In search for power, Ethiopia turns to growing sugar
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ADDIS ABABA, Ethiopia (Thomson Reuters Foundation) – Eating and drinking in Ethiopia involves a lot of sugar, from the quintessentially Ethiopian buna (coffee) ceremony to the fare in pastry shops. But it’s expensive to import.
Now the government has embarked on an ambitious project to grow more sugar to meet that demand – but also to boost electricity production and to create sugar-based ethanol that could help reduce car emissions and cut down on fossil fuel imports.
Ethiopia currently produces about 300,000 tonnes of sugar a year from three factories, at Wonchi, Metehera and Finchaa. The factories also generate 62 megawatts (MW) of electricity, half of which is used by the sugar plants themselves, with the rest sent to the national electric grid.
Gossaye Mengiste, an official at the Ministry of Water, Irrigation and Energy, says Ethiopia has the potential to produce 600 MW of energy from sugar when 13 additional factories now being built start production – a considerable boost to the country’s national electricity output.
QUADRUPLE THE ENERGY
Altogether, Ethiopia aims to generate up to 8,000 MW of additional energy by the end of the next year, more than quadrupling its current 2,200 MW. Most of the energy will come from hydropower and wind – but waste energy, geothermal and co-generation from sugar plants are all part of the strategy.
The government, facing a shortage of at least 200,000 tonnes of sugar a year, as well as persistent electricity cuts and rising pollution from its busy streets, sees growth in sugar as a cost-effective, environmentally friendly answer.
Ethiopia is working to build a climate-resilient green economy and aiming for a net carbon output of zero by 2025. Reducing emissions from cars, a big source of greenhouse gases, is a key part of that, Mengiste said.
Another economic goal is to become a middle-income country by 2025, which depends on the government keeping the economy growing at what it claims has been an annual growth rate of 10 percent a year over the past decade.
The government has focused on increasing use of ethanol, a byproduct of sugar, as a source of electricity because it’s relatively cheap and doesn’t require a dedicated factory, so it can act as a supplementary energy source when needed.
THREAT TO PASTORALISTS?
Sugar plantations, however, need large tracts of lands. The question of land availability in lowland areas – most of which are occupied by pastoralists who occupy 60 percent of the country’s land but account for only 11 percent of its population – may be a difficult one.
Zemdekun Tekle, corporate communications director at the Ethiopian Sugar Corporation, the state entity that handles all sugar projects, says the current projects benefit both local people and the country as a whole.
Planting sugar has created employment for local people and pushed pastoralists into settling, he said. He pointed to the Omo Valley where local people produce maize and have been provided with health clinics, schools and saw mills.
In the area, “graduates are learning practical skills with the sugar industry, becoming a skilled workforce and eventually becoming innovators themselves,” Tekle said.
Another benefit from the sugar project is that it produces high-quality cattle feed as a byproduct, helping the country’s large livestock sector which had previously been hampered by lack of good cattle feed, the Sugar Corporation noted.
But critics aren’t convinced of the merits of the scheme, saying efforts to expand sugar production are based on a condescending plan drawn up mainly by people living in highland areas but affecting the lowland population.
Groups like Survival International and other minority rights bodies have urged potential donors to shy away from such projects, which they allege destroy pastoralist populations. Tekle admitted that such lobbying has reduced the range of Ethiopia’s funding partners.
FUNDING FROM INDIA, CHINA
But emerging economies such as India and China have already opened their wallets, he said, noting that the visit of Chinese Premier Li Keqianq in May coincided with a $500 million loan funding agreement for one such project – the Welkayit sugar factory.
In highland Addis Ababa, a bustling metropolis of more than three million people, however, business people and residents alike are more concerned with finding sugar for their daily needs at an affordable price.
One such person is Tsehay Gebremeskel, who has owned and run a small café in the capital for more than 20 years.
“I use sugar for the tea, coffee, milk, pastry and juices I serve to my customers, but I’m having difficulty finding sugar regularly from the government shop for a price of 1550 birr ($78) per quintal,” she said. The cost of sugar is eating into her profits, from which she pays her employees and bills for the café and covers her home expenses.
The government plans to meet the sugar shortage by opening seven new sugar-processing plants by the end of next year, which will raise the country’s production capacity from 300,000 tonnes to 1.2 million tonnes a year. The plants will require 348,000 hectares of land, the government says.
The government estimates national sugar demand at about 650,000 tonnes a year, with current shortfalls made up by imports from Thailand and Dubai. But with added sugar-growing capacity in place by 2015, Ethiopia aims to export some 550,000 tonnes, giving it earnings projected at $300 million by the end of next year.
E.G. Woldegebriel is a journalist based in Addis Ababa with an interest in environmental issues.
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Netafim in Ethiopian talks to sell $200m irrigation systems
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By Irit Avissar and Ron Stein
A consortium of Israel financial institutions is providing financing for an Ethiopian government company.
Drip irrigation technology company Netafim Ltd. is in advanced negotiations for a $190-200 million deal to supply pumping and underground drip irrigation systems for sugar cane to an Ethiopian government company. A consortium of Israel financial institutions, headed by Bank Hapoalim (TASE: POLI), is providing financing for the Ethiopian company.
The project is complex, and its terms, including the financing question, have not yet been finally closed. Netafim, managed by CEO Ran Meidan, is carrying out the work in Ethiopia in cooperation with Global Africa Industries, owned and managed by Itai Terner. In addition to the complex deal itself, one of the interesting things about it concerns the question of financing. The bank’s customer is Netafim, but the party receiving credit from the bank is an Ethiopian company controlled by the Ethiopian local government, with the money being paid to Netafim as payment for the project. The finance transaction is a complicated scheme called buyer credit, in which the bank is actually financing the company receiving services from its customer. Credit granted to an Ethiopian company, however, is considered high-risk credit, because it involves a company operating in a country defined as an emerging market, and which does not have large foreign currency reserves. This loan is therefore designed to be secured through a credit insurance company. The parties have apparently not yet settled the question of the insurance, and it has not yet been determined whether the party providing it will be the government credit insurance company or a foreign credit insurance company.
The advantage of the deal for Bank Hapoalim is that the risk is being transferred to the credit insurance company (these companies have high debt and financial strength ratings), which means that Bank Hapoalim’s risk is determined by the credit risk of the insurance company insuring the loan, which is low, rather than by the Ethiopian company’s risk.
Quite a big deal
The negotiations for putting together a financing package have reached an advanced stage, although they have not yet been finally approved. The deal is a rather large one, and the bank is therefore expected to recruit other financial institutions to take part in it, apparently mainly foreign institutions specializing in this type of transactions. Bank Hapoalim is also providing credit to Netafim directly through a consortium that includes Clal Insurance Enterprises Holdings Ltd. (TASE: CLIS), Harel Insurance Investments and Financial Services Ltd. (TASE: HARL), Amitim (the older pension funds for which an arrangement has been made), Mizrahi Tefahot Bank (TASE:MZTF), Israel Discount Bank (TASE: DSCT), Union Bank of Israel (TASE: UNON), and HSBC. Some of these institutions may also participate in financing this contract.
Netafim, controlled by the Permira private equity fund, uses drip irrigation that saves water and reduces erosion and soil exhaustion. Netafim exports $800 million annually. The company has 16 plants in 11 countries, and 13 of its plants are outside of Israel. The company has 4,000 employees.
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Dr. Tedros holds talks with Chairman of Ezdan Holding Group
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Foreign Affairs Minister Dr. Tedros Adhanom held talks on Tuesday (August 26) with Dr. Khalid bin Thani Al Thani, Chairman of Ezdan Holding Group of Qatar.
He welcomed the choice of Ethiopia as an epicenter of the company’s investment and expressed the hope that the Ezdan Holding Group’s investment would create a new era for the development of Ethio-Qatar bilateral ties.
Dr. Tedros, noting that Ethiopia was a champion of macro-economic stability and socio-economic development, mentioned the country’s remarkable economic performance registered over the last ten years with an average real GDP growth of 10.9%.
This, he said, was the result of the right-mix of development policies and strategies and tremendous public investment in infrastructure, agriculture and services.
He said major international rating firms had recently appreciated Ethiopia’s impressive growth trajectory, giving a rating of “B” and “B+”.
He detailed the priority areas of investment, including manufacturing, building and the development of industrial zones, renewable energy and health.
All these, he said, would surely bring win-win outcomes and tangible benefits to Ethiopia and the Ezdan Holding Group.
He also mentioned that Ethiopia had signed agreements on investment promotion and protection and avoidance of double taxation with Qatar, and hoped these agreements would provide additional impetus to the Ezdan Group’s engagement in selected areas of investment.
Dr. Tedros added that Ethiopia had also become an important force for regional peace, security and stability, and emphasized its valued links with neighboring countries as mutually cooperative partners to consolidate an integrated, stable and prosperous region.
Dr. Khalid bin Thani Al Thani said Ethiopia’s present economic takeoff and future economic and political trajectory were the major driving forces to encouragement in investment and add value in the country’s national renaissance in the areas of health, real-estate development and hotels in which his company was ready to invest.
Dr. Tedros said the Ministry was a significant point through which to engage in Ethiopia’s investment and business opportunities, and he recommended the value of participating in the Government’s efforts to make Ethiopia a nucleus of medical tourism in Africa.
The Qatar delegation also met with President Dr. Mulatu who highlighted the government’s readiness to offer all possible support to encourage foreign investment in Ethiopia through available facilities and incentives and policies that protect investments in the country.
Sheikh Khalid said building long-lasting strategic relationships between the private sectors of the two countries should benefit the efforts and attempts to open new markets and promote new joint ventures locally and internationally, including attractive strategic projects for local and foreign investments.
He said he observed a clear interest from the Ethiopian side in the Qatari investment and serious attempts to provide suitable and attractive environment for investments that could play an influential role in moving the wheel of development in the country and finding new job opportunities.
First Addis Abeba tram rolls out
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ETHIOPIA: The first of 41 trams being built for the two-line network under construction in Addis Abeba was unveiled at CNR Changchun’s plant in China on August 26.
The trams were ordered in March 2014 and are scheduled to be delivered by January, being shipped via Tianjin and Djibouti with a journey time of about 50 days.
CNR said the arrival of the first Chinese-built trams in Africa would act as demonstrator for Chinese technology, opening the door to other African markets including proposed light rail lines in Kenya, Congo, Zimbabwe, Egypt and Nigeria.
The three-section 70% low-floor cars have an entrance height of 350 mm and a steel and aluminium body designed to combine strength with lightness. They are designed to operate in pairs at speeds up to 70 km/h.
To cope with the effects of strong sunlight at altitudes of 2 400 m, the trams have tinted windows designed to filter out 90% of the ultraviolet rays, and the rubber components and cables are specified to avoid premature ageing. The roof is designed for rapid drainage to cope with sudden heavy downpours, with roof-mounted components in weather-sealed housings. Reflecting typical year-round temperatures between 6°C and 28°C, the trams will have opening windows to save the energy and maintenance costs of air-conditioning.
Two lines are being built by China Railway Eryuan Engineering Group for completion by January 2015. One will run 16·9 km north-south from Menelik Square to Kaliti, and the other running 17·4 km east-west from Ayat to Tor Hailoch. The routes will share tracks for a 2·7 km section between Lideta and Meskel Square. Export-Import Bank of China is providing loans to cover 85% of the cost of the project.
As well as supplying the trams, CNR is to provide staff training, with 50 Ethiopian drivers and maintenance personnel to begin courses during September.
http://www.railwaygazette.com/news/single-view/view/first-addis-abeba-tram-rolls-out.html
- – Huawei awarded Addis Abeba light rail telecoms contract
- – Addis Abeba – Djibouti electric locomotives ordered
- – CNR Dalian locomotives exported to Ethiopia
- – Addis Abeba tram supplier selected
- – Addis Abeba light rail civil works to be completed this year
- – Chinese funding for Addis Abeba light rail
- – Addis Abeba plans interurban light rail
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Ethiopia’s herbal high struggles after foreign ban
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Written by
AWADAY, August 27-
For a town seen as a key trading centre for khat, a drug that is banned in many countries, Ethiopia’s Awaday can seem pretty drowsy and laid-back.
As the sun sets on the small eastern town, farmers and brokers of the amphetamine shrub rouse from an afternoon slumber to cut deals in the bustling market, one of the busiest centres of international trade for the leaves.
Khat, a multi-million dollar business for countries across the Horn of Africa and in Yemen, consists of the succulent purple stemmed leaves and shoots of a bush whose scientific name is Catha edulis.
Chewing it for hours produces a mild buzz.
But Britain in June classified khat as an illegal drug, closing the last market in Europe in the wake of a similar ban by The Netherlands in January.
For the thousands of farmers and traders here in Awaday, 525 kilometres (325 miles) east of the Ethiopian capital, the ban has already had a severe impact.
Previously the plant was Ethiopia’s fourth largest export, earning more than $270 million (205 million euros) in 2012-13.
“All of the people, they are in big trouble, even the man who brings from the farm to the market, and the guy who buys from here to export,” said exporter Mustafa Yuye.
“For most of the people here, their living is by khat, they don’t have other jobs,” he added, speaking after an early morning shift at the manic market, where several tonnes of the herb change hands each day.
- ‘In trouble without work’ -
For first time chewers, the bitter leaves — stuffed in a squash ball sized bulge in the cheek for several hours — offer little more than a sour taste, a sore jaw and the sensation that one has drunk several pots of coffee.
The UN World Health Organization says the plant causes irritability, insomnia and lethargy.
More experienced chewers describe a meditative, almost trance-like state, where one’s sense of time slips away. The user may sit still for hours, yet remain alert to conversation or reading matter.
While debates about khat’s effects on health go on, around 20 million people across the Horn of Africa and the Arabian Peninsula chew the plant every day.
In Ethiopia, where khat is intertwined with ancient traditions — Muslim clerics chewed it to help them study the Koran — the shrub is legal.
Crops are now sold to neighbouring nations, especially Somalia and across the Red Sea to Yemen.
Khat must be chewed fresh because its potency fades within hours.
After frantic trading, drivers pile bundles into airplanes or pickup trucks, dashing along dirt tracks at breakneck speeds for wider distribution.
Before the ban, Mustafa sent more than three tonnes a month to the Horn of Africa diaspora in Britain, but he is now restricted to supplying domestic and regional markets.
Prices have tumbled. “Our money is getting less,” Mustafa said, and farmers in Kenya share similar concerns.
Brokers like Mustafa can earn up to $30 (22 euros) per kilo (2.2 pounds) in the top markets, but as little as $5 (three euros) for the same quantity of low-grade khat in regional markets, according to local traders.
Redundant khat broker Tofiq Mohammed said the whole town of Awaday will be hit by the ban. He used to sell two tonnes to Britain a month but has now stopped working.
“From the farmer to the traders, we are in trouble without work,” he said.
- ‘Social addiction’ -
Some farmers had switched to khat from crops like coffee or maize, because khat can be harvested year-round and previously fetched stable prices at the market.
Kadija Yusuf, surrounded by her chest-high bushes, says she preferred khat farming since it needs less water than coffee.
“There was not enough water, so I started growing khat,” Kadija said. “If they don’t allow us to export we will stop this and return to coffee.”
Her earnings were low — about $38 (28 euros) in a good month — and she worries that her income will now drop further.
With prices falling it is cheaper to chew, but critics say that for those hooked on the leaves, the habit squanders their cash and time.
“When you chew khat you focus, you read a lot,” said Adil Ahemmed, sitting on the floor surrounded by friends and piles of khat stalks, while coffee beans roasted over a flame.
But he calls chewing a “social addiction”, and admits it is draining his money.
He spends about six euros a day on the plant, about 90 percent of his earnings as a computer technician.
“Economically it damages us,” Adil said, his cheek packed with leaves, swollen like a hamster. “That’s the biggest problem, especially for youth.”
http://www.capitalfm.co.ke/business/2014/08/ethiopias-herbal-high-struggles-after-foreign-ban/
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Professor Tekalign Wins The 2014 Yara Prize
The Yara Prize 2014 is being awarded to Ethiopian Professor Tekalign Mamo Assefa.
Currently state minister and adviser to the Ethiopian Minister of Agriculture, Professor Mamo has long been a key contributor to the country’s food security, soil health and natural resources programs, according to a statement the Yara Prize Committee emailed to WIC today.
For 2014, the Yara Prize Committee has focused on the future of farming in Africa. Special attention has been given to food and nutrition security and the twin challenges of employment and income generation.
“As a laureate, Professor Mamo stands out for his remarkable effort across levels, but always rooted in a profound understanding of how transformation must always include the farmer. As a scientist, leader and practitioner, Professor Mamo’s innovative and inclusive efforts have been instrumental in lifting millions of farmers’ income,” says Jørgen Ole Haslestad, President and CEO of Yara and Chairman of the Yara Prize Committee.
Over the past three decades, Professor Mamo has endeavored to improve the livelihoods of Ethiopian farmers, leveraging his scientific knowledge and exhibiting leadership.
Developing targeted interventions for management of waterlogged soils, rehabilitating acidic soils and degraded landscapes, winning farmer acceptance of technologies and modernizing Ethiopia’s fertilizer advisory service are important hallmarks of his engagement.
“By awarding the Yara Prize, we salute the champions of sustainable agricultural development. I wish to extend my personal congratulations to Professor Mamo,” says Haslestad.
The laureate will be celebrated during the Yara Prize Ceremony in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, on 2 September in connection with the African Green Revolution Forum 2014.
The Yara Prize for an African Green Revolution seeks to contribute to the transformation of African agriculture and food availability, within a sustainable context, thereby helping to reduce hunger and poverty.
The Yara Prize is based on nominations of candidates who are carefully evaluated by the Yara Prize Committee. The Yara Prize consists of USD 60,000, a crystal trophy and a diploma. The Yara Prize was handed out in Oslo from 2005 to 2009.
From 2012, the prize ceremony was moved to Africa where it is handed out as part of the African Green Revolution Forum, which took place in Arusha, Tanzania (2012) and Maputo, Mozambique (2013).
http://www.waltainfo.com/index.php/explore/14729-professor-tekalign-wins-the-2014-yara-prize-
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Second Wheat Consignment Arrives to Stabilise Grain Market
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- The Ethiopian Government has been importing wheat in this manner for a number of years
A special consideration in Addis Abeba is that 4,520qt out of its monthly quota of 113,000qt will be distributed to people considered as lower income.
The second consignment of two million quintals of wheat the government bought from Ukraine will arrive at the Port of Djibouti by the beginning of September 2014. The first consignment of the same size has already started to arrive at the central warehouse of the Ethiopian Grain Trade Enterprise (EGTE), as of July 29, 2014.
The second consignment will leave Ukraine on August 25 loaded on five ships, each with a capacity of 420,000 quintals. The government spent 2.4 billion Br to buy the grain through an international tender floated by the Government Procurement & Property Disposal Services (GPPDS). The GPPDS selected six companies to buy the two consignments, according to Ali Siraje, state minister of Trade.
The wheat will be distributed to different parts of the country to stabilise the domestic grain market, according to Etenesh Gebremichael, public relation & trade information supportive process manager at the EGTE. The government will distribute the wheat to 281 flour factories all over Ethiopia through the EGTE at a subsidised price of 550 Br a quintal It will then sell the flour to 5,000 bakeries, which have already been identified and linked with the factories, for 796 Br a quintal.
One quintal of wheat will yield only 73kg of flour, leading to the escalated price, says Ali.
“Only the bakeries that are linked with the flour factories will get flour,” said Ali.
A special consideration in Addis Abeba is that 4,520qt out of its monthly quota of 113,000qt will be distributed to people considered as lower income. So far 740,000qt has arrived from the first consignment, of which 233,615qt is already under distribution as of Monday, August 18, 2014. A quarter of the supply will go to Addis Abeba; the least share among the regions will go to Harari, which will get just 2,500qt, according to Etenesh.
The government now subsidises 226 Br a quintal on retail prices, covering the transport cost from the place of purchase to the central warehouse in Addis Abeba. This costs the government a total of 776 Br a quintal, Ali said.
The government has been importing wheat like this for years. Its total wheat expenses for market stabilisation between 2009/10 and 2012/13 was 8.47 billion Br. The amount spent in 2013/14, in which it bought five million quintals is yet to be determined. In 2009/10, it purchased 5.3 million quintals for 1.87 billion Br; the following year, the import was down to 2.58 million quintals, which was bought for 1.3 billion Br. The 2011/12 fiscal year saw a 4.1 million quintal import for 2.2 billion Br and in 2012/13 the government spent 3.07 billion Br on 5.5 million quintals.
Agrimpex Ltd – a company registered in London, in December 1990 – has been a major supplier of commodities to the Ethiopian government, including a large portion of the one million tonnes of wheat it supplied since September 2008.
“We expect good production during the wheat harvesting period between October to December,” said Ali. “But if we feel there is a gap, we will import additional wheat.”
http://addisfortune.net/articles/second-wheat-consignment-arrives-to-stabilise-grain-market/
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Montero Mining and Exploration to acquire 80% stake in Moyale Graphite Project |
Deal In Brief
Aug 27, 2014 (MarketLine Financial Deals Tracker via COMTEX) –
Under the terms of the binding agreement, Montero immediately earns a 51% interest in Moyale by committing to define and complete a report prepared in compliance with NI 43-101 within 2 years with a minimum expenditure requirement of $1.5 million. Montero may earn a further 29% interest by completing a feasibility study within 3 years to a maximum expenditure of $10 million.
Deal Type Acquisition Sub-Category Asset Purchase Deal Status Announced: 2014-08-26
Deal Participants
Target (Company) Hulager General Import and Export Plc - Moyale Graphite Project Acquirer (Company) Montero Mining and Exploration, Ltd. Vendor (Company) Hulager General Import and Export Plc
% Acquisition 80% http://www.individual.com/storyrss.php?story=195322163&hash=4b238fa1cf6688597caa7a5e6869414c
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Wise to invest in Ethiopia, says PM Hailemariam
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Prime Minister Hailemariam Desalegn has urged Japanese companies to invest in Ethiopia and benefit from the abundant options and incentives put in place in the country.
The Premier held talks on Tuesday with a Japanese business delegation headed by the country’s Parliamentary Vice-Minister for Foreign Affairs, Hirotaka Ishihara.
Ethio-Japan relations have been growing along all sectors, Hailemariam said, and called on Japanese financiers to engage in the country boost the relations further.
Hirotaka Ishihara on the occasion commended the favorable investment climate in Ethiopia. Members of the delegation for their part expressed keenness to invest in different development sectors in Ethiopia.
http://www.waltainfo.com/index.php/explore/14733-wise-to-invest-in-ethiopia-says-pm-hailemariam-
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Italian Deputy Minister for Economic Development to visit Ethiopia
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The Italian Deputy Minister for Economic Development, Carlo Calenda, will visit Addis Ababa on the 28th August accompanied by a high-level Italian business delegation.
Minister Calenda will have meetings with Ethiopian government authorities including Prime Minister Hailemariam Desalegn, Deputy Prime Minister for Finance and Economic Cluster and Minister of Communication and Information Technology Dr. Debretsion Gebremichael and with CEOs of State companies.
The purpose of the visit, which comes after a number of high-level talks on economic cooperation between Italy and Ethiopia in the last years, is to further explore trade and investment opportunities in Ethiopia.
The Italian companies included in the business delegation operate in different sectors such as engineering, renewable energies, industrial plants, metals, high-technology electronics, cement, constructions, credit-insurance, oil & gas, road management, infrastructures, foreign investment protection services, ground engineering and drilling. Some of the companies are already working in Ethiopia, like Italferr (railway transport engineering), which is currently engaged in the new Addis Ababa Light Rail and in the Addis-Djibouti Railway management systems. Also Salini, which is involved in the construction of the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam, is part of the delegation.
According to a statement the embassy of Italy sent to WIC today, the Director General of the Italian Trade Agency, Roberto Luongo, will also be part of the business group, in view of the upcoming opening of a new office of the Italian Trade Agency in Addis Ababa.
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Dubai Chamber discusses trade ties with Ethiopian trade mission
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A trade mission from Addis Ababa, led by Shisema Gebresilassie, head of the trade and industry development bureau of the Addis Ababa City Administration, is in Dubai.
The delegation, which includes Elias Geneti, President of the Addis Ababa Chamber of Commerce and Sectorial Associations, met with Majid Al Shamsi, first vice chairman, Dubai Chamber of Commerce and Industry on Sunday (August 24). Mr. Al Shamsi told the delegation that trade was vital for Dubai, an ideal business hub with excellent connections to markets across the Middle East, Africa and Asia.
Ethiopia is Dubai’s 77th largest trade partner globally and the total non-oil trade with the country grew by 32 per cent, from a value of Dh1.26 billion in 2012 to Dh1.66 billion in 2013. He said there were 318 Ethiopian companies operating in the emirate and he hoped this would increase the business communities come closer together.
He added that Dubai’s relationship with Ethiopia strengthened last year with the opening of its first African international office in Addis Ababa. This he said was helping to increase two-way business and investment between the two countries.
Ato Shisema said that the trade volume between Ethiopia and the UAE had increased by over 50 per cent since 2005, pointing out that Ethiopia offers immense investment opportunities and was seriously working at enhancing business ties for the benefit of both countries.
Ato Elias also pointed out that Dubai’s close proximity to Ethiopia, especially Addis Ababa, and easy flight connectivity were the main reasons for the existing bilateral ties between the two countries and these were helping Dubai to reach out to the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa.
The opening of the Dubai Chamber office in Addis Ababa was directly helping the building of business relations, making fruitful contacts and exploring newer areas of co-operation. He said Ethiopia was very keen to learn from Dubai’s model of attracting big global corporations and the organization of international trade fairs and exhibitions.
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President Mulatu receives Qatari business delegation
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Dr Mulatu Teshome, President of Federal Republic of Ethiopia, received a high-profile Qatari businessmen delegation headed by Sheikh Dr Khalid bin Thani bin Abdullah Al Thani, chairman of Ezdan Holding Group, at the presidential palace in the capital Addis Ababa, yesterday.
Welcoming the Qatari delegation, President Mulatu stressed the need for further bolstering the economic cooperation between Qatar and Ethiopia. He said Ethiopian government is ready to offer all possible support to attract foreign investments and adopt a policy that protects investors and investments in the country.
For his part, Sheikh Dr Khalid expressed his happiness in meeting Ethiopian President. He described the visit as promising. Sheikh Dr Khalid hailed the efforts of the Republic of Ethiopia in encouraging investments that shall benefit both countries.
It’s glad to note that Ethiopia is really keen on attracting foreign investments from Qatar and ready to create an investment-friendly environment, he said.
Sheikh Dr Khalid said the visit was in response to the invitation of the Ethiopian government. It is an important occasion to discuss ideas, projects and investment opportunities with senior businessmen and a chance to display ways of cooperation to build mutual business and investment environment. There are broad opportunities to be explored in the banking, insurance, real estate development, health and communication sectors.
“Building long lasting strategic relationships in the private sector of both the countries will help open new markets in Qatar and Ethiopia and promote new Joint Ventures locally and internationally”, Sheikh Dr Khalid noted.
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Five Hospitals to Benefit from 3.1b Br Equipment Purchase
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3.1b Br Equipment Purchase
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The Ethiopian Pharmaceuticals Fund & Supply Agency (PFSA) has acquired Hi Tech medical equipment for 3.1 billion Br to be distributed to five hospitals across Ethiopia.
The equipment includes – Computed Tomography (CT) scanners, Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) machines, Intensive Care Unit (ICU) machines, Radiant Warmers, anesthesia machines and endoscopy machines. There is also a set to be used for kidney transplants, including operation tables, Harmonic generators, kidney refrigerators and digital X-rays. This equipment will go to the Black Lion Hospital, St Paul Hospital, Jimma University Specialised Hospital, University of Gondar Hospital and Hawassa University Hospital, as soon as the they finish preparing for installation.
Ninety-five percent of the fund was availed by the Millennium Development Goal (MDG) Achievement Fund, Global Fund and The World Bank, said Ashenafi Husine (ENG), head of provisional Directorate for Medical Device Supply & Utilisation Follow-Up. The procurement was made from the United States, China, Latin America and Europe.
“Preparation of space for the machines is completed and we are expecting delivery in the near future,” said Desalegn Tigabu (Dr), CEO of the University of Gondar Hospital.
The place for the MRI machines needs to be totally free of metal as it works with high magnetic force.
The CT scan, much like an X-ray machine, requires a room that will not allow the rays to escape.
The Gonder University Hospital is looking forward to using the machines for the treatment of its patients and training of its students, according to Desalegn, including the four to six radiology students it takes annually.
All medical supplies that are imported to Ethiopia get approval based on lists at the Ethiopian Food, Medicine & Health Care Administration & Control Authority (FMHACA) or, where the Authority does not have an items on its list, it consults the lists of the World Health Organisation (WHO) and the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The FMHACA controls medicines and medical equipment before and during purchase, and at the time of delivery and after delivery.
The PFSA buys, distributes and installs medicines and medical equipment to governmental hospitals and health centres. The office also requests the FMHACA for medicines to be included on the national drug list.
http://addisfortune.net/articles/five-hospitals-to-benefit-from-3-1b-br-equipment-purchase/
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Filed under: Ag Related, Economy, Infrastructure Developments, News Round-up Tagged: Addis Ababa, Agriculture, East Africa, Economic growth, Ethiopia, Investment, Millennium Development Goals, Sub-Saharan Africa, tag1
