MPs Raise Concern Over Budget Transfer to Human Rights Commission

May 31 , 2020


[ssba-buttons]

Lawmakers raised concerns over the new proposed procedure that allows the deposit of the entire budget of the Human Rights Commission with a month of the parliament legislating the federal budget. The existing law states that the Commission's budget should be deposited at the National Bank of Ethiopia, or at another bank designated by the NBE, and shall be utilised in accordance with financial regulations of the government for implementing the Commission's objectives. The newly drafted establishment proclamation of the Commission proposed that the money shall be transferred to the Commission's account within a month after the federal budget is approved by the parliament. The draft was submitted during the session that was held at the end of last week in the presence of 298 members. However, some MPs doubt the country can afford to inject any kind of money after the economic devastation caused by the pandemic. The draft has also restructured the nominations of the committee members by adding new members from the National Election Board of Ethiopia, the Ethiopian Academy of Science, civil society organisations, and another member to be elected by the joint agreement of opposition parties and given a seat in the House.


Radar

State-Owned Enterprises Deliver, But Fund Seeks More from Underperformers

Ethiopian Investment Holdings (EIH), the country's sovereign wealth fund, closed its annual performance review with a mix of strong gains and lingering concerns across its portfolio of state-owned enterprises. Ethiopian Shipping & Logistics led the year with 4.5 million tons of cargo, driving revenues up 90pc and doubling pre-tax profit. Sugar production from Wonji Shoa, Metehara, and Fincha climbed 34.8pc to 163,290 tons, nearly doubling revenues to 15.6 billion Br, though EIH flagged ch...


Radar

MIDROC Cocoa Drive, Local Production Focus on Value Addition

MIDROC Investment Group is placing a bold wager on cocoa in the lowlands of Sheka. Building on extensive trials at the Bebeka Coffee State Farm, the company has introduced globally prized Forastero, Trinitario, and Criollo varieties alongside coffee. "The results are astonishing," said General Manager Beshada Worku, pointing to international prices that range from 8,200 to 14,000 dollars a ton. The project's first phase covers 50 hectares, with 44,000 seedlings already planted. Expansion to ...


Radar

Bureau Maps Out 1,700 Land Rights in a Month

The Rights Registration & Holding Service Directorate under the Bureau of Land Development & Administration prepared over 1,700 landholding certification maps in a single month. The update came during the bureau's July performance review, which measured progress against the upcoming fiscal year's targets. Director Tesfamichael Endale said efforts are being scaled up to give farmers secure land rights and quicker certification. Deputy Head WendwossenBanjaw added that the priority ahead...