IGAD Warns of Fifth Consecutive Poor Rainy Season

Aug 27 , 2022


The Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) has warned that drought-affected areas in Ethiopia, Somalia and Kenya are likely to receive insufficient rainfall this year. It will mark a fifth consecutive failed rainy season, which falls between October and December and constitutes two-thirds of annual rainfall in the areas. The UN called drought facing large swathes of East Africa the "worst in four decades." The situation is likely to deteriorate in light of the latest forecast. Last month, the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) warned the drought in Ethiopia's east and south could turn into a full-blown famine without immediate action. The agency says it is facing difficulties in sourcing financing and aid to back its humanitarian operations in the drought-stricken regions. It reports that severe acute malnutrition has risen sharply in these areas. There has been a 47pc increase in the Somali Regional State, according to UNICEF.


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...