Ethiopia news today: the day in brief
The United States has urged the Ethiopian government to investigate targeted killings of Orthodox faithful in the Arsi zone of Oromia, while the Oromia regional spokesperson attributed the attacks to armed groups opposing the government. Meanwhile, Ethiopia's WTO accession working party meeting is scheduled for November 9 and 10, 2026, following missed targets at the 14th Ministerial Conference in Yaounde, Cameroon, in March. Ethio telecom projects an operating profit of 127 billion birr and anticipates disbursing 43.1 billion birr in dividends. Additionally, a total of 1,364 Ethiopians have returned home from Saudi Arabia through six repatriation flights conducted over the past week, according to the Ministry of Women and Social Affairs.
US urges Ethiopia to investigate Arsi killings, while Sudan accuses Ethiopia of drone strikes
The United States has urged the Ethiopian government to investigate targeted killings of Orthodox faithful in the Arsi zone of Oromia and bring perpetrators to justice. US Ambassador to Ethiopia Ervin J. Masinga condemned the violence, while the Oromia regional spokesperson attributed the attacks to armed groups opposing the government.
Ethiopia sets WTO accession working party meeting for November
Ethiopia's bid to join the World Trade Organisation will face its next test at a Working Party meeting on November 9 and 10, 2026. Trade negotiators previously missed their target to complete accession at the 14th Ministerial Conference in Yaounde, Cameroon, in March.
- Ethiopia's WTO accession working party meeting is scheduled for November 9 and 10, 2026.
- The meeting follows missed targets from the 14th Ministerial Conference in Yaounde, Cameroon, in March.
Ethio telecom projects 127 billion birr operating profit and large dividends
Ethio telecom has projected a 127 billion birr operating profit and announced plans to disburse 43.1 billion birr in dividends to shareholders. The company's financial growth is driven by robust revenue expansion and strategic infrastructure investments.
- Ethio telecom projects an operating profit of 127 billion birr.
- The company anticipates disbursing 43.1 billion birr in dividends.
- Direct and indirect tax contributions are estimated at 83.8 billion birr.
Over 1,300 Ethiopians return from Saudi Arabia in latest repatriation flights
A total of 1,364 Ethiopians in difficult conditions in Saudi Arabia have returned home through six repatriation flights conducted over the past week. The Ministry of Women and Social Affairs stated that the returnees include 1,360 men, 4 women, and 18 minors, bringing total returns since September 2025 to over 112,500.
Ethiopian Electric Utility deploys smart meters to prevent power theft
The Ethiopian Electric Utility announced that advanced smart meter technologies are being implemented to modernise billing, prevent meter reading errors, and curb power theft. Over 52,000 AMI meters have been installed in major industries.
- Ethiopian Electric Utility uses electro-mechanical, AMI, and STS smart meter technologies.
- Over 52,000 AMI meters have been installed in large industrial facilities.
- The meters automatically detect unauthorized tampering and transmit data to central servers.
Doctors warn that breast cancer threat is becoming alarming in Ethiopia
Medical professionals have warned that breast cancer is spreading rapidly and causing significant fatalities among women in Ethiopia. Experts noted that early awareness and screening remain critical given the lack of a single uniform cause.
- Medical experts stated that breast cancer is a growing public health concern in Ethiopia.
- Women aged 35 to 40 and above face a higher risk of developing the condition.
- Prior radiation treatment to the chest area is noted as a contributing risk factor.
Ethiopia unveils 30 billion dollar power upgrade plan for next decade
Ethiopian Electric Power has announced a 30 billion dollar plan over the next ten years to upgrade generation capacity and transmission lines. Chief Executive Ashber Balcha stated that the strategy aims to generate over 10,000 megawatts from geothermal energy alone.
Iran warns of wider war as Qatar tries to restart US–Iran talks
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi stated that Iran targeted only US military bases rather than Gulf neighbors and warned of severe retaliation. Meanwhile, Axios reported that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu pushed for fresh US strikes on Iran following US midterm elections during a tough phone call with Donald Trump, though Trump currently favors letting ongoing negotiations continue.
PM Abiy says feeding citizens and building agricultural economy are primary goals
Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed stated that the government's primary objectives are to feed the population and build an agricultural economy for sustainable prosperity. He emphasized that ongoing transformation efforts focusing on food, housing, and transport will continue until they fundamentally improve citizens' lives.
Preparations underway to launch Mesob one-stop service center in Mekelle
Discussions are underway to launch the Mesob one-stop service center in Mekelle to provide modern and efficient public services. Federal officials met with local administration leaders to establish the digital hub under the regional peace initiative.
- Federal Mesob service officials and technical experts traveled to Mekelle to set up the center.
- The one-stop shop uses indigenous technology to integrate government services under a single roof.
Explosions kill 10 people in Tigray region, Wazema reports
Ten people have lost their lives in the Tigray region due to an explosion incident, according to a report by Wazema. Further details regarding the exact cause and location of the blast are awaited.
Allied Gold begins wet commissioning at Kurmuk mine, targets first gold
Allied Gold Corporation has commenced wet commissioning at its flagship Kurmuk Gold Mine in western Ethiopia, marking a major step in transitioning from construction to production. The company expects to introduce ore into the processing circuit within days, targeting its first gold pour shortly thereafter.