By Abdullahi Salad - Reporter
ADDIS ABABA, 8 October 2026 – Ethiopia’s House of Peoples’ Representatives on Thursday unanimously approved the new cabinet nominated by Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed. According to Ethiopian media, the new cabinet consists of 22 ministers and a deputy prime minister.
The approval came during the second session of parliament’s seventh term, three days after Abiy Ahmed was re-elected prime minister for a five-year term. The number of lawmakers who voted was not disclosed. Ethiopian media reported only that the approval was unanimous.
Temesgen Tiruneh returns as Deputy Prime Minister, while seven ministers retain their posts: Gedion Timothewos at Foreign Affairs; Addisu Arega at Agriculture; Birhanu Nega at Education; Hana Arayaselassie at Justice; Habtamu Itefa at Water and Energy; Mekdes Daba at Health; and Aynalem Niguse at Revenues.
The biggest changes came at Finance and Defence. Fitsum Assefa, who led the Ministry of Planning and Development for eight years, was named Minister of Finance. He replaces Ahmed Shide, who was elected Speaker of the House of Peoples’ Representatives on October 5.
Mohammed Idris, previously Minister of Peace, moves to the Ministry of Defence.
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Three other ministers were moved to different ministries. Selamawit Kassa now leads the Ministry of Culture and Tourism. Alemtsahay Paulos was named Minister of Mines, while Shewit Shanka moves to the Ministry of Women and Social Affairs.
Ten ministers were not previously members of the cabinet. They include Musa Adem, chairman of the Afar People’s Party (APP), who was named Minister of Peace; Frehiwot Tamiru, former head of Ethio Telecom, who was named Minister of Innovation and Technology; Sadat Nesha, former Deputy President of Oromia, who was named Minister of Logistics; Fisseha Yitagesu, who was named Minister of Industry; and Bereket Fissehatsion, a former state minister, who was named Minister of National Strategy.
The other new ministers are Yasmin Wohabrebbi, who was appointed Minister of Trade and Regional Integration; Awelu Abdi, Minister of Labour and Skills; Mohammed Abdurahman, Minister of Urban and Infrastructure; Sultan Weli, Minister of Irrigation and Lowlands; and Aklilu Tadesse, Minister of Youth and Sports.
According to state broadcaster Fana, women hold nine of the 22 ministerial posts, accounting for about 41%. It is also the first time a minister from the Harari Region has been appointed to the federal government.
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