As Africa’s aviation sector undergoes rapid transformation, Ethiopia is emerging as a strategic hub for innovation and connectivity. Embraer, the world’s leading provider of regional jets, sees immense potential in the Ethiopian market and is eager to deepen its engagement with the country’s aviation ecosystem.

In an exclusive interview with Capital at the sidelines of the 81st IATA Annual General Meeting that took place in New Delhi, India From 1-3 June, the President and CEO of Embraer Commercial Aviation highlighted Ethiopia’s pivotal role in shaping the future of African air travel. “Connectivity will be key. We are the number one provider of aircraft below 150 seats in Africa, and we see huge opportunities with Ethiopia,” he said. “That’s why I’ve been out there a few times to meet with the airline and the broader aviation sector. We’re excited about what we can do there.”

Embraer’s aircraft, known for their versatility and efficiency, are already a mainstay across African skies. Their right-sized jets, such as the E-Jet and ERJ families, are particularly well-suited for the continent’s diverse network of thinner routes, offering airlines the flexibility to optimize their operations. “There are a lot of routes in Africa that are thinner and could really work with a smaller aircraft. Our E-Jets and 50-seater ERJ145s are still flying with several operators in Africa, and they really benefit from the advantages of that right-sized aircraft for markets that require such a size on a day-to-day basis,” the CEO explained.

Ethiopian Airlines, widely regarded as Africa’s leading carrier, has been a focal point for Embraer’s African ambitions. “We’ve been working with Ethiopian Airlines for over a decade. Even though we don’t have aircraft there yet, we work closely to understand their needs for the future and see how we can best support and tailor our solutions,” the CEO noted. He emphasized that the company’s approach is to offer aircraft only where they bring clear benefits, rather than pushing products that don’t fit an airline’s strategy.

Financing remains a challenge for many African airlines, but the CEO expressed confidence in Ethiopia’s strong position. “Ethiopian Airlines is a very strong airline, so I see much less of a challenge there. We have different ways to finance aircraft—direct purchase, export agency financing, or through our leasing partners who are happy to do business in Africa,” he said. “It might be a little more difficult in some areas than in other parts of the world, but that’s natural. The opportunities in Africa far outweigh the challenges.”

Looking ahead, Embraer is keen to expand its partnerships and supply chain in Ethiopia and across the continent. “We see opportunities around the world to work with partners, including in Ethiopia. We’ve been looking at where local suppliers could help us in the supply chain. It’s too early to pinpoint exactly where those will be, but Embraer has a clear growth path and we’re happy to talk about those opportunities,” he said.

The CEO also underscored the importance of South-South cooperation, particularly between Brazil and Ethiopia. “There’s a very good connection between South-South countries, in this case, Ethiopia and Brazil. Both nations have a great aviation pedigree, so it’s almost natural that there would be a powerful connection. We’re part of trying to develop that further—not just through aircraft, but by bringing infrastructures closer together.”

Embraer’s vision for Africa includes not just selling aircraft, but building long-term relationships and creating jobs. “When you buy an aircraft from us, you’re entering into a partnership that lasts 20-plus years. That means working together on maintenance, services, training, and even developing local suppliers. We believe with the product we have and the growth potential ahead, there’s much more at stake than just buying an aircraft—it’s about building a long-term relationship with airlines and countries.”

As Ethiopia continues to invest in its transportation network and expand its reach as a regional hub, Embraer stands ready to support the country’s ambitions. “We have huge respect for Ethiopian Airlines and what Ethiopia is doing. Our aircraft can really complement their larger narrowbody fleet and ultimately replace the turboprop fleet. We’re excited about the opportunities there—not just from a business perspective, but for passengers as well. Our aircraft are the quietest and most spacious in their class, and we look forward to seeing more Ethiopians flying on Embraer jets,” the CEO concluded.

Following last week’s tense situation, the Ethio-Djibouti Railway (EDR) and the Djibouti Ports and Free Zones Authority (DPFZA) have resolved their dispute regarding EDR’s request for a forwarding license.

The railway company aimed to secure at least 60% of the freight transport stake in the corridor, which led to objections from Djiboutian transit operators.

In a letter dated June 3, the DPFZA emphasized that EDR must operate as a common carrier, ensuring non-discriminatory access to its services for all clients and their representatives. The authority contended that EDR’s service procurement process violated international standards.

DPFZA Chairman Aboubaker Omar Hadi stated that, in accordance with International Union of Railways (IUC) norms, EDR should concentrate on its core railway operations and leave logistics services to other providers.

The letter also referenced the World Trade Organization’s (WTO) General Agreement on Trade in Services (GATS) and the Trade Facilitation Agreement, which require transparent and non-discriminatory practices in trade and customs procedures.

Additionally, it cited the World Customs Organization’s Revised Kyoto Convention, which allows for third-party involvement in customs processes.

Earlier this year, in March, EDR was granted a license to operate as one of six new multimodal transport operators in Ethiopia, alongside Ethiopian Shipping & Logistics (ESL).

Since then, under CEO Takel Uma’s leadership, the railway company has ventured into new commercial activities, including the establishment of a subsidiary called Global Logistics.

This new entity manages customs clearance, freight forwarding, and transit services, which were previously handled by other firms.

However, EDR encountered difficulties in obtaining a transit license in Djibouti, prompting the company to invite bids from Djiboutian transit firms interested in collaboration.

While 18 freight forwarders participated, EDR ultimately selected three to provide services at competitive rates.

Many Djiboutian operators, including the Djibouti Transitaires Association (representing 90 members), argued that EDR’s approach favored specific companies, leading to unfair competition. Their concerns were echoed in DPFZA’s letter.

In response, EDR refuted DPFZA’s claims in a letter dated June 4 and signed by CEO Takel, asserting that its operations comply with international treaties and IUC regulations.

The company clarified that it had not yet received a Djiboutian forwarding license and was therefore not actively engaged in freight forwarding or customs clearance.

EDR defended its selection process for transit service providers, emphasizing its commitment to fairness, transparency, and non-discrimination.

This week, EDR’s leadership visited Djibouti to meet with DPFZA Chairman Hadi. Sources informed Capital that during these discussions, both parties addressed the procurement of transit services and other operational issues.

EDR asserted its legal right to operate in Djibouti, referencing the bilateral agreement between Ethiopia and Djibouti, which includes provisions for mutual recognition of business licenses.

Despite delays from Djibouti authorities in granting transit permissions, EDR executives maintained their right to operate in the country, according to sources.

An insider told Capital that EDR “emphasized its legal standing to operate as a freight forwarding service provider in both Ethiopia and Djibouti,” noting that “the agreement between the two states establishes a coordinated legal and regulatory framework for cross-border operations.”

EDR argued that under the principle of legal reciprocity outlined in the agreement, any business license issued in one member state should be recognized immediately in the other, given that the corporation is jointly owned by Ethiopia and Djibouti.

The management of EDR has made it clear that it aims to ensure similar operational conditions between the two nations based on competitive principles.

The Djibouti authorities were encouraged to resolve the situation and issue the necessary permits for EDR to operate as a freight forwarding service provider in Djibouti.

“Following the meeting, DPFZA agreed to ease tensions and grant EDR the necessary permits to function as a freight forwarding service provider in Djibouti, marking a significant step toward resolving the dispute,” sources told Capital.

Both countries jointly control EDR. Additionally, one-third of the employees at Global Logistics, the newly established commercial branch, are Djiboutian experts in freight forwarding and customs clearance.

Beijing, China

As Africa faces mounting food security challenges amid rapid population growth, a new generation of young innovators is stepping up to transform the continent’s agricultural landscape. With the population projected to soar to 4.3 billion by 2100 and more than 60% of Africans currently under the age of 25, the need for sustainable, efficient food systems has never been more urgent.

Despite their critical role in Africa’s future, young people often encounter significant barriers in agriculture, including limited access to capital, advisory services, and lucrative markets. The perception of agriculture as an outdated and unprofitable sector has also contributed to a widening skills gap. However, organizations like Heifer International are working to change this narrative by supporting youth-led innovations that are redefining African agriculture.

A beacon of hope is shining from Kampala, where the AYuTe (Agriculture, Youth, and Technology) NextGen 2025 conference, hosted by Heifer International, will take place from June 17 to 19, 2025. The event, designed by youth for youth, aims to bridge the gap between technology and agriculture, spotlighting Africa’s most promising agritech entrepreneurs.

Under the inspiring theme “AgTech Generation Rising,” the conference will bring together young innovators, investors, policymakers, and development partners. It serves as a clarion call to recognize and support the groundbreaking solutions Africa’s youth are developing to revolutionize food systems across the continent.

Now in its fourth year, the AYuTe initiative has already made a significant impact, supporting numerous startups and reaching over 650,000 direct users and 1.2 million indirect users throughout Africa. After rigorous technical reviews in Lagos and Nairobi, 11 outstanding finalists have been selected for this year’s event. Their innovations range from advanced drone technology for precision agriculture to AI-powered analytics that optimize crop yields—demonstrating the ingenuity and forward-thinking spirit of Africa’s next generation.

These young visionaries will present their solutions directly to a diverse audience of investors, policymakers, and key ecosystem partners. This engagement offers not only essential funding but also invaluable mentorship and unparalleled opportunities to establish themselves within the innovation ecosystem cultivated by Heifer and its strategic partners.

Dayo Aduroja, Africa Youth and Innovation Lead at Heifer International, emphasized the transformative potential of youth-led innovation: “Young people are proving that African agriculture can be innovative and profitable. This year’s competition unveiled bold and creative solutions from across the continent. The summit is a vital platform where ideas can converge and find the capital and support necessary to expand their impact.”

Importantly, youth are not just participants at the conference—they are at the heart of every aspect, serving as speakers, designers, leaders, and creators. Investor discussions, also led by young people, will address critical topics such as digital transformation, climate resilience, policy reform, and inclusive finance. These candid and dynamic conversations are designed to stimulate investment and accelerate the adoption of much-needed innovations across Africa.

Since its founding in 1944, Heifer International has been at the forefront of environmental protection and the fight to end hunger and poverty, impacting more than 52 million people worldwide. Today, Heifer operates in 19 countries across Africa, Asia, and the Americas, empowering farmers and food producers to earn sustainable incomes, strengthen local economies, and build secure livelihoods.

As Africa’s youth continue to break new ground in agritech, the continent stands poised to make a major difference in the global fight against food insecurity. With the right support and investment, these young innovators are set to drive the transformation of African agriculture—creating a future where food systems are resilient, sustainable, and inclusive for all.

A comprehensive new report by Africa No Filter and a team of international researchers has found that negative stereotypes about Africa remain deeply rooted among the general public in the United States and the United Kingdom, shaping not only perceptions but also willingness to engage with African products and cultures. The findings, detailed in the report “Stereotypes about Africa in UK and USA: Their Impact on Engagement with Africa,” highlight the urgent need for more balanced and positive storytelling about the continent.

The report, which surveyed 1,126 representative participants from the US and UK, reveals that when people in these countries think about Africa, their minds are most often drawn to images of nature and wildlife—echoing outdated colonial tropes that overshadow Africa’s societal progress and cultural richness. More troubling, the study found that thoughts about Africa are generally more negative compared to thoughts about Europe, with three key themes dominating the negative stereotypes where respondents associated Africa with droughts, barren landscapes, and other harsh natural conditions, perceptions of political instability, disease, poverty, and corruption were prevalent; and Africa was often seen as lacking rich culture and advanced civilization, especially when contrasted with Europe’s association with cultural heritage and modernity.

These stereotypes, the report notes, are not just abstract ideas—they have real-world consequences. Participants who held more negative views of Africa were less likely to express interest in African products or cultural offerings, indicating that these perceptions can directly impact trade, tourism, and cultural exchange.

The implications of these findings are significant. As the report states, “If negative portrayals create more long-term harm than short-term gains, the economic net outcome might also be more negative than positive.” The research suggests that the persistent focus on poverty, conflict, and hardship in media and aid narratives—though often well-intentioned—may actually undermine Africa’s global image and economic prospects by discouraging deeper engagement and perpetuating a sense of “otherness”.

This dynamic is particularly concerning given the influence of public opinion on broader societal and policy decisions. If average consumers in the Global North see Africa primarily as a place of scarcity and struggle, demand for African goods remains limited, reinforcing a cycle of exclusion and dependency. “Negative perceptions undermine the prospects for equal partnerships and cultural exchange, relegating African countries to the role of perpetual aid recipients rather than equal players on the global stage,” the report warns.

Importantly, the research also points to a solution: positive storytelling. In a follow-up study with 960 US participants, the report found that providing new, positive information about Africa—rather than simply negating negative stereotypes—was effective in shifting perceptions and fostering greater interest in Africa’s products and cultures. This suggests that changing the narrative is not only possible but necessary to promote more meaningful engagement with the continent.

Africa No Filter, the advocacy organization behind the report, emphasizes the need to support storytelling that reflects Africa’s dynamism, innovation, and opportunity. “We exist because many stories about Africa still lazily revolve around the single story of poor leadership, poverty, corruption, disease, and conflict, failing to portray the other more progressive side of Africa and collectively perpetuating the narrative that Africa is broken, dependent and lacks agency,” the organization states in its mission.

The report’s authors, a multidisciplinary team of psychologists and researchers from the UK, US, Germany, and Israel, argue that shifting public perceptions requires more than institutional change—it demands individual engagement and a commitment to sharing diverse, authentic African stories. By bringing creatives and creativity into development, corporate, and policy sectors, and by transforming complex issues into compelling stories, organizations like Africa No Filter hope to foster a deeper understanding and more positive perception of Africa over time.