Trade Ministry Changes Guard

Jul 7 , 2024


[ssba-buttons]

Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed (PhD) made a series of appointments last week, assigning Kassahun Goffe (PhD) as the new Minister of Trade & Regional Integration. Kassahun, who previously served as the State Minister, succeeds Gebremeskel Chala, who navigated the country through various trade reforms. The appointment comes amidst an export slump, as Ethiopia has faced major economic and political headwinds over the past few years. The Ministry reported a shortfall of 863 million dollars from its half-year export target, highlighting ongoing difficulties in balancing import needs and export earnings. In another key appointment, Fisseha Yiagesu (PhD), who briefly served as State minister for Trade, has been named the new head of the Industrial Parks Development Corporation, succeeding Aklilu Tadesse, who transitioned to the role of State Minister for Tourism. Fisseha's initial visit was to the Dire Dewa Free Trade Zone, where he observed activities in the area.


Radar

Deposit Insurance Fund Grows to 15.1B Br, Signals Readiness for Crisis Response

Two years into its operations, the Ethiopian Deposit Insurance Fund (EDIF) has grown its asset base to 15.1B Br, reinforcing its role as a critical backstop for depositors and financial institutions alike. The Fund, established under a proclamation by the Council of Ministers, was designed to shield depositors in the event of bank or microfinance collapses. Since its inception, EDIF has focused on collecting premiums from member institutions, investing the funds, and building a system robust...


Radar

Rockefellers 100m Dollars Leap into Regenerative Lunches

As part of the UNFSS+4 High-Level Convening, a thematic session titled "Nourishing the Future through Regenerative School Meals" was held on July 26, 2025, at the Sheraton Addis on Taitu St. It brought together prominent figures including Ethiopia's former Prime Minister Hailemariam Desalegn, former First Lady Roman Tesfaye, and Kenya's First Lady Rachel Ruto. Organised by the Rockefeller Foundation, the event focused on overhauling child nutrition through regenerative agriculture. Sarah Farl...


Radar

Hijra Bank Backs Young Innovators with Awards, Loans

Hijra Bank has awarded five young Ethiopian innovators in the final round of its “Sirara” Creative Spark Awards, selected from over 27,000 applicants. The programme targets practical innovations in agriculture, sustainability, and appropriate technology. Top winner Milkias Ahmed (PhD) received a 300,000 Br prize and a 3 million Br interest-free loan for developing an organic soil conditioner from animal bones. Second and third prizes went to Yusuf Ali and Muhammad Juhar for a crop-harvest...