Ministry Signs $200m Agreement with World Bank

May 8 , 2021


[ssba-buttons]

Last week, the Ministry of Finance and the World Bank agreed to a 200-million-dollar loan meant to finance a nationwide digitisation project, in line with the ten-year development plan aimed at creating jobs in the technology and telecommunications fields, and encouraging private-sector involvement. The project is to be implemented between now and October 2026. It has three main components: integration of digital technology to increase internet access, facilitation of cost-effectiveness of digital technology to make payment for digital services reasonable, and ensuring the expansion and sustainability of jobs created using digital technology. The Ministry and the World Bank had also inked a 907-million-dollar agreement just a few weeks ago for development support to be applied to increase access to electricity and cushion against the impacts of COVID-19, among other things.


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...