Ethiopian Airlines has placed an order for nine Boeing 787 Dreamliner aircraft, according to an announcement made jointly with Boeing. Ethiopian Airlines also completed the purchase of 11 additional Boeing 737 MAX aircraft during the same period, increasing its order book by a total of 20 aircraft. Ethiopian currently serves 145 international destinations and operates the largest fleet of 787 Dreamliners in Africa, including both 787-8 and 787-9 variants. Boeing said the order reinforces Ethiopian Airlines’ position as its largest customer in Africa. Ethiopian Airlines currently operates the largest Boeing fleet on the continent and also holds outstanding orders for 737 MAX, 777X and 787 aircraft.

January 20, 2026 13:54 UTC

ShareIsrael has been asked to join U.S. President Donald Trump’s new Board of Peace that will supervise the next phase of the Gaza peace plan, an Israeli official said Monday, while France is holding off accepting for now. It’s not known whether Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has accepted the offer, said the Israeli official who spoke on condition of anonymity because they were discussing a behind-the-scenes diplomatic matter. Also unknown is Israel’s potential role on a board in charge of implementing the ceasefire agreement that directly involves them. France, though, does not plan to join the Board of Peace “at this stage” despite receiving an invitation, a French official close to President Emmanuel Macron said Monday. British Prime Minister Keir Starmer said Monday the United Kingdom is talking to allies about the Board of Peace.

January 20, 2026 13:51 UTC

Ethiopian Airlines, Africa’s largest carrier, has ordered nine Boeing 787 Dreamliner aircraft as demand for long-haul travel continues to grow. The latest 787 order follows Ethiopian Airlines’ commitment for 11 Boeing 737 MAX aircraft announced at the Dubai Airshow. Both orders were finalised in December 2025, increasing the airline’s order book by a total of 20 fuel-efficient Boeing aircraft. “We are pleased to confirm the order for nine Boeing 787 Dreamliner aircraft to further expand our existing fleet. This order underscores our continued commitment to enhancing our fleet with modern, fuel-efficient aircraft, thereby further strengthening our customer service,” said Mesfin Tasew, Ethiopian Airlines Group CEO.

January 20, 2026 13:43 UTC

AstraZeneca PLC ("AstraZeneca") today provided notice of the voluntary withdrawal from listing on The Nasdaq Stock Market LLC ("Nasdaq") of (i) its American Depositary Shares (the "ADSs"), representing AstraZeneca's ordinary shares of $0.25 each (the "Ordinary Shares") on a two-for-one basis and (ii) debt securities issued by AstraZeneca or its wholly-owned subsidiary AstraZeneca Finance LLC and guaranteed by AstraZeneca (the "Debt Securities"). As previously announced on 29 September 2025, AstraZeneca plans to complete a direct listing of its Ordinary Shares and the Debt Securities on the New York Stock Exchange (the "NYSE"), which will be effective after market close on 30 January 2026. The direct listing is a part of AstraZeneca's shareholder approved plan to harmonise its share listing structure to deliver a global listing for global investors in a global company. The listing of the ADSs and the Debt Securities on Nasdaq is expected to cease on 30 January 2026 and the Ordinary Shares and Debt Securities are expected to commence trading on the NYSE from Monday, 2 February 2026. The Ordinary Shares will continue to be listed under the ticker symbol "AZN".

January 20, 2026 13:26 UTC

The Congolese army says it has retaken control of South Kivu city of Uvira after the withdrawal of Rwanda-backed M23 rebels. M23 seized Uvira in early December but said on Thursday it was placing the city under the responsibility of the international community. On Sunday, pro-Kinshasa Wazalendo forces entered southern districts of Uvira, followed later in the day by Congolese special forces, government sources said. The rebels had announced their withdrawal last month supposedly in response to a US request but residents said that M23 police and military personnel remained in the strategic city. South Kivu officials say M23 fighters have positioned themselves in the hills above Uvira "to point their weapons at the city", according to a message circulated to the media.

January 20, 2026 13:09 UTC





Market Access BarriersWe see great potential for enhanced collaboration to support Thailand's progress in the digital sector. However, UK digital service providers continue to encounter trade barriers related to market entry and operational requirements. This would not only facilitate more seamless digital trade between the UK and Thailand but also directly support Thailand's goal of achieving a 30% digital economy by 2030. We look forward to Thailand's continued contributions to WTO across WTO negotiations. The UK welcomes Thailand's continued participation in the Investment Facilitation for Development Agreement and encourages them to further their participation in initiatives that support digital trade and intellectual property rights.

January 20, 2026 12:59 UTC

Ethiopian Airlines will leverage the 787-9 jets to grow its route network, which currently serves 145 international destinations. Both orders were finalized in December 2025 and boosts Ethiopian Airlines' order book by a total of 20 fuel-efficient Boeing airplanes. Boeing and Ethiopian Airlines announce today the carrier’s order of nine 787 Dreamliner airplanes to meet demand for long-haul travel. "We are pleased to confirm the order for nine Boeing 787 Dreamliner aircraft to further expand our existing fleet. Ethiopian Airlines operates the largest Boeing airplane fleet in Africa and has the continent's largest backlog of 737 MAXs, 777X and 787 Dreamliner airplanes.

January 20, 2026 12:10 UTC

Millions of Christians have celebrated Timket, the Ethiopian Epiphany, throughout the East African country, with lively traditional singing, rhythmic dancing and communal celebrations. At dawn on Epiphany Day, priests bless the lake water and sprinkle holy water upon the believers. Asnake Dechasa, a deacon at the Ethiopian Orthodox Church, emphasised that the celebration of Epiphany goes beyond mere festivity. "The meaning of Epiphany Jesus Christ from Galilee and to, you know, from directly from Galilee to Jordan, okay, and Baptist by Saint John. Holy water is sprayed on Ethiopian Orthodox worshippers, during the celebration of the Ethiopian Epiphany on lake Dembel, in Batu, Ethiopia, Monday, Jan. 19, 2026.

January 20, 2026 11:57 UTC

One year of Trump: How the president has shaken up the world orderDonald Trump was inaugurated for his second term exactly one year ago, on 20 January 2025. Since then, he has all but turned the world order upside down. We've reviewed the US president's whirlwind first year back in office and whether it has lived up to his promises. Read more in our deep dive...

January 19, 2026 23:23 UTC

Jan. 26 marks the official start date of the 2026 tax filing season, when the IRS will begin accepting and processing 2025 tax returns. “President Trump is committed to the taxpayers of this country and improving upon the successful tax filing season in 2025,” said acting IRS Commissioner Scott Bessent in a news release. Bessent has said on several occasions that the effects of Republican tax law will result in bigger tax refunds in 2026. IRS employees involved in last year's tax season were not allowed to accept a buyout offer from the Trump administration until after the taxpayer filing deadline of April 15, 2025. The June National Taxpayer Advocate report to Congress warned that the 2026 season could be rocky.

January 19, 2026 19:55 UTC

He called for studying the environmental, social, and economic impacts along the river basin and developing and implementing effective solutions. He also called for preventing the dam dispute from escalating into a military conflict with Egypt. Egypt initialed the agreement, while Ethiopia refused to attend or sign, arguing that Washington had exceeded its role as a mediator and shifted toward political pressure. He emphasized that the absence of a legally binding enforcement mechanism renders any agreement vulnerable to reversal or reinterpretation. He concluded by saying: “Unless this mediation is backed by tangible measures and legal guarantees, it may turn into just another chapter in a series of diplomatic maneuvers.

January 19, 2026 19:29 UTC

AFRICA/ETHIOPIA - Spiritans committed to tackling youth unemployment and fostering economic self-relianceMonday, 19 January 2026C.S.Sp. Specifically, the initiative targeted unemployed youth from the Doko-Shaye, Doko-Kale, and Doko-Tsida kebeles. In a significant step toward tackling youth unemployment and fostering economic self-reliance, the Spiritan Community Service in Ethiopia (SCORE) has successfully concluded a specialized two-day job skills enhancement training for local youth in the Gamo Zone. Recent data from the Ethiopian Statistical Service (ESS) highlights a stark disparity: the youth unemployment rate for those aged 15–29 in urban areas has reached approximately 27.2%. Furthermore, female youth are disproportionately affected, with unemployment rates often double those of their male counterparts.

January 19, 2026 18:55 UTC

Ethiopia has embarked on the construction of what is poised to become Africa’s largest airport, a bold statement of its aviation ambitions and regional influence. Designed by Zaha Hadid Architects, Bishoftu International Airport will eventually handle up to 110 million passengers annually, largely catering to transfer travelers passing through Ethiopian Airlines’ growing global network. The terminal’s design draws on Ethiopia’s own Great Rift Valley and cultural diversity while prioritizing efficiency, shorter connections, and comfortable long layovers. Strategically located at a lower altitude than Addis Ababa’s current airport, Bishoftu will enable planes to fly farther with heavier loads. Built with sustainable features and tied to a new “Airport City” and high-speed rail, the hub signals Ethiopia’s bid to become Africa’s primary gateway to the world.

January 19, 2026 18:09 UTC

Photos show Ethiopian Orthodox Christians celebrating Timket, the baptism of JesusMillions of Ethiopian Orthodox Christians celebrated Epiphany, locally known as Timket, on Monday, which commemorates the baptism of Jesus Christ by John the...BATU, Ethiopia(AP) — Millions of Ethiopian Orthodox Christians celebrated Epiphany, locally known as Timket, on Monday, which commemorates the baptism of Jesus Christ by John the Baptist. ___ This is a photo gallery curated by AP photo editors.

January 19, 2026 15:43 UTC

ADDIS ABABA, Ethiopia (AP) — Millions of Ethiopian Orthodox Christians gathered on Monday at celebrations for Epiphany, locally known as Timkat, which commemorates the baptism of Jesus Christ by John the Baptist. In the capital, Addis Ababa, many waited for the tabots, which are symbols of the Ark of the Covenant meant to contain the 10 commandments and are used to consecrate churches. “We are celebrating the baptism of Jesus Christ, and our hearts are filled with joy,” said Bereket Adugna, 43, who traveled from Addis Ababa with his wife and two children to Batu. This comes at a challenging time for Ethiopia, as tensions have escalated with neighboring Eritrea and famine continues to worsen. Humanitarian organizations warn that millions of Ethiopians need emergency food aid, amid declining humanitarian support from Western nations.

January 19, 2026 14:47 UTC