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INTERNATIONAL ENGAGEMENT 2026

UK Delegation Team Welcomed by the
Ethiopian Embassy
in London

Strengthening UK–Ethiopia relations

Explore the story ↗✳ LONDON · ETHIOPIA
01 / 08THE LONDON ENGAGEMENT
29 SEPT — 01 OCT 2026OROMIA TOURISM WEEK 2026SCROLL TO DISCOVER ↓

The supplied photographs are illustrative. They have not been verified as images of this Embassy engagement or the named delegates.

01 THE STORY

Beyond borders.
Beyond business.

An exchange rooted in hospitality, shared ambition and the possibility of meaningful international partnerships.

A UK delegation was warmly welcomed by His Excellency Ambassador Biruk Mekonnen, Deputy Ambassador Lalisa Birhanu and the Ethiopian Embassy team in London ahead of its visit to Ethiopia for Oromia Tourism Week 2026.

The engagement provided an opportunity to strengthen connections between the United Kingdom and Ethiopia, exchange perspectives and explore areas of mutual interest across business, investment, tourism, technology, healthcare, education and cultural exchange.

The meeting also featured a traditional Ethiopian coffee ceremony, offering a meaningful opportunity to appreciate Ethiopia’s rich cultural heritage and renowned hospitality.

The engagement formed part of the wider initiative to encourage international cooperation, develop professional relationships and explore opportunities for collaboration between organisations and representatives from both countries.

A MOMENT OF CONNECTION

A welcome that opens doors.

FIG. 02 — THE WELCOME

The welcome at the Ethiopian Embassy in London marked an important moment ahead of the delegation’s visit to Ethiopia. The opportunity to meet with the Ambassador, Deputy Ambassador and Embassy team provided a setting for constructive dialogue and the development of professional connections.

The delegation expressed its appreciation for the warm hospitality, valuable discussions and opportunity to learn more about Ethiopia’s culture, business environment and potential for international partnerships.

Such engagements help establish a foundation for continued dialogue and cooperation, bringing together people and organisations with shared interests in economic development, innovation, education and cultural understanding.

BUILDING RELATIONSHIPS
THROUGH DIALOGUE
02 CULTURAL EXCHANGE

Culture at the
heart of connection.

A traditional Ethiopian coffee ceremony provided a meaningful opportunity to celebrate the country’s rich cultural heritage and hospitality — an important reminder that enduring partnerships begin with human connections.

“

Great partnerships begin with understanding.

03 — CULTURAL EXCHANGE & DIALOGUE
03 THE INVITATION

An invitation to discover Ethiopia.

The UK delegation was invited by Commissioner Lelise Duga and the Oromia Tourism Commission to participate as international guests at Oromia Tourism Week 2026, taking place from 29 September to 1 October 2026 in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

The programme provided an opportunity to explore Ethiopia’s tourism and investment potential while engaging with representatives and stakeholders from different sectors.

Oromia offers opportunities to showcase its natural landscapes, cultural heritage, tourism destinations and local enterprises to international audiences. The participation of international professionals can help encourage knowledge exchange, business connections and discussions around future collaboration.

The delegation’s involvement reflected an interest in building stronger relationships between UK and Ethiopian stakeholders and exploring opportunities that connect local expertise with international markets.

29 SEPTEMBER – 1 OCTOBER 2026ADDIS ABABA, ETHIOPIA
DESTINATIONOromia.ETHIOPIA · 2026
04 THE PEOPLE

Different expertise.
Shared ambition.

The delegation brought together professionals and business representatives with experience and interests spanning multiple industries. This diversity provided a platform for discussions that extended beyond a single sector, encouraging a broader approach to international cooperation.

01 Shahzad Saleem
02 Saqib Ali Shah
03 Farid Alkazemi
04 Elicia “Lissy” Murphy
05 Shallesh “Bugsy” Pankhania
06 Joshua Oliver
07 Kavin Prathi
08 Mustafa Ahmad
09 Anduela Laho
10 Dr Waseem Abdul Mohi
11 Sheth Jeebun
12 Trushna Adalja
13 Kishore Babu
14 Rohat Kumar

Together, the delegation represented a range of professional interests and perspectives, creating opportunities to exchange ideas and explore potential areas of cooperation with Ethiopian counterparts.

14 DELEGATES &
CONTRIBUTORS
05 KEY AREAS OF COLLABORATION

Where opportunity meets action.

Six focus areas opening a wider conversation about what UK–Ethiopia cooperation could look like.

01 / 06↗

Tourism &
Investment

Tourism and investment were central areas of interest, with opportunities to promote Ethiopia’s destinations, cultural heritage and business potential to international audiences. Greater engagement between UK and Ethiopian stakeholders can help encourage tourism partnerships, business relationships and investment discussions.

ECONOMIC OPPORTUNITY ↗
02 / 06✳

Technology &
Artificial Intelligence

Technology and artificial intelligence offer opportunities to support innovation, digital development and organisational growth. International engagement can encourage knowledge sharing and help identify areas where digital solutions and technological expertise may support businesses and institutions.

DIGITAL INNOVATION ↗
03 / 06+

Healthcare

Healthcare collaboration can provide opportunities for professional exchange, institutional relationships and discussions around healthcare services, medical expertise and innovation.

HEALTH & WELLBEING ↗
04 / 06⌁

Education &
Knowledge Exchange

Educational cooperation can strengthen institutional connections, support knowledge sharing and create opportunities for academic and professional development between the two countries.

LEARNING & DEVELOPMENT ↗
05 / 06◉

Media &
Entertainment

Media, film and entertainment can play an important role in cultural exchange and international storytelling. Creative collaboration can help introduce Ethiopian culture, destinations and communities to wider audiences while encouraging connections between creative professionals.

CULTURAL STORYTELLING ↗
06 / 06∞

Women’s Economic
Empowerment

Supporting women’s economic participation is another important area for potential cooperation. Opportunities may include skills development, entrepreneurship, artisan support and stronger connections between local producers and international markets.

INCLUSIVE GROWTH ↗
06 MICRO TECH LONDON

Technology without borders.

Micro Tech London works across technology, digital transformation, artificial intelligence integration and international partnerships. Its involvement in international engagements provides opportunities to connect with organisations, explore shared interests and support conversations around technology-led development and cross-border cooperation.

The UK delegation’s engagement with the Ethiopian Embassy and participation in Oromia Tourism Week 2026 reflected the importance of bringing together professionals from different sectors to explore opportunities for collaboration.

Through dialogue, relationship-building and international engagement, such initiatives can help identify areas of mutual interest and create a foundation for future partnerships between the United Kingdom and Ethiopia.

DISCOVER MICRO TECH LONDON ↗
UK ETHIOPIA
The Palace of Westminster in London
Rock-hewn church in Lalibela, Ethiopia
ET
TECHNOLOGY
PARTNERSHIPS
COLLABORATION
FUTURE GROWTH
08 LOOKING AHEAD

From London
to Ethiopia.
And beyond.

The welcome at the Ethiopian Embassy in London represented an important stage in the UK delegation’s engagement ahead of Oromia Tourism Week 2026.

With participation spanning tourism, investment, technology, healthcare, education, media, entertainment and women’s economic empowerment, the delegation brought together diverse professional interests under a shared objective: encouraging international connections and exploring opportunities for cooperation.

The engagement also highlighted the value of cultural understanding in building professional relationships. The traditional Ethiopian coffee ceremony, warm hospitality and discussions at the Embassy provided a meaningful setting for dialogue ahead of the visit.

As the United Kingdom and Ethiopia continue to explore opportunities for international cooperation, engagements of this kind can contribute to stronger relationships, the exchange of expertise and the development of potential partnerships across sectors.

From London to Ethiopia, the focus remains on building connections, sharing expertise and exploring opportunities for a more collaborative future.