EPRDF Council to meet next week

The Executive Committee of the EPRDF  started its meeting last Sunday to evaluate the implementation of the decisions taken at the meeting of the parties last December.

The Committee has so far reviewed in detail reports of three parties, and the remaining party will present its report today.

After completing deliberation on all reports, the Executive committee will evaluate performances of the taskforces established at the end of the December meeting. It will also draft an agenda which will be tabled for the Council of EPRDF for discussion.

The Council will meet in the middle of next week and review the evaluation reports. After that, it will fill the leadership gap.

 

Russia’s Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov in Ethiopia

Russia’s Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov arrived in Addis Ababa on 8 March for an official visit,

During his meeting with Chairperson of the African Union Commission, Moussa Faki Mahamat, Mr Lavrov said that the reform of the UNSC should include Africa, adding Russia backs Africa’s move to get a permanent seat at the Council. Russia will provide support for African countries, especially in the areas of education and training, as well as their efforts to find African solutions for African problems.

The longstanding relations between Africa and Russia should be elevated, said Moussa Faki Mahamat Chairperson of the African Union Commission. The two also discussed the upcoming Africa-Russia business conference.

Ethiopia’s Minister for Foreign Affairs, Dr Workneh Gebeyehu, met with his Russian counterpart, Sergey Lavrov the following day.

In a joint press conference issued after the meeting, Dr Workneh said the relation of the two countries, which dates back 120 years, is getting stronger.

“We agreed to strengthen economic, trade and investment relations between the two countries,” he said. “We have also discussed on ways to cooperate in various sectors, including in setting up nuclear technology centre, education, science, and technology”.

The nuclear development program will be launched right after an agreement between the two countries is concluded. The nuclear development program will be used for a peaceful purpose.

The two Foreign Ministers also discussed on how to jointly combat terrorism and extremism in the Horn of Africa and Sahel region.

Russia’s Foreign Minister, Sergey Lavrov, said his visit aimed at boosting trade and investment ties between the two countries. Russia wants to work together with Ethiopia in nuclear technology and power generation.

Russia will provide support for Ethiopia in various sector, including skill and technical support for its military, he said, adding works will be carried out to strengthen institutions-to-institutions ties between the two countries.

US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson concludes his visit to Ethiopia

U.S. Secretary of State Rex Tillerson arrived in Addis Ababa on 7 March afternoon.

During his stay in Ethiopia, the Secretary of State met with Prime Minister Hailemariam Desalegn and Foreign Affairs Minister Dr Workneh Gebeyehu on 8 March.

During their meeting, the Premier and Tillerson discussed bilateral and regional issues, as well as agreed to strengthen their cooperation in development, security, peace and counter-terrorism.

As a result of the economic growth registered during the past 15 successive years, Ethiopia has managed to reduce extreme poverty by more than half and achieved most of the MDG goals ahead of schedule, PM Hailemariam said. The temporary security problem implemented in some parts of the country result from increased demands by the society due to the economic growth, he said, adding the solution for the problem is the ongoing comprehensive reform.

The release of prisoners is part of the reform, PM Hailermariam said, urging the United States to support the reform program.

Stating his reasons for tendering resignation, the Premier said he decided to resign as Prime Minister and Chairman of EPRDF to add momentum to the ongoing reform and to be part of a solution. The Premier also briefed Rex Tillerson on the recently declared State of Emergency. The emergency rule aims at restoring peace and security in the country. It will be implemented with great caution, and a team has been set up to follow up its implementation.

Tillerson said PM Hailemariam’s decision to resign as Prime Minister and Chairman of EPRDF could be a model for leaders of other countries.

The same day, Ethiopia’s Minister for Foreign Affairs Dr Workneh Gebeyehu met with the U.S. Secretary of State Rex Tillerson.

In a joint press conference issued after the meeting, Rex Tillerson noted that the United States is a long-time friend and partner of Ethiopia.  “Ethiopia and the United States have more than 100 years of diplomatic relations. It has been enduring relationships. We remain friends, and we always work together through challenges,” he said.

As far as the recent incidents in Ethiopia are concerned, Rex Tillerson said “we recognise the transition that is underway in Ethiopia, the first ever voluntary transfer of power. This is a very positive symbol of strengthening of this very young democracy in Ethiopia.”

Regarding the nationwide State of Emergency declared recently, he said, the U.S. government believes that the decree will be short and implemented while respecting human rights.

“We appreciate the government’s responsibility to maintain control and not allow violence to break out and harm innocent people,” Tillerson said.

He further said, “we encourage the Ethiopian people as well to maintain patience, to maintain support for your government to these changes and transition.” “Democracy is not easy. It takes a lot of work. Violence is simply never a solution”.

Tillerson further said the United States wants Ethiopia to succeed because it is crucial for not only the neighbouring countries but also for the US. He also welcomed the release of thousands of prisoners. Tillerson also commended Ethiopia’s generosity in hosting a million of refugees.

Ethiopia’s Minister for Foreign Affairs Dr Workneh Gebeyehu, for his part, said that Ethiopia is happy for having more than a century old unwavering partnership with the United States. He thanked the U.S. government for the support it has provided so far for Ethiopia in the areas of democracy and socio-economic development sectors.

The strong cooperation the two countries had in political and security issues should be repeated in trade and economic sectors, he said, further inviting the U.S. investors to invest in Ethiopia and pledging to give the necessary support for them.

The two countries also vowed to strengthen their cooperation until durable peace and security prevail in the region in general, and in South Sudan and Somalia in particular.

Rex Tillerson left Ethiopia on 9 March morning to continue his trip to Chad, Djibouti, Kenya and Nigeria.

EPRDF Executive Committee to meet on 11 March

Executive Committee of the Ethiopian People’s Revolutionary Democratic Front (EPRDF) will hold its meeting as of March 11, 2018.

Shiferaw Shigute, head of EPRDF office, told journalists on 9 March that the Committee will deliberate on the outcomes of the evaluation the four member parties of EPRDF had conducted regarding their Organization.

It will also evaluate the six-month performance of the EPRDF and put forward directions after reviewing current situations in the country and progress of the ongoing deep renewal program.

The Executive Committee will also hold discussions to decide whether to extend or not the EPRDF congress, which was extended due to security and current situations, he said.

EPRDF usually holds its congress every two years or every two and a half years.

Shiferaw said that “It is my belief that the Congress could be extended until August as central committee of the four member parties of EPRDF had previously decided the Congress to be extended by six months.”

Regarding the State of Emergency, he said it was imposed as security problems were observed first in eastern parts of Amhara regional state and then in some parts of Oromia regional state.

After the end of the Executive Committee’s meeting, the Council of EPRDF will convene to elect the chairman of the Organization, he stated.

The Council is also expected to pass decisions after deliberating on Organizational activities, challenges and solutions, he said.

Ethiopia: Electrification Programme secures funding

 

The World Bank has sanctioned a $375 million International Development Association credit to support Ethiopia’s goal of achieving universal electricity access by 2025.

In November 2017, Ethiopia, with support from the World Bank, launched its National Electrification Programme (NEP) to strategically shift from infrastructure development to the delivery of adequate, reliable and affordable electricity services.

The NEP is a sustainable, transparent, and locally grounded electrification roadmap – driven by a customer-centric approach. The programme has the potential to leverage additional multi-donor financing and involvement in the sector.

The Ethiopia Electrification Programme approved last week will directly support the NEP, which requires an estimated investment of $1.5 billion over the first five years, and will provide one million last-mile household connections.

“Through this programme, we hope to facilitate the provision of electricity services to all Ethiopians nationwide by 2025.  This means that children will be able to study at night, health facilities will be able to provide life-saving services and businesses will be able to operate optimally,” said Carolyn Turk, World Bank country director for Ethiopia.

National electrification programme

Specifically, the programme supports the three pillars of the NEP: grid electrification, off-grid services, and sector capacity and institutional reform. This holistic approach is intended to optimise electrification efforts to maximise the development impact of electricity services, irrespective of where someone happens to live.

“While the immediate focus will be on financing new connections, the programme will also help Ethiopia strengthen its energy institutions and the overall sector so that the benefits of expanded electricity services can continue for years to come,” said Riccardo Puliti, senior director for energy and extractives at the World Bank.

The programme will be implemented by the Ministry of Water, Irrigation, and Electricity as well as the Ethiopia Electric Utility and disbursement of funds are linked to the achievement of tangible and specific results.

Ethiopian parliament approves State of Emergency

On 2 March, the House of People’s Representatives approved the State of Emergency declared by the Council of Ministers on February 16, 2018.

The House approved the decree by a vote of 395 in favour to 88 against, with 7 abstentions.

The emergency rule was declared to protect the constitution and the constitutional order, ensure freedom of movement and rights of people to generate wealth by maintaining their unity and equality.

Incidents in violation of the constitution and the constitutional order or that could pose a threat to the country have been expanding in some parts of the country since recently.

People living in various parts asked the government to give them the necessary protection as a result of this violence and conflicts.

The emergency rule was declared as the threat posed to the country has reached the level where it could not be prevented and controlled by the regular law enforcement, according to the government.

The House also approved members of a State of Emergency Inquiry Board, chosen and assigned by the House from among its members and from legal experts.

The State of Emergency Inquiry Board shall have the following powers and responsibilities:

› to make public within one month the names of all individuals arrested on account of the state of emergency together with the reasons for their arrest.

› to inspect and follow up that no measure taken during the state of emergency is inhumane.

› to recommend to the Prime Minister or the Council of Minister’s corrective measures if it finds cases of inhumane treatment.

› to ensure the prosecution of perpetrators of inhumane acts.

› to submit its views to the House of Peoples’ Representatives on a request to extend the duration of the state of emergency.

Ethiopia leads with Africa’s first waste-to-energy plant

Waste management – the collection, management and disposal of solid waste – is one of the biggest challenges facing many African countries.

For the last fifty years, the Koshe dump site has been the only landfill in Addis Ababa, the capital of Ethiopia.

Landslide in 2017 prompts government to take action

In 2017, a landslide on the dump site killed more than a hundred people, prompting the government to take action. Now Koshe is being turned into a waste-to-energy plant transforming the site and revolutionising the city’s approach to waste management. The plant will incinerate 1 400 tons of waste per day – about 80 percent of the city’s rubbish. The electricity that is generated will supply Addis Ababa with 30 percent of its household electricity needs while meeting European standards on air emissions.

The facility, which is the result of a partnership between the Government of Ethiopia and a consortium of international companies, is the first of its kind in Africa. Zerubabel Getachew, Ethiopia’s deputy permanent representative to the United Nations, said the Reppie Waste-to-Energy project is just one component of Ethiopia’s broader strategy to address pollution and embrace renewable energy across all sectors of the economy.

“We hope that Reppie will serve as a model for other countries in the region, and around the world.”

In waste-to-energy incineration plants, rubbish is burned in a combustion chamber. The resulting heat is used to boil water until it turns to steam, which drives a turbine generator that produces electricity.

In cities where land is in short supply, “waste-to-energy” incineration saves precious space, generates electricity, prevents the release of toxic chemicals into groundwater, and reduces the release of methane – a potent greenhouse gas generated in landfills – into the atmosphere.

Waste incineration is popular in Europe

Waste incineration is popular in Europe, where nearly one-quarter of all municipal solid waste is incinerated. France has 126 waste-to-energy plants, while Germany has 121 and Italy 40.

The project is the result of a partnership between the Government of Ethiopia and a consortium of international companies: Cambridge Industries Limited (Singapore), China National Electric Engineering and Ramboll, a Danish engineering firm. The consortium was established to design, construct and in some cases own waste-to-energy facilities customised for Sub-Saharan Africa. Reppie is the first of what the consortium hopes will be a series of such facilities in major cities across the region.

https://risingsunchatsworth.co.za/108256/enviro-monday-ethiopia-leads-africas-first-waste-energy-plant/

Belgian economic mission to Ethiopia and Djibouti, 19-25/05/18

The Walloon Agency for Investments & Export (AWEX) will lead a mission to Ethiopia & Djibouti on the week of the 21st of May 2018.  The mission is led by the AWEX and is opened to companies from other parts of Belgium. A fact-finding mission is when a group of business people travel from Belgium to another country in order to get more information about the country & its business environment.

During the fact-finding mission the Belgian company will be able to:

  • Travel in an organised framework,
  • meet local business people,
  • meet Chambers of Commerce,
  • meet local authorities and hear about their priorities
  • learn about the business environment
  • meet the Belgians working in the country,
  • get information on specific segment
  • visit industrial parks & production facilities
  • learn some aspects of the local culture
  • liaise with the Embassy,
  • meet other Belgians in the mission interested in the country (synergy effect)
  • get financial support for their prospection (the trade agencies reimburse a part of the travel expenses & hotel expenses)

 

ECONOMIC OVERVIEW – ETHIOPIA and DJIBOUTI

ETHIOPIA

Ethiopia has a GDP of $72.374 billion as of 2016 and a population of 102,403,196 according to World Bank’s economic outlook. The GDP growth can be attributed to the construction (2.1%), manufacturing (0.9%) and services, trade and hotels sector (2.2%) as seen below.

*Ethiopia economic update 2016 World Bank

Total investment contributed 5.9 percentage points to GDP growth in 2015/16, while private consumption growth contribution was 1.5 percentage points. The contribution of public consumption increased significantly in 2016/17.

Ethiopia, according to a World Bank estimate that puts the East African country’s 2017 growth at 8.5% and projects 8.2% growth in 2018, ranking second only to Ghana (8.3%).

Ethiopia is the 2nd most populous country in Africa and the 12th most populous on earth.

  • The rapid growth isn’t new. Ethiopia’s economy grew by an average of 10.5%/yr. between 2005 and 2015.
  • Ethiopia’s economy is concentrated in the services and agriculture sectors. The World Bank estimates that of the 10.8% average annual growth recorded by Ethiopia between 2004 and 2014, half came from services, like hospitality and transportation, which was mostly a result of country’s urbanization. Agriculture, meanwhile, accounted for 3.6% of the growth during the period. Improved agriculture production was mostly a result of the adaptation of improved seeds and chemical fertilizer. Manufacturing, though a small portion of the economy, is burgeoning, growing at more than 10% per year. A recent study by the Center for Global Development, a US think tank, concluded that Ethiopia was the most likely country in Africa to become the “New China”.
  • China built Addis Ababa’s airport, the ring road around the city, a major highway, the Headquarters of the African Union, the light rail project, the new rail & invested in energy (alleged financing of the 1.8 Billion Power Turbines of the GERD dam)
  • In its latest global forecast, the IMF projected that Ethiopian GDP per capita would expand at an annual pace of 6.2% through 2022
  • By 2050, the UN expects the country to grow to 190 million people, from 100 million today, making it among the fastest-growing large countries in terms of population.
  • As of 2000, 56% of Ethiopians lived on less than $1.25 per day. That percentage dropped to 31% by 2011 (the latest year Ethiopia’s poverty level was assessed by the World Bank)
  • Ten years ago, mobile phones were virtually non-existent in Ethiopia despite being fairly common in some parts of Africa. Now there are 50 cell phones for every 100 Ethiopians — low compared to more developed countries but high when you consider only 24% of the country had access to electricity as of 2013.

DJIBOUTI

Has a GDP of US $1.727 billion and a population of 942,333. Thanks to the construction, transit trade and transhipment with Ethiopia, the improved Port-related capital-intensive activities and transport infrastructure (account for more than 80 % of Djibouti’s port activities) between Ethiopia and Djibouti, have also partly contributed to the GDP according to World Bank’s economic outlook. This has led to an attraction of large public and foreign investments into the country.

Djibouti is mostly barren with very little development in agriculture and the industrial sector, and the country’s growth is expected to be at risk due to delays in the construction and the lack of efficiency in the management of the new infrastructures, security developments in neighbouring countries, or in the Red Sea, and domestic social and political instability. Inflation is imminent with the expected demand of housing and services sectors.

Ethiopia reaffirms open-door refugee policy amid continuing refugee influx

 

On 26 February, Ethiopia reaffirmed its open-door policy for refugees that are flocking into the country, mainly from its unsettled neighbouring countries.

The Ethiopian refugee agency (ARRA) said that even though the country presently shelters more than 900,000 refugees, it will maintain its open-door policy towards refugees and “continue to receive new arrivals from several of its neighbours, notably from South Sudan, Somalia, Eritrea, Sudan and Yemen.”

Ethiopia, which is home to the second largest refugee population in Africa next to Uganda, further affirmed its commitment to improving refugee lives through the Comprehensive Refugee Response Framework (CRRF) and the Nine Significant Pledges it has made in September 2016.

“As a country proud for its long-standing history of hosting refugees and home to the second largest refugee population in Africa, our commitment to improving refugee lives will continue unabated in light of the CRRF and the Nine Significant Pledges we made in September 2016,” Zeynu Jemal, Deputy Director of Ethiopian Administration for Refugee and Returnee Affairs (ARRA), told journalists.

Jemal also revealed Ethiopia’s plan to formulate a strategic plan that envisaged to help refugees both through support packages and prevention of challenges towards bringing lasting solutions.

“We are now in the process of formulating a Ten-Year Strategic Plan to comprehensively respond to the multifaceted needs of refugees that is creating strong linkages between humanitarian assistance, development and of course peace-building,” Jemal said.

The Ethiopian government, through ARRA and other governmental institutions, is currently implementing a program of protection and hospitality of refugees in several refugee camps across the country.

The protection program guarantees, among other things, education for children and youth, health services and the distribution of basic needs, food and security.

Filippo Grandi, United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, in his recent visit to Ethiopia’s Gameblla regional state, which is housing most of the South Sudanese refugees, had praised efforts made by the Ethiopian government in handling the regional refugee crisis.

“Ethiopia is a very good model of how a country with limited resources and a great challenge of its own keeps its doors open, its arms open to people from neighbouring countries that are in trouble and seek protection here,” Grandi said during his visit.