Safaricom Launches M-Pesa in Ethiopia
Kenyan operator Safaricom has introduced its mobile money platform, M-Pesa, in Ethiopia, the largest mobile money platform in Africa. Safaricom entered the Ethiopian market in 2021 and has been working to roll out mobile infrastructure and attract subscribers. However, launching mobile financial services in Ethiopia has been challenging for Safaricom. Despite TeleBirr’s lead in the Ethiopian market, Safaricom sees immense potential and the opportunity to promote financial inclusion in the country. Safaricom’s launch of M-Pesa in Ethiopia demonstrates its commitment to expand its mobile money services and drive financial inclusion in the country, similar to its success in Kenya.
Source:Ethiopian News
August 18, 2023 19:53 UTC
UAE President Sheikh Mohamed meets Ethiopia's PM Abiy Ahmed
Image credit: Twitter/MohamedBinZayedPresident Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan is in Ethiopia on an official visit to the country. The UAE President was received by the country’s Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed when he landed in the capital Addis Ababa. President Sheikh Mohamed’s visit to the country is aimed at strengthening bilateral ties between Ethiopia and the UAE, reported state news agency WAM. “I was pleased to meet Abiy Ahmed in Addis Ababa to discuss strengthening bilateral ties to serve the aspirations of our peoples through economic and sustainable initiatives,” Sheikh Mohamed wrote on X, formerly known as Twitter. Sheikh Mohamed emphasised the UAE’s keenness to further advance its relations with Ethiopia, in sectors such as agriculture, food security, energy, trade, investment, technology, and others.
Source:Ethiopian News
August 18, 2023 19:27 UTC
News: AU calls for immediate cessation of hostilities in Amhara region as aid groups battle to address dire health crisis
AU Commission Chairman Moussa Faki Mahamat (Photo: AU)Addis Abeba – The African Union (AU) has formally expressed its deep concern regarding the persistent military conflict in the Amhara region of Ethiopia. In an official statement released on Wednesday, AU Commission Chairman Moussa Faki Mahamat urgently called for an immediate cessation of hostilities. The Chairman emphasized the African Union’s steadfast commitment to preserving Ethiopia’s constitutional framework, territorial unity, and sovereign independence, appealed to the conflicting parties to halt combat operations and prioritize the safety and well-being of civilians. Highlighting the importance of dialogue and peaceful negotiations, Mahamat urged the involved factions to explore non-violent avenues to reconcile their differences. He further affirmed the African Union’s readiness to actively support and facilitate initiatives led by Ethiopians to restore peace and stability in the affected region.
Source:Ethiopian News
August 18, 2023 19:18 UTC
IFC launches African women enterpreneurs mentorship program – New Business Ethiopia
To support women entrepreneurs across sub–Saharan Africa, the International Finance Corporation (IFC) today opened applications for its She Wins Africa program, which aims to support the growth of up to 5000 women-led startups with advice, training, mentorship, and networking opportunities. Through a series of online and in-person workshops and other engagements, She Wins Africa will provide investment readiness training for participants and facilitate connections with potential investors through matchmaking and pitching events. She Wins Africa, part of IFC’s wider strategy to support women entrepreneurs, is open to women-led startups and entrepreneurs operating in sub-Saharan Africa. Women interested in applying to the program should visit the She Wins Africa program page or contact shewinsafrica@ifc.org for more information. “IFC is excited to welcome innovative women entrepreneurs to the She Wins Africa program and help them grow their businesses and reach new heights.”She Wins Africa will initially support a group of women-led African startups across various sectors.
Source:News Business Ethiopia
August 18, 2023 19:15 UTC
MWL Chief Engages in High-Level Talks with Ethiopian Leaders
Riyadh: During a significant visit to Addis Ababa, the Secretary-General of the Muslim World League (MWL), Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulkarim Al-Issa, engaged in constructive discussions with Ethiopian leaders, including President Sahle-Work Zewde and Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed. President Zewde warmly welcomed Al-Issa and his delegation, acknowledging the League's commendable efforts and expressing gratitude for its humanitarian initiatives. With a focus on the role of the Muslim community in Ethiopia, President Zewde praised its contributions to societal well-being, emphasizing its commitment to service, development, and enlightenment. Both leaders emphasized the crucial role of religious figures in addressing and curbing extremist ideas. Also Read: Vice President of Taiwan returns from a delicate visit to the USAs the MWL engages with Ethiopian leaders to promote peaceful coexistence, combat extremism, and honor historical heritage, the visit underscores the vital role that religious and community leaders play in shaping a harmonious and enlightened society
Source:Ethiopian News
August 18, 2023 19:08 UTC
Ethiopian Airlines to manufacture parts in venture with Boeing
NAIROBI (Reuters) - Ethiopian Airlines will start manufacturing aircraft parts in a venture with Boeing at an initial cost of $15 million, the government's investment agency said on Friday. The state-owned carrier, which is the biggest in Africa, has already signed the deal that also involves the local state Industrial Parks Development Corporation, the Ethiopian Investment Commission said on X, formerly known as Twitter. The venture will make "aerospace parts, including aircraft thermo-acoustic insulation blankets, electrical wire harnesses, and other parts," the commission said. "The investment project is expected to create employment opportunities for more than 300 Ethiopians," it said. It was not immediately clear if Ethiopian Airlines has also suffered from similar lack of parts.
Source:Ethiopian News
August 18, 2023 19:07 UTC
UAE President attends inauguration of Water and Energy Exhibition during Ethiopia visit
Addis Ababa [Ethiopia], August 18 (ANI/WAM): UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan today attended the inauguration of a Water and Energy Exhibition during his official visit to the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia. The exhibition was inaugurated by Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed at the Science Museum in Addis Ababa. Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed visited several exhibition areas and spoke with event participants. He was briefed on the latest projects and technological innovations in water and energy intended to improve resource sustainability and environmental conservation. Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed wished participants success in achieving their objectives.
Source:Ethiopian News
August 18, 2023 18:39 UTC
UAE President, Prime Minister of Ethiopia witness signing of bilateral MoUs, agreements
Addis Ababa [UAE], August 18 (ANI/WAM): UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and Abiy Ahmed, Prime Minister of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia, today witnessed the signing of various memoranda of understanding and agreements between several entities in the UAE and Ethiopia. Memorandum of Understanding for Government Development and Modernisation Experience Exchange signed by Mohammad bin Abdullah Al Gergawi, Minister of Cabinet Affairs; and Alemtsehay Paulos, Ethiopian Minister of Cabinet Affairs. Memorandum of Understanding between Abu Dhabi Ports and Ethiopia Investment Holdings signed by Mohamed Jumaa Alshamsi, CEO of AD Ports Group; and Meleket Sahlu Denbu, Deputy Chief Executive Officer, Ethiopian Investment Holdings. Memorandum of Understanding between UAE's TALC Investment and the Ministry of Agriculture of Ethiopia, signed by Mohammed Aldhaheri, Chairman of TALC Investment, and Dr. Girma Amente, Ethiopian Minister of Agriculture. Roadmap between Masdar and the Ministry of Finance of Ethiopia, signed by Dr. Sultan bin Ahmed Al Jaber, Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology; and Ahmed Shide, Ethiopian Minister of Finance.
Source:Ethiopian News
August 18, 2023 18:33 UTC
Ethiopia: Authorities must grant independent investigators, media unfettered access to Amhara region to probe violations under state of emergency.
The government blocked internet access in the Amhara region since 3 August 2023, infringing on the public’s right to freedom of expression and access to information. The sweeping state of emergency gives the Ethiopian government unchecked powers while internet blockages make it harder to monitor the situation in Amhara region. Tigere Chagutah“The sweeping state of emergency gives the Ethiopian government unchecked powers while internet blockages make it harder to monitor the situation in Amhara region,” said Tigere Chagutah. The decision led to protests in the Amhara region. From early August 2023, Fano captured major cities across the Amhara region, including the historic Gondar city and Debre Birhan – which is only 135 km from Addis Ababa.
Source:Ethiopian News
August 18, 2023 18:32 UTC
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President Sheikh Mohamed in Ethiopia on official visit
President Sheikh Mohamed has arrived in Ethiopia on an official visit. Sheikh Mohamed was greeted by Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed after touching down at Bole Addis Ababa International Airport, in the country's capital. Sheikh Mohamed received a colourful welcome to the African country as a group of children chanted greetings while waving the flags of both nations. Mr Abiy met Sheikh Mohamed, in his previous capacity as Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi, during an official trip to the Emirates in January 2022. Expand Autoplay Image 1 of 24 President Sheikh Mohamed and Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed witness an agreement-signing ceremony at the Office of the Prime Minister.
Source:Ethiopian News
August 18, 2023 17:52 UTC
Jewish state to reconsider Ethiopian immigration quotas
(Photo: Chaim Goldberg/Flash90)Minister of Immigration and Absorption Ofir Sofer on Wednesday appointed Brig.-Gen. (res) Harel Kanfo to review the Jewish state’s policies regarding further immigration from Ethiopia to Israel. Earlier this month, Israel rescued 174 Israelis and Ethiopians eligible to immigrate from Gondar under the Law of Return. The group represents descendants of Ethiopian Jews who were forced to convert to Christianity in the 19th century. In the 1980s and 1990s, Israel airlifted thousands of Ethiopian Jews, known as Beta Israel, out of Ethiopia. Since 1992, Ethiopian Jews in Israel have sought to persuade changing Israeli governments to bring the Falash Mura to Israel.
Source:Ethiopian News
August 18, 2023 16:01 UTC
DRC better place to manufacture mobile phones – UN report – New Business Ethiopia
The report recalls that in 2021, the mobile technology company Africell and Industry Five, aglobal smart manufacturing vendor, collaborated to develop assembling facilities for mobile telephones in DRC. The factory in Kinshasa is equipped with modular and mobile workstations, and workers are trained to reach quality standards and handle proprietary handsets. “Developing mobile telephone supply chain capacities in Africa can unlock further potential in the electronics supply chain and open up market opportunities towards the production of tablets, laptops and high-performance servers, and data storage solutions. It further noted that most of the minerals and metals that go into the production of smartphones can be sourced within African countries. “The abundance of these resources also provides vast opportunity for strengthening regional supply chains in mobile phone production from precursor production.
Source:News Business Ethiopia
August 18, 2023 03:18 UTC
Ethiopia: Yirgalem Industrial Park Generates USD 2.1 Million from Exports
Yirgalem Integrated Agro Industrial Park reported earnings of over USD 2.1 million dollars from its exports in the previous fiscal year. Over the past four years, the park accumulated earnings of more than USD 8.5 million from the export of 1,300 tons of products to the foreign market. The park was engaged in trial production of various products for the past four years. Moreover, the park exported 120 tons of different flavored fruit juices to Sudan and South Sudan, generating an income of USD 288,000. By replacing imported products, the park saved USD 218,000 through the sale of various flavored juice products and processed milk within the country.
Source:Ethiopian News
August 17, 2023 19:42 UTC
Years of Violent Unrest and Armed Conflict in Ethiopia have Resulted in Countless Abuses
Since April, the Ethiopian military and militias known as Fano have clashed in towns throughout the Amhara region after the government announced plans to dismantle and integrate all regional special forces in the country. The fighting has intensified in recent weeks, with increased reports of civilian casualties. The authorities blocked mobile internet access in early April and have arrested at least eight journalists reporting on the unrest. On August 4, Ethiopia’s federal cabinet declared a six-month state of emergency and placed the Amhara region under a military command post accountable to the prime minister. Previous states of emergency declarations under Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed’s administration resulted in mass arrests, prolonged arbitrary detentions, politically motivated charges, and unlawful restrictions on movement and communication.
Source:Ethiopian News
August 17, 2023 19:13 UTC
Battle for Ethiopia’s mobile money market begins as Safaricom’s M-Pesa takes on TeleBirr
NewsThe mobile money platform, the largest in Africa, will take on incumbent operator Ethio Telecom’s own fintech service, TelebirrThis week. Kenyan operator giant Safaricom has launched their M-Pesa mobile money platform in Ethiopia. However, the company was restricted from launching M-Pesa immediately, with the Ethiopian government forcing them to wait a year in order to give incumbent Ethio Telecom a chance to launch their mobile money platform first. With no local competition, TeleBirr quickly racked up customers in Ethiopia’s mobile money space, earlier this year reporting roughly 34 million active users of its platform. “M-Pesa is known to be a game-changer for financial inclusion,” said Stanley Njoroge, Safaricom Ethiopia’s interim CEO.
Source:Ethiopian News
August 17, 2023 18:37 UTC