City Hosts Digital Consumer Security Discourse

Jun 3 , 2023


Concerns over the guaranteed safety of user data in the digital economy were discussed amongst participants from legal firms, commercial banks and the National Bank of Ethiopia (NBE) last week.  Ensuring data security was the primary focus of the talks. The necessity of proper regulation was asserted, citing the experiences of Uganda and Kenya. Francis Kariuki, the first director of Kenya's Consumer Protection Agency, suggested a partnership between industry participants as crucial in installing an infrastructure capable of providing safety for consumers. Silver Kayondo, a Ugandan lawyer who founded a firm that champions consumer rights in mobile payments, reasoned that creating an organisation that lobbies on behalf of consumers is paramount in settling micro-disputes. According to Silver, most payments made through mobile transfer systems are less than 13 dollars, and the result of going to court is minimal, requiring a balancing actor in between. The panel discussion was organised by FSD Ethiopia with the goal of identifying and addressing the underlying causes of financial system failures. The event took place at the Hyatt Regency, Africa Avenue (Bole Road) and featured opening remarks from State Minister of Innovation & Technology, Huria Ali, and the Chief Executive Officer of FSD Ermias Eshetu.


Radar

Ethiopia Buys Time, Not Relief as Creditors Stall on Debt Write-Off

Ethiopia's official creditors expect to finalise a draft restructuring of the country's debt in the coming months, granting the government more time to repay its obligations while avoiding a direct reduction to the initial debt amount. Ethiopia defaulted on its external debt in December 2023, before its leaders announced a preliminary deal in March with its Official Creditor Committee to reorganise 8.4 billion dollars, an essential step in moving beyond sovereign default. Under the agreement...


Radar

Road Injuries Increase by 35pc, with Pedestrians Most Affected

Addis Abeba's streets continue to present fatal risks for pedestrians, who account for 86pc of all traffic fatalities reported in 2023/24. Megenagna emerged as a particularly hazardous area, logging the highest number of fatalities, including 13 deaths. While the number of pedestrian deaths has dipped slightly, overall injuries have surged by 35pc since 2020/21, with eight out of 10 injuries involving those on foot. The Addis Abeba City Administration revised its 13-year road safety strate...


Radar

Awash Insurance Customer Week Discount

Awash Insurance Company(AIC), serving for over 30 years, gives a 25pc discount on Mortgage Redemption Insurance (MRI), Individual Life Insurance, Education Insurance, Workers' Compensation Insurance, and Fire & Lightning Insurance. This was announced during the celebration of Customer Week at their headquarters, on April 7,2025. Jibat Alemneh, CEO of the company said, Vehicles owners that purchased thier cars with full insurance coverage will receive enhanced benefits at no extra cost at...