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Google Launches Universal Commerce Protocol


Google Launches Universal Commerce Protocol

Google has officially launched the Universal Commerce Protocol, a new system designed to streamline online transactions through artificial intelligence agents. Introduced on January 11, 2026, the protocol enables AI agents to search for products, compare prices, place orders, and process payments across multiple shopping and payment platforms. The system was co-developed with companies including Shopify, Etsy, Wayfair, Target, and Walmart, and has secured backing from more than 20 firms, including American Express, Mastercard, Stripe, Visa, Best Buy, Flipkart, The Home Depot, and Zalando.

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Prime Capital Joins ESX, Seeks Securities Dealership Licence

Prime Capital has secured trading membership on the Ethiopian Securities Exchange (ESX) and is pursuing a securities dealership licence to expand its brokerage and investment banking services, according to Head of Business Development and Marketing Fikremarkos. The firm received its trading membership after obtaining an investment banking licence from the Ethiopian Capital Market Authority (ECMA) and meeting all ESX requirements. The licence authorises Prime Capital to execute securities tran...


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Parliament Ratifies Tax Amendment, Assigns PMO to Lead Conciliation, Imposes 10pc Penalty on Late Evidence

The Prime Minister's Office will appoint independent tax conciliators while taxpayers face a 10pc penalty for late evidence under the Federal Tax Administration Amendment ratified by Parliament last week. By shifting the selection of “conciliators” from the tax authority to the PMO, authorities aim to establish a neutral dispute-resolution system to speed up out-of-court settlements. Experts describe the move as a high-stakes reform with notable institutional risks. The legislation, pa...


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ZamZam Bank Registers Shares, Eyes Capital Market Debut

ZamZam Bank has secured approval from the Ethiopian Capital Market Authority (ECMA) to register its shares, becoming the first fully interest-free bank to complete the regulatory process for public trading. The approval covers five million existing shares worth five billion Br and one million bonus shares valued at one billion Br, paving the way for the Bank's future participation in Ethiopia's capital market. ZamZam plans to raise its capital to 15 billion Br and introduce Sharia-compliant i...