Private Investment Takes Flight in Aviation Industry

May 25 , 2024


[ssba-buttons]

Local private operators received the green light last week to expand their services beyond charter flights, offering regular passenger and cargo options. This move by the Ethiopian Civil Aviation Authority is expected to boost the air transport sector, attracting private companies to invest in air travel services. The Authority is partnering with private investors to improve air transport infrastructure by building over 21 new airstrips and helipads in previously underserved areas. Officials believe this expansion is expected to strengthen economic ties and facilitate trade across the country, with a particular focus on increasing accessibility to tourist destinations. This initiative coincides with the launch of a separate project aimed at enhancing passenger experience at Bole International Airport. Partnering with the Ethiopian Civil Service Commission, the project focuses on streamlining processes to reduce passenger wait times. It follows an initial needs assessment conducted in April.


Radar

Ethiopia Unveils Consortium to Insure Millions of Farmers

Ethiopia has launched its Agricultural Insurance Consortium (AICE), pledging to protect three million farmers by 2026. Announced on July 3, 2025, at the Hyatt Regency, the initiative is backed by Pula Advisors and five major Ethiopian insurers. AICE plans to promote climate resilience through insurance bundled with the government's input voucher system. Leveraging AI platforms like Mavuno and PIE, it plans to standardise products, lower costs, and expand coverage to over 200 woredas. With agricu...


Radar

New Coopbank Partnership Targets Youth Economic Empowerment

The Cooperative Bank of Oromia (Coopbank) has signed a strategic agreement with Melka Ethiopia to provide loan services to over 120,000 young men and women nationwide. The partnership plans to promote youth economic empowerment by expanding access to finance and creating jobs, with a strong focus on rural and underserved areas. Both institutions held joint discussions to explore ways to improve youth livelihoods and financial inclusion. By closing access gaps, the partnership is expected to help...


Radar

Ethiopian Netpreneur Program Training Kicks Off

The Ethiopian Netpreneur 2025 Training Program has officially launched its first cohort in Addis Abeba with 64 entrepreneurs beginning their first round of training. Organised by the Global Digital Talent Academy, the initiative plans to empower local business owners, startup founders, and digital sector players with global-level e-commerce skills. At the launch event, Innovation and Technology Minister Belete Mola (PhD) urged participants to leverage the opportunity to build networks and shape...