November 2025 marked a period of intensive strategic focus for Ethiopia, as Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed led the nation through major diplomatic breakthroughs and an accelerated domestic development agenda, successfully amplifying Ethiopia’s role on the global stage while driving forward key infrastructure and technological projects at home.

G20: Ethiopia Elevates Africa’s Global Voice

The month’s headline event was Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed’s participation in the G20 Leaders’ Summit in South Africa. As the summit was held on African soil for the first time, his presence was viewed as a strategic success, not only advancing Ethiopia's national interests but crucially, amplifying Africa’s collective voice and confirming the continent’s rising influence in global decision-making.

High-Stakes Bilateral Engagements

The summit provided a platform for a diplomatic marathon. The Prime Minister held significant discussions on economic reform and sustainable growth with IMF Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva and World Bank President Ajay Banga. He also met with UN Secretary-General António Guterres to discuss multilateral cooperation, peace, and climate action, confirming Ethiopia's role as the host of COP32 in 2027.

Key bilateral meetings covered vital areas like trade, climate action, and food security, involving leaders from countries including:

• Europe: The UK Prime Minister, the Chancellor of Germany, and the Presidents of France and Finland.
• Asia: Leaders from India, South Korea, and Vietnam, along with the Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi.
• Americas: The Presidents of Brazil and the Netherlands.

The Digital Leap: AI and The 2030 Strategy

Ethiopia made a major commitment to its digital future in November. The Council of Ministers unanimously approved the implementation of the Digital Ethiopia 2030 Strategy, aiming to accelerate the nation’s transformation into a competitive digital economy.

• AI Institute Focus: Prime Minister Abiy visited the relocated Artificial Intelligence Institute, which has been transformed into an innovation hub. He highlighted its work in developing AI solutions for key sectors like health and agriculture, noting the expansion of national capacity in cloud computing, robotics, and data mining.
• Entrepreneurial Hub: The launch of the new AI Startup Center, which has already supported over 200 innovators, was presented as a catalyst for Ethiopia's emerging AI-driven entrepreneurial sector.

Domestic Drive: Revitalizing Heritage and Infrastructure

The prime minister’s domestic tour focused heavily on infrastructure and tourism projects, particularly in the Amhara region, demonstrating a results-driven leadership style.

Tourism and Heritage Restoration

• Fasil Ghebbi Masterpiece: A cornerstone of the month was the inauguration of the fully restored Fasil Ghebbi (Gondar's Royal Enclosure) by the Prime Minister and the First Lady. Completed in a single year, the restoration meticulously used traditional materials like cedar and wanza wood, significantly enhancing this UNESCO World Heritage Site with improved pathways, new visitor amenities, and landscaped grounds.
• Lake Tana Connectivity: The launch of the Tananesh II Ferry was a game-changer for regional tourism. Connecting Bahir Dar and the new Gorgora Eco Lodge, the 180-passenger vessel dramatically improves accessibility, boosting tourism along Lake Tana.
• Sports and Leisure: The Prime Minister reviewed the upgrades to the 52,000-capacity Bahir Dar International Stadium, which is being brought up to CAF standards, and inspected the construction of the major Fellege Ghion Resort, a project designed to expand the city's tourism offerings and create local jobs.

Water and Agro-Industry

• Megech Irrigation Project: In Gondar, PM Abiy inspected the Megech Irrigation Development Project, a vital scheme that will irrigate an estimated 17,000 hectares upon completion. Construction is on schedule, ensuring a major boost to regional agricultural output.
• Agro-Industrial Growth: His visit to the integrated Elfora Agro Industries plant in Kemise highlighted its role in supporting the national 'Bounty of the Basket' initiative, critical for Ethiopia's agro-industrial expansion.

Expanding Reach: New Ties with Southeast Asia

The diplomatic calendar concluded with high-profile visits from Singapore’s Prime Minister Lawrence Wong and Malaysia’s Prime Minister Dato Seri Anwar Ibrahim. The meetings cemented new partnerships through key agreements:

• Singapore and Ethiopia signed accords on skills development and carbon credits.
• Malaysia and Ethiopia established cooperation in tourism, health, and air services.

The visits showcased Ethiopia’s expanding collaboration and growing economic ties with the dynamic economies of Southeast Asia.