Ethiopian Ambassador Shortlisted for African Diplomat of the Year as Diaspora Engagement Efforts Gain Attention
Addis Ababa, Ethiopia — April 28, 2026 | Horn News Hub
The African Business Chamber has announced the finalists for the African Diplomat of the Year Excellence Award as part of the AfBC African Business Awards 2026, highlighting a group of diplomats based in the United Kingdom recognized for their role in strengthening Africa’s global engagement.
Among the nominees is Biruk Mekonnen, Ethiopia’s Ambassador to the United Kingdom, whose recent work has drawn attention for its focus on diaspora mobilization and economic diplomacy.
Other shortlisted diplomats include Johnston Busingye, Macenje Mazoka, Nimisha Jayant Madhvani, Christian M. Katsande, Sabah Zita Benson, Mbelwa Kairuki, and Dineo Mathlako.
Ambassador Biruk’s nomination comes at a time when Ethiopia is placing increasing emphasis on leveraging its diaspora community for national development. In recent months, the embassy in London has intensified outreach efforts aimed at encouraging Ethiopians abroad to invest, share expertise, and maintain stronger economic ties with their home country.
A key initiative under this effort is the upcoming Ethio Home Expo 2026, scheduled to take place in London from May 23 to 25. The event is designed to connect Ethiopian real estate developers, financial institutions, and policymakers with members of the diaspora seeking to invest in housing and property in Ethiopia.
Organized with the support of the Embassy of Ethiopia in London and the Ethiopian Diaspora Service, the expo is expected to serve as a platform for transparent engagement, allowing participants to explore investment opportunities while addressing long-standing concerns around trust, access to information, and regulatory clarity.
In parallel, the embassy has also been facilitating business forums aimed at strengthening trade and investment links between Ethiopia and the United Kingdom. These engagements reflect a broader diplomatic shift toward economic statecraft, where embassies play a direct role in promoting investment flows and diaspora participation.
The AfBC awards are intended to recognize diplomats who demonstrate measurable impact in advancing economic cooperation, investment promotion, and international partnerships. The final winner is expected to be announced later this year.
For Ethiopia, Ambassador Biruk’s inclusion on the shortlist signals growing recognition of diaspora-centered diplomacy as a key pillar of its foreign policy approach.
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