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

Parliament Nods for Cabinet Appointments

Federal legislators have approved five cabinet-level positions last week with a member of Parliament (MP) voted against and two abstentions were counted. Gedion Timotheos (PhD) leads the charge as the new minister of Foreign Affairs, filling in Taye Asqeselassie's shoes, where he stayed briefly before becoming the country's president. With law degrees from Addis Abeba and Central European universities, Gedion was previously Attorney General and Minister of Justice. Joining him in the redev...


Radar

Abyssinia Group Eyes Expansion with IFC Funding

Abyssinia Group of Industries (AGI), a leading East African steel producer, is poised for significant expansion owing to a proposed investment from the International Finance Corporation (IFC) which is considering a financing package of up to 50 million dollars, including parallel loans in local currency. Headquartered in Kenya, AGI operates two steel plants in Ethiopia, six in Kenya, and has mining activities in Uganda. AGI currently produces 660,000 metric tons of steel annually and employs...


Radar

Fitch Acknowledges Easing Financial Pressures, Enhanced Macroeconomic Stability

Fitch Ratings has upgraded Ethiopia's Long-Term Local-Currency Issuer Default Rating (LTLC IDR) to 'CCC+' from 'CCC-', citing easing financing pressures, improved macroeconomic stability, and increased confidence that local-currency obligations will not be part of the ongoing debt restructuring. This positive development comes as the government implements key reforms and secures renewed concessional external financing. The ratings agency has taken note of the introduction of a market-based ex...


Back
WhatsApp
Telegram
Email