German Boost for Agriculture, Small Business Growth


German Boost for Agriculture, Small Business Growth

Ethiopia and Germany have signed grant agreements totaling approximately 33 million dollars to support two initiatives: "Increasing Productivity through Innovation in Agriculture II" and "Promotion of Ethiopian Private Sector II." The agricultural initiative, in its second phase, focuses on financing options to import advanced machinery like tractors and harvesters, aiming to boost productivity and economic growth in the sector. The second initiative targets improved financial access for micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs), especially those owned by women and youth, to promote job creation and inclusive growth. Semereta Sewasew, state minister of Finance, held a signing ceremony last week with KfW Development Bank CFO Bernd Loewen. The Bank has invested over 1.1 billion dollars in Ethiopia to support various development initiatives, including reforestation, conservation, and vocational education. It stated that over 100,000 people have benefited from investments in vocational schools and teacher training.

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Radar

State-Owned Enterprises Deliver, But Fund Seeks More from Underperformers

Ethiopian Investment Holdings (EIH), the country's sovereign wealth fund, closed its annual performance review with a mix of strong gains and lingering concerns across its portfolio of state-owned enterprises. Ethiopian Shipping & Logistics led the year with 4.5 million tons of cargo, driving revenues up 90pc and doubling pre-tax profit. Sugar production from Wonji Shoa, Metehara, and Fincha climbed 34.8pc to 163,290 tons, nearly doubling revenues to 15.6 billion Br, though EIH flagged ch...


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MIDROC Cocoa Drive, Local Production Focus on Value Addition

MIDROC Investment Group is placing a bold wager on cocoa in the lowlands of Sheka. Building on extensive trials at the Bebeka Coffee State Farm, the company has introduced globally prized Forastero, Trinitario, and Criollo varieties alongside coffee. "The results are astonishing," said General Manager Beshada Worku, pointing to international prices that range from 8,200 to 14,000 dollars a ton. The project's first phase covers 50 hectares, with 44,000 seedlings already planted. Expansion to ...


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Bureau Maps Out 1,700 Land Rights in a Month

The Rights Registration & Holding Service Directorate under the Bureau of Land Development & Administration prepared over 1,700 landholding certification maps in a single month. The update came during the bureau's July performance review, which measured progress against the upcoming fiscal year's targets. Director Tesfamichael Endale said efforts are being scaled up to give farmers secure land rights and quicker certification. Deputy Head WendwossenBanjaw added that the priority ahead...