Day: March 12, 2024

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Reform Works Created Institutions Competitive at Continental Level: PM AbiyNSI consults Omaheke on National Standardisation Strategy

Addis Ababa: Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed said the reforms made on institutions have enabled to create competitive institutions at continental level.

The premier made the remark at the award ceremony at Adwa Victory Memorial Museum to honor five institutions today.

The PM said on the occasion that the institutions were awarded for doing work that made them competitive at the continental level.

Noting that success is not a goal but a journey that continues with needs, Abiy stressed that the awards given to the institutions stimulate them to do more in the future.

The prime minister recalled that Ethiopia was one of the African countries that imported much wheat.

The country has now become the leading wheat producing country in Africa with the work done in a short period of time, he said, adding that the Ministry of Agriculture has played a major role in this success.

Similarly, he pointed out that Ethiopian Airlines was able to continue as a competitive institution by performing actions that redeemed the se
ason when faced by COVID-19 pandemic.

According to him, the airline is currently a huge institution that dominates Africa in the field and the recent acquisition of aircraft and terminal expansion works will further enhance its competitiveness.

Following the reform, Ethio telecom has also more than doubled the number of customers and has now over 76 million customers. The number of Tele Birr users has reached 43 million.

Abiy underscored that the recognition given to the institution will create incentive to build capacities in the sectors.

Ethio Post was able to be effective in a short period by implementing reform works.

The PM pointed out that the institution has not only come out of bankruptcy, but has been able to become a model on a continental level in some of its procedures.

The leaders and employees of the institution have contributed a lot to this, he stated.

Abiy further noted that the reform works done on the construction of the Great Ethiopian Renaissance Dam are a demonstration of the effe
ctiveness of institutional reform.

Passing through the challenges, the history of the dam construction process has been accomplished.

He said the dam will be a center of regional integration in the continent.

Winners of the Ethiopian Institutional Success Award are Ministry of Agriculture’s wheat program, Ethiopian Airlines, Ethio Post, Ethio Telecom, and the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) project.

Source: Ethiopian News Agency

The Namibian Standards Institution (NSI) held a consultative meeting in Gobabis on Tuesday to discuss the proposed National Standardisation Strategy with its different stakeholders.

The National Standardization Strategy is a need-based guideline document that identifies key priority sectors for standardisation needs and through its consultations, NSI aims to gather data that will be used to compile the National Standards Plan.

Officiating the meeting Karukirue Tjijenda the Omaheke regional Development and Planning Director in a speech delivered on his behalf expressed gratitude to the National Standardisation Strategy Task Force for having worked tirelessly in responding to the national request to coordinate the development of the National Standardization Strategy document.

‘I would like to convey my gratitude to all international, continental and regional partners for their continuous financial and technical support in the realization of this enormous project on behalf of the Namibian government in genera
l and the Ministry of Industrialization and Trade in particular, he noted.

The National Standardisation Strategy development as part of the broader National Quality Policy implementation is a positive government intervention that highlights its strategic intent and commitment in pursuit of quality excellence and enhancement across all sectors of the Namibian economy,’ he said.

Tjijenda noted that by being the National Standard Body for Namibia, the NSI would continue to promote standardisation of commodities for the safety of consumers, protection of the environment and improved access to global markets.

The National Standardisation Strategy Task Force Secretary, Nelson Tjihozu, highlighted that consultation is very important and participation from stakeholders is also very crucial as this helps in the implementation of strategies.

‘We are in the process of developing the National Standardisation Strategy, thus, you are the ones to tell us in your specific sectors and sub-sectors or fields what your prior
ities standards are from the Omaheke region,’ he indicated.

Source: The Namibia Press Agency

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FM Taye Emphasizes on Need to Conduct Diplomacy with Wisdom, KnowledgeUutoni calls for collaboration among local authorities

Addis Ababa: Minister of Foreign Affairs, Taye Atseke-Silassie stressed that diplomacy should be conducted with wisdom and knowledge, taking into consideration the constantly shifting global geopolitics.

This was disclosed during a program of acquaintance and discussion with leaders and staff of the Ministry and affiliated institutions today.

Taye gave a thorough speech that covered a number of topics, including the institutional makeup of the ministry, the qualifications and experience of its staff, and the policies and procedures the organization should adhere to going forward.

Additionally, he elaborated in light of the constantly shifting geopolitics of the globe, diplomats should put out great effort to defend Ethiopia’s national interests by empowering themselves in all domains.

State Minister of Foreign Affairs Birtukan Ayano said the new Foreign Minister will make a significant contribution to elevating the institution to a new height given his long and fruitful years of experience in the ministry
.

Furthermore, she emphasized that each staff members should put in his or her best effort at work.

Recall Taye was appointed as the Minister of Foreign Affairs recently.

Source: Ethiopian News Agency

KEETMANSHOOP: Urban and Rural Development Minister Erastus Uutoni has said collaboration among municipalities, regional councils, and traditional authorities is essential and local authorities should not operate in isolation.

Uutoni made the remarks at the Association of Local Authorities in Namibia (ALAN) local economic development conference in Lderitz on Tuesday. He challenged the local authorities to share success stories, learn from each other’s challenges, and pool their resources.

‘We can address common issues such as accelerated land delivery, housing, sanitation and environmental sustainability. Let us foster a spirit of solidarity that transcends boundaries and benefits every Namibian,’ he said.

Uutoni said effective local economic development requires a holistic approach as it is not only limited to attracting foreign direct investment or building infrastructure, but involves an understanding of the unique needs of local communities, harnessing local talents and promoting sustainable practices.

‘
Let us explore avenues for diversification, value addition and inclusive growth. Our rural areas, often overlooked, hold immense potential, let us therefore unlock that potential through targeted interventions and smart planning. That is why the national policy framework refers to regional and local economic development (LED) and not just LED, because there are integral links between rural and urban areas which we need to maximise,’ he said.

Uutoni further said while local authorities play a critical role in fostering sustainable growth, prosperity and well-being for citizens, local economic development is not merely an abstract concept, it is the lifeblood of towns, cities, and rural areas that drives job creation, infrastructure development, and social progress.

‘When our local economies thrive, so do the livelihoods of our people and that is why it is our collective duty to nurture an environment where businesses can flourish, innovation can thrive and opportunities can flourish,’ he said.

The three-day
meeting is aimed at providing an opportunity for stakeholders in the local economic sector to discuss and deliberate on matters that shape the future of their communities. It is being held under the theme ‘Promoting local economic development through, inclusive strategic planning, innovation and diversification of revenue streams’.

Source: The Namibia Press Agency

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NAC signs MoU to expand aviation sector through ‘Air Connect Namibia’ project


WINDHOEK: The Namibia Airports Company (NAC) on Tuesday signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with key stakeholders aimed at fostering collaboration towards the expansion of the aviation sector through the launch of the ‘Air Connect Namibia’ project.

Speaking at the signing ceremony here, NAC Chief Executive Officer Bisey /Uirab said the aviation sector is a driver of the country’s economic activities and therefore there must be collaboration amongst key stakeholders to define the economic development and ensure that Namibia continues to play a role as the logistics hub in the region.

He explained that the project, amongst others, aims to target specific airlines to come to Namibia; formulate an air connectivity forum and have a broader air service development programme initiated.

‘The steering committee will have roles to play in ensuring that we have sufficient funding for this project so that we are able to do the work and to attract airlines and people who come to our country via air, as well as t
o ensure that we provide policy and strategic guidance to the industry,’ he said.

He noted that with the discovery of oil, and gas and the development of green hydrogen and other government initiatives, Namibia will need the air transport sector to come into play to ensure that travellers come to Namibia easily.

At the same event, NTB Acting Chief Executive Officer Bonnie Mbidzo said there is a need for Namibia to diversify its tourist arrivals through air connectivity as currently, the country relies heavily on German tourist arrivals.

‘We need to diversify into other markets but in those markets, we don’t have connectivity or airlift to Namibia and this project gives us that platform. Our statistics show that in the Netherlands, Belgium or east Europe the Italians the figures are there but connectivity to Namibia has been a problem,’ Mbidzo noted.

Equally, Director of Transport and Regulations in the Ministry of Works and Transport, Cedric Limbo said Namibia wants to become a logistical hub for the Sout
hern African Development Community (SADC) which will require efforts and initiatives such as the ‘Air Connect Namibia’.

‘The signed agreement will smoothen and fast-track the aspect of us becoming a logistical hub. Our aim as a government is really to urge our key stakeholders to unlock other markets. We should not only focus on the traditional markets, yes we have the Germans and the British but we need to unlock other markets,’ he noted.

The parties involved include the Namibia Tourism Board (NTB); the City of Windhoek (CoW); Gondwana Collection; Walvis Bay Corridor Group; the Namibia Chamber of Commerce and Industry, and the Namibia Investment Promotion Board.

Source: The Namibia Press Agency

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Oshikoto looks up to NDP6 to solve water crisis


Oshikoto regional council chairperson, Samuel Shivute has urged the inhabitants of the region to pay close attention to the challenges they face, including the lack of clean water and recommend various solutions.

Shivute made the remarks during a regional consultative meeting held at Omuthiya by the National Planning Commission on the Sixth National Development Plan (NDP6) on Tuesday.

He said the region continues to experience a lack of water in most rural areas and there is a need for boreholes and upgrading of water treatment reservoirs and pipelines to ensure that the challenge is addressed.

Shivute also informed the meeting that the region lacks proper roads, more specifically feeder roads in most areas of Eengodi, Okankolo, omuntele, and Nehale lya Mpingana constituencies which hinder development as most of the services are inaccessible.

‘We have a high unemployment rate and a lack of school infrastructure mostly in the rural parts of the region such as classrooms and hostels, and tertiary institutio
ns,’ said Shivute.

NPC executive director (ED) Wilhencia Uiras said that they are in consultations with regional councils and all stakeholders both agents and beneficiaries of development to formulate the NDP6 through which the NPC spearheads and coordinates national socio-economic planning.

‘The NDP6 will be the last in the series towards Vision 2030 to be implemented from March 2025/2026 to March 2030/2031 financial years,’ said Uiras.

She said that the NDP6 calls for all stakeholders, agents, and beneficiaries of development to work together and leverage synergies in executing programmes and projects and discourages dependencies and recipient syndrome.

The Oshikoto Regional Council’s acting Chief Regional Officer, Peter Ndawedwa said that the region will play a crucial role in the implementation of the NDP6 by aligning regional development efforts with national priorities and coordinating development activities.

‘We will collaborate with relevant stakeholders to mobilise resources and implement infras
tructure projects effectively,’ said Ndawedwa.

Source: The Namibia Press Agency

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Reform Works Created Institutions Competitive at Continental Level: PM Abiy


Addis Ababa: Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed said the reforms made on institutions have enabled to create competitive institutions at continental level.

The premier made the remark at the award ceremony at Adwa Victory Memorial Museum to honor five institutions today.

The PM said on the occasion that the institutions were awarded for doing work that made them competitive at the continental level.

Noting that success is not a goal but a journey that continues with needs, Abiy stressed that the awards given to the institutions stimulate them to do more in the future.

The prime minister recalled that Ethiopia was one of the African countries that imported much wheat.

The country has now become the leading wheat producing country in Africa with the work done in a short period of time, he said, adding that the Ministry of Agriculture has played a major role in this success.

Similarly, he pointed out that Ethiopian Airlines was able to continue as a competitive institution by performing actions that redeemed the se
ason when faced by COVID-19 pandemic.

According to him, the airline is currently a huge institution that dominates Africa in the field and the recent acquisition of aircraft and terminal expansion works will further enhance its competitiveness.

Following the reform, Ethio telecom has also more than doubled the number of customers and has now over 76 million customers. The number of Tele Birr users has reached 43 million.

Abiy underscored that the recognition given to the institution will create incentive to build capacities in the sectors.

Ethio Post was able to be effective in a short period by implementing reform works.

The PM pointed out that the institution has not only come out of bankruptcy, but has been able to become a model on a continental level in some of its procedures.

The leaders and employees of the institution have contributed a lot to this, he stated.

Abiy further noted that the reform works done on the construction of the Great Ethiopian Renaissance Dam are a demonstration of the effe
ctiveness of institutional reform.

Passing through the challenges, the history of the dam construction process has been accomplished.

He said the dam will be a center of regional integration in the continent.

Winners of the Ethiopian Institutional Success Award are Ministry of Agriculture’s wheat program, Ethiopian Airlines, Ethio Post, Ethio Telecom, and the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) project.

Source: Ethiopian News Agency

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Oromia Region Expecting 105 Million Quintals of Wheat from Summer Irrigated Land


Addis Ababa: Ethiopia’s Oromia region announced that it is expecting to harvest over 105 million quintals of wheat from its summer irrigated land.

Crop Development Director at the Oromia Agriculture Bureau, Mustefa Hussein, stated that the 2.6 million hectares initially planned to be cultivating during the summer season has been surpassed by over 1 million hectares across the region’s 21 zones.

The director expressed optimism about the development, stating that “the progress in all zones is encouraging, and we anticipate exceptional results.”

He confidently predicted that this year’s irrigated wheat production in the region would exceed 105 million quintals.

Currently, farmers are actively harvesting the crop with the aid of modern agricultural equipment and the average yield per hectare stands at 45 quintals with some high-yielding areas achieving over 60 quintals per hectare.

As the wheat fields are being cleared, farmers are cultivating onions, tomatoes, potatoes, and other fruit and vegetable crops,
maintaining soil fertility and enabling a three-crop rotation system annually, Mustefa elaborated.

Source: Ethiopian News Agency

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Gov’t Implementing Multi-pronged Strategy to Rein in Inflationary Pressures: Finance State Minister


Addis Ababa: The Government of Ethiopia has been taking monetary, fiscal and development policy measures that stabilize inflation, Finance State Minister Eyob Tekalign told ENA.

According to him, the government is enforcing stringent budgetary discipline on government institutions for the remainder of the Ethiopian fiscal year.

“Our budget is constrained with high demand and limited resources,” Eyob said, adding “this compels institutions to optimize cost, enhance efficiency and find innovative solutions with fewer resources.”

In tandem with this, the National Bank has implemented reforms restricting large transactions, capping bank lending at 14% annual growth to curb money supply, and regulating government borrowing rates.

Loan dependence is aggressively cut with direct government borrowing limited to one-third of the previous year’s level through deficit reduction efforts, the state minister elaborated.

Combating food price inflation is a central priority, according to Eyob.

“The key lies in producin
g goods in large quantities and ensuring well-regulated market distribution, which undoubtedly brings about positive pricing changes,” he stressed.

Therefore, increased budgetary allocations are targeting productive agricultural sectors, while the Homegrown Economic Reform Agenda aims to streamline the business environment and distribution efficiencies.

While initially challenging, the policy actions are gaining encouraging traction, the state minister noted, pointing out “price stability and significant reductions in some sales, while prices remain stable in others.”

Yet, the inflationary buildup necessitates a measured, long-term strategy, he said.

With regard to product price reductions, Eyob revealed that regulatory bodies are directed to robustly monitor against unjustified price hikes.

“If civil servants, leaders and businesses prioritize curbing inflation, stable price can be attained for improved economic conditions nationwide,” he stated, reiterating the government’s resolute commitment to this
agenda through monetary, fiscal and development-driven interventions.”

Recall that Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, while addressing the 28th regular session of the House of People’s Representatives, said the government’s preventive measures against inflation have yielded promising results.

According to him, inflation was reduced to 28.5 percent from the previous 30 percent. This achievement is regarded as a positive beginning, and there are high expectations for further improvements this Ethiopian fiscal year.

Source: Ethiopian News Agency