels for domestic investment. Moreover, expanding regulated digital remittance options could advance financial inclusion. By drawing recipients—often families in rural areas—into the formal banking system, services like the CBE–Ramad Pay partnership can encourage savings, access to credit, and participation in Ethiopia’s emerging digital economy. While the MoU is an initial framework rather than a fully executed service rollout, both institutions say they will move quickly to operationalize the agreement. If successful, the collaboration could set a precedent for other diaspora-focused fintech partnerships, helping Ethiopia tap into its far-flung communities for long-term economic resilience.

Ethiopia Inks Nuclear Deal With Russia in Energy Sovereignty Push

Ethiopia Inks Nuclear Deal With Russia in Energy Sovereignty Push Ethiopia and Russia have signed a landmark action plan to begin constructing Ethiopia’s first nuclear power plant, a project poised to reshape the East African nation’s energy mix and reduce reliance on hydropower amid climate variability. Rosatom Director General Alexey Likhachev and Ethiopian Foreign Minister Gedion Timotheos signed the agreement in Moscow during a high-level ceremony attended by Russian President Vladimir Putin and Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed. The deal advances a multiyear bilateral roadmap for nuclear cooperation initially launched in 2017. “This journey begins now,” Prime Minister Abiy said, describing the project as Ethiopia’s “next Grand Renaissance Dam.” Nuclear Ambitions Take Shape The action plan follows a series of formal steps by Ethiopia to enter the nuclear age. The two countries signed an intergovernmental agreement in 2017, ratified by the Ethiopian Parliament in 2021. A three-year nuclear roadmap (2023–2025) was subsequently signed during Abiy’s visit to Russia last year, and Ethiopia established a dedicated implementing body—the Ethiopian Nuclear Science and Technology Institute (ENSTI)—in 2024. While specific project details remain undisclosed, the current phase is expected to involve site selection, regulatory preparation, and human resource development, according to sources familiar with the matter. Diversification Beyond Hydro Ethiopia derives over 85% of its electricity from hydropower, including flagship projects like the 5,150 MW Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) and the 2,170 MW Koysha Dam. But fluctuating rainfall and growing industrial demand have exposed the grid’s vulnerability, forcing policymakers to accelerate diversification. The country has added over 2,000 MW in renewable capacity in the past five years through wind, geothermal, and solar investments. Still, nuclear offers something those technologies cannot: a stable, high-capacity baseload power source. “Nuclear is about more than electrons—it’s about sovereignty,” said an Addis Ababa-based energy analyst. “Ethiopia wants to reduce its exposure to hydrological shocks and unlock industrial exports.” Strategic Parallels With Egypt, South Africa Once operational, Ethiopia will become only the third African country with civil nuclear capability, after South Africa, which operates the 1,800 MW Koeberg plant, and Egypt, which broke ground on its 4.8 GW El-Dabaa plant with Rosatom in 2022. For Russia, the agreement strengthens Rosatom’s foothold in Africa, part of Moscow’s broader strategy to deepen influence in emerging markets through infrastructure diplomacy. Financing and Risk Ethiopia’s debt profile remains under watch by international lenders, and the cost of nuclear infrastructure—typically between $5–10 billion per plant—raises questions about financing strategy. Rosatom is expected to offer a build-own-operate (BOO) or intergovernmental loan model, similar to deals struck in Bangladesh and Hungary. No official cost estimate or timeline has been released, but Ethiopian officials hinted at first electricity production by the early 2030s. Bottom Line The Ethiopia-Russia nuclear pact marks a bold pivot in Ethiopia’s energy policy, one that reflects its dual ambitions of energy independence and industrial acceleration. As hydro limitations mount and geopolitical alliances shift, nuclear may soon become central to Ethiopia’s economic future. At a Glance: Ethiopia’s Power Mix

Ethiopia Unveils Record 1.93 Trillion Birr Citizens’ Budget to Power Post-War Recovery and Growth

Ethiopia Unveils Record 1.93 Trillion Birr Citizens’ Budget to Power Post-War Recovery and Growth Addis Ababa — Ethiopia’s Ministry of Finance has released a record-breaking 1.93 trillion birr ($33.7 billion) national budget for the Ethiopian Fiscal Year (EFY) 2018 (July 2025–June 2026), marking a bold pivot toward post-war reconstruction, macroeconomic reform, and long-term sustainable growth. The “Citizens’ Budget,” a simplified public-facing version of the official plan, aims to demystify government finances and invite Ethiopians into a conversation about how the country’s money is raised and spent. Growth Targeted at Nearly 9% Despite Inflationary Pressures The government projects real GDP growth of 8.9%, up from a preliminary 8.4% last year, while seeking to bring inflation down from 13.9% to 11.9%. Imports are forecast to climb to $21.3 billion, while the fiscal deficit is expected to narrow to 1% of GDP, nearly halving from 2.06%. Officials argue these numbers reflect confidence in Ethiopia’s Homegrown Economic Reform agenda—an ambitious program to move from a state-led model to a more market-driven economy. “It is stability today and prosperity for tomorrow,” the Ministry said, underscoring planned reforms such as exchange-rate flexibility and state-owned enterprise restructuring. Filling the Revenue Gap: Tax Reforms and Loans To fund the plan, the government projects 1.93 trillion birr in revenues, drawing from domestic taxes, non-tax revenues, development-partner grants, and concessional loans. A suite of tax policy reforms is set to expand Ethiopia’s fiscal capacity: 15% VAT and excise tax on fuel, new property tax proclamation for regional cities, motor vehicle circulation tax, and amendments to withholding income tax and the minimum alternative tax. Where revenue falls short, Addis Ababa will rely on long-term, low-interest external loans and direct budget support from development partners. Capital Spending Priorities: Roads, Schools, and Post-War Rebuilding The biggest capital investments target Ethiopia’s infrastructure and human development needs: Roads: 58 billion birr for new road construction, 26.9 billion birr for upgrades, and 4.2 billion birr for maintenance. Education: 40.7 billion birr for higher education, 360 million birr for technical and vocational training, and 3.4 billion birr for quality improvements. Irrigation & Agriculture: 17.1 billion birr for irrigation projects and 1.2 billion birr for pastoral-area research. Health: 18 billion birr to expand and improve health systems, including 6.6 billion birr for maternal and child health and 4.4 billion birr for vaccination programs. In a nod to Ethiopia’s fragile post-conflict landscape, 10 billion birr has been earmarked for post-war rehabilitation, including the restoration of infrastructure and services. Safety Nets and Regional Support The budget reinforces Ethiopia’s flagship Productive Safety Net Program, allocating 48.7 billion birr for rural food security and 24.1 billion birr for urban safety nets. Regional subsidies total 314.8 billion birr, with Oromia and Amhara receiving the largest shares, while 14 billion birr is dedicated to advancing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Transparency as a Reform Pillar The “Citizens’ Budget” is designed not just as a fiscal blueprint but as an exercise in inclusive governance. By translating complex financial data into plain language, the Ministry of Finance seeks to give citizens and civil society a clear view of how public resources are mobilized and spent—fostering trust and reducing corruption risks. The ministry has paired these efforts with digital financial management platforms and stricter auditing, ensuring public funds are tracked and that Parliament can hold the government accountable. Ethiopia’s Balancing Act For Ethiopia, the stakes are high. The government must juggle ambitious growth targets, the need for inflation control, and the fiscal discipline required to avoid unsustainable debt. The success of the 2025/26 Citizens’ Budget will depend on how quickly tax reforms are implemented and whether private investment flows in as planned. Why It Matters: Ethiopia’s budget signals a confident economic pivot after years of conflict and global shocks. For investors, development partners, and citizens alike, it’s a roadmap that seeks to convert today’s stability into tomorrow’s prosperity—if the government can execute on its ambitious promises.

Ethiopia’s T-Bill Market Draws Heavy Bids as Finance Ministry Reforms Gain Traction

Ethiopia’s T-Bill Market Draws Heavy Bids as Finance Ministry Reforms Gain Traction Addis Ababa — Ethiopia’s Treasury-bill market is attracting record investor interest after a series of debt-market reforms, signaling a new phase of domestic borrowing that could reduce the country’s reliance on external lenders. The Finance Ministry said it raised 111.1 billion birr ($1.9 billion) in the first two months of the 2025/26 fiscal year—exceeding a planned 103.4 billion birr—as bids surged to 164.7 billion birr, or roughly 1.6 times the amount on offer. The auctions left net new borrowing of 23.9 billion birr, about 14% of the government’s annual target of 172.9 billion birr, after maturing bills were refinanced. Reforms Lure Broader Participation The jump in demand follows the ministry’s rollout of a three-month issuance calendar, the first of its kind in Ethiopia. The schedule gives investors clear visibility on upcoming auctions, a move officials say is key to “resetting and relaunching” the domestic debt market. “It’s the difference between walking into a market where the seller posts regular prices and one where you’re guessing every week,” said an Addis-based fixed-income analyst who asked not to be named. “Investors finally know when and what is coming, so they can plan.” The government has also introduced fully electronic transactions and began listing six-month bills on the new Ethiopian Securities Exchange, while ending a long-standing requirement that commercial banks buy five-year bonds and halting direct central-bank advances. Short Tenors in High Demand Early auctions revealed a strong preference for shorter maturities. Bids for 28-day and 91-day paper were 6.8 times and 2.9 times supply, respectively, while one-year bills drew only 35% of the amount offered. That demand inversion briefly pushed six-month yields above those on one-year bills, a classic sign of market caution. By the August 20 auction, demand had broadened across maturities as investors adjusted to the new calendar and higher yields on longer paper. Overall bid-to-cover rose to 2.1 times, and the one-year bill finally achieved near-full subscription. Yields Adjust as Bidding Intensifies Intense competition for short-term paper drove rates lower. The 28-day yield fell from 15.8% in early July to 13.8% by late August, while the 91-day rate slid from 17.8% to 14.4% and the 182-day yield from 19.0% to 14.9%. In contrast, the 364-day yield climbed to 17.5% as authorities sought to entice buyers into longer-term debt. “This is what you want to see—yields reflecting actual demand,” said the analyst. “It shows that the market is starting to price risk rather than simply absorb whatever the government issues.” Domestic Debt Landscape Ethiopia’s total public-sector domestic debt stood at about 2.5 trillion birr ($42 billion) at the end of June. Long-term Treasury bonds account for roughly 80% of the total. For T-bills specifically, the Commercial Bank of Ethiopia holds about 45% of outstanding paper, pension funds 33%, other banks 14% and insurance companies 6%, ministry data show. Building a Homegrown Investor Base For Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed’s administration, a deeper local debt market is a strategic hedge against volatile foreign financing and a cushion for the country’s reform agenda. A more predictable, transparent T-bill market lowers rollover risk and creates a domestic savings vehicle for institutional investors. Economists say the challenge now is sustaining investor appetite for longer maturities—critical for reducing refinancing pressure—while keeping borrowing costs in check. “Ethiopia is laying the plumbing for a modern bond market,” said a regional economist in Nairobi. “If the reforms stick, the government will be able to finance more of its development program at home and on its own terms.” With reporting from the Ministry of Finance’s August 2025 Domestic Debt Bulletin.

Addis Ababa Police Announce Road Closures for Meskel Demera Festival

Addis Ababa Police Announce Road Closures for Meskel Demera Festival The Addis Ababa Police Headquarters has advised motorists to plan ahead and use alternative routes on Monday, September 16, as the city prepares for the annual Meskel Demera festival at Meskel Square. The Joint Security and Safety Task Force has completed preparations to ensure a safe and orderly celebration and will begin operations early Monday morning. To facilitate the festivities and manage large crowds, the police will restrict vehicle access to key roads from 10:00 a.m. until the end of the program. Roads Affected The following routes will be closed to vehicles during the celebration: St. Urael Square to Meskel Square – full closure. Bole to Meskel Square via Olympia – all directions around Olympia Square. Meskel Flower to Olympia (Gazebo Square) – closed. Agona Cinema to Meskel Square – heavy vehicles stopped near Agona Cinema; light vehicles diverted at Tilahun Square (Fourth Division). Legehar Light to Meskel Square – closure near Gehar Light. Tele Crossing to Stadium – closed at Tele Crossing. Ras Hotel to Stadium – closed at Ras Hotel. Harambe Light/Ambassador Cinema to Meskel Square – closed at Harambe Light. National Palace to Meskel Square – closed near the National Palace. Zanchis Shell to Bambis – closed near Zanchis Shell. Jupiter Hotel to ECA – closed near Bambis Salkot Building. Parking Ban and Security Appeal Authorities have also prohibited parking—whether short- or long-term—on these routes for the duration of the event. Drivers are urged to cooperate and seek alternative roads to reduce congestion. The public is encouraged to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity. Tips can be shared via the Addis Ababa Police emergency lines 011-1-11-01-11 or the toll-free hotline 991. The police emphasize that these measures are essential to ensure the Meskel Demera festival is celebrated peacefully and safely.