HOLY REFRESHMENTS

Jan 21 , 2023


A young deacon baptises an eager crowd at Timket festivities around Janmeda field. Immersion in water represents a rebirth in initiation ceremonies in history. It symbolises the breaking of amniotic fluid (a liquid that surrounds the fetus) during birth, hinting towards a second birth on the planet. Water has had deep sociopolitical significance for Ethiopia as the construction of the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) has been proceeding under three Prime Ministers. Exeeding the initial budget of 80 billion Br it remains to be complete.


Radar

Authority Enacts EV Charging Stations Directive

A new directive setting technical standards, licensing requirements, and safety measures for electric vehicle (EV) charging stations has been approved. Created by the Petroleum & Energy Authority (PEA), it aims to ensure the quality of energy supply and the safety of charging stations and accelerate the adoption of EVs. The directive outlines service provision regulations, including technical and safety standards as well as electricity tariff criteria. It divides public charging stations...


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Fuel Prices Surge Following Subsidy Withdrawal

The Council of Ministers has authorised monthly reviews and adjustments to retail fuel prices, leading to a price hike on January 7. The increase affects gasoline, kerosene, white diesel, light black diesel, heavy black diesel, and jet fuel. Gasoline prices rose by 11.3pc to 101.47 Br a litre. White diesel and kerosene prices increased by 9.6pc, while light black diesel now costs 108.30 Br a litre, and heavy black diesel is priced at 105.97 Br. Long queues at fuel stations persisted until...


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Wegagen Bank Expands into Diaspora Real Estate Market

Wegagen Bank has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Deluxe Properties to support diaspora communities in purchasing homes. The agreement was signed at Wegagen Bank's headquarters last week. Under the MoU, Wegagen Bank will provide financing to diaspora buyers of Deluxe Properties' homes. The bank offers loans covering up to 80pc of the property's cost, with repayment terms spread over 25 years. The Bank stated the initiative supports the National Bank of Ethiopia's (NBE) missi...