PARCHED BATCHES


PARCHED BATCHES

An aged lorry carries a pile of crushed plastic bottles to a recycling factory around the Gebrael area. With close to 15 million liters of bottled water consumed every day in Ethiopia, concerns over biodegradability prompted a decision to ban imports of the blue masterbatch last year. Despite the removal of the input, which used to cost 50 million dollars annually, prices have increased by 20pc since the decision. A vibrant plastic recycling industry could provide some respite for manufacturers who are constantly plagued by foreign currency shortages.

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Construction Sector Faces 'Serious Trouble,' Minister Warns

The construction industry in Ethiopia is in "serious trouble," said Chaltu Sani, Minister of Urban & Infrastructure Development, citing major challenges with finance, competitiveness and material costs. Speaking at the opening of the BIG 5 Construct Ethiopia expo and the inaugural East African Infrastructure & Water Expo at Millennium Hall last week, Chaltu stressed the need for concerted efforts from government, private sector, and international partners to support the 67 billion dol...


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Wegagen Bank, Gift Real Estate Partner to Promote Diaspora Homeownership

Wegagen Bank S.C. and Gift Real Estate Plc. signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on June 23, to offer housing loans for homebuyers, with a special focus on the Ethiopian diaspora. The agreement enables eligible diaspora members to access loans covering up to 80pc of a home's value at reasonable interest rates. The bank's Deputy CEO Kidane Gebreselassie noted the deal will promote the real estate sector and expand homeownership options. Founder and CEO of Gift Real Estate, Gebreyesus Igata...


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Jimma University Signs Sports Science Agreement to Strengthen National Programmes

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