Economics Association Avails Nationwide Indexes Amidst 20th Conference


Economics Association Avails Nationwide Indexes Amidst 20th Conference

A development index has ranked Ethiopia 128th out of 163 countries in terms of progress in attaining sustainable development goals (SDGs). The Multidimensional Development Index (MDI) measures progress on a range of social and economic indicators, including health, education, and income. The index was availed at the 20th Ethiopian Economics Association conference last week, where nearly three dozen papers on several aspects of the Ethiopian economy were presented. The two-day event at the Association's headquarters around the CMC area saw opening remarks from Mamo Mihretu, governor of the National Bank of Ethiopia (NBE) and Berhanu Nega (Prof), minister of Education. Berhanu, who was the third president of the Association, attended the ceremony for the first time since his return to the country five years ago. He indicated that the recently ratified proclamation on the autonomy of public universities is cited as the general effort to create spaces where free thinking can flourish separately from the state while disclosing that Addis Abeba University will become autonomous in three months. During the presentations, a human development index conducted over the last six years in Oromia Regional State showed a 0.545 score which was a 1.4pc decline from the prior year. Poor investment in relation to saving rates was also showcased in the regional state, which accounted for 31pc of FDI investments in the country while posting saving rate numbers of around 27pc. The central bank Governor apprised attendees that the country finds itself in an unprecedented funding squeeze. He suggested that the prevailing economic realities of the country, marked by high inflation, significant foreign and domestic debt, and declined foreign assistance, require novel research and policy tools. "We should be careful of hyper-ideological absolutism," said Mamo.

[ssba-buttons]

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...