Senior Federal Gov’t Officials in Semera to Visit Development Projects


Addis Ababa: Senior federal government officials arrived in Samara this morning to conduct field visits on various ongoing development projects in the Afar regional state.

The officials are expected to visit drinking water and sanitation schemes, summer wheat cultivation activities and irrigation development projects in the region.

Minister of Water and Energy Engineer Habtamu Itefa, Minister of Agriculture, Girma Amente , Minister of Irrigation and Lowlands, Engineer Aisha Mohammed and other government officials were among members of the delegation.

The visit was intended to have observation on the progress of ongoing projects in various districts of the region that will benefit the rural community.

Source: Ethiopian News Agency

Ethiopian Champions in Liberalizing Air Transport, Open African Air Transport Market: AFRAA Consulting Director


Addis Ababa: Ethiopian Airlines has always championed in liberalizing air transport connectivity and opening African Air Transport Market, African Airlines Association (AFRAA) Consulting Director said.

In an exclusive interview with ENA, Consulting Director, Government, Legal and Industry Affairs at AFRAA, Raphael Kuuchi said Ethiopian Airline even long before the AU had come up with a concept of a Single African Air Transport Market (SAATM)

The SAATM is a flagship project of the African Union Agenda 2063, to create a single unified air transport market in Africa, the liberalisation of civil aviation in Africa and as an impetus to the continent’s economic integration agenda.

“It has consistently championed for the need to open up the market so that we can have open space for airlines to be able to travel, to operate freely and support the economic development and connectivity of this continent,” the director stated.

This has paid off significantly thus far, he said, adding today Ethiopian is the biggest a
irline operating on the African continent.

“We want to see other airlines also to come up to where the Ethiopian Airlines is. Ethiopian is not just comfortable being the only one, and the biggest on the continent. Ethiopian is going ahead and supporting other African airlines so that they too can come up because together we are stronger. That is the philosophy.”

Raphael reiterated that we are all behind Ethiopian Airlines so that it can be able to support other African airlines to get where they are not only operationally but also in terms of technical and operational support, making sure that they get equipment and other facilities available.

Moreover, he pointed out that Africa is probably the last continent to fully liberalize air transport connectivity.

“Without liberalization of the air transport market in an internal air transport market in Africa, the airlines will continue to struggle to get passengers and will continue to struggle to grow.”

Hence, the Single African Air Transport Market is an AU
initiative to help all African countries open up their air spaces so that we have Africa as a domestic market, he added.

This way we can have African airlines operate more freely, take advantage of the air traffic connectivity across the continent and be able to grow their businesses, become stronger and more competitive against non-African airlines.

On other hand, he noted that the implementation of the Africa Continental Free Trade Area is also another opportunity.

“If we liberalize our market, we are able to trade among ourselves and improve the movement of people and facilities,” he underlined.

He stressed we want to see that Africans are able to travel across other African countries, either without visas or visas on arrival, or the acquisition of those visas much easier.

According to him, this way the continent will have more travel, connectivity and trade amongst each others.

Source: Ethiopian News Agency

Ethiopian Airlines Inaugurates Renovated, Expanded Domestic Passenger Terminal


Addis Ababa: The Ethiopian Airlines Group has inaugurated its renovated and expanded Domestic Passenger Terminal today.

During the occasion, Ethiopian Airlines Group CEO, Mesfin Tassew said the airline has spent 50 million USD for the renovation and expansion of the terminal, which increases its capacity by more than 100 percent.

Beyond increasing its capacity, the goal of Ethiopian Airlines is to provide an international level of services to our domestic passengers, he said.

This focus on passenger experience aligns with the airline’s broader vision of solidifying Ethiopia’s position as a global tourism destination.

So, he added that it is our dream and vision to continue expanding our domestic air transport service for the benefit of Ethiopians and tourists who are coming to Ethiopia to visit the exciting destinations of the country.

“The renovation and expansion of the terminal was intended to cope up with the growing demand of domestic transport service. Ethiopian Airlines has a strong commitment to
continue enhancing the development and expansion of domestic air transport, which is vital for both the social and economic development of the country. As you know, we are investing a lot to construct new airport runways at this time, we are constructing five and we’re also upgrading terminal facilities in other domestic airports, ” the CEO elaborated.

Tourism Minister Nasisie Chali said that the inauguration of the renovated and expanded domestic passenger terminal is crucial for Ethiopia’s image building and tourism.

Any such development efforts by Ethiopian Airlines have direct bearing on tourism sector of the country, she said.

Ethiopian Transport and Logistics State Minister, Bareo Hassen on his part said Ethiopian Airlines is playing key role in the transport and logistics sector.

The renovation and expansion of the terminal will increase its services and competition, he added.

Source: Ethiopian News Agency

Reform Implementation Has Made Defense Institutions Become Research, Innovation Center, Says Field Marshall Birhanu Jula


Addis Ababa: Reforms launched over the last years have made Defense institutions to become research and innovation centre, Chief of Staff of the Defense Force, Field Marshall Birhanu Jula said.

Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed and senior military officers have visited the remarkable work done by the Defense Engineering Industry Corporation to produce various weapons, rockets, and tanks using reverse engineering.

Speaking at the occasion, Field Marshall Birhanu Jula said the work of building armor capabilities of defense forces continue to be strengthened based on research.

Field Marshall Birhanu added that the defense industry and defense logistics maintenance center have been made to carry out their duties based on the strategic needs of defense forces.

In particular, he mentioned that the defense institutions are carrying out their work according to the direction set to improve the weapons needed for the army.

He added that the institution is not only profitable now, but it is also engaged on innovative works
.

The country cannot continue buying everything from abroad, he stated, adding that they started working out of the conviction that it is possible to reach the level where it can export using the local capacity.

Defense Minister Abreham Belay on his part recalled that the challenges faced by Ethiopia in recent years have created an opportunity to enhance the country’s internal capabilities.

Ethiopia has built a strong national defense forces, he said, adding that this has strengthened the country’s defense capabilities through reforms carried out at the National Defesne Forces.

The challenges Ethiopia faced in the past few years have made the country to have drawn lessons the minister said, adding in particular, the challenges have opened new avenues to increase our capabilities.

He said that in order to protect the security of the country, we are not only buying weapons from abroad, but using our own capabilities to improve and repair the old weapons.

Source: Ethiopian News Agency

IGAD Urges Eminent Persons Play Active Role in Finding Solutions to Problems Facing the Region


Addis Ababa: The eminent persons and elders have a very critical role in supporting the efforts of IGAD find solutions to the multifaceted challenges facing the region, Executive Secretary of the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) Workneh Gebeyehu said.

IGAD eminent persons induction and orientation meeting was held in Addis Ababa, comprising renowned personalities from each member states.

The body of eminent persons is tasked with providing advice on key IGAD areas of cooperation, leveraging their rich experience and influence across various sectors, including peace, development, trade and regional integration and climate change.

Speaking on the occasion, Executive Secretary of the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) Workneh Gebeyehu said this is the day that we start the long journey.

The very reason we are establishing the Council of Eminent Personalities is to support the endeavors of IGAD which we are working on peace and security, environment and cross border migration i
n the region, among others.

He urged eminent persons to play an active role to be a voice for the voiceless who are suffering because of the conflict in the region.

Moreover, he elaborated that all of the leaders of IGAD member states have full support for the eminent persons constituting this council.

Minister of Justice Gedion Timothewos on his part commended IGAD for the initiative they have taken in bringing together this council of eminent personalities and elders in the region.

‘I believe this is a very critical initiative in a region that is ravaged by conflict and discord,’ he stated.

Recalling the motto of IGAD is peace, prosperity and regional integration, he said, adding for this aspiration to be realized such a council of eminent persons would have a very critical role.

Moreover, he elaborated that the elders and the eminent personalities are the repositories of the communal wisdom.

Therefore, he reiterated the unwavering support of the government of Ethiopia to help the council in all its
initiative and efforts.

Members of the IGAD Council of Eminent Persons on their part expressed their commitment to work closely with IGAD and national actors to find common and alternative African solutions to the complex African problems and challenges facing the region within the rich African traditions and values.

Source: Ethiopian News Agency

Collective Strategies for Addressing Climate Change in BRICS Countries Paramount


Addis Ababa: Developing collective strategies and initiatives for addressing the impact of climate change is a priority among BRICS countries, Head of the School of World Economy at HSE University, Russia, Makarov Igor said.

In an exclusive interview with ENA, Makarov Igor said that climate change has become one of the top priorities and areas of cooperation for BRICS member countries.

He added that over the last few years, BRICS countries have increasingly strengthened collaboration on various climate-related initiatives, including renewable energy development, carbon emissions reduction, and adaptation strategies.

BRICS founding nations, Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa have recognized the urgent need for collective action to mitigate the impacts of climate change and transition to sustainable development pathways.

These countries are among the world’s largest economies and major emitters of greenhouse gases, making their cooperation crucial in global efforts to combat climate change, he a
dded.

Each nation within the BRICS bloc brings its unique set of challenges, resources, and opportunities to the table, making it essential to tailor strategies to their specific contexts while fostering collaboration.

Russia continues this priority and looks climate change as an issue of very intense cooperation within BRICS, he said, adding that member countries are responsible for about half of global emissions, accordingly in the future, the impact of climate change will be mitigated by BRICS countries.

To this effect, BRICS countries should provide their own mechanisms to deal with the reduction of carbon emission, he said.

Makarov Igor who is also Head of the Laboratory for Climate Change Economics at the university said each nation within the BRICS bloc must contribute its unique approach to mitigate emissions, emphasizing the importance of a unified effort towards this goal.

Russia proposed a compact group on climates with participation of ministers and responsible agencies to provide some common
framework on climate change, including both mitigation and adaptation, he said.

He also said Russia thinks that BRICS should provide its common strategies to deal with climate change, which should be different from the responses provided by the developed countries.

According to him, the national circumstances in BRICS countries are very diverse and different from the west, he said.

He noted that different BRICS countries have very different objectives related to climate change, on the other hand, and they have the similar priorities, on the other.

They linked climate change with broader contexts of sustainable development, for instance, climate change and decarbonisation work to energy, he said,

He added that all the BRICS countries understand that they should transform the energy systems, which are very diverse.

Source: Ethiopian News Agency

PM Abiy Opens ‘STRIDE Ethiopia’ Expo 2024


Addis Ababa: Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed launched the ‘STRIDE Ethiopia’ Expo 2024 at ICT Park today.

During the occasion, the prime minister said that achieving technology and innovation requires collaboration.

‘The launch of the ‘Stride Ethiopia’ Expo marks a significant and hopeful beginning for our ICT sector, a promise that was clearly evident during my recent visit to the ICT Park,’ he added.

Abiy added that this event underscored our commitment to technological innovation and growth, reflecting the potential and ambition that characterize Ethiopia’s journey into the digital age.

Moreover, he elaborated they have observed innovative projects at ICT Park to modernize the agricultural sector.

It is also a great advantage for the country to have world-class data centers that accelerate the construction of smart cities and startups which will provide proper power distribution to the user and reduce wastage, he added.

The prime minister pointed out that both government and private institutions should use
the data centers to store information and use it properly for the development of the country.

He also stressed it is important to recognize the fact that the world is investing most of the resources on technology and innovation.

To this end, exerting concerted effort in coordinated manner to benefit from it is essential, the premier said.

The government will launch an initiative that will provide trainings to 5 million Ethiopian technology and computer programme developers and to students who have talents in Mathematics and science, the premier pointed out.

Minister of Innovation and Technology, Belete Molla said on his part that STRIDE Ethiopia is a big step towards achieving the country’s goals in science, technology and innovation.

STRIDE Ethiopia, initiated by the ministry, is a pioneer annual event aimed at fostering collaboration and innovation in Science, Technology, Research, Innovation, Digitalization, and Entrepreneurship.

The STRIDE Ethiopia Expo brings together stakeholders from startups, ec
osystem builders, corporations, government offices, academia, and development partners.

It is organized under the theme ‘Science Unlocks, Technology Connects, Innovation Drives’.

The expo will be open for the public at the Science Museum, from 19- 26 May, 2024.

Source: Ethiopian News Agency