Struggling Leather Industry Garners $19m from Exports


The export of leather and leather products has brought in 19 million dollars so far this fiscal year. The figure is nearly 30pc less than what was targeted by the Ethiopian Leather Industry Development Institute. A lack of container capacity and immediate access to cargo services are behind the failure to meet export targets, according to Dagnachew Shiferaw, director-general of the Institute. The leather industry has been struggling for the past couple of years, dealing with challenges ranging from the unavailability of quality hides and skins to the closure of export destinations due to COVID-19. Leather exports made up less than one percent of the country's export revenues last year. The Institute targets to ship 90 million dollars worth of leather goods abroad this year.


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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...


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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...


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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...