A senior delegation from the International Monetary Fund (IMF), including Deputy Director Nigel Clarke and African Department Director Abebe Aemro Selassie, is visiting Ethiopia. This high-level engagement follows the recent technical conclusion of the Fourth Review under Ethiopia’s Extended Credit Facility (ECF) arrangement, which did not result in immediate consensus.
On Thursday, December 4, the delegation met with key Ethiopian government officials, including Minister of Finance Ahmed Shide, National Bank of Ethiopia Governor Eyob Tekalign, and Minister of Planning and Development Fitsum Adela, as confirmed by an official statement from the Ministry of Finance.
This visit by IMF executives follows a prior staff-level mission led by Alvaro Piris, which concluded on November 13. After that mission, the Fund issued a statement indicating that discussions would continue through virtual channels, emphasizing that certain elements needed further alignment before being presented to the IMF Executive Board for final approval.
The negotiations occur in the context of recent high-level dialogue. Last month, Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed met with IMF Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva during the G20 summit in Johannesburg. The Ethiopian government described that interaction as constructive, highlighting the Fund’s recognition of ongoing economic reforms.
However, sources familiar with the discussions indicate that significant differences remain between the Ethiopian authorities and the Fund, though specific technical areas have not been disclosed. The Ethiopian side has reportedly expressed its goal of securing increased financial support from the institution.
Economic analysts suggest that Addis Ababa’s desire to adjust the timing or sequencing of certain structural reforms under the ECF program may contribute to the prolonged conclusion of the review. Experts often highlight required adjustments in monetary policy, such as removing quantitative credit caps, and the operational effectiveness of the foreign exchange market as critical benchmarks that need resolution.
“The ECF-supported program is inherently complex and multi-faceted, complicating the public identification of specific impediments in any review cycle,” noted an observer close to the process. “The Fund’s explicit reference to ongoing negotiations supports the idea that fulfillment of prior actions remains outstanding.”
Observers agree that the continued virtual discussions by both parties reflect a shared recognition of unresolved technical and policy issues that must be addressed to facilitate a successful Board review and subsequent disbursement.
Azerbaijan, fresh from celebrating the fifth anniversary of its Victory Day, is turning its attention toward deeper engagement with Africa. Victory Day holds powerful significance for Azerbaijan, commemorating the restoration of its territorial integrity and the resilience of its people after years of conflict. The anniversary is not only a moment of national pride but also a symbol of renewed confidence, as the country positions itself as an active regional player and a rising economic partner beyond its immediate neighborhood.
Over the past decade, Azerbaijan has steadily expanded its diplomatic footprint in Africa, recognizing the continent’s growing economic and geopolitical importance. What began as targeted political outreach has evolved into multi-sector cooperation, investment initiatives, educational partnerships, and cultural exchanges. Today, Azerbaijan’s engagement with African countries reflects a deliberate effort to build long-term ties rooted in mutual benefit and shared development goals.
This vision came into focus at the first Ethio–Azerbaijani Business Forum, held on November 25, 2025, at Elilly Hotel in Addis Ababa. Senior officials and business leaders from both countries attended, including Ambassador Yohannes Fenta, Director General of Business Diplomacy at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs; Azerbaijan’s Ambassador to Ethiopia, Ruslan Nasibov; Zahara Mohammed, President of the Addis Ababa Chamber of Commerce and Sectoral Associations; Dawit Woubishet, President of the Ethiopian Freight Forwarders and Shipping Agents Association; Dr. Aynalem Abayneh of the Ethiopian Chamber system; Dr. Rena Gafarova, Founder of Africa Azerbaijan Cooperation (AFAZ); representatives of the Ethiopian Investment Commission; and members of the Ethiopian Women Trade Association.
Azerbaijani companies and Ethiopian women exporters showcased their products, bringing a strong B2B element to the program. More than a dozen Azerbaijani state companies operating in energy, logistics, agriculture, ICT, construction, and manufacturing participated, underlining the shared intent to translate longstanding diplomatic ties into concrete economic partnerships.
In his remarks, Ambassador Ruslan Nasibov described the event as a major milestone. He noted that Ethiopia and Azerbaijan, despite their geographical distance, share many parallels: ancient civilizations, rich cultural heritage, and a long tradition of safeguarding national identity with resilience and dignity. This spirit of sovereignty and self-determined development, he said, binds the two nations at a deeper level.
Ambassador Nasibov highlighted potential cooperation in trade, investment, energy, agriculture, logistics, tourism, manufacturing, ICT, and infrastructure. He called the forum a practical platform for business communities to explore opportunities and build long-term ties. Pointing to economic transformation efforts underway in both countries—Azerbaijan’s diversification and regional connectivity initiatives and Ethiopia’s homegrown economic reform and infrastructure drive—he described them as natural synergies to harness for mutual benefit. He encouraged investors to think boldly and engage confidently, calling the forum the beginning of a lasting economic bridge.
Ambassador Yohannes Fenta, speaking on behalf of the Ethiopian government, said the gathering marks a new phase in economic engagement. He highlighted Ethiopia’s growing industrial parks, affordable energy, improved logistics, and expanding digital infrastructure, emphasizing the country’s appeal as an investment destination. He also stressed Ethiopia’s readiness for deeper cooperation in manufacturing, agro-processing, ICT, tourism, renewable energy, and financial services.Zahara Mohammed of the Addis Ababa Chamber of Commerce and Sectoral Associations highlighted the importance of strengthening private-sector links and promoting structured engagement between the business communities of both countries.
Dr. Rena Gafarova of AFAZ spoke about the growing interest in Africa–Azerbaijan cooperation and the need to establish sustained channels for trade and investment.Representatives from the Ethiopian Investment Commission and the Ethiopian Women Trade Association shared insights into priority sectors, incentives, and partnership opportunities. Dawit Woubishet highlighted collaboration in logistics and freight forwarding as essential for long-term trade expansion.The program also included the signing of Memorandums of Understanding, reinforcing commitments to further engagement and laying the groundwork for future joint initiatives.Participants agreed that, while political ties between Ethiopia and Azerbaijan continue to strengthen, trade and investment links remain below potential. The forum is widely seen as a foundational milestone. With growing interest on both sides, next year’s edition is expected to be even larger, attracting more and bigger Azerbaijani companies and expanding sector participation.B2B sessions throughout the day allowed delegates to explore concrete collaboration prospects, while product displays highlighted market complementarities in agro-processing, textiles, technology, and value-added industries.
The forum closed with optimism and a shared commitment to stronger economic ties. Both governments and private-sector leaders expressed confidence that the connections forged would lead to concrete projects, expanded investments, and more dynamic trade flows in the years ahead.Azerbaijan’s growing interest in Africa, supported by its economic diversification efforts and expanding diplomatic presence, signals that this is only the beginning. With more companies expected to participate next year, both countries envision the partnership evolving into a dynamic platform for trade, investment, and long-term cooperation.
Every season begins with predictions, doubts and a long list of what-ifs. Arsenal usually sit somewhere in the middle of that conversation. Talented but unproven. Stylish but unpredictable. Strong enough to excite people who follow the Premier League closely, yet never quite stable enough for betting discussions to feel comfortable. This year looks different. The steady league form, the improved maturity in tight fixtures and, most importantly, the win over Bayern Munich in the Champions League have shifted the story.
The question now has weight. Based strictly on this season, are Arsenal finally behaving like a team betting observers can read with confidence rather than caution.
A Consistent Identity Replaces Last Season’s Streaks
Arsenal entered this campaign with one goal. Reduce volatility. In previous years their level swung too easily. One strong month could be followed by two hesitant ones. This season the performances have held a more stable rhythm. Their pressing structure does not fall apart when opponents increase tempo. Their midfield balance remains steady even when lineups rotate. The back line recovers quickly from mistakes instead of unraveling.
This growing consistency forms the backbone of any reliable betting analysis. When a team plays with the same habits across different match types, the outcomes become easier to interpret. Arsenal are not trying to reinvent themselves every week. They look like a team living inside a clear plan.
The Bayern Munich Result Was a Statement of Maturity
Beating Bayern Munich carried meaning beyond the scoreboard. It showed a version of Arsenal that previous seasons did not deliver. Bayern attacked in waves, pressed high and tried to drag Arsenal into a frantic match. Instead of folding under the pressure, Arsenal managed the flow, protected their structure and chose the right moments to strike. They looked calm where past squads looked rushed.
For Botswana betting followers, this is the kind of result that changes how a team is evaluated. It demonstrated that Arsenal can handle emotional weight, travel demands and elite opposition without losing control. These are traits that affect how match patterns are read and how momentum is judged.
Depth Is Finally Helping, Not Hurting
Another key shift is the squad depth. Injuries have been present, but the performances have not collapsed. Players stepping into midfield roles have kept the team’s rhythm. The defensive unit has rotated without breaking. Wide players have shared minutes instead of depending on one star to carry everything.
Depth is one of the biggest factors in long-term betting discussions. Teams with thin squads usually show volatility when the schedule tightens. Arsenal, for the first time in years, now survive these stretches without dramatic dips. That stability makes match assessments more predictable.
Tight Games Reveal the Real Change
Arsenal’s transformation shows most clearly in narrow matches. Earlier in the season they won fixtures where the performance was solid but not sparkling. They controlled tempo, avoided unnecessary risks and closed games with patience instead of anxiety. Those are the matches that once damaged their title pushes. Now they convert them into steady points.
For anyone analysing betting patterns, these controlled wins matter. They indicate a team that can manage difficult environments, handle tactical shifts and stay composed when the margin for error is small.
Where Caution Still Belongs
Arsenal are not flawless. They still face challenges against deep defensive teams. Their chance conversion sometimes depends on individual moments rather than collective patterns. And the season has many tests ahead. One impressive win does not erase future uncertainty.
So, Are They Finally Trustworthy in Betting Assessments
Based purely on this season, Arsenal look closer than at any point in the last decade to being a team bettors can evaluate with clarity. They are more consistent. They are deeper. They are calmer under pressure. And they showed against Bayern Munich that they can deliver in the matches that define reputations.
Shabelle Bank Share Company will conduct its 4th Ordinary General Meeting on December28, 2025, at 8: 00 AM at the Management & Public Service College Meeting Hall in Jigjiga, and its Board of Directors cordially invites its shareholders or their proxies to attend this meeting, on the specified date, time and place.
Name of the Share Company Shabelle Bank S.C.
Type of the Share Company Share Company Engaged in Bank Business
Subscribed Capital of the Share Company 2,204,070,000
Paid-up Capital of the Share Company 2,203,080,000
Registration Number of the Share Company NBE/TM/025/2021
Head Office Address of the Share Company Jigjiga City, Kebele 06, Shabelle Business Center, 5th Floor
Agendas for the 4th Ordinary General Meeting
Accepting New Shareholders and Approving the Transfer and Purchase of Existing Shares;
Hearing the Report of the Board of Directors for the Year 2017 E.C. and Approving it after Deliberations;
Hearing the Report of the External Auditors for the Year 2017 E.C. and Approving it after Deliberations;
Hearing the Recommendations Relating to the Allocation and Distribution of Profits of the Budget Year (2017 E.C.) and Passing Resolutions after Deliberations;
Discuss and Approve the remuneration for the members of the Board of Directors for the year 2024/25 (2017).
Discuss and Approve the monthly allowance for the members of the Board of Directors in the year 2025/26 (2018);
Agendas for the 2nd Extra Ordinary General Meeting
Discuss and approve the amendment of the Bank’s Memorandum of Association.
N.B.
Shareholders who will not be able to attend the meeting personally shall fill and deposit their proxy at the Head Office of the Bank located in Jigjiga, Shabelle Bussiness Center building, 1st floor, 3 (three) working days before the meeting.
Shareholders or their proxies shall come to the meeting with their renewed IDs or passport that shows their identity and the fact that they are of Ethiopian nationality or Ethiopian by birth. Shareholders represented by corporate shareholders shall also come up with legally acceptable documents that show their authorization to participate and vote in the meetings.
Agents who hold duly authenticated Power of Attorney from a shareholder can participate in the meeting by presenting a copy and the original of the Power of Attorney.
