Government Working to Reinvigorate Economy by Undertaking Various Economic ActivitiesIipumbu officially opens Ogongo Annual Festival

Addis Ababa: The Government of Ethiopia is carrying out several development projects to stimulate the economy, according to the Government Communication Service. Government Communication Service Minister Legesse Tulu told the media today that among the various economic measures being taken by the government includes enhancing agricultural production and productivity. He stated that enhancing agricultural production and productivity in quality and quantity through modernizing the sector in technology and mechanization is the main priority. According to him, crop harvesting in almost all parts of the country is approaching and preparation for cultivation in the upcoming rainy season has been underway. The Bounty of Basket, an initiative of PM Abiy that aims at ensuring food security through urban agriculture and other activities is underway in all regions of the country. In areas where agricultural activities started like in Oromia, Somali and Afar regions, millions of hectare of lands are covered with cro ps, according to the minister. Legesse said the expansion of summer irrigation works will continue to be strengthened in order to ensure healthy economic growth. Various mega projects, urban development and road infrastructure projects, including power generating dams, among others, have also been under construction with speed and quality, he noted. Over 20 irrigation projects with potential of developing 50,000-80,000 hectare lands are being built by the federal government, the minister revealed. Moreover, Sheger Riverside project and Entoto Park, Unity Park, Friendship Park, and Meskel Square --- all initiatives of Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, have become operational and are expected to generate additional income and revive the tourism industry. These projects are not only playing important role in changing the appearance of the city and the environment but also stimulating the national economy, the minister noted. He further pointed out that the renovation of Ethiopian historical and cultural heritages as well as the tourist destinations being built in the country would create conducive environment for reviving of the economy. Source: Ethiopian News Agency OSHAKATI: Minister of Industrialisation and Trade (MIT), Lucia Iipumbu, said agriculture has remained one of the strongest growth points of the year. Iipumbu was speaking during the official opening of the Ogongo Annual Festival in the Omusati Region on Friday. The festival is being held under the theme 'Live, Love and Enjoy Through Innovation.' Iipumbu explained that the Ogongo Annual Festival provides an opportunity to appreciate the richness of lives, the diversity of culture and the strength of unity. According to Iipumbu, there have been various initiatives at both regional and constituency level aimed at accelerating and scaling agricultural activities, with the latest being the recent receipt of tractors from government, which are coming at an opportune time to allow the region to fully leverage on modern agricultural technology. 'MIT is an ardent proponent of entrepreneurial and business development in the country. It is therefore our hope that as we continue to make inroads in terms of finding o ur niches for this community, its citizens, particularly the youth, must continuously engage their office, including their regional office in Outapi to get more detailed information on their various programmes and initiatives, which they can collaborate on to bring about meaningful economic growth and development for the settlement. Iipumbu further stated that the ministry has continued to hold consultative engagements where they share important information related to their initiatives such as the Emperetec Training Programme, as per their mandate. 'Business at all levels, including our informal traders and startups, must therefore be innovative and learn to work together in teams by clustering themselves and approaching the MIT for assistance in this regard,' she added. The festival, which kicked off on Thursday, will conclude on Sunday. Source: The Namibia Press Agency