Addis Ababa September 20/2024 (ENA)The Ethiopian Airlines has celebrated six decades of uninterrupted services to to the captivating city of Rome, Italy, which is a milestone in aviation excellence. The airline hosted a vibrant celebration in the Eternal City, attended by esteemed government officials from both Ethiopia and Italy, corporate guests, stakeholders as well as Ethiopian Airlines executives, to commemorate this diamond jubilee achievement. The celebration underscored the airline's unwavering commitment to its passengers and the significance of the Rome route in its global network. The event showcased Ethiopian's dedication to providing seamless travel experiences and strengthening its position as a key player in connecting Africa and Europe. Ethiopian Airlines Group CEO, Mesfin Tasew stated: “We are incredibly proud to celebrate 60 years of uninterrupted service to Rome. This milestone is a testament to our unwavering dedication to connecting people and fostering economic growth between Africa and Europe. We are grateful for the support of our valued customers and partners throughout these six decades.” Ethiopian Airlines, with Rome as its inaugural Italian destination, expanded to Milan in 2011. The airline offers daily flights to both cities using modern aircraft for passenger comfort.   Starting December 1, 2024, Ethiopian will increase Rome flights to ten weekly, enhancing travel flexibility and connectivity. The airline serves over 24 European destinations and continues to grow, with Port Sudan and Dhaka soon joining its global network. In its seventy-eight years of successful operations, Ethiopian has become one of Africa's leading carriers, unrivalled in efficiency and operational success. Ethiopian commands the lion’s share of the African passenger and cargo network operating the youngest and most modern fleet to more than 150 domestic and international passenger and cargo destinations across five continents. Ethiopian’s fleet category consists of ultra-modern and environmentally friendly aircraft such as Boeing 737s, 777s, 787s, Airbus A350-900 and De Havilland Q400. Having achieved its strategic plan (Vision 2025) ahead of time, Ethiopian is currently implementing a 15-year strategic plan Vision 2035 that will see it become one of the top 20 most competitive and leading aviation groups in the world.      

Addis Ababa September 20/2024 (ENA) The 2024 international day of peace celebrated today in Addis Ababa under the theme "Cultivating a Culture of Peace." The event brought together Heads of UN agencies in Ethiopia, representatives of civil society organizations, youth and women networks and other pertinent stakeholders. This year marks the 25th anniversary of the United Nations General Assembly’s adoption of the Declaration and Programme of Action on a Culture of Peace. In that declaration, the United Nations’ most inclusive body recognized that peace “not only is the absence of conflict, but also requires a positive, dynamic participatory process where dialogue is encouraged and conflicts are solved in a spirit of mutual understanding and cooperation.” The International Day of Peace (Peace Day) is observed around the world each year on the 21 of September. Established in 1981 by unanimous United Nations resolution, Peace Day provides a globally shared date for all humanity to commit to Peace above all differences and to contribute to building a Culture of Peace.

Addis Ababa September 20/2024 (ENA) The Ethiopian Investment Commission held a discussion with a delegation from Beijing Municipal Bureau of Commerce to enhance FDI flows from Beijing, China to Ethiopia to benefit both countries. The business delegation was led by Zhuang Jianrong, Foreign Economic and Trade Division of Beijing Municipal Bureau of Commerce Division Director. During the discussion, representatives of the Commission highlighted Ethiopia’s investment potential in various sectors and the investment policies. They further stated that Ethiopia has now become a preferred investment destination for Chinese investors, and the commission is committed to work closely with the Beijing Municipal Bureau of Commerce to promote trade and investment to benefit both parties. The business delegation for its part indicated that understanding Ethiopia’s untapped investment potential, Chinese investors from Beijing are interested to invest in Ethiopia specially in agricultural technology and trade sectors.  

Addis Ababa September 20/2024 (ENA) Ethiopian Airlines announced the launch of three additional flights from Addis Ababa to Guangzhou, set to begin on September 27, 2024. The additional flights aim to enhance connectivity and facilitate travel between Ethiopia and China, reflecting the airline's commitment to broadening its international footprint. Passengers can look forward to increased options for travel with the new flights.

Addis Ababa September 19/2024 (ENA)The Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) has launched today Sustainable Tourism Master Plan for the next 10 years. The IGAD Sustainable Tourism Master Plan 2024-2034 aims at promoting regional integration and sustainable development in the tourism sector across IGAD member states. It also aspires to develop a unified tourism space, strengthen cross-border collaboration, drive investment in infrastructure and innovation, and promote sustainable and inclusive growth. Speaking at the event, representing Claver Gatete, Executive Secretary and United Nations Under Secretary General, Andrew Mall, emphasized the importance of tourism as a key driver of social-economic change and job creation. He noted that the IGAD region, with its diverse natural and cultural resources, offers immense potential for sustainable tourism development. By implementing the Master Plan, the IGAD region can benefit from increased economic growth, job creation, and improved livelihoods for local communities, he said. It can also enhance the region's reputation as a desirable tourism destination, attracting more visitors and investment, he added. Gatete further called on IGAD Member States to reaffirm their commitment to the tourism sector and work together to implement the Master Plan effectively. IGAD Executive Secretary Workneh Gebeyehu emphasized the importance of the plan in addressing the region's fragmented tourism efforts and promoting sustainable development.   He called upon all stakeholders, including governments, the private sector, civil society, and development partners, to collaborate effectively for its successful implementation. The master plan is expected to contribute significantly to the region's economic growth, job creation, and cultural exchange, Workneh said. By focusing on sustainability and working together, IGAD member states aim to increase the benefits of tourism for all while protecting their natural and cultural resources for future generations, he added. Speaking on her behalf, Ethiopia’s Minister of Tourism, Ambassador Nasise Chali, emphasized the critical role tourism plays in fostering economic growth and cultural exchange. She highlighted Ethiopia’s commitment to regional collaboration, citing the country's recent tourism reforms and infrastructural developments under the leadership of Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed. "The IGAD region is a haven for diverse and enigmatic tourism resources, and this Master Plan provides a common framework to sustainably harness the vast potential of our countries," Ambassador Nasise stated.   She also underscored Ethiopia’s determination to champion the implementation of the Master Plan, positioning the IGAD region as a globally competitive tourism destination. The Sustainable Tourism Master Plan focuses on enhancing connectivity, promoting joint marketing strategies, and developing integrated tourism products. The initiative is expected to catalyze cross-cultural pollination, increase intra-regional tourist exchanges, and contribute to the inclusive economic growth of the region. The launching ceremony, held in Addis Ababa, was attended by tourism ministers from IGAD member states.          

Addis Ababa September 19/2024 (ENA) Ethio Telecom has set a plan to reach 83 million subscribers and generate 163.7 billion Birr in revenue during the current Ethiopian fiscal year, CEO of the company, Firehiwot Tamiru revealed. In her media briefing today, Ethio Telecom CEO Firehiwot Tamiru highlighted the company's 2024/25 Annual Business Plan. Among other things, Firehiwot mentioned the major plans of her company for the current fiscal year, which includes enhancing telebirr accessibility and digital financial inclusion, and empowering and supporting telecom and digital infrastructure and generating foreign currency. In this fiscal year, the company aims to solidify its position as a leading provider of digital solutions, the CEO said. “By leveraging our existing telecommunications and digital infrastructure, we will drive our country's digital transformation and enable it to compete on a global scale. Furthermore, we will continue to invest in expanding our telecommunications and digital infrastructure to deliver high-quality, customer-centric services,” Firehiwot explained. According to her, this will enable the company to provide innovative digital solutions that empower individuals, businesses, and organizations to reach their full potential. Ethio Telecom aims to grow the subscriber base by 6 percent, reaching 83 million customers in this fiscal year, she stated. In terms of revenue, it planned to raise its revenue from 93 billion Birr to 163.7 billion Birr, which has a 74.7 percent increment from last budget year. With respect to infrastructure expansions, the company plans to build 1,298 new mobile sites to enhance telecom coverage and capacity, expanding 4G service to an extra 500 cities, introducing 5G service in additional 15 cities, it was indicated. Firehiwot expressed the company’s commitment to building 331 rural connectivity solutions and 165 mobile network sites, totaling 496 sites, to extend network coverage to 1,000 rural kebeles which aims to narrow the digital divide between urban and rural areas by significantly expanding network infrastructure in rural regions. With respect to telebirr, she said plans are in place to increase the number of telebirr agents by 28 percent, reaching 275,000. Additionally, the number of merchants making telebirr transactions will grow by 102 percent reaching 367,000, and the number of telebirr customers will rise by 15.7 percent to reach a total of 55 million customers. Furthermore, the plan aims at enhancing digital financial services, local digital money transfers, e-commerce payments, and international online transactions, and increasing the number of remittance partners by offering telebirr products and services that meet customer needs and add values, according to the CEO. Ethio Telecoma also targets to generate 282.85 million USD in foreign currency during the fiscal year by expanding international strategic partnerships and delivering competitive services, she indicated.

A workshop that aims at creating awareness on warehouse receipt financing to agro-processing companies working in Integrated Agro Industrial Parks in Ethiopia was held today in Addis Ababa. Warehouse receipts are used to facilitate the financing of primary agriculture, agricultural trade and food processing.   By storing grain or other agricultural commodities in licensed warehouses, farmers, traders and agri-processors have the possibility to obtain receipts that can be used as collateral with local credit institutions. Speaking at the workshop, Infrastructure Development and Input Sector Advisor at Ministry of Industry, Daniel Olani highlighted the importance of warehouse financing in reducing harvest loss and enhances the productivity of companies engaged in the agro-processing sectors. He said that the warehouse receipt system enable manufacturing industries to get quality products in the amount they need without interruption with saving losses during harvesting and ensures benefits of farmers through getting appropriate market price of their products. Daniel stated that there is up to 30 percent loss of agricultural products during harvesting which affects the sufficient provision of inputs for agro-processing industries. Insufficient and low quality provision of inputs for industries have an adverse impact on the productivity of agro-processors, Daniel pointed out. He also underscored the need for financial institutions like banks to engage in warehouse system financing in the effort for ensuring provision of inputs both in quality and quantity for the integrated agro-industry parks of the country. Warehouse financing is also untapped investment potential of the country, he noted; calling up on investors to engage in this lucrative sector. Warehouse Receipt System Manager at Ethiopian Commodity Exchange, Berhanu Tiruneh said that warehouse receipt financing ensures access to finance for companies particularly during the harvest season and secure better storage facilities that reduce post-harvest loss, prevent quality deterioration and improve quality and quantity of commodity supply for local and export markets. Furthermore, warehouse financing improves value chain efficiency—to have shorter, efficient and traceable agricultural value chains, he stressed. Sidama Integrated Agro-Industrial Park CEO, Hailu Etera on his part reiterated that warehouse receipt financing enable industrial parks to have uninterrupted supply of goods and products. He added that the system would further increase productivity of industrial parks since it allows production to continue without interruption due to lack of supply of inputs. It was learned that the warehouse financing decree was issued in 1996 E.C but it has not been fully implemented for a long time although it has been implemented on a trial basis since 2014 E.C. The awareness creation workshop on warehouse receipt financing to stakeholders was organized by Ministry of Industry, Ethiopian Commodity Exchange and United Nations Industrial Development Organization.          

Addis Ababa, September 19/2024 (ENA) The Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) announced today Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed as the new Tourism Champion of the authority for a three-year term. “We are proud to announce Abiy Ahmed Ali, Prime Minister of Ethiopia, as the new IGAD Tourism Champion for a period of 3 years,” IGAD Secretariat said on its official social media post. His visionary leadership will play a pivotal role in advancing sustainable tourism across the region, driving economic growth, cultural preservation, and environmental stewardship for the benefit of all IGAD Member States, according to the authority. The IGAD Tourism Ministers' Meeting took place in Addis Ababa on 18th September 2024 to endorse the IGAD Sustainable Tourism Master Plan, set for implementation from 2024 to 2034. In her remarks on the meeting, Tourism Minister Nasisie Chali stated that the 10-year Sustainable Tourism Master Plan (2024-2034) is a stepping stone for IGAD member states, which would help to bring about a quantum leap in the development of the tourism sector collectively Ethiopia as the IGAD member state, it considers the 10-year Sustainable Tourism Master Plan that would be a landmark for other countries in the region and could help to bring about a quantum leap in the development of the tourism sector in the region, it was learned.

Addis Ababa September 19/2024(ENA) The renovation and refurbishment of the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa's (UNECA’s) Africa Hall, a truly living symbol of African history, unity, culture, and architecture, is nearing completion and will be inaugurated next month. Historically, the Africa Hall, located in the capital of Ethiopia, became a famous landmark venue for pan-African and African Renaissance events and it was the birthplace of the Organization of African Unity (OAU), which is now the African Union (AU), and whose founding Charter was signed in the Hall in 1963. Africa Hall Project Manager, Antonio Baio said that the renovation is aimed at transforming the Africa Hall to a rejuvenated facility, complying with the highest international standards for conference facilities. Restoring the historical and cultural values embedded in its architecture, the other objective of the project is to include a permanent exhibition to make Africa Hall one of the leading destinations in Addis Ababa and highlight its significant role in modern African history and culture, he added. The Project Manager stated that the overall budget funded by the General Assembly for the implementation of the project is about 57 million USD. “Most of the renovation work has been completed. We are planning to have the inauguration on the 21st of October, 2024 at the presence of high-level authority. This renovation cost around 57 million USD that was funded by the General Assembly,” Antonio Baio elaborated. Similar to the New York and Geneva offices, there will be visitors’ center where permanent exhibition will be displayed and member countries will hold special events, it was indicated. Structural and technological upgrade, resilience, safe and comfortable functionality, heritage conservation, restoration and preservation of historical elements were among the major accomplishments of the project, according to him. “The desire of the project that we were able to achieve was to bring back this building to be a real state-of-the-art. We have the most advanced technology now in the room …but the principle remains there. So we were trying to balance between the respect of the architectural and the respect of cultural and historical value that are embedded in the building,” he emphasized. The Africa Hall was conceived and donated by Emperor Hailesilassie of Ethiopia in the early 1960s.

Addis Ababa September 19/2024(ENA)Ethiopian Airlines Group has been distinguished with multiple awards at the Zambia Airports Corporation Limited's 35th Anniversary. In a grand celebration of aviation excellence, Ethiopian Airlines, Africa's leading airline, has been exclusively recognized for 'Exceptional Commitment' and 'Outstanding Partnership' in the overall award category. This honor is a testament to its unwavering dedication and significant contribution to the success of Zambia Airports in both passenger and cargo services, the Group said in its social media post. These accolades stand as a testament to Ethiopian Airlines’ dedication to providing seamless travel experiences for passengers traveling to and from Zambia, effectively connecting the nation to its extensive global network of 139 destinations. The awards also highlight the airline's strong and fruitful partnership with Zambia Airports Corporation Limited, fostering a collaborative environment that benefits both organizations and the Zambian aviation landscape. “We are honored to receive these prestigious awards from Zambia Airports Corporation Limited,” said Mesfin Tasew, Group CEO of Ethiopian Airlines. “These recognitions reaffirm our steadfast commitment to Zambia and its people, and we are grateful for the opportunity to contribute to the country's economic growth and connectivity through our exceptional services,” the CEO revealed. He added: “We will continue to strive for excellence in all aspects of our operations, further strengthening our partnership with Zambia Airports Corporation Limited and providing our valued customers with the highest standards of air travel.” Ethiopian Airlines has played a pivotal role in combating the Covid-19 pandemic within Zambia by ensuring the continuous transport of essential medical supplies and providing emergency evacuation services. The airline's ongoing operations at Kenneth Kaunda International Airport underscore its unwavering commitment to its core mission of bridging Africa with the globe. Ethiopian Airlines has been honoured with two prestigious awards in the current month. The first accolade, the Star Wide Awards 2024 for 'Efficient Service Provider Government Organization Sector of the Year', was awarded based on public voting, recognizing the airline's exceptional service and performance, it was pointed out. The second, the 'Outstanding Tourism Transportation Award', was presented at the annual African Tourism Leadership Forum held in Gaborone, Botswana, acknowledging Ethiopian Airlines' significant contributions to tourism transportation across Africa. Ethiopian Airlines Group is one of the fastest-growing airlines brands globally and the continent’s largest airline brand, it was learned.          

Addis Ababa, September 19/2024 (ENA) Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed revealed that this year's rice production is much larger than that of last year in Ethiopia. The government of Ethiopia has been intensifying the development of agricultural sector over the past few years as part of its ongoing multifaceted economic activities with a view to ensuring food security, import substitution and enhance export trade. Accordingly, the nation has registered remarkable achievements in the production of wheat which enabled the country stop the import of this crop. As a result, the country has achieved tremendous strides in wheat production, allowing it to cease the import this crop from abroad. Drawing lessons from the success in wheat production, Ethiopia has now been implementing rice development strategy as the nation has untapped potential in rice cultivation. According to Ministry of Agriculture, Ethiopia has a vast expanse of land for rice production but unfortunately we are still importing a considerable amount of rice. Currently, rice cultivation is being carried out in several parts of Ethiopia including Oromia, Amhara, and Somali regions among others. Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed said on social media today that that this year's rice production is much larger than that of last year in Ethiopia. For instance, rice cultivation in the Oromia Region expanded to over 700,000 hectares in 2022/23 from the mere 6,000 hectares of rice cultivation three years ago. This year's target is even more ambitious: 1.5 million hectares, with over 1.28 million hectares already under cultivation. The rice cultivation launched for the first time on 3,000 hectares of land on experimental stage in Somali Region is expected to produce 45 quintals per hectare. It was indicated that p until 2022, Ethiopia was producing only 20 per cent of its rice national consumption but was importing 80 per cent from abroad but since last year; the country has managed to produce 50 percent of national rice consumption within the country. In two years’ time Ethiopia will be able to fully substitute imported rice by producing rice in the country. Rice has now become an important strategic crop in Ethiopia and is highly anticipated to help the country achieve the development of the National Rice Strategy Plan (2020–2030).  

Addis Ababa September 18/2024 (ENA) Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA) has prioritized regional energy infrastructure development to ensure reliable and affordable energy access, Regional Association of Energy Regulators for Eastern and Southern Africa CEO, Mohamedain E. Seif Elnasr remarked. A three-day Validation Workshop of the African Development Bank (AfDB) Funded Project on Regional Harmonization of Regulatory Frameworks and Tools for Improved Electricity Regulation in COMESA was kicked off in Addis Ababa today. In his remark, Regional Association of Energy Regulators for Eastern and Southern Africa (RAERESA) CEO, Mohamedain E. Seif Elnasr thanked the Eastern Africa Pool (EAPP) and the Ethiopian Government for co-hosting the workshop in Addis Ababa. “I believe that the tranquility, peace and the warmth of this country and its people provides the most ideal environment in which to take the process of regional economic co-operation and integration to greater heights,” Mohamedain said. AfDB has funded the regional project designed to enhance the sustainability of the electricity sector of the region, he stated. “COMESA has prioritized regional energy infrastructure development to ensure reliable and affordable energy access. This initiative acknowledges the crucial role of a conducive regulatory environment and robust utilities in attracting private players and fostering competition.” COMESA is also collaborating with the World Bank to increase energy access for 100 million people and support the deployment of renewable energy, the CEO stated. Electricity Sector Regulation Director at the Ethiopian Petroleum and Energy Regulatory Authority, Bahru Olijra said the stakeholders engagement is invaluable to work together to shape the future of energy in the region. COMESA has been pivotal in fostering economic integration and development across Member States. “Energy, as the lifeblood of our economies and societies, is undeniably central to this progress. Harmonizing our regulatory frameworks is therefore not just an option, but an imperative,” Bahru noted. “Today, we gather to share insights, exchange best practices, and forge a shared path towards a regulatory environment that is efficient, transparent, and conducive to sustainable energy development. By aligning our approaches, we can unlock the full potential of regional energy trade, enhance energy security, and ultimately improve the lives of our citizens.” Africa, a continent blessed with abundant energy resources, paradoxically faces a severe energy crisis, he observed. For him, despite significant progress, the pace of electrification is far from adequate to meet the growing demands of rapidly expanding populations. "The stark reality is that 75% of the world’s population without access to electricity resides in Africa," he noted. “Our region, Eastern and Southern Africa, is not immune to this challenge. The gap between energy supply and demand continues to widen, affecting industries, businesses, and households alike. A staggering 365 million people in our region lack access to electricity, and 558 million lack access to clean cooking. Despite hosting 18% of the world’s population, Africa consumes less than 6% of global energy. Excluding South Africa, Sub-Saharan Africa’s per capita energy consumption stands at just 180 kilowatt-hours (kWh), compared to 6,500 in Europe and 13,000 kWh in the United States.” Without significant intervention, the region’s energy supply will not keep pace with rising demand driven by urbanization, economic growth, and population expansion. According to the World Bank, the pace of electrification in the region needs to triple to achieve universal electricity access by 2030. Otherwise, there will still be more than 300 million people without electricity in the COMESA region by that time, Bahru stated. In Ethiopia, our national grid remains concentrated in major population centers, limiting access to electricity for the vast majority of our rural population. Expanding electricity access to rural areas, townships, and commercial centers is a long-term necessity and essential for balanced socio-economic growth at the national and regional levels, he added. The limited power supply also significantly impacts economic and industrial development in our region. It raises the cost of doing business and diminishes our ability to attract new investments. It is imperative that we transform this narrative. By harnessing our collective expertise and political will, we can accelerate electrification, attract investment, and build a sustainable energy future for all. “As we embark on this journey, let us be guided by cooperation, a shared vision, and a commitment to excellence. I am confident that this workshop will be a catalyst for positive change.” East African Power Pool Secretary General, James Wahogo said the workshop deals with a component of a broader assignment like Elaboration of Regional Electricity Regulatory Principles (RERP), Regulatory and Utility Key Performance Indicators (UKPI) for COMESA. The workshop is crucial as it complements the works of East African Power Pool as COMESA’s specialized institution, he noted. According to him, the East African Power Pool (EAPP) region has achieved certain milestones over the years towards its objective of enhancing power system interconnectivity, cross border electricity trade and institutional capacity. “Deepening regional power system integration in our region yet requires deployment of many more interconnection lines including concerted actions to allow for expansion of multilateral power trade and seamless operation of the regional grid formed through interconnection of the national power grids.” In line with that he mentioned about the implementation of various activities aimed at advancing development of new interconnection projects to ensuring reliable and secure operation of the interconnected regional power system and fostering multilateral power trade.  

Addis Ababa September 18/2024 (ENA) Ministers of Tourism from IGAD member countries highlighted the impressive infrastructure developments in Ethiopia, particularly in the tourism sector. Ministers of Tourism from IGAD member countries, along with other guests, visited Entoto Park, Science Museum and the Adwa Victory Memorial Musium, which are becoming popular tourist attractions in Addis Ababa. Speaking to ENA, Bahinduka Martin Mugarra, State Minister of Tourism, Wildlife, and Antiquities of Uganda, commended Ethiopia for its resilience and cultural significance.   “I think all of us in Africa know the Ethiopian story of resistance, and it was a great story, inspiration and African story. It’s good to be here and have it first class and listen and see what was used and the feel of the story,” he said further mentioning that Africans can maintain their narrative and cultures in this way in the future. “I believe this is how we can continue to preserve and protect the African story and culture as we move forward. It's truly great for us.” The state minister highlighted the impressive infrastructure developments in Ethiopia, particularly in the hospitality sector. The roads and the ongoing construction in the Old Town reflect a vibrant transformation, he said, adding that new hotel developments are crucial for tourism growth. He also emphasized the strategic advantage of Ethiopian Airlines, stating, “It’s much easier for Ethiopia to connect with the world, and we are all learning from you.” Additionally, he congratulated the Ethiopian government for launching the Tourism Satellite Account, describing it as a significant milestone for tourism development, economic growth, and job creation. “This will enable better planning and support for the tourism sector based on well-researched data,” he said, adding “It’s going to be a game changer for Ethiopian tourism.” Mugarra expressed his confidence in Ethiopia's ability to grow its tourist numbers, stating, the infrastructure I have seen so far is truly impressive and aligns with your ambitious goals. South Sudan's Minister of Wildlife, Conservation, and Tourism Rizik Zakaria Hassan on his part expressed admiration for Ethiopia's advancements in tourism infrastructure.   Speaking about the essential elements of hospitality and recreation, Hassan emphasized the importance of adequate accommodations for tourists. Highlighting Ethiopia's impressive wildlife parks and natural scenery, he said Ethiopians have parks where they accommodate animals and wild species. These are areas from which we hope to learn. “Overall, I am truly convinced and inspired by the level of development we have witnessed in Ethiopia.” Moreover, the minister added that Addis Ababa has many inspirational spots, including the use of high ground, the natural scenery, and the impressive infrastructure development. Hence, “I think here, there are so many lessons learned. And me, as country of newly born status, I think we should be planning to start from where you are,” he said. Djibouti’s Minister of Trade and Tourism, Mohamed Warsama said “we visited at the Adwa Victory Memorial Museum, where we have enjoyed exploring Ethiopia's rich history. The hospitality we have received has been exceptional."   Noting Djibouti and Ethiopia also enjoy very good relations in all areas, he said notably in the area of trade and tourism we are working together to develop integrated tourism between the two countries. “There is significant development happening, and I encourage those in the tourism sector to continue fostering connections between our two peoples.”

Addis Ababa September 18/2024 (ENA) Tigray Interim Administration President Getachew Reda has pledged to bolster agricultural development to ensure food security in the region. The Regional Agriculture and Natural Resources Bureau convened a forum to assess the past year's performance and outline plans for the current fiscal year. While addressing the participants, the president said that food security remains a top priority for the Tigray region. He mentioned about the remarkable activities carried out during the concluded Ethiopian fiscal year in the sector by improving the supply of agricultural inputs and promoting agriculture and natural resource development. Getachew further stated the efforts made to implement initiatives to support those affected by natural disasters and help them engage in development activities. Head of the Agriculture and Natural Resources Bureau, Dr. Eyasu Abreha echoed the importance of development and food security at the regional level emphasizing the need to further expand successful forest and irrigation development as well as green development initiatives during the current budget year. He mentioned the successful achievements registered in irrigation development and natural resource protection activities with a view to compensate the problems encountered due to drought, Eyasu said. The 2024/2025 Ethiopian budget year will prioritize strengthening livestock and natural resource development, as well as ensuring the benefits of youth and women through agriculture. Zonal and Woreda administrators, agricultural leaders, experts, and other stakeholders are participating in the discussion.

Addis Ababa September 18/2024 (ENA) Ethiopian Airlines announced that it will add two more additional flights to Athens, serving the historic capital and largest city of Greece six times a week, effective December 02, 2024. In its seventy-eight years of successful operations, Ethiopian has become one of the continent’s leading carriers, unrivalled in efficiency and operational success. Ethiopian Airlines Group is also one of the fastest-growing airlines globally. Ethiopian commands the lion’s share of the African passenger and cargo network operating the youngest and most modern fleet to more than 150 domestic and international passenger and cargo destinations across five continents.

Addis Ababa September 17/2024 (ENA) Ethiopia Tourism Satellite Account (TSA), a global measurement tool that would pave the way for data-driven tourism development was launched today. Developed by the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), TSA is a standard statistical framework for measuring tourism's economic impact. Ethiopia is among a select group of African nations, including Kenya and Uganda and it is anticipated to implement this initiative in partnership with the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA), the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD), and domestic institutions. Speaking at the official launching program, Tourism Minister Nasisie Chali emphasized the pivotal role of adopting new data system in driving sustainable tourism development in Ethiopia. The launch of our first-ever TSA is a crucial step in capturing comprehensive data about tourism, enabling us to effectively measure and manage its economic impact, she said. “This is a very historic day for Ethiopia...I welcome you to this milestone event for the Ministry of Tourism. This official launch of Ethiopia's first-ever tourism satellite account is a scientific tool, designed to capture data on national tourism. Today marks a significant turning point on how we understand, measure and manage our nation's key economic sector which is tourism,” Nasisie said. Ethiopia has diverse tourism resources and tourism is the government's priority sector to contribute to the economy, the Minister revealed.   On his part, UNECA Representative Geoffrey Manyara praised Ethiopia's commitment to data-driven tourism development. Ethiopia’s preparedness for the TSA started last year in February and now we have an approved TSA, he stated. “This is indeed a remarkable achievement, and just to say that Ethiopia is one of the few countries in Africa that have a TSA,” Manyara said. According to him, the TSA will provide valuable insights into tourism's true contribution to the Ethiopian economy and its future potential. The representative expressed UNECA’s commitment to support Ethiopia in this sector. TSA provides information and data on the economic position of the tourism industry and is an objective tool for international comparison of the economic importance of tourism, it was learned.                            

Addis Ababa September 17/2024 (ENA) The formation of the Nile Basin Commission, which is in its final stages, is expected to usher in a new era of collaboration among the riparian states, according to water and international relations experts. The Cooperative Framework Agreement (CFA) of the Nile Basin states, which opened for signature in 2010, has been ratified by Ethiopia, Kenya, Rwanda, Tanzania, Uganda, South Sudan, and Burundi. Initially, only five countries had ratified the agreement, but South Sudan recently approved it through its parliament. As stipulated in the agreement, at least six countries must ratify it in their parliaments and submit it to the African Union for the establishment of a joint commission. This commission will provide a legal foundation for the equitable and reasonable utilization of the Nile waters, experts told ENA. A scholar of history and international relations at Arba Minch University, Dr. Seid Ahmed emphasized that the commission’s establishment would contribute significantly to the fair and reasonable use of water resources and help ensure lasting peace in the region. Ethiopia's early ratification of the CFA and subsequent parliamentary approval underscores its commitment to regional cooperation and shared development with other Nile Basin countries, the expert noted. The formation of this commission is expected to play a crucial role in fostering mutual understanding and cooperation among the riparian states, ensuring that they adopt similar stances on fair and reasonable water use, Dr. Seid added. Moreover, the proactive efforts made by Ethiopia in the framework of the Nile cooperation agreement serves as exemplary actions that have gained broad acceptance among the Nile Basin countries. The expert highlighted that the commission’s establishment would help nullify colonial-era agreements from 1929 and 1959, which were neither inclusive nor accepted by upstream countries. By doing so, the new commission will pave the way for a fresh chapter of cooperation and joint development among the Nile Basin states.   Fekahmed Negash, a former member of the GERD negotiating team and a researcher on water resources, noted that Ethiopia’s commitment to the CFA and its work on the GERD reflect a clear intention to cooperate with other riparian countries through agreements. Ethiopia has consistently demonstrated its firm stance on the fair and reasonable utilization of shared water resources and the mutual benefits of joint development. This position has been showcased to the world repeatedly, Fekahmed added. Efforts to finalize the CFA have been ongoing for over a decade. With the recent ratification by South Sudan, the establishment of the commission is now within reach, the expert stated. According to the experts, this commission is expected to mark the end of unilateral water use practices and the beginning of a new era where Nile Basin countries can jointly benefit and develop together. The upcoming commission will highlight a shift from outdated notions of exclusive control over shared water resources, moving toward a vision of cooperative growth and prosperity for all riparian states.

Addis Ababa September 17/2024 (ENA) The Grand Ethiopian Renascence Dam (GERD) is a vivid indicator of a possibility of reversal in African history of poverty through equitable utilization of resources, the renowned historian, Professor Ahmed Zekaria remarked. The professor added that GERD is a project that demonstrated African countries can develop their natural resources on their own capacity, adding that the Dam can help to promote power integration that could be utilized not only by Ethiopia but for the countries in the region as well. He further added that GERD shows Ethiopia’s ever unwavering position on the equitable utilization of the waters of the Nile. Ethiopia is at the threshold of completing the Dam with no visible harm on any of the riparian countries, he stressed. Professor Zakaria underscored that Africa’s history of poverty can effectively be reversed by developing such grand projects that show equitable utilization of natural resources in the continent, adding that GERD shows Ethiopia’s capacity to promote infrastructural integration in the African region. Apart from constructing the Dam, Ethiopia has also introduced a National Green Legacy Initiative from which the lower riparian countries can benefit in terms of environmental conservation, the Professor added. He noted that Ethiopia shared tree seedlings with the neighboring countries demonstrating her strong commitment to environmental protection and conservation in the African region, stressing that those who spread misinformation on the objectives of the project need to come to their senses and engage in mutual cooperation on developing green legacy projects in the region.

Addis Ababa, September 17/2024 (ENA) Tourists who have recently made a visit in Ethiopia, described the ongoing infrastructural development activities in Addis Ababa and beyond as ‘overwhelming’ that would be vital to lure more visitors. The visitors also expressed their impression to ENA that the hospitality of the people, natural and historical tourist destinations are incredible besides the infrastructure development in the capital. Among the tourists Dr. Narasimha Murty from India said Addis Ababa is transforming itself with respect to infrastructure development. Murty hoped that the city would become one of the best cities in the world in a few years. ‘’Even if like other cities, Addis Ababa has traffic issues; the city is transforming itself. In a few years hopefully, Addis Ababa will be one of the best cities in the world.’’ Currently, Addis Ababa is undertaking a corridor development project with the view of uplifting the image of the city by meeting international smart city standards. Moreover, the ongoing corridor development in the capital is initiated with the view to revitalizing slum areas of the city, enhancing living conditions for residents, and fulfilling various infrastructural facilities. For an Indian tourist, Ethiopia is also blessed with nature with a beautiful climate and very friendly, hospitable people as well as helpful. In his tour from the Northern to Southern parts of Ethiopia (from Mekelle to Hawassa), Murty was impressed by wonderful places throughout his journey. Acknowledging Ethiopia endowed with enormous natural and historical resources, the Indian highly recommended to the people across the globe to visit Ethiopia. Tourists will certainly enjoy Ethiopia’s culture of many traditional restaurants, the captive music, and beautiful dance among others, he stated. The other Indian tourist Vikram Sriam who came to Ethiopia for the first time was very impressed by hospitality and the newly developed attraction sites in Addis Ababa.Reflecting on the ongoing infrastructure development in Addis Ababa, Sriam expressed excitement over his experience. ‘’We have been in various sites of Addis Ababa and I would say it is a pleasant city.’’ Marcoj corvine, a Brazilian tourist who has traveled to 35 countries across the world and Addis is the first city in Africa he has visited. For the Brazilian, Ethiopia is one of the countries he has failed in love with its amazing approach in hospitality, culture and with other tourism related issues. Addis Ababa is really convenient for transportation and other accesses, another Brazilian tourist, Jounior Lima revealed.Appreciating Addis Ababa as the capital of Africa and currently reinforcing efforts to maintain its reputation, Lima pledged to come back to Ethiopia again for another visit.

Addis Ababa, September 16/2024 (ENA) Ministry of Tourism revealed that Ethiopia's first Tourism Satellite Account (TSA) will officially be launched tomorrow. TSA is an accounting framework adopted by the United Nations and designed to measure goods and services associated with tourism according to international standards, concepts, classifications and definitions. In general, it is an instrument that measures the generation of tourism economic data (such as the direct contribution of Tourism to GDP) that is comparable with other economic statistics. Briefing journalists today, Tourism State Minister Sileshi Girma announced that Ethiopia has established its TSA in collaboration with other ministries and pertinent stakeholders. Accordingly, the state minister said Ethiopia's first Tourism Satellite Account will officially be inaugurated tomorrow at the Adwa Victory Memorial Museum in Addis Ababa. The establishment of TSA is a strategic initiative aimed at realizing the full economic potential of Ethiopia's tourism sector by providing essential data for evidence-based policy formulation, decision making and strategic planning, he added, indicating that Ethiopia lacks of robust statistical framework for accurately measuring and analyzing the sector’s economic contributions relying mainly on international tourist arrivals and visitor exit surveys. The gaps as well as the fragmented approach to data collection limits the country’s ability to fully capitalize on the benefits of tourism and optimize its economic impact and hinders effective policy development, implementation, evaluation as well as the efficient operation of businesses within the sector, the state minister emphasized. TSA will offer insights for the contribution of tourism to GDP, the sector's size relative to other economic sectors, job creation, tourism's contribution to investment, the impact of international tourism on the balance of payments and government revenue generated by tourism activities. The TSA project of Ethiopia was started on February 4, 2023 in collaboration with the Ministry of Planning and Development and various stakeholders from both public and private sectors, it was learned. Tourism Satellite Account is a globally recognized statistical framework developed by the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) in collaboration with the United Nations Statistics Division, the International Monetary Fund and other international bodies.