Ethiopia’s Commitment to Ensure Access to Green Energy
40% of Ethiopia’s Green Legacy Planting Focuses on GERD Basin Areas This Year
Ethiopia Stresses Consultation of Troop Contributing Countries in the Post-ATMIS Mission
PM Abiy Inaugurates Construction of Addis Tomorrow Special Economic Zone
Ethiopia and COMESA Ink MoU to Boost Horticulture Cooperation
Ethiopians Advancing Skills through the “Chinese + Vocational Skills” Project
NEWS IN BRIEF
Ethiopia
President Sahle-Work Zewde met with Children’s Investment Fund Foundation (CIFF) CEO Kate Hampton on Wednesday (August 21). The President expressed her gratitude to CIFF for its multi-sectoral support in transforming the lives of children in Ethiopia.
Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed announced on Tuesday (August 20) a major milestone in Ethiopia’s digital journey with Ethio Telecom, in partnership with Visa Inc., launching the country’s first wallet-based Virtual Visa Card and enhanced remittance services via Visa Direct and Telebirr Remit.
On Wednesday (August 14) Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed inaugurated the construction of the Addis Tomorrow Special Economic Zone (SEZ) in Addis Ababa. (See Article)
At a recent ceremony held at Ali Birra Park in Dire-Dawa, Deputy Prime Minister Temesgen Truneh announced that 40% of this year’s planting efforts will be concentrated in the GERD Basin area; highlighting Ethiopia’s commitment to bolstering environmental sustainability. (See Article)
Deputy Prime Minister Temesgen Tiruneh called on investors to capitalize on the favorable investment climate created by the country’s recently implemented macroeconomic policy reforms. The Deputy Prime Minister made these remarks during his visit to the Dire Dawa Free Trade Zone on Wednesday (August 21).
Ethiopia inked the Aysha-1 wind project agreement on Saturday (August 17) with the United Arab Emirates’ AMEA Power with the aim to ensure sustainable economic development integrated with climate change mitigation. (See Article)
Ethiopia’s Foreign Affairs Minister, Taye Atske Selassie, met with Anneliese Dodds, the UK’s Minister of State for Development, Women, and Equalities, on Wednesday (August 21). They held a comprehensive discussion on various bilateral and regional issues, including the future of ATMIS and Sudan.
He also met with Sheikh Shakhboot Nahyan Al Nahyan, Cabinet Member and Minister of State for Foreign Affairs of the United Arab Emirates, on Saturday (August 17). During their meeting, the two officials discussed various aspects of bilateral relations as well as important regional issues.
Foreign Affairs Minister Taye Atske Selassie received a delegation led by Lassina Zerbo, former Prime Minister of Burkina Faso and Board Member of the Tana Security Forum, on Friday (August 16). On this occasion, the two officials exchanged views on ways to hold the Tana Forum.
Foreign Affairs State Minister Mesganu Arga met with Japan’s Ambassador to Ethiopia, Shibata Hironori, at his office on Tuesday (August 20). They reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening cooperation, particularly in trade, investment, and regional security, and addressed the upcoming Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD) ministerial meeting, scheduled for August 24-25, 2024, in Tokyo, Japan.
Ambassador Mesganu Arga also met with Ethiopia’s Industrial Parks Development Corporation CEO Fisseha Yitagesu on Tuesday (August 20) and discussed ways to enhance collaboration to attract new Foreign Direct Investments (FDI) in the industrial parks.
Additionally, Ambassador Mesganu Arga and Australian Assistant Foreign Minister Tim Watts MP held a phone conversation on Tuesday (August 20). The two sides had a productive discussion on strengthening bilateral relations and exploring cooperation in sectors such as mining and green energy.
The Horn of Africa has been grappling with violent extremism and terrorism for the past few decades. The threat of Al-Shabaab, in particular, has been a significant security challenge to Somalia and the region at large. (See Article)
Ethiopia’s Finance Minister, Ahmed Shide, met with a delegation led by Sheng Qiuping, Vice Minister of the Ministry of Commerce of the People’s Republic of China (MOFCOM), at the Ministry of Finance on Wednesday (August 21). The two sides discussed issues of mutual interest.
Ethiopia signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the East and Southern African Market Coordinating Agency (COMESA) to collaborate on avocado, red onion, and potato products. The MoU was signed at a forum organized by COMESA in collaboration with Ethiopia’s Ministry of Agriculture and the Horticulture Producers and Exporters Association on Tuesday (August 13).(See Article)
The Ethiopian Police University (EPU) signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with China’s Zhejiang Police College (ZJPC) on Wednesday (August 21). The agreement was formalized during a signing ceremony held in Addis Ababa.
The “Chinese + Vocational Skills” project, supported by Ethiopia’s Ministry of Labour and Skills (MoLS) and the Chinese government with the aim to enhance vocational education and develop skilled talent in Ethiopia has been training Ethiopians through collaboration with key institutions in China. (See Article)
The Ethiopian Embassy in New Delhi, India was honored with an Award of Excellence at the 12th International Film Festival Noida 2024, held at the Marwah Studio Complex in Noida, India on Wednesday (August 21).
State Minister of Peace Keiredin Tezera met with United Nations Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator in Ethiopia, Ramiz Alakbarov, on Tuesday (August 20) to discuss collaborative support for peacebuilding efforts.
Ethiopia’s Ministry of Justice announced on Monday (August 19) the completion of Ethiopia’s Transitional Justice Implementation Roadmap and the progress of drafting related legal frameworks.
Ethiopian Electric Power announced on Wednesday (August 21) that Ethiopia secured 140 million USD from energy exports in the concluded Ethiopian fiscal year, registering a 16 percent increase compared to the previous year.
The African Boxing Confederation Headquarters was officially inaugurated in Addis Ababa on Saturday (August 17). During the event, Culture and Sports Minister Shewit Shanka stated that the inauguration would strengthen sports diplomacy and develop boxing in Ethiopia.
A delegation of Russian artificial intelligence experts, led by Russian Ambassador to Ethiopia Evgeny Terekhin, visited Ethiopia’s Artificial Intelligence Institute on Wednesday (August 21). The delegation noted Ethiopia’s substantial progress in artificial intelligence research and implementation.
A delegation led by Kenya’s National Intelligence Services Director General Nuredin Mohammed Haji is in Addis Ababa for a working visit this week. Ethiopian and Kenyan intelligence agencies have agreed to continue joint operations against terrorist groups operating along the border and in Kenya.
Djibouti
Djibouti’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, met with President Yoweri Museveni of Uganda during his visit to Kampala on Tuesday (August 20).
Somalia
Media reports on Tuesday (August 20) indicate that Türkiye is set to dispatch the research vessel Oruc Reis to explore oil blocks in the Somali Sea next month. This initiative is part of Türkiye’s broader strategy to tap into Somalia’s rich energy reserves.
Sudan
The consultations meeting between Sudan and the United States on implementing the Jeddah Agreement was postponed on Wednesday (August 21) due to disagreements over the composition of the Sudanese delegation.
Africa and the African Union
The Africa Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) announced that mpox vaccinations could begin in the coming days as cases surge across Africa. Africa CDC Director-General Jean Kaseya, during a special online media briefing on Tuesday (August 20) regarding the multi-country mpox outbreak in Africa, expressed concern over the rapid spread of the disease in the affected countries.
Ethiopia’s Commitment to Ensure Access to Green Energy
Ethiopia inked the Aysha-1 wind project agreement on Saturday (August 17) with the United Arab Emirates’ AMEA Power with the aim to ensure sustainable economic development integrated with climate change mitigation.
In addressing the emerging energy demand resulting from an expanding economy and rising population, the government of Ethiopia is making significant efforts in generating renewable energy from diversified energy sources.
The Ministry of Finance of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia and the United Arab Emirates’ renewable energy company, AMEA Power, signed the Aysha-1 wind project power purchase and implementation agreements to build a 300 MW wind farm with an investment costing $628 million.
Minister of Finance of Ethiopia, Ahmed Shide, Minister of State for Foreign Affairs of the UAE, Sheikh Shakhboot Bin Nahyan Al Nahyan and other senior government officials from Ethiopia and UAE attended the signing ceremony.
The Aysha-1 renewable energy project poised to become the largest power project in the Horn of Africa will be constructed in the Somali region of Ethiopia. Generating 1400GWh of clean energy annually, the project is expected to enable more than 4 million households to have access to reliable energy and create more than 1500 job opportunities.
The project was officially launched during the COP28 climate change summit in Dubai, where a Letter of Award was signed between the Ministry of Finance, Ethiopian Electric Power and AMEA Power.
According to the project agreement entered under the framework of public private partnership, the UAE’s AMEA Power renewable energy company will produce electricity and sell to Ethiopian Electric Power for 25 years.
Endowed with a variety of renewable energy sources, Ethiopia has a potential of generating more than 60,000 MW of electricity. Effective utilization of available renewable energy sources would help the country to realize its vision of becoming a renewable energy hub of excellence in East Africa beyond supporting its economic development.
In this regard, the decision of the government to conclude Aysha-1 wind project power purchase and implementation agreement signals its strong political commitment to build a climate-resilient green economy promoting the 2030 Agenda for sustainable development.
40% of Ethiopia’s Green Legacy Planting Focuses on GERD Basin Areas This Year
Ethiopia’s Green Legacy Initiative for 2024 is set to make a substantial impact with a key focus on the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) Basin.
At a recent ceremony held at Ali Birra Park in Dire-Dawa, Deputy Prime Minister Temesgen Truneh announced that 40% of this year’s planting efforts will be concentrated in the GERD Basin area; highlighting Ethiopia’s commitment to bolstering environmental sustainability.
Deputy Prime Minister Temesgen noted that enhanced approach in tree planting initiatives will have significant impact, to mitigate the effects of climate change and improve environmental conditions. He also commended the Dire-Dawa City Administration for its support in advancing the Green Legacy Initiative.
This year’s campaign has targeted to plant 7.5 billion tree seedlings with focus on 40% of the planting directed towards the GERD Basin areas. This strategic focus aims to support the Abbay (Nile River) and maintain the operational capacity of the GERD.
Dire-Dawa’s Mayor, Kedir Juhar, outlined the broader goals of the initiative, including enhancing food security, reducing floods, and addressing climate change. The Dire Dawa Mayor further announced significant progress in the city’s planting campaign, stating, thus far 1.5 million various tree seedlings have already been planted.
The launch event saw participation from senior officials, regional chief administrators, and ministers, all of whom took part in a symbolic tree planting at Ali Birra Park. This ceremony underscored the cultural and national significance of the Green Legacy campaign.
Launched by Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed in 2019, the Green Legacy Initiative has garnered local and international recognition for the exemplary initiative in the global fight against climate change and its emphasis to combat environmental degradation and deforestation.
This large-scale initiative aims to involve over one million participants and contribute to the national goal of planting 600 million seedlings in one day. The symbolic planting event held at Ali Birra Park, reflects Ethiopia’s dedication to sustainable development and environmental stewardship.
Ethiopia Stresses Consultation of Troop Contributing Countries in the Post-ATMIS Mission
The Horn of Africa has been grappling with violent extremism and terrorism for the past few decades. The threat of Al-Shabaab, in particular, has been a significant security challenge to Somalia and the region at large.
The African Union peacekeeping missions, including AMISOM and ATMIS, have played a critical role in degrading Al-Shabaab and stabilizing Somalia. The Troop Contributing Countries (TCCs) to AMISOM/ATMIS—namely, Ethiopia, Djibouti, Kenya, Burundi, and Uganda—liberated significant territories from Al-Shabaab while also making remarkable efforts to support Somalia in conducting peaceful elections, establishing a legitimate government, building its national security forces, and stabilizing newly liberated regions.
In this process, Ethiopia, in particular, has played a pivotal role as a troop-contributing country, making substantial sacrifices to support these missions. Over the years, the TCCs have shown true solidarity with the people and Government of Somalia by standing against terrorists who commit brutal and heinous crimes against innocent civilians.
As the mandate of ATMIS approaches its conclusion, preparations are underway to deploy a new mission to Somalia by early 2025, with the key objective of supporting Somalia in taking over the country’s security responsibilities in the coming years. The upcoming mission is expected to build on the achievements of its predecessors, continuing the vital work of stabilizing Somalia and fostering long-term peace in the region.
As the African Union, in collaboration with the UN and the Federal Government of Somalia, prepares for the post-ATMIS mission, it is imperative that the new mission is equipped with all the necessary resources, both material and strategic, to achieve its objectives. More importantly, the design of the new mission needs to take into account the lessons learned from ATMIS’s engagement over the past two years.
Therefore, to build on the successes of previous missions, it is crucial to ensure an inclusive, participatory, and transparent process that brings together all stakeholders, particularly the TCCs. Input from the troop and police-contributing countries (TCCs) of the preceding missions is vital. These countries possess valuable experience in fighting Al-Shabaab, and their accumulated combat knowledge makes their contributions critical to the success of the new mission.
Since Al-Shabaab continues to pose a significant regional threat, endangering the security of Somalia’s neighboring countries, close consultation with the current TCCs is essential for a smooth transition. Moreover, given the TCCs’ role in the transition process, it is important that the establishment of the new mission benefits from the experience of ATMIS TCCs to prevent Al-Shabaab from exploiting any potential security vacuum.
Close consultation with the TCCs and all stakeholders is also vital to safeguarding the hard-won gains of the past 18 years and ensuring the success of the post-ATMIS mission. Therefore, the importance of thorough consultation during the planning and decision-making processes for the new mission in Somalia cannot be overstated.
Ethiopia, as a country that champions a regional approach to security challenges, believes that close engagement with the TCCs is essential. Ensuring peace and stability requires strong, collaborative engagement with regional countries and the support of partners. Hence, the establishment of the new mission must prioritize consultation with the TCCs and consider their perspectives to ensure the new mission’s success.
PM Abiy Inaugurates Construction of Addis Tomorrow Special Economic Zone
On Wednesday (August 14) Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed inaugurated the construction of the Addis Tomorrow Special Economic Zone (SEZ) in Addis Ababa.
This ambitious project, developed in partnership with China Communications Construction Company (CCCC), spans 35 hectares and is set to transform the Gotera area of the city. The SEZ will feature large malls, residential apartments, offices, educational and health facilities, as well as extensive entertainment and sports centers.
Special Economic Zones like Addis Tomorrow are not unique to Ethiopia. Globally, SEZs have been instrumental in driving economic growth and industrialization. For instance, Shenzhen in China, established in 1980, has grown from a small fishing village into a bustling metropolis and a global technology hub. Similarly, the Jebel Ali Free Zone in Dubai has attracted over 7,000 companies from around the world, contributing significantly to the UAE’s economy.
The Addis Tomorrow SEZ is a key component of Ethiopia’s broader economic reform agenda. Since taking office, PM Abiy has implemented a series of bold reforms aimed at liberalizing the economy, promoting private sector investment, and improving the business environment. These reforms have included financial sector development, trade and investment liberalization, and significant infrastructure investments.
The establishment of SEZs such as Addis Tomorrow is expected to create jobs, boost exports, and enhance Ethiopia’s international competitiveness, aligning with the country’s vision for sustainable economic growth.
This groundbreaking ceremony marks a significant step towards realizing Ethiopia’s economic potential and transforming Addis Ababa into a modern, vibrant city. The success of the Addis Tomorrow SEZ will not only benefit the local economy but also serve as a model for future developments across the country.
Ethiopia and COMESA Ink MoU to Boost Horticulture Cooperation
Ethiopia has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the East and Southern African Market Coordinating Agency (COMESA) to collaborate on avocado, red onion, and potato products.
The MOU was signed at a forum organized by COMESA in collaboration with Ethiopia’s Ministry of Agriculture and the Horticulture Producers and Exporters Association on Tuesday (August 13). The aim of the forum was to approve a roadmap to solve the value chain issues within Ethiopia’s horticulture sector, focusing specifically on the three crops mentioned.
Ali Mohamed, Adviser to the Agriculture and Horticulture Development Sector’s State Minister, highlighted Ethiopia’s vast potential in horticulture production. He expressed gratitude to COMESA for its commitment to work with Ethiopia in improving the horticulture value chain.
Abdela Negash, CEO of Horticulture Development, noted that the MOU enables Ethiopia and COMESA to strengthen collaboration among all stakeholders in the horticulture sector, from production to marketing, ensuring mutual benefits. He emphasized that this agreement would address key obstacles in the value chain, from seed production to the export of goods, contributing to foreign currency earnings.
COMESA’s Executive Director, John Mukuka, added that COMESA’s main focus is on adding value to horticulture products and improving marketing efforts. He expressed his desire to continue working closely with Ethiopia to enhance the horticulture sector.
On the same day, Ethiopia launched the COMESA-EAC Horticulture Accelerator (CEHA) National Chapter, marking a significant step towards accelerating the country’s horticulture development. The initiative, which focuses on potatoes, avocados, and onions, is part of a broader strategy to unlock the vast potential of the horticulture sector across Eastern and Southern Africa.
Speaking at the launch event, Ethiopia’s State Minister of Agriculture and Horticulture Development, Meles Mekonnen, stressed the importance of the CEHA Ethiopia National Chapter. He pointed out that the three selected crops—potatoes, avocados, and onions—were chosen for their ability to drive economic growth and align with the priorities of development partners.
The CEHA National Chapter aims to bring together key stakeholders to provide critical support to Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) involved in the horticulture value chains. This support includes matching grants, technical assistance, and capacity-building programs. According to industry experts, the initiative will create jobs, boost regional trade, and reduce postharvest losses.
Established in 2022, the CEHA initiative aims to accelerate the growth of the fruit and vegetable sub-sector in the region. Ethiopia is now the fourth country to launch the CEHA National Chapter, joining Kenya, Rwanda, and Uganda. The program will implement targeted activities, including advocating for policy reforms to enhance trade facilitation and market access, as well as providing financial resources, training, and coordination support for the horticulture sector.
The forum was marked by Ethiopia’s commitment to the MOU and the launch of the CEHA initiative, with active involvement from various stakeholders and development partners, ultimately highlighting the broader impact of these efforts on the regional horticulture sector.
Ethiopians Advancing Skills through the “Chinese + Vocational Skills” Project
The “Chinese + Vocational Skills” project, supported by Ethiopia’s Ministry of Labour and Skills (MoLS) and the Chinese government with the aim to enhance vocational education and develop skilled talent in Ethiopia has been training Ethiopians through collaboration with key institutions in China.
Key institutions from China, including Yellow River Conservancy Technical Institute, Henan Polytechnic, and Xuchang Vocational Technical College, are involved in this initiative.
The project was introduced in June 2023 in Henan, China, where Ethiopia’s State Minister for MoLS, Teshale Berecha Yadessa, expressed optimism about its potential. Ethiopian Ambassador to China, Tefera Derbew Yimam, highlighted the project’s importance in fostering youth exchanges and boosting the vocational skills of Ethiopian youth.
Following this, the “Chinese + Vocational Skills” training base was inaugurated in Addis Ababa by Ethiopia’s Minister of Labour and Skills, Muferihat Kamil, and Biruk Kedir, Director General of the Federal Technical and Vocational Training Institute (FTVTI). The training programs aim to equip Ethiopian youth with valuable skills in areas such as water conservancy, hydropower technology, mechatronics, welding, and automotive maintenance. Many trainees have already successfully completed their courses and received certificates.
This project addresses Ethiopia’s need for skilled labor while strengthening the educational and economic ties between China and Ethiopia. Both nations remain committed to deepening their collaboration in vocational training, ensuring continued benefits for Ethiopian youth and supporting the country’s development.
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