Exchange Ponders Adding Salt to its Floor

May 12 , 2024


  The Ethiopian Commodity Exchange (ECX) is considering adding salt to its list as the 24th tradable commodity. Executives are currently conducting feasibility studies and preparing sales contracts. Last week, Ali Muhammed, deputy administrator of the Afar Regional State, and Ali Behani, Head of the Regional Mining Bureau, visited the ECX headquarters in the Mexico area. They said regional salt miners and processors are not adequately compensated for their production, with hopes that the ECX will serve as a guarantee for better returns for producers. The move comes against the backdrop of reports from the Ministry of Industry, indicating a lack of salt supply for manufacturers despite the region's massive salt deposits of 36 million quintals. Behailu Nigussie, the deputy CEO, presented the draft sales contract for salt as a tradable commodity to the visitors. Upcoming meetings with salt producers and participants to discuss are underway to finalise feasibility studies.


Radar

Fitch Downgrades Lemmi National Cement Investor

Fitch Ratings has lowered West China Cement Limited's (WCC) credit rating due to concerns over its financial health and operating environment in Ethiopia. The company's Long-Term Issuer Default Rating has been downgraded to 'B-' from 'B+', and its senior unsecured rating has been reduced to 'CCC+'. WCC's free cash flow is expected to remain negative in 2024, primarily due to high capital expenditures and challenges in generating sufficient revenue. The company faces significant operating risk...


Radar

Ethiopia Seals Currency Swap Deal with China

Ethiopia and China have agreed to use their respective currencies for bilateral trade, a move aimed at enhancing economic cooperation and addressing foreign exchange challenges. The announcement was made by Ethiopian Finance Minister Ahmed Shide following the recent Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) meeting in Beijing. He revealed that the central banks of both countries are finalizing the details of the currency swap agreement, similar to the one Ethiopia signed with the United Arab...


Radar

USAID Launches National Youth SACCOs

The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) Integrated Youth Activity (IYA), Kefeta, has reached a milestone in its youth empowerment efforts. The Amref Health Africa-led project has successfully established youth-owned and managed Savings and Credit Cooperatives (SACCOs) in 18 cities. The Kefeta Youth SACCO, now operational on a national scale, has already garnered substantial membership and savings. With over 7,800 members, 38,900 shares sold, and nearly 60 million Br in...


Back
WhatsApp
Telegram
Email