Digital Transformation Forum Attracts Hundreds Across Africa

Oct 7 , 2023


Close to 300 participants hailed from 41 countries to attend the International Annual Regional Development Forum last week. The three-day event was organised by the International Telecom Union partnering with the Ministry of Innovation & Technology. The forum focusing on digital transformation and its future outlined the challenges and opportunities for advancing technology growth in Africa. In the discussion, panellists indicated the importance of investing in infrastructure, providing access to digital technology, and improving access to finance. Belete Molla (PhD), Minister of Innovation & Technology, told attendees the necessity of innovation for African countries to compete in the global economy, emphasising the need for infrastructure and policies that will enable digital transformation and innovation to take place. The digital milestones and the urgency for action were discussed while universal and meaningful connectivity was addressed.


Radar

Electricity Bills Get the VAT Jolt

The new Value Added Tax (VAT) has begun implementation on electricity consumption and various service fees affecting customers who use more than 200 kilowatt hours of electricity per month. Based on a directive from the Ministry of Finance, the tax will be applied to the excess amount of electricity consumption above 200 kilowatt hours. The Ethiopian Electric Utility (EEU) began implementing the VAT on bills starting from November though both prepaid and postpaid customers will have to pay V...


Radar

Gadaa Bank Expands Reach, Faces Lending Constraints

Gadaa Bank closed its first full fiscal year of operations with a net profit of 90.2 million Br. The 18-month-old Bank held its annual general assembly at Millenium Hall on Africa Avenue last week where the board announced that during the year, the Bank opened 15 branches and now has 85 operational branches. “Due to recently enacted policy measures on credit by NBE and unmet resource mobilization during the fiscal year, the Bank was unable to make loan disbursements,” stated Wolde...


Radar

Oromia Bank's Branch Expansion Weighs on Profits

Oromia Bank reported a 47pc decline in net profit to take in 840.9 million Br for the past fiscal year. Interest income grew by 21pc to reach 7.19 billion Br while personnel expense grew by 36pc to hit 3.16 billion Br. The opening of 72 new branches, bringing the total to 575, led to a four percent growth of deposits to 56.4 billion Br. The profits are “unsatisfactory against our ambitious moves,” said Assefa Seme (PhD), board chairperson. “The deviation is primarily attributed to our aggr...