In the heart of Ethiopia’s capital, something extraordinary unfolded last week.No, not on the world stage. Not in the glitzy spotlight of Cannes or Toronto.It happened quietly, yet boldly, at the 19th edition of the Addis International Film Festival (AIFF), which ran from May 21 to May 25, 2025, in the cultural sanctuaries of Addis Ababa: Alliance Ethio-Française, Goethe-Institute, Italian Cultural Institute, and Hager Fikir Theatre.And yet, despite its growing acclaim – having recently been voted “The Coolest Film Festival in Africa” – by Movie Makers Magazine, AIFF remains an unsung hero on the global cinematic map.

A Festival That Speaks TruthBorn from the vision of Initiative Africa, AIFF has long stood apart from the noise of Hollywood glamour. It is not a festival of red carpets and celebrity selfies. It is a festival of resistance. Of memory. Of identity. Of voices that refuse to be silenced.This year, it showcased 28 daring films from 34 countries, each one a spark in the dark stories that challenge power, question borders, and give voice to the unheard.From the haunting landscapes of Nebsei to the fiery defiance of Fanon , from the raw realism of Chemin de Terre to the hopeful whispers of Promise of a New Dawn , AIFF once again proved that Africa doesn’t just watch cinema, it shapes it .And let’s not forget the unforgettable premiere of Made in Ethiopia , where director Max Duncan, co-director Xinyan Yu, and producer Tamara Dawit appeared alongside the film’s cast for the very first time – a moment that brought tears, laughter, and thunderous applause.

The Magic of Hager FikirThe Hager Fiker Theater opening night was electric, a reminder that true storytelling needs no stadium lights. Just a screen, a crowd, and hearts ready to feel.As the audience watched Dominica Sera and Made in Ethiopia at the Italian Cultural Institute, where the AIFF itself was launched 19 years ago, they weren’t just watching films, they were witnessing history. They were seeing their lives, their struggles, their dreams reflected back at them with unflinching honesty.When the cast of Made in Ethiopia took the stage, the room fell silent — then erupted into conversation. Questions flew like arrows:What does dignity cost a worker in a factory?Who owns the story of development?How do we tell our truths when the world insists on telling them for us?That is the magic of AIFF: it doesn’t just show films. It ignites movements.Why Can’t AIFF Be a Continental Event?Despite its growing influence, AIFF still flies under the radar.

A hidden treasure buried beneath the dust of Addis Ababa’s bustling streets. But what if we dared to dream bigger? What if AIFF stepped out of the shadows and into the light, not just as a local festival, but as Africa’s most powerful cinematic gathering ?Let’s ask the real question:Why isn’t the Addis International Film Festival already a continental event? Because it should be.Here’s why.Benefits of Elevating AIFF to a Continental LevelA Platform for African StorytellingAfrica is rich with untold stories, stories of resilience, love, loss, revolution, and rebirth. Elevating AIFF would offer a centralized, prestigious space for African filmmakers to showcase their work without needing Western validation.Amplify Marginalized VoicesAIFF has always championed human rights, social justice, and political courage.

As a continental event, it could become the go-to platform for marginalized storytellers, from refugee camps to war-torn villages — giving them the mic, the screen, and the spotlight.Boost Ethiopia’s Soft PowerEthiopia, often seen through the lens of conflict and crisis, deserves to be celebrated for its rich culture, creative energy, and intellectual vibrancy . Hosting a major film festival can shift narratives and build soft diplomacy through art.Attract Pan-African Talent and InvestmentImagine filmmakers from Nigeria, Senegal, Kenya, Ghana, South Africa, and beyond descending on Addis every year, bringing investment, collaboration, and cross-cultural exchange that transcends borders.Stimulate Local EconomyA continental film festival would draw international audiences, journalists, critics, and investors, boosting tourism, hospitality, and cultural entrepreneurship across Addis Ababa.Create a Space for Dialogue and UnityIn a time when Africa is more connected than ever, yet still deeply divided by language, region, and politics, AIFF could serve as a cultural bridge , fostering dialogue, understanding, and unity among Africans.Showcase Ethiopia’s Creative RenaissanceBehind closed doors, Ethiopia is undergoing a quiet revolution, young filmmakers, poets, artists, and thinkers are reshaping the national narrative.

Elevating AIFF would shine a global light on this creative awakening .The Future Is CallingAt the opening, the Festival Creator and Director, Kebour Ghenna indicated that Addis International Film Festival Director is more than just a festival.It is a movement.A mirror.A manifesto.It is proof that cinema can be political, personal, poetic,,, and profoundly African.So why shouldn’t it be the place where Africa’s boldest voices come together – not just to be seen, but to be heard?Let’s stop calling it a hidden gem.Let’s make it a beacon.Let’s turn AIFF into Africa’s most vital cinematic heartbeat.Let’s bring the continent to Addis, and let the world see what it’s been missing.

Ethiopia’s economy grow by 7.3% in the 2023/24 fiscal year, driven by strong performances in industry and agriculture, according to the 2025 African Economic Outlook (AEO) report released by the African Development Bank (AfDB) Group. However, despite this robust growth, the country’s financial stability remains under “cautious stables,” with inflation, debt risks, and social challenges continuing to weigh heavily on the economy.

The report highlights that Ethiopia’s economy expanded by 6.6% in 2022/23 and is expected to accelerate to 7.3% in 2023/24. This growth is largely attributed to private consumption and increased investment, particularly in the industrial sector, which is forecast to grow by 9.2%, and the agricultural sector, expected to grow by 7.0%. The services sector also contributed significantly, reflecting a diversified growth pattern.Minister of Planning and Development Fitsum Assefa recently echoed these findings, noting impressive gains in agricultural productivity, industrial capacity utilization, and digital economy growth. Merchandise exports, service exports, foreign direct investment, and remittances have all shown positive trends, signaling a broad-based economic recovery.Despite the encouraging growth figures, inflation remains a major concern.

The report cites an annual inflation rate of 26.6% in 2023/24, driven by rising food prices (28.1%) and non-food items (24.3%). Supply chain disruptions caused by the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict and internal instability in northern Ethiopia have exacerbated price pressures.In response, the National Bank of Ethiopia (NBE) has implemented a restrictive monetary policy, limiting credit growth to help control inflation. While these measures have helped temper inflation from previous highs, the rate remains elevated, impacting the cost of living and business operations.Ethiopia faces mounting risks of a debt crisis, with the report highlighting the country’s inability to meet a $33 million Eurobond payment due in December 2023 as a critical warning sign.

Although the fiscal deficit has narrowed to 2.0% of GDP in 2023/24—thanks in part to the Pretoria peace agreement with the TPLF and cuts in defense spending—the current account deficit remains at 2.9% of GDP.The AfDB report stresses the importance of prudent debt management and continued fiscal consolidation to avoid further economic instability. It recommends accelerating foreign public debt negotiations and exploring innovative financing options such as green bonds and social impact bonds to fill funding gaps.The Ethiopian banking sector remains “cautiously stable,” with a non-performing loan ratio of 3.9% and loan growth limited to 12.9% due to credit restrictions. However, social challenges persist, with a national poverty rate of 27% and an overall unemployment rate of 8%, including a youth unemployment rate exceeding 27%. Ethiopia’s Human Development Index (HDI) stood at 0.5 in 2022, ranking 193rd out of 176 countries, underscoring the need for inclusive growth.The report emphasizes the necessity of mitigating risks through peacebuilding efforts, accelerating reforms, and enhancing institutional capacity. It also highlights the need to leverage Ethiopia’s abundant natural and human resources by improving infrastructure, adopting new technologies, and strengthening governance.

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has expressed optimism that Ethiopia’s long-awaited Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with official creditors from G20 nations will be finalized in the coming weeks.The IMF praised Ethiopia’s macroeconomic performance, highlighting that key indicators such as inflation control, export growth, and international reserves have surpassed program expectations.Ethiopia has been seeking debt restructuring under the G20 Common Framework for over four years.

Although authorities recently indicated that the process is nearing completion, the MoU has not yet been signed.Earlier this fiscal year, Ethiopia secured IMF funding under the Extended Credit Facility (ECF) after major creditors provided assurances to facilitate debt restructuring.In a statement issued on Friday, the IMF stated that an agreement on the MoU is anticipated before the IMF Executive Board reviews Ethiopia’s third program assessment.

The ECF program, valued at USD 3.4 billion, is supporting Ethiopia’s economic reforms.An IMF staff team, led by Alvaro Piris, visited Ethiopia in April to conduct the third review under the ECF program, which began in July 2024. Discussions continued during the IMF-World Bank Spring Meetings in Washington, D.C., from April 21 to 28.Pending Executive Board approval in the coming weeks, the third review would release approximately USD 260 million, bringing total IMF disbursements under the ECF to around USD 1.85 billion.

The IMF emphasized that maintaining reform efforts is crucial for consolidating economic gains, addressing macroeconomic imbalances, ensuring debt sustainability, and fostering private sector-led growth.“Ethiopia’s policy actions in the first year of the program have delivered strong results,” Piris stated.“The shift to a flexible exchange rate regime has been smooth, and reforms in monetary policy, revenue mobilization, social safety nets, and financial stability are yielding positive outcomes.”He noted that macroeconomic performance has exceeded forecasts, with notable improvements in inflation, exports, and foreign reserves.

However, the IMF pointed out ongoing challenges, including a widening gap between official and parallel exchange rates in early 2025, along with high fees and restrictions in the foreign exchange (FX) market.The IMF welcomed ongoing efforts to enhance FX market transparency, reduce costs, ease current account restrictions, and strengthen financial regulations. It also stressed the need for tight monetary policies to control inflation and stabilize exchange rate expectations.Additionally, the IMF highlighted the importance of improving the business climate, ensuring fair taxation, attracting foreign investment, and fostering dialogue with the private sector to drive sustainable economic growth.