Japan, Italy in Support of Entrepreneurs

Jan 26 , 2019


[ssba-buttons]

The governments of Japan and Italy are financing a women’s entrepreneurship project for 65 million dollars. The Women Entrepreneurship Development Project, which has been underway for the past year, focuses on creating job opportunities for women. The new funding will allow expansion of the program for two more years. Thus far, the project has provided 2.6 billion Br in loans to over 10,000 women. The new funding will add the city of Axum, Gonder, Assela and Dilla as beneficiaries of the project. The Development Bank of Ethiopia, through 12 Micro Finance institutions, is currently providing the loans in Addis Abeba, Adama, Bahir Dar, Dire Dewa, Hawassa and Meqelle. Beneficiaries of the project have shown a 44.8pc increase in their productivity, according to the World Bank. It also noted that 98pc of the women have been able to pay back their loans.


Radar

Construction Sector Faces 'Serious Trouble,' Minister Warns

The construction industry in Ethiopia is in "serious trouble," said Chaltu Sani, Minister of Urban & Infrastructure Development, citing major challenges with finance, competitiveness and material costs. Speaking at the opening of the BIG 5 Construct Ethiopia expo and the inaugural East African Infrastructure & Water Expo at Millennium Hall last week, Chaltu stressed the need for concerted efforts from government, private sector, and international partners to support the 67 billion dol...


Radar

Wegagen Bank, Gift Real Estate Partner to Promote Diaspora Homeownership

Wegagen Bank S.C. and Gift Real Estate Plc. signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on June 23, to offer housing loans for homebuyers, with a special focus on the Ethiopian diaspora. The agreement enables eligible diaspora members to access loans covering up to 80pc of a home's value at reasonable interest rates. The bank's Deputy CEO Kidane Gebreselassie noted the deal will promote the real estate sector and expand homeownership options. Founder and CEO of Gift Real Estate, Gebreyesus Igata...


Radar

Jimma University Signs Sports Science Agreement to Strengthen National Programmes

Jimma University has signed a four-party Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Ethiopian Academy of Sciences, Derartu Tulu Sports Training & Research Institute, and the Oromia Youth & Sport Bureau to advance Ethiopia's sports science and training capacity. Signed on June 26, the agreement includes joint research, shared facilities, and hosting of national and international competitions. It is expected to strengthen youth development, public health, and national pride through coor...