@MInT_Ethiopia – Ethiopian Business Review

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BitX, a global mining company has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Ethiopia Mining Farm, paving the way for cutting-edge AI-powered mining infrastructure in Ethiopia, according to Street Insider.

The agreement marks a significant milestone in BitX’s African expansion, introducing its flagship Bit-X V2 Accelerator into local mining operations. This AI-driven technology is designed to double mining efficiency without the need for hardware upgrades, offering a more sustainable and cost-effective approach to Bitcoin mining. Ethiopia is seen as a high-potential hub, thanks to its largely untapped energy reserves and increasing momentum in digital transformation.

BitX’s CEO highlighted that the partnership goes beyond efficiency—it aims to foster a more inclusive and decentralized Web3.0 mining model, where access and fairness are prioritized. Ethiopia Mining Farm officials echoed this vision, stating that the integration of BitX’s accelerator will significantly enhance their operational performance and global competitiveness.

According to the MoU, BitX plans to roll out its technology across 20,000 mining machines in Ethiopia by the end of 2025, with ambitions to expand across other African markets. A key part of this initiative is BitX’s Shared Accelerator Program, which allows global participants to invest in decentralized mining via AI-powered contracts, starting at just $100—making it accessible to a broad base of investors, including Ethiopians.

Unlike traditional mining models that depend heavily on hardware or low-cost electricity, BitX’s approach focuses on software optimization and energy efficiency, enabling emerging economies like Ethiopia to participate in the global Bitcoin mining economy without massive capital requirements.

With a proven track record in North America and Central Asia, BitX’s move into Ethiopia underscores a growing shift in global mining strategy, one that champions decentralization, smart technology, and environmental consciousness.

Dodai Manufacturing PLC has officially secured approval from the Addis Ababa Transport Bureau to operate its electric motorbike venture. The agreement marks a turning point for the startup, which began operations in 2023 and has since emerged as a pioneering force in Ethiopia’s nascent e-mobility sector.

The partnership, announced yesterday, is the result of extensive engagement between Dodai and city authorities. It allows the company to begin wide-scale deployment of its electric motorbikes, alongside the expansion of its innovative battery swapping network across the capital.

Yabibal Addis, Head of the Addis Ababa Transport Bureau, confirmed the agreement and praised the company’s alignment with city standards. “Today, we validated that Dodai’s motorbikes meet our reliability and quality requirements,” he said. “Motor bikes are not open to general use due to policy constraints, but with this partnership, Dodai will be able to operate under structured parameters, supporting both the company’s growth and the country’s green transport goals.”

Currently, motorcycle access in Addis Ababa remains limited to specific users, including delivery companies, government offices, and registered private firms. However, Dodai’s commitment to safety, environmental responsibility, and technological reliability helped the company meet the city’s strict regulatory framework.

Dodai CEO Yuma Sasaki emphasized the startup’s mission to build trust through performance. “Our bikes are equipped with GPS tracking, environmentally friendly, and designed to meet urban needs,” he told Ethiopian Business Review. “Earning trust from regulators is our top priority, once achieved, we expect to obtain full authorization for number plates and full-scale rollout.”

As part of the agreement, Dodai will begin official operations in Addis Ababa within the next six months. The company also plans to expand its battery swapping stations from the current count to 30–50 locations across the city, creating a seamless and convenient charging experience for riders.

In a gesture of support for public institutions and to reinforce its commitment to Addis Ababa’s green transition, Dodai is donating 40 electric motorbikes—without batteries—for pilot use. The donation aligns with the company’s broader effort to integrate its technology into public systems through an exclusive pilot program for its smart battery swapping service.

Dodai’s battery swap model allows riders to replace depleted batteries in seconds by visiting a swap station, paying a small fee via mobile, and receiving a fully charged unit—eliminating the delays and challenges associated with traditional charging infrastructure.

Fayda Wallet has officially launched in Ethiopia—marking a critical step toward nationwide adoption of biometric-based digital ID and financial access.

Co-developed with technology support from TECH5 and Visa, the Fayda Wallet allows citizens to download the official app and instantly request a digital version of their Fayda ID credential. The system is designed to eliminate paperwork and streamline access to both public and private digital services.

The Cooperative Bank of Oromia (Coopbank) has become the first bank to adopt the Fayda Wallet, enabling customers to open new accounts seamlessly using biometric eKYC verification, without the need for physical documents.

The initiative aligns with Ethiopia’s Digital 2025 Strategy and the Homegrown Economic Reform Agenda, both of which emphasize digital identity as a foundational enabler for financial inclusion and public service access.

With secure biometric verification at its core, the platform strengthens trust while simplifying processes for underserved and unbanked populations.

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Ethiopia has been selected by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) to host a bachelor’s degree program in nuclear science and technology for African member states.

The announcement was made by Ethiopia’s Ministry of Innovation and Technology, which revealed that a strategic agreement has been signed between the IAEA, the Government of China, Tsinghua University, and Addis Ababa Science and Technology University (AASTU) to establish the continent’s first IAEA-backed undergraduate program in nuclear engineering based in Ethiopia.

The initiative is designed to build long-term capacity in nuclear science across the African continent—particularly in sectors such as health, agriculture, mining, environmental management, manufacturing, and energy. The program will also serve Ethiopia’s domestic needs by nurturing a new generation of nuclear engineers and technical experts.

Minister of Innovation and Technology, Dr. Belete Molla, described the agreement as a turning point in Ethiopia’s scientific advancement. “Ethiopia is emerging as a gateway to science and technology in Africa,” he said. “By hosting this program, we are not only accelerating our own development but offering access to a critical knowledge frontier for our African partners.”

He noted that Ethiopia’s selection followed an extensive negotiation process, during which its institutional readiness and regional relevance were emphasized. The program will support the country’s broader economic goals by integrating peaceful nuclear technology applications into national development strategies.

As part of the agreement, up to ten Ethiopian professionals will undergo a six-month specialized training at Tsinghua University in China—one of the world’s leading institutions in nuclear science. Upon their return, they will support the delivery of the degree program in collaboration with experts from China and the IAEA.

IAEA Deputy Director General for Technical Cooperation, Hua Liu, expressed confidence in Ethiopia’s capacity to lead the initiative. He emphasized the program’s broader economic implications, noting that the IAEA and the Chinese government will provide laboratory infrastructure and other essential resources to support implementation.

BitX Enters Africa via Ethiopia in Major AI-Driven Mining Deal

Dodai Secures Green Light from Addis Ababa Transport Bureau to Scale Electric Mobility

Fayda Wallet Launches in Ethiopia, Ushering in a New Era of Biometric Banking

Ethiopia to Launch Africa-Focused Nuclear Engineering Degree Program with IAEA Backing