Debt Service Falls Short of Target by 33pc

Jun 8 , 2019


Ethiopia has serviced 9.4 billion Br of external debts in the first 10 months of the current fiscal year, achieving 66pc of its plan. The country’s total external debt stands at 27 billion dollars. The federal government owes 15.8 billion dollars, while the rest, 11.2 billion, is owed by state enterprises. The government’s internal debt currently stands at 731 billion Br. The federal government owes 344 billion Br in internal debt, while state enterprises owe 387 billion Br. The government has also managed to get relief from debt interest from Chinese financial institutions, following a debt restructuring and extension of grace and repayment periods, according to Ahmed Shide, minister of Finance. The minister also disclosed that the country planned to get four billion dollars from international partners and foreign governments in the form of loans and grants but could manage to reach 3.5 billion dollars of it in the reported period.


Radar

With New Tariffs, Trump Upends Decades-Old Ethiopia Trade Preferences

The Trump Administration has unexpectedly included Ethiopia in the list of countries subjected to new trade measures, imposing a 10pc levy on Ethiopian imports into the United States while granting a reciprocal 10pc tariff on American goods headed to Ethiopia. The move marks an unanticipated shift in Washington's approach to Addis Abeba, which for years benefited from duty-free access under the African Growth & Opportunity Act (AGOA). The tariff-free provisions had propelled apparel expor...


Radar

Unilever Ethiopia Eyes Triple Sales Under New Executive

Unilever Ethiopia plans to triple its annual sales within the next five years, aiming to reach 200 million euros. The growth push is led by 42-year-old Nesibu Temesgen, who took the top job this month, as the first Ethiopian national to claim the top executive position in the company. Unilever, a multinational company operating in more than 190 countries, established its Ethiopian presence in 2014. From its base in the Eastern Industrial Zone near the town of Modjo, the firm produces recognis...


Radar

EU Grants Ethiopia a 240 Euro to Support Key Sectors

Financial Assistance Targeted at Agribusiness, Digital Expansion, and Democratic Institutions The European Union (EU) has agreed to provide Ethiopia with a grant of €240 million to support development initiatives across key sectors. This financial assistance will primarily bolster projects in agribusiness, enhance digital competencies, and strengthen democratic institutions. Furthermore, the agreement will support public administration and facilitate efforts to promote stability and reco...