Ethiopian Airlines, Africa’s largest and fastest-growing carrier, is in advanced discussions with Brazil’s Embraer for the potential acquisition of new regional jets, signaling a significant expansion of its fleet and a possible new chapter in its aircraft procurement strategy. If finalized, this would mark the first time the airline operates Embraer-manufactured aircraft, complementing its existing Airbus and Boeing fleets.

The talks, which have intensified in recent months, reflect Ethiopian Airlines’ ambition to further strengthen its domestic and regional connectivity. Stephan Hannemann, Senior Vice President Sales and Head of Africa & Middle East Region for Embraer Commercial Aviation, confirmed to Capital that the African market is a strategic priority for Embraer, which already has 70 of its aircraft in service with 70 airlines across the continent. Globally, the company boasts over 2,000 aircraft flying with 140 airlines, underscoring its established presence and reliability.

Embraer’s E2 family of jets, seating between 100 and 120 passengers, is being positioned as an ideal solution for the African market. The aircraft’s size, fuel efficiency, and lower maintenance costs offer a compelling value proposition for airlines seeking to optimize route networks and replace less efficient planes. Hannemann emphasized that the E2’s operating economics and passenger comfort make it particularly well-suited for the growing demand for regional air travel in Africa.

Ethiopian Airlines’ interest in Embraer jets comes as the airline seeks to introduce a new capacity segment focused on domestic and regional routes. The carrier’s CEO, Mesfin Tasew Bekele, has previously indicated the need for regional jets to replace part of the airline’s turboprop fleet, with both Embraer’s E2 and the Airbus A220 under consideration. However, decisions have been delayed pending resolution of engine issues affecting both aircraft types.

Hannemann noted that Embraer is keen to establish a long-term partnership with Ethiopian Airlines, building on the country’s strong aviation ecosystem and skilled workforce. “We see Ethiopia as an attractive market for cooperation, not only in aircraft supply but also in areas such as maintenance, training, and parts production,” he said. Embraer’s global maintenance and training network could provide customized solutions to support Ethiopian Airlines’ growth plans, aligning aircraft delivery and entry into service with the airline’s strategic objectives.

Ethiopia’s aviation sector has become a magnet for international investment, with both Boeing and Embraer expressing strong interest in expanding their presence in the country. The government’s commitment to developing Addis Ababa as a regional air transport hub, including the construction of a new international airport in Bishoftu, has created new opportunities for collaboration in aircraft maintenance, manufacturing, and training.

Recent infrastructure developments, such as the new airport designed to handle up to 60 million passengers, further enhance Ethiopia’s appeal as a gateway for African and international air travel. Embraer executives have praised Ethiopian Airlines for its adoption of new technologies and its exemplary role in the continent’s aviation industry.

Embraer’s E2 jets are already making inroads in Africa, with airlines such as Nigeria’s Air Peace and Madagascar Airlines operating or planning to operate the type. The E2 Profit Hunter series is lauded for its fuel efficiency, reduced maintenance costs, and ability to serve smaller markets profitably—key advantages in a region where many national carriers struggle with profitability and market volatility.

Industry analysts predict that Embraer will continue to expand its footprint in Africa as demand for regional air travel grows. The company’s focus on right-sizing aircraft for specific markets and offering widebody comfort in a single-aisle jet has resonated with African airlines seeking to maximize efficiency and passenger experience.

Ethiopia and Russia have taken a significant step forward in their health partnership, launching a landmark three-day joint emergency response exercise in Addis Ababa aimed at boosting both countries’ capacity to prevent and manage hygienic and epidemiological crises. The initiative, which runs from April 23 to 25, brings together about 100 participants from 15 African nations, as well as international organizations, and marks a new era of collaboration in public health preparedness.

The exercise is organized by the Russian Federal State Agency for Health and Consumer Rights (Rospotrebnadzor) in cooperation with Ethiopia’s Ministry of Health. It features practical demonstrations of Russian mobile laboratories and hands-on training designed to improve rapid response to infectious disease outbreaks, particularly in resource-limited settings.

A key highlight of the partnership is the signing of a comprehensive agreement between Ethiopian Health Minister Dr. Mekdes Daba and Rospotrebnadzor Head Prof. Anna Popova. The agreement includes the provision of a state-of-the-art mobile laboratory for Ethiopia and specialized training for local healthcare professionals. Dr. Mekdes emphasized that the mobile lab will revolutionize rapid testing and outbreak response, especially in remote areas, ultimately saving lives and improving prevention efforts.

Mesay Hailu, Director of the Ethiopian Public Health Institute (EPHI), praised the collaboration, noting that the mobile laboratory training is vital for quick and effective responses to dangerous infectious diseases. “The use of mobile laboratories makes it possible to identify pathogenic organisms and provides a high level of resistance to the spread of infectious diseases,” he said.

The health partnership between Ethiopia and Russia extends beyond emergency response. Recent years have seen targeted initiatives in medical training, hospital renovation, and epidemic readiness. Russian Ambassador to Ethiopia, Evgeny Terekhin, highlighted ongoing short-term training programs for Ethiopian doctors in Russia, as well as the renovation of the historic Balcha Hospital in Addis Ababa, which now includes specialized capacity-building departments.

Russia has also pledged to support further professional training for Ethiopian medical specialists, especially in maternal and child health care, and is ready to assist in training experts for paramedic and obstetric centers across Ethiopia. The Russian Red Cross Hospital in Addis Ababa, Africa’s first Russian multidisciplinary medical institution, stands as a symbol of the long-standing friendship between the two nations.

Prof. Anna Popova, speaking at the exercise, underscored Russia’s commitment to international cooperation in the fight against epidemics. She conveyed President Vladimir Putin’s support for the initiative and referenced the upcoming Russia-Africa summit as a sign of Russia’s growing engagement with the continent on health issues. Popova also highlighted the ongoing FIRO study, a collaborative research effort involving Russia, 15 African countries, and international organizations, aimed at strengthening global cooperation in epidemic response.

Ethiopia’s recent inclusion in the BRICS group and its expanding cooperation with Russian institutions were also noted as important milestones in deepening bilateral ties. Dr. Mekdes Daba stressed that the partnership’s ultimate goal is to bring lasting, positive change to future generations in the region and across Africa.

The joint exercise in Addis Ababa simulates real-world epidemic scenarios, fostering knowledge exchange and building regional preparedness for future health threats. Participants are gaining practical experience in deploying specialized equipment and developing strategies for controlling outbreaks, even in challenging environments.

As both countries look to the future, officials agree that these collaborative efforts are crucial for strengthening the global health security network. The partnership between Ethiopia and Russia is expected to serve as a model for other African nations seeking to enhance their epidemic readiness and resilience in the face of persistent and emerging health challenges.

Finance Minister Ahmed Shide met with private bondholders to discuss Ethiopia’s debt treatment.
It has been a decade since the government issued a USD 1 billion Eurobond, which was due to be fully repaid by the end of last year.
The two sides agreed to continue negotiations as Ethiopia seeks debt relief from both official creditors and private bondholders.
According to Ethiopia’s diplomatic mission in Washington, D.C., the meeting focused on the country’s debt restructuring progress under the G20 Common Framework. This follows a principle agreement reached with Ethiopia’s Official Creditors Committee in March 2025.
Ethiopia is currently negotiating with international creditors, primarily G20 nations and private bondholders. While discussions with official creditors are progressing well, talks with bondholders remain unresolved.
In February, Ethiopia’s Eurobond holders accused the IMF of overstating the country’s financial challenges to advocate for deeper debt relief, including potential haircuts. They argued that Ethiopia’s economy is recovering, particularly in key sectors like coffee exports, and criticized the IMF’s analysis as flawed, claiming it artificially depicts a solvency crisis.
A delegation led by Finance Minister Ahmed Shide, who attended last week’s World Bank and IMF Spring Meetings, held constructive discussions with Eurobond holders, according to a diplomatic mission statement. Both sides agreed to maintain dialogue to ensure a smooth and timely debt restructuring process.
A memorandum of understanding with G20 creditors is expected to be signed in June, paving the way for the restructuring of over USD 8 billion in debt.