Blinken Puts Ethiopia on Notice for Reinstatement to AGOA


Blinken Puts Ethiopia on Notice for Reinstatement to AGOA

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken underscored the need for Ethiopia's leaders to meet clear benchmarks in order to be reinstated to AGOA and expressed his concerns that the exit of external forces from the Tigray Regional State remains incomplete. Blinken visited Ethiopia last week, bearing a 331 million-dollar humanitarian aid package, in light of the devastating impact of the war. The United States is the single largest humanitarian aid provider to Ethiopia providing north of 1.8 billion dollars since 2022. The concession of Human rights violations by both the federal government and TPLF was heralded by the secretary as a promising development. He said that the final decision will be an interdepartmental ruling by several government bodies in the US. The Secretary held a series of meetings with Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed and his deputy Demeke Mekonnen, Moussa Faki Mahamat, chairperson of the AUC, Workeneh Gebeyehu, executive secretary of IGAD and senior members of the TPLF. He stated that the US Government will be closely monitoring Ethiopia's progress in achieving transitional justice, indicating that this will be a key factor in determining the country's future relationship with the US. The US Government's close attention to Ethiopia's situation signals a heightened interest in the region and underscores the need for continued international attention to the ongoing challenges facing the country

[ssba-buttons]

Radar

Construction Sector Faces 'Serious Trouble,' Minister Warns

The construction industry in Ethiopia is in "serious trouble," said Chaltu Sani, Minister of Urban & Infrastructure Development, citing major challenges with finance, competitiveness and material costs. Speaking at the opening of the BIG 5 Construct Ethiopia expo and the inaugural East African Infrastructure & Water Expo at Millennium Hall last week, Chaltu stressed the need for concerted efforts from government, private sector, and international partners to support the 67 billion dol...


Radar

Wegagen Bank, Gift Real Estate Partner to Promote Diaspora Homeownership

Wegagen Bank S.C. and Gift Real Estate Plc. signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on June 23, to offer housing loans for homebuyers, with a special focus on the Ethiopian diaspora. The agreement enables eligible diaspora members to access loans covering up to 80pc of a home's value at reasonable interest rates. The bank's Deputy CEO Kidane Gebreselassie noted the deal will promote the real estate sector and expand homeownership options. Founder and CEO of Gift Real Estate, Gebreyesus Igata...


Radar

Jimma University Signs Sports Science Agreement to Strengthen National Programmes

Jimma University has signed a four-party Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Ethiopian Academy of Sciences, Derartu Tulu Sports Training & Research Institute, and the Oromia Youth & Sport Bureau to advance Ethiopia's sports science and training capacity. Signed on June 26, the agreement includes joint research, shared facilities, and hosting of national and international competitions. It is expected to strengthen youth development, public health, and national pride through coor...