Ethiopia Observer

Addis Ababa: Senior federal government officials arrived in Samara this morning to conduct field visits on various ongoing development projects in the Afar regional state.

The officials are expected to visit drinking water and sanitation schemes, summer wheat cultivation activities and irrigation development projects in the region.

Minister of Water and Energy Engineer Habtamu Itefa, Minister of Agriculture, Girma Amente , Minister of Irrigation and Lowlands, Engineer Aisha Mohammed and other government officials were among members of the delegation.

The visit was intended to have observation on the progress of ongoing projects in various districts of the region that will benefit the rural community.

Source: Ethiopian News Agency

Addis Ababa: Ethiopian Airlines has always championed in liberalizing air transport connectivity and opening African Air Transport Market, African Airlines Association (AFRAA) Consulting Director said.

In an exclusive interview with ENA, Consulting Director, Government, Legal and Industry Affairs at AFRAA, Raphael Kuuchi said Ethiopian Airline even long before the AU had come up with a concept of a Single African Air Transport Market (SAATM)

The SAATM is a flagship project of the African Union Agenda 2063, to create a single unified air transport market in Africa, the liberalisation of civil aviation in Africa and as an impetus to the continent’s economic integration agenda.

“It has consistently championed for the need to open up the market so that we can have open space for airlines to be able to travel, to operate freely and support the economic development and connectivity of this continent,” the director stated.

This has paid off significantly thus far, he said, adding today Ethiopian is the biggest a
irline operating on the African continent.

“We want to see other airlines also to come up to where the Ethiopian Airlines is. Ethiopian is not just comfortable being the only one, and the biggest on the continent. Ethiopian is going ahead and supporting other African airlines so that they too can come up because together we are stronger. That is the philosophy.”

Raphael reiterated that we are all behind Ethiopian Airlines so that it can be able to support other African airlines to get where they are not only operationally but also in terms of technical and operational support, making sure that they get equipment and other facilities available.

Moreover, he pointed out that Africa is probably the last continent to fully liberalize air transport connectivity.

“Without liberalization of the air transport market in an internal air transport market in Africa, the airlines will continue to struggle to get passengers and will continue to struggle to grow.”

Hence, the Single African Air Transport Market is an AU
initiative to help all African countries open up their air spaces so that we have Africa as a domestic market, he added.

This way we can have African airlines operate more freely, take advantage of the air traffic connectivity across the continent and be able to grow their businesses, become stronger and more competitive against non-African airlines.

On other hand, he noted that the implementation of the Africa Continental Free Trade Area is also another opportunity.

“If we liberalize our market, we are able to trade among ourselves and improve the movement of people and facilities,” he underlined.

He stressed we want to see that Africans are able to travel across other African countries, either without visas or visas on arrival, or the acquisition of those visas much easier.

According to him, this way the continent will have more travel, connectivity and trade amongst each others.

Source: Ethiopian News Agency

Addis Ababa: The Ethiopian Airlines Group has inaugurated its renovated and expanded Domestic Passenger Terminal today.

During the occasion, Ethiopian Airlines Group CEO, Mesfin Tassew said the airline has spent 50 million USD for the renovation and expansion of the terminal, which increases its capacity by more than 100 percent.

Beyond increasing its capacity, the goal of Ethiopian Airlines is to provide an international level of services to our domestic passengers, he said.

This focus on passenger experience aligns with the airline’s broader vision of solidifying Ethiopia’s position as a global tourism destination.

So, he added that it is our dream and vision to continue expanding our domestic air transport service for the benefit of Ethiopians and tourists who are coming to Ethiopia to visit the exciting destinations of the country.

“The renovation and expansion of the terminal was intended to cope up with the growing demand of domestic transport service. Ethiopian Airlines has a strong commitment to
continue enhancing the development and expansion of domestic air transport, which is vital for both the social and economic development of the country. As you know, we are investing a lot to construct new airport runways at this time, we are constructing five and we’re also upgrading terminal facilities in other domestic airports, ” the CEO elaborated.

Tourism Minister Nasisie Chali said that the inauguration of the renovated and expanded domestic passenger terminal is crucial for Ethiopia’s image building and tourism.

Any such development efforts by Ethiopian Airlines have direct bearing on tourism sector of the country, she said.

Ethiopian Transport and Logistics State Minister, Bareo Hassen on his part said Ethiopian Airlines is playing key role in the transport and logistics sector.

The renovation and expansion of the terminal will increase its services and competition, he added.

Source: Ethiopian News Agency

Addis Ababa: The first African Aviation Operations Safety Summit opened today in Addis Ababa under the theme ‘Be the Champion of African Aviation Safety.’

The opening was attended by the CEO of the Ethiopian Airlines Group, Mesfin Tasew, the Secretary General of African Aviation, Abdurrahman Barth, Director-General of the Ethiopian Civil Aviation Authority, Getachew Mengiste, and the Executive Director of the Global Foundation for Operational Safety, Hassan Shahwani.

In his speech, the Secretary General of African Aviation, Abdurrahman Barth, stressed the importance of air safety as it is fundamental to African aviation operations.

Ethiopian CEO, Mesfin Tasew explained the importance of advanced technology in the field of aviation and its role in reducing air disasters, noting the importance of training human staff in controlling safety and the necessity of considering it as an institutional culture for the benefit of passengers.

Ethiopian Civil Aviation Authority Getachew Mengiste stressed Ethiopia’s com
mitment to air safety standards through Ethiopian Airlines.

He urged all stakeholders in the field of aviation to cooperate and exchange experiences to achieve Abuja’s air safety goals.

It was learned that 20 African countries have achieved international air safety goals, including Ethiopia and South Africa. In 2023, no air accidents were recorded in Africa.

Source: Ethiopian News Agency

Addis Ababa: Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed stated that Improving office ergonomics and creating conducive environments in government offices have been ongoing priorities.

The premier conducted a brief visit to the Ministry of Urban and Infrastructure Development to observe the initiatives being carried out by the ministry.

‘Today, I conducted a brief visit to the Ministry of Urban and Infrastructure Development to observe the initiatives undertaken within its premises and to gain insights into the urban progress it oversees,’ Abiy shared on social media pages.

Source: Ethiopian News Agency

Addis Ababa: Joining the World Trade Organization (WTO) is a key component of Ethiopia’s Economic Reform Agenda, State Minister of Foreign Affairs Ambassador Mesganu Arga said.

State Minister of Foreign Affairs Ambassador Mesganu Arga had a productive meeting with Director of the WTO Accessions Division, Maika Oshikawa at his office today.

The two officials discussed on better ways of expediting Ethiopia’s accession process to the World Trade Organization.

During the discussion, Ambassador Mesganu reiterated Ethiopia’s government political commitment and readiness to expedite Ethiopia’s accession to the WTO and its desire for the technical negotiations to be completed speedily.

He confirmed that joining the WTO is a pivotal aspect of Ethiopia’s economic reform agenda.

The State Minister highlighted that Ethiopia has passed significant policy amendments and radical decisions in relation to trade and finance sectors that will assist advance the joining process.

He further mentioned Ethiopia, being a major
economic player in Sub-Saharan Africa, would significantly enhance the World Trade Organization’s stature by becoming a member.

Director of the World Trade Organization Accessions Division, Maika Oshikawa on her part noted the secretariat of WTO is providing the required assistance to speed up the accession process that Ethiopia has initiated and pledged to continue the necessary support.

The two officials consulted on detailed technical works related to Ethiopia’s accession progression, according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Source: Ethiopian News Agency

Addis Ababa: The Vice President of South Sudan and the Chair of the Infrastructure Cluster Gen. Taban Deng Gai officiated the South Sudan-Ethiopian Business and Investment Seminary, underscoring the deep-rooted relationship between the two countries.

In his opening remarks, Gen. Taban Deng stated that the relationship between South Sudan and Ethiopia dates back to ancient times, with Ethiopia being a steadfast supporter of the Republic of South Sudan.

“The Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia has always rendered unwavering support to the Republic of South Sudan, and we are truly grateful for this longstanding friendship,” the Vice President said.

The Vice President went on to highlight the vast opportunities and immense potential that the two sisterly nations have to offer.

He outlined several key areas of investment that present lucrative opportunities for investors, including oil and gas refinery, energy and power citing the potential to supply South Sudan with electricity from the Ethiopian Renaissa
nce Dam.

Roads and bridges as well as telecommunications, including fiber optic networks, air transport, tourism and hospitality, agriculture and railway infrastructure are the potential areas the two nations can cooperate.

“These are just a few of the many areas where we believe investors can thrive and contribute to the continued growth and development of our country,” the Vice President said.

He expressed confidence that this workshop will foster deeper collaboration, strengthen economic ties, and unlock the immense potential that exists between South Sudan and Ethiopia.

“I am confident that through this workshop, we will forge stronger economic ties and unlock the immense potential that exists between our two countries,” the Vice President concluded.

The South Sudan-Ethiopian Business and Investment Workshop is expected to attract leading investors and business leaders from both countries, paving the way for increased trade, investment, and economic cooperation between South Sudan and Ethiopia, accor
ding to Office of South Sudanese Vice President.

Source: Ethiopian News Agency