Tigray Caretaker Administration Seeks to Revive Trade and Stabilise Markets

October 28, 2026 | By Semahegn Nigatu

Tigray’s caretaker administration says it is working to revive commercial activity, ease shortages of essential goods and restore public services as the region seeks to recover from years of conflict and disruption.

Dr Tewodros Aregay, the administration’s chief executive for economic affairs and reconstruction, said officials were working with businesses, banks, investors and other stakeholders to improve supplies and stabilise markets.

Since its establishment in October 2026, the caretaker administration has prioritised restoring damaged social and economic structures and helping residents return to normal life, according to Tewodros, whose remarks were reported by the Ethiopian News Agency.

He said public service institutions and infrastructure networks whose operations had been disrupted were gradually returning to normal. Temporary coordinators had also been assigned to rebuild government structures and maintain public services.

The administration is working with the business community to improve the availability of food and related products, Tewodros said, adding that supplies were entering the region and shortages were being addressed. He did not provide figures on the volume of goods entering Tigray or changes in market prices.

The administration has also strengthened public consultation and discussion forums, through which it gathers residents’ concerns and responds to local needs, he said.

Preparations are under way to extend the resumption of teaching and learning beyond Mekelle, where classes have already restarted, to other parts of the region.

The economic recovery effort is unfolding under a caretaker administration established by the federal government on October 16, with a six-month mandate that includes restoring public services, rebuilding institutions and preparing for elections. Its leadership includes officials responsible for economic affairs and reconstruction, security, political affairs and public services.

The federal government has said the administration will operate under its direction and oversight. The arrangement follows a period of political tension and disputes over implementation of the Pretoria peace agreement.

The administration’s economic priorities include restoring commercial activity and addressing supply constraints. However, the statements available so far do not specify the funding committed to reconstruction, the scale of damage to public infrastructure, or measurable targets for trade, investment and employment.

The effectiveness of the recovery effort will depend in part on whether improved supplies translate into more stable prices, whether businesses can resume normal operations and whether public services can be restored across the region.

The caretaker administration has also been tasked with preparing for elections within six months, although a detailed election timetable has not been announced in the material reviewed.

Source: FSX Business News