The National Election Board of Ethiopia (NEBE) has released the verified and endorsed overall results of the 7th national general election, which was held on June 1, 2026. In this election, the ruling Prosperity Party achieved a major victory by securing a wide majority, winning 438 out of the 501 contested parliamentary seats for the House of Peoples’ Representatives.
When announcing the verified final results, the Deputy Chairperson of the Board, Tesfaye Neway, explained how the parliamentary seats were distributed among various political forces. According to the results released on June 21, 2026, although the Prosperity Party emerged dominant, several competing parties and independent candidates also managed to secure parliamentary seats.
Accordingly, Ethiopian Citizens for Social Justice (Ezema) secured 13 parliamentary seats through its high participation in various areas, while the National Movement of Amara won 6 seats in the House of Peoples’ Representatives from its contest in the Amhara region. Additionally, Medrek obtained 3 parliamentary seats in the Sidama region, while the remaining seats were distributed among other parties and independent candidates who competed across regions.
“We accepted the public trust without being boastful about our success” — Prosperity Party
Ethiopia and Team Europe Complete €75 Million Urban Water and Sanitation Programme
The Ministry of Water and Energy of Ethiopia has completed the €75 million Urban Water Supply and Sanitation Programme, a landmark initiative that has significantly improved access to clean water and sanitation services for urban communities across the country, supported by Team Europe.
The water infrastructure improvements implemented in 43 towns across eight regions of Ethiopia are expected to benefit 2.11 million people and included the development of new water sources, including deep groundwater wells and spring developments, as well as the construction and rehabilitation of transmission and distribution networks. Major infrastructure investments included nearly 1,500 kilometres of water pipelines, 75 water storage reservoirs with capacities ranging from 50 to 2,000 cubic metres, and two conventional water treatment plants in Metehara and Jinka. Additional works included the installation of 79 surface pumps and 61 submersible pumps, water treatment facilities, generator and pump houses, and operational buildings for town water utilities.
Launched more than a decade ago in Addis Ababa, the programme has been supported by Team Europe partners, including the European Investment Bank (EIB Global), the French Development Agency (AFD), the Italian Agency for Development Cooperation (AICS), and the European Commission (EU).
From Quarry Town to Green Haven: How Yucun Village Reinvented Itself
YUCUN, China – Nestled among breathtaking mountain landscapes, a charming artisan shop called Family Rules & Precepts stands as a living symbol of China’s remarkable rural revitalization. Owned by Mr. Ge Yuanhe, the shop reflects the success of the country’s “Green Revival” program, which transformed Yucun Village from a polluted mining community into a thriving ecotourism destination.
Stepping inside the shop is like entering a gallery of handcrafted treasures. Every shelf displays intricate household decorations meticulously created by Mr. Ge himself—from delicate keepsakes to striking centerpiece sculptures. Each piece showcases years of craftsmanship and a deep appreciation for the natural beauty that now surrounds the village.
The displays are thoughtfully arranged to capture visitors’ attention, but the experience extends far beyond shopping. Guests are warmly welcomed with freshly brewed tea and local snacks before browsing the diverse collection of artworks, with pieces available to suit a variety of budgets.
The beauty of the artwork is matched by its creator. Mr. Ge’s warm smile and gentle personality immediately put visitors at ease. His eyes light up as he explains the story behind each creation, revealing how local stone and natural materials inspire his work. Compliment his craftsmanship, and he modestly laughs before inviting guests into his small workshop at the back of the store. There, using only a handful of simple machines, he patiently cuts, polishes, and shapes raw rock into elegant decorative pieces.
The journey through his creative world continues downstairs, where a vibrant “ladies’ zone” showcases beautifully handcrafted bags made from local bamboo, fine leather, and colorful fabrics. Together, the collections celebrate both traditional craftsmanship and the entrepreneurial spirit that has flourished in modern-day Yucun.
The success of Family Rules & Precepts is closely intertwined with Yucun’s extraordinary transformation.
Located in Tianhuangping Township, Anji County, Huzhou City, approximately two and a half hours from Hangzhou Airport, Yucun is surrounded by lush green mountains near the provincial border. Today, its tranquil scenery makes it difficult to imagine that the village was once scarred by decades of mining and environmental degradation.
Less than two decades ago, Yucun relied heavily on quarrying and mining industries that generated income but left behind polluted air, damaged landscapes, and declining living conditions. As China introduced its “Green Revival” initiative in the early 2000s, local authorities made the bold decision to close heavily polluting mines and embrace a new development model centered on environmental restoration.
The village invested in ecological conservation, infrastructure improvements, and rural beautification while encouraging residents to build businesses around tourism, traditional crafts, agriculture, and hospitality. Former miners and their families found new opportunities as entrepreneurs, artisans, guesthouse owners, and tourism operators.
Mr. Ge Yuanhe’s journey mirrors this transformation. Rather than relying on extractive industries, he now earns a living by creating handcrafted artwork that celebrates the very natural environment once threatened by pollution. His shop has become one of many local businesses benefiting from the steady flow of visitors drawn to Yucun’s picturesque landscapes and rich cultural heritage.
The results have been remarkable. Yucun now welcomes more than 1.5 million visitors each year, generating tourism revenue exceeding 36 million yuan (approximately US$5 million). The village has also earned recognition as one of China’s leading rural tourism destinations and currently sits just one star short of the prestigious national 5A tourist attraction rating. Yucun has been recognized as one of the UN Tourism Best Tourism Villages in 2021.
Today, Yucun stands as a powerful example of how environmental rehabilitation, sustainable tourism, and community entrepreneurship can work hand in hand. Its journey from polluted mining town to flourishing eco-village demonstrates that protecting natural resources can become the foundation for lasting economic prosperity. For visitors, the story is evident not only in the emerald mountains surrounding the village but also in places like Family Rules & Precepts, where every handcrafted piece tells the story of a community that transformed hardship into opportunity.
Zemen Bank to provide sharia-compliant services across its 142 branches and dedicated windows
Zemen Bank, renowned for delivering modern banking services through innovation and technology, has announced the official launch of its interest-free banking service under the brand name “Z-Qamar.” The bank stated that it will deliver this new service nationwide across its 142 branches through fully dedicated windows and standalone specialized branches tailored for this purpose.
During his opening speech at the service’s launching ceremony, Zemen Bank’s CEO, Dereje Zebene, highlighted that this Sharia-compliant service marks the next chapter in the bank’s 17-year journey of excellence. Recalling that the bank operated with a limited number of branches shortly after its establishment, he emphasized that it is currently expanding its horizons to achieve universal accessibility based on community needs.
The CEO further explained that the service name “Z- Qamar ” combines Zemen Bank’s signature “Z” with the Arabic word ” Qamar,” which translates to “Moon.” This symbolizes quality, sustainability, modernity, and innovation. He assured that the service will be delivered to customers with the highest level of integrity, strictly adhering to required Sharia principles and core values.
“Interest-free banking is not just a matter of faith; it plays a paramount role in expanding financial inclusion, bringing untapped economic potential into the formal financial system, and achieving sustainable development goals,” Dereje stated.
Accordingly, through “Z- Qamar,” customers can efficiently access savings, investment, trade finance, and digital banking services aligned with Sharia principles in a customer-centric manner. It was also noted during the event that to bring this project to fruition, members of the bank’s Sharia Advisory Board, the Board of Directors, and the National Bank of Ethiopia and the bank’s staff have been engaging in intensive preparation and strategic support over the past two years.
