Ministry Consults on New National WASH Program

Apr 15 , 2024


[ssba-buttons]

Officials at the Ministry of Water & Energy are launching a new 10-year National Drinking Water, Sanitation & Hygiene (WASH) Program, funded by a 500 million dollar World Bank loan. It aims to improve access to clean water and sanitation services across 118 weredas. A consultation forum aimed to gather input on the program's design and implementation was held last week. Kebede Gerba (PhD), advisor to the Minister, outlined key changes such as a shift from an input-based approach focusing on construction to a results-based payment system. He said the funding will be tied to achieving specific service delivery goals while ensuring service providers deliver at the best of their capacity. Asfaw Dingamo, state minister, stressed the importance of policies and strategies to ensure fair and sustainable service delivery. He said the government's role in coordinating WASH sector activities since the establishment has room for improvement with most residents lacking access to the essential services.


Radar

Milkii App Disburses 25 Million Br in Collateral-Free Loans in Two Months

Oromia Bank's new collateral-free digital lending app, Milkii, has disbursed 25 million Br in loans without requiring collateral. Of this, 16 million Br has already been repaid, generating 1.4 million Br in revenue within just two months. Developed in partnership with Quantum Technology PLC, the app plans to make lending more accessible and inclusive, aligning with Oromia Bank's contribution to the Digital Ethiopia initiative. According to a press release, Milkii promotes financial inclusi...


Radar

Ethiopia Partners with UK to Ease Shipping Bottlenecks

The Ethiopian Freight Forwarders & Shipping Agents Association (EFFSAA) and the British International Freight Association (BIFA) signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) on May 27, 2025, at Hilton Hotel Addis Abeba, to address skills gaps, customs delays, and corridor inefficiencies in the freight and logistics sector. The partnership focuses on technical cooperation, training, and regulatory reform. With over 90pc of trade dependent on the Djibouti corridor, rising congestion, customs...


Radar

Education Authority Sanctions Mishqen College for Rule Violations

The Education & Training Authority has issued a decisive directive last week, mandating legal action against Mishqen College for persistently defying regulatory orders and unlawfully continuing to offer higher education services. Mishqen College had previously been licensed to conduct undergraduate distance learning programs across multiple regions from 2019 to 2022. However, after serious regulatory breaches, the institution was ordered to cease all instruction, complete pending academic...