🇪🇹EthiopiaEast Africa
Ethiopian officials seek to boost South Korean investment and cooperation in key development projects
via The Reporter Ethiopia6 min read
Ethiopian officials are looking to strengthen cooperation with South Korea, inviting aid and investment in initiatives such as the construction of an airport and a new Ethiopian Airlines hub in Bishoftu. Ethiopian Ambassador to South Korea Dessie Dalkie Dukamo stated in an interview with Yonhap News Agency that Korea’s technological prowess and industrial development experience can support Ethiopia’s efforts toward sustainable growth. He encouraged responsible Korean private investment in agro-processing and green technologies to improve localization and sustainability, and expressed gratitude that Ethiopia remains a priority country for Korean official development assistance. Dukamo also highlighted South Korea as an important partner for Ethiopia’s national modernization, aiming to upgrade the country into a regional and international hub. He noted that the new Bishoftu International Airport project is an area where Korean expertise in urban development and infrastructure can be applied, and sees significant potential for cooperation in smart city planning, digital governance, and integrated transport systems. The ambassador hopes cooperation will expand to training Ethiopian workers through partnerships with Korean institutions. He emphasized that the objective is to ensure infrastructure is not only impressive in scale but also inclusive, creating jobs, transferring technology, and improving daily life for citizens. Regarding supply chain disruptions, Dukamo stressed the
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This summary was AI-generated from a story originally published by The Reporter Ethiopia.
Must ReadItaly has committed 25 million euros to Ethiopia under its Mattei Plan to support job creation, economic growth, and sustainable development. This announcement coincides with the Big 5 Construct Ethiopia 2026 exhibition in Addis Ababa, where over 20 Italian companies are showcasing their operations. The initiative is part of Italy’s broader economic engagement with Ethiopia, where total Italian investment has reached approximately 830 million euros. Ethiopia is designated as a priority country under the Mattei Plan, which aims to strengthen cooperation with African countries through development projects and economic partnerships. The 25 million euro commitment targets employment generation and supports Ethiopia’s development goals through investments in construction, infrastructure, manufacturing, textiles, agro-processing, and services. Around 150 Italian companies currently have trade and investment ties with Ethiopian partners. Claudio Pasqualucci, trade commissioner at the embassy of Italy in Addis Ababa, noted that Italian investments have primarily focused on infrastructure, construction, and agro-industrial sectors, aligning with Ethiopia’s development priorities. He added that ongoing urban development and infrastructure expansion create opportunities for Italian firms to contribute to projects across the country, benefiting from Ethiopia's economic and fiscal reforms.
Must ReadAmnesty International's latest global report, "The State of the World’s Human Rights," highlights significant human rights concerns in Ethiopia. The report cites forced evictions linked to urban development projects, including the government’s Corridor Development Project Ethiopia, where thousands were displaced with short notice and limited compensation. Authorities have since temporarily suspended parts of the project in Addis Ababa and pledged improved community engagement. Amnesty also noted restrictions on civic space, detailing arbitrary arrests of journalists and harassment of activists. Proposed amendments to civil society legislation are flagged for potentially limiting foreign funding and increasing executive oversight. The report also mentions the arrest of over 140 medical workers during nationwide strikes. In conflict-affected regions like Amhara and Oromia, violations persist, and the transitional justice process remains stalled, with no significant progress on accountability for crimes during the Tigray conflict. Women and girls continue to face gender-based and conflict-related sexual violence with limited access to justice. Concerns were also raised about the treatment of refugees, with at least 600 Eritrean refugees reportedly forcibly returned. The Ethiopian government has previously stated that development projects aim to improve infrastructure and living standards, and has pointed to ongoing reform efforts, including transitional justice measures.
This month, Ethiopian Airlines celebrates 80 years since its first commercial flight, and later this year, it will commemorate 64 years since ordering its first aircraft from Boeing. The two companies have maintained a strong relationship for over six decades, with Boeing jets forming a significant portion of Ethiopian Airlines' fleet. Boeing also opened an office in Addis Ababa last year. As Ethiopian Airlines develops a multi-billion dollar airport in Bishoftu, it plans to expand its fleet with 19 new Boeing jets, including nine 787 Dreamliners. Anbessie Yitbarek, Boeing's vice president of commercial sales and marketing for Africa, highlighted the long-standing partnership. He noted that Ethiopian Airlines was the first African airline to enter the jet age in 1962 with the Boeing 720B, and has consistently been among the first in Africa to introduce new Boeing aircraft, enabling its growth from a regional to a global carrier. Boeing's contributions include strategic partnerships, capacity building, and talent development, such as an MoU signed in 2019 to position Ethiopia as Africa's aviation hub, focusing on industrial development, advanced training, and leadership development. Boeing also collaborates with Cranfield University and Ethiopian Aviation University on training programs and community initiatives. Ethiopian Airlines' success is attributed to its consistent growth strategy, early adoption of advanced aircraft technology, and sustained investment in training and
Must ReadThe African Union AU and twelve governments have condemned Israel's appointment of a diplomatic envoy to Somaliland. The AU Commission stated that the Union does not recognize Somaliland as an independent state. Israel appointed Michael Lotem, former ambassador to Kenya, as its first non-resident ambassador to the Republic of Somaliland on April 15, 2026, four months after recognizing Somaliland. Governments including Somalia, Sudan, Saudi Arabia, Pakistan, and Egypt have criticized the move, calling it a "flagrant violation of the sovereignty, unity, and territorial integrity of the Federal Republic of Somalia."