AfCFTA Strides, National Implementations Fall Behind


AfCFTA Strides, National Implementations Fall Behind

The 15th Council of Ministers Meeting of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) convened in Addis Abeba last week, bringing together stakeholders to discuss boosting trade integration and sustainable development on the continent. The AfCFTA aims to transform small and fragmented markets into a single market of over 1.4 billion people, looking to ensure heightened growth and development. It will enhance Africa's collective bargaining power on the global stage and aligns with the commitment to sustainable development goals and the African Union's Agenda 2063. Ethiopia, represented by the Ministry of Trade and Regional Integration has participated in the AfCFTA negotiation process and initiating pilot trades through the Guided Trade Initiative. The AfCFTA Secretary-General, Wamkele Mene, stressed the importance of accelerating implementation at the national level, emphasizing the need for the inclusion of the private sector, youth, and small and medium enterprises.

[ssba-buttons]

Radar

Milkii App Disburses 25 Million Br in Collateral-Free Loans in Two Months

Oromia Bank's new collateral-free digital lending app, Milkii, has disbursed 25 million Br in loans without requiring collateral. Of this, 16 million Br has already been repaid, generating 1.4 million Br in revenue within just two months. Developed in partnership with Quantum Technology PLC, the app plans to make lending more accessible and inclusive, aligning with Oromia Bank's contribution to the Digital Ethiopia initiative. According to a press release, Milkii promotes financial inclusi...


Radar

Ethiopia Partners with UK to Ease Shipping Bottlenecks

The Ethiopian Freight Forwarders & Shipping Agents Association (EFFSAA) and the British International Freight Association (BIFA) signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) on May 27, 2025, at Hyatt Regency Addis Abeba, to address skills gaps, customs delays, and corridor inefficiencies in the freight and logistics sector. The partnership focuses on technical cooperation, training, and regulatory reform. With over 90pc of trade dependent on the Djibouti corridor, rising congestion, customs...


Radar

Education Authority Sanctions Mishqen College for Rule Violations

The Education & Training Authority has issued a decisive directive last week, mandating legal action against Mishqen College for persistently defying regulatory orders and unlawfully continuing to offer higher education services. Mishqen College had previously been licensed to conduct undergraduate distance learning programs across multiple regions from 2019 to 2022. However, after serious regulatory breaches, the institution was ordered to cease all instruction, complete pending academic...