Health Insurance Under Formation Checks Last Boxes


Wass Insurance S.C. aspires to become the first health insurance provider to meet the 100 million Br minimum requirement set by regulators at the central bank which will quadruple after September. With 76.9 million Br paid-up capital, the insurance company under formation had its first-ever general assembly at the Inter Luxury Hotel last week. The promoters implored its 4,659 shareholders to pay up close to 40pc of their subscribed amounts in order to enter the market before the deadline. If granted the license, Wass will become the 19th insurance company. Health insurance policy aims to guarantee health service without immediate cash requirements and affordable prices networking with health institutions across the country. The shareholders mostly comprised health professionals who approved the nomination of nine Board of Directors Abdi Hermilo (MD), Henok Teka, Abejie Kassahun, Gizachew Terga, Samuel Abera, Beza Melaku, Besufikad Soresa, Yonatan Gebere, Dula Merera. Henok Teka who has been leading the steering committee thus far told shareholders that health insurance coverage is far from being met in the country, expressing his desire for Wass to provide access to the middle class.


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E-Passport Service Begins with Local Production Set for October

Immigration & Citizenship Services (ICS) has commenced e-passport issuance supported by an inventory of 1.5 million passports, with local production scheduled to begin in October. ICS invested 2.5 billion Br in telecom and data center infrastructure, and an additional 80 million dollar in document procurement. This included 1.5 million passports (50 dollars each), 300,000 alien passports and yellow cards (eight dollars each), and half a million emergency travel documents and laissez-passers...


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Sovereign Fund Reviews Mid-Year Performance of Line Companies, Calls for Strategic Improvements

Ethiopian Investment Holdings (EIH) launched its mid-year performance review for its portfolio companies, displaying mixed results for the first half of the fiscal year. Ethiopian Sugar Industry Group (ESIG) reached 95.3pc of its sales goal, selling 64,190tn of sugar for 6.1 billion Br—a 132pc year-on-year growth—despite capacity and supply issues. The Ethiopian Petroleum Supply Enterprise (EPSE) met 92pc and 97pc of its purchase and sales targets, respectively, stating it has benefitt...


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Digital Pay Uptake Booms Among SMEs, Visa Study Finds

Over 80pc of surveyed small- and medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) have started accepting digital payments in the last two years, according to a new Visa report titled, ‘Value of Acceptance: Understanding the Digital Payment Landscape in Ethiopia'. Citing increased convenience, the report indicates reduced fraud risk and improved efficiency as factors in the uptake. A substantial 66pc of these SMEs believe that investing in digital payment technologies will support future business growth. The...