Continental Free Trade Agreement Amharic Version Comes to Life

Dec 17 , 2022


Non-English speakers can now access an Amharic translation of the continental agreement on the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) and benefit from the opportunities it provides. Bethelhem Arega, the secretariat of the AfCFTA liaison office, says AfCFTA allows active engagement in the trade agreement between 44 countries with the potential to impact 1.3 billion people if implemented successfully. Implementing the continental agreement will mean phasing out tariffs between member states with accepted tariff concession appeals from 29 countries as of February 2022. The translated version was launched by the EU in partnership with the Ministry of Trade & Regional Integration last week at the UNECA hall, on Menelik II Avenue. Tages Mulgeta, the Ministry's expert on bilateral and regional trade relations and negotiations assistance, applauded the move, saying that the continental trade deal allows a gradual transition for trade integration between member states. The Deputy Head of the chamber of commerce, Wube Mengistu, represented the private sector at the event; he expects the Amharic translation to help the business community understand the implications more clearly.


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...