Addis Ababa May 7/2024 (ENA) The macroeconomic committee held a meeting aimed at addressing a spectrum of issues related to the implementation of the homegrown economic reform agenda today.Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed posted on X that “the macroeconomic committee convened to address a spectrum of issues related to the implementation of our homegrown economic reform agenda.”

Addis Ababa May 7/2024 (ENA) A new initiative called the Africa Groundwater Access Facility (GaFa) has been launched today in Somali Region, Ethiopia to help address water scarcity affecting millions of people in the Horn of Africa. The Horn of Africa is a region characterized by significant water scarcity, resulting from a combination of factors including limited surface water, heavy reliance on inconsistent rainfall patterns, rapid population growth leading to overexploitation of water resources, and increasing climatic variability. This scarcity transcends environmental issues, intersecting with public health, economic stability, and regional security. Addressing these multifaceted challenges requires innovative solutions that extend beyond conventional water management strategies. The new initiative is believed to address this persistent challenge by taping into the region's unexploited, millions of cubic km deep groundwater reservoirs as a sustainable development solution. The initiative will also create a platform for IGAD member states to collaborate on ground water mapping, data sharing and other related activities that bring dividends for communities living in borderland areas. Ethiopia’s Minister of Water and Energy, Habtamu Itefa said the horn of Africa region is currently affected by the adverse effect of climate change such as drought and floods. He added that Ethiopia has been exerting maximum efforts to improve the livelihood of vulnerable communities by increasing access to clean water. In this regard, GaFa will help the region to identify the potential of ground water resources and use for commonly development. Minister of Uganda, Kenya, Djibouti and South Sudan highlighted the importance of addressing the multifaceted challenges that requires innovative solutions extended beyond conventional water management strategies. They also said the new initiative will foster relations among neighboring community and enhance water availability for them. It will also help as a key platform for coordinated sustainable use of ground water in the region. It was indicated on the occasion that investments in water, particularly the untapped wealth of groundwater, can be catalytic interventions, especially for borderlands where scarcity of resources is often a source of cyclical conflict for communities. Several partners, including them World Bank, UNICEF, UNESCO, FAO, OCHA, and UNDP, are engaged with IGAD and member states on the GaFa initiative, it was learned.      

Addis Ababa May 7/2024 (ENA) The second edition of “Let Ethiopia Produce” (ETHIOPIA TAMRIT) expo will be held from May 9-13, 2024 at the Millennium Hall, in Addis Ababa. “Let Ethiopia Produce” is a national manufacturing industry movement that was launched two years ago by Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed with the objective to boosting competitiveness of the sector by solving the bottlenecks in a sustainable, integrated and comprehensive manner The 5-day expo will depict the two-year journey of the movement, it was learned. More than 230 industries engaged various sector including in leather and leather products, textile and garment, food and drinks, woods and wood products, chemicals, construction, automobile, machinery, electronics among others will participate at the expo. It is also expected to showcase efforts being carried out to support the manufacturing industry over the last two years. Discussion forum will be organized to introduce and promote the new industry policy of the country. The expo is expected to attract tens of thousands of local and foreign visitors and generate three billion Birr in market linkages. The movement, as part of the 10-year development plan for the industry sector anticipates addressing the challenges that producers at all levels confront and creating a favorable business environment in the manufacturing process. Since, then the movement has been registering remarkable accomplishments in encouraging import substitution, promoting export and contributing to expand production and productivity.      

Addis Ababa, May 7/2024 (ENA) The nationwide movement being carried out under the theme “Let Ethiopia Produce” has been registering a greater leap forward in enabling small and medium level industries to contribute to the production capacity of the country, regional chief administrators disclose. “Let Ethiopia Produce” was launched by Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed two years ago with the objective to realizing sustainable industrial productivity and competitiveness by curtailing bottlenecks, strengthen innovation, import substitution and enable the sector play role in the national economic development efforts. Chief Administrators of South West Ethiopia and South Ethiopia regions told ENA about the changes brought by since the inception of the “ Let Ethiopia Produce” campaign in the two regions. The Chief Administrator of South West Ethiopia, Negash Wagesho remarked that the government has paid special nationwide attention to the development of the manufacturing sector in line with the Ten Years Perspective Plan. The Chief Administrator noted that in line with the “Let Ethiopia Produce” movement new epoch has been ushered in import substitution and the production of higher quantity and quality export commodities as well as producing value added agricultural and mining commodities for the international and local markets. He said that the manufacturing sector has registered a great leap forward and has managed to enable those factories that had ceased to operation due to various reasons to start production. Negash further added that the production capacity of factories have increased and created a favorable opportunity for renown foreign investors to participate in the manufacturing sector. South West Ethiopia Regional State created job opportunities to the youth by opening small scale and medium enterprises in the region, he noted. The Regional Administrator further stated that cooperatives in the region have already embarked on producing value added agricultural products like fruits, spices and apiary in which the region is endowed which can also be used as inputs for manufacturing industries. He further remarked that these industries have enabled to open more employment opportunities for the youth helping them to engage in asset creation. The Chief Administrator of South Ethiopia Region, Tilahune Kebede, on his part said that the “Let Ethiopia Produce” has not only introduced a new level of labor culture but has also ushered a new trend in utilizing local commodities for national development.   He added that the quantity and quality of commodities produced in the manufacturing industries and their capacity to compete on local markets have increased. Tilahun stated that a total of 74 manufacturing industries engaged in processing agricultural products and textile as well as other sectors become operational after being provided with the necessary support so enable them produce at maximum capacity. Both regional administrators noted that the huge agricultural potentials with which the regions are endowed will enable them to be potential sources of inputs for the manufacturing sector. The administrators stated that the support being provided to the successful implementation of “Let Ethiopia Produce” movement will be intensified through the provision of production and sales centers, water , electric power supply and road infrastructure facilities and access to finance by networking with the Development Bank of Ethiopia. The regions have paid attention to the development of the agriculture and mining sectors so that they can contribute their share to the development of the manufacturing sector, they remarked. They stressed on the need to produce value added agricultural and mining commodities to increase employment opportunities for the youth by encouraging transfer of technologies. They said the production of value added agricultural and mining commodities to increase employment opportunities for the youth by encouraging transfer of technologies will also be strengthened.

Addis Ababa, May 7/2024 (ENA) The Chief Administrators of Somali and Afar regions remarked that the “Let Ethiopia Produce” movement has ignited a greater impetus on the development of the manufacturing sector in the pastoralist areas. “Let Ethiopia Produce” is a nationwide movement launched by Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed two years ago to revitalize the industry sector by boosting productivity and competitiveness with a view to appropriately tape the potential of the sector to the overall economic development of the country. Speaking to ENA, the Chief Administrator of Somali Region, Mustefe Mohammed said that the region had no experience in industrial and urban development. However, after the inception of national reform program and more particularly in the advent of the “Let Ethiopia Produce “ movement two years ago has prompted various investors to engage in manufacturing industries in the region. He added that the regional administration has introduced various incentives to lure investors to the manufacturing sector by removing various bottlenecks and enabling those who had earlier quitted investing in the sector. The Chief Administrator noted that apart from supporting 10 bigger industries to resume production, the region has supported various agro-processing industries so that they would contribute their share in promoting the manufacturing sector. Mustefe said that based on the Homegrown Economic Reform Agenda which envisages the synchronization of the manufacturing sector with agriculture; efforts are underway to increase production and productivity in the sectors. He added that more efforts will be exerted to increase the support to those manufacturing industries that are engaged in import substitution. Specific directions have been put in place to coordinate efforts to resolve the bottlenecks that are encountered in the manufacturing sector by making the necessary follow up from the region down to district levels, the Chief Administrator further stressed. The Chief Administrator of Afar region, Awol Arba, said the “Let Ethiopia Produce” has enabled the region to make the necessary coordination among stakeholders to resolve problems that have been encountered in the manufacturing sector.   The Chief Administrator said that more than 100 small and middle level manufacturing industries engaged in the production of salt and chemicals that were closed due to the war that has flared up in the norther part of the country have been made to resume production. He added that a coordinated system was put in place to resolve challenges in power supply, infrastructure and access to finance through central coordination office in cooperation with stakeholders in identifying the major issues encountered in the sector. The Chief Administrator said that short term, mid-term and longer strategic plans were made to streamline the production capacity of the manufacturing sector in the region. Pursuant to the objectives of “Let Ethiopia Produced” campaign, a committee was established tasked with resolving upcoming problems, enhancing the capacity of the manufacturing sector in the region and promotion of quality production and competitiveness. The committee has been providing support for those engaged in the manufacturing sector in the region, Awol remarked. He added that various exhibitions were organized in the region to enable local and foreign investors to introduce their products and engage in market linkage for their products. The conducive environment put in place for production of commodities for foreign markets has created an opportunity for the development of the manufacturing sector in the region, he stated. Awol further called upon investors to take the opportunity and engage in the manufacturing sector by utilizing the diverse natural resources that are available in the region for their own benefit and the development of the country. He added that investors can utilize the vast agricultural natural resources in the Awash River Valley.

Addis Ababa, May 7/2024 (ENA) Water ministers of the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) member countries have arrived in Jigjiga, Somali Region of Ethiopia to take part in a forum organized to discuss on the transboundary surface water resources in the region. Chief Administrator of Somali Region, Mustefe Mohamed warmly welcomed the ministers up on arrival at Jigjiga airport today. Representatives of international organizations including UNICEF and World Bank are expected to participate at the meeting that will be held in Shbele district of Somali region. The officials are expected to visit water development projects in the region including a multi-village drought-resistant drinking water project in Togochale town and joint infrastructural development activities across the borderland communities of Ethiopia and Somalia. They will also evaluate the livelihood of borderland community in terms of trade and their common challenges and opportunities.

Addis Ababa, May 7/2024 (ENA) Ethiopia is a promising investment choice for investors in the tourism sector, according to Ethiopian Investment Commission. Ethiopia offers investments opportunities in building tourism infrastructure including hotels and resorts, convention centers, duty-free centers, cultural villages and centers, and developing selected destinations, the commission stated. The country is home to nine UNESCO World Heritage sites, the most in Africa, which offers mesmerizing landscapes, diverse cultures, vast national parks, fascinating museums and beautiful lakes. From the largest mountains in Africa to the Danakil Depression (the third-lowest place in the world) to Erta Ale (a live volcano), Ethiopia has diverse and breathtaking options for tourists. The Ethiopian Investment Commission stated that the unique Ethiopian Rift Valley (part of East African Rift Valley) is a remarkable region of volcanic lakes, with their famous collections of birdlife, great escarpments, and stunning vistas. “We are the birthplace of mankind, coffee, and the Blue Nile, making us a fascinating destination for holidaymakers. Over 800,000 tourists arrive in Ethiopia every year to experience the best of the world, which provides a growing opportunity to establish tourism projects in the country,” it added. Moreover, it indicated that Addis Ababa is home to the head offices of the African Union, the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa, and the embassies from numerous countries adding to the growing number of diplomats and visitors. Brands catering to the growing tourism sector include Sheraton Addis, Radisson Blu, Hilton, Golden Tulip, and several other hospitality brands. Ethiopian Airlines connects tourists from all over the world, creating possibilities for adventurers to come and taste what Ethiopia presents. The Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed has recently launched tourism development projects in Gorogora, Wonchi and Koisha, and investors are welcome to take part in one of the country’s biggest tourism projects.

Addis Ababa, May 6/2024 (ENA) The peace and stability created in the Somali region following the reform attracting huge investments in various sectors, including agriculture, Somali Regional State Chief Administrator Mustefe Mohamed said. Mustefe told ENA that the Somali region has been in an atmosphere of conflict for many years. Following the reform, however, the people have benefited from development in all fields due to the prevailing lasting peace and stability, he noted. He stated that a new chapter has been opened by attracting huge investment in agriculture, industry and service sectors and the development of agricultural production has doubled after the reform. Mustefe further pointed out large-scale irrigation development projects worth no less than 8 billion birr are being conducted in two zones of the region. There are also extensive investment activities in both rain and summer irrigation development, he said, adding that wheat and rice cultivation is being done on a large scale. According to him, efforts will be made to increase national foreign exchange earnings by supplying food crops to the foreign market besides ensuring food sovereignty by replacing food crops with local production. The tourism sector in the region was weak, he said, further adding that activities are being done to develop the sector. In particular, he mentioned that the Dine for Generation project, which was started by Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed is contributing to the revitalization of the sector. Mustafe said that when the road, water and power infrastructure problems are solved in a sustainable way, it will be possible to use the region's potential for national development.  

Addis Ababa May 6/2024 (ENA) Ethiopian Coffee and Tea Authority (ECTA) announced that coffee exports have brought 835.2 million US dollars to the country in revenue during the nine months of the current fiscal year that started on 8th July 2023. According to the Deputy Director-General of ECTA, Shafi Umer, the nation exported 174,596 tons of coffee to the international market during the stated period. Shafi indicated that the income has marked a notable increase as compared with the previous Ethiopian fiscal year same period. Saudi Arabia, South Korea, the United States, Germany, Japan and China have been the major destinations of the East African nation’s coffee products, it was learned. The Deputy Director-General figured out that the Ethiopian coffee industry achieved a significant milestone as it has been generating billions of dollars in revenue following the nation’s rigorous reform in the sector. For instance, the country obtained over 1.3 billion USD from coffee exports during the past Ethiopian fiscal year. He added a total of 1.75 billion USD is anticipated to be obtained from coffee export at the end of this concluding Ethiopian fiscal year. Shafi further stated that in addition to the existing destinations for coffee export, Ethiopia has been diversifying its international market over the nine months. In this regard, he indicated that a number of new countries have been joining the top 10 clubs of Ethiopian coffee buyers. While the United Arab Emirates, Sudan and China were previously buying Ethiopian coffee, they were not ranked among top 1o Ethiopian coffee buyers. Moreover, Shafi said that tremendous reforms are being made in coffee production and value as well as market chains to achieve better results.    

Addis Ababa, May 5/2024 (ENA) On the occasion of the Easter holiday, Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed hosted a luncheon for employees working on the Chaka project. The premier extended Easter holiday best wish to the employees of the project on the occasion, Office of the Prime Minister indicated.   Ethiopian Easter, or Fasika as it is known locally, has been observed by Christians across the country today. Easter is celebrated to commemorate the resurrection of Jesus Christ.  

Addis Ababa May 2/2024 (ENA)The Ethiopian Airlines has signed agreements with regional states to undertake the management and operation of lodges and resorts of the Dine for Ethiopia projects today. Recall that Halala Kela Resort, Chebera Elephant Paw Lodge, Wonchi Eco Tourism, and Gorgora have been built in South West Ethiopia, Oromia and Amhara regions. The lodges and resorts built through Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed initiative will henceforth be managed by the Skylight Hotel of the Ethiopian Airlines Group. Those lodges and resorts were today transferred to the regional states in a ceremony held at the Office of the Prime Minister. During the signing ceremony, the regions in turn signed agreements with the airline that would manage the lodges and resorts. Ethiopian Airlines Group CEO Mesfin Tasew said on the occasion that tourism and air transport are interlinked and the airline has been working to stimulate tourism in Ethiopia.   According to him, the Skylight Hotel owned by the airline has been providing standard hospitality services for visitors. "Ethiopian has been working to expand this service to the regions, and today's agreements have fulfilled the long-term dream of the airline." The CEO confirmed that the agreements combine good fortune with responsibility and visitors will have a comfortable stay in the international standard hotel services.   Tourism Minister Nasise Chali said the lodges and resorts handed over to the Ethiopian Airlines will help maintain quality service which would set an example for service providers. The minister added that it is a great opportunity to raise the quality of the country's tourism and hotel services and build the image of the country.   Office of the Prime Minister Head and Cabinet Affairs Minister, Alemtsehay Paulos said the Dine for Nation program has proven that it is possible to identify and use the potentials we have in each area. The effectiveness of the initiative has created opportunity for other projects to be realized, she said, pointing out that the agreements will help revive the tourism sector by providing services that meet international standards. Alemtsehay urged the regions to continue strengthening the cooperation they have shown in the construction process of the projects.   Office of the Prime Minister Press Secretary Head, Billene Seyoum said on her part that Dine for Nation has given great experience in involving people in development. Apart from providing access for many infrastructures, she noted that the projects have demonstrated how to complete any project with quality and speed.

Addis Ababa, May 2/2024 (ENA) Ministry of Revenues (MoR) disclosed that it has raised 374 billion Birr over the past nine months. Revenues Minister Aynalem Nigussie told the House of People's Representatives Plan, Budget and Finance Standing Committee that the ministry collected 374 billion Birr of the planned 391 billion Birr in the past nine months of the Ethiopian fiscal year. In her performance report, the minister said the performance over the stated period is 95 percent of the target and shows increment of 43 billion Birr compared to same period of last year. According to her, out of the total 374 billion Birr collected in the period 235.19 billion Birr revenue was from domestic sources and 139 billion Birr from foreign trade. Contraband goods and illegal foreign currencies valued about 11.81 billion Birr were also seized along with 745 perpetrators over the past nine months. Plan, Budget and Finance Standing Committee Chairperson, Desalegne Wodaje stressed the need to further bolster capacity to prevent and control contraband.                

Addis Ababa, May 2/2024 (ENA) President of East African Association of Anti-Corruption Authorities (EAAACA), Nirere Madeliene stressed the need for doubling efforts and synergies in the journey of combating corruption across the region. The 15th East African Association of Anti-Corruption Authorities Annual General Meeting is underway in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.   The conference was hosted by the Federal Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission of Ethiopia under the theme: “Coordination, Collaboration and Corporation in Asset Recovery and the Fight against Corruption.” Association President, Nirere Madeliene said this conference aims to discuss cooperation and collaboration regarding assets recovery and the fight against corruption. “It is important to double efforts and build synergy in the journey of combating corruption in our region. But also exchanging experiences and information on strategies in place in various countries, and learning lessons from each other is very important.” Moreover, she stressed the need for collaboration the respective countries in the region. She further underscored that the anti-corruption activity requires working in synergy to tackle the root causes of the problem. Moreover, the president added that transparent and accountable governance are pivotal in the fight against corruption. Commissioner of Federal Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission of Ethiopia, Samuel Urkato said the conference has become an important platform in strengthening regional cooperation, and collaboration on anti-corruption agendas.   As members of CAAACA, Ethiopia witnesses that the platform has been expanding engagement in the membership, networks with various stakeholders and key actors of anti-corruption strategies. "We also recognize that we are very much committed to actively participate in Asset Recovery Inter-Agency Network for Eastern Africa (ARINEA) which is very relevant for enhancing the global cooperation on our asset recovery initiatives." Through ARINEA, Ethiopia hopes to see various interventions on anti-corruption action, especially on modern financial instruments, which is an emerging challenge to illicit financial flows and money laundering. He reiterated that as one of the CAAACA member states, Ethiopia is very much committed to strengthen its international cooperation on asset recovery activities.      

Addis Ababa, May 2/2024 (ENA) Ethiopian Ambassador to Pakistan Jemal Beker Abdula, announced today that a 2nd business delegation consisting of numerous Pakistani investors is to visit Ethiopia and explore business and investment opportunities starting from the end of this month. In its press release sent to ENA, the Ethiopian embassy in Pakistan said Ambassador Jemal presided over an Ethio-Pakistan business forum at the Islamabad Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ICCI) along with its President Ahsan Zafar Bakhtawari. According to the press release, a large number of business persons from multiple sectors attended the business forum which was aimed at mobilizing the business community of Islamabad to take part in the 2nd Business and Trade Delegation to Ethiopia. Business and trade delegation coordinated by the embassy of Ethiopia in Islamabad, will be visiting Ethiopia from 26th to 31st May 2024. Addressing the forum, Ambassador Jemal Beker said the Government of Ethiopia had opened up its economy by introducing massive reforms in its five major sectors that included agriculture and agro-processing, manufacturing, mining, tourism and ICT. He shared the complete plan for the 2nd business and trade delegation with the business community of Islamabad that involved business forums, visits to the industrial and ICT Parks, meetings with key government officials, exploration of newly built tourist destinations and on top of that cultural nights in Addis Ababa. The ambassador informed the participants of the forum that the 6th Addis Chamber International Manufacturing and Technology Trade Fair would also take place from 23rd to 27th May 2024 in Addis Ababa that included an Ethio-Pakistan Business Forum. “By joining the 2nd business and trade delegation to Ethiopia, the delegates will also get an opportunity to participate in the International Manufacturing Trade Fair where manufacturers from all of Africa and world will be present,” he added. He said those who could not participate in the previous trade delegation to Ethiopia last year should not miss the 2nd Business and Trade delegation which would open a new chapter in the bilateral relations of Ethiopia and Pakistan, and provide ample business, trade and investment opportunities in the land of origin. The Ambassador said the people of Ethiopia were eagerly looking forward to welcoming the business community from their brotherly country, the Islamic Republic of Pakistan. On his part, President of the Islamabad Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Ahsan Zafar Bakhtawari recalled his experiences of last year's business and trade delegation to Ethiopia, particularly lauding the hospitality of the government and People of Ethiopia. “The people of Ethiopia are friendly, disciplined, trustworthy and peace loving,” he added. The ICCI President also made a passionate call to the business community of Islamabad to participate in the 2nd business and trade delegation. He said Ethiopia had opened all the ways leading to Africa for Pakistan by starting the operations of Ethiopian Airlines in Karachi. Zafar Bakhtawari, Africa-Pakistan Association President, lauded the role played by Ambassador Jemal Beker in strengthening the bilateral relations between the two countries.    

Addis Ababa, May 1/2024 (ENA) Ethiopia is at the forefront in acceleration regional economic integration and regional stability, Finance Minister Ahmed Shide remarked at the World Economic Forum held in Saudi Arabia. The minister stated that Ethiopia is also a backbone of cooperation between the horn of Africa and the Arabia which is a rising partnership as they are very much intertwined geographically with bondages of history and people stressing the need to leverage both capacity to advance our collective challenges in the region. Regional integration and stability is the anchor of Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed’s foreign policy, the minister said, Ethiopia has been a leading country in Africa regional connectivity as well as the Ethiopian Airlines is playing a major role in bringing Africa to the rest of the world, he added. Noting that regional challenges require additional cooperation both in terms of South South cooperation which is going to complement the existing cooperation, Ahmed explained the importance of the BRICS. “The BRICS is a very important platform of cooperation globally which Ethiopia is proud to be its member. Ethiopia believes the BRICS is going to complement the already existing cooperation between the countries, “ he added. The BRICS is rising in the global economy, technology and innovation, Ahmed said underscoring the importance of increasing cooperation with the group. Ethiopia believes that it can leverage its capabilities with the BRICS members in attracting FDI, and leveraging technological cooperation, he stated. “There are a lot we can do together in terms of trade, infrastructure development, technology transfer and capacity building. The BRICS also advocates for enhanced cooperation between developing countries or South South Cooperation. And this is very important platform to address the global challenges. “      

Addis Ababa, May 1/2024 (ENA) Ethiopia will continue its endeavors to ensure industrial peace, safety of workers at work place and protect their rights and interests, Labour and Skills Minister Muferihat Kamil said. International Labour Day was observed in Ethiopia for the 49th time today.   The program held in Addis Ababa brought together the Labor and Skills Minister, trade union representatives, and other government officials. Speaking on the occasion, Muferihat said the effort to protect the interests and rights of workers as well as their safety will continue. According to her, systems based on studies have been under implementation to meet the demand of workers. She also reaffirmed that the work of ensuring industrial peace, safety at work and respecting the interests of workers and increasing productivity will continue. To sustainably protect the rights and interests of the workers, the minister revealed that a reform based on the growing needs of workers is under implementation. The government has also given due attention to ensure that employees at all levels acquire proper qualifications, knowledge and skills. Muferihat further underscored the importance of increasing industrial production and productivity to significantly contribute to growth. President of Confederation of Ethiopian Labour Unions Kasahun Follo said on his part that concerted efforts have been carried out in cooperation with the government to protect the rights and interests of workers.   In addition to protecting the rights and interests of workers, directions to increase the productivity of industries are being implemented, he added. The International Labor Day, also known in some countries as May Day, is observed every May 1 to pay tribute to the contribution of workers across the world.                

Addis Ababa, May 1/2024 (ENA) Ethiopia will be sharing its experiences in the aviation sector at the International Civil Aviation Organization( ICAO) Global Implementation Support Symposium 2024 underway in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic. Ethiopia’s delegation headed by Transport and Logistics Minister Alemu Sime is participating at the symposium that discusses the pressing issues which require global attention and cooperation to grow the aviation sector. The symposium has a paramount importance to exchange numerous good experiences and ideas related to the development of the aviation sector, it was learned. Besides, the success stories of the international aviation sector and the indications of the future development of the aviation industry will be widely explored. According to Ministry of Transport and Logistics, the minister is going to share Ethiopia’s experience in the aviation sphere.        

Addis Ababa April 30/2024 (ENA) Agriculture Minister Girma Amente emphasized today the importance of access to finance in agriculture to bring about structural transformation in the sector. A workshop designed to provide a platform for all stakeholders to come together and jointly chart the way for the next height and formulate relevant framework and legal instrument for agricultural finance was held today. The minster said on the occasion that “financial service for agriculture and rural Ethiopia is one of the critical enablers in transforming Ethiopian food system. Together, we embark on a journey to transform the landscape of agricultural financing and risk management." According to him, finance is important in bringing about structural change in agriculture sector. Girma underlined the need to build resilient farmers and pastoralists by enhancing synergy between financial institutions, insurance providers, and agricultural community to help farmers access fertilizers, improved seeds and other agricultural inputs. At the workshop, the importance of addressing the lack of agricultural insurance and managing risks associated with agriculture was emphasized along with the need to update agricultural practices and embrace agribusiness principles that require adequate financing. Lessons were also shared on establishing the link between agricultural transformation and financial services as well as revamping agricultural and rural financial services to transform Ethiopian food systems. The workshop comes on the heels of the just approved Agriculture and Rural Development Policy. The policy aims to improve the provision of credit and facilitate income transfer to commercial farming that ultimately improve the lives of farmers and pastoralists. As part of this initiative, the National Bank has introduced a credit guarantee scheme to enable farmers to access loans for essentials such as fertilizer and machinery. The policy also aims to drive economic growth in rural areas and improve the living standards of rural communities. Partners, policymakers, and representatives of financial institutions took part in the one-day workshop that focused on assessing the current state and future potential of access to finance in agriculture.  

Addis Ababa April 30/2024 (ENA) The Minister of Irrigation and Lowland Areas, Engineer Aisha Mohammed has announced today that Ethiopia's modern irrigation infrastructure coverage has surpassed 1.8 million hectares. The Minister made the remark in a 9-month performance report of the current fiscal year she presented to the House of Peoples Representatives today. Aisha provided detailed insights into the progress made in various areas, including irrigation research design, irrigation infrastructure management, and the execution of research and development plans in lowland and pastoral regions. Aisha highlighted that the original objective for the fiscal year was to prepare 213,000 hectares of land for farming development. However, the achieved progress has far exceeded expectations, with over 279,000 hectares already made ready for development within the nine-month period. Furthermore, the Minister emphasized the significant growth in modern irrigation infrastructure. In the previous fiscal year of 2015, the coverage stood at 1.5 million hectares, which has now risen to an impressive 1.8 million hectares in just nine months, she said. Aisha also addressed the creation of employment opportunities through the expansion of the irrigation network. According to her, the original plan aimed to generate job opportunities for 50,000 citizens within the nine-month time frame, and the implementation has already surpassed this target, benefiting over 84,000 individuals. Looking ahead to the future, Aisha outlined plans to develop an additional 353,000 hectares by identifying suitable areas for irrigation expansion in the upcoming fiscal year. The Minister concluded by emphasizing the remarkable progress in modern irrigation development, with the coverage having tripled from 490,000 hectares in 2012. She expressed the government's commitment to continued intensive efforts in this field, ensuring further growth and development in the future.  

Addis Ababa, April 30/2024 (ENA) The Government of Ethiopia and Development Partners Group (DPG) have undertaken a retreat today in Africa Leadership Excellence Academy in the presence of State Ministers and Heads of Development Partners. The retreat is a follow up event on the High-Level Development Forum (HLDF), held on the 14th of March in which the Government and the DPG renewed their commitment to work together on addressing the challenges on peace-building, resilience and macro-economic development. In her opening remarks, State Minister of Finance, Semereta Sewasew asserted that strong alignment with the national development priorities, diversification of sources of finance and due emphasis on the humanitarian-development-peace nexus are important factors to gear the joint efforts of the DPG and the government in the desired direction of success.   The retreat was first guided by a presentation on the draft Medium-Term Development and Investment Plan of Ethiopia (MDIP 2023/2024-2025/2026) and followed by the draft Sustainable Financing Strategy. The Ministry of Planning and Development expounded the three-year priority areas of MDIP which are derived from the Ten Year Development Plan and aligned with HGER 2.0. The MDIP puts the expected growth of sectors of which industry is expected to grow more. The DPG appreciated the preparation of the MDIP in detail manner and also reflected the importance of focusing more on specific challenges that Ethiopia is currently facing. The retreat also discussed the draft report of Ethiopia’s Sustainable Financing Strategy (ESFS). The strategy has been prepared with the leadership of the Ministry of Finance intending to come up with a financing framework providing diversified sources of financing for the growing development needs of the country. The financing strategy identifies four sources of financing which are domestic public financing, international public financing (ODA), domestic private source and international private source. As outlined on the presentation, Ethiopia’s development finance for the past several years has been mostly dependent on local public investment which is not sustainable and insufficient. The strategy recommends unpacking the financing potential with the growing role of both local and international private sector and using the government investment as catalytic role. In this regard, the strategy argues that there should be a new mechanism of financing several sectors in Ethiopia through attracting private investments which at the moment are being run by the government funding mostly insufficiently and inefficiently. The DPG welcomed the draft financing strategy and appreciated the intent of pooling in more private actors in the economy in a new commitment and spirit. Semereta also appreciated the idea of introducing crowding in commercial financing to ensure sustainable financing of the development needs. The Co-Chairs of DPG, Semereta Sewasew, Dr. Ramiz Alkbarov, UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator and Phil Elks, acting development director, FCDO led the discourses, according to Ministry of Finance.