Ethiopia boosts investment in mining, modernises cities and expands regional partnerships

The Ethiopian authorities are focusing on urban modernisation, the introduction of digital technologies in public administration, and the expansion of international cooperation. This was reported by ENA, a partner of TV BRICS.

In cities in the eastern part of the country, an urban corridor development programme is being implemented. It includes the expansion of road networks, improvements to drainage systems, the creation of commercial zones, and the development of green public spaces aimed at making cities more functional and environmentally sustainable.

Photo: ENA

In the city of Dire Dawa, pedestrian pathways and recreational areas are being actively developed, trading platforms are being organised, and charging stations for electric vehicles are being installed. Urban agriculture is also expanding, supporting local food production and creating additional jobs. In the historic city of Harar, efforts are underway to improve sanitation and transport infrastructure while promoting tourism and preserving its unique architectural heritage.

An important step in the country’s broader digitalisation drive has been the opening of public service centres in several cities, including Dire Dawa and Harar. These centres integrate services from various government agencies in one location.

“We are working to ensure that our cities become engines of productivity and centres of opportunity for citizens. Urban development must improve quality of life while strengthening economic competitiveness,” said Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed.

In foreign policy, active diplomatic engagement with neighbouring countries has come to the forefront. The Prime Minister held trilateral consultations with Djibouti’s President Ismail Omar Guelleh and Somalia’s President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud. The parties discussed, among other issues, economic integration between their countries.

Abiy Ahmed also visited the United Arab Emirates, where talks with President Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan focused on expanding cooperation in investment, trade, education, and regional stability. The report notes that the UAE has already become one of Ethiopia’s key economic partners, investing in renewable energy, logistics infrastructure, and agriculture.

A major economic development has been the signing of investment agreements in the mining sector worth approximately US$4.2 billion. Both state and private investors are involved. The projects target the development of iron ore, potash, and gold deposits, which is expected to strengthen the industrial sector and increase export revenues.