Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed’s office has announced high-level appointments across key government institutions. The sweeping changes impact Ethiopia’s investment promotion apparatus, capital markets regulation, immigration services, and diaspora engagement, signaling a renewed strategy to accelerate economic reform and bolster institutional efficiency.

At the center of the economic realignment is the appointment of Hana Teklu as the new Commissioner of the Ethiopian Investment Commission (EIC). She replaces Zeleke Temesgen, bringing extensive experience from her previous role as Director General of the Ethiopian Capital Market Authority (ECMA).

During her tenure at ECMA, Hana played a foundational role in laying the legal and operational groundwork for the country’s capital market. Her background is expected to introduce fresh momentum to the EIC as Ethiopia seeks to attract foreign direct investment across manufacturing, agriculture, mining, and renewable energy.

Zeleke Temesgen, who previously headed the EIC, transitions to the role of Deputy Chief Executive Officer at Ethiopian Investment Holdings (EIH). EIH functions as Ethiopia’s sovereign wealth fund, managing commercial and strategic assets across major state-owned enterprises. In his new position, he will focus on optimizing national asset management, boosting profitability, and enhancing the sovereign fund’s overall contribution to the national economy.

To fill the top spot at ECMA, Dagmawit Shiferaw has been named Director General, tasked with operationalizing the capital market framework as part of the broader financial sector modernization. She will be supported by Yirgalem Assefa, who was named Deputy Director General.

The reshuffle also extends to diplomatic and public service bodies. Ambassador Fitsum Arega, former Ambassador to the United States and former EIC Commissioner, has been appointed Director General of the Immigration and Citizenship Service, with Yitagesu Desalegn serving as Deputy. Meanwhile, Ambassador Lencho Bati takes over as Director General of the Ethiopian Diaspora Service to deepen engagement and investment from Ethiopians living abroad.

Additionally, Mohammed Rafi has been appointed Chief Executive Officer of the African Leadership Excellence Academy (AFLEX) to oversee continental leadership development.

Ethiopia has officially launched the National Precious Metals Refinery at the Bole Lemi Special Economic Zone. The landmark facility marks a decisive shift in Ethiopia’s mining strategy, transitioning the nation from relying on raw resource extraction to building robust domestic processing capabilities and high-value manufacturing.

Established through a strategic partnership between state-owned Ethiopian Investment Holdings (EIH) and international investor Sam Precious Metals, the refinery represents a significant step forward for the country’s productive capacity. Mining—and gold production in particular—remains one of Ethiopia’s top economic priorities, having delivered remarkable export results in recent years. This new joint venture directly reflects the Medemer Government’s policy commitment to linking local resource extraction with state-of-the-art domestic refining and sustainable value creation.

At full operational capacity, the facility will be capable of processing more than 600 tonnes of precious metals annually. Designed to meet strict international standards, the plant is equipped to assay, refine, and cast gold into export-ready bullion. Additionally, it will manufacture both cast and minted gold and silver bars in a wide range of purities, opening up diverse commercial avenues in global precious metals trading.

Beyond its immediate economic output, the refinery is structured to position Ethiopia as a dominant regional hub for precious-metals refining and manufacturing across East Africa. By providing standardized assaying and refining within the country, the initiative introduces unprecedented levels of transparency, quality assurance, and market confidence in gold valuation.

Ultimately, the National Precious Metals Refinery embodies Ethiopia’s broader ambition to capture greater economic returns at home. By retaining value within its borders, expanding domestic industrial capabilities, and opening new opportunities in international markets, Ethiopia is laying a firm foundation for long-term economic resilience and sustainable growth.