Authorties Pledge for Change as Climate Risks Surge


A key theme for climate-informed investments in crucial sectors like construction, energy, water, transportation, and agriculture was discussed last week, at the Hyatt Regency. It brought together stakeholders from the Ethiopian Association for Civil Engineers (EACE) and the United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS) to address an issue centred on building a climate-resilient infrastructure. The discussions revolved around how Ethiopia can adapt to and recover from climate-induced disruptions. Seid Nuru, advisor to the Ethiopian Construction Works Corporation, said the previously overlooked economic impact of climate change, including frequent droughts and reduced rainfall, poses a threat to development. Private sector involvement in building and financing low-carbon infrastructure projects that can withstand climate challenges were raised while promoting renewable energy sources. A recent World Bank report estimates that climate change could reduce Ethiopia's GDP by 1-1.5pc annually. The report also suggests that Ethiopia requires over 27 billion dollars by 2050 to meet its climate resilience goals. Anne-Claire Howard, procurement group director at UNOPS, toughed on green procurement policies that promote the efficient use of energy, materials, and natural resources, focusing on recyclable materials.


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Central Bank's Auction Sends Dollar Soaring to 135 Br

A dollar value against the Birr exceeds 135 during an auction the Central Bank held last week, offering 60 million dollars. Close to 27 banks made their bid where the weighted average was 135.61 Br for a dollar. The National Bank of Ethiopia (NBE) announced the results of the special foreign exchange auction, the second since monetary authorities floated the forex regime in early August last year. Last week's result reflects a weaker Birr than in the first when the average rate was 107.9 Br....


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Ethio Telecom Bids to Dominate Ethiopia's Digital Future

An array of services from digital livestock tracking, push-to-talk/video communications to cloud-based banking, an education management system (EMS), and enterprise resource Planning (ERP) are available from the state-owned Ethio telecom. Ethio telecom has introduced seven new cloud-based digital services last week at the Skylight Hotel, on Africa Avenue (Bole Road), pledging to transform business operations, financial services, and education management. The company said that these solutions...


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Addis International Convention Centre Inaugurates

The much-anticipated Addis International Convention Centre, spanning 40 hectares, was officially inaugurated last week. It is set to become the country's largest conference venue, designed to host both national and international events. The centre features two large halls, each accommodating 3,000 to 4,000 people. It also includes eight smaller meeting rooms, bringing its total capacity to 10,000 attendees. Two hotels, with a combined 1,000-bed capacity, will serve both local and internationa...