Ethiopia’s House of Peoples’ Representatives approved Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed’s 22 ministerial nominees on October 8. Together with Deputy Prime Minister Temesgen Tiruneh, they form a 23-member cabinet.
Nine women take ministerial roles
Nine of the ministers are women. Fitsum Assefa takes the finance portfolio and Mohammed Idris becomes defence minister. The appointed members took their oath before parliament.
Women represented in the cabinet
Nine women were appointed to ministerial positions. Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed said professional qualifications and executive ability were considered alongside gender and regional diversity.
Challenges facing the new government
The cabinet takes office as fighting intensifies in Tigray and diplomatic tensions with Eritrea deepen. Security, economic policy, public administration and regional relations remain among the government’s major priorities.
Broader context
The ministers assumed their roles following parliamentary endorsement and the swearing-in process. The practical impact of the reshuffle will depend on policy decisions taken across the government’s portfolios. Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed presented the appointments as part of a renewed administration focused on public service and development. At the same time, tensions in northern Ethiopia remain a central security challenge for the new cabinet.