Council of Ministers Approves Key Economic and Legislative Measures


Council of Ministers Approves Key Economic and Legislative Measures

The Council of Ministers has approved the 2018–2022 Medium-Term Macroeconomic and Fiscal Framework, which will guide next year’s budget, focusing on strategic revenue generation and resource allocation. Two international financing agreements were also endorsed: a 49.55 million dollar loan from the Arab Bank for African Economic Development to support youth employment around agro-industrial parks, and a 45.1 million Special Drawing Right (SDR) loan from the International Development Association to improve healthcare services for women and girls. Both are aligned with the national debt management strategy and will be sent to parliament for ratification. In labour and regulatory matters, the Council ratified a new regulation setting service fees for foreign employment agencies, aiming to balance affordability with cost recovery. It also referred two draft proclamations to parliament: a revised foreign employment law to protect Ethiopian workers abroad, and a Plant Protection and Quarantine Proclamation to modernise pest control systems and align plant trade with global standards.

[ssba-buttons]

Radar

State-Owned Enterprises Deliver, But Fund Seeks More from Underperformers

Ethiopian Investment Holdings (EIH), the country's sovereign wealth fund, closed its annual performance review with a mix of strong gains and lingering concerns across its portfolio of state-owned enterprises. Ethiopian Shipping & Logistics led the year with 4.5 million tons of cargo, driving revenues up 90pc and doubling pre-tax profit. Sugar production from Wonji Shoa, Metehara, and Fincha climbed 34.8pc to 163,290 tons, nearly doubling revenues to 15.6 billion Br, though EIH flagged ch...


Radar

MIDROC Cocoa Drive, Local Production Focus on Value Addition

MIDROC Investment Group is placing a bold wager on cocoa in the lowlands of Sheka. Building on extensive trials at the Bebeka Coffee State Farm, the company has introduced globally prized Forastero, Trinitario, and Criollo varieties alongside coffee. "The results are astonishing," said General Manager Beshada Worku, pointing to international prices that range from 8,200 to 14,000 dollars a ton. The project's first phase covers 50 hectares, with 44,000 seedlings already planted. Expansion to ...


Radar

Bureau Maps Out 1,700 Land Rights in a Month

The Rights Registration & Holding Service Directorate under the Bureau of Land Development & Administration prepared over 1,700 landholding certification maps in a single month. The update came during the bureau's July performance review, which measured progress against the upcoming fiscal year's targets. Director Tesfamichael Endale said efforts are being scaled up to give farmers secure land rights and quicker certification. Deputy Head WendwossenBanjaw added that the priority ahead...