Ethiopia and Italy have engaged on strategic cooperation aimed at strengthening bilateral cooperation and accelerating priority infrastructure projects.

An Ethiopian delegation led by Finance Minister Ahmed Shide has held high level consultations in Rome with Italy’s Mattei Plan Task Force.

The discussions centered on flagship initiatives critical to Ethiopia’s development agenda, including the ongoing Koysha Hydropower Project and the planned Bishoftu International Airport Development Project.

According to Ministry of Finance, the discussion was productive as both show commitment to advancing strategic investments that support sustainable economic growth.

These projects are expected to play a transformative role in enhancing Ethiopia’s energy capacity and aviation infrastructure, while supporting sustainable economic growth.

The Italian side reaffirmed its strong commitment under the Mattei Plan to support strategic partnerships with African countries, including Ethiopia, through innovative financing mechanisms and strengthened public-private collaboration.

The British Council together with Paul Smith’s Foundation and Projekt today announced the launch of the Creative DNA x Studio Smithfield a new international exchange programme bringing together a total of six fashion designers from the UK and Sub-Saharan Africa. The programme kicked off effective from 16 to 23 March 2026 in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia with the aim to collaborate, share expertise, and forge sustainable creative and professional relationships. The programme marks a significant step in positioning London as a genuinely global fashion hub, built on equal partnership rather than one-way knowledge skills transfer.

Farai Ncube, Regional Arts Director, British Council said: ‘This initiative reflects the British Council’s commitment to supporting the creative economy across Africa and the UK by placing creative professionals and their potential at the centre of sustainable growth. Through authentic collaboration, skills exchange, and mutual respect across cultures, we support designers and creative practitioners in building sustainable enterprises and accessing global markets. This cross-continental residency exchange in London and Ethiopia, with an emphasis on craftsmanship and sustainability, will help foster enduring partnerships, facilitate knowledge sharing, and unlock new opportunities for creative talent to thrive and collaborate across borders.’

Unilever Ethiopia, during the celebration of the 13th International Oral Health Day, announced that it contributes over 2 billion Birr in taxes to the government annually.

The event was held under the theme “A Healthy Mouth for a Healthy Life.” In collaboration with the Ethiopian Dental Professionals Association, Unilever launched a national behavioral change campaign titled “Brush Morning and Night with a Smile.” This campaign aims to reach over half a million students and their families across 426 schools to raise awareness about oral and dental health.

Nesibu Temesgen, General Manager of Unilever Ethiopia, stated that beyond providing quality products, the company makes a significant contribution to the country’s economy. Currently, the company’s operations support jobs for over 7,000 citizens while maintaining its annual tax contribution of over 2 billion Birr.

From its factory in Dukem, the company produces and markets international brands such as Signal, Lifebuoy, OMO, and Knorr. It was noted that the company works to meet the health and nutritional needs of citizens by providing 12 million bars of soap monthly and 1.4 billion Knorr cubes annually.

China is moving to deepen its security cooperation with Somalia, pledging enhanced support for the country’s long-running battle against armed groups, including al-Shabaab and the Islamic State (ISIS) group. Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi reaffirmed Beijing’s commitment during a high-level meeting with Chinese diplomats stationed in Mogadishu. The discussions focused on Somalia’s volatile security landscape and the strategic direction of Chinese policy toward the militant factions operating within the Horn of Africa nation. Central to the deliberations was the safety of Chinese nationals and personnel working on development and infrastructure projects across Somalia. Wang emphasized that Beijing would take “every necessary measure” to ensure the protection of its citizens and the security of its growing economic interests in the country. … China’s strategic interests in Somalia remain multifaceted, ranging from significant investment in the fishing industry to diplomatic efforts aimed at curbing Taiwan’s influence in the region. Analysts suggest that by bolstering the SNA’s capabilities, Beijing seeks to secure its maritime and commercial interests while positioning itself as a key security

partner in East Africa. (Garowe Online)