Global Vaccine Alliance Invests in Ethiopian Cold Chain Facility

Mar 16 , 2024


An 18 million dollar investment in a cold chain facility, designed to improve vaccine storage and distribution nationwide was committed by the Global Alliance for Vaccine and Immunization (GAVI). The federal government has allocated four million dollars over two years, as a joint investment. This collaboration represents a step forward in strengthening the country's immunisation program as the new cold chain facility will ensure proper storage and distribution of vaccines, ultimately protecting the public from preventable diseases. The announcement was made following discussions between GAVI's Director of High Impact Countries Country Programmes Delivery, Tokunbo Oshin (PhD), and Semereta Sewasew, state minister for Finance. The discussions primarily focused on co-financing requirements, the implementation of the Cold Chain Equipment Optimization Platform (CCEOP), and financial accountability measures. Tokunbo highlighted Ethiopia's status as a priority country for vaccine-related support over the past two decades. He commended the adherence to co-financing obligations and its dedication to vaccine delivery and immunisation-related interventions. Semereta reaffirmed Ethiopia's commitment to meeting co-financing requirements and emphasised the government's steadfast dedication to implementing the national immunisation plan. A year ago, the Ethiopian Pharmaceutical Supply Service (EPSS) set plans to expand its cold room used for pharmaceutical storage and complete its seven-storey building, hoping to increase the storage capacity of vaccines, insulin, laboratory reagents and cancer medicines safely.


Radar

Ethiopias Capital Market Sets Sights on Talent Strategy

A new strategy to strengthen the human capital foundation of Ethiopia's emerging capital market is taking shape. Led by FSD Ethiopia in partnership with iCapital Africa Institute and the Nairobi Securities Exchange, the initiative is focused on building the skills, expertise, and institutional capacity needed to support the Ethiopian Capital Market Authority (ECMA). The second round of consultations took place on April 23 at Best Western Hotel, drawing key stakeholders including ECMA Director...


Radar

National Bank Upgrades Core Financial System to Global Standard

The National Bank of Ethiopia (NBE) has officially upgraded the Ethiopian Automated Transfer System (EATS), the country's Real-Time Gross Settlement (RTGS) platform, to align with the ISO 20022 messaging standard, effective March 29, 2025. Handling more than 3.5 million transactions a year worth over five trillion Br, EATS is a critical component of the country's financial ecosystem. It enables real-time, high-value settlements among 35 financial institutions, including commercial banks and m...


Radar

Spice Supply Hits 41,000tns in Nine Months

The South West Ethiopia Coffee, Tea, and Spices Authority has announced that over 41,000tns of spices were supplied to the central market in the first nine months of the current fiscal year, reflecting the region's growing role in the country's spice economy. The region is cultivating spices on more than 90,000 hectares of land, with major contributions coming from turmeric, cardamom, ginger, and black pepper. For the full fiscal year, the authority aims to supply more than 56,000tns of spice...