Issue 86- Cement & Electronic Waste 

Welcome to the latest edition of our newsletter! In this issue, we bring you updates from various sectors in Ethiopia. From digital transformation in cement transactions to environmental discoveries and the rise of the gig economy, there is much to explore.

Cement Transactions Announced as the Next Target of Digital Transformation

The Ministry of Trade & Regional Integration (MoTRI) is laying the foundation for digitizing cement transactions, according to Fortune Newspaper.

The Ministry is currently engaged in discussions with stakeholders and digital payment service providers to formulate a strategic approach. Read more.

Ethio Telecom Makes Telebirr Data-Free

Ethio Telecom has now implemented a zero-rating policy for its popular mobile money platform, telebirr, allowing users to access key platform features, such as sending money and making payments, without incurring any data costs. Read more.

Environmental Protection Authority Discovers Over 43 Tons of Electronic Waste Stockpiles

The Ethiopian Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) has announced the existence of over 43 tons of electronic and electric waste stockpiles in a survey conducted across various locations in Addis Ababa, Diredawa, Hawassa, Adama, and Bahir Dar. Read more.

The Rise of the Gig Economy in Ethiopia: A Pathway to Employment and Innovation

Ethiopia’s gig economy is experiencing rapid growth. From ride-hailing drivers to web developers and tutors, many are embracing flexible, freelance work. Despite this promising trend, several challenges persist—a look into the state of the gig economy in Ethiopia Read more.

Mastercard Foundation, First Consult Launch $48.9 Million MSME Recovery, Resilience Program in Ethiopia

In a major push to bolster the Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) sector in Ethiopia, the Mastercard Foundation and First Consult have announced the launch of a novel initiative dubbed the Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprise Recovery and Resilience (MESMER) Program. Read more.

Kefeta Project Launches Business Competition for Ethiopian Youth

Ethiopia’s Entrepreneurship Development Institute (EDI) and NICE Innovation Incubation Center, funded by USAID, are joining forces to launch a business competition in 17 cities across Ethiopia, with the top five participants receiving access to the Kefeta Start-Up Grant. Read more.

Digital Transactions in Ethiopia Surge 169% to Exceed 1.2 Trillion Birr in Nine Months

Ethiopia’s digital payment ecosystem has facilitated transfers of over 1.2 trillion birr (equivalent to 22 billion dollars) in the past nine months. This represents a significant increase of 169 percent compared to the same period in the 2014 fiscal year, which saw 454.31 billion birr in digital money transfers. Read more.

Ethio Telecom Launches Smart Classroom at Addis Ababa University

Ethio Telecom, in collaboration with the Ministry of Education, launched a smart classroom last week at Addis Ababa University’s Arat Kilo Campus.

The classroom is equipped with various features such as an electronic board, and camera, which enable online teaching, and live classes. Read more.