Ethiopia Launches Ambitious Coding Initiative


Ethiopia Launches Ambitious Coding Initiative

An initiative to provide fundamental digital skills in programming, Android development, data science, and artificial intelligence to the youth was launched last week. The federal government has partnered with the United Arab Emirates to support the capacity-building initiative until 2026. Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed (PhD) announced the ambitious "Five Million Ethiopian Coders" plan during a launch event held at the Science Museum. It is lauded as a key component of the Digital Ethiopia 2025 strategy, to create a technologically competent workforce. "It'll help bridge the gap between soft and hard skills," said Abiy. The number of youth not in education, employment, or training (NEET) has surged to a staggering 62 million people across Sub-Saharan Africa, according to a recent report released by the International Labor Organisation (ILO). The implications of this alarming trend are particularly troubling for countries like Ethiopia, where declining real wages and a significant youth population are a reality.

[ssba-buttons]

Radar

EthSwitch Sees Record Profit, Expands Digital Payment Reach

EthSwitch, the national switch operator, reported a record 1.4 billion Br gross profit for the fiscal year ending June 2025, a 34pc increase from last year's 1.06 billion Br. The performance was driven by a sharp rise in interoperable transactions, reflecting the country's growing embrace of digital payments. Person-to-person (P2P) transfers led revenue generation with 902.6 million Br, nearly half of total income, followed by ATM transactions contributing 825.1 million Br. Overall revenue cl...


Radar

Lion Bank Delivers Robust Results, Rewarding Shareholders

Lion International Bank S.C. posted a profit before tax of 1.8 billion Br for the last fiscal year, marking a 94pc surge from the previous year. The announcement was made during the bank's General Assembly held last week at the Sheraton Addis Hotel. After provisions and taxes, the bank registered a net profit exceeding 900 million Br, with shareholders earning 27pc per share. Deposits climbed by 23pc to 44 billion Br, up from 35.6 billion Br, while total loans and advances reached 36.2 billio...


Radar

Berhan Bank Lifts Earnings as Reforms Ease Forex Strain

Berhan Bank reported a 28.1pc growth in its latest fiscal year, buoyed by economic reforms and relaxed forex directives. The Bank's total deposits climbed to 44.5 billion Br by June 30, 2025, up 7.6 billion Br from the previous year. Net profit distributed to shareholders rose by 36pc, while total income reached 10.3 billion Br, marking a 61.4pc increase. Interest income accounted for nearly 59pc of total earnings, driven largely by the repeal of the National Bank's 70pc forex surrender rule...