Japanese Agency Launches Rice Research Lab

Radar

Coffee Export Platform Links Ethiopian Roasters with Overseas Consumers

Ethiopian coffee roasters have gained a direct route to international consumers through a multi-brand e-commerce export platform launched by DHL Express Ethiopia and EXM Global PLC. The companies say it is the first platform of its kind in Ethiopia. Bringing together 10 Ethiopian coffee brands in a single digital marketplace, the platform enables overseas customers to order freshly roasted coffee in quantities ranging from speciality retail purchases to larger commercial volumes. DHL Express...

Addis Abeba Clears 59Km of Rivers, Remains Short of Halfway

Addis Abeba has completed 59Km of river cleanup and development work, although total coverage has yet to reach 50pc. Mayor Adanech Abebe said the 59Km stretch was transformed in one and a half years as she presented a comprehensive review of the city's strategic plan from 2022 to 2026. Mayor Abebe described the progress as a major "breakthrough", saying the work relied entirely on the city's funding, engineers, architects and workers. By comparison, she said, a world-renowned foreign contract...

Kisse Platform Brings Collateral-Free Microloans Through Agent Network

Mefithe Microfinance S.C., MZ Tech, and Arifpay Financial Technologies S.C. have launched “Kisse”, an agent-powered digital microloan platform designed to expand access to finance for micro and small enterprises. Through trained local agents, borrowers can apply for collateral-free, short-term business loans. Once approved, the funds are transferred to mobile wallets or bank accounts through Arifpay's payment gateway. The partners said loans can be disbursed within hours. Under the par...