Deputy Head of Mission, Ambassador Ababi Demissie, completed his tour of duty in the United Kingdom on 7th August. Speaking at his farewell gathering at the Embassy, Ambassador Ababi thanked all staff and diplomats for their support and dedication to the people and government of Ethiopia. In a message of thanks to the Ethiopian community in the UK and friends…

Amid the ongoing global coronavirus pandemic, new health guidelines have been put in place for all travellers entering Ethiopia. All travellers arriving at Bole International Airport must provide a certificate showing a negative COVID-19 RT-PCR antigen test, taken within 72 hours of your arrival to Ethiopia.

On 4th August, British TV star, Helen Skelton, opened award-winning Yorkshire Wildlife Park’s new “Experience Ethiopia” reserve. The BBC Countryfile presenter toured the new Experience Ethiopia section of the park and got up close and personal with the spotted hyenas, in the Hyenas of Harar reserve and the Simien Mountains with a troop of Gelada Monkeys.

A key historical moment was celebrated when the first-year filling of the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam was achieved, with no effect at all on the downstream flow of the Nile River, or the ‘Abay’ as it is known in Ethiopia. The filling of the Dam was made possible by a particularly heavy rainy season, which is ongoing. The news was…

On 27th July Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed received the first electric car fully assembled in Ethiopia by Hyundai Marathon Motors. Ethiopia’s distance running legend, Haile Gebrselassie, presented the car to the Prime Minister. The car is fully battery operated with no gas emissions and is unique to Ethiopia.

From 2nd – 5th July, a global virtual campaign aimed at raising awareness and support for the construction of the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) took place. The campaign informed members of the international community of the Dam, the negotiation processes, and also raised vital funds for the completion of the dam. As part of the campaign, all Ethiopians and friends…

Maaza Mengiste’s acclaimed second novel, The Shadow King, has made the Long List for the 2020 Booker Prize! Set during Italy’s 1935 invasion of Ethiopia, the novel explores female power and casts light on the women soldiers written out of African and European history. The longlist of 13 books was selected by a panel of five judges, including Ethio-British writer…

From Monday 3 August 2020, the Embassy will resume processing visa applications by post only - a service that had been temporarily suspended due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Please plan ahead and allow extra time when applying for a visa by post.

His Excellency President Matamela Cyril Ramaphosa, President of the Republic of South Africa, in his capacity as the Chairperson of the African Union (AU), convened an Extraordinary Meeting of the African Union (AU) Bureau of the Assembly of Heads of State and Government, on 21 July 2020, to review progress pertaining to the Trilateral Negotiations on the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance…

To all Ethiopians, at home and abroad, and to all friends and partners of Ethiopia: We offer our sincere thanks for your commitment and dedication in supporting Ethiopia’s principled stand over the construction of the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD). Your support has been instrumental in the progress made so far.

The follow-up Extraordinary Meeting of the Bureau of the AU Assembly, convened by South African President and AU Chair, Cyril Ramaphosa, was held virtually on July 21, 2020, on the ongoing negotiations between Ethiopia, Sudan and Egypt with regards to the first filling and annual operation of the GERD.