Japan Proffers $13.6m Grant for Pandemic

Jul 25 , 2020


[ssba-buttons]

The government of Japan gave 13.6 million dollars in grant funding to Ethiopia for the procurement of medical supplies to support the ongoing battle against the Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19). The agreement was inked by Ahmed Shide, minister of Finance, and Daisuke Matsunaga, ambassador of Japan to Ethiopia, at the end of last week. The new grant is a continuation of the 2019 Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD-7) commitments to expand universal health coverage and the African health and well-being initiatives. It will be directed for the supply of critical medical equipment including accessories, spare parts, installation, operation and maintenance. This aid will strengthen the healthcare system through the provision of health and medical equipment including radiography systems and portable ultrasound scanners to hospitals and medical universities in Addis Abeba, Dire Dawa and 10 other cities, according to Daisuke.


Radar

Coffee Hub Illu Ababor Targets Bigger Share in Global Market

Illu Ababor Zone supplied more than 51,000 tons of coffee to the central market in the 2024/25 fiscal year, Deputy Administrator Mohammed Teha reported. The effort is part of the "Neqemte Initiative," designed to promote production, productivity, and quality in top foreign exchange earner. The zone spans over 700,000 hectares, including 300,000 hectares of newly planted and rehabilitated coffee and 400,000 hectares of wild varieties, cementing its role as a major coffee hub. Officials highlig...


Radar

From Loan to Tap, Ministry Secures Water Infrastructure Funds

The Ministry of Water & Energy has signed a cooperation framework with China Exim Bank, facilitated by contractor CGCOC, securing a 100 million dollars loan. State Minister for Drinking Water & Sanitation Ambassador Asfaw Dingamo (PhD) said the funding will finance water supply and sanitation infrastructure in five cities: Holeta in Oromia, Areka in the South, Inseno and Tora in Central Ethiopia, and Mizan Aman in the South...


Radar

Bureau Rolls Out QR-Enabled IDs for Inspectors

The Addis Abeba Revenues Bureau has equipped inspectors with QR (quick response) code-integrated ID cards to curb fraud and improve transparency. Launched in Mercato, the system lets merchants verify inspectors' identities via smartphone, deterring impersonation and extortion. Bureau head Biniyam Mikiru said the move strengthens technology-backed oversight and shields compliant taxpayers. Inspectors will also wear new uniforms to distinguish them from impostors. Merchants praised the reform, say...