Upper House Approves Formation of New Regional State

Oct 30 , 2021


[ssba-buttons]

During its first extraordinary assembly held on October 30, 2021, the upper house of parliament approved the formation of the country's 11th regional state following a referendum vote last month. The referendum was held in Bench Sheka, South Omo, Kafa, and Sheko zones as well as Dawro Special District in the Southern Regional State. Nearly 94pc of the 1.3 million voters registered in the areas showed up to cast their ballots. The South West Regional State is the second to split from the Southern Regional State, following in the footsteps of Sidama, which gained autonomy following a referendum in 2019.


Radar

Ethiopia, IFAD Sign 69.2m Dollar Deal to Promote Lowland Resilience

The Ethiopian Government and the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) have signed a 69.2 million dollar grant agreement to implement Phase II of the Lowland Livelihoods Resilience Project (LLRP II). The grant agreement was signed by Finance Minister Ahmed Shide and IFAD President Alvaro Lario. The project targets climate resilience and improved livelihoods for three million people in pastoral and agro-pastoral communities. Co-financed by the World Bank, LLRP II covers eight reg...


Radar

NBE Expands Diaspora Warning Over Unlicensed Remittance Firms

The National Bank of Ethiopia (NBE) has issued an expanded public warning targeting unlicensed remittance operators abroad, flagging four U.S.-based companies it says are undermining Ethiopia's financial regulations. The warning includes newly disclosed findings and specific cases that underscore growing concerns about illicit cross-border financial activity. Remittance flows remain a vital lifeline for Ethiopia's economy, supporting households and supplying critical foreign currency. But as...


Radar

Stricter Standards Unveiled for Public Auditors, Accounting Firms

The Accounting & Auditing Board of Ethiopia (AABE) has issued a new directive aimed at strengthening oversight and professional standards in the accounting and auditing sector. Grounded in the Financial Reporting Proclamation, the directive addresses long-standing regulatory gaps while preparing the sector for the country's emerging capital market. Key provisions introduce stricter licensing standards for public auditors, professionals permitted to audit public interest entities. Applican...