AGP Executive Report

BRICS Summit 2026 (New Delhi): India’s chairship is pushing a “Building for Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation and Sustainability” agenda for Sept. 12–13, with leaders including Xi, Putin, Iran’s Pezeshkian and others expected to attend as talks try to bridge sharp differences over West Asia. Ethiopia & Tech Sovereignty: Prime Minister Abiy urged African governments and youth to embrace technological sovereignty and build skills to shape the continent’s digital future. Ethiopia Climate-Smart Farming: New research from central Ethiopia reports that simple soil-and-water practices can cut soil loss and lift wheat yields by over 27% by keeping more rainwater on fields. Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI): UNDP sent African delegations, including Ethiopia, to study India’s digital identity and payments systems for use in agriculture, healthcare and social protection. Cybersecurity (Ethiopia in the mix): Iran-linked Mirage Kitten targeted software engineers with fake LinkedIn job offers that deliver remote access trojans via “technical challenges,” with victims reported in Ethiopia. Education Under Attack: A global campaign highlighted rising “scholasticide” risks, including verified attacks on schools and universities in Ethiopia. El Niño Health Prep: WHO and Kenya are ramping up surveillance, lab capacity and early warning ahead of heavy rains and flood-linked disease risks. Solar Manufacturing: A report says Africa’s solar panel manufacturing capacity could quadruple this year, with new plants in Egypt and Tanzania.

BRICS Summit Watch: India hosts the 18th BRICS summit in New Delhi (Sept 12–13) with a theme of resilience, innovation, cooperation and sustainability, aiming to align leaders on food, energy, health, disaster reduction and critical supply chains amid geopolitical and trade uncertainty. Ethiopia–Brazil Tech & Agriculture Links: Brazil’s ambassador to Ethiopia says bilateral ties are entering a “promising new phase,” highlighting agriculture, technical knowledge exchange and the Green Legacy Initiative as key areas for investment and trade growth. El Niño Health Preparedness: WHO is working with Kenya to reduce flood- and climate-linked disease risks for the 2026/27 El Nino season, focusing on surveillance, early warning, lab capacity, safe water and continuity of care. Cybersecurity in the Region: Researchers report Iran-linked hackers using fake LinkedIn job offers to deploy NodeRabbit and PollCat remote access tools, with targets including Ethiopia. AI Access for African Businesses: Xiamen’s “Token Going Global” program says it has already supplied 2.7 billion AI tokens to an Ethiopia cross-border livestreaming business, pointing to new AI computing access channels. Ethiopia TVET Opportunity: Ethiopia’s Ministry of Higher Education, Science and Technology announces 75 TVET scholarships for South Sudanese students for 2026–27.

Ethiopia’s Drone Push: Ethiopia is producing drones domestically at two factories and is now believed to have a fleet in the thousands after Turkish UAVs proved decisive in the 2020–2022 war, with SkyWin Aeronautics Industries inaugurated in Addis Ababa in 2025. Green Transport Tech: Orbix Technologies launched a multi-sector digital platform for Ethiopia’s EV ecosystem, aiming to integrate services for up to 500,000 electric vehicles via smart parking, charging management, license-plate recognition, and digital wallets. Health Tech & Data: Ethiopia is rolling out a National Health Surveillance Network to close critical data gaps, while a case series from Aksum University College of Health Science highlights uterus didelphys and the need for clinical suspicion across very different patient presentations. Climate & Disaster Readiness: WHO and Kenya are stepping up preparedness for the 2026/2027 El Niño season, focusing on surveillance, labs, safe water, sanitation, risk communication, and continuity of essential health services. Air Quality Pressure: A new Africa Air Quality Brief says more than 20 African countries still miss WHO air pollution guidelines, using satellite and ground monitoring to guide policy action. Media & AI Collaboration: Ethiopia’s Ethiopian News Agency signed an MoU with Viory to expand news exchange and newsroom tech, including AI use and training across the Global South. Global Supply Chains: Xinhua reports China is strengthening overseas supply chain cooperation at CIFIT, positioning China as an anchor for trade, investment, and industrial partnerships. Conservation Spotlight: South Sudan’s Boma and Badingilo parks were designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with conservationists pointing to major migratory bird habitats and ecosystem protection.

Ethiopia’s EV smart-mobility push: Orbix Technologies launched a multi-sector digital platform aimed at integrating Ethiopia’s green transport ecosystem, targeting 500,000 electric vehicles with a hardware-agnostic software layer for smart parking, EV charging management, real-time space discovery, license-plate recognition, and digital wallets. Defense tech at home: Ethiopia is producing drones at two factories and may now field a fleet in the thousands, after Turkish UAVs proved decisive in the 2020–2022 conflict; Prime Minister Abiy says domestic manufacturing is for deterrence, while analysts note key production details remain unclear. Regional stability via sea access: Ethiopia’s return to reliable sea access is framed as essential for peace and Red Sea security, with piracy and Yemen-linked conflict cited as direct risks to land and maritime routes. Clean air gap: A new Africa Air Quality Brief says more than 20 African countries still miss WHO air pollution guidelines, using satellite and ground data to guide policy action. Health-tech recognition: Nigeria LNG’s 2026 NLNG Science Prize went to an AI-powered MRI reconstruction approach that cuts scan time to speed diagnosis. BRICS summit tech agenda: As India hosts BRICS on Sept 12–13, coverage highlights innovation and digital cooperation themes, with Ethiopia named among expanded members. Mining risk update: KEFI suspended work at Ethiopia’s Tulu Kapi project after a security incident with fatalities, pending safety measures.

BRICS Summit Watch: India is set to host the 18th BRICS Leaders’ Summit in New Delhi on Sept 12–13, with a tech-heavy agenda spanning trade, digital technology, finance, energy security, and governance reform—Ethiopia is among the bloc’s full members. Satellite Connectivity: Starlink remains unlicensed in Ethiopia, with the regulator denying talks; the gap is now framed as a licensing issue, not a lack of satellite coverage over the Horn. Health Data for Action: WHO’s Africa Regional Health Data Hub was launched in Addis Ababa to connect fragmented health systems and turn regional data into usable intelligence for outbreak response and planning. TVET Digital Upgrade: Ethiopia is advancing future-ready TVET through digital curriculum validation and revised learning materials aligned with labour market needs. Ethiopia–US Aviation & SMEs: The U.S. DFC is targeting SME investment linked to the Bishoftu International Airport project, aiming to build local supply chains and jobs. Telecom Business Shift: Safaricom Ethiopia crossed 15 million subscribers, but the focus is now on converting data growth and mobile-money adoption into sustainable commercial performance. Climate Finance Gap: Africa needs about $277bn a year for climate commitments but receives only ~11%, with Addis hosting climate policy discussions.

Clean Energy Push: President Taye says Ethiopia will scale solar, wind, geothermal and hydropower to reach 13,000 MW by 2030 and expand electricity exports across the East African Power Pool and beyond. Private Sector for COP32: Addis Ababa Chamber plans to lead Ethiopia’s business role at COP32 via a new Green Growth Centre, launched Sept 8 with GIZ support. Telecom Growth: Safaricom Ethiopia crosses 15m active subscribers (90-day), with 4G-enabled, 5G-ready sites covering about 60% of the population and moving toward breakeven. Digital Health & Data: Ethiopia launches a National Health Surveillance Network to close critical data gaps, while broader regional coverage highlights AI and hospital tech procurement momentum. Cyber & Security Risks: Reports warn of AI-enabled misuse, including malware delivered through fake coding tests, and insurgents using AI capability-building with external support. Science & Health Research: Studies spotlight non-dermatophyte fungal infections needing molecular diagnosis, plus Ethiopia-linked public health themes like HIV care and dialysis outcomes. Water Diplomacy: China’s statement with Egypt boosts Cairo’s water-security position in the Nile/GERD dispute, keeping Ethiopia’s sovereignty debate in focus.

AI & Research: IGAD says Ethiopia has built AI capabilities that could help the region, pointing to practical uses in agriculture, healthcare, education and finance, with IGAD pushing a regional AI framework. Digital Health: Kenya’s digital health push is putting AI and hospital tech on procurement agendas, with Ethiopia watching similar reforms as the region modernizes health data systems. Child Safety Online: UNICEF reports about 20 million children across 21 countries have faced technology-facilitated sexual exploitation and abuse, with Ethiopia among the surveyed countries—raising urgent calls for safer platforms and stronger protection. Veterinary Services: A West Shewa study finds Ethiopia’s livestock healthcare system is failing smallholders due to under-equipped clinics, weak lab diagnostics, and unregulated drug sellers. Water & Diplomacy: An OpEd argues Ethiopia’s Nile strategy is about leverage and rules, while Egypt demands disclosure and cumulative-impact review—keeping the Abay/GERD dispute highly political. Economy & Reform: Ethiopia’s Pagume week coverage highlights economic transformation claims, including agricultural output gains and a push toward more domestic production. Investment Push: Ethiopia’s President leads a high-level delegation to Dubai’s AIM Congress, with emphasis on digital economy, innovation and investment partnerships.

AI for Development: IGAD says Ethiopia is building globally competitive AI capacity, with practical use in agriculture, healthcare, education and finance, and plans for a regional AI framework. Health Data Infrastructure: Ethiopia launched a national Health and Demographic Surveillance System network to fix major vital statistics gaps, linking 16 university centers under EPHI to standardize data for policy. Digital Safety for Children: UNICEF reports about 27% of children in Eastern and Southern Africa face technology-facilitated sexual exploitation and abuse, with Ethiopia among the highest-exposure countries. Climate & Food Security: East Africa faces grain shocks as Kenya’s maize and wheat output is hit by dry spells while Ethiopia sees delayed rains; new climate and agribusiness finance is being pushed regionally. Solar for Irrigation: Ethiopian farmers in the central region are shifting from diesel pumps to solar-powered irrigation to cut fuel costs and keep farming under climate pressure. Water Diplomacy: A new Global Ambassadors’ Forum for Water and Economic Diplomacy was launched to mobilize water investment and economic diplomacy, with Ethiopia among participants. Transport Reality Check: Addis Ababa’s rail service is running below capacity due to rolling stock shortages, pushing commuters back toward taxis. Nile Redress Debate: A former irrigation state minister argues Ethiopia has grounds to seek redress over historical Nile inequities and calls for a new benefit-sharing framework.

Education & Skills: Ethiopia’s Ministry of Education is again posting a bleak university exam outcome, with nearly 9 in 10 candidates missing the pass mark (12.8% pass rate), showing how failure has become “normalised” rather than fixed. AI & Regional Tech: IGAD says Ethiopia’s AI capabilities are now globally competitive, pointing to real deployments in agriculture, healthcare, education and finance, and pushing for a regional AI framework to share know-how. Digital Safety: UNICEF reports about 27% of children in Eastern and Southern Africa face technology-facilitated sexual exploitation and abuse, with Ethiopia among the highest-exposure countries—raising urgent calls for stronger online child protection. Health Data Infrastructure: Ethiopia has launched a national Health and Demographic Surveillance System network to close major vital-statistics gaps, linking 16 university centers under EPHI with support from the Gates Foundation. Transport & Rail Reliability: Addis Ababa’s light rail is running at under half capacity due to rolling-stock shortages and foreign-currency constraints, leaving commuters waiting up to 45 minutes. Water & Climate Tech: Farmers in Ethiopia’s central region are shifting from diesel irrigation pumps to solar to cut fuel costs and keep irrigation going as climate pressures mount. Logistics Digitization: Ethiopian Shipping and Logistics (ESL) launched a digital customer self-service platform with cargo tracking, booking, digital payments and AI chat support to reduce paper-based port processes. Maritime Security: A Saudi-led Red Sea defense coalition has moved toward an operational headquarters in Riyadh, with implications for Ethiopia’s trade routes via Djibouti and the Suez corridor.

Digital Safety Crisis: UNICEF reports 27% of children in Eastern and Southern Africa face technology-facilitated child sexual exploitation and abuse, with Ethiopia and Kenya among the hardest hit; the study warns of serious mental health impacts. Judicial Tech & Cooperation: India’s CJI Surya Kant urged BRICS to become a “living Nalanda University,” stressing healthy disagreement and faster, predictable justice; the BRICS Chief Justices’ Forum also put AI and mediation/arbitration on the agenda, with Ethiopia’s top court president participating. Health Data Upgrade: Ethiopia launched a national Health and Demographic Surveillance System network to fix major vital statistics gaps, noting only about 16% of deaths are officially registered. Logistics Digitization: Ethiopian Shipping and Logistics (ESL) rolled out a digital customer self-service platform for port and cargo services, including tracking, bookings, payments, and AI chat support. Water & Climate Tech: Ethiopia’s farmers are shifting from diesel to solar-powered irrigation pumps as fuel costs rise, while an El Niño forecast flags worsening extreme weather risks. Nile Redress Claim: A former irrigation state minister says Ethiopia has grounds to seek redress over historical Nile inequities, calling for a new benefit-sharing framework.

Logistics Digitization: Ethiopian Shipping and Logistics (ESL) launched a digital customer self-service platform for port and cargo operations, adding web/mobile booking, cargo tracking, demurrage management, digital payments, complaints handling, and AI chatbots to cut paper-based steps. Telecom Growth: Safaricom Ethiopia surpassed 15 million 90-day active subscribers, reporting 3,500+ network sites and a 4G-enabled, 5G-ready footprint reaching about 60% of the population. AI for Regional Development: IGAD urged member states to use AI to speed up development and integration, improve food security, climate early-warning, and healthcare access—while stressing data sovereignty and regional regulation. Health Case Spotlight: Ethiopian doctors reported “hair tourniquet syndrome” in a 23-day-old baby—diagnosed by close bedside magnification, treated by removing the hair, with symptoms resolving within 24 hours. Judicial Tech Cooperation: BRICS Chief Justices’ Forum opened in New Delhi, with sessions on mediation, cross-border enforcement, and AI in justice delivery. UN on Sudan War: A UN-backed probe said foreign networks supplied weapons, logistics, training, and drones that expanded capabilities in Sudan’s conflict.

Telecom Growth: Safaricom Ethiopia says it has surpassed 15 million 90-day active subscribers, touting a 4G-enabled, 5G-ready network built from scratch and reaching about 60% of the population. Digital Governance & AI: IGAD is pushing a regional AI framework from Addis Ababa, calling for data sovereignty, shared regulation, and AI for food security, climate early warning, and healthcare diagnostics. Health Data & Emergency Care: Tanzania trained 62 data collectors for the ACTxBEC study, aiming to measure how basic emergency care training improves outcomes for conditions like road injuries, postpartum hemorrhage, pneumonia, and DKA. Payments & Identity Tech: Paycode appointed Colin Digby as Chief Revenue Officer to expand partnerships for its offline-capable payments and digital identity solutions, including in Ethiopia. Justice Tech: At the BRICS Chief Justices’ Forum in New Delhi, AI in justice delivery is on the agenda alongside mediation and cross-border enforcement. Food Systems: African livestock ministers urged investment, regional trade, and value-chain reforms to cut the continent’s $70–$100bn annual food import bill. Cyber & Safety: UNICEF estimates 20 million children aged 12–17 faced technology-facilitated sexual exploitation and abuse in a year, with Ethiopia included in earlier research rounds. Environment & Restoration: Ethiopia-linked conservation coverage highlights Kaptagat’s integrated forest restoration approach, stressing long-term community and institutional sustainability.

AI Safety Debate: Nick Bostrom’s warning on aligning AI with human values is back in focus, but the question he raises is uncomfortable: whose values are being coded into the systems? Digital Health & Procurement: East Africa is moving from pilots to everyday use of AI-supported diagnostics and telemedicine, with hospital tech now landing on procurement agendas ahead of WHX in Nairobi. Telecom Strategy Update: Ethio telecom says it has completed year one of its “Next Horizon: Digital & Beyond” plan, aiming to grow customers toward 100 million while expanding 4G coverage and digital services. Green Industry Tech: Heineken Ethiopia will launch a 4 billion birr green energy project at Kilinto Brewery in October, switching to green electricity to cut heavy fuel oil use and push carbon-neutral ambitions. Child Online Safety: UNICEF reports about 20 million children across 21 countries experience online sexual abuse or exploitation each year, with social media driving most cases. Sudan Conflict Tech & Networks: A UN-backed probe says foreign fighters and support networks are fueling Sudan’s war, including foreign-supplied drones and military technology. Disability Inclusion: Safaricom Ethiopia Foundation and FEAPD sign a three-year deal to expand disability inclusion, including digital access. Climate Risk: A new global city resilience ranking highlights how climate adaptation capacity separates leaders from laggards as El Niño strengthens extreme weather risks.

Online Child Safety: UNICEF reports up to 20 million children in 21 countries face online sexual abuse or exploitation each year, with more than half of cases linked to social media and less than 1% reported to authorities. Disability Inclusion: Safaricom Ethiopia Foundation and FEAPD sign a three-year deal to expand disability inclusion, including digital inclusion across Ethiopia. Food Systems & Energy: Ethiopia’s former PM Hailemariam Desalegn backs renewables-powered energy for irrigation, cold storage, processing and transport, arguing energy policy must be tied to nutrition outcomes. Livestock Innovation: African ministers commit to scaling livestock innovations to close big productivity gaps and improve self-reliance, with Ethiopia among participating countries. Green Industry: Heineken Ethiopia will launch a 4 billion birr (US$24.5M) green energy project at Kilinto Brewery in October to cut reliance on heavy fuel oil. Agrifood Research for Scale: CGIAR showcases investable, Ethiopia-relevant digital fertilizer and climate-smart innovations at the Africa Food Systems Forum. Cyber & Platforms: UNICEF findings add pressure as Meta faces major child-safety legal fallout, while new reporting highlights how algorithms amplify harm.

Ethiopia Wheat Update: Ethiopia says it has reached self-sufficiency in wheat after its National Wheat Flagship Program, cutting imports and easing supply—though millers still complain about high local grain prices. Public Health (Lead): Ethiopia will launch its first nationwide blood lead level study for children 6–59 months and women 15–49, partnering with EPHI, Vital Strategies and CDC Foundation to map exposure sources and impacts. Security & Tech in Defense: Ethiopia’s post-reform security overhaul is adding institutional and technological upgrades, including AI and modern communications, to strengthen federal police, intelligence and defense readiness. Digital Learning AI: McGraw Hill has acquired Teachally, an AI startup helping teachers build standards-aligned lessons and assessments; the team includes a developer based in Ethiopia. Climate Risk for the Horn: El Niño is intensifying, and analysts warn the Horn has less room to absorb drought and flooding amid ongoing conflicts and humanitarian strain. Trade & Tech Transfer: Brazil opened a permanent ApexBrasil office in Addis Ababa to boost agribusiness, green energy and technology-driven partnerships, including coffee and improved seeds. Cybersecurity: Iran-linked “Mirage Kitten” used fake job coding tests to deliver malware, including tricks to discourage AI-assisted detection. Digital Safety for Youth: UNICEF highlights that 1 in 5 youths aged 12–17 faced online sexual abuse, adding pressure on platforms to protect minors.

PaleoTech & Heritage: Digital reconstruction is bringing scientists face to face with “Little Foot,” a nearly 4-million-year-old Australopithecus skeleton from South Africa, now clearer thanks to virtual facial bone rearrangement. AgriTech & Food Security: Ethiopia says agricultural modernization is boosting output and productivity, citing fertilizer distribution, expanded dry-season irrigated wheat, and gains under the “Bounty of the Basket” initiative, alongside watershed work under the Green Legacy. AI in Security: Ethiopia’s post-reform security overhaul is adding institutional and technological upgrades, including AI and advanced communications, to strengthen defense readiness. Public Health (Lead): Ethiopia will launch its first nationwide blood lead level study for children and women, aiming to map exposure sources and public-health impacts. Health Systems (Sepsis): A new push argues the “first 24 hours” of sepsis care should get more focus in Africa, where lab and critical-care limits can cost lives fast. Climate Risk: Analysts warn El Niño is arriving as the Horn of Africa faces overlapping wars and instability, shrinking the region’s ability to absorb drought and flooding shocks. Cybersecurity: Iranian-linked hackers are using fake recruiter coding tests to deliver cross-platform malware targeting developers, with sightings including Ethiopia. Digital Health (Regional): East Africa is moving from digital health pilots to broader hospital adoption of AI diagnostics, telemedicine, and electronic health records, with WHX Nairobi set for mid-September. Geothermal Tech: Kenya’s GDC will provide geothermal well logging and testing services for two Ethiopia wells in Aluto, supporting local geothermal expertise. Coffee Value Addition: Ethiopia and China’s Yunnan Province are deepening cooperation to boost Ethiopian specialty coffee processing, roasting, and packaging. BRICS Tourism: BRICS tourism ministers adopted the Jaipur Declaration, including work on AI and tourism resilience.