Geographical Indicators Promising Brand Recognition

May 20 , 2023


A sign used on products with a specific geographical origin that translates to qualities or a reputation was presented as a viable tool for enhancing brand recognition and garnering higher profit for manufacturers last week. Dubbed Geographical Indicators (GI), Fabrice Pinnard (PhD) availed several registration modalities and the utility to producers attending the presentation. With over 9,200 products registered worldwide from 40 member countries, the expert from the Cirad icipe coffee program indicated increased addition of value on production and across the value chain. He said GI-registered products garner 2.2 times as much as non-registered ones when they sell in the European Union, while the prospect of increased earnings was suggested for Ethiopian products like coffee, leather and honey. Solomon Getu, secretary of the Ethiopian Leather Industries Association, was showcasing Ethiopian Highland Leather (EHL) at the event organised at the Embassy of France. He said EHL is a leather product marked by a superior molecular structure. Solomon is hopeful GIs would be ideal for the country's leather industry as the unique texture is already garnering attention from fashion houses in Italy and the UK.


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...