Ethiopia Roundup: School enrollment drive, capital market reforms, heritage campaign

Ethiopian media association condemns journalist abductions

The Ethiopian Media Professionals Association (EMPA) has called for accountability following the abduction of two journalists earlier this month. Abdulsemed Mohammed, host of Saturday Market on Ahadu FM 94.3, was held for 12 days, while Reporter senior editor Yonas Amare was detained for 10 days. EMPA described their disappearance as “an illegal act” and urged authorities to ensure justice. The group also stressed that abducting and harassing journalists undermines media freedom and the public’s right to information. Reports indicate that Amare was taken from his home in Sheger City on August 13 by masked individuals, while Mohammed was abducted in Addis Ababa on August 11.

Registration drive for 7.4 million students

The Amhara Regional State Education Bureau in northern Ethiopia has opened registration for the 2025/2026 academic year, aiming to enrol over 7.4 million students despite ongoing security challenges. Mulunesh Dessie (PhD), Coordinator of the Social Sector and Bureau Head, said registration will run from August 25 to September 5, with classes beginning September 16. She noted a steep decline in enrollment, with 4.4 million children missing school last year—the highest in Ethiopia, according to UNICEF. Persistent conflict, drought, floods, and instability have severely disrupted education in the region.

Colombia’s Vice President arrives in Addis Ababa

Colombian Vice President Francia Elena Márquez Mina has begun an official working visit to Ethiopia. She was welcomed at the Addis Ababa Bole International Airport by Health Minister Dr. Mekdes Daba and State Minister of Foreign Affairs Ambassador Berhanu Tsegaye. Márquez is expected to hold discussions with senior Ethiopian officials during her stay.

Capital Market Authority proposes new investment directive

The Ethiopian Capital Market Authority (ECMA) has issued a draft directive on collective investment schemes (CIS) for public review, one month after the launch of the Ethiopian Securities Exchange. The framework, based on the Capital Market Proclamation No. 1248/2021, outlines registration, operation, and supervision of pooled investment funds. ECMA said the directive aims to mobilise capital, promote financial innovation, and protect investors while ensuring market integrity and efficiency.

Ethiopia steps up campaign to reclaim looted heritage

Ethiopia has accelerated efforts to repatriate cultural artefacts looted during the colonial era, submitting a comprehensive inventory to UNESCO to block illegal auctions and strengthen international cooperation. Recent recoveries include “Tsehay,” Ethiopia’s first home-built aircraft, as well as relics such as the mantle of Ras Desta Damtew, the Ethiopian Order of the Star, and the armour of Emperor Tewodros II. The government is also preparing new UNESCO nominations, including Al-Nejashi Mosque, Ethiopian coffee traditions, and staple crop onset, highlighting cultural sustainability as a core national development pillar.