Ethiopia, South Sudan to Build 220 km Cross-border Highway


Addis Ababa: Ethiopia and South Sudan are set to build a 220 km road connecting the two countries, following a 738 million USD financial agreement signed in May 2023.

South Sudan’s Transitional National Legislative Assembly (TNLA) ratified the Ethiopia-South Sudan financial agreement to build cross-border highway on June 25.

The project aims to enhance connectivity and bolster economic ties between the two nations, underscoring the growing cooperation and mutually beneficial relationship between Ethiopia and South Sudan.

Following the unanimous approval by the assembly, the agreement will now be submitted to President Salva Kiir for final authorization.

Source: Ethiopian News Agency

Ethiopia Becoming Key Destination for French Companies in Africa: French Ethiopian Chamber Chair


Addis Ababa: Ethiopia is becoming a key destination for the development of French companies on the African continent, Chairman of the French Ethiopian Chamber of Commerce and Industry – a French business support network, Poujade said.

Addressing the event celebrating the induction of the former French Business Association in Ethiopia (CAFE) into the esteemed CCI France International (CCI FI) network, Olivier Poujade announced that the association is ‘becoming part of the international chamber network.’

According to him, the historic return of CCI FI to Ethiopia after 90-years recognizes that the country is becoming a very key destination for the development of French companies on the African continent.

The first French Chamber of Commerce was here in Ethiopia in 1932, the chairman said, adding that ‘we are reconnecting 92 years later.’

For the chairman, France has always been very connected with Ethiopian development.

French Ambassador to Ethiopia, Remi Marechaux, recalled that the first chamber of comme
rce in Ethiopia was established in 1932, followed by diverse activities in the region, including railway, industry, trade and telecommunication, among others.

The ambassador reiterated the commitment of France to continue supporting the ongoing economic reform of the country through the engagement of the French Development Agency.

CCI France International is an influential network that connects French chambers of commerce around the world, fostering international business relationships and supporting French enterprises globally, it was learned.

Founded in 1907, CCI France International is dedicated to the mission of uniting and leading the French Chambers of Commerce and Industry abroad (CCI FI) across more than 90 countries.

Source: Ethiopian News Agency

Ethiopia Expands Clean Water Access to 72 Million Citizens


Addis Ababa: The Ethiopian Ministry of Water and Energy has announced a significant achievement in the nation’s efforts to provide clean drinking water, with more than 72 million citizens now having access to this essential resource.

A cornerstone was laid for a new clean drinking water project in the Mohor-Aklil district of Gurage Zone, Central Ethiopia. This project, with a budget exceeding 57 million Birr, is set to benefit over 13,000 residents upon completion.

The initiative is part of the Horn of Africa Sustainable Groundwater Project, funded by the World Bank and coordinated by the Ministry of Water and Energy.

The official launch took place in the Mekorkor kebele of Mohor-Aklil district, marking a significant step towards addressing water scarcity in the region.

State Minister of Water and Energy, Ambassador Asfaw Dingamo, emphasized the project’s crucial role in addressing the local community’s drinking water challenges.

He highlighted that similar successful clean water projects are being imple
mented across Ethiopia, Kenya, and Somalia under the Horn of Africa Groundwater Access Project.

The Minister also noted ongoing efforts to expand access to clean drinking water in both urban and rural areas through collaborations between the government and non-governmental development organizations.

Special attention is being given to water-scarce areas and surface water supply issues, with various projects supported by the government, World Bank, and African Development Bank.

According to the state minister, the national coverage of clean drinking water has now reached over 72 million citizens. He added that recently completed projects have further enhanced the country’s capacity to provide clean water.

The Central Ethiopia Regional Water, Irrigation, and Energy Development Bureau Head, Dawit Hailu, stressed the importance of completing the Mohor-Aklil district project with high responsibility, given the significant investment required for water infrastructure development.

He revealed plans to improve r
ural clean water coverage, which currently stands below 50 percent by focusing on completing ongoing water projects.

The official also announced an upcoming regional project in Qanqicho, with a budget of 130 million Birr, aimed at benefiting over 40,000 urban and rural citizens.

Chief Administrator of Gurage Zone, Lacha Garuma, , acknowledged the severe surface water shortage in Mohor-Aklil district and outlined collaborative efforts with the Ministry and NGOs to improve water supply in the area.

He also mentioned a 1 billion Birr project proposal to address water problems in Wolkite town using the “Bojebar” water source, which has received positive feedback from the federal government.

The event was attended by various officials, including Dr. Abraha Adugna, State Minister of Water and Energy, Motuma Mekassa, Advisor to the Minister, coordinators of the Horn of Africa Groundwater Access Project, federal and regional officials, and local residents.

This comprehensive water project is part of a larger ini
tiative by the Horn of Africa Sustainable Groundwater Project, which is currently constructing 110 clean drinking water projects with World Bank funding, demonstrating Ethiopia’s commitment to improving water access across the country.

Source: Ethiopian News Agency

PM Abiy Inaugurates Renovated Mexico-Sar Bet Route as Part of Addis Corridor Dev’t


Addis Ababa: Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed has inaugurated tonight the newly renovated Mexico-Sar Bet route as part of the ongoing Addis Ababa corridor development endeavors.

‘Today, we reveal the second corridor area from Mexico to Sar Bet, marking a key milestone in our city-building efforts. Enhancing infrastructure, workmanship, walkways, and vehicle paths are essential to our urban growth,’ the premier posted on X.

The prime minister added that demolishing shanty parts of our towns is a necessary step for a better future for generations.

‘We must not grow comfortable with them. Sustaining our progress is critical as our city’s growth is just beginning. With our collective efforts, we can achieve a brighter future,’ Prime Minister Abiy stated.

Recall that the scope of Addis Ababa city corridor development encompasses revitalizing slum areas of the city, enhancing living conditions for residents, fulfilling infrastructure such as integrated drainage systems and utility infrastructure, expanding roads to ac
commodate rising traffic volumes, creating spacious pedestrian walkways, restoring heritage sites, and upgrading buildings to align with the city’s esthetic standards.

Source: Ethiopian News Agency