The Ministry of Innovation & Technology and the European Commission signed an agreement early last week for a grant of 1.2 million euros to be put toward the Ease of Doing Business Programme as part of the government's continued efforts at digital reform. The Programme mainly focuses on supporting government institutions in the developing of online transactional portals. The grant will be used to incorporate Bahir Dar and Dire Dawa cities into the national business portal. "We aim to contribute to the creation of a conducive business environment and investment climate in Ethiopia," said Sanne Willems, team leader for economy and infrastructure, on behalf of the Commission. The Ease of Doing Business Programme was launched in late 2018 and involves eight institutions working under the Office of the Prime Minister.