Economic Association Proposes Market Stabilisation Board

Apr 30 , 2022


[ssba-buttons]

The Ethiopian Economic Association (EEA) has proposed the formation of a 'supply and price stabilisation board' to rein in galloping inflation. A study it conducted reveals that supply shortages, unstable economic governance, increased import trade tariffs, political instability, and armed conflict have been the main contributors to the skyrocketing cost of living. Headline inflation in March registered at 34.7pc, the eighth consecutive months above the 30pc mark, according to the Ethiopian Statistics Service. Food inflation clocked in at a staggering 43.4pc, the highest recorded in over a decade. The Russian invasion of Ukraine is expected to exacerbate the economic downturn brought on by the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic and the armed conflict in the country's north as prices for fertiliser, cooking oil and fuel rise. The study indicates that declining productivity and inconsiderate bank interest rates on deposits are part of the equation as well. The Association is urging federal officials to consider allowing the import of pharmaceuticals, as well as selected construction, agricultural and industrial inputs, through Franco Valuta in addition to the basic food items the Ministry of Finance approved for the import scheme recently.


Radar

Ethiopia Unveils Consortium to Insure Millions of Farmers

Ethiopia has launched its Agricultural Insurance Consortium (AICE), pledging to protect three million farmers by 2026. Announced on July 3, 2025, at the Hyatt Regency, the initiative is backed by Pula Advisors and five major Ethiopian insurers. AICE plans to promote climate resilience through insurance bundled with the government's input voucher system. Leveraging AI platforms like Mavuno and PIE, it plans to standardise products, lower costs, and expand coverage to over 200 woredas. With agricu...


Radar

New Coopbank Partnership Targets Youth Economic Empowerment

The Cooperative Bank of Oromia (Coopbank) has signed a strategic agreement with Melka Ethiopia to provide loan services to over 120,000 young men and women nationwide. The partnership plans to promote youth economic empowerment by expanding access to finance and creating jobs, with a strong focus on rural and underserved areas. Both institutions held joint discussions to explore ways to improve youth livelihoods and financial inclusion. By closing access gaps, the partnership is expected to help...


Radar

Ethiopian Netpreneur Program Training Kicks Off

The Ethiopian Netpreneur 2025 Training Program has officially launched its first cohort in Addis Abeba with 64 entrepreneurs beginning their first round of training. Organised by the Global Digital Talent Academy, the initiative plans to empower local business owners, startup founders, and digital sector players with global-level e-commerce skills. At the launch event, Innovation and Technology Minister Belete Mola (PhD) urged participants to leverage the opportunity to build networks and shape...