FORTUNE+ VIDEO SPONSORED CONTENTS ADVERTORIALS FORTUNE AUDIO Fortune Careers TRADE AFRICA Election 2026 New TIME REMAINING UNTIL ETHIOPIA’S NATIONAL ELECTION 0Days 0Hours 0Minutes 0Seconds




Oromia Bank Lowers Loan Interest Rate

Apr 12 , 2020


[ssba-buttons]

Oromia International Bank has lowered the interest rate on loans as part of its move toward easing the burden on businesses due to the economic slowdown caused by the spread of the Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19). The Bank temporarily slashed the interest rate by 0.25pc to 3.45pc for certain business sectors. It also waived fees that had been imposed on loan rescheduling, early settlement charges as well as ATM transactions. Commitment and arrangement fees have been also lifted temporarily. The new adjustments are aimed at mainly easing the burden on the tourism sector, hotel services and horticulture, according to Teferi Mekonnen, acting president of the Bank. The Bank is also granting a grace period for borrowers that are facing difficulties in repaying their loans, according to the president. Oromia also reduced the commission that is typically charged to extend purchase orders and letters of credit from 3.75pc to 2.65pc. A week ago, the Bank donated five million Birr to the national committee that is mobilising funds to ward off the potential spread of COVID-19.


Radar

Federal Prosecutors Accuse Public Officials, Contractors of Corruption, Alleged Illicit Fund Transfers

Federal prosecutors have filed corruption and money laundering charges against 11 defendants, including Nigstu Bogale, Coordinator of the Development Project for Response to the Impact of Refugees in the Horn of Africa at the Ministry of Agriculture, Biniyam Fantaye and Taye Habte, senior irrigation engineers involved in the Development Response to Displacement Impacts Project (DRDIP-II), as well as private individuals and construction company representatives. The case alleges losses and illicit...


Radar

EIH Transitions to New Headquarters as It Oversees Major State-Owned Enterprises

Ethiopian Investment Holdings (EIH) is relocating its headquarters from its current site on General Wingate Street. The former headquarters was located behind the Ministry of Industry and near Abrehot Library. The new office is expected to be on Mozambique Street, along the route from Mexico Square to Bulgaria Road. The building belongs to one of EIH's subsidiaries, and all departments are set to move there as interior design and finishing works continue. Under the leadership of Brook Taye...


Radar

Import Substitution Push Lifts Domestic Manufacturing, Industrial Recovery

A push for import substitution and industrial expansion has prioritised 96 strategic products for local manufacturing. The “Ethiopia Tamirt” initiative reports 4.85 billion dollars in savings, supported by trade fairs linking local producers to domestic and international markets. On average, 700 new projects enter the market annually, contributing to more than 2,800 investments over four years. At the grassroots level, 18,000 SMEs have been established, while 993 dormant factories have...