Cost of Living Jumps to 22.6pc

Apr 4 , 2020


[ssba-buttons]

Headline inflation, an indicator of the cost of living, continues to spike and reached the highest rate in six years when it hit a rate of 22.6pc last month, according to the latest Consumer Price Index from the Central Statistical Agency (CSA). Driven by inflation in food prices, the rate has shown a 0.8 percentage point rise from the previous month. Last month, food inflation jumped close to two percentage points to 26.9pc, while non-food inflation showed a slight decline to 17.6pc. March's rate, which came out after Ethiopia confirmed its first case of the Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19), is the second highest jump in six years next to the 22.2pc rate that was registered in 2014. Except for wheat, the price of almost all cereals increased, especially that of teff, maize and sorghum, according to the report.


Radar

Fresh Push to Help Farmers Get Covered & Cash In

The Ministry of Agriculture has established the Rural Finance Service Unit (RFSU) to coordinate and expand agricultural insurance nationwide. Announced on Tuesday at the 2025 UNDP Financial Resilience in Agriculture Community of Practice forum (held at the UN Economic Commission for Africa headquarters), the RFSU is supported by UNDP, JICA, and other partners with funding from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. Agriculture Minister Girma Amente (PhD) and State Minister Sofia Kassa attended...


Radar

Mission 300 Gains Momentum as Ethiopia Charts Path to Energy Equity

The Government has developed a National Energy Compact with the goal of achieving universal electricity access by 2030. The strategy, led by the Ministry of Water & Energy (MoWE), outlines Ethiopia's commitment to reaching 100pc energy access for its population within the next five years. According to State Minister for Energy Development Sector Sultan Woli, the compact was prepared in collaboration with key development partners, including the World Bank Group and the African Development...


Radar

Rammis Bank Commences Mobile Application, Card Banking Services

Rammis Bank has launched its mobile banking application and card services as part of its digital expansion drive. The "Rammis Mobile App" was officially introduced during a launch event held on Saturday at the Grand Eliana Hotel. The app allows users to transfer funds at any time, pay bills, top up mobile airtime, and send money to telebirr wallets for themselves or others. The newly introduced card service enables customers to withdraw cash from any ATM and make payments via Point of Sale (P...