June 27, 2024

EU Donates 18 Vehicles to Ministry of Justice

Addis Ababa: The European Union has donated 18 vehicles for field work to the Ministry of Justice in an effort to improve the criminal justice system in Ethiopia.

European Union Deputy Head of Delegation to Ethiopia, David Krivanek handed over the keys to Justice Minister Gideon Timothewos today.

The 18 vehicles were purchased and delivered to Ministry of Justice in accordance with the agreement reached between the two parties to improve the criminal justice system in Ethiopia, it was learned.

It was noted on the occasion that the vehicles will be of great help in streamlining the field work carried out by the ministry to investigate the violation of human rights within the framework of the reform of Ethiopia’s criminal justice system.The handover ceremony was held in the presence of the project’s support staff and senior officials of the Ministry of Justice.

Source: Ethiopian News Agency

June 27, 2024

Deputy PM Expresses Government’s Strong Commitment to Substitute Import of Medical Supplies

Addis Ababa: Deputy Prime Minister Temesgen Tiruneh said the local medical products manufacturing and innovation exhibition, held in Addis Ababa over the last six days, has promoted Ethiopia’s investment opportunities and the county’s potential in the sector.

Local Medical Products Manufacturing and Innovation Exhibition, opened by Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed on the 22nd of June, was officially closed today in the presence of high ranking government officials and stakeholders in the sector.

On the occasion, Deputy PM Temesgen said the expo has demonstrated the commitment of the government to enhancing local manufacturing of medical products and ensure import substitution in the sector.

The expansion of local medical supplies products is vital to Ethiopia not only to free from the dependency of import products but also instrumental to enhancing the health of its citizens, he underlined.

The stride being demonstrated by the government to improving the national health system emanates from the country’s broad g
oals to create a healthy nation important to ensuring prosperity, Temesgen underscored.

According to him, Ethiopia was importing 92 percent of its medical supplies with significant foreign exchange up until last year.

However, Temesgen said the government has brought positive achievements following its measures with a view to increasing the share of local medical supply products which has now reached 36 percent. He also revealed that Ethiopia has been exporting medical products to 35 countries.

The Deputy Prime Minister affirmed that Ethiopia will soon become self-sufficient in medical supplies if it continues with the current pace to encourage local manufacturing.

He further stressed the need to give a great deal of attention to product quality and global acceptance noting the presence of conducive policies to encourage the sector and attract investment.

The exhibition, held under the theme “Our Health by Our Products,” with the objective to boost the local medical supplies manufacturing, has been visit
ed by over 100, 000 citizens during the past six days.

The exhibition has showcased Ethiopia’s healthcare investment opportunities as well as domestically produced medical products and services.

Some 107 manufacturers from the sector have participated in the exhibition, which also featured networking opportunities for investors, panel discussions, and other programs.

Source: Ethiopian News Agency

June 27, 2024

World Gem Foundation Graduates 1st Generation of Career Gemologists in Ethiopia

Addis Ababa: The World Gem Foundation’s Africa Project has today graduated the first generation of career gemologists in Ethiopia.

Some 12 graduates, who passed through rigorous theoretical and practical skill for over the past 11 months, received their diploma from Minister of Mines Habtamu Tegegn today.

Project Africa is an initiative by the World Gem Foundation to create a ‘Value Chain’ that will be self-sustaining and ensure that those living in gem producing areas benefit economically from the mining and processing of their gemstones.

Speaking at the occasion, the Minister said that the graduate will play immense role to transform the sector by exploiting the untapped potential of minerals in the country.

He added that Ethiopia has more than 40 types of different precious minerals that need to be utilized through advanced technologies.

Habtamu explained that due to lack of professionals, the country has exported several tonnes minerals to international markets without value addition.

Founder and CE
O of World Gem Foundation, Geoffrey Dominy said ‘our Value Chain’ will include centres of excellence so that students can study gemology, gem faceting and jewelry making.

The CEO stated that through the establishment of World Gem Foundation Gem Testing Laboratories, World Gem Foundation will ensure that gemstones are correctly identified, graded and traced to their original source.

Gemology is the science of studying, cutting, and valuing precious stones.

Certified gemologists are rare in Ethiopia and the country is unable to make use of its mineral and gemstone resources, it was learned.

Source: Ethiopian News Agency

June 27, 2024

Ethiopia, South Sudan to Build 220 km Cross-border Highway

Addis Ababa: Ethiopia and South Sudan are set to build a 220 km road connecting the two countries, following a 738 million USD financial agreement signed in May 2023.

South Sudan’s Transitional National Legislative Assembly (TNLA) ratified the Ethiopia-South Sudan financial agreement to build cross-border highway on June 25.

The project aims to enhance connectivity and bolster economic ties between the two nations, underscoring the growing cooperation and mutually beneficial relationship between Ethiopia and South Sudan.

Following the unanimous approval by the assembly, the agreement will now be submitted to President Salva Kiir for final authorization.

Source: Ethiopian News Agency

June 27, 2024

Ethiopia Becoming Key Destination for French Companies in Africa: French Ethiopian Chamber Chair

Addis Ababa: Ethiopia is becoming a key destination for the development of French companies on the African continent, Chairman of the French Ethiopian Chamber of Commerce and Industry – a French business support network, Poujade said.

Addressing the event celebrating the induction of the former French Business Association in Ethiopia (CAFE) into the esteemed CCI France International (CCI FI) network, Olivier Poujade announced that the association is ‘becoming part of the international chamber network.’

According to him, the historic return of CCI FI to Ethiopia after 90-years recognizes that the country is becoming a very key destination for the development of French companies on the African continent.

The first French Chamber of Commerce was here in Ethiopia in 1932, the chairman said, adding that ‘we are reconnecting 92 years later.’

For the chairman, France has always been very connected with Ethiopian development.

French Ambassador to Ethiopia, Remi Marechaux, recalled that the first chamber of comme
rce in Ethiopia was established in 1932, followed by diverse activities in the region, including railway, industry, trade and telecommunication, among others.

The ambassador reiterated the commitment of France to continue supporting the ongoing economic reform of the country through the engagement of the French Development Agency.

CCI France International is an influential network that connects French chambers of commerce around the world, fostering international business relationships and supporting French enterprises globally, it was learned.

Founded in 1907, CCI France International is dedicated to the mission of uniting and leading the French Chambers of Commerce and Industry abroad (CCI FI) across more than 90 countries.

Source: Ethiopian News Agency

June 27, 2024

Ethiopia Expands Clean Water Access to 72 Million Citizens

Addis Ababa: The Ethiopian Ministry of Water and Energy has announced a significant achievement in the nation’s efforts to provide clean drinking water, with more than 72 million citizens now having access to this essential resource.

A cornerstone was laid for a new clean drinking water project in the Mohor-Aklil district of Gurage Zone, Central Ethiopia. This project, with a budget exceeding 57 million Birr, is set to benefit over 13,000 residents upon completion.

The initiative is part of the Horn of Africa Sustainable Groundwater Project, funded by the World Bank and coordinated by the Ministry of Water and Energy.

The official launch took place in the Mekorkor kebele of Mohor-Aklil district, marking a significant step towards addressing water scarcity in the region.

State Minister of Water and Energy, Ambassador Asfaw Dingamo, emphasized the project’s crucial role in addressing the local community’s drinking water challenges.

He highlighted that similar successful clean water projects are being imple
mented across Ethiopia, Kenya, and Somalia under the Horn of Africa Groundwater Access Project.

The Minister also noted ongoing efforts to expand access to clean drinking water in both urban and rural areas through collaborations between the government and non-governmental development organizations.

Special attention is being given to water-scarce areas and surface water supply issues, with various projects supported by the government, World Bank, and African Development Bank.

According to the state minister, the national coverage of clean drinking water has now reached over 72 million citizens. He added that recently completed projects have further enhanced the country’s capacity to provide clean water.

The Central Ethiopia Regional Water, Irrigation, and Energy Development Bureau Head, Dawit Hailu, stressed the importance of completing the Mohor-Aklil district project with high responsibility, given the significant investment required for water infrastructure development.

He revealed plans to improve r
ural clean water coverage, which currently stands below 50 percent by focusing on completing ongoing water projects.

The official also announced an upcoming regional project in Qanqicho, with a budget of 130 million Birr, aimed at benefiting over 40,000 urban and rural citizens.

Chief Administrator of Gurage Zone, Lacha Garuma, , acknowledged the severe surface water shortage in Mohor-Aklil district and outlined collaborative efforts with the Ministry and NGOs to improve water supply in the area.

He also mentioned a 1 billion Birr project proposal to address water problems in Wolkite town using the “Bojebar” water source, which has received positive feedback from the federal government.

The event was attended by various officials, including Dr. Abraha Adugna, State Minister of Water and Energy, Motuma Mekassa, Advisor to the Minister, coordinators of the Horn of Africa Groundwater Access Project, federal and regional officials, and local residents.

This comprehensive water project is part of a larger ini
tiative by the Horn of Africa Sustainable Groundwater Project, which is currently constructing 110 clean drinking water projects with World Bank funding, demonstrating Ethiopia’s commitment to improving water access across the country.

Source: Ethiopian News Agency