ECA Launches One-Stop Shop for Finding Data

Aug 16 , 2020


[ssba-buttons]

The United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UN-ECA) launched the first tool that offers a unique view of price variations in African countries, regional economic communities, and at the continental level. Launched virtually on August 11, 2020, the tool brings the prices and exchange rates of all African countries onto one platform that is accessible to citizens, decision makers and other stakeholders. The platform will also provide monthly, quarterly and annual analysis of inflation. The role of national statistics offices and national revenue authorities in ensuring the platform has timely, accurate and up-to-date data will be crucial, according to Vera Songwe (PhD), executive secretary of UNECA. "Lack of price data to enable, monitor, analyse and manage economies through informed policy decisions has often led to civil unrest," she added. The platform is expected to provide data on price movements to gauge how consumer prices are changing, trends in income distribution, poverty levels and income inequalities.


Radar

Milkii App Disburses 25 Million Br in Collateral-Free Loans in Two Months

Oromia Bank's new collateral-free digital lending app, Milkii, has disbursed 25 million Br in loans without requiring collateral. Of this, 16 million Br has already been repaid, generating 1.4 million Br in revenue within just two months. Developed in partnership with Quantum Technology PLC, the app plans to make lending more accessible and inclusive, aligning with Oromia Bank's contribution to the Digital Ethiopia initiative. According to a press release, Milkii promotes financial inclusi...


Radar

Ethiopia Partners with UK to Ease Shipping Bottlenecks

The Ethiopian Freight Forwarders & Shipping Agents Association (EFFSAA) and the British International Freight Association (BIFA) signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) on May 27, 2025, at Hilton Hotel Addis Abeba, to address skills gaps, customs delays, and corridor inefficiencies in the freight and logistics sector. The partnership focuses on technical cooperation, training, and regulatory reform. With over 90pc of trade dependent on the Djibouti corridor, rising congestion, customs...


Radar

Education Authority Sanctions Mishqen College for Rule Violations

The Education & Training Authority has issued a decisive directive last week, mandating legal action against Mishqen College for persistently defying regulatory orders and unlawfully continuing to offer higher education services. Mishqen College had previously been licensed to conduct undergraduate distance learning programs across multiple regions from 2019 to 2022. However, after serious regulatory breaches, the institution was ordered to cease all instruction, complete pending academic...