Farmers Embark on New Digital Platforms

Jul 21 , 2024


[ssba-buttons]

New platforms were launched to connect smallholder farmers with potential buyers and improve the distribution of agricultural inputs, ensuring efficient and transparent delivery of fertilisers, improved seeds, and chemicals. Dubbed the Automation of the Input Voucher System and the development and implementation of a Digital Market Linkage Platform, the Ethiopian Agricultural Transformation Institute (ATI) partnered with the Alliance for a Green Revolution in Africa (AGRA) to avail the products. ATI has reached about four million smallholder farmers, delivered over 340 strategic studies, and implemented over 50 projects. Yihenew Zewde, AGRA's Country Director highlighted the importance of supporting the entire agricultural value chain. He said the E-voucher is an upgraded digital system that reaches 9.5 million smallholder farmers by cutting costs and removing middlemen. Nearly half a million quintals of fertiliser, improved seeds, and agrochemicals, were given to 242,000 farmers in Amhara Regional State while receiving 1.15 billion Br in input loans, according to him. They plan to reach 590 woredas across Oromia, Amhara, Tigray and Southern regional states.


Radar

Somali Region Advances Budget Independence as Revenues Rise

Somali Regional State is moving closer to fiscal independence, with nearly half its budget now funded locally. Officials point to rising agricultural output and stronger tax enforcement as key drivers behind growing revenues. The region plans to cover 32.5 billion Br from its own resources in the upcoming fiscal year. Communication Head Mohammed Abdi credited last year's tax collection of 18 billion Br, exceeding the 17 billion Br target, to agriculture, khat, and other taxable goods. The reg...


Radar

Environmental Protection Authority Shuts Down Polluters

Addis Abeba's Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) has taken enforcement action against 3,249 manufacturers and service providers found violating environmental standards in the 2024/25 fiscal year. The violations, ranging from air and noise pollution to improper waste disposal, were identified during inspections of 14,872 businesses citywide. Penalties included warnings and closures, with shutdown orders issued to six plastic factories, 23 block factories, a soft paper plant, 102 nightclu...


Radar

Ministry Mandates Full Electronic Clearance for Top Taxpayers

Taxpayers under the Ministry of Revenues' Medium No. 1 branch will have to ditch paper filings and switch entirely to the e-Clearance system for non-audited services starting August 1, 2025. The mandate, routed through the Ministry's e-filing portal, is pitched as part of a broader push to modernise tax administration and advance the government's digital agenda. Officials say the platform lets users process clearance requests remotely via the Fayda national ID, cutting out manual paperwork. A...