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IFC Invests in South Sudan Hotel to Support Business Tourism, Economic Growth
Jun 5, 2023 193
Addis Ababa June 05/2023 (ENA) International Finance Corporation (IFC) today announced an investment in Dembesh Hotel in Juba to support the development of South Sudan’s tourism infrastructure. According to a press release sent to ENA, IFC’s 7.5 million dollar investment comprises a 3.75 million dollar loan from IFC’s own account and a 3.75 million dollar concessional loan from the blended finance facility of the International Development Association’s (IDA) Private Sector Window. This investment was announced on the sidelines of the Africa CEO Forum, co-hosted by IFC, in Abidjan, Cote d’Ivoire. The expansion and renovation of the hotel, located in central Juba close to government offices, embassies, and commercial centers, will make it more attractive to business travelers and tourists, helping meet growing demand for high quality accommodation in the city, it said . The project is expected to create 100 jobs during the construction phase and 50 jobs once the hotel is operational. IFC will also provide advisory services to help the hotel reduce its environmental footprint through improved energy and water efficiency—and to become EDGE certified, which is an IFC green building certification system focused on making residential and commercial buildings more resource efficient. “IFC’s investment in Dembesh Hotel signals to the international investment community that South Sudan is open for business,” said Ayesheshim Teka, CEO of Dembesh Hotel. “This hotel has long been a preferred destination for public and private sector leaders visiting South Sudan. The expansion and renovation of the hotel will raise standards of the local hospitality sector – particularly as the hotel will then be rebranded to the international chain, Best Western Plus.” “IFC’s investment in Dembesh Hotel is a vote of confidence in South Sudan’s future,” said Cheick-Oumar Sylla, IFC Director for North Africa and Horn of Africa. “The hotel will provide much-needed accommodation for business travelers and tourists visiting Juba, creating jobs and boosting economic activity.” IFC’s long-term investment perspective and flexibility is particularly relevant for hotel investments which mostly require long-term financing, long grace periods, and flexible financial instruments, the press said. The investment in Dembesh Hotel is part of IFC’s broader commitment to support areas affected by fragility and conflict. IFC has pledged that, by 2030, 40 percent of its annual commitments will be in IDA-eligible and Fragile and Conflict-Affected Situation (FCS) countries, and that 15-20 percent of these investments will be in IDA countries that are classified as very low income and FCS. IFC, a member of the World Bank Group, is the largest global development institution focused on the private sector in emerging markets.
Ethiopia, Brazil Vow to Elevate Bilateral & Multilateral Diplomatic Ties
Jun 5, 2023 209
Addis Ababa June 6/2023 (ENA)Ethiopia and Brazil have reaffirmed the respective commitments of their governments to further enhance the longstanding diplomatic relations, according to Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Demeke Mekonnen, earlier today received Brazilian Foreign Minister, Ambassador Mauro Vieira at his office. During the occasion, Demeke stressed that it is high time to elevate Ethio-Brazilian relations as the opening of Ethiopian Embassy in Brasilia is aimed at bolstering relations between the two countries. The deputy prime minister and foreign minister also thanked the Government of Brazil for supporting sustainable forest management, cotton productivity, and soil protection projects in Ethiopia. Ethiopia and Brazil could further cooperate in the areas of investment, aviation, tourism, agriculture, manufacturing, environmental protection, mining and renewable energy, Demeke noted. Brazilian Foreign Minister, Ambassador Mauro Vieira for his part expressed his government’s readiness to support sports and other sectors parallel to advanced mutual interests in bilateral and multilateral venues. Accordingly, the dignitaries have also agreed to conduct political consultations subsequently.
PM Abiy Confers With Brazil’s Foreign Minister Mauro Vieira
Jun 5, 2023 251
Addis Ababa June 5/2023 (ENA)Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed held a discussion with Brazil’s Foreign Minister, Mauro Vieira on strengthened ties between Ethiopia and Brazil as well as cooperation on multilateral issues. “Pleased to receive Brazil’s Foreign Minister Mauro Vieira this morning for a discussion on strengthened ties between Ethiopia and Brazil as well as cooperation on multilateral issues,” Abiy twitted.
Ambassador Sied Presents His Credentials to Kuwait Foreign Minister
Jun 5, 2023 302
Addis Ababa June 5/2023(ENA):- Ethiopian Ambassador to Kuwait, Sied Muhumed presented his copy of credentials to the Foreign Minister of the State of Kuwait, Sheikh Salem Abdullah Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ethiopia. On the occasion, Ambassador Sied conveyed the good wishes of Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Demeke Mekonnen to the Foreign Minister of the State of Kuwait. He lauded the historical relationship between the two countries underscoring the need to further scale it up with renewed engagements. Moreover, Ambassador Sied expressed confidence that the Government of Kuwait would extend the necessary support for his endeavors to further strengthen the bilateral relationships between the two countries. Sheikh Salem Abdullah Al-Jaber Al-Sabah expressed gratitude for the goodwill wishes of the Ethiopian Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister and stated that Kuwait will continue to strengthen its bilateral and multilateral relations with Ethiopia. The Foreign Minister reaffirmed his commitment to supporting the Ambassador’s endeavors during his stay in Kuwait.
PM Abiy Inaugurates Unity Park Botanical Center, Unity Archive & Prime Minister Office Medical Center
Jun 5, 2023 279
Addis Ababa June 5/2023 (ENA) Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed inaugurated the Unity Park Botanical Center, the Unity Archive, and the Prime Minister Office Medical Center. Adequate and productive use of spaces is essential in value creation, Prime Minister Abiy twitted. Moreover, he added that the Unity Park Botanical Center has been developed from scratch in a none utilized space while Unity Archive and the Medical Center have undergone extensive renovation and restoration works to bring them up to standard.
Politics
Ethiopia, Brazil Vow to Elevate Bilateral & Multilateral Diplomatic Ties
Jun 5, 2023 209
Addis Ababa June 6/2023 (ENA)Ethiopia and Brazil have reaffirmed the respective commitments of their governments to further enhance the longstanding diplomatic relations, according to Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Demeke Mekonnen, earlier today received Brazilian Foreign Minister, Ambassador Mauro Vieira at his office. During the occasion, Demeke stressed that it is high time to elevate Ethio-Brazilian relations as the opening of Ethiopian Embassy in Brasilia is aimed at bolstering relations between the two countries. The deputy prime minister and foreign minister also thanked the Government of Brazil for supporting sustainable forest management, cotton productivity, and soil protection projects in Ethiopia. Ethiopia and Brazil could further cooperate in the areas of investment, aviation, tourism, agriculture, manufacturing, environmental protection, mining and renewable energy, Demeke noted. Brazilian Foreign Minister, Ambassador Mauro Vieira for his part expressed his government’s readiness to support sports and other sectors parallel to advanced mutual interests in bilateral and multilateral venues. Accordingly, the dignitaries have also agreed to conduct political consultations subsequently.
PM Abiy Confers With Brazil’s Foreign Minister Mauro Vieira
Jun 5, 2023 251
Addis Ababa June 5/2023 (ENA)Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed held a discussion with Brazil’s Foreign Minister, Mauro Vieira on strengthened ties between Ethiopia and Brazil as well as cooperation on multilateral issues. “Pleased to receive Brazil’s Foreign Minister Mauro Vieira this morning for a discussion on strengthened ties between Ethiopia and Brazil as well as cooperation on multilateral issues,” Abiy twitted.
Ambassador Sied Presents His Credentials to Kuwait Foreign Minister
Jun 5, 2023 302
Addis Ababa June 5/2023(ENA):- Ethiopian Ambassador to Kuwait, Sied Muhumed presented his copy of credentials to the Foreign Minister of the State of Kuwait, Sheikh Salem Abdullah Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ethiopia. On the occasion, Ambassador Sied conveyed the good wishes of Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Demeke Mekonnen to the Foreign Minister of the State of Kuwait. He lauded the historical relationship between the two countries underscoring the need to further scale it up with renewed engagements. Moreover, Ambassador Sied expressed confidence that the Government of Kuwait would extend the necessary support for his endeavors to further strengthen the bilateral relationships between the two countries. Sheikh Salem Abdullah Al-Jaber Al-Sabah expressed gratitude for the goodwill wishes of the Ethiopian Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister and stated that Kuwait will continue to strengthen its bilateral and multilateral relations with Ethiopia. The Foreign Minister reaffirmed his commitment to supporting the Ambassador’s endeavors during his stay in Kuwait.
Visit of DPM & Foreign Minister Demeke Will Help to Further Boost Bilateral Relations, Says Chinese Ambassador
Jun 3, 2023 620
Addis Ababa June 03/2023 (ENA) The official visit of Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Demeke Mekonnen will help to further bolster the China- Ethiopia relationship, Chinese Ambassador Zhao Zhiyuan said. Speaking to ENA, the ambassador stated that thanks to the care and promotion of the leaders of the two countries, practical cooperation has been continuously deepened and bilateral friendship has taken root in the hearts of the people. During the visit of the deputy premier, higher officials of the two countries held discussions about matters of mutual concern, he added. Ambassador Zhiyuan stated that China and Ethiopia have much in common as the major developing countries with respective influence in Asia and Africa, and in the world. The two countries will work together to enhance the bilateral relationship. While in China, the Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Demeke Mekonnen told the China Global Television Network that comprehensive and multilateral cooperation between Ethiopia and China is a role model and a good showcase for many emerging economies in Africa and beyond. He pointed out that Ethiopia and China have been experiencing a win-win principle and the existing bilateral relations are very dependable and friendly.
Ethio-Chinese Relationship Developing to Strategic Level: DPM & Foreign Minister Demeke
Jun 3, 2023 661
Addis Ababa June 03/2023 (ENA) The relationship between Ethiopia and China is currently developing to a strategic level, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Demeke Mekonnen told China Global Television Network (CGTN). Recall that the deputy prime minister and foreign minister recently visited China. In an interview with CGTN, the deputy prime minister and foreign minister said that the purpose of his visit here was to keep the momentum to address different outstanding issues for a strong engagement between the countries. According to him, the comprehensive and multilateral cooperation between Ethiopia and China is a role model and a good showcase for many emerging economies in Africa and beyond. “When we talk about partnership with China, it means comprehensive, strategic and cooperative, which is a very holistic bilateral mechanism. And this approach is also a good foundation for multilateral roles across the globe,” he underlined. Demeke noted that Ethiopia and China have been experiencing a win-win principle and the existing bilateral relations are very dependable and friendly. Apart from being in the African Continental Free Trade Area agreement and having cooperation in many spheres, Ethiopia is also in the framework of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). For him, the Belt and Road Initiative is crucial to expedite the collectivity process, the economic connectivity, the economic integration mechanisms, and the like. Ethiopia is very keen and committed to be connected through this Belt and Road Initiative mechanism, Demeke pointed out. He further stated that some practical new emerging infrastructure development cooperation programs between Ethiopia and China, like the railway project from Addis Ababa to Djibouti and other regional projects, “are very important to implement the broad Belt and Road Initiative that would be a good infrastructure and a good connectivity model to enhance economic cooperation and to diversify engagement within this initiative framework.” Asked about the evergrowing China-Africa partnership, he said that Africa is a rising continent with huge potential and “the strong relation between China and Africa means it is a practical demonstration and practical south-south cooperation between developing economies.” The deputy prime minister and foreign minister believes that the Chinese-African partnership really gives another opportunity to influence the whole globe on cooperation mechanisms. Partnerships like Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) and BRI and other mechanisms are instrumental in strengthening the collective engagement in the political dialogue, economic cooperation and the like. Demeke finally emphasized the need to see a peaceful and prosperous society that focuses on development, improved governance, and democracy in Africa.
Foreign Affairs State Minister, Kuwait Ambassador Hold Talks
Jun 1, 2023 717
Addis Ababa June 01/2023 (ENA) Foreign Affairs State Minister Mesganu Arga and Kuwait Ambassador Nayef Hapes Al-Otaibi held talks at his office today. According to the ministry, the state minister commended the historic and excellent bilateral relations between Ethiopia and Kuwait. He also expressed his gratitude to the Government of Kuwait for its sustained assistance to Ethiopia at different times. Furthermore, Mesganu called for additional support to the reconstruction and rehabilitation efforts in conflict-affected areas of Ethiopia. He also emphasized the importance of materializing the Joint Ministerial Commission meeting between the two countries. The state minister added that both countries should work closely together, alongside the IGAD and the African Union, to help resolve the challenges faced by the Horn of Africa region. Kuwait Ambassador Nayef Hapes Al-Otaibi on his part reiterated his government's commitment to expedite the signing of the bilateral labor agreement and the holding of the first Joint Ministerial Commission meeting. Both sides also exchanged views on various other issues of common interest, it was learned.
IGAD Calls on Media Outlets to Play Actively in Ensuring Peace, Security of Horn Region
Jun 1, 2023 941
Addis Ababa June 1/2023(ENA):-Ensuring the peace and safety of Horn of Africa calls for participation of multilateral actors; and the mass media should play active role in this regard, according to the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD). IGAD has urged the media to have proper understanding of the complex nature of the peace and security threats in the region and focus on activities that would foster the image and national interest of the country. Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ethiopia along with IGAD jointly organized a two-day training program to local journalists and foreign correspondents in Bishofstu. The training focused on strengthening the capacity of the mass media on covering cross-border threats of peace and security, it was indicated. Speaking on the occasion, Security Sector Program Director with IGAD, Commander Abebe Muluneh said that the East African region is vulnerable to cross-border crimes and security threats. Therefore, the director said the mass media should have proper understanding of security and safety threats, as well as cross-border crime in the region. And ensuring the peace and safety of the horn calls for participation of multilateral actors and the mass media should play active role in this regard, he stressed. Thus, the mass media should create positive effects in the efforts to address security threats by discharging their responsibilities not only during the time of conflict but also in the post-conflict and peace building process. Spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Meles Alem said on his part that maintaining our national interest is not only the duty of diplomats but also of journalists. Accordingly, the spokesperson urged journalists to fulfill their responsibilities especially in producing accurate information and providing it to the public. African Affairs Deputy Director General at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Jamaladdin Mohamed said that the training would help journalists to expand their understanding in the areas peace and security of the region. The training would enable journalists to enhance their knowledge and skills, particularly in providing accurate and fair reporting on conflict and peace issues responsibly and with utmost care. Further, it contributes to the role journalists play as part of strengthening the capacity of IGAD member countries in their efforts of addressing transboundary security threats.
Gov’t Underlines Need for Investigation of Alleged Aid Misuse or Diversions
Jun 1, 2023 819
Addis Ababa June 1/2023 (ENA) The Government of Ethiopia has condemned misuse of aid and stressed the need for investigation of allegations of misuse or diversions. In a presser it released today, the Ethiopian Disaster Risk Management Commission stated that “the way forward comprises continuing taking resolute actions to ensure accountability and installing safeguards solely based on mutual understanding and humanitarian objectives.” The government has been working with the UN and other bilateral and multilateral partners to facilitate aid delivery and accelerate post-conflict recovery programs, the pressed added. Moreover, the government has a coordinated system among the relevant agencies and is cooperating with the donor community to ensure that aid reaches the beneficiaries. According to the commission, the Pretoria Peace Agreement has created a safe and conducive environment for sustained, and unimpeded humanitarian access to communities affected by the conflict. Condemning therefore any misuse of aid, it noted that the government has a track record of holding those found responsible for abuse accountable and is working with regional authorities in ensuring accountability.
Politics
Ethiopia, Brazil Vow to Elevate Bilateral & Multilateral Diplomatic Ties
Jun 5, 2023 209
Addis Ababa June 6/2023 (ENA)Ethiopia and Brazil have reaffirmed the respective commitments of their governments to further enhance the longstanding diplomatic relations, according to Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Demeke Mekonnen, earlier today received Brazilian Foreign Minister, Ambassador Mauro Vieira at his office. During the occasion, Demeke stressed that it is high time to elevate Ethio-Brazilian relations as the opening of Ethiopian Embassy in Brasilia is aimed at bolstering relations between the two countries. The deputy prime minister and foreign minister also thanked the Government of Brazil for supporting sustainable forest management, cotton productivity, and soil protection projects in Ethiopia. Ethiopia and Brazil could further cooperate in the areas of investment, aviation, tourism, agriculture, manufacturing, environmental protection, mining and renewable energy, Demeke noted. Brazilian Foreign Minister, Ambassador Mauro Vieira for his part expressed his government’s readiness to support sports and other sectors parallel to advanced mutual interests in bilateral and multilateral venues. Accordingly, the dignitaries have also agreed to conduct political consultations subsequently.
PM Abiy Confers With Brazil’s Foreign Minister Mauro Vieira
Jun 5, 2023 251
Addis Ababa June 5/2023 (ENA)Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed held a discussion with Brazil’s Foreign Minister, Mauro Vieira on strengthened ties between Ethiopia and Brazil as well as cooperation on multilateral issues. “Pleased to receive Brazil’s Foreign Minister Mauro Vieira this morning for a discussion on strengthened ties between Ethiopia and Brazil as well as cooperation on multilateral issues,” Abiy twitted.
Ambassador Sied Presents His Credentials to Kuwait Foreign Minister
Jun 5, 2023 302
Addis Ababa June 5/2023(ENA):- Ethiopian Ambassador to Kuwait, Sied Muhumed presented his copy of credentials to the Foreign Minister of the State of Kuwait, Sheikh Salem Abdullah Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ethiopia. On the occasion, Ambassador Sied conveyed the good wishes of Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Demeke Mekonnen to the Foreign Minister of the State of Kuwait. He lauded the historical relationship between the two countries underscoring the need to further scale it up with renewed engagements. Moreover, Ambassador Sied expressed confidence that the Government of Kuwait would extend the necessary support for his endeavors to further strengthen the bilateral relationships between the two countries. Sheikh Salem Abdullah Al-Jaber Al-Sabah expressed gratitude for the goodwill wishes of the Ethiopian Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister and stated that Kuwait will continue to strengthen its bilateral and multilateral relations with Ethiopia. The Foreign Minister reaffirmed his commitment to supporting the Ambassador’s endeavors during his stay in Kuwait.
Visit of DPM & Foreign Minister Demeke Will Help to Further Boost Bilateral Relations, Says Chinese Ambassador
Jun 3, 2023 620
Addis Ababa June 03/2023 (ENA) The official visit of Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Demeke Mekonnen will help to further bolster the China- Ethiopia relationship, Chinese Ambassador Zhao Zhiyuan said. Speaking to ENA, the ambassador stated that thanks to the care and promotion of the leaders of the two countries, practical cooperation has been continuously deepened and bilateral friendship has taken root in the hearts of the people. During the visit of the deputy premier, higher officials of the two countries held discussions about matters of mutual concern, he added. Ambassador Zhiyuan stated that China and Ethiopia have much in common as the major developing countries with respective influence in Asia and Africa, and in the world. The two countries will work together to enhance the bilateral relationship. While in China, the Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Demeke Mekonnen told the China Global Television Network that comprehensive and multilateral cooperation between Ethiopia and China is a role model and a good showcase for many emerging economies in Africa and beyond. He pointed out that Ethiopia and China have been experiencing a win-win principle and the existing bilateral relations are very dependable and friendly.
Ethio-Chinese Relationship Developing to Strategic Level: DPM & Foreign Minister Demeke
Jun 3, 2023 661
Addis Ababa June 03/2023 (ENA) The relationship between Ethiopia and China is currently developing to a strategic level, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Demeke Mekonnen told China Global Television Network (CGTN). Recall that the deputy prime minister and foreign minister recently visited China. In an interview with CGTN, the deputy prime minister and foreign minister said that the purpose of his visit here was to keep the momentum to address different outstanding issues for a strong engagement between the countries. According to him, the comprehensive and multilateral cooperation between Ethiopia and China is a role model and a good showcase for many emerging economies in Africa and beyond. “When we talk about partnership with China, it means comprehensive, strategic and cooperative, which is a very holistic bilateral mechanism. And this approach is also a good foundation for multilateral roles across the globe,” he underlined. Demeke noted that Ethiopia and China have been experiencing a win-win principle and the existing bilateral relations are very dependable and friendly. Apart from being in the African Continental Free Trade Area agreement and having cooperation in many spheres, Ethiopia is also in the framework of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). For him, the Belt and Road Initiative is crucial to expedite the collectivity process, the economic connectivity, the economic integration mechanisms, and the like. Ethiopia is very keen and committed to be connected through this Belt and Road Initiative mechanism, Demeke pointed out. He further stated that some practical new emerging infrastructure development cooperation programs between Ethiopia and China, like the railway project from Addis Ababa to Djibouti and other regional projects, “are very important to implement the broad Belt and Road Initiative that would be a good infrastructure and a good connectivity model to enhance economic cooperation and to diversify engagement within this initiative framework.” Asked about the evergrowing China-Africa partnership, he said that Africa is a rising continent with huge potential and “the strong relation between China and Africa means it is a practical demonstration and practical south-south cooperation between developing economies.” The deputy prime minister and foreign minister believes that the Chinese-African partnership really gives another opportunity to influence the whole globe on cooperation mechanisms. Partnerships like Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) and BRI and other mechanisms are instrumental in strengthening the collective engagement in the political dialogue, economic cooperation and the like. Demeke finally emphasized the need to see a peaceful and prosperous society that focuses on development, improved governance, and democracy in Africa.
Foreign Affairs State Minister, Kuwait Ambassador Hold Talks
Jun 1, 2023 717
Addis Ababa June 01/2023 (ENA) Foreign Affairs State Minister Mesganu Arga and Kuwait Ambassador Nayef Hapes Al-Otaibi held talks at his office today. According to the ministry, the state minister commended the historic and excellent bilateral relations between Ethiopia and Kuwait. He also expressed his gratitude to the Government of Kuwait for its sustained assistance to Ethiopia at different times. Furthermore, Mesganu called for additional support to the reconstruction and rehabilitation efforts in conflict-affected areas of Ethiopia. He also emphasized the importance of materializing the Joint Ministerial Commission meeting between the two countries. The state minister added that both countries should work closely together, alongside the IGAD and the African Union, to help resolve the challenges faced by the Horn of Africa region. Kuwait Ambassador Nayef Hapes Al-Otaibi on his part reiterated his government's commitment to expedite the signing of the bilateral labor agreement and the holding of the first Joint Ministerial Commission meeting. Both sides also exchanged views on various other issues of common interest, it was learned.
IGAD Calls on Media Outlets to Play Actively in Ensuring Peace, Security of Horn Region
Jun 1, 2023 941
Addis Ababa June 1/2023(ENA):-Ensuring the peace and safety of Horn of Africa calls for participation of multilateral actors; and the mass media should play active role in this regard, according to the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD). IGAD has urged the media to have proper understanding of the complex nature of the peace and security threats in the region and focus on activities that would foster the image and national interest of the country. Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ethiopia along with IGAD jointly organized a two-day training program to local journalists and foreign correspondents in Bishofstu. The training focused on strengthening the capacity of the mass media on covering cross-border threats of peace and security, it was indicated. Speaking on the occasion, Security Sector Program Director with IGAD, Commander Abebe Muluneh said that the East African region is vulnerable to cross-border crimes and security threats. Therefore, the director said the mass media should have proper understanding of security and safety threats, as well as cross-border crime in the region. And ensuring the peace and safety of the horn calls for participation of multilateral actors and the mass media should play active role in this regard, he stressed. Thus, the mass media should create positive effects in the efforts to address security threats by discharging their responsibilities not only during the time of conflict but also in the post-conflict and peace building process. Spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Meles Alem said on his part that maintaining our national interest is not only the duty of diplomats but also of journalists. Accordingly, the spokesperson urged journalists to fulfill their responsibilities especially in producing accurate information and providing it to the public. African Affairs Deputy Director General at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Jamaladdin Mohamed said that the training would help journalists to expand their understanding in the areas peace and security of the region. The training would enable journalists to enhance their knowledge and skills, particularly in providing accurate and fair reporting on conflict and peace issues responsibly and with utmost care. Further, it contributes to the role journalists play as part of strengthening the capacity of IGAD member countries in their efforts of addressing transboundary security threats.
Gov’t Underlines Need for Investigation of Alleged Aid Misuse or Diversions
Jun 1, 2023 819
Addis Ababa June 1/2023 (ENA) The Government of Ethiopia has condemned misuse of aid and stressed the need for investigation of allegations of misuse or diversions. In a presser it released today, the Ethiopian Disaster Risk Management Commission stated that “the way forward comprises continuing taking resolute actions to ensure accountability and installing safeguards solely based on mutual understanding and humanitarian objectives.” The government has been working with the UN and other bilateral and multilateral partners to facilitate aid delivery and accelerate post-conflict recovery programs, the pressed added. Moreover, the government has a coordinated system among the relevant agencies and is cooperating with the donor community to ensure that aid reaches the beneficiaries. According to the commission, the Pretoria Peace Agreement has created a safe and conducive environment for sustained, and unimpeded humanitarian access to communities affected by the conflict. Condemning therefore any misuse of aid, it noted that the government has a track record of holding those found responsible for abuse accountable and is working with regional authorities in ensuring accountability.
Social
Ethiopia Undertaking Enormous Activities to Develop, Preserve & Promote Tourist Attractions: Ministry of Tourism
Jun 4, 2023 519
Addis Ababa June 4/2023(ENA):- The Ministry of Tourism stated that enormous activities are being carried out to develop, preserve, and promote Ethiopia's tourist attractions. A permanent exhibition under the theme “Lalibela Carving Faith” showcasing the archaeology and virtual reality of Lalibela Churches was opened in the historical town yesterday. Tourism State Minister Sileshi Girma on the occasion said works on historical heritages of tourist attraction sites are being carried with a view to adding values and boost the competitive and inclusive social benefits of tourist destination. Hundreds of thousands of people visited Lalibela virtual reality exhibition which was opened at Entoto Park and similar fair has been opened in Lalibela, he recalled. Noting that special attention has been given to the development and protection of world heritage sites inscribed by UNESCO, Sileshi stated the protection of Lalibela and enhancing its tourist destination value are underway. The work of developing, protecting, and promoting attractions sites of Ethiopia are being carried out on a large scale, Sileshi said, pointing out the "Dine For a Nation" project, the renovation of Gondar Fasil and Jimma Abajfar palaces as examples. In hotel and catering industries, training and capacity building activities are being carried out to provide quality service delivery to tourists , he said. The Lalibela Sustainable Project is also under implementation by the support of the French Government, he said, adding the project is aimed at extending the stay of visitors by developing tour packages thereby making Lalibela competitive tourist destination and provide benefits to the community. The state minister called for extension phase of the sustainable Project as it will end in just a year. Ethiopian Heritage Authority, Deputy Director, Hiwet Hailu said heritage has a unique role as a source of information and income as well as recorded history, to understand nature and the environment. According to Hiwet, works are being carried out with stakeholders to keep heritages as historical evidence, pass on to posterity, protect them from damage and enhance their utilization for research and development and socio-economic benefits. The implementation of sustainable project of Lalibela, being carried out in 22 priority areas with the support of French Development Agency(AFD) is also well underway, she said. According to her, Lalibela permanent exhibition will create a great opportunity to promote Ethiopia and extend visitors' stay and it will be opened in other areas. Stressing that preserving and caring for heritage is the duty of citizenship, she said the restoration and maintenance of the Lalibela churches and the temporary shelter of the relics will be done cautiously. Representing French Embassy in Ethiopia, Cultural Counselor, Sophie Makame on her part said the friendship and cooperation between Ethiopia and France that lasted for over a century has given priority in the field of historical diplomacy and in this regard, it is accomplishing tangible works. She noted that the Lalibela Sustainable Project being underway, the renovation of the National Palace and National Museum are the initiatives of Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed and President of France, Emmanuel Macron. As Lalibela is not only historical heritage, but it is also a resource, which provides of benefit to the community, she said, adding that efforts are being made to ensure the continuity of the heritage by combining capabilities of local and foreign experts. Makame recalled that preserving and caring for Lalibela heritage and passing it on to the next generation is a shared responsibility, and in this regard, France is contributing its share. She further stated that the implementation of the sustainable project and the permanent exhibition of Lalibela will enhance historical understanding of Ethiopian and international visitors by retrieving historical and spiritual aspects, and it will also be the basis for building a future database, fostering inclusive development for the local community. As Ethio-French Cooperation, it is our collective responsibility to preserve and protect Ethiopia's ancient wonders and world heritages. And we have to discharge our responsibility so that the next generation will get its heritages and history preserved. The wonders of rock-hewn churches of Lalibela are the wealth of the country and the world, apart from the city.
Ethiopian University, Secondary School Students Chinese Language Proficiency Competition Held
Jun 3, 2023 464
Addis Ababa June 03/2023 (ENA) A Chinese proficiency competition for Ethiopian university and secondary school students with the view to enhancing cultural relationship between the two countries has taken place here in Addis Ababa today. Some 16 university and 6 secondary school students participated in the final round competition. The talent show included singing Chinese songs, Chinese dancing, poetry recitation, cross talk, tongue twisters, Huangmei Opera, and martial arts performance. Special prizes, first to third prizes, and excellence awards were given to the twenty two contestants. The winners in the university and the secondary school group categories will go to China to participate in the finals, it was learned. Speaking on the occasion, Chinese Ambassador Zhao Zhiyuan said that he is very confident that those Chinese learners in Ethiopia and Amharic learners in China will become ambassadors of friendship in the near future. "I am very confident that those Chinese learners in Ethiopia and Amharic learners in China will become Sino-Ethiopia ambassadors of friendship in the near future, contributing to the consolidation of the bridge of brotherly relationship between our two countries, to the building of the bridge of a community with a shared future for our two people." He added that the competition is an important platform to promote exchanges and friendship between Chinese and foreign students, and an important bridge to promote people-to-people exchanges between China and other countries and jointly build a community with a shared future for mankind. Since the first round competition in 2002, more than 1.4 million non-native Chinese language learners from more than 150 countries have participated in the Chinese proficiency competitions, Ambassador Zhiyuan stated. Representing the Internationalization and Scholarship Desk of the Ministry of Education, Terefe Belay said that the two countries have a long-standing relationship. According to him, strengthening cultural ties between the peoples of the countries will further consolidate the cultural relationship. 'The relationship between Ethiopia and China is long standing. It has been around for long. Both countries have great cultural and ancient heritages. Therefore, in order to strengthen the brotherly relationship between the two countries, it will make them more effective if people learn each other’s culture, languages through academic exchange.'
Permanent Exhibition Depicting Construction Art of Lalibela Rock-Hewn Churches Opened
Jun 3, 2023 524
Addis Ababa June 03/2023 (ENA) A permanent exhibition that shows the construction art of the Rock-Hewn Churches of Lalibela was opened in Lalibela town today. The exhibition organized under the theme “Lalibela Built by Faith” is expected to have a great value in extending the stay of visitors in the historical town. A “Sustainable Lalibela” project, which is being implemented with the the financial support of the French Development Agency since March 2021 to preserve Ethiopian cultural heritage, is also underway in Lalibela town. The opening ceremony of the permanent exhibition was attended by senior federal and regional government officials, including Tourism State Minister Sileshi Girma, representatives of the French Embassy and the French Development Agency. The five-year “Sustainable Lalibela” project with the support of the French government has been executed by the maintenance of the historical heritage of Lalibela and the heritage development of the city of Lalibela. An exhibition, which explored the entire history of the Rock-Hewn Churches of Lalibela and heritages through photo and virtual technology, was displayed for 2 months in Addis Ababa starting from September 2022. At the time, senior government officials including Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed and others visited the exhibition.
Consultation Underway to Gather Inputs for Draft Proclamation on IDPs
Jun 3, 2023 573
Addis Ababa June 03/2023 (ENA) A consultation forum is being held in Adama city to gather inputs for draft proclamation on protection and support of Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs). The consultation was organized by the Ministry of Peace, the Ministry of Justice, International Organization for Migration (IOM) and UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency. Representatives of human rights institutions, civil associations, higher education institutions and other pertinent stakeholders are attending the forum, it was indicated. During the occasion, State Minister of Peace, Seyoum Mesfin said that a large number of citizens, including mothers and children, have been displaced by man-made and natural disasters in the past years. There was no legal framework to provide complete support to IDPs in Ethiopia, he elaborated. To this end, he stated the draft protection and support proclamation for IDPs, which is in the process of preparation, will help to provide them with humanitarian aid, protection of rights, and render other support. According to international experience, governments have limited capacity to fully assist IDPs, so, they engage local and international aid organizations, the state minister said. Moreover, he elaborated that the preparation of draft proclamation is underway to overcome multiple challenges facing citizens, which resulted from internal displacement, due to man-made and natural calamities legally and in coordinated manner. According to the draft proclamation, a national IDP protection and support council will be established, which will be accountable to the prime minister. The Council will be headed by the deputy prime minister and will consist of various federal and regional government bodies, religious institutions, as well as other relevant entities, it was indicated.
Economy
IFC Invests in South Sudan Hotel to Support Business Tourism, Economic Growth
Jun 5, 2023 193
Addis Ababa June 05/2023 (ENA) International Finance Corporation (IFC) today announced an investment in Dembesh Hotel in Juba to support the development of South Sudan’s tourism infrastructure. According to a press release sent to ENA, IFC’s 7.5 million dollar investment comprises a 3.75 million dollar loan from IFC’s own account and a 3.75 million dollar concessional loan from the blended finance facility of the International Development Association’s (IDA) Private Sector Window. This investment was announced on the sidelines of the Africa CEO Forum, co-hosted by IFC, in Abidjan, Cote d’Ivoire. The expansion and renovation of the hotel, located in central Juba close to government offices, embassies, and commercial centers, will make it more attractive to business travelers and tourists, helping meet growing demand for high quality accommodation in the city, it said . The project is expected to create 100 jobs during the construction phase and 50 jobs once the hotel is operational. IFC will also provide advisory services to help the hotel reduce its environmental footprint through improved energy and water efficiency—and to become EDGE certified, which is an IFC green building certification system focused on making residential and commercial buildings more resource efficient. “IFC’s investment in Dembesh Hotel signals to the international investment community that South Sudan is open for business,” said Ayesheshim Teka, CEO of Dembesh Hotel. “This hotel has long been a preferred destination for public and private sector leaders visiting South Sudan. The expansion and renovation of the hotel will raise standards of the local hospitality sector – particularly as the hotel will then be rebranded to the international chain, Best Western Plus.” “IFC’s investment in Dembesh Hotel is a vote of confidence in South Sudan’s future,” said Cheick-Oumar Sylla, IFC Director for North Africa and Horn of Africa. “The hotel will provide much-needed accommodation for business travelers and tourists visiting Juba, creating jobs and boosting economic activity.” IFC’s long-term investment perspective and flexibility is particularly relevant for hotel investments which mostly require long-term financing, long grace periods, and flexible financial instruments, the press said. The investment in Dembesh Hotel is part of IFC’s broader commitment to support areas affected by fragility and conflict. IFC has pledged that, by 2030, 40 percent of its annual commitments will be in IDA-eligible and Fragile and Conflict-Affected Situation (FCS) countries, and that 15-20 percent of these investments will be in IDA countries that are classified as very low income and FCS. IFC, a member of the World Bank Group, is the largest global development institution focused on the private sector in emerging markets.
Africa Moves To Protect Its Interests In Global Tax Rules, Stem Illicit Financial Flows
Jun 3, 2023 683
Addis Ababa June 3/2023(ENA) Africa moves to protect its interests in the global tax rules to increase revenues and stem illicit financial flows, according to African Union(AU). The African Union has issued a press release after concluding a three-day meeting of the Specialized Technical Committee on Finance, Monetary Affairs, Economic Planning and Integration- Sub-Committee on Tax and Illicit Financial Flows. The meeting under the theme “Tax in Africa: contemporary issues affecting the continent” and adopted recommendations that ensure African interests are protected in the design and implementation of the global tax rules, and ways to improve domestic resource mobilization for Africa’s development. The meeting discussed parameters of the African position on the promotion of inclusive and effective tax cooperation at the United Nations and on the consideration of the enactment of a Domestic Minimum Top-up tax for tax base protection ahead of the incoming global tax rules, it said. It also adopted recommendations to use the VAT toolkit by African Tax Administration Forum (ATAF) for improved revenue collection on cross-border supplies; and identified areas where future legislative action or coordination would benefit Member States, The African Union and relevant partners, in regard to addressing the issue of wasteful tax incentives, stemming of illicit financial flows respectively, and improving continental domestic resource mobilization necessary for the development of the continent, it was stated. The digital economy has experienced unprecedented growth over the past few decades, transforming the global economic landscape and reshaping the way businesses and individuals interact. This phenomenon has been driven by rapid advancements in technology, widespread internet access, and the increasing penetration of smartphones and other digital devices. However, this increased consumption of digital goods and services, delivered across borders and intangible in nature, has brought with it challenges on the difficulty in establishing the appropriate jurisdiction for tax collection, as well as determining the value for taxation purposes.These developments have had a negative impact on Africa’s ability to mobilize revenues. Africa is therefore looking to actively engage in the global tax debate at the United Nations on international tax cooperation, and the opportunities it presents for increased domestic resource mobilization. Further, the new global tax rules will have an impact on existing national tax incentive policies and present an opportunity for African countries to protect themselves from ceding their taxing rights to countries where multinationals are resident on existing tax incentives lower than the 15 percent global minimum tax, according to the new rules. This requires African countries to enact domestic minimum top-up tax legislation to tap into this revenue. Similarly, revenue collection from e-commerce goods and services requires the implementation of simplified VAT regimes. African Union Commissioner for Economic development, Trade, Tourism, Industry and Minerals, Albert Muchang stated that to effectively operationalize the UN Convention on International Tax Cooperation, the process must be inclusive in incorporating the views of existing African structures and leverage the work of the UN Committee of Experts on International Tax Cooperation. He further said the member state-led intergovernmental body ought to have a well-resourced technical structure to focus on specific pain points in developing countries not addressed by previous initiatives to address gaps in tax cooperation. “At the continent level, the core issue is how Africa can develop tax administrations to increase investments from the current level of 20 percent of GDP to 40 percent. By incorporating the views of existing African structures, the operationalization process of the Convention will ensure accountability and full ownership by the Member States,” he added. United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (ECA) Acting Executive Secretary, Antonio Pedro underscored the need for a complete overhaul of the global financial system, the creation of an operational debt relief and restructuring framework, strengthened domestic resource mobilization as well as an inclusive international tax system. “Global financial architecture reforms need to be coupled with an international tax framework that can ensure the taxing rights of African countries in an inclusive and equitable manner. As such, it is critical to formulate an African Position on the UN Tax Convention,” he added.
Republic of Korea Will Continue To Strengthen Its Development Cooperation With Ethiopia: Ambassador Seokhee
Jun 2, 2023 1137
Addis Ababa June 2/2023(ENA): Republic of Korea will continue to strengthen development cooperation with Ethiopia, Ambassador Kang Seokhee told ENA. According to him, Republic of Korea's diplomatic relations with Ethiopia is growing. The cooperation between the countries has in particular been consolidated in various development sectors, he added, stating that efforts are being made to further strengthen the relationship. Ambassador Seokhee reiterated that his country will enhance its support for the implementation of the agreement. Republic of Korea is making preparations to restart its development projects in the northern part of the country, he said. “We will support this peace process. Korea has development projects in the northern part of the country. Because of the conflict these projects have been delayed. We plan to facilitate the delayed development projects soon.” Republic of Korea government had provided 1.5 million USD for humanitarian aid and 10 million USD worth food aid, he stated. Ambassador Seokhee disclosed that activities are underway to provide additional humanitarian support and restart work on various development projects that have been disrupted. “We are considering other contributions to Ethiopia. The first one is to facilitate the ongoing development projects in the northern part of this country, and the other one is providing other assistances to Ethiopia.” Ambassador further revealed that Republic of Korea plans to provide over 8 million USD food and humanitarian aid to Ethiopia, Kenya, and Somalia. Ethiopia’s diplomatic relations with South Korea dates back to the 1950s.
Nat'l Business Idea Competition to Be Held Next Month
Jun 2, 2023 569
Addis Ababa June 2/2023(ENA): Ministry of Labor and Skills announced that the national Bruh Business Idea Competition of the year will be held next Ethiopian month. Some 200 contestants will participate in the competition, it added. These competitors will undergo 15 days of training to turn their ideas into practice before the actual competition day. Following the training, winners with better innovative ideas will be awarded, it was learned. Bruh Entrepreneurship competition is a call to young entrepreneurs to bring innovative ideas to solve critical problems.
Technology
PM Abiy Urges Innovators to Play their Part in Ethiopia’s Development Efforts
May 22, 2023 1679
Addis Ababa May 22/2023(ENA):- Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed urged innovators to exert efforts and play their part for the development of Ethiopia by effectively withstanding challenges they might encounter in the course of their activities. Prime Minister Abiy has today officially launched the 3rd National Competition of Innovation in Addis Ababa. The nationwide skill competition attracted young people with unique skills and abilities. The participants are presenting their creative works at the competition organized by the Ministry of Labor and Skills will be held for the coming five days under the theme “Skill for Competitiveness” Innovation workshops, panel discussions, and other related programs will be underway as part of the competition. During the opening ceremony of the competition, Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed urged innovators to exert effort and play their part in the development of Ethiopia by effectively withstanding challenges they might encounter in the course of their effort. The premier stressed the need to increase the number of innovators and effectively use the available inputs as Ethiopia is endowed with abundant raw materials in all the economic sectors. Noting that Ethiopia has been experiencing several problems, the premier urged innovators to exert the utmost efforts to ensure Ethiopia’s prosperity through solution oriented activities and withstanding challenges they may encounter. “The innovation works displayed by young Ethiopian innovators here today demonstrates the fact that the efforts being carried out by the Ministry of Labor and Skills are encouraging. Ethiopia is a country with enormous problems. If we are willing to innovate in order to simplify the lives of the people by appreciating these challenges, Ethiopia is capable of providing full-fledged input to all the types of innovation works. However, despite Ethiopia having the ability to produce, it still imports from various countries for there are limitations in the number of people who are capable to innovate and make things simple. The main objective of this event is to reverse this limitation." He said the competition program will play crucial role for young Ethiopians with skills and talents to demonstrate their capabilities and create market linkages. The premier further stressed the need to strengthen innovative skills as Ethiopia has no shortages of inputs, urging innovators to use challenges as a springboard for their effective work. Minister of Labor and Skills, Muferiat Kamil said Solution oriented technologies play a great deal of role in creating competitive economy and ensuring sustainable development. According to her, Ministry of Labor and Skills has been carrying out enormous reform activities in order to modernize the technical and vocational sector. The reforms have already been registering encouraging results, the minister added.
PM Abiy Launches 3rd National Competition of Innovation
May 22, 2023 1949
Addis Ababa May 22/2023(ENA):- Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed has today officially launched the 3rd National Competition of Innovation in Addis Ababa. The competition organized by the Ministry of Labor and Skills will be held for the coming five days under the theme “Skill for Competitiveness” Innovation workshops, panel discussions, and other related programs will be underway as part of the competition. During the opening ceremony of the competition, Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed urged innovators to exert efforts and play their part for the development of Ethiopia by effectively withstanding challenges they might encounter in the course of their effort. He said the competition program will play crucial role for young Ethiopians with skills and talents to demonstrate their capabilities and create market linkages. The premier further stressed the need to strengthen innovative skills as Ethiopia has no shortages of inputs urging innovators to use challenges as a springboard for their effective works.
Endangered African carnivore lived in Ethiopia for 1.5 million years: Study
May 17, 2023 3696
Addis Ababa May 17/2023(ENA):- A study by Israel's Hebrew University of Jerusalem and American, Spanish and Italian teams found the first and unique fossil of an Ethiopian wolf from 1.5 million and not 20,000 years ago, according to The Jerusalem Post. The first fossil – half of a jawbone – from an Ethiopian wolf in Africa has been found by experts from the Hebrew University in Jerusalem (HU) and the University of California at Berkeley, along with Spanish and Italian paleontologists. The study, published on Tuesday in the Journal Communications Biology under the title “The earliest Ethiopian wolf: implications for the species evolution and its future survival,” unambiguously proves that the ancient Ethiopian wolf Canis simensis existed in Africa some 1.5 million years ago and not 20,000 years ago according to previous theories that suggested the mammal arrived from EuroAsia. The discovery “constitutes the first empirical evidence that supports molecular interpretations.” In 2017, the jawbone from the ancient wolf was found at the Melka Wakena site on the southeastern Ethiopian highlands about 2,300 meters above sea level. The specimen is the first and unique Pleistocene fossil of this species, the team wrote. Today, this species is one of the most endangered carnivores in Africa. “Bioclimate modeling applied to the time frame indicated by the fossil suggested that the lineage of the Ethiopian wolf faced severe survival challenges in the past, with consecutive drastic geographic range contractions during warmer periods. These models help to describe future scenarios for the survival of the species,” the authors continued.
New Technologies Displayed at Exhibition Help Expedite Dev't of Agriculture sector: participants
May 14, 2023 3278
Addis Ababa May 14/2023(ENA):-New technological of agriculture and science exhibition at Science Museum accelerates development of the agricultural sector, participants who showcased their products said. It is to be recalled Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed has launched agriculture and science exhibition at the Science Museum in Addis Ababa under the theme "from the lab to the field'' on May 7,2023. The month long exhibition, organized by the Ministry of Agriculture in collaboration with pertinent bodies at the Science Museum, has been showcasing modern technological products, especially for the agricultural sector. The exhibition also created opportunities for those engaged in the sector to share experience and make market connection. Lemi Asfa from Rensys Engineering is among the participants who has displayed water pumps which can operate in solar energy. The water pump technology enables farmers in rural areas to drain water easily using sunlight, he said. The Ministry of Agriculture also displayed integrated fish farming technology. Achamyelesh Turessa, Fish Farming Expert at the ministry said that the technology is used for fish and chicken production as well a vegetables in a small place. More than 70 research-based innovations, digitalization of agriculture and agricultural financing are put on display at the exhibition.
Sport
Ethiopia's Ayana Takes Paris Win on Marathon Debut
Apr 2, 2023 8989
Addis Ababa April 2/ 2023 (ENA) Ethiopia's Abeje Ayana won the men's race at the Paris Marathon on Sunday in his first competitive run over the distance. The 20-year-old Ayana won with a time of two hours, seven minutes and 15 seconds, 20 seconds ahead of compatriot and pre-race favourite Guye Adola with Kenya's Josphat Boit a further five seconds back in third. After clocking 59:39 in a half marathon in Poznan, Poland in 2021, Ayana was one of the men to watch on a grey, windy morning in the French capital, Reuters reported.
President Sahle-Work Holds Discussion with World Anti-Doping Agency President Bonka
Mar 29, 2023 9200
Addis Ababa March 29/2023/ENA/ President Sahle-Work Zewde has received a delegation led by World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) President Witold Bonka today, according to the Office of the President. The discussion centered on the conditions under which Ethiopia and the World Anti-Doping Agency can work closely in anti-doping control and investigation, and how the organization can provide technical support, it was learned. During the discussion, Sahle-Work said that Ethiopia has a long history in athletics and is known in the world since athlete Abebe Bikila won marathon in Rome. She finally thanked the World Anti-Doping Agency for its technical support in anti-doping control.
22nd Edition of Great Ethiopian Run Colorfully Held in Addis Ababa
Nov 20, 2022 8698
Addis Ababa November 20/2022/ENA/ The 22nd edition of Great Ethiopian Run was held today in Addis Ababa with participation of more than 40,000 people. President Sahle-Work Zewde, Addis Ababa Mayor, Adanech Abiebie, Minister of Culture and Tourism, Kejela Merdasa and other senior government officials as well guests including renowned Kenyan athletes and tourists attended the 10 killo Meter annual street race held at Meskel Square in the capital. The Great Ethiopian Run is the first biggest event in Africa and sixth in the world’s international street races. The Great Ethiopian Run is believed to be one of the most important events to promoting tourism in Ethiopia. It was indicated that the Great Ethiopian Run has successfully conducted more than 100 races in various cities in the country over the past years. Ethiopia's famous long-distance runner, Haile Gebrselassie founded the race in 2000.
PM Inaugurates Sport Center in Capital City
Oct 27, 2022 9531
Addis Ababa October 27,2022 Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed has inaugurated a newly rebuilt sport center in Arada sub-city of Addis Ababa today. The previous "15 Meda" sport center was not conducive for physical activities. Therefore, Prime Minister Abiy took the initiative to build a new the sport center with the participation of stakeholders, it was learned. The renovated center was inaugurated today and will provide its previous services. The reconstruction of the sport center is part of the winter volunteer project, it was learned.
Environment
PM Abiy Inaugurates Unity Park Botanical Center, Unity Archive & Prime Minister Office Medical Center
Jun 5, 2023 279
Addis Ababa June 5/2023 (ENA) Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed inaugurated the Unity Park Botanical Center, the Unity Archive, and the Prime Minister Office Medical Center. Adequate and productive use of spaces is essential in value creation, Prime Minister Abiy twitted. Moreover, he added that the Unity Park Botanical Center has been developed from scratch in a none utilized space while Unity Archive and the Medical Center have undergone extensive renovation and restoration works to bring them up to standard.
Over 900,000 Hectares of Land Readied for Planting Tree Seedlings this Ethiopian Rainy Season
Jun 3, 2023 442
Addis Ababa June 02/2023 (ENA) More than 902,000 hectares of land is readied for planting tree seedlings this Ethiopian rainy season, according to Ethiopian Forestry Development (EFD). Ethiopia has managed to plant 25 billion seedlings in the past 4 years through the Green Legacy Initiative. EFD Deputy Director General Motuma Tolera told ENA that the comprehensive activity carried out through the initiative is a successful project that has mobilized massive public participation like the Great Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD). He noted that planting trees is not a matter of choice but survival for Ethiopians because unless millions of seedlings are not planted every year, we will be exposed to serious dangers caused by climate change. "The Green Legacy Initiative is not a matter of choice as most of our mountain areas are being severely degraded," the deputy director general said, adding that recent studies show that millions of hectares of land are also going to deteriorate unless they are quickly covered with trees. There is a lot of soil erosion." According to him, over 7 billion seedlings are prepared so far to plant more than 6.5 billion tree seedlings. For this reason, the tree seedlings are readied for planting after research was conducted to identify what kind of saplings to plant, in what kind of environment, and what kind of soil. Subsequently, over 902,000 hectares of land is prepared for planting seedlings. Motuma added that the community's participation has been improving from time to time in seed selection, planting, and caring for the trees. More than 250 million saplings were planted in Oromia, Sidama, South, SouthWest Ethiopia regions, and Dre Dawa City Administration during this belg season.
Sustainable Management, Utilization of Biodiversity Crucial for Meeting Africa Goal of Agenda 2063: AU Commissioner
Jun 2, 2023 492
Addis Ababa June 2/2023(ENA) Sustainable management and utilization of biodiversity is a crucial step for Africa in order to realize the seventh goal of Agenda 2063, AU Commissioner Albert Muchanga said. In his speech at the conclusion of the AU, Caribbean and Pacific High-level Conference on Biodiversity, he pointed out that the conference is vital to the agenda of the continent as it aims to protect its biodiversity and ecosystem, and defines ways and mechanisms to domesticate the global frameworks and resolutions taking into account Africa’s realities. In this connection, conserving biodiversity for Africa should not be an option but rather a vital necessity, he added. According to the Economic Development, Trade, Tourism, Industry and Minerals Commissioner, “the draft African Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan is our new vehicle for addressing the triple crisis of biodiversity losses, adverse impacts of climate change and disasters in ecosystem resilience.” Ministerial Segment Chairperson and Botswana’s Environment, Natural Resources Conservation and Tourism Minister, Philda Kereng said biodiversity is vital for the cultural heritages of Africans, and it is a cornerstone of the economies. “Losing biodiversity threatens our existence and civilization and progress and livelihoods. As a continent, this is a risk that we cannot afford. Unless we are all aware, the environment has its own harsh way of responding to abusive actions of humans and other actors.” Africa is endowed with vast natural wealth and cultural heritage, intricately connected to its ecosystems. Despite the rich and varied natural endowment, the continent is not immune to the threats posed by the erosion of biodiversity, the impacts of climate change and the emergence of global health crisis, according to the minister. She further noted that “if we continue on the current trend and continue not to make enough progress with our meetings and our dialogues and our program delivers, we risk losing about 50 percent of the bird and mammal species by 2100 and about 20 to 30 percent of the productivity of our leads, and mainly due to pollution, habitat fragmentation and others.” As leaders, we have a duty to ensure that we preserve the benefits for future generations. This will involve a multifaceted and multi-stakeholder approach. Kereng stated that it should also cover transboundary efforts, including at continental sub regional levels as well. Furthermore, we need to harness the collective strength of our commitment to speak as one. “We always talk about one Africa voice; but here I wish that we can be able to put more attention on to how we can actually effectively build this voice as a process.”
Ethiopia's Green Legacy Initiative Exemplary for Africa: ECA Director
May 31, 2023 786
Addis Ababa May 31/2023 (ENA)The Green Legacy, which enhances biodiversity side by side with economic activities, is an interesting example for Africans, the Economic Commission for Africa Technology, Climate Change, and Natural Resources Director said. United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA) Technology, Climate Change, and Natural Resources Director, Jean-Paul Adam told ENA that the Green Legacy program that Ethiopia has been undertaking side by side with other economic activities, such as growing coffee, which provides jobs and improves livelihood not only contributes to the protection of biodiversity but also to the economy. “There are some interesting examples in Ethiopia, where you have the Green Legacy, which protects the natural environment; and it happens side by side with economic activities,” he said, adding that the “growing of coffee (for example) provides jobs and which improve livelihoods.” According to him, it's very important that these types of planting are done in a way that enhances biodiversity; and this means properly choosing the type of plants and also looking at the impact of this planting on the environment. For instance, the country is considering how the plantation can address the issue of water retention, he noted. Indigenous saplings friendly to the environment and seedlings that boost agricultural yields have been increased during the Green Legacy plantation campaigns, it was learned. UNECA has been providing technical support to Ethiopia’s works to protect biodiversity. Adam pointed out that “Ethiopia is already doing a program that is very vast and which has a very big impact, and we are supporting simply to provide technical expertise to ensure that you are getting the right results.” The country is also doing a successful program for building back better post-COVID-19 in terms of launching a biodiversity green initiative to promote the sustainable management of catchment areas in critical energy infrastructure zones by deploying nature-based solutions. The Green Legacy Initiative which protects biodiversity side by side with economic activities that benefit the people through job creation and improving livelihood is an interesting example for Africans. The director believes that biodiversity is one of the most important elements for African countries to realize economic transformation. However, it is being exploited, extracted, or made use of without benefiting enough of the population, according to Adam. “So having the right frameworks on the protection of biodiversity can allow us to develop economic activities that protect the biodiversity, while also delivering improvements in job creation and livelihoods.” The director advises countries to maximize their income from different sectors, including ecotourism, by developing sustainable value chains in agriculture. African countries should also have strategies for better coordination in implementing the Convention on Biodiversity and Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Flora and Fauna in a way that also improves their economic opportunities.
Feature Article
Generation Medemer: Remedial For Posterity
May 24, 2023 1470
BY STAFF WRITER Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed has authored the third series of book entitled Generation Medemer. The first and second series of his books are: Philosophy and Paradigm of Medemer published in 2019 and the Principles and Practices of Medemer written two years later. This latest series, Generation Medemer, with focus on principles and personalities of Medemer is published in Amharic, Afan Oromo, and English languages. The book which once more proved that Prime Minister Abiy is a prolific writer with five books to his name. Particularly, the aforementioned three books have been written in the context of a daunting responsibility he shoulders as a leader of Ethiopia, pioneering a far-reaching national reform program in the unprecedented challenging situation following the war in the northern part of the country, internal and external conspiracy. Fascinatingly, he has managed to write these books in five years despite those difficulties. In latest book, Prime Minister Abiy has taken the initiative to show a generational description of Ethiopia, a country which boasts of history dating back to 3,000 years. The book gives a road map on how the Ethiopian current generation learns from mistakes and tries to improvise on their future. Apart from his previous books, this newest book of the prime minister takes a different stage at a more advanced age which is talking about the millennial generation to put Ethiopia in a position at a global stage. Thus, the book is a deliberation on how Ethiopia is positioned in Africa, in the Middle East, and globally in general. It also suggests how the coming generation needs to work, needs to think and needs to unify in order to strengthen Ethiopian position globally. Accordingly, the first part of Generation Medemer is dedicated to conception and chain of generations since the 19th century Ethiopia while part two deals with generation path and journey and the third part deals with the rising of the new Medemer Generation. In a recent presentation on the English version of the book which was introduced to the international community residing in Addis Ababa, one of the presenter outlined eight items that defined Medemer as synergy, alignment, synchronization of times, ages and era, symmetry of space and balance, alignment of functions, and many others. Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed as a writer defined Medemer as “an idea that seeks to address the deficit in a new social, political, economic and foreign relations and orientations. Medemer encourages working together for a shared vision towards a mutually beneficial goal. It builds on past successes while striving to correct mistakes in the effort to create a more harmonious union. The book defines and delineates generations that the country has cruised through. Accordingly, five levels of generations in Ethiopia since the 19th century are identified, namely, the conservative patriotic generation, the dreamers generation, disillusioned generation, smart generation and the future Medemer generation to be established. The book identifies the conservative and patriotic generation, imbued with the spirit of victory at Adwa in 1896, is the first to experience modernity (elements of Western modernization). It was the first to have access to modern schools, hotels, cars, cinemas, airplanes and newspapers. That generation placed a premium on “Ethiopianness” and strove for unity and cooperation. It sought to emulate Japan which had successfully modernized while maintaining a balance and blending of its traditional values with the technological progress of Westernization. The Conservative generation sought “to preserve the culture, ethos spirits and patriotism and pride of Ethiopians and aspired to harmonize the modern with the traditional values.” According to Prime Minister Abiy’s latest book, the dreamer generation came into being in the middle of the 20th century and is sometimes referred to as “the children of the 1960s.” This generation was shaped by the expansion of modern education, mass media and broad exposure to foreign values and practice as well as revolutionary ideas. The student movement phenomenon was unique to this generation which steeped itself in Socialist Ideology and organized itself in revolutionary “study clubs.” It mimicked upheavals in Western higher education. Its principal aspiration was to see a democratic Ethiopia but got caught in a vicious cycle of violence which traumatized millions and led to mass exile and displacement of hundreds of thousands during the Red Terror of the Derge era. While the conservative generation was willing to blend tradition with modernity, the dreamer generation did not find much that is worthwhile in traditional values and wanted to fully uproot the existing reality and replace it with a new socialist culture and society. “The leading intellectual figures of the time seemed to believe the solution to all our problems could be derived from the thoughts of a few foreign individuals,”Abiy states. Generation Medemer also argues that the disillusioned (confused) generation came in the last three decades of the 20th century in the aftermath of the demise of the Derg and socialism. This generation witnessed the rise of the ethno-nationalist wing of the dreamer generation. It is disillusioned because of the demise of socialism and ruination of its sacrifices and the political confusion that engulfed the country. Due to its traumatic experience during the Red and White Terrors, this generation lost clear content of politics and disengaged from politics. The other generation is the smart generation, the millennial generation that has been raised on the politics of division. It is estranged from other generations, ignorant of the country’s complex history and is overwhelmed by bitterness and frustration. Its alienation stems from institutionalized politics of division and globalization which has enhanced the influence of foreign social/media to sow ignorance and confusion among members of this generation. Abiy conceives of the alienated generation demands what the country cannot provide and would rather migrate to foreign lands for an uncertain future than stay and strive to make things better at home. It asserts its rights but is clueless of the responsibilities attached to those rights. Its expectations are shaped by globalization. It suffers from a malaise of self-pity, hopelessness, and victimhood. It has limited critical thinking abilities and consumes disinformation on social media mindlessly. Its politics is characterized by extremism. The Generation Medeemer identifies five basic characteristic features of the current generation which is characterized by love of art and beauty, emotional intelligence, the need for trust as social capital, pursuit of excellence and mark of ethical integrity. The book explains intra-generational with the context of raising a new generation of Medemer, relating the existing generation with the newly emerging generation and transgenerational relations of aligning with generation across borders and boundaries to relate with the rest of the world. All in all, the latest series of book authored by Prime Minister Abiy puts a lot of emphasis on how Ethiopia could become a powerhouse in the world that could be considered as a paradigm shift. It has set a tone for the future, and for Ethiopia to be a superpower. And it's a very visionary text, which the coming generations understand, read and have an opinion, have a perspective. The principles of Medemer are not either confined to Ethiopia; they can be applied in universal context. Most certainly, it is a thought of Medemer or inclusiveness. Many scholars who read the book pointed out that the book establishes perspectives by drawing lessons from the past mistakes, rally together and understand each other.
Ethiopia’s Elevation In Diplomacy Opening Investment Flow
May 19, 2023 2388
Ethiopia’s Elevation In Diplomacy Opening Investment Flow BY SOLOOMON DIBABA It is noted that the Agreement on the Permanent Cession of Hostilities signed between the Federal Government of Ethiopia and TPLF in Pretoria, South Africa on 2 November, 2022, has won Ethiopia not only a wider international acclamation but also elevated its stature in diplomacy. Following the bold decision of the government to sign the peace accord to resolve the conflict in the northern part of the country and its effective implementation afterwards, Ethiopia has evolved from strained diplomacy to new diplomatic heights. Moreover, the signing of the peace agreement has vividly demonstrated Ethiopia’s irreversible stand for peace in the country and the Horn of Africa, where some influential political figures in Africa have started urging Ethiopia to step up its usual positive role for the cause of Africa both in the sub-region and in the entire continent. Over the last couple of months, different high ranking executives of foreign countries, mostly from Europe, the USA, including the Hungarian Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade, Peter Szijjarto, the Prime Minister of Italy, Georgia Meloni, Foreign Ministers of France and Germany, Catherine Colonna and Annalena Baerblock respectively, British Foreign Secretary James Cleverly, EU Special Representative for Human Rights, Eamon Gilmore, Deputy Prime Minister of Slovenia, Tanja Fajon, Vice President of the Republic of Colombia, Francia Elena Márquez Mina and a number of other officials across the world have visited Ethiopia and exchanged views on national and regional issues of common interest. During their discussions with both Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed and Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Affairs Minister, Demeke Mekonen, the officials expressed the appreciation of their respective governments on the successes achieved in bringing peace to the northern part of the country and on their strong desire to foster the existing bilateral relations and cooperation with Ethiopia. They also discussed with other government officials on how to boost bilateral relations, economic cooperation and the ongoing relief and rehabilitation programs in the northern part of the country. Although relative peace and stability is already ensured in the country, there is huge resource mobilization needs not only for relief and rehabilitation assistance in the war ravaged areas of the country but also to reinvigorate the reconstruction of destroyed infrastructure facilities and embark on investment opportunities based on the trust and mutual understanding between Ethiopia and its partners to revamp the socio-economic development endeavors. The imperatives of buttressing the dividends of peace with socio-economic development will help to ensure sustainable peace and development in the country in line with the Ten Years Perspective Plan which is now under implementation. FDI in the areas of the commanding heights of the economy including agriculture, mining, tourism development, manufacturing industries, energy and infrastructure development are of critical importance for peaceful and uninterrupted economic development for the country. Invest Ethiopia 2023 International Investment Forum held from April 26 to 28 here in Addis Ababa was also a big achievement. The forum aimed to obtain 3 billion USD in FDI for 2023 including 500 million USD soft commitments in the short run. Ethiopia has now become a major investment destination in Africa primarily because of the comparative advantage the country is providing. This includes, among other things, lucrative investment climate, growing economy, excellent climate and fertile soil, young and trainable labor force, access to global markets, improved economic infrastructure, competitive incentive package and government commitment. A number of foreign visitors who attended the forum told ENA that senior government officials had provided them with clear presentations about the investment potentials, impressing them about the potentials of country. In view of the diplomatic stature and its attendant results witnessed over the last couple of weeks, such trends can be multiplied by leaps and bounds in the future, calling for multifaceted preparations from public offices and service providing institutions. So, efforts must be intensified to sustain the results which country has registered following the peace agreement and its implementation. In the first place, Ethiopia’s foreign diplomatic missions abroad should conduct various forums for foreign investors, tourists and others to raise their awareness on the country’s investment potentials and the incentives offered by the Ethiopian Investment Commission (EIC). This could be done through online conferences in which potential investors can be invited to take part. Or, as Ethiopia is participating in international trade fairs, such occasions should be properly utilized to lure more FDI into the country. The initiatives started by EIC in providing one stop services for incoming investors should be promoted. Eco-tourism development projects are intensified with public resources, and many more projects are waiting for investors. Attracting FDI into the country needs swift provision of services for potential investors. By all standards, Ethiopia’s diplomacy is elevating with the resultant effect of investment flows. For many foreign investors, Ethiopia has become their choice from Africa. Of course, compared to other African countries, Ethiopia has a far better investment policy with attractive incentives. Potential investors, service delivery institutions and relevant actors need to exploit the comparative advantage at their disposal.