Addis Ababa: Minister of Planning and Development, Fitsum Assefa, announced that Ethiopia aims to achieve an 8.3 percent economic growth in the 2017 Ethiopian fiscal year. The government has recently evaluated the final 100-day performance of the 2016 fiscal year and plans for 2017. The Minister told ENA that based on the main macroeconomic sector performances over the past 10 months, indicators suggest a 7.9 percent economic growth for the current fiscal year. She noted that the execution in agriculture, manufacturing, mining, and other sectors is enabling the realization of the set economic growth targets. In agriculture, the harvest during the main season exceeded last year's by 100 million quintals. The summer irrigation wheat initiative and 'Bounty of the Basket' (Ye Lemat Tirufat), a national development program initiated by Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, are also showing significant results. For instance, out of the planned 117 million quintals from summer irrigation wheat alone, 106 million quintals were harvested until the end of May. In the manufacturing sector, productivity has been increasing following the implementation of 'MadeInEthiopia' movement, which provides input and financial support to factories to operate at full capacity. The mining sector has seen improvements in gold and cement production, with cement output surpassing last year's by over 1 million tons. To stabilize the cost of living, efforts to increase domestic production and productivity, duty-free imports of essential goods, and expansion of market infrastructure have helped reduce overall inflation to 23 percent. The service sector is also showing gradual improvement. For the 2017 fiscal year, the national economy is projected to grow by 8.3 percent. This target considers current capacity and future potential, with extensive preparations made from policy reforms to budgeting. To achieve this goal, coordinated efforts will be strengthened in agriculture, manufacturing, mining, tourism, and digital sectors. The plan also foc uses on economic and social infrastructure development to reduce poverty significantly. In the coming fiscal year, efforts to stabilize inflation will continue through operational improvements, increasing production and productivity, and modernizing market infrastructure. Source: Ethiopian News Agency
Day: June 24, 2024
Kuwait University Expresses Willingness to Work with Universities in Ethiopia
Addis Ababa: Ethiopia's Ambassador to Kuwait Sied Muhumed Jibril Confers with Vice President for planning of Kuwait University Professor Asad al-Rashed. The two sides held a wide-ranging discussion on the ways to strengthen the relationship between the higher educational institutions of both countries' On the occasion, Ambassador Sied expressed gratitude for the scholarship opportunities given by the government of Kuwait to Ethiopians every year. He also explained about the presence of internationally competitive government and private higher education institutions in Ethiopia, that have been contributing many problem-solving research results in the past years and will continue to contribute in the future as centers of excellence in research. In addition, the ambassador discussed the ways to conduct joint education and training experience exchanges with Kuwait University, and conduct joint research that is critical to the development of a country and addresses problems. Finally, Ambassador Sied requested for additional scholarship programs due to the presence of a large number of Ethiopians in Kuwait. Professor Asad al-Rashed, on his part, mentioned that the Kuwait university will look forward working with universities in Ethiopia in the fields of science, engineering, medicine, energy and agriculture and also exchanging education and training experience. He said in order to provide additional scholarship programs to Ethiopians at Kuwait University every year, the mission need to submit an official request to the concerned party and that Kuwait University will provide the necessary support. Source: Ethiopian News Agency
UNIDO Affirms Commitment to Strengthening Existing Collaboration with Ethiopia
Addis Ababa: Ethiopia's Ministry of Women and Social Affairs and the United Nations industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) have been exploring opportunities for comprehensive collaboration on critical issues. Women and Social Affairs Minister Ergogie Tesfsye bade a farewell to adieu Aurelia Patrizia, the outgoing UNIDO Representative and Director of the Regional Hub in Ethiopia. During the discussions, Ergogie highlighted Ethiopia's progress in social development over the past five years. The two side's explored opportunities for comprehensive collaboration on critical issues such as illegal migration, support for returnees, psychosocial assistance in conflict-affected areas, women worker safety and health in industry, women's business expos, and gender-based violence. The minister also requested that UNIDO work on an encompassing package of projects focused on women's empowerment, in partnership with the Ministry of Women and Social Affairs. On her part, the outgoing UNIDO Representative and Direct or of the Regional Hub in Ethiopia Aurelia Patrizia affirmed UNIDO's commitment to strengthening the existing collaboration between the two institutions. The meeting underscored the Ethiopian government's focus on social development and its willingness to work closely with international organizations like UNIDO to address pressing challenges facing women and vulnerable populations, according to Ministry of Women and Social Affairs. Source: Ethiopian News Agency
Ministry Pledges to Explore Int’l Market Opportunities for Ethiopia’s Medical Manufacturers
Addis Ababa: The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has pledged to explore international market opportunities for domestic medical manufacturers with a view to encourage the nation's industrial competitiveness. Representatives and leaders from the ministry and various institutions visit local medical products manufacturing and innovation exhibition that was officially opened by Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed on Saturday at the Millennium Hall. The exhibition aims to boost the local medical manufacturing sector and highlight Ethiopia's healthcare investment opportunities, showcasing domestically produced medical products and services. Following the visit to the exhibition, spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Nebiyou Tedla emphasized the importance of expanding market access for medical products, especially to neighboring countries. He added that locally manufactured medical products can play a pivotal role in enhancing the health sector and in bolstering efforts to enhance medical tourism. The ambassador also underscored the need for meeting stringent quality standards to expand local production and supply for the international market. The spokesperson noted that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has given top priority to economic diplomacy as the kernel of the entire diplomacy including the promotion of domestically manufactured products. Accordingly, Nebiyou said the ministry will contribute its fair share in the endeavors to explore international market opportunities for local medical manufacturers. He added the promotion activities for those local medical manufacturers will be conducted by Ethiopia's foreign missions, consulates and diplomats. Minister of Health Mekdes Daba stated that over the past three days, approximately 28,000 people have visited the local medical products manufacturing and innovation exhibition. She highlighted that the exhibition provides an opportunity for small and large-scale manufacturers to share best practices and gain access to a variety of products. The suppl y of domestically manufactured medicines has risen sharply to 36 percent during the past three years, a substantial increase from the previous 8 percent driven by strong government support aimed at encouraging local manufacturers, Mekdes said. She further highlighted that the encouraging achievements attained this year, noting that the country has successfully manufactured medical products to enhance import substitution. This has resulted in significant savings in foreign currency by substituting over 53 million US dollars worth of medical products, the minister figured out. Mekdes explained that the government has established mechanisms to strive towards self-sufficiency in medical and medicine supplies. This includes creating health policies and regulations concerning drugs, she elaborated. On his part, Provisional Coordinator of Channel One Program Coordinating Directorate at Ministry of Finance, Degu Lakew affirmed the ministry's commitment to allocating budgets for importing essential medical inputs needed by local manufacturers. More than 110 manufacturers from the sector are participating in the exhibition, which has brought about networking opportunities for investors, panel discussions, and various programs. And the exhibition will remain open until 27th June 2024, it was learnt. Source: Ethiopian News Agency
Japoma: criticised organization of African Athletics Championship – what to note
Cameroon is hosting the African Athletics Championship for the second time after the 1996 event in Yaounde. The 2024 edition came with many setbacks for the hosts who are faced with a disgruntled public that has criticized the organization. With the inconducive atmosphere that has been felt from the start of the competition on Friday, June 21, authorities have released multiple communiques addressing the situation. Most criticisms have come from reactions made by some of the athletes expressing dissatisfaction with organization. In the communique released by the Cameroon Athletics Federation, its President Motombi Mbome Emmanuel, said the information circulated about the competition is not correct. He said comments made by athletes during interviews are being deformed to convey a tarnishing message about the competition. The low attendance, technical limitations at the Japoma stadium, and transportation problems among others have been the main issues raised. Though denouncing the spread of 'fake news', t he authorities have acknowledged that unusual challenges have been faced in the organization of the competition in Douala. The venue initially had to be the Douala Reunification Stadium but it was moved to Japoma because rehabilitation works at the Bepanda stadium could not be completed on time. Sports Minister Prof. Narcisse Mouelle Kombi, reiterated that with the adjustments made a week before the start of the competition, all necessary measures were taken for the accommodation, feeding and transportation of athletes and officials. The situation seems to be different. The Technical Director of the Confederation of African Athletics, Aziz Daouda, apologized for the setbacks, urging athletes to 'understand that there are difficulties in Africa. The standards which they are used to abroad are not the same here' he said. About 1164 athletes from 50 African countries and six visiting countries (Andora, Canada, Spain, France, Poland, and Turkey) are participating in the 23rd edition of the African Athletics C hampionship. The one-week event will end on June 26. Source: Cameroon News Agency
Chi Chinda insists he is still YOSA president
By Bryan Biwah Amidst confusion surrounding the recent publication of a new ownership at the helm of Yong Sports Academy (YOSA), President Chi Chinda Chido Mitterrand has spoken out in an attempt to set the record straight. In an exclusive interview with CNA on Monday night June 24, 2024, the man considered to have bene fired by the club, Mitterrand Chi Chinda, dismissed the notion that YOSA had been taken over by American company, the Mimba Empire, and stated that he is still the beleaguered team's rightful president. 'I am the president of YOSA, only a general assembly can witness a change in executive. For now, we have not held one.' Mitterrand said. Regarding YOSA's recent announcement on social media of Silas and Emma Mimba as the new owners and majority shareholders of the team, President Mitterrand claimed that the news is fake since it doesn't carry the team's official letterhead. He said, 'No letterhead has been changed, reasons why we term that as fake. We have an official letterhead with our s ponsors, and all it takes to make us a professional club.' It remains a controversy because YOSA made the announcement on its official Facebook page which Mr Chi seems not to have access to Chi Chinda Chido Mitterrand came into the team at the start of the 2023/2024 season and was later sidelined by health challenge in the course of the season 'I was sick but never left the team, I was overseeing the executive management of YOSA from my base in Libreville, Gabon.' President Mitterrand who was a former player for the team clarified that he joined the team because the Yong family was no longer willing to sponsor the team. 'Fans came calling me to take over and Yong's family asked me to take over the team and change the name if I wish but I told them it was not necessary for the moment, that we could still keep the name and give them the honorable positions they are holding till today.' YOSA has struggled for consistency in the past few seasons, but put up a scintillating performance in the just ended campa ign, where they missed out of the title race only after suffering point deduction by the FA. The team will continue their quest for their first Elite one title when the new season kicks off on a yet to be announced date. Source: Cameroon News Agency
Lionel Messi’s glittering career as he turns 37
The football world is celebrating Lionel Messi's 37th birthday, with his iconic moments and accomplishments being the major highlights of the day. The Argentine born on June 24, 1987, in the city of Rosario, has had over two decades of legendary football. It all started when the forward joined the Barcelona first team from the club's youth academy in 2004. He quickly rose to prominence, emerging as the best young player on the planet in 2005. That same year, he won the U20 World Cup and the Golden Boot. As his popularity grew, he was equally relentless in his brilliance. He won gold at the 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing, and grabbed his first Ballon d'Or the following year. The Inter Miami captain has eight Ballon d'Or awards to his name today (2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2015, 2019, 2021, 2023). While at Barca, Messi had a memorable career, scoring 672 goals, winning 35 trophies including two trebles, and 48 hat-tricks. He left the Spanish club in 2021 and joined French side Paris Saint Germain, where he wo n three trophies. He scored 32 goals before leaving PSG for Inter Miami in 2023. He equally has one trophy with the MLS club. Lionel Messi is considered one of the greatest footballers in the world. He has won almost all major trophies that exist, including the World Cup, as well as the Copa America which Argentina hope to defend their title in this year. Source: Cameroon News Agency
Don’t be moved-Pastor Chris tells Christians after fire incident
The founder of the Christ Embassy Church, Pastor Chris Oyakhilome has told Christians worshiping in his Church, not to blink but to keep trusting in the Lord. Despite the headquarters of the Christ Embassy being reduced to near nothing by fire on Sunday, June 23, 2024, the Preacher said it was not a surprise. 'When something like this happens, there are things to remember…I said to her, Do not be moved one bit. I said do not be moved one bit! Don't be moved. I said to look beyond it, that is what you do. Look beyond it! Instead of debating the cause…we don't reason like this' Pastor Chris also noted that he knew something like this was going to happen but he was not ready to talk about it soon 'Was I surprised, not even the slightest surprise…but that is another day's talk. When something like this happens, we have to remember that we are not of this world…every single day, God protects us, he protects us, and he protects everything that he gives us with his glory and His grace, every single day.' He also asked Christians to be steadfast and know that God and his angels were present when the fire consumed the building. But the good news is that they will rebuild it. The damages are said to be millions of US dollars, according to Pastor Chris. His Church also mentioned that the Christ EMbassy headquarters was the most beautiful auditorium in Lagos. Source: Cameroon News Agency