News: National Bank of #Ethiopia greenlights offshore accounts for strategic foreign direct investments

The National Bank of Ethiopia (NBE) has approved foreign direct investment initiatives to establish offshore accounts.

This enables projects to deposit their proceeds sourced from equity and loan financing.

The #NBE aims to attract strategic investors across various sectors that can provide much-needed public goods and create new streams of foreign currency flows into Ethiopia.

https://addisstandard.com/news-national-bank-of-ethiopia-greenlights-offshore-accounts-for-strategic-foreign-direct-investments/

The ordeal of #Tigrayan women in #Ethiopia: 'Whether you shout or not, no one is going to come and rescue you'

At least 120,000 women were raped in Tigray during the war, according to Amnesty International. And almost a year after the peace agreement, the violence continues.

She recalled, "They told me, 'Whether you shout or not, no one is going to come and rescue you.' And then they raped me for around three months since then. They were taking turns on me, just like a doorkeeper." Her testimony, along with those of 48 other women, serves as the basis for Amnesty International's assertion, In a report published on Tuesday September 5, that "despite the signing of the Cessation of Hostilities Agreement (CoHA), atrocities against civilians in Tigray continued." In this conflict, Tigrayan women have found themselves on the front line. At least 120,000 of them have been victims of rape during the war, according to regional health authorities.

https://t.co/xTWATmezwO

#Ethiopia rolls out student IDs, integrates biometric data to issue Fayda

Ethiopia's Ministry of Education and the national ID program have announced the adoption of biometric digital ID as the official student ID for all educational institutions. This move is part of Ethiopia's efforts to digitize and modernize the education sector. The new system guarantees enhanced identity verification and improved data protection across all academic platforms. It also aims to simplify administrative processes related to admissions, record management, and the rollout of digital ID-based licensing and national exams.

Pilot projects have already successfully registered post-secondary students, with approximately 640,000 students' biometric data integrated into the national ID program's system. The Ministry of Education and the national ID program are enthusiastic about the transformative potential of this initiative and encourage all education sector stakeholders to embrace this innovative transition.

This development follows a recent trend in the Ethiopian government, which has been implementing biometric digital ID as the standard in various services, including the federal civil service commission and the ministry of health. In July, Ethiopia made the use of fayda digital ID mandatory for all financial institution transactions.

https://www.biometricupdate.com/202309/ethiopia-rolls-out-student-ids-integrates-biometric-data-to-issue-fayda

Ethiopian nationals arrested for kidnapping fellow countryman in South Africa

Two #Ethiopian nationals have been apprehended in Limpopo, #SouthAfrica, for allegedly kidnapping a 20-year-old man and demanding a ransom for his release. The victim was reportedly taken in the Giyani policing precinct on 09 September by his countrymen, who later demanded a substantial amount of R80,000 from his relatives.

The local police promptly launched an investigation and, with the assistance of several units, successfully arrested the suspects at Orange Farm, #Norwood. During the operation, seven cellphones were seized, and it was discovered that other Ethiopian nationals had also been kidnapped.

The victims were rescued without any ransom being paid. The two suspects are set to appear in court on charges of kidnapping.

https://www.iol.co.za/news/crime-and-courts/two-ethiopian-nationals-allegedly-kidnap-another-ethiopian-in-limpopo-and-demand-r80000-in-ransom-15b07203-aa56-4552-902b-ccd268c58616

#Djibouti inaugurates red sea power wind farm, bringing electricity to 38% of the population

Djibouti has taken a major step towards reducing power shortages and increasing domestic output by inaugurating the Red Sea Power wind farm project. President Ismail Omar Guelleh unveiled the project over the weekend, located in Ghoubet, 120 km from the capital. The project consists of 17 wind turbines, a sub-station, and an overhead transmission line.

With a cost of $122 million, it has been funded by various organizations. Red Sea Power will produce 60 MW of electricity, providing access to power for 38% of the country's population currently lacking it. This move is significant for Djibouti, which heavily relies on imported fossil fuels and hydrogen-generated power from #Ethiopia.

https://northafricapost.com/71245-djibouti-launches-first-wind-farm-to-increase-domestic-power-output.html

GSK and Save the Children extend partnership for unvaccinated children

GSK and Save the Children have just announced that they are renewing their partnership for another five years. GSK will be investing £15m in the partnership, and together they will focus on increasing childhood vaccination rates. Their goal is to reduce the number of 'zero dose' children in #Ethiopia and #Nigeria, meaning children who have never received any routine vaccinations.

Over the past ten years, GSK and Save the Children have made great strides in improving healthcare in remote and marginalized communities. So far, they have reached over 3.5 million children with essential healthcare and trained over 39,000 health workers.

Dr. Lia Tadesse, the Minister of Health, expressed her support for this partnership, stating that reducing the number of unvaccinated children is crucial for national and global development. The Ethiopian government aims to reduce the number of 'zero dose' children by 50% by 2025, and with help from GSK and Save the Children's expertise in health, immunization, and supply chain, they believe this goal is achievable.

https://pharmafile.com/news/gsk-and-save-the-children-extend-partnership-for-unvaccinated-children/

#Ethiopia’s buzzing beekeeping sector seeks global market

Ethiopia's honey production has reached 98,000 tonnes this year, due to the success of the 'Bounty of the Basket' program. Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed has credited the program, launched a year ago, for the surge in production, which is almost double compared to last year's figure of 52,000 tonnes.

With the goal of doubling production again next year, experts estimate that Ethiopia has the potential to generate 500,000 tonnes of honey and 50,000 tonnes of beeswax annually. However, challenges such as lack of training, bee diseases, and costly equipment still exist.

The 'Bounty of the Basket' initiative is seen as a turning point, introducing modern techniques to traditional beekeepers and improving the quality of honey.

https://www.riotimesonline.com/ethiopias-buzzing-beekeeping-sector-seeks-global-market/

News: #Ethiopian Communications Authority extends deadline for second telecom license

The Ethiopian Communications Authority (ECA) has extended the submission deadline for the country's second full-service telecommunications license by 20 days, raising concerns about the authority's ability to meet its end-of-2023 target.

The ECA received requests from investors to extend the deadline, pushing it from 15 September to 6 October.

#Safaricom Ethiopia became the second telecom operator in May 2021.

https://addisstandard.com/news-ethiopian-communications-authority-extends-deadline-for-second-telecom-license/

#Ethiopia: Crisis-hit Amhara state capital gets new mayor, administrative leadership

#Bahir_Dar City Council appointed Goshu Endalamahu as the new mayor of the crisis-hit #Amhara regional state. The appointment is part of efforts to restructure civilian administration and security structures after widespread collapse.

Goshu vowed to address the security crisis through dialogue and tackle issues of good governance and development in the region.

The #UN expressed concern about the deteriorating human rights situation in the Amhara region, where clashes have resulted in at least 183 deaths.

https://addisstandard.com/news-crisis-hit-amhara-state-capital-gets-new-mayor-administrative-leadership/

#US-trained #Danab troops push Al-Shabaab out of areas in #Jubaland

The US-trained Danab commandos with the help of the Jubaland Darwish have carried out planned operations in several areas of the Lower Jubba region.

The joint forces targeted Al-Shabaab-held areas in the West of the city of Kismayo, the capital of the Lower Jubba region, which has witnessed increased operations in the past.

Jubbaland is one of the areas where Al-Shabaab still has a strong presence and awaits an offensive by SNA who are now battling the militants in Galmudug and Hirshabelle states.

The government-led military operation against al-Shabaab in central Somalia has led to an influx of militants southwards towards Jubaland state, according to the security experts.


https://shabellemedia.com/us-trained-danab-troops-push-al-shabaab-out-of-areas-near-kismayo/

News: Rights body reveals “extrajudicial killings” by gov forces in #Amhara region; “widespread, arbitrary arrests” in #Oromia, #Amhara and #Addis_Abeba

Ethiopian Human Rights Commission’s (EHRC) latest report on rights abuses againist civilians, especially in the Amhara region, in the context of the ongoing militarized conflict between federal forces and the non-state militia, Fano, revealed that the armed conflict has spread to different districts of the region causing immeasurable damages to civilians, which “continues to worsen.”

From mid-July to the first week of August widespread extrajudicial killings were conducted in several cities in Amhara region. Among the victims included “people who were arrested during a house-to-house search, unarmed people who were found on the streets during the conflict”, and “civilians caught violating curfews"

EHRC also revealed that apart from the detentions and the places of detentions officially announced by the State of Emergency Command Post, there are “widespread and arbitrary arrests by government security forces” especially in the Amhara region, Oromia region and Addis Abeba city.

https://addisstandard.com/?p=37806

Liquid opens tap on #Kenya and #Ethiopia fiber link

Cassava Technologies subsidiary announces two new cross-border fiber routes designed to allow for greater efficiency and reliable regional connectivity, both key to the economic development of key territories

Spanning over 1,000km, the fiber link between Kenya and Ethiopia is designed to offer businesses in Ethiopia access to datacenters and cloud in Nairobi, Kenya, ensuring that data doesn’t leave the continent. In addition, the link is further supported by the cross-border 711km link between Zambia and Malawi, providing a direct and reliable connection to content caches and datacenters in South Africa.

“Kenyan and Ethiopian businesses are rapidly adopting digital technologies, and this new link will enable trade and investment between these two great nations in our region,” said Adil El Youssefi, CEO Rest of Africa at Liquid Intelligent Technologies.

https://www.computerweekly.com/news/366552080/Liquid-opens-tap-on-Kenya-and-Ethiopia-fibre-link

#Ethiopian Facebook campaign for migrant workers enables human trafficking, forced labor in Saudi Arabia, advocates say

Fikirte, an Ethiopian domestic worker, shares her horrifying experience of abuse and exploitation in Saudi Arabia. After responding to a government advertisement on Facebook, she found herself trapped in a nightmare of hunger, exhaustion, and harassment by her employers.

Human rights researchers have condemned the dangerous working conditions and exploitation faced by migrant workers in Saudi Arabia, where migrant deaths average at 10,000 annually. Despite warnings, the Ethiopian government continues to promote the program as a means to alleviate its foreign currency shortage.

Through misleading Facebook posts, state agencies entice Ethiopian women with false promises of safe jobs. Facebook has pledged to review and remove any recruitment posts that violate its policies.

https://www.theglobeandmail.com/world/article-ethiopia-domestic-work-saudi-arabia-facebook/

#Ethiopian migrants stuck in #Yemen as repatriation pauses

Hundreds of Ethiopian migrants are currently stranded in war-torn Yemen, unable to find better employment opportunities and lacking the means to return home. Each year, tens of thousands of Ethiopians seek work in Arabian Peninsula countries, often embarking on dangerous journeys that leave them trafficked and stranded.

Roman, an Ethiopian migrant who worked in #Saudi_Arabia, spoke of the challenging working conditions she faced. The International Organization for Migration (IOM) recently halted the return of migrants from Ethiopia's #Tigray and #Amhara regions due to security concerns. This decision sparked protests in Yemen, resulting in violence and casualties.

Advocacy groups argue that the Ethiopian government's policy discriminates against migrants with Amhara and Tigrayan ethnic backgrounds. The conflict in Tigray ended in November 2021, but a new conflict arose in the Amhara region this year.

https://www.voanews.com/a/ethiopian-migrants-stuck-in-yemen-as-repatriation-pauses-/7270573.html

#Ethiopia: Armed men assault on civilians in Western #Oromia leaves several dead, injured

A devastating assault targeting unarmed civilians by assailants identified by local official residents and an official as members of Fano militia left many dead and injured.

The attack took place on 15 September in the village of Dincho, in #Gidda_Ayana and has resulted in several fatalities including three members of one family, while the survivors sustained sever injuries.

Speaking to Addis Standard about the assault, Wakgari Gudaya, head of the communication office of Gidda Ayana district, accused the Fano militia of what he described as “acts of terrorism, including beatings, looting and property damage.”

A medical professional at the Gida Ayana hospital who spoke to Addis Standard on conditions of anonymity, said eleven people were admitted to the hospital, and five of them died as the result of their injuries. The victims are identified as Bilashitti Jiboo, Babu Haji, and brothers Amin Nuru, Taji Nuru, and Tola Nuru. Six survivors are currently receiving medical treatment at Gidda Ayana Hospital.

https://addisstandard.com/news-armed-men-assault-on-civilians-in-western-oromia-leaves-several-dead-injured/

#Ethiopia: #Oromia gov. says reports of detention facilities “false information”

A similar report of denial was issued by the State of Emergency Command Post on Wednesday 13 September refuting reports of detention facilities in Oromia region. The Command post asserted and there were five detention facilities under its supervision where only 764 detainees are held in connection with the state of emergency. It named the locations as Kombolcha, Gonder, Bahir Dar, Shewa Robit and Awash Arba.

But the report EHRC further exposed the presence of additional detentions than were officially admitted by the State of Emergency Command Post. The Commission said that there are “widespread and arbitrary arrests by government security forces” especially in the #Amhara region, #Oromia region and #Addis_Abeba city.


https://addisstandard.com/?p=37816

#Ethiopia: #Moody's downgrades Ethiopia's foreign currency rating on default risks

Moody's on Friday downgraded Ethiopia's foreign currency rating by a notch to 'Caa3' from 'Caa2', citing a high likelihood of default on foreign currency-denominated private sector debt.

Africa's second-most populous country had requested a debt restructuring under the G20 Common Framework process in early 2021, but progress was delayed by the civil war that broke out in November 2020.

#China had recently allowed Ethiopia to suspend payments on debts maturing in 2023/2024 fiscal year under a framework set up by the G20.

https://www.nasdaq.com/articles/moodys-downgrades-ethiopias-foreign-currency-rating-on-default-risks-0

Al-Shabab ambushes #Ethiopian convoy in #Somalia; casualty figures still unclear

Yesterday, #Al_Shabab militants attacked two convoys carrying Ethiopian soldiers in the Bakool region of Somalia. The convoys were travelling from the towns of #Yeed and #El_Barde to #Wajid and #Huddur. Local forces accompanying the convoy to Huddur were able to repulse the attack, according to Somali officials.

The fighting lasted for hours, and the mayor of Huddur claimed that the militants lost as many as 50 fighters. However, Al-Shabab claimed responsibility for the ambush, stating that they killed 167 Ethiopian soldiers and seized weapons and ammunition.

Ethiopian officials dismissed the claims as "propaganda," stating that their forces are well-equipped and organized. Casualty figures have not been independently verified.

https://www.voanews.com/a/al-shabab-attacks-ethiopian-military-convoys-in-somalia-/7271962.html

#Ethiopia's Gudaf Tsegay sets world records as the #Diamond_League final concluded in Eugene, #Oregon on Sunday.

World 10,000m champion Gudaf shattered the women's 5,000m record as she won in a time of 14 minutes 00.21 seconds.

Gudaf, 26, knocked almost five seconds off the previous women's 5,000m record of 14:05.20 set by Kenyan star Faith Kipyegon, also on 9 June in Paris. Kenya's Beatrice Chebet was just outside the previous mark as she finished second in 14:05.92.

Credit: BBC Sport/Wanda Diamond League

From Nigeria Airways to Nigeria Air, the Dwindling Fortunes of National Carriers in 52 Years

The #Nigerian government has suspended the #Nigeria Air project, the country's latest national carrier. Festus Keyamo, the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, announced the suspension and cited the need for an honest assessment before continuing the project.

The ownership structure of the proposed airline was supposed to be 49% held by #Ethiopian_Airlines, 46% by Nigerian private investors, and 5% by the federal government. The unveiling of the national carrier had been controversial, with Hadi Sirika, the former aviation minister, claiming that N3 billion had been spent over seven years without achieving operational status. This suspension leaves the project's future uncertain

Nigeria has faced challenges in the past with national carriers, including the closure of Nigeria Airways with debts of $528 million and the collapse of Nigerian Eagle Airlines due to financial mismanagement and debts of N35 billion.

https://fij.ng/article/from-nigeria-airways-to-nigeria-air-the-dwindling-fortunes-of-national-carriers-in-52-years/

Addis Abeba's warming may trigger year-round malaria, study warns

Ethiopian residents of Addis Abeba are at risk of year-round malaria transmission if average daily temperatures continue to rise, warned an Ethiopian post-doctoral student living in the #UnitedStates. #Climatechange would result in a rise in the frequency, duration, and intensity of heat waves, leading to increased risks to public health, ecosystems, infrastructure, livelihoods, and food supplies. The rise in temperatures would also lead to increased malaria transmission.

Currently, malaria transmission in #Ethiopia is seasonal, but if temperatures continue to increase, it could become a year-round issue. To address these challenges, the researcher suggested implementing sustained policy measures, establishing a climate adaptation and resilience office, developing a water management strategy, investing in green infrastructure, and launching public awareness campaigns and school education programs about climate change impacts.

Increased flooding from climate change could also pose challenges to the population, particularly those living in flood-prone areas and informal settlements along rivers.

https://www.jpost.com/environment-and-climate-change/article-759417