Category: General

Africa Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) is significant in order to achieve a stronger and more inclusive Pan-African trade ecosystem, the Ethiopian Permanent Mission in Geneva underscored.

Ambassador Tsegab Kebebew, Permanent Representative of Ethiopia to the UN Office at Geneva delivered a Presentation on the subject of “Regional projects and dynamics with pan Africa reach’ at the ambassadors’ New Year reception hosted by Swiss Africa Business Circle (SABC) held on 28 Feb 2024 in Bern, Switzerland.

The ambassador’s speech focused on Agenda 2063, the African Union’s long-term strategic framework for inclusive and sustainable development, as a blueprint for the continent’s transformation.

In his speech, Ambassador Tsegab emphasized the significance of the Africa Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) as a high impact, major flagship project of AU 2063 in order to achieve a stronger and more inclusive Pan-African trade ecosystem.

He noted that the AfCTA requires comprehensive coordination, harmonization,
and progressive integration, which is best accomplished through Regional Economic Communities (RECs).

In this connection, the permanent representative provided intensive explanation on major regional projects that the IGAD region is working on, of which Ethiopia is a major partner.

Tsegab also went on to mention about the Addis-Djibouti corridor, the Regional Energy Trade among East African Countries, and the Lamu Port-South Sudan-Ethiopia-Transport (LAPSSET) Corridor Project, in which Ethiopia is a significant stakeholder.

According to the Ambassador, these initiatives support the goals of the African Continental Free Trade Area and Agenda 2063 of the African Union, which seek to boost socioeconomic development, lower poverty, and strengthen Africa’s connectivity and competitiveness in the world economy.

Source: Ethiopian News Agency

The Department of Health Services in Kiambu County held a free eye screening and treatment clinic for school-going children in Biashara Ward Ruiru, concluding a series of eye clinics held in February to observe the Low Vision Awareness Month.

Low Vision refers to a visual impairment that cannot be corrected fully with glasses, contact lenses, medication or surgery and significantly impacts a person’s ability to perform daily activities. Individuals with low vision experience limitations in activities such as reading, writing, driving or recognizing the facial features of people around them.

A World Health Organization (WHO) task force on blindness data found that 90 percent of people with low vision reside in underdeveloped countries, with 75 percent in Africa and Asia.

Speaking at the event, Dr Janet Waweru an Ophthalmologist at Kikuyu Eye Unit in Kiambu said there were a number of reasons that led to declining eye health in individuals that struggle with low vision.

‘Conditions such as macular degenerat
ion, glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy, and cataracts are generally the major causes of low eye vision. However other causes include trauma to the head or eyes, genetic factors such as retinitis pigmentosa and aging because as people age, the risk of developing vision-related issues increases. Some occupations also involve prolonged exposure to eye strain or hazardous materials that greatly increase an individual’s risk of developing low vision,’ said Dr Waweru.

She added that managing low vision was challenging, but there were several strategies and tips that could help individuals with low vision make the most of their remaining vision and maintain independence after diagnosis through rehabilitation techniques that combine adaptive technology, orientation, and mobility training plus occupational and physical therapy.

‘The use of magnification devices such as magnifying glasses or electronic magnifiers that help with reading and viewing of objects, adaptive devices such as phones with oversized buttons, watch
es that speak the time aloud, and mobility training from professionals who teach techniques for safe navigation of an individual’s environment using mobility aids such as canes if needed, are strategies that make independence a reality for individuals with low vision and enable them to embrace their lives fully.’ She said.

Peter Wainaina, a Grade 7 class teacher at Good Foundation School in Ruiru said he was grateful that the eye clinic had chosen to offer free testing and treatment in Biashara Ward.

‘I had noticed that some students in my class have issues with their vision. They had previously complained that the blackboard had become blurry and indistinct which is challenging for them as they cannot participate with the rest of the students during class. The eye clinic will hopefully help us find a solution to the vision issues they are currently facing,’ he said.

On his part, Dr Vincent Opiyo, a retina and cataract surgeon at Lions Sight First Eye Hospital emphasized the importance of early detection a
nd intervention.

‘Regular eye exams enable us to identify and address associated eye problems that can significantly impact an individual’s vision. By detecting and treating these issues promptly, we can help patients maximize their remaining vision,’ said Dr Munene.

Source: Kenya News Agency

WINDHOEK: The Namibian Police Force (NamPol) on Thursday destroyed a consignment of cocaine valued at N.dollars 206 million.

The drugs, according to the Head of NamPol’s Forensic Science Institute, Nelius Becker, were part of a drug trafficking case dating back to June 2018, involving two men, Grant Noble and Dinath Azhar, who have since been convicted and sentenced to prison terms of 12 years. It has since been established that the drugs weighed 412kg and were imported from Brazil through the Port of Walvis Bay.

‘We get the drugs depending on how long the case takes to finalise because we want to take liability of wherever the drugs are being stored. We need to destroy them as quickly as possible because we do not want the drugs to react or disappear in the streets. In the coming weeks, we will be disposing of cannabis,’ Becker said.

He further stressed that although there has not been a lot of cases involving habit-forming drugs such as heroine, there has been an increase in the number of drug traffickin
g cases.

‘We all know what the scourge of drugs is in this country. We should all stand together and fight, to rid the country of this. Unfortunately it appears that some of the harbours in South Africa might not be conducive for these drugs to go through because of the measures put in place, so they move to other venues like the Walvis Bay harbour as a through road to get the drugs somewhere else. It is important that we are vigilant about this,’ Becker added.

Source: The Namibia Press Agency

The National Bank of Ethiopia (NBE) has today launched a Standardized National Financial Education Module in partnership with the Mastercard Foundation and First Consult with a view to encouraging the youth and empower Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) in the field.

This pioneering initiative aims to advance financial literacy and strengthen inclusion among youth and SMEs and show them how to secure loans and repay properly to effectively sustain their businesses.

Remarking at the ceremony, Mastercard Foundation Ethiopia Director Samuel Yalew called the event as an excellent initial step toward realizing the National Financial Education Strategy goals.

He expressed confidence in the continued teamwork for successful execution to build an inclusive, financially informed society.

Senior Advisor to the Vice Governor of NBE, Martha Hailemariam, on her part stated the module will facilitate coordinated financial education efforts toward the 2025 target of 75 percent of youth and small enterprises being
conversant with financial services.

According to her, the module encompasses various subject matters including savings, digital banking, lending, insurance, interest-free finance, business planning, and women entrepreneurs.

”This financial credit education module covers a wide range of financial services such as savings, digital financial services, loans, insurance, interest-free banking, budgeting, etc. Use it responsibly as an interactive learning tool with stakeholders.”

First Consult Managing Director Nebil Kellow applauding NBE’s National Financial Education Strategy, underlined the low financial awareness among target groups and the significance of enabling prudent financial decisions through learning.

By integrating the module into training and outreach, financial firms can empower clients, lift capability and enable long-term prosperity, he said.

According to him, successful delivery depends on development organizations furnishing expertise, means and collaborations to broaden efforts.

Source
: Ethiopian News Agency

The National Authority for the Campaign Against Alcohol and Drug Abuse (NACADA) has organised various sensitisation forums in Kirinyaga following the unfortunate event of an illicit brew that killed over 20 people.

Led by NACADA Central Region manager Amos Warui they conducted an open forum in Kirinyaga West Sub-County, Mwea Constituency, themed ‘Positive Parenting’ targeting the residents since the incident affected different age groups, the youngest being 35 years and the oldest being over seventy years.

Mr Warui said the forum is one of the various interventions they are putting in place in the community because parents have a major role to play in the society’s development.

‘Majority of those passed on were parents and we have to remind them they have responsibilities and roles to play in the eradication of brews and drug substances,’ Warui said.

He noted that the engagement with the public will enable them to find the best way to eradicate the brews and what best way NACADA should adopt in the proces
s of dealing with the problem.

‘We have healthy engagements where the public are giving proposals on how to address the menace, this will guide us as NACADA on what considerations to look into,’ he added.

Warui noted that since the crackdown began and the closure of bars in Kirinyaga County the consumption of alcohol has gone down calling upon the county government to reduce the number of bar outlets and help in starting rehabilitation centres.

‘The County should reduce the number of outlets. They should use the license fees toward alcohol control programmes and the construction of rehabilitation centres. The Central region of Nyeri County has a rehabilitation facility,’ Warui said.

NACADA will be doing research and surveys in respective counties to establish the magnitude of drug abuse and come up with necessary interventions.

He challenged the parents to support their children in all ways possible despite the lack of job opportunities. Kirinyaga being an agricultural county, Warui said the horticulture
practice can help them be busy and earn a living.

‘Parents, let us support our children. When we engage the youth, they tell us they are engaging in drug use due to a lack of employment, but if we keep them busy, they will not get time to go into drugs,’ he said.

Kangai Member of County Assembly, James Wambu, appreciated the way NACADA has been responding since the first incidents occurred in his ward. He noted that some parents admit their failure in taking up responsibilities. He added that they should make use of toll-free numbers provided by NACADA, 1192, and county government, 0800721812, to share any information that is vital in ending illicit brews.

John Gitari, resident of Kangai, said the government should continuously deal with illicit brews, not only when people lose lives. He pointed out that the creation of job opportunities at both levels of government will reduce the use of drugs and other harmful substances by the youth.

Source: Kenya News Agency

Ethiopian Airlines Group has inaugurated a modern e-commerce cargo service center built at a cost of 55 million USD today.

Speaking on the occasion, Ethiopian Group CEO Mesfin Tasew said the airline has continued implementing modern practices to maintain its international competitiveness.

Following the decreasing trend of normal cargo service and the growing trend of the digital marketing globally, e-commerce cargo service is expanding, he added.

Therefore, the airline is carrying out many activities.

Among them is this third e-commerce cargo service center built with 55 million USD at Bole International Airport, he noted.

The e-commerce cargo service center will enable to transport goods bought through electronic trading system to different countries of the world through Addis Ababa, CEO Mesfin said, adding that it will also enable to further strengthen the marketing connection.

The cargo center will not only provide the normal services but also play a key role in facilitating the global new market st
rategy, he elaborated.

The e-commerce center has huge benefit not only to Ethiopia but also to facilitate the continental economy and the free trade zone.

Highlighting that the airline collects from 30-35 percent of its total revenue from cargo services, Mesfin said activities are being carried out to boost the steadily growing income.

Out of the total 6.1 billion USD revenue the airline secured last Ethiopian fiscal year, about 2 billion USD was from cargo and logistics service, it was learned.

Transport and Logistics Minister Alemu Sime, Innovation and Technology Minister Belete Molla, Finance State Minister Semereta Sewasew, ambassadors and representatives of the diplomatic community, among others, attended the inauguration program.

Source: Ethiopian News Agency

Murang’a county government is on course in the construction of a total of 12-kilometre roads within eight local trading centres.

In the programme dubbed Smart City, the county administration is targeting to improve streets and roads within the towns and provide better conditions of doing business.

In the current financial year, the towns earmarked to get improved infrastructure include Ithanga, Kenol, Zabka, Mukuyu, Kanyenyaini, Kamune, Gacharage and Muthithi.

Murang’a Governor Irungu Kang’ata said the programme is aimed at supporting the business community to conduct their economic activities in a better environment.

The roads, he said, will make accessibility of some business premises easier thus providing a fair competition.

‘Shops and stalls which are behind main streets will be easily accessed after the streets connecting them get tarmacked and installed with street lights. The smart city programme aims to provide better working conditions to our people,’ Kang’ata said as he launched the programme a
t Mukuyu market.

In the last financial year, the programme benefited eight other towns including Kangari, Kiriaini, Gatura, Kabati, Gakira, Kahatia, Maragua and Murang’a town.

He promised to tarmac streets in all towns within the county before the end of his five-year term.

‘Improvement of infrastructure in our trading centres is crucial in growing the local economy and the county administration is committed to ensure streets and roads within the towns are upgraded,’ he stated.

The governor observed that apart from upgrading the roads, the programme also targets to install street lights so as to ensure traders could operate at night.

‘The project will also cater for drainage services as currently many of our towns have poor drainage systems. Construction of markets is also being implemented in some of the centres,’ he noted.

The project, Kang’ata divulged, is funded by monies collected as levies from various services offered by his administration.

‘The projects of tarmacking of roads within local towns
are funded by your taxes. The county government since it assumed power in 2022, we employed strategies to effectively collect revenue and the monies have helped in implementation of various development projects,’ he explained.

Meanwhile, the governor underscored the subsidy programme the county government is implementing in the mango value chain sector.

He said currently mango farmers from lower parts of the county are getting Sh23 per kilo of mango. This is Sh16 offered by contracted buyers and Sh7 given by the county government as subsidy.

‘The subsidy programme is helping mango farmers to benefit hugely from their produce. We linked the farmers with several buyers and we also topped up some money as subsidy to ensure the sector is lucrative,’ he added.

Source: Kenya News Agency