U.S. Donates $4 Mln In New Medical Equipment, Medicines For Four Regions (February 15, 2019)

/0 Comments/in /by

Addis Ababa, February 15, 2019 – The United States handed over more than $4 million US dollars worth of new medical equipment and medicines to the Ministry of Health for use in hospitals and health centers in Afar, Benishangul-Gumuz, Gambella, and Somali regional states.
The equipment was provided by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID’s) Transform Health in Developing Regions activity and includes mobile ultrasound machines, incubators, and heating stations to keep newborns warm after birth.
The project will also train Ethiopian health center staff on how to properly use and maintain the new equipment, according to a statement the US Embassy in Addis Ababa sent to FBC today.
In addition, USAID provided medicines to treat respiratory disease syndrome in newborns, obstructive pulmonary disease, hypertension, and other health problems.
As a result, health centers in rural areas of the country will be able to improve childbirth delivery services and basic healthcare for mothers and children.
USAID Deputy Mission Director Alicia Dinerstein remarked, “We hope this is a catalytic investment that will increase the quality of – and demand for – health services, and enable providers to better meet the needs of their communities.”
U.S. development programs like the USAID Transform Health in Developing Regions program invest in the capacity of Ethiopian institutions and the Ethiopian people to address their own needs and become stronger partners.
The United States is the largest bilateral donor to Ethiopia’s health sector, with approximately USD $150 million per year in funding for HIV/AIDS; malaria; maternal, neonatal and child health; nutrition; tuberculosis; and water, sanitation and hygiene.
Overall, the United States has provided approximately $4 billion in development and humanitarian assistance to Ethiopia over the past five years

Ethiopia and Djibouti Sign Agreement to Construct 767km Pipeline Project (February 15, 2019)

/0 Comments/in /by

Addis Ababa, February 15, 2019 – Ethiopia and Djibouti have signed an agreement to construct a 767km pipeline project linking the two countries.
Ethiopia’s Minister of Mines and Petroleum, Dr Samuel Hurcato, and Minister of Energy in Charge of Natural Resources of Djibouti, Mr Yonis Guedi, signed the agreement in Addis Ababa today.
Dr Samuel on the occasion said the agreement, which was signed after extensive negotiations, ensures the mutual benefit of both countries.
When it is completed, the project will generate foreign currency besides creating more employment opportunities allowing the country to export natural gas from Calub Hilala fields, according to the Minister.
Mr Guedi for his part said the project will further cement the long-standing ties between the two nations.
About 700 km of the pipeline stretches from Calub Hilala fields to Djibouti border within Ethiopia, while the remaining 67 Km is within Djibouti.
According to the agreement, the construction of the pipeline commences this Ethiopian fiscal year and will take two years for completion.

Eritrean Public Diplomacy and Cultural Group Arrives in Addis Ababa (February 14, 2019)

/0 Comments/in /by

Addis Ababa February 14, 2019 An Eritrean public diplomacy and cultural group has arrived in Addis Ababa this evening.
The 55-person group was welcomed by senior government officials upon its arrival at Bole International Airport.
During its stay in Ethiopia, the group will stage artistic shows that consolidate relations between the two countries in Addis Ababa and regional cities, it was learned.
The delegation will present musical concerts along with an Ethiopian cultural group in Bahirdar, Adama, and Hawassa, according to Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
The program will be wrapped up in Addis Ababa where about 25,000 spectators attend a show at Millennium Hall.
An Ethiopian public diplomacy group will reciprocate by travelling to Eritrea soon on same mission.

Ethiopia’s PM Abiy Ahmed awarded as part of the AU’s African Gender Awards (AFRIKA NEWS.com) (February 13, 2019)

/0 Comments/in /by

Ethiopian Prime Minister Dr. Abiy Ahmed has been awarded as part of the African Union’s African Gender Awards. A prestigious distinction presented by the African Union conjointly with the United Nations Commission for Africa (UNECA).
PM Dr. Abiy Ahmed’s historical gender-related political appointments
On Monday, February 11, Ethiopian PM Dr. Abiy Ahmed, has been presented with an African Gender Awards plaque, during the closing ceremony of the 32nd African Union Heads of States summit. The award comes as no surprise, considering the multiple gender-related political appointments Ahmed made in 2018.
A fervent supporter of women’s rights, Ahmed, 42, historically appointed women to half of the ministerial positions in his cabinet and named Sahle-Work Zewde as Ethiopia’s first female president. Two major moves that challenged the country’s patriarchal political culture.
He also appointed women’s rights activist Meaza Ashenafi as Supreme Court President and prominent opposition figure Birtukan Mideksa as head of Ethiopia’s 2020 elections.
PM Dr Abiy Ahmed has been widely praised for naming women to posts that are traditionally reserved for men. In fact, he believes that women are more efficient and less likely to be corrupted.
Besides his stance on women empowerment, Ahmed has taken other important reforms, such as making peace with Eritrea and acquitting more than 13,000 political prisoners.

Ethiopia’s FM Meets with Senior Director for Africa at US National Security Council (February 13, 2019)

/0 Comments/in /by

Addis Ababa, February 12, 2019 – Foreign Minister Dr. Workneh Gebeyehu received Mr. Cyril Sartor, Senior Director for Africa at the US National Security Council (NSC) later today.
They discussed on bilateral and regional as well as international issues of mutual concern, according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Dr. Workneh noted the need to further strengthen the historical ties and strategic partnership between Ethiopia and the US, particularly on areas of economic cooperation.
He also thanked the US government for its continued support to Ethiopia.
Mr. Cyril Sartor appreciated the plethora of positive developments taking place in Ethiopia.
He further reiterated his government’s continued commitment for an all-rounded cooperation with Ethiopia.

The 32nd Ordinary Session of AU Wraps-Up Successfully (February 11, 2019)

/0 Comments/in /by

The 32nd Ordinary Session of the African Union Wrapped-up today, (February 10)
The Assembly, which comprises Heads of States and Government of all the 55 African countries, has ended its 32nd ordinary session. The Assembly meeting is the culmination of the Union’s statutory meetings and was preceded by the meetings of the Executive Council and the Permanent Representatives Committee.
Among the responsibilities of the Assembly were to determine the AU’s policies, establish its priorities, adopt its annual programme and monitor the implementation of its policies and decisions.
In this regard, the Heads of State and Government took over their two day meeting, receiving several reports including report on the Outcome of the Leadership In Health Financing Funds High Level Meeting presented by President Paul Kagame of Rwanda; President Mamadou Issoufou of Niger reported on the status of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), as well as President Alassane Dramane Ouattara of Cote D’ivoire reported on progress achieved with regard to Agenda 2063.
The Chairperson of the African Union Commission Mr. Moussa Faki Mahamat presented reports on the Implementation of the Institutional Reform of the AU and the Annual Report on the activities of the Union and its organs.
While making his opening remarks, President Kagame welcomed to the Assembly, the new leaders of the Democratic Republic of Congo i.e. H.E. Felix Tshisekedi, and of Madagascar, H.E. Andry Rajoelina. President Kagame commended GuineaBissau, Botswana, and Zambia for signing the instrument for the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) during this Summit, and encouraged those signatories who have not yet ratified to do so, at the earliest opportunity.
Regarding the efforts made towards sustainable financing of the Union, President Kagame remarked that, the relaunched Peace Fund now stands at $89 million dollars, with 50 Member States contributing. “This demonstrates the force of our collective resolve and ability”, he commented.
The 32nd Ordinary Session marked the end of Rwanda’s chairpersonship of the Union and President Kagame handed over to President Abdul Fattah Al-Sisi of Egypt during the opening ceremony.
President Abdul Fattah Al-Sisi called for creation of more job opportunities, and encouraged investments. The Chairperson of the African Union emphasized the need to resolve the ongoing challenges in Africa, particularly terrorism and extremism.
The sprawling city of Addis Ababa hosts the seat of the African Union (AU).

Premier Holds Talks with Leaders of Different African Countries (February 11, 2019)

/0 Comments/in /by

Addis Ababa, February 11, 2019 – Prime Minister Dr Abiy Ahmed today held talks with presidents of different African countries on the sidelines of the 32nd African Union (AU) summit.
He conferred with President of Botswana Mokgweetsi Masisi, President of Somalia, Mohamed Abdullahi Farmajo, President of Djibouti Ismaïl Omar Guelleh, President of Tunisia Beji Caid Essebsi, President of Ghana Nana Akufo-Addo and President of Sudan Omar Hassan Ahmad al-Bashir.
The discussion was mainly focused on bilateral, continental and other related issues.
The Prime Minister also met with the leaders of Algeria, Morocco, Tunisia and Estonia to discuss various issues of mutual interest.
Yesterday, the Prime Minister also had bilateral meetings with Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, South African President Cyril Ramaphosa and Kenyan President Uhuru Kenyatta.

EU Launches €20 Mln Project to Rebuild Road Connection between Ethiopian Border and Eritrean Ports (February 08, 2019)

/0 Comments/in /by

Commissioner for International Cooperation and Development Neven Mimica is visiting Eritrea today, where he launches an initial €20 million project to rebuild the road connection between the Ethiopian border and Eritrean ports

EU Launches €20 Mln Project to Rebuild Road Connection between Ethiopian Border and Eritrean Ports

Addis Ababa, February 8, 2019 – Commissioner for International Cooperation and Development Neven Mimica is visiting Eritrea today, where he launches an initial
€20 million project to rebuild the road connection between the Ethiopian border and Eritrean ports.

During his visit, Commissioner for International Cooperation and Development, Neven Mimica meets with the President of Eritrea Isaias Afwerki to discuss the situation in the region and explore ways for the EU and Eritrea to step up political relations and dialogue on matters of concern to both sides.

According to Commissioner Mimica “The European Union is committed to support Eritrea and Ethiopia in delivering their historic peace agreement, which ended twenty years of conflict. To back this, we are launching a €20 million programme to rebuild the roads connecting both countries. This will boost trade, consolidate stability, and have clear benefits for the citizens of both countries through the creation of sustainable growth and jobs.”

The new project will be financed through the EU Trust Fund for Africa and through the United Nation’s Office for Project Services (UNOPS), according to a press release issued by European Commission.

It will rehabilitate road connections between the Ethiopian border and Eritrean ports to boost trade and create jobs. This is the first phase of a broader support to Eritrea, which is planned to scale up later this year.

This co-operation is part of the EU’s new dual track approach of strengthening political dialogue with Eritrea, notably encouraging political and economic reforms and improvement of human rights, as well as pursuing development cooperation to tackle root causes of poverty, and to reinforce the peace agreement and economic integration.

In July last year, Eritrea and Ethiopia signed an historic peace agreement ending 20 years of conflict. This provides a major opportunity for economic development and stability in the region. The rapprochement has already yielded benefits for the Eritrean population, with re-opened borders, resumed communication and the reduction in the price of basic commodities.

One of the commitments of the peace agreement is that ‘transport, trade and communications links between the two countries will resume’. To achieve this requires rehabilitating the main arterial roads between the Ethiopian border and the Eritrean port of Massawa, which is the focus of this road project.

 

African Economy to Advance, Gain Momentum despite Variation (February 08, 2019)

/0 Comments/in /by

African economy will continue to advance and gain momentum despite regional variation, African Economic Outlook 2019 revealed

African economy to advance, gain momentum despite variation

Addis Ababa, February 8, 2019 – African economy will continue to advance and gain momentum despite regional variation, African Economic Outlook 2019 revealed.

According to the report, Africa’s real Gross Domestic Product (GDP) growth is projected to accelerate to 4 in 2019 and 4.1 percent 2020 from 3.5 percent in
2018.

East African countries growth will project to 5.9 percent in 2019 and 6.1 percent in 2020 from 5.7 percent in 2018. Balanced macroeconomic stability and recovery in some commodity prices are among the economic progress drivers.

During launching the Economic Outlook, Finance Minister Ahmed Shide said “I am encouraged by the positive and strong economic outlook for the continent despite escalating global trade tension, debt vulnerabilities, and uncertainty in global commodity market prices.”

He added that it is important to undertake deep economic reforms and focusing on development financing consistent with prudent fiscal and monetary policies that preserve sustainable debt outlook.

Noting that job creation is lagging very much behind the rate of labor force growth on the continent, Ahmed pointed out “this stance, if not addressed adequately and on a time basis, will not only continue to depress the average income of our citizens but will also exclude our youth from economic activities.”

The Minister stressed that “inability to create sufficient job opportunities for the youth will also have detrimental effect on the future of the continent.”

Ethiopia has signed the African Congenital Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) and eased visa requirements to foster closer cooperation and regional integration.

AU Economic Affairs Commissioner, Professor Victor Harison, said “our common challenge is to support the trend to quickly return to a second decade of growth.”

The time for economic transformation and diversification is coming to Africa, he said, adding that “it will enable to generate value added, create productive jobs and support the implementation of the Continental Free Trade.”

Commissioner Harison assured “to meet the challenges in Africa, the African Union is striving to multiply initiatives on a continental scale.”

The report indicated that AfCTA in its initial phase will bring about 2.8 billion in real incomes and increase intra Africa trade by 15 percent, according to ENA.

It also recommends countries to eliminate applied bilateral tariffs and keep rules of origin simple flexible and transparent, remove all non-tariff barriers on goods and services on a most favored nation basis.

Premier Meets with EU Commissioner for International Cooperation and Development (February 07, 2019)

/0 Comments/in /by

Prime Minister Dr Abiy Ahmed met with the European Union Commissioner for International Cooperation and Development, Mr. Neven Mimica, at his office this afternoon

Premier Meets with EU Commissioner for International Cooperation and Development

Addis Ababa, February 7, 2019 – Prime Minister Dr Abiy Ahmed met with the European Union Commissioner for International Cooperation and Development, Mr. Neven Mimica, at his office this afternoon.
The discussions are a continuation of the PM’s official visit to Brussels where he met with the leadership of the European Union Commission.
Mr. Mimica reaffirmed in this meeting that that the EU champions the political and economic reforms underway, which it will continue backing with budgetary support for development projects, according to Office of the Prime Minister.
In addition, the EU will also be supporting joint development projects between Horn region countries, in-line with Ethiopia’s regional integration aspirations.

.