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4. News in Brief
ETHIOPIA DECLARES INDEFINITE HUMANITARIAN TRUCE TO FACILITATE FREE FLOW OF AID INTO TIGRAY REGION: (GCS)
PM ABIY AHMED EXPRESSES GRATITUDE TO AFRICANS OVER THE PEACEFUL, SUCCESSFUL CONCLUSION OF THE AU SUMMIT GRAND ETHIOPIAN RENAISSANCE DAM COMMENCES GENERATING ELECTRIC POWER
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IMPORT SUBSTITUTION LIES AT THE HEART OF ETHIOPIA’S ASPIRATIONS FOR FOOD SELF SUFFICINCY
In a statement issued on March 24, 2022, the Government Communication Service (GCS) declared that the Government of Ethiopia has declared an indefinite humanitarian truce to expedite the provision of humanitarian aid to compatriots in the Tigray region. The Government further calls upon the donor community to redouble their generous contributions to alleviate the situation and reiterated its commitment to continue working in collaboration with all domestic and international partners to expedite the provision of humanitarian assistance. The commitment being undertaken by the Government of Ethiopia could have the desired outcome of improving the humanitarian situation on the ground only to the extent that it is reciprocated by the other side. Currently, increased number of United Nations humanitarian flights and expedited through improved clearance procedures for the delivery of fuel and cash for payments by aid organizations is ongoing. Flights for ICRC, WHO, and the European Union have been facilitated to deliver humanitarian aid. The Government has also been working to facilitate the provision of humanitarian assistance through convoys via the Abala-Mekelle corridor.
Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed has expressed gratitude on February 6, 2022, to all African countries for their contribution to the peaceful and victorious conclusion of the 35th A.U. Summit. H.E. PM Abiy underlined that all Africans have to strive together for an African Solution to African Problems. The Premier expressed gratitude to all Africans for standing with Ethiopia in its trying times. It was the first Summit of the Assembly of Heads of State and Government of the African Union to be held physically after two years due to the Covid-19 pandemic. The summit was concluded with a renewed commitment to respond to the pressing challenges facing Africa and expressing rededication to meet the development needs of the continent. The theme of the year is dedicated to nutrition under the title “Strengthening Resilience in Nutrition and Food Security on the African Continent” Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed has officially launched power generation at the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) hydropower plant on February 20, 2022. The Premier attended the first production of 375 MW hydropower from an early generation of GERD. The Premier noted that the dam would not obstruct the natural flow of the River Nile, adding that the commencement of the power generation indicates Ethiopia’s amicable position on the river for the project doesn’t impose any harm against downstream countries. Abiy also reiterated the commitment of Ethiopia to facilitate conducive integration in the power supply sector across Africa and beyond the continent through proper utilization of its natural resources. The Prime Minister further expressed gratitude for all individuals and institutions that contributed their part to the construction of the dam and the successful beginning of the generation of electric power from the GERD, which he described as “Africa’s largest power plant. More than 60 percent of the Ethiopian population do not have access to electricity. The GERD is expected to address this wide gap to access of electricity without causing significant harm to downstream countries and based on internationally accepted principles.
on March 6, 2022, Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed stated that Ethiopia has embarked on irrigated summer wheat productivity by strengthening cluster farming approaches. The prime Minister noted that farmers in several parts of the country have been harvesting greater yields that will continue to be supported through various efforts. The Prime Minister further underscored that import substitution lies at the heart of Ethiopia’s aspirations toward self-sufficiency. The Ministry of Finance recently stated that Ethiopia has managed to cover 336,000 hectares of land with irrigation surpassing the plan set for 300,000 hectares during the current season. The Prime Minster takes a regular working visit to various irrigation project sites to witness first-hand the success of this important project that is the only path to food self-sufficiency.
DEPUTY PM AND FOREIGN MINISTER DEMEKE DISCUSSES CURRENT ISSUES WITH THE EU SPECIAL REPRESENTATIVE FOR HOA
The Prime Minister has inaugurated the new state-of-the-art skyscraper headquarters of the Commercial Bank of Ethiopia (CBE on February 14, 2022), built at 303.5 million USD. Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed has underlined the fact that the Commercial Bank of Ethiopia (CBE) and other banking sectors are expected to join the global financial competition. Speaking at the inauguration ceremony, the premier lauded the bank as a wealth of financial expertise and knowledge in Ethiopian banking history. The premier added that the Commercial Bank of Ethiopia (CBE) is a testament to Ethiopia’s capacity in building institutions and passing them on to future generations.
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, H.E. Demeke Mekonnen, met and discussed with Dr. Annette Weber, European Union Special Representative for the Horn of Africa, on February 9, 2022.The Deputy Prime Minister briefed the envoy about positive steps taken by the government of Ethiopia to achieve lasting peace in the country, which needs proper recognition from the E.U. Speaking on the severe drought in some parts of the country, including the Somali region and Southern Oromia, he called on humanitarian agencies and development partners to accelerate support to affected people. The Special envoy, on her part, expressed appreciation for the positive measures the Government has taken to give peace a chance. The discussion between the two sides included the peace efforts of Hon. Olusegun Obasanjo, High Representative of the Chairperson of the African Union Commission for the Horn of Africa, and the tripartite talks on the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam. Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Demeke Mekonnen participated in the 58th Munich Security Conference on February 19-21, 2022. Addressing the conference,H.E. Demeke said the Red Sea and the Horn of Africa region need more engagement and radical initiatives for expedited regional economic integration and peaceful development. The Deputy PM while while delivering an opening remarks at the 58th Munich Security Conference (MSC) Roundtable discussion on the Horn of Africa and the Red Sea, regard. underlined the importance of creating a functioning framework of cooperation among the Red Sea and Horn African states that would accommodate the interests of all or at least of the majority of stakeholders.. Initiatives to develop common endeavours at multilateral levels to stem the illegal flow of migrants, drugs, and weapons along the Red Sea route should be encouraged, he said. Though Ethiopia is not a littoral state, he said its proximity to the region makes it logical to incorporate it in any association around the Red Sea. The Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister has taken the opportunity to call on the international community to give proper recognition to Ethiopia’s decision to conduct an inclusive national dialogue.
The House of Peoples Representatives of Ethiopia, in its special session held on February 21, 2022, appointed commissioners of the National Dialogue Commission with an overwhelming majority. The house had previously publicized lists of the candidates to garner commentaries from the public for further screenings. Based on the recommendations collected from the public, the council had nominated eligible candidate commissioners and referred them to the parliament for the appointment. The commission is expected to furnish the highly anticipated forum for national consensus on fundamental national issues, bridge significant disparities, and ensure peace and national consensus.
WORLD BANK APPROVES $300 MILLION GRANT IN SUPPORT OF CONFLICT AFFECTED COMMUNITIES IN ETHIOPIA
ADDIS ABABA-DJIBOUTI RAILWAY COMMENCES COMMUTER TRAIN SERVICE H.E. AMB. HIRUT ZEMENE MEETS WITH HONORABLE FABIO MASSIMO CASTALDO, MEMBER OF THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT
On April 13, 2022—The World Bank has approved a 300 million USD International Development Association (IDA) in support of conflict affected communities in Ethiopia. The grant has been delivered in line with “The Response-Recovery-Resilience for Conflict-Affected Communities in Ethiopia Project.” The project will support efforts to address the immediate needs of communities, rehabilitate infrastructure destroyed by conflict, and increase community resilience to the impacts of conflict in a sustainable manner. Specifically, the project will help to improve access to basic services, as well as rebuild climate-resilient infrastructure, prioritized by communities. “To urgently meet the needs of conflict-affected communities, mobile units will be dispatched to provide key services including in the areas of education, health, water, and sanitation.”, the World Bank said. The project will also provide Gender Based Violence (GBV) survivors with improved access to the services and comprehensive care needed to recover from the impacts of the violence they experienced. Furthermore, it will support prevention interventions to address the underlying norms and dynamics that perpetuate GBV. “Survivors of gender-based violence suffer devastating effects to their physical and mental health. Project will also help to improve access to health, psychosocial support, and legal services for GBV survivors in conflict-affected regions where quality response services are limited,” said Ousmane Dione, World Bank Country Director for Eritrea, Ethiopia, South Sudan, and Sudan. “The project has a national geographic scope, initially prioritizing support to the Afar, Amhara, Benishangul Gumuz, Oromia, and Tigray regions, which have been highly impacted by the recent conflict and host large numbers of internally displaced peoples (IDPs).” To ensure rapid and efficient support that is adapted to local contexts, the project will be implemented by federal, regional, and community-based organizations.
The Addis Ababa-Djibouti Railway officially commenced a commuter train service with 19 stations in the presence of Ambassador of P. R. China to Ethiopia Zhao Ziyuan and the Ethiopian Transport Minister, Dagmawit Moges, and other officials from Ethiopia and Djibouti on February 22, 2022. On the occasion, Transport Minister Dagmawit Moges said that the Addis Ababa-Djibouti Standard Gage Railway line has been in good progress over the last four years of operation. The commuter train service will be operational with 19 stations across the railway. H.E. Ambassador Hirut Zemene met with Secretary-General of the European External Action Service, Stefano Sannino, on February 10, 2022. During the meeting, the two sides exchanged views on the current developments in Ethiopia and other common interests of the parties. The two sides agreed on the need to continue the engagement at various levels between Ethiopia and the European Union to strengthen the relations further.
H.E. Hirut Zemene, Ambassador Extraordinary & Plenipotentiary of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia met with Honorable Fabio Massimo Castaldo, member of the European Parliament, on the 20th of April 2022.
During the meeting, the two sides discussed regional and bilateral issues of importance. H.E. Ambassador Hirut briefed Honorable Castaldo on the current developments in Ethiopia, particularly the humanitarian truce, humanitarian access, the reconciliation and the national dialogue process. Both sides agreed to continue their engagements to exchange of views on common issues of interest.
H.E. Hirut Zemene, Ambassador Extraordinary & Plenipotentiary of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia, had a fruirful discussion with H.E. Eamon Gilmore, European Union Special Representative for Human Rights on the 2nd of May 2022.
During the meeting, the two sides discussed the current situation in Ethiopia, focusing on Human Rights and Humanitarian issues. They had a frank and cordial discussion on appreciating progresses made and noting challenges that need to be addressed. They further exchaged views on the upcoming national political dialogue and issues of economic and social reforms. They agreed to continue engagements on issues of common concerns.
H.E. Ambassador Hirut Zemene held discussions with the Director-General of Egmont Royal Institute for International Relations, Ambassador Hugues Chantry, on March 16, 2022. Ambassador Hirut highlighted the need to strengthen cooperation between Egmont Royal Institute for International Relations and counterparts in Ethiopia. Ambassador Hirut took the opportunity to brief Ambassador Chantry about the current developments in Ethiopia and measures being taken by the Government of Ethiopia to ensure peace and stability in the country.
A round table dedicated to the pharmaceutical sector was hosted by the Embassy of Ethiopia in Brussels on April 7, 2022. This event was aimed at showing the pharmaceutical companies in the Benelux countries about the investment and export opportunities in the sector in Ethiopia. The round table was conducted in a hybrid format that included physical and virtual means of attendance. Among the panellists were Mrs. Lelise Neme, Commissioner of EIC (Ethiopian Investment Commission), Mr. Sandokan Debebe, CEO of IDPC (Industrial Park Development Corporation), Mr. Fasika Mekete, advisor to the Minister of Health, and a representative from Ethiopian Food & Drug Authority. As the round table was a specific and focused event, some anchor Belgian pharmaceutical companies, in-
EGMONT INSTITUTE, COUNTERPARTS IN ETHIOPIA TO FORGE PROFESSIONAL LINK
THE EMBASSY HOSTS A ROUND TABLE ON PHARMACEUTICAL INVESTMENT OPPORTUNITIES FOR COMPANIES IN BENELUX
cluding, Jonsson & Jonsson, Univercells/UNIZIMA, among others, were in attendance. Furthermore, representatives of regional Business offices of Belgium (AWEX & FIT), TRAIDE foundation (Dutch), Ethio-Belgian Association, and others attended the event virtually and/or physically, as it was in a hybrid format. Ambassador Hirut Zemene had moderated the roundtable, which was a fruitful interactive event.The participants drawn from the Belelux area focused on the pharmaceutical sector had a chance to exchange views with the Ethiopian officials, which is expected to encourage them to do business in Ethiopia.
H.E. Ambassador of Ethiopia to Belgium, Luxembourg and E.U. Institutions, Hirut Zemene on 24 February 2022, received at her office Mr. Jeroen A. Beijer, a Commercial Director of Pikoline/Schippers Group– a Dutch company founded in 1966 and operates in more than 40 countries around the world- to discuss its new project in Ethiopia.The company develops knowledge, services, and products to improve hygiene in livestock farms. Both sides exchanged ideas on the collaboration that the company has started with the FDRE Ministry of Agriculture in the LiveStock sector. Ambassador Hirut appreciated the company’s interest to engage in Ethiopia a country with more than 160 million heads of livestock population. She further stated that this project would improve the trade efficiency of the sector especially by preventing contraband trade of live animals and helping small scale livestock owners. Mr. Beijer, on his part, explained his company’s interest to empower livestock farmers in optimizing farm hygiene, create more efficient management of livestock and improve financial inclusion of small-scale livestock owners.
H.E. Ambassador Hirut Zemene met with Eric DE CLERCQ, Director of Africa, Near and the Middle East at Wallonia Export and Investment Agency (AWEX). They had fruitful exchanges on the means of promoting cooperation in investment, trade, and tourism sectors on February 24, 2022. During the meeting, the Ambassador explained the encouraging engagement of Belgian companies in investing in various sectors in the country. She also noted that the Government is expanding its manufacturing sector by building several industrial parks as part of the country’s ongoing economic transformation. Mr. Eric DE CLERCQ, on his part, mentioned that Belgian businesses are showing their interests to invest in Africa. He further noted that many companies are determined to send their trade missions to Africa. The two sides agreed to explore investment opportunities in the pharmaceutical sector in Ethiopia, expand coffee trade, and promote tourism between the two countries.
The Memorandum of Understanding to order the 777-8 Freighter will enable Ethiopian Airlines to meet expanding global cargo demand from its hub in Addis Ababa and position the carrier for long-term sustainable growth on March 5, 2022. “In our vision 2035, we are planning to expand our Cargo and Logistics business to be one of the largest global multimodal logistics providers on all continents. We are increasing our dedicated Freighter fleet with the latest technology, fuel-efficient, and environment-friendly airplanes of the 21st century. We have also started the construction of the largest E-commerce Hub Terminal in Africa.” said Ethiopian Airlines Group CEO Tewolde Gebremariam. He added, “Today, our air cargo services cover more than 120 international destinations worldwide with both belly hold capacity and dedicated Freighter services.” Ethiopian Airlines, the biggest carrier in Africa, has appointed a new CEO, Mesfin Tasew to replace Tewolde Gebremariam who left the company for medical reasons.
ETHIOPIAN AIRLINES AND BOEING SIGN MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING FOR NEW 777-8 FREIGHTER
Business Insider Africa has ranked Ethiopia among the top ten investment destinations in Africa, describing the country as ‘’rewarding for investors’’, with its high GDP and resilient economy. It added that being the second-largest African flower exporter and among the biggest producers of coffee worldwide, Ethiopia is rewarding for investors.
Business Insider (BI) is an American financial and business news website founded in 2007.
Ethiopia has finished in first place with four gold, three silver, and two bronze medals at 2022 World Indoor Athletics Championships in Belgrade, Serbia.
Over the third week of March 2022, Ethiopia finished in first place at the 2022 World Indoor Athletics Championships. The world’s best track and field athletes gathered in Belgrade, Serbia, to compete in the World Athletics Indoor Championships. During the event, Ethiopian Athletes shined in the Serbian capital, Belgrade, with a gun-to-tape victory that eclipsed the championship records. After a season highlighted by fast records and exciting races, the meet was a perfect capstone to indoors and a preview of what’s to come outdoors. Relatedly, Ethiopia’s Senbere Teferi won the 21km women’s race at the New York City Half Marathon held on Sunday in New York. Senbere took home first place with a dramatic finish in the women’s race with a record time of 1:07:35.
