Lawmakers Give Green Light to Privatisation Bill

Jun 14 , 2020


A privatisation bill, which will buffer the privatisation process of state-owned enterprises, was legislated by lawmakers last week. It was approved with 16 against and three votes abstaining during a session that was attended by 292 MPs. The proclamation, which replaces its two-decade-old predecessor, recognises the Council of Ministers and the Ministry of Finance as stakeholders in the privatisation process. The privatisation process will be made within the mandates of the Public Enterprise Holding & Administration Agency. The proclamation was drafted by the Ministry of Finance and the Public Enterprises Holding & Administration Agency with technical support from the World Bank Group and the Tony Blair Foundation. It also requires the revenue from privatisation to be deposited in a special account designated for the Industrial Development Fund administered by the Ministry of Finance after the associated costs of the transaction are removed.


Radar

Fitch Downgrades Lemmi National Cement Investor

Fitch Ratings has lowered West China Cement Limited's (WCC) credit rating due to concerns over its financial health and operating environment in Ethiopia. The company's Long-Term Issuer Default Rating has been downgraded to 'B-' from 'B+', and its senior unsecured rating has been reduced to 'CCC+'. WCC's free cash flow is expected to remain negative in 2024, primarily due to high capital expenditures and challenges in generating sufficient revenue. The company faces significant operating risk...


Radar

Ethiopia Seals Currency Swap Deal with China

Ethiopia and China have agreed to use their respective currencies for bilateral trade, a move aimed at enhancing economic cooperation and addressing foreign exchange challenges. The announcement was made by Ethiopian Finance Minister Ahmed Shide following the recent Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) meeting in Beijing. He revealed that the central banks of both countries are finalizing the details of the currency swap agreement, similar to the one Ethiopia signed with the United Arab...


Radar

USAID Launches National Youth SACCOs

The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) Integrated Youth Activity (IYA), Kefeta, has reached a milestone in its youth empowerment efforts. The Amref Health Africa-led project has successfully established youth-owned and managed Savings and Credit Cooperatives (SACCOs) in 18 cities. The Kefeta Youth SACCO, now operational on a national scale, has already garnered substantial membership and savings. With over 7,800 members, 38,900 shares sold, and nearly 60 million Br in...


Back
WhatsApp
Telegram
Email