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Ethiopian Airlines disclosed that it has delivered medical supplies donated by Jack Ma, the founder of China’s e-commerce giant Alibaba, to 39 African countries within 5 days. 

The Pan-African carrier transported Jack Ma’s support, including testing kits, masks and protective suits that would help to contain corona virus.

Following its historical track record of serving Africa in both good and bad times, Ethiopian has once again demonstrated a great gesture of solidarity to the African people, a press release of the airline said.

The relief initiative launched by Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed and Alibaba Foundation  is part of the actions taken towards implementing Africa’s continental strategy for preventing the spread of COVID-19.

Ethiopian Airlines Group CEO, Tewolde Gebremariam thanked Abiy Ahmed and Jack Ma “for giving us the opportunity to serve the people of Africa in this globally challenging time.”

The airline is happy to announce that it has delivered COVID-19 test kits, protective masks and other necessary medical supplies to 39 African countries in the last 5 days, he added.

According to Tewolde, Ethiopian cargo airplanes are the only ones delivering these lifesaving emergency medical supplies in most of these African airports.

The delivery has so far exceeded the half way mark with more distribution plans to be continued in the coming days, it was learned.

Ethiopian Airlines (Ethiopian) commands the lion’s share of the Pan-African passenger and cargo network operating the youngest and most modern fleet to 127 international passenger and cargo destinations across five continents.

Global Economy to counter the pandemic amid forecasts of a deep recession.

US President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin joined the emergency videoconference chaired by Saudi Arabia’s King Salman, who called for coordinated action while facing pressure to end an oil price war between Riyadh and Moscow that has roiled energy markets.

The talks come amid criticism that the G20 has been slow to address the COVID-19 pandemic, which has left more than 21,000 dead worldwide according to official data, and triggered financial shock waves as more than three billion people are locked down.

“We are strongly committed to presenting a united front against this common threat,” the leaders said in a joint statement after the summit.

“We are injecting over USD 5 trillion into the global economy, as part of targeted fiscal policy, economic measures, and guarantee schemes to counteract the social, economic and financial impacts of the pandemic.”

As concerns mount for poorer countries without access to capital markets or adequate health facilities, G20 leaders also pledged to work with bodies such as the International Monetary Fund to deploy a “robust” financial package to support developing nations.

“It is our responsibility to extend a helping hand to developing countries and (the) least developed countries to enable them to build their capacities and improve their infrastructure to overcome this crisis and its repercussions,” King Salman said.

Source: Economic Time

Prime Minister Dr Abiy Ahmed has held phone conversation with Akinwumi Adesina, President of AfDB and Kristalina Georgieva, Managing Director of IMF.

The Prime Minister said on Twitter that “both reiterated their understanding of the continent’s unique needs.”

The Prime Minister thanked AfDB and IMF chiefs for expressing their institutional solidarity “as we work to overcome the impact of COVID19.”

“Such global challenges require collective leadership. Africa also requires support and adequate cushioning to circumvent the impact of this shock,” he added.

Prime Minister recently proposed a $150 billion emergency health financing and budgetary support from the World Bank to cope the economic impact of COVID-19.

Prime Minister Dr Abiy Ahmed has held phone conversations with IGAD Member States on ways to fight against coronavirus (COVID-19).

The discussions were held with leaders of Sudan, Somalia, Djibouti, Kenya and South Sudan.

The Prime Minister tweeted: “we agreed to work in a coordinated manner to respond to emerging challenges. Our regional integration goals need not be hampered if we align and lead with collective interests.”

He added “IGAD member countries as a regional bloc can play a key leadership role to curtail the spread of COVID-19 and to effectively address the economic hurdles that this virus poses.”

The Council of Ministers has passed decisions the federal government employees to work from home effective March 25, 2020 until further notification.

The measure has been taken to mitigate the spread of Coronavirus COVID-19, said the Council in a statement after holding an extraordinary session this morning.

“Employees who will work from home will be selected based on criteria to be set by each Ministry and communicated with their workforce,” the Council said in a statement.

During this period, employees working from home are expected to be accessible for tasks that require their contribution, the statement added.

The Council also announced the establishment of sub-committee, in addition to the COVID-19 Ministerial Committee, to coordinate efforts to address the pandemic.

The Council of Ministers, chaired by Prime Minister Dr Abiy Ahmed, stressed adherence to all measures drawn by the federal government on COVID-19.