Ethiopia's Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed has appointed women to half of his government's ministerial posts, including the job of defence minister.

Explaining his decision in a speech to Parliament, Mr Abiy said women were "less corrupt than men" and would help restore peace and stability.

Tsedale Lemma, editor of Addis Standard news magazine, describes the move as "radical, but not surprising".

(Photo: Ethiopia's newly appointed ministers take their oath of office. Credit: Getty Images)