Coca-Cola Launches Sugarless Products

Nov 30 , 2019


[ssba-buttons]

The Coca-Cola Company launched sugar-free products for its Sprite, Coca-Cola and Fanta brands. The products were launched with a ceremony that was held on November 28, 2019, at Skylight Hotel, in the capital. The products will have a label displayed with design and texts showing "without sugar". The consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages has a contributory factor to the rising levels of childhood obesity in many countries worldwide, according to a commentary published on the World Health Organisation (WHO). "Reducing consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages has been shown to reduce weight gain in children, particularly in those who are already overweight," reads the commentary by Tim Lobstein, director of policy at the World Obesity Federation in the UK. Coca-Cola currently sells over 500 brands sold in 200 countries worldwide and employs over 700,000 people.


Radar

Somali Region Advances Budget Independence as Revenues Rise

Somali Regional State is moving closer to fiscal independence, with nearly half its budget now funded locally. Officials point to rising agricultural output and stronger tax enforcement as key drivers behind growing revenues. The region plans to cover 32.5 billion Br from its own resources in the upcoming fiscal year. Communication Head Mohammed Abdi credited last year's tax collection of 18 billion Br, exceeding the 17 billion Br target, to agriculture, khat, and other taxable goods. The reg...


Radar

Environmental Protection Authority Shuts Down Polluters

Addis Abeba's Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) has taken enforcement action against 3,249 manufacturers and service providers found violating environmental standards in the 2024/25 fiscal year. The violations, ranging from air and noise pollution to improper waste disposal, were identified during inspections of 14,872 businesses citywide. Penalties included warnings and closures, with shutdown orders issued to six plastic factories, 23 block factories, a soft paper plant, 102 nightclu...


Radar

Ministry Mandates Full Electronic Clearance for Top Taxpayers

Taxpayers under the Ministry of Revenues' Medium No. 1 branch will have to ditch paper filings and switch entirely to the e-Clearance system for non-audited services starting August 1, 2025. The mandate, routed through the Ministry's e-filing portal, is pitched as part of a broader push to modernise tax administration and advance the government's digital agenda. Officials say the platform lets users process clearance requests remotely via the Fayda national ID, cutting out manual paperwork. A...