Ministry, Mastercard Look to Bolster Leather Industry

Jun 26 , 2021


The Ministry of Trade & Industry and the Mastercard Foundation have signed an agreement to enhance the competitiveness and growth of Ethiopia's leather industry by establishing a platform for job creation and supporting existing small and medium enterprises. The initiative, being carried out through the Foundation's BRIDGES programme, will focus on employment linkage, enterprise development, competitiveness, and access to finance. The programme will also look to support small and medium enterprises supplying schools with leather bags and shoes, with an emphasis on encouraging women to join the workforce. Around 1,000 small and medium enterprises are currently engaged in the leather industry, with most producing goods for the local market. The project aims to create employment opportunities for 1,000 people during the first round of implementation.


Radar

Ethiopia Buys Time, Not Relief as Creditors Stall on Debt Write-Off

Ethiopia's official creditors expect to finalise a draft restructuring of the country's debt in the coming months, granting the government more time to repay its obligations while avoiding a direct reduction to the initial debt amount. Ethiopia defaulted on its external debt in December 2023, before its leaders announced a preliminary deal in March with its Official Creditor Committee to reorganise 8.4 billion dollars, an essential step in moving beyond sovereign default. Under the agreement...


Radar

Road Injuries Increase by 35pc, with Pedestrians Most Affected

Addis Abeba's streets continue to present fatal risks for pedestrians, who account for 86pc of all traffic fatalities reported in 2023/24. Megenagna emerged as a particularly hazardous area, logging the highest number of fatalities, including 13 deaths. While the number of pedestrian deaths has dipped slightly, overall injuries have surged by 35pc since 2020/21, with eight out of 10 injuries involving those on foot. The Addis Abeba City Administration revised its 13-year road safety strate...


Radar

Awash Insurance Customer Week Discount

Awash Insurance Company(AIC), serving for over 30 years, gives a 25pc discount on Mortgage Redemption Insurance (MRI), Individual Life Insurance, Education Insurance, Workers' Compensation Insurance, and Fire & Lightning Insurance. This was announced during the celebration of Customer Week at their headquarters, on April 7,2025. Jibat Alemneh, CEO of the company said, Vehicles owners that purchased thier cars with full insurance coverage will receive enhanced benefits at no extra cost at...