Turkey’s President Recep Tayyip Erdogan arrived in Addis Ababa, late on Wednesday (January 21) on the first stage of an official visit to countries in the Horn of Africa. President Erdogan is accompanied by his wife and daughter, Emine and Summeye Erdogan, as well as ministers including Deputy Prime Minister Numan Kurtuand, a delegation of officials and businessmen. The President was received by Ethiopian Prime Minister Hailemariam Desalegn and Osman Riza Yavuzalp, the Turkish ambassador in Ethiopia. On Thursday (January 22), President Erdogan held meetings with President Dr. Mulatu Teshome and Prime Minister Hailemariam Desalegn as well as other officials. President Mulatu was Ethiopia’s former ambassador to Ankara. Ewnetu Belata, State Minister of the Government Communications Affairs Office said “”President Erdogan is most welcome in Ethiopia at this time when the partnership between the two countries has reached a record high.” He said “Turkey leads the pack of industrialized countries in terms of foreign direct investment in Ethiopia, with more than 350 Turkish companies operating in Ethiopia to date and they have created jobs to more than 50,000 Ethiopians,” as well as providing for technology and knowledge transfer. According to the Turkish Ambassador to Ethiopia, Osman Riza Yavuzalp, Turkish investment in Ethiopia stands at US$3 billion. President Erdogan’s three-day visit to the Horn of Africa, which will include a visit to Djibouti where he will hold talks with President Ismail Omar Guelleh, is part of Turkey’s efforts to strengthen trade, economic and investment ties in the region. According to Turkish government data, the volume of trade between Ethiopia and Turkey reached US$422 million in 2013, and in the first 11 months of 2014 it was US$360 million, seven percent down on the previous period in 2013. A statement from the Turkish Presidential Palace said Turkey had “increasing economic, trade and investment ties with the countries in the region especially with Ethiopia.” It added that President Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s visit aimed to further strengthen and deepen the continued growth of these business ties as well as long-standing relations with Ethiopia and the region.

Addis Ababa January 20/2015 The number of voters registered during the past 10 days has jumped over 23 million, according to National Electoral Board of Ethiopia (NEBE). NEBE Public Relations Director, Demisew Benti, told ENA that 23,289,852 voters were registered up until Sunday, January 18, 2014. Of the total registered voters, close to 11.3 are female, he said. The registration shows the active participation of voters and the momentum should be kept until the final day of registration, February 12, 2015, the director stated. Some 35 million voters are expected to get registered for the May Election.

Source: http://www.ena.gov.et/en/index.php/politics/item/275-over-23-million-voters-registered-nebe#sthash.dDhywgfh.dpuf

Addis Ababa January 16/2015 Ethiopia will consolidate its efforts to attract foreign investors to the country, Prime Minister Hailemariam Dessalegn said.

Speaking during the inauguration of Heineken’s brewery built with 110-million Euro yesterday, the PM said a sustained effort would be exerted to make the investment potential of the country attractive to foreign investors. The achievements registered so far are encourage, he added.

He further indicated that Ethiopia’s huge investment opportunities coupled with its rapid economic growth and abundant human resource attract foreign investments.

Hailemariam noted that huge companies like Heineken will have a great importance for the country in terms of job creation and supporting the overall economic growth.

The Prime Minister said the government has been playing big role in creating conducive environment to foreign investment by facilitating conditions for the allowing them to import raw materials free of tax.

Heineken International CEO, Jean-François van Boxmeer, on his part said Ethiopia’s rapid economic growth is a factor for the firm’s engagement in the country.

He said the factory will use local barely and support barely growers to improve their productivity through providing technological assistance.

The factory resting on 343 hectares in Addis Ababa has hired 280 employees.

The factory has a capacity to produce 84,000 bottles of beer and 300 barrels of draught beer in an hour, it was learned.

Heineken joined Ethiopia’s beverage industry 4 years ago by purchasing Harar and Bedele brewery factories.

Established some 150 years ago, the Netherlands-based Heineken runs 165 breweries in over 70 countries.

Source: http://www.ena.gov.et/en/index.php/economy/item/267-premier-reiterates-government-s-commitment-to-attracting-foreign-investment#sthash.A1GJc3uc.dpuf

Global clothing retailer H&M has recently placed its first orders with garment manufacturers in Ethiopia. The orders mark an important step in the direction of developing Ethiopia’s economy. A market, where every year an additional 1.4 million young people are looking for a job. “We see potential in Ethiopia, and have therefore started to source on a small scale”, H&M spokesperson Andrea Roos says.

A global company with stores in 56 countries and a competitive edge to its price tags, H&M – formerly known as Hennes & Mauritz – is permanently on the outlook for upcoming garment-producing industries to source its products from. But not only does it draw from such markets, H&M is rather keen to contribute as well. Andrea: “Ethiopia is a country with a huge development and growth potential, and we see that we can contribute to job creation and raise sustainability standards in the textile industry. We have one of the highest sustainability standards of any clothing company in the world for our suppliers. A commitment to our code of conduct is mandatory if a supplier is to enter into a business relationship with us.”

Under construction
Ethiopia is ‘a state under construction’, and its government is keen to usher in foreign direct investment, manufacturing companies and orders placed with Ethiopian producers. Ethiopian ambassador to the European Union, Mr Teshome Toga Chanaka, points out that his government likes to think of its role as creator of a conducive private-sector environment: “We are building infrastructure networks, invest in human resources through education, provide financial support, and are putting a legal framework in place.”

Mr Chanaka continues: “the Ethiopian government wants the country’s growth to be inclusive. We implement ‘pro-poor’ policies as we think it is our responsibility to create opportunities for all segments of society, including the low-income strata. By means of vocational training and a legal framework that protects workers’ rights, we work to make sure that everyone benefits from the investment flows into Ethiopia.”

On H&M’s side, its code of conduct lays out a minimum of requirements for the brand’s suppliers and their subcontractors. The code places restrictions on contractors in such areas as child labour, workers’ safety, compensation, leave and overwork, and promotes workers’ equal rights. Additionally, the documents showcases H&M’s care in handling of chemicals and disposal of wastewater. Andrea: “The suppliers we work with in Ethiopia fulfil our high sustainability standards, and have committed to our code of conduct.”

No predictions about possible expansion
“We believe that H&M’s decision to start sourcing from Ethiopia sends an important message to the international investor community”, says Ambassador Teshome Toga. “The fact that a globally known chain like H&M purchases from Ethiopian manufacturers means that our workforce is capable of meeting the chain’s high-quality manufacturing standards. At this point in time, H&M decided it wants to source from Ethiopia. If in the future it were interested to open a manufacturing facility of its own, the government of Ethiopia would warmly welcome that idea.”

However, H&M’s nascent trade relationship with Ethiopia should not be interpreted to have definite implications for the future, according to Andrea: “We choose not to make any predictions about possible expansion. H&M is an expansive company and we always look for new potential sourcing markets, but this does not mean we will stop buying from existing ones.”

Source: http://www.your-bizbook.com/en/Club-Africa-News/retailer-hm-discovers-attractive-manufacturing-market-ethiopia

Addis Ababa, 20 January 2015 (WIC) – Agricultural growth was the main driver of poverty reduction in Ethiopia since 2000, according to the World Bank Group’s latest Poverty Assessment.

Poverty in Ethiopia fell from 44 percent in 2000 to 30 percent in 2011, which translated to a 33 percent reduction in the share of people living in poverty. This decline was underpinned by high and consistent economic growth.

Since 2005, agricultural growth has been responsible for a reduction in poverty of 4 percent a year, suggesting that the agricultural growth strategy pursued by the Government of Ethiopia has paid off.

High food prices and good weather ensured that increased use of fertilizer was translated into higher incomes for poor farmers with access to markets.

Government spending on basic services and effective rural safety nets has also helped the least well-off in Ethiopia. The Productive Safety Net Program alone has pushed 1.5 million people out of poverty.

“Although Ethiopia started from a low base, its investment in pro-poor sectors and agriculture has paid-off and led to tremendous achievements in economic growth and poverty reduction, which in turn have helped improve the economic prospects of its citizens,” says Guang Zhe Chen, World Bank Group Country Director for Ethiopia.

The pace of poverty reduction in Ethiopia has been impressive, especially when compared with other African countries; only Uganda has had higher annual poverty reduction during the same period. Health, education, and living standards have also improved, with undernourishment down from 75 percent to 35 percent since 1990 and infant and child mortality rates falling considerably since 2000. Ethiopia is one of the most equal countries in the world, and has remained so during this period of economic development and poverty reduction.

“Ethiopia is often unfairly seen as emblematic of poverty and deprivation—but the progress it has seen over the past decade should help change that,” says Ana Revenga, Senior Director for Poverty at the World Bank Group. “If this progress continues over the next decade, Ethiopia can propel itself and most importantly, its people into a new era of prosperity.” (World Bank)

A new Heineken factory opened in Ethiopia on 15 January 2015. During the opening speech, the local Managing Director Johan Doyer said that over 800 locals will be employed in the building of the Heineken brewery. Moreover, about 200 additional workers will be needed for external operations, and 6,000 farmers (a growing number expected to reach 20,000) will supply barley to the factory. Ethiopian Prime Minister Hailemariam Desalegn, present at the opening event, said in his remarks that “Heineken’s investment is a testament of the confidence of foreign investors in this country”. The new brewery will initially focus on local brands Hamar and Bedele, but could start producing the premium Heineken brand next year.

This facility is the third brewery of Heineken in Ethiopia, where the group already invested near to 300 million euros. Worth 110 million euros, the facility has a capacity of 1.5 million hectolitres and is the largest in the country. During a video interview for CNBC Africa last May, Jean-Francois van Boxmeer, CEO of Heineken International, explained that Africa was the fastest-growing region for the group and accounted for 20 percent of its revenue. The investments of the group are therefore focused on this continent, where Heineken is present since the 1920s. Today, Heineken owns 57 breweries and plants in Africa and is selling beer in the majority of African countries.

Special thanks to the Dutch Embassy in Ethiopia for the picture and for providing us with information. Other sources: Reuters, CNBC Africa.

Italy’s Foreign Minister, Paolo Gentiloni, arrives in Addis Ababa for an official visit to Ethiopia. Foreign Minister Dr. Tedros extended a warm welcome to Paolo Gentolini upon his arrival at Bole International Airport, this afternoon (January 14, 2014). Paolo Gentiloni made Ethiopia its first stop in his tour to Africa. Following the welcoming ceremony, two Ministers held discussion on range of matters dwelling on multilateral, regional and bilateral issues of common interest. The two sides hailed the strong bilateral relations between the two countries and underlined the need to further deepen and broaden areas of cooperation for mutual benefit of the two peoples. Particularly, the two sides exchanged views on increasing trade and investment volumes and boosting economic cooperation between the two countries. Dr. Tedros emphasized that the trade and investment volume between the two countries should be enhanced complimenting the excellent bilateral relation in other areas of cooperation between the two countries. They also highlighted the need for strengthening partnership in realizing regional peace and stability. Dr. Tedros expressed his appreciation to Italy’s support to regional peace efforts as current chair of IGAD’s International partners Forum. Minister Paolo Gentiloni for his part expressed his admiration to Ethiopia’s dynamic role in stabilizing the Horn of Africa and active support to IGAD-led peace process in South Sudan and in defeating Al Shabaab in Somalia. He also noted Ethiopia’s significant role in combating terrorism within the sub-region. The two Ministers also underlined the need for strengthening cooperation in tackling challenges associated with migration and mobility of people. Upon the conclusion of the discussions, the two Ministers signed bilateral agreements, aimed at bolstering cooperation on Culture, education, art, scholarships, archives, museums libraries, archeology, conservation and protection of culture heritages.

Source: mfa.gov.et

Addis Ababa January 12/2015  Ethiopian Diasporas who are interested to invest in their home country are welcome and the government will extend necessary support to make their projects successful, the Government Communication Affairs Office said.

While discussing yesterday with representatives of the Diaspora who are desirous to operate in Ethiopia, the Minister Redwan Hussein said the government is committed to address challenges the Diasporas are facing during the process and implementation of projects.

He explained to them the need for the Diasporas to work with the government to solve challenges and enhance the overall development of the country.

The Ethiopian Diasporas are willing to invest in their home country and contribute for the development, Israel Gedebu said representing the 300 Diasporas who are interested to invest here.

The Diasporas who have been seeing the country’s journey towards development as an outsider are decided to be part of it, he added.
Source: ena.gov.et

Addis Ababa, 13 January 2015 (WIC) – Political parties said they would field many female candidates in the upcoming general election.

National Electoral Board of Ethiopia (NEBE) said on its part it will provide special financial support for parties that field women candidates.

The parties that say they would field many female candidates are Coalition for Unity and Democracy (CUD), Ethiopian Peoples’ Revolutionary Democratic Front (EPRDF) and New Generation Party (NGP).

CUD Public Relations Head, Sasahuleh Kebede, told ENA that his party would field many female candidates at national and regional levels.

Series of training have been given by the party so that women could become strong competitors in the election, he said.

Coalition for Unity and Democracy Unity party has also put emphasis on recruiting female mobile and permanent observers, according to Sasahuleh.

EPRDF Public and Foreign Relations Head, Desta Tesfaw, said on his part the participation of women at the various councils is low due to the neglect of the the rights of women during the past systems.

He therefore claimed that his party is implementing the various compensatory tactics to narrow the gap.

Desta, who recalled the huge role women played in ousting of the dictatorial regime, added that many will take part as candidates in the upcoming election.

Since the Ethiopian Peoples’ Revolutionary Democratic Front believes in the crucial role women have played in the consecutive economic growth registered by the party, policies and laws issued were made to benefit women, besides building their capacity, the head added.

In the upcoming election, 40 percent of EPRDF’s candidates at federal level would be women and 50 percent at regional level, according to Desta.

New Generation Party (NGP) President, Asfaw Getachew, said opportunities would be created for women to take part in the election as they comprise half of the population.

According to the president, 35 percent of the total 280 candidates to be fielded by the party across the country are female.

National Electoral Board of Ethiopia (NEBE) stated on its part that it will provide special financial support for political parties that field women. (ENA)

Addis Ababa: January 12, 2015 (FBC) – Since registration of voters for the upcoming May general election officially commenced last Friday, a reported 3.5 million people have registered in just three days.

Across the nation, some one million people registered on the first day of registration, according to the National Electoral Board of Ethiopia (NEBE).

Deputy Chairperson of NEBE Addisu Gebrehiwot (Ph.D.) told fanabc.com that latest figures show that 3.5 million voters have registered to cast in the upcoming ballot. The number of voters who registered on the first day exceeded all expectations, he added.

Some voters’ registration stations had to access their stocks in issuing cards to prospective voters.

The high turnout in the registration is indicative of the public’s readiness to exercise its democratic right of voting, said Gebrehiwot and called on all eligible citizens to register in the stated time frame.

All 45,000 voters’ registration stations will provide registration services until February 19, 2015.