Daily News – Page 22 – Ethiopian Business Review

Holland Dairy has launched a milestone product: a premium-quality cheese made exclusively from fresh, locally sourced Ethiopian milk and developed with cutting-edge Dutch cheese-making technology. The new cheese is set to redefine standards for locally made dairy products and position Ethiopia as an emerging player in Africa’s premium cheese market.

The product was unveiled today during a high-level ceremony at the Hyatt Regency Hotel in Addis Ababa, attended by government officials, agricultural partners, diplomats, media, and senior business leaders from both Ethiopia and the Netherlands. The launch signals Holland Dairy’s continued commitment to local sourcing, farmer empowerment, and international-quality processing — all while staying rooted in Ethiopia’s growing agricultural economy.

Blending the richness of Ethiopian milk with Dutch precision, the new cheese exemplifies the potential of cross-border collaboration in food processing and agribusiness. According to the company, this is more than just a product launch — it’s a strategic investment in Ethiopia’s dairy sector, which has long sought innovations that balance quality with affordability.

“We believe in the power of local,” said Jean-Paul Rieu, Commercial Director at Holland Dairy. “By partnering with more than 4,000 Ethiopian dairy farmers, we ensure the highest milk quality. With advanced Dutch technology, we now transform that milk into a cheese we believe can rival any on the African continent — and beyond.”

Event highlights included a live tasting of the cheese, paired with both local and global culinary elements, and a virtual tour of Holland Dairy’s newly upgraded facilities, offering guests an inside look at the advanced machinery powering Ethiopia’s cheese renaissance. The event also paid tribute to the smallholder farmers and technical experts whose contributions made the innovation possible.

More than a premium offering, the new cheese strengthens the company’s support for Ethiopia’s domestic value chain. By sourcing exclusively from local farmers and processing within the country, Holland Dairy not only reduces reliance on imports but also creates high-value jobs, boosts foreign exchange potential, and enhances food sovereignty.

Addis Ababa is set to host a landmark event from May 15-17, 2025, as the 5th Pakistan-Africa Trade Development Conference (PATDC) and the Made-in-Pakistan Exhibition take center stage at Millennium Hall. This major event, organized by the Government of Pakistan, the Trade Development Authority of Pakistan (TDAP), and the Embassy of Pakistan in Addis Ababa, promises to create a dynamic platform for strengthening economic and trade partnerships between Pakistan and East African nations.

Atif Sharif Mian, Ambassador of Pakistan to Ethiopia, emphasized the importance of this gathering for both Pakistan and East Africa. “With a population of 250 million, Pakistan represents a vast market for African exports, including commodities, agriculture, and goods. Ethiopia, strategically located, serves as the gateway to East Africa and beyond, including Central Asia, Afghanistan, and Western China,” he said. He further highlighted that improved air connectivity, such as Ethiopian Airlines’ flights to Karachi, and the planned shipping line to Djibouti, will enhance regional trade opportunities.

Dr. Jemal Beker, Ethiopia’s Ambassador to Pakistan, echoed these sentiments, pointing to the immense potential for collaboration. “We have already held forums in Pakistan to showcase Ethiopia’s investment opportunities. As the gap between parallel and official foreign exchange markets has narrowed, we see increasing interest from Pakistani investors in Ethiopia,” Dr. Beker noted. He stressed that the event would promote Ethiopia as a business-friendly hub, offering robust investment prospects.

The 5th PATDC will feature over 130 exhibitors from Pakistan, displaying a wide array of products in sectors such as textiles, pharmaceuticals, engineering, food, agro-products, leather goods, and cosmetics. The exhibition aims to foster B2B interactions, with each Pakistani exhibitor set to engage in 9 to 10 meetings with African buyers, laying the groundwork for strong commercial partnerships.

The event will kick off on May 15, 2025, with a high-level conference that brings together government officials, business leaders, and diplomats from Pakistan and East Africa. Discussions will center on strategies for enhancing trade ties, addressing barriers to business, and advancing regional economic integration. The conference will offer a chance for African nations—including Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Rwanda, South Sudan, Djibouti, and Somalia—to explore collaborative trade opportunities with Pakistani counterparts.

The exhibition will also offer ample networking opportunities for delegates and exhibitors, facilitating partnerships that could lead to long-term economic growth. To celebrate the strong cultural and commercial ties between the regions, a gala dinner and cultural night will be held, reinforcing the spirit of mutual cooperation.

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Heineken Ethiopia, in partnership with Mahibere Hiwot for Social Development (MSD), officially handed over a new ETB 33 million animal fattening and food processing project today. The initiative is designed to uplift impoverished households in Kilinto and Koye Fetche through sustainable, livestock-based, and small-business income generation schemes.

Targeting 75 households—30 in Kilinto and 45 in Koye Fetche—the project aims to bolster grassroots livelihoods by integrating communities into profitable agricultural value chains. Beneficiaries will engage in animal fattening, dairy production, poultry farming, and small-scale agribusinesses, sectors that remain essential for local food security and economic resilience.

Speaking at the launch ceremony, Heineken Ethiopia’s Managing Director, Bart De Keninck emphasized the transformative impact of livestock farming on rural and peri-urban communities. They pledged continued support through technical training, market linkages, and sustainable management practices to ensure the project’s long-term success.

The multi-pronged initiative provides selected households with livestock, feed, veterinary services, training in food processing, and business development skills. It places a strong emphasis on empowering women, female-headed households, and people with disabilities, identified through a collaborative selection process involving Heineken, MSD, community members, and local government representatives.

Beyond economic upliftment, the project seeks to strengthen social cohesion and nurture local entrepreneurship, with Heineken pledging continued support through technical capacity building, market linkages, and the promotion of sustainable farming practices.

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The Trump administration is proposing to eliminate its USD 555 million commitment to the African Development Bank’s (AfDB) primary development fund, a move that could significantly disrupt development financing for Africa’s low-income countries. According to Black Star News, the proposal—submitted to the U.S. Congress—suggests that Washington will halt all contributions to the fund starting next year, arguing that the fund is “not currently aligned” with the administration’s priorities.

This sudden shift not only threatens the AfDB’s resource planning but may also trigger a fundamental recalibration of the bank’s development strategies. The AfDB is nearing the end of its current USD 8.9 billion funding cycle and was aiming for a major USD 25 billion replenishment. The U.S., a key player since 1976 and the bank’s second-largest shareholder, has been instrumental in sustaining the fund. While other donor countries have also reduced contributions, the scale of the proposed U.S. cut is unprecedented.

The decision comes at a pivotal time for the bank, with leadership elections scheduled for later this month. The incoming president will now face the daunting task of navigating a funding shortfall and rebuilding donor confidence amid growing development demands across the continent.

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The International Finance Corporation (IFC), a member of the World Bank Group and the largest global development institution focused on the private sector in emerging markets, has appointed Ethiopis Tafara as its Vice President for Africa.

In this leadership role, Ethiopis will oversee IFC’s strategic investment and advisory operations across Africa. He will lead a team of nearly 800 staff members and manage a growing portfolio currently valued at USD17 billion, aimed at boosting job creation and accelerating private sector development in key sectors including infrastructure, agriculture, manufacturing, finance, and telecommunications.

A U.S. national of Ethiopian origin, Ethiopis brings extensive experience from previous senior roles within the World Bank Group. Most recently, he served as Vice President, Chief Risk, Legal & Sustainability Officer for the Multilateral Investment Guarantee Agency (MIGA). He also previously held the position of Vice President and General Counsel at IFC.

“Africa is an increasingly important voice on the global stage,” said Ethiopis. “Though challenges persist, the opportunities are even greater. The continent’s private sector and entrepreneurs are more dynamic than ever before.”

Born in Ethiopia and raised between Ethiopia and Italy, Ethiopis is fluent in Amharic, French, Italian, Spanish, and English. He holds a Juris Doctor (JD) from Georgetown University Law Center and an AB degree from Princeton University. His expertise spans capital markets, corporate law, governance, compliance, and risk management.

Welcoming the appointment, Makhtar Diop, Managing Director of IFC, stated:

“I am thrilled to welcome Ethiopis to this role. His deep and long-standing commitment to Africa’s development and his unique skillset are well-suited to support the continent’s development pathways.”

Ethiopis will be based in Nairobi, Kenya, and succeeds Sérgio Pimenta, who recently retired after nearly three decades of service at IFC.

In the 2024 fiscal year alone, IFC delivered record investment levels across 45 countries in Africa, including 30 classified as low-income or fragile and conflict-affected situations (FCS).

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The Bank of Tanzania has introduced new regulations that prohibit the use of foreign currencies, including the US dollar, for all domestic transactions and payments.

Effective immediately, all goods and services in Tanzania must be priced and paid for strictly in Tanzanian Shillings (TZS). The new policy also bans the quoting of prices or making payments in foreign currencies, a measure aimed at addressing the persistent depreciation of the Tanzanian shilling.

These regulations are part of Tanzania’s broader strategy to regain control over its economy and protect the value of the local currency. To further support this initiative, existing contracts that are denominated in foreign currencies must be converted to TZS by March 27, 2026, unless an extension is granted by the Minister of Finance.

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Ethiopian Airlines, Africa’s largest carrier and one of the world’s fastest-growing airline brands, has marked a significant milestone with the graduation of 974 aviation professionals from its Aviation University. The graduation ceremony, held on May 3, 2025, at Ethiopian Aviation University in Addis Ababa, was attended by ambassadors, international representatives, airline executives, graduates’ families, and distinguished guests.

The graduates specialized in various fields including Aircraft Maintenance (184), Pilot Training (43), Cabin Crew (448), Commercial Operations (255), and Hotel Operations (44). The cohort represents a diverse mix of African nationalities, alongside international trainees, with notable representation from China. Among them are 38 Chinese, 34 Congolese, 19 Mozambicans, 8 Cameroonians, 2 Gabonese, and one each from Zambia, South Sudan, Uganda, and Sierra Leone. Of the total graduates, 614 are female and 360 male—underscoring Ethiopian Airlines’ commitment to gender inclusion in the aviation industry.

“This is a proud moment for Ethiopian Airlines,” said Group CEO Mr. Mesfin Tasew. “Our graduates have demonstrated exceptional dedication and academic excellence. I am confident they will carry forward the values, skills, and knowledge they have gained here. Ethiopian Aviation University, with its advanced technologies and expert faculty, will remain a beacon of aviation excellence for Africa and beyond.”

Established nearly 70 years ago, Ethiopian Aviation University has trained over 20,000 aviation professionals from Ethiopia, across the continent, and internationally. Since earning university status in March 2023, the institution has expanded its academic offerings to include degree programs such as BSc in Aeronautical Engineering, BSc in Aircraft Maintenance Engineering, BSc in Aviation Management, BA in Tourism and Hospitality Management, and an MBA in Aviation Management.

The university currently operates in Addis Ababa, Hawassa, and Dire Dawa, with a capacity to train approximately 4,000 students annually. Under Ethiopian Airlines’ long-term “Vision 2035,” that number is expected to grow to 7,000 in the coming years.

This latest graduation not only reaffirms Ethiopian Airlines’ leadership in aviation training but also highlights its enduring partnership with China. The airline was the first African carrier to establish direct flights to China in 1973, a relationship that continues to deepen through education and skill transfer.

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Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed (Dr.) today inaugurated the 3rd “Made in Ethiopia” Expo, a significant event aimed at showcasing the nation’s industrial growth. The 5-day expo, set a record with 288 exhibitors displaying a wide range of local products.

The Prime Minister’s Office highlighted promising developments in Ethiopia’s manufacturing sector over the past three years. The sector’s annual growth rate rose from 4.8% in the 2022 fiscal year to 8.4% in 2024, with expectations for a 12% increase by the end of this fiscal year.

Industrial production capacity surged by 61.2% in the first nine months of the 2024/2025 fiscal year, while revenue from the sector matched the \$2.1 billion mark, equivalent to the total for the entire 2022 fiscal year.

Energy consumption in manufacturing also grew significantly, from 3.88 billion kilowatt hours in 2015 to 4.67 billion in 2024, a reflection of increased production.

Looking ahead, Ethiopia plans to expand its agro-processing capacity by producing agricultural machinery, alongside developing energy generation solutions to address rural irrigation and domestic power needs. Efforts to drive innovation and bring new products to the market will continue to strengthen Ethiopia’s industrial capabilities.

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Ethiopia has officially launched a new vehicle license plate system, introducing a uniform design for all vehicles registered within the country. The reform, outlined in the Types of Vehicles Identification Number Plate and Symbols Determination and Service Delivery Directive No. 1050/2025, has been implemented by the Ministry of Transport and Logistics. It mandates that all vehicle plates will now feature the national identifier “ETH”, alongside the map of Ethiopia, inscriptions in both Ge’ez and Latin scripts, and advanced technological features.

The key aim of the reform is to standardise vehicle registration plates across the country, replacing the region-specific number plates previously used. This change comes in response to the operational inefficiencies, resource wastage, and fraud associated with the old system. According to the directive, the new plates will bring Ethiopia into line with international agreements and help curb forgery and corruption linked to vehicle registrations.

The directive further mandates that all newly registered vehicles and those already on the road must return their old plates and obtain the new ones. The ministry has outlined a scheduled timeline for this transition.

In line with the global trend for standardisation, all vehicle plates in Ethiopia will now include a map of the country, the national symbol “ETH” in Latin, and the corresponding Ge’ez characters “ኢት” — marking a significant step in aligning with international conventions. The plates will also feature a consecutive number format with three Latin letters and four digits, although under exceptional circumstances, motorcycles may use three digits.

Additionally, vehicles powered by electric or renewable energy will be distinctly marked with the phrase “Green Transport” to highlight their environmentally friendly credentials. Each plate will also contain specific markings to indicate the type of fuel used and the service provided by the vehicle, ensuring a more transparent system for tracking and regulation.

The directive introduces a system that includes coding features for better control, registration, and monitoring. This coding system aims to modernise the manufacturing, distribution, and disposal of vehicle plates, with a strong emphasis on using high-quality materials to avoid waste and misuse of public funds.

Importantly, the reform not only applies to future registrations but also to previously registered vehicles. These vehicles will be required to return their old number plates and replace them with the new design as part of the nationwide rollout of the directive.

Oromia Bank, in collaboration with the Ministry of Transport and Logistics, has implemented a technology that allows easy payment of fuel bills through the Milki digital financing application.

Following the implementation of the new Milki digital financing application by Oromia Bank, a grand launch event was held in the presence of senior officials of the Ministry of Transport and Logistics and relevant stakeholders.

In his message at the launch event, the CEO, Teferi Mekonnen, said Our bank is implementing a wide range of activities to support the digital payment strategic plan of our country Ethiopia, especially those that reduce cash circulation and promote digital payment services and transactions; Obo Teferi, who said that large-scale works supported by technology are being carried out, said that the work of digitizing fuel transactions through the Milki app that we are announcing today is a significant example.

The Director of the Fuel Subsidy Project Office of the Ministry of Transport and Logistics, Selman Mohammed, said; The steps taken by Oromia Bank to modernize the fuel transaction system by understanding the comprehensive digitalization plan of the government is commendable. He further called on the bank to continue its digitalization work in other sectors.

Among the partners of Oromia Bank who attended the program; Dr. Yusuf Elmali, General Manager of Oil Libya Ethiopia, said that the application developed by Oromia Bank is convenient for fuel transactions, and that the technology will modernize fuel transactions.

In a message sent by the Chairman of the Board of Directors of Oromia Bank, Dr. Assefa Sime, he said that Oromia Bank is working on a multi-faceted digitalization project, which is bearing fruit. He urged that this comprehensive digitalization work continue to be strengthened.

According to the Bank, Oromia Bank is the first bank to implement a system that allows customers to obtain loans even if they do not have money in their account, including making fuel payments, by launching the Milky Digital Financing application on the application developed by the Ministry of Transport and Logistics to modernize fuel transactions.

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Holland Dairy Launches Ethiopia’s New Flagship Premium Cheese

Ethiopia to Host the 5th Pakistan-Africa Trade Development Conference

Heineken Ethiopia Launches ETB 33 Million Livelihood Project to Empower Vulnerable Families in Kilinto and Koye Fetche

U.S. Plans to Withdraw USD555 Million From AfDB Fund

IFC Appoints Ethiopis Tafara as Vice President for Africa

Tanzania Bans Use of US Dollars and Foreign Currencies for Local Transactions

Ethiopian Airlines Honors Nearly 1,000 New Aviation Students

Ethiopia Sees 61.2 Percent Industrial Output Growth in Nine Months

Ethiopia Unveils New Vehicle Plates Featuring Ge’ez and “ETH” Symbol

Oromia Bank and Ministry Partner to Digitise Fuel Payments