World Bank, IFC Conclude Lighting Project

Dec 28 , 2019


[ssba-buttons]

Lighting Africa, a joint International Finance Corporation and World Bank initiative, concluded the national programme after electrifying the households of 12 million people with solar technology. The four-year project was launched with the aim of promoting access to off-grid lighting and energy services for those not connected to the grid by mobilising the private sector to build sustainable markets for affordable, high quality and modern off-grid solar products. The programme also trained over 300 solar technicians, solar distributors and retailers. Moreover, the programme reached over 20 million people with consumer education campaigns. The goal of the project was to develop a commercial market for high-quality solar lanterns and kits that enable access to safer off-grid lighting for 11.8 million people by December 2019 by working in partnership with companies in the off-grid lighting sector.


Radar

Construction Sector Faces 'Serious Trouble,' Minister Warns

The construction industry in Ethiopia is in "serious trouble," said Chaltu Sani, Minister of Urban & Infrastructure Development, citing major challenges with finance, competitiveness and material costs. Speaking at the opening of the BIG 5 Construct Ethiopia expo and the inaugural East African Infrastructure & Water Expo at Millennium Hall last week, Chaltu stressed the need for concerted efforts from government, private sector, and international partners to support the 67 billion dol...


Radar

Wegagen Bank, Gift Real Estate Partner to Promote Diaspora Homeownership

Wegagen Bank S.C. and Gift Real Estate Plc. signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on June 23, to offer housing loans for homebuyers, with a special focus on the Ethiopian diaspora. The agreement enables eligible diaspora members to access loans covering up to 80pc of a home's value at reasonable interest rates. The bank's Deputy CEO Kidane Gebreselassie noted the deal will promote the real estate sector and expand homeownership options. Founder and CEO of Gift Real Estate, Gebreyesus Igata...


Radar

Jimma University Signs Sports Science Agreement to Strengthen National Programmes

Jimma University has signed a four-party Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Ethiopian Academy of Sciences, Derartu Tulu Sports Training & Research Institute, and the Oromia Youth & Sport Bureau to advance Ethiopia's sports science and training capacity. Signed on June 26, the agreement includes joint research, shared facilities, and hosting of national and international competitions. It is expected to strengthen youth development, public health, and national pride through coor...