USAID Launches National Youth SACCOs

Sep 8 , 2024


[ssba-buttons]

The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) Integrated Youth Activity (IYA), Kefeta, has reached a milestone in its youth empowerment efforts. The Amref Health Africa-led project has successfully established youth-owned and managed Savings and Credit Cooperatives (SACCOs) in 18 cities. The Kefeta Youth SACCO, now operational on a national scale, has already garnered substantial membership and savings. With over 7,800 members, 38,900 shares sold, and nearly 60 million Br in savings, the SACCO is demonstrating its potential to enhance financial access for young people. Kefeta aims to benefit two million youth in 18 urban centres by providing comprehensive support for their economic, civic, and social development. The project's approach includes establishing youth-led SACCOs as a key component. At the recent Youth Development and Learning Forum, Kefeta announced the official registration of its youth SACCOs nationwide. Scott Hocklander, USAID Mission Director in Ethiopia, underscored the importance of continued collaboration between USAID IYA and youth-serving organizations to ensure sustainable access to finance and economic advancement for young people.


Radar

Dangote, EIH Break Ground on Mega Fertilizer Plant in Somali Region

Ethiopian Investment Holdings (EIH), the state's sovereign investment arm, has struck a deal with Dangote Group to build one of the world's largest urea fertiliser complexes in Gode, Somali Regional State. The 2.5 billion dollars project will see EIH hold a 40pc stake while Dangote keeps 60pc. With agriculture employing over 70pc of Ethiopians, the government hopes the factory will cut fertiliser costs, create jobs, and boost crop yields while positioning the country as a regional hub. Design...


Radar

CBE Capital Joins Nib Bank for Market Expansion

Nib International Bank has partnered with CBE Capital, the investment arm of the Commercial Bank of Ethiopia (CBE), to expand investment banking services and shore up its finances. The deal covers advisory services, seeking to strengthen Nib's balance sheet, attracting capital, and positioning the bank in a modernising financial sector. The partnership follows a difficult year for Nib, where net profit dropped 36pc to 957.9 million Br and deposits shrank, despite paid-up capital climbing to ...


Radar

Credit Cap Nears Lift-Off

The National Bank of Ethiopia (NBE) is preparing to lift its long-standing credit cap by September, unlocking 1.3 trillion Br in bank lending. The move, flagged by board member and State Minister of Finance Eyob Tekalegn (PhD), follows years of complaints from businesses that borrowing limits choked large-scale projects. Eyob told a local radio station the reform reflects rising investor appetite and improved economic conditions, though he admitted "financing has been the biggest bottleneck for...