Climate Financing Garners Little Attention

Apr 3 , 2023


[ssba-buttons]

Ethiopia has 14 times less climate finance than it requires, according to research conducted by FSD Africa partnering with Climate Policy Initiative (CPI). An average of 1.7 billion dollars, which translates to seven percent of the 25.3 billion dollars Ethiopia's estimated needs were committed towards climate change-related activities three years ago. The figure is less than two percent of the country's GDP. This was disclosed at a knowledge series event hosted by FSD Ethiopia at Sheraton Addis Hotel two weeks ago. About 92pc of the climate finance landscape in Ethiopia is funded by international public financiers of which 70pc is gained through grants while the rest is covered by domestic and international private investors. Based on the findings, the paper made policy and regulatory recommendations for the National Bank of Ethiopia to support the development of capital markets, address forex shortages, establish a favourable collateral policy for smallholder farmers and small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), offer favourable lending terms to microfinance institutions, and expand mobile banking services. Established in 2021, FSD Ethiopia is a market facilitator that supports and works with the government, the private sector and civil society organizations in the areas of financial inclusion, access to capital, and climate finance, to address the root causes of financial system failures.


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...