The Ethiopian Electric Utility has reported collecting Birr 52.26 billion from energy sales and miscellaneous income during the first six months of the 2025/26 fiscal year, achieving 96 percent of its planned target. The utility said Birr 52 billion was spent in recent months on improving and rebuilding electrical infrastructure to strengthen the reliability of power supply. According to the utility, 266,916 new customers were connected to electricity over the same six-month period. In addition to performance updates, the Ethiopian Electric Utility said legal action has been taken against individuals accused of electricity theft and the destruction of electricity infrastructure and property. The utility stated that cases were brought before the courts and resulted in fines and prison sentences.

** For the best experience, download the free Africa Private Equity News app Android | iOS **British International Investment, the UK’s development finance institution, has announced $5m financing for Lovegrass Ethiopia, an Ethiopian agri-food company producing teff‑based products for domestic and global markets. Teff – a nutrient rich indigenous grain – is cultivated by more than 6.6 million smallholder farmers and remains central to Ethiopia’s food system and rural livelihoods. “Our $5 million financing will help expand production, strengthen local value addition, and create skilled jobs, while supporting exports that generate vital hard‑currency inflows for Ethiopia. By sourcing teff from thousands of smallholder farmers, Lovegrass Ethiopia is helping drive resilient, inclusive growth across rural communities,” BII said in a statement. Get Africa Private Equity News’ monthly Dealmaker’s Log – a database of reported investment deals, exits, and fundraising closes.

The group called itself Patrol 36, a neo-Nazi cell whose very existence appeared to defy Israel’s historical DNA. Yet Patrol 36 was real, violent and disturbingly organized. Patrol 36 drew inspiration from Format 18, a violent Russian neo-Nazi network that encouraged adherents to document racist attacks and distribute the footage online. Digital radicalizationInvestigators found that Patrol 36 members uploaded their videos to YouTube and extremist websites, including Format 18’s platform. Jewish organizations abroad condemned Patrol 36 but emphasized its marginal nature.

De Havilland Aircraft of Canada Limited (De Havilland Canada) is pleased to announce the delivery of one OEM refurbished Dash 8-400 aircraft to regional aircraft leasing specialist, TrueNoord. The aircraft will be placed on lease to Nexus Airlines, a growing regional carrier in Australia. “We are delighted to expand our relationship with TrueNoord and to support Nexus Airlines as they build their regional fleet around the Dash 8-400,” said Ryan DeBrusk, Vice President, Sales and Marketing, De Havilland Canada. “Our OEM Refurbished Program delivers high-quality aircraft designed to meet the needs of growing regional operations, while providing exceptional value, performance, and reliability.”Refurbished at De Havilland Canada’s Calgary facilities, an OEM Refurbished Dash 8-400 offers the proven dependability of a new-production aircraft along with tailored upgrades to suit customer requirements. This makes it an ideal choice for operators seeking a cost-effective, dependable, and high-performance solution.

The three-month accelerator, which begins in March 2026, drew more than 1,600 applications from across Africa, the diaspora and the Caribbean. The programme also offers mentorship, technical support and access to Afreximbank’s pan-African trade and investment ecosystem. Gebeya was recognised for its development of AI-powered digital agents tailored for African businesses. “African businesses have talent and ambition, but many lack the operational infrastructure needed to scale efficiently. Afreximbank said the programme forms part of its broader efforts to support trade-led development and deepen economic integration under the AfCFTA framework.

Addis Ababa, February 5, 2026 (FMC) – Ethiopia and Kenya have concluded the inaugural meeting of the Joint Defence Committee (JDC I), marking a key step in institutionalizing bilateral defence cooperation and strengthening coordinated security efforts in the region. During the session, the two sides adopted the Joint Defence Committee’s Terms of Reference, a milestone that provides clear operational guidance for sustained and structured future engagements under the bilateral defence framework. He noted that the Joint Defence Committee has demonstrated effectiveness since its establishment and that the discussions held during the meeting would elevate the partnership and solidarity between the two countries to a higher level. He also acknowledged the Kenya Defence Forces’ leading role in regional counter-terrorism efforts. Major General Leuria underscored that the long-standing partnership between Ethiopia and Kenya is built on mutual respect, shared interests, and a common vision for regional prosperity.

Follow us on WhatsApp | LinkedIn for the latest headlinesWake's involvement comes at a critical juncture for Uganda Airlines, which has struggled to balance political expectations with commercial sustainability. The former long-serving CEO of Ethiopian Airlines, Wake is widely respected for transforming the airline into Africa's most profitable and globally competitive carrier through disciplined management, fleet modernization, and strategic route expansion. His stewardship of Uganda Airlines could signal a serious effort to restore professional management and credibility, especially after years of reported governance lapses. Revived in 2019, Uganda Airlines was envisioned as a strategic tool to boost tourism, trade, and national prestige. As Uganda Airlines prepares for its next chapter, Wake's involvement may be the strongest signal yet that the airline aims to finally achieve commercial discipline and long-term sustainability.

The minister made the remarks while opening a five-day international trade fair at Meskel Square in Addis Ababa, aimed at promoting Ethiopian products and strengthening market linkages. According to him, the international trade fair brings together buyers, sellers, and business leaders, serving as a platform to facilitate market linkages and strengthen regional and international partnerships. He added that such fairs are instrumental in promoting fair and competitive trade, improving market access, and deepening economic integration. Expanding export markets, promoting value addition, and strengthening trade competitiveness are among the country’s top priorities. Organizers stated that the international trade fair serves as a gateway for both domestic and international participants to showcase products and build partnerships.

Eritrea’s Information Minister, Yemane Gebremeskel, has said claims made by Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed to parliament were intended “to justify his reckless and illicit war agenda against Eritrea”. In a post on X, Yemane said the Ethiopian government had repeatedly praised the Eritrean army and awarded it state medals during the war and for some time afterwards. His comments came a day after Prime Minister Abiy accused the Eritrean army of committing atrocities during the Tigray conflict. Speaking to parliament on Tuesday, Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed said: “The rift did not begin with the Red Sea issue, as many people think. Eritrea’s Information Minister, Yemane Gebremeskel, has rejected that Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed’s remarks to parliament were intended “to justify his reckless and illicit war agenda against Eritrea.”He added that during the war when allied forces began taking control of Tigray’s cities, Eritrean troops had demolished homes, looted properties, destroyed industries and seized machinery in places such as Adwa, Aksum, Adigrat and Shire.

"Reports said that the death toll now stands at 162, as the search for more bodies continues," said Babaomo Ayodeji, Kwara state secretary of the Red Cross, updating an earlier toll of 67. The strike late Tuesday came after the military recently carried out operations in the area against what it called "terrorist elements". As the search for bodies continues, the death toll is expected to rise. It has faced intense scrutiny in recent months after US President Donald Trump claimed a "genocide" of Christians was taking place. This has been rejected by the government and independent experts, who say Nigeria's security crises claim the lives of both Christians and Muslims, often without distinction.

Ethiopia and the United Kingdom have signed a major agreement to modernize Ethiopia’s electricity grid, marking a new phase in how the country develops its power infrastructure. The deal introduces public-private partnerships in Ethiopia’s power transmission sector for the first time. Under the agreement, Gridworks will invest $400 million to develop two high-voltage electricity transmission lines that are expected to improve grid reliability and expand access to power across key regions. The second project is a 198-kilometer transmission line in northeastern Ethiopia. These investments support Ethiopia’s 2030 Ten-Year Development Plan, which aims to achieve 96 percent electricity access and raise installed power capacity to 20 gigawatts.

Trump has previously claimed that the dam "substantially" lowers water volumes flowing into the Nile, echoing Egypt’s sentiments. Last year, Ahmed inaugurated the $5 billion Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD), marking the completion of the dam 14 years after launch. Egypt, Ethiopia’s neighbor to the north, views GERD as an existential threat due to its heavy reliance on the Nile. Prof Sharaky told BBC, dismissing Ethiopia's claims that the dam would not negatively affect Egypt’s water supplies. The new dam essentially shifts the balance of power, as Ethiopia now controls the main source of the Nile water, breaking Egypt's traditional monopoly.

President Selassie opened by expressing deep appreciation to the UAE leadership for convening global decision-makers to shape a better future. The President warned that geopolitical power shifts and the erosion of trust in multilateral systems are creating heightened uncertainty, particularly for the Global South and Africa. President Taye highlighted the transformative promise of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). Turning to Ethiopia’s national priorities, President Taye outlined three strategic pillars. Concluding his address, President Taye called for a new era of trust and cooperation.

AirBorneo and ATR today announced a strategic partnership to modernise Malaysia’s Rural Air Services (RAS) fleet, with AirBorneo confirming a firm order for eight ATR aircraft. The introduction of the ATR 42-600 and ATR 72-600 aircraft will enable AirBorneo to enhance passenger experience, operational reliability and service capability. The mixed fleet gives AirBorneo greater flexibility to right-size capacity across diverse route profiles, while benefiting from the strong commonality of the ATR family. “Our new ATR –600 fleet will significantly strengthen the Rural Air Services network by offering improved comfort, greater efficiency and the operational capability required for regional connectivity in East Malaysia. We are proud to partner with AirBorneo in strengthening reliable air connectivity across Borneo and the wider region.”

Spotlight on Business: 25 years of therapy, Ethiopian restaurant and Cuban-inspired restaurant openings(ABC 6 News) — In this week’s Spotlight on Business, we’re highlighting a therapy clinic celebrating 25 years in the Med City, and two new restaurants opening in Rochester. Realty Growth showcases local businesses every Wednesday in Spotlight on Business. Have a place you’d like to see featured on our next segment? Let us know by sending us a note at spotlightonbusiness@kaaltv.com! MBT Bank is proud to support Spotlight on Business and local reporting.