There have been celebrations at the border between Ethiopia and Eritrea as communities from the frontier villages came together for the first time in five years. Separated by the closed border since the outbreak of the 2020 conflict in Ethiopia’s northern Tigray region, and subsequent political tensions, Sunday’s coming together was a symbolic moment of peace and reconciliation. The reunion of families and friends took place in the Ethiopian town of Zalambessa in the presence of village elders and religious leaders. The move to re-open a section of the border was organised by local activists and community figures without the official backing of the authorities on either side. But those behind it indicated that they had the blessing from officials in Tigray and Eritrea…For five years, relatives and friends whose communities straddled the international boundary had not been able to see each other across the militarised border…The border has officially remained closed despite the end of the war amid tensions between the two governments…Since Eritrea seceded from Ethiopia more than three decades ago, relations have been tense – the border has been closed for most of that time. It was formally reopened in 2018, shortly after Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed came to power and signed a historic peace agreement with Eritrean President Isaias Afwerki. The deal earned Abiy the Nobel Peace Prize. While the move initially brought hopes of normalised relations, the eruption of the conflict in Tigray in November 2020 derailed progress. (BBC)

The Ambassador of the Federal Republic of Germany to Ethiopia and Permanent Observer to the African Union, Jens Hanefeld, has signed a contract to fund the construction of a new school kitchen at the German Church School in Addis Ababa. This initiative aims to provide essential nutritional support to approximately 300 vulnerable schoolchildren from the local community, including students with disabilities.

The new kitchen is expected to significantly improve the well-being and academic performance of the students by ensuring regular access to nutritious meals. The German Embassy expressed its strong support for the German Church School’s comprehensive educational and social mission, emphasizing the importance of such projects in strengthening the future prospects of young people in need.

Founded on the principle of “Giving the poor a chance!”, the German Church School currently serves nearly 300 children, adolescents, and young adults from some of the most disadvantaged families in Addis Ababa. Beyond academic instruction, the school offers vital social and medical assistance through its dedicated social and health stations, supporting both students and their families. (Press release)

The Kenya Ministry of Health (MoH) and Pfizer Inc. announced that Kenya has joined ‘Accord for a Healthier World,’ a groundbreaking initiative which enables access to Pfizer medicines and vaccines on a not-for-profit basis to eligible lower and lower middle -income countries.   

This milestone and collaboration align with the Kenya Universal Health Coverage Policy 2020–2030 and reaffirm the Ministry of Health’s ongoing efforts to expand access to innovative health solutions that enhance the health and well-being of Kenyans. 

“This partnership with Pfizer under the Accord for a Healthier World is a timely boost to our national agenda for Universal Health Coverage. It will expand access to quality, life-saving medicines and vaccines for millions of Kenyans, particularly in underserved areas,” said Dr. Ouma Oluga, Principal Secretary for Medical Services. “Beyond improving availability, this collaboration will strengthen local capacity, address systemic access barriers, and align with our long-term vision of a resilient, inclusive and equitable health system for all.”  (Press release)  

Entrepreneurs and clean energy leaders from across Africa gathered in London this week for Financing Africa’s Clean Energy Innovators, a dynamic showcase of the people and ideas transforming energy access for communities left behind by traditional systems.

Held during London Climate Action Week, organised by climate solutions charity, Ashden, and hosted by BBC World Service ‘People Fixing the World’ presenter Myra Anubi, the event spotlighted innovators supported by Ashden’s Powering Clean Energy Investment programme—entrepreneurs driving change through solar technology, e-mobility, clean cooking and mini-grids.

Speakers made an urgent call for patient capital and long-term investment to reach the frontline of energy access.

Keynote Speaker Rachel Kyte, UK Special Representative for Climate, said: “One of the original drivers behind the Paris climate agreement was to provide clean, affordable and reliable energy for everyone. And the great news is that this technology is within our reach. It is financially within our reach. It is politically within our reach. We’ve just got a get a little bit better organised in order to be able to do it.” (Press release)