Ethiopia's Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed has won the Nobel Peace Prize for his role in ending two decades of conflict with neighbouring Eritrea, Sky News reports.

The coveted honour was also in recognition of other efforts by the reformist leader toward reconciliation in the region, including Kenya, Somalia and in Sudan.

In a statement issued following the announcement, the Ethiopian prime minister's office tweeted: "We are proud as a nation."

Five facts you need to know about Abiy Ahmed

• The fitness fanatic defused a protest in October 2018 by armed soldiers who stormed into his office demanding a pay rise by ordering them to do 10 press-ups - and joined them

• On 2 April 2018, then 41, he became Africa's youngest leader when he became Ethiopia's PM

• He comes from a mixed cultural background: his father was Muslim and his mother a Christian

• The multi-lingual PM is fluent in three of the country's main languages - Afaan Oromo, Amharic and Tigrinya - and speaks English

• He has launched an ambitious climate change project to plant four billion trees

The charismatic 43-year-old has also been hailed for his domestic agenda.

Within months of coming to power he oversaw the release of the country's political prisoners, condemning their torture and also freeing jailed journalists.

He has also engaged with political opponents and invited exiles to return.

In a further progressive move, he appointed women to half of his cabinet.