Prime Minister Reports to Parliament

Apr 3 , 2023


Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed (PhD) showed up to Parliament last week to present a six-month report. He called for "a new normal" to survive the tectonic aftershock from the changing global order, whose impact he projected to be immense in the next five years. Fuel and fertilizer subsidies added up to 70 billion Br in the period, according to the Prime Minister's presentation while Ethiopia's debt burden both domestic and external combined with inflation, underwhelming productivity and shabby infrastructure were indicated as the biggest hurdles to economic prosperity by the PM. This analysis comes in a week at which  IMF staff visited the country to discuss debt restructuring possibilities. Parliamentarians had voiced concerns over poor performance and lack of equity in public infrastructure, mainly unfinished road projects; pervasive official corruption; inadequate public utility provisions such as electricity and water; and the absence of media accountability. The highlight of the session to most spectators was a suggestion of resignation by Christian Tadelle hurled at the PM. Christian who is part of the National Movement of Amhara (NAMA) told Abiy “the primary source of insecurity for the people is your administration.”


Radar

Ethiopia Buys Time, Not Relief as Creditors Stall on Debt Write-Off

Ethiopia's official creditors expect to finalise a draft restructuring of the country's debt in the coming months, granting the government more time to repay its obligations while avoiding a direct reduction to the initial debt amount. Ethiopia defaulted on its external debt in December 2023, before its leaders announced a preliminary deal in March with its Official Creditor Committee to reorganise 8.4 billion dollars, an essential step in moving beyond sovereign default. Under the agreement...


Radar

Road Injuries Increase by 35pc, with Pedestrians Most Affected

Addis Abeba's streets continue to present fatal risks for pedestrians, who account for 86pc of all traffic fatalities reported in 2023/24. Megenagna emerged as a particularly hazardous area, logging the highest number of fatalities, including 13 deaths. While the number of pedestrian deaths has dipped slightly, overall injuries have surged by 35pc since 2020/21, with eight out of 10 injuries involving those on foot. The Addis Abeba City Administration revised its 13-year road safety strate...


Radar

Awash Insurance Customer Week Discount

Awash Insurance Company(AIC), serving for over 30 years, gives a 25pc discount on Mortgage Redemption Insurance (MRI), Individual Life Insurance, Education Insurance, Workers' Compensation Insurance, and Fire & Lightning Insurance. This was announced during the celebration of Customer Week at their headquarters, on April 7,2025. Jibat Alemneh, CEO of the company said, Vehicles owners that purchased thier cars with full insurance coverage will receive enhanced benefits at no extra cost at...