Day: June 3, 2024

Addis Ababa: Ethio-Djibouti Railways Share Company signed partnership agreement with Ethiopian Shipping and Logistics. Ethio-Djibouti Railways Share Company CEO Abdi Zenebe and CEO of the Ethiopian Shipping and Logistics, Beriso Amelo signed the agreement today. The agreement aims at enhancing the partnership of the two companies in areas of national interest. Ethiopian Shipping and Logistics CEO, Beriso Amelo said on the occasion that the agreement would help to support the national economy by enhancing collaboration between the two companies and noted the volume of goods being transported by train has been steadily increasing. He further indicated that the agreement will be instrumental in providing efficient services by addressing potential challenges that might encounter during shipments of goods and sustainably responding to customer demands. Ethio-Djibouti Railways Share Company CEO Abdi Zenebe for his part said the agreement will help to expedite the logistics sector by creating coordinated work system among the two companies. Source: Ethiopian News Agency

Addis Ababa: Ethiopian Coffee and Tea Authority (ECTA) disclosed that coffee exports have brought 1 Billion USD to the country in revenue in ten months of the current fiscal year. General Director of the Authority Adugna Debela told ENA Ethiopia's coffee export is increasing every year. About 210,000 tons of coffee has been exported to the global market over the past ten months, he added. This shows significant increment compared to the same period of last year, it was indicated. Noting the nation has exported coffee to more than 50 countries he said, adding that efforts are being made to expand the destination countries for Ethiopian coffee. On other hand, coffee promotion work is being done by organizing coffee fairs and other activities in different countries. 'In terms of finding new global markets, we participated in a lot of exhibitions. We have been encouraging our suppliers and exporters to participate in exhibitions held in different countries. Currently, China, South Korea, Sudan, and the Unit ed Arab Emirates have started to take high production of Ethiopian coffee,' he said. Moreover, the General Director noted a modern system has been put in place to avoid illegal activities related to coffee trade and to increase the foreign trade performance of the sector. U.S, Japan, Belgium, Germany and Saudi Arabia are the countries that import and consume Ethiopian coffee in large quantities. Source: Ethiopian News Agency

Addis Ababa: The National Intelligence and Security Service (NISS) said efforts being carried out to modernize air traffic management system and strengthen regulatory frameworks are contributing to the airline's success. Ethiopian Civil Aviation International Security Audit began in Addis Ababa today. The international audit is underway for the first time under the coordination of the National Intelligence and Security Service (NISS) in partnership with the International Civil Aviation Organization. The opening of the audit was attended by senior government officials from NISS, Information Network Security Administration (INSA), Immigration and Citizenship Service, Ministry of Transport and Logistics, and Civil Aviation Authority among others. On the occasion, Deputy General Director of NISS, Sisay Tola stated that one of the reasons that has made the Ethiopian Airlines the pride of Africa beyond Ethiopia is that its high priority given to render safe aviation services. Ethiopia prioritizes sustainable g rowth while upholding the highest standard of aviation security, Sisay indicated. According to him, the government of Ethiopia is investing in infrastructures, cutting edge technologies and manpower trainings to detect and deter potential threats. He said modernization efforts in air traffic management system and strengthening regulatory frameworks continue to be the airline's success. Ethiopian takes in its role as a leading institution in the aviation sector within Africa and maintains a close partnership with international civil aviation organization for decade, he added. Aviation Security Sector Director at NISS, Asrat Kejela said Ethiopia has proven track records of hosting and successfully completed audits conducted by various international reputable organizations including America, France, UK, and Canada among other with great achievements. These audits serve as a testament to Ethiopia's unwavering commitment to transparency, accountability, and adherences to the global aviation security standards , the director noted. The audit will be conducted over the coming ten days at the Addis Ababa International Airport and other airports in the country. Source: Ethiopian News Agency

Addis Ababa: Minister of Water and Energy Habtamu Itefa has stressed the need to strengthen international partnerships and the participation of the private sector in Ethiopia's renewable energy development which will serve neighboring countries as well. The Accelerated Partnership for Renewables in Africa (APRA) country consultation workshop for Ethiopia was held in Addis Ababa today. Comprising a consortium of African governments and stakeholders, including Kenya, Ethiopia, Ghana, Namibia, Rwanda, Sierra Leone, and Zimbabwe, with support from Denmark, Germany, UAE, and the US, APRA is spearheading efforts to expedite the deployment of renewables-based energy systems. Addressing the workshop Habtamu said that the main objective of the meeting is to ensure comprehensive consultations towards determining the common implementation strategy and action plan that will support accelerate Ethiopia's energy transition. Ethiopia has significant renewable energy potential with hydropower estimated at 45 gigawatts wh ile wind and geothermal have a combined potential capacity of 15 gigawatts, he revealed. The country has taken the initiative to build the biggest hydropower dam in Africa with a capacity of 5.1 gigawatts will not only serve the country but also the neighboring countries, the minister affirmed. For Habtamu, Ethiopia fully supports the APRA initiative and recognizes the potential it holds to drive a resilient and inclusive green growth in Africa through renewables. 'We believe that three APRA areas of mobilizing finance, activating technical assistance, and capacity building and engaging the private sector will be especially important to transform Ethiopia's energy sector in line with our priorities.' Noting that international partnerships will help ensure the country receives effective support mechanisms, he said the government's initiatives on policies such as the Private-Public Partnership is one of the many measures undertaking to enhance the private sector participation. Head of APRA Secretariat Safi atou Alzouma said APRA recognizes the importance of aligning the national priorities and frameworks of African countries ensuring that initiatives are not only relevant but also sustainable in the long-term. APRA engagement includes country consultations, as well as the development of national action plans encompassing all necessary interventions essential to expedite the nations' journey towards ambitious renewable energy development and green grow, she stated. Today's gathering will set the stage for APRA's intervention in Ethiopia, she affirmed. 'Ethiopia is endowed with huge renewable energy potential mainly hydro. If you look at the power mix of the country, it is over 90 percent of hydro. So Ethiopia can play a big role, a role of balance for the region,' she noted. Ethiopia is successfully supplying energy to its neighboring countries of Sudan, Djibouti and Kenya. Source: Ethiopian News Agency

Addis Ababa: The Ethiopian Startup Awards has been launched today with the objective to encourage innovative entrepreneurs in the country. The Award Program was co-hosted by the Ministry of Labor and Skills, Global Startup Awards, and the Ministry of Innovation and Technology. The launching ceremony was held in the presence of senior government officials including Deputy Prime Minister Temesgen Tiruneh and Minister of Labor and Skills Muferihat Kamil. Speaking on occasion, Deputy Prime Minister Temesgen mentioned about the activities being carried out by the government of Ethiopia to boost Startups to help the country become influential in terms of innovation and technology. He said attention has been given for the start uppers which are vital for development of other economic sectors. Furthermore, he mentioned about the month long National Startup event launched by Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed recently that attracted over 300 start uppers. The even had created a platform to exchange knowledge, training, a nd panel discussion, he underscored. Acknowledging the positive impacts of innovation and technology, he indicated that those technologically advanced nations are influential in all fields. Ethiopia is aware of this and it has been intensifying reform to further stimulate the sector. Winners of the Ethiopian Startup Awards are expected participate in a competition that will be held at African level next year in Ethiopia. Continental winners will also be part of the international award competition that is scheduled to take place in Istanbul, Turkeye. Appreciating the private companies and stakeholders for their unreserved support for the start uppers, he called on to continue their enhanced support. Temesgen also indicated that the government of Ethiopia has embarked on massive development activities in order to transform the country to a better chapter citing the surplus irrigated wheat production, green development revolution and other infrastructure. Ministry of Labor and Skills, Muferihat Kamil on her part said the star up initiative have been demonstrating the capacities of Ethiopian youths in innovations. The attention given for innovation and creativity has create an opportunity for start uppers to be encouraged as several start uppers are engaging in the business activities, she added. Start ups have been given the utmost attention in the 10 year development plan of the country, she indicated, mentioning the proclamations enacted to promote the sector. Source: Ethiopian News Agency