#Ethiopia: #Opal production in South Wollo Zone disrupted by conflict in #Amhara region

The administration of #South_Wollo_Zone, a major producer of opals, has reported that the mining of the precious gemstone has been disrupted by the ongoing conflict in the Amhara region. This disruption in opal production is impacting the local economy and the livelihoods of those involved in the industry.

In the South Wollo Zone, nearly 30 minerals, including opal, amber, jasper, onyx, tourmaline, quartz, and gypsum, have been identified. Currently, 12 high-potential production licenses have been granted, with four in good standing and the remaining not operational.

Over the past three months, the zone has exported 6,532 kilograms of opal to international markets, resulting in a revenue of almost six million birr.

Safaricom Ethiopia registers 1.2 million M-PESA customers since launch in August, transaction values reach $286.7 million

#Safaricom_Ethiopia Plc has achieved a significant milestone by registering 1.2 million M-PESA customers since launching its mobile money service in the country in August this year. This announcement was made during the release of the company's 2023/2024 half-year results on Thursday.

On 16 August 2023, M-PESA was launched in #Ethiopia after acquiring the payment instrument issuer license from the National Bank of Ethiopia. This launch was a major boost for Safaricom as it aims to expand its services in one of #Africa's most populous countries.

Furthermore, Safaricom disclosed that transaction values have reached $286.7 million (Ksh. 43.7 billion) since the launch. Additionally, 23,000 M-PESA agents and 12,000 merchants have been onboarded to the service.

"This confirms our belief in the growth potential of Ethiopia and how it will greatly support our future expansion. We intend to maintain this momentum in the second half of the year," stated Peter Ndegwa, CEO of Safaricom.

During the results announcement, Safaricom also revealed that its customer base has grown to 4.1 million users, with operations now extended to 22 cities across the country.

https://techtrendske.co.ke/2023/11/09/safaricom-now-has-1-2-million-m-pesa-customers-in-ethiopia/

Defiance and resilience: What explains the unexpected results for 12th-Grade exams in post-war #Tigray region

Startling statistics recently revealed that only 3.3% of students who took the 12th-grade exit exams across #Ethiopia achieved a score above 50%. This disappointing trend has persisted for the past two years, prompting frustration and criticism from members of parliament. In an unexpected turn of events, the war-torn region of Tigray emerged as a beacon of hope, with an impressive 66.96% of grade 12 students achieving a passing mark.

Among the top performers is 21-year-old Ataklti Mebrahtu, despite being disabled due to the conflict. Ataklti's determination and refusal to be defined by his disability enabled him to score an impressive 556, placing him among the top ten students in his school. His journey was marred by the war and the COVID-19 pandemic, but he remained resilient. While he mourns the loss of classmates and friends, Ataklti remains committed to advocating for Tigray children's return to school.

A total of 9,514 students took the exams in Tigray, with natural science and social science courses being favored. The success was attributed to factors such as age, concentration, and resilience. Despite the challenges faced, Tigray's students have displayed commendable determination.

https://addisstandard.com/defiance-and-resilience-what-explains-the-unexpected-results-for-12th-grade-exams-in-post-war-tigray-region/

#Ethiopian forces regain control of #Lalibela: Residents

The Ethiopian army regained control of Lalibela on Thursday, following a pullout by a regional militia whose fighters had overrun much of the historic town a day earlier, residents said.
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The latest clashes broke out on Wednesday morning, with #Fano eventually seizing control of much of Lalibela, according to residents.

But on Thursday, a resident said that Fano fighters had "left during the night" and "ENDF now control the city".

Another resident confirmed the account, saying: "Until early morning, Fano controlled most of the town. When we woke up, Fano were finishing leaving the town."

"I can see ENDF deployed in the streets," he added. https://www.barrons.com/articles/ethiopian-forces-regain-control-of-lalibela-residents-caf5b9b3

#Ethiopia: Opposition group in #Tigray opposes referendum over occupied areas, urge full implementation of peace deal

The Assimba Democratic Party opposes the federal government's plan for a referendum in occupied Tigray areas, emphasizing the need for complete implementation of the Pretoria Peace Agreement.

The party demands the withdrawal of #Eritrean and #Amhara forces, the return of displaced people in Tigray, and urgent humanitarian aid.

https://addisstandard.com/news-opposition-group-in-tigray-opposes-referendum-over-occupied-areas-urge-full-implementation-of-peace-deal/

#Ethiopia: Leading #Sidama opposition party accuses regional government of forceful entry into its office, property looting

Sidama Federalist Party (#SFP) accuses Sidama regional government of forcefully entering its HQ, looting property, and detaining a member. The party's head, Genene Hasana, claims security forces raided the office, engaging in physical altercations and arresting a member.

The regional government denies the accusations, stating that their actions were to maintain law and order after party members incited disturbances. The SFP alleges a history of harassment and arrests by the regional administration and has communicated its concerns to Ethiopia’s national electoral board.

The Ethiopian National Electoral Board has initiated an inquiry into the SFP’s complaint about the unlawful detention of its members.

https://addisstandard.com/news-leading-sidama-opposition-party-accuses-regional-government-of-forceful-entry-into-its-office-property-looting/

#Ethiopia: Students in #Tigray defy all odds with outstanding performance in 12th-grade exit exam

Meet Liwam Kiros, a 21-year-old student from Kallamino Special High School who has achieved an impressive score of 562 in the 12th-grade exit exam. Liwam's accomplishment is even more remarkable considering the additional challenges she faces as a female and disabled individual. As a former fighter from Tigray, Liwam suffered a left foot injury after serving on various fronts for a year.

Despite the tragic losses experienced during the war, Liwam is one of over 9,000 grade 12 students who recently took the school leaving exams in the Tigray region.

To learn more about the inspiring journeys of students like Liwam, who surpassed expectations and overcame challenges, please follow the link:

https://addisstandard.com/defiance-and-resilience-what-explains-the-unexpected-results-for-12th-grade-exams-in-post-war-tigray-region/

#Saudi_Arabia to sign more than $500M in deals with #African countries

The Saudi Fund for Development plans to sign agreements worth some 2 billion riyals ($533 million) with African countries, according to the Saudi finance minister.

Speaking at the Saudi-Arab-African Economic Conference in Riyadh on Thursday, Finance Minister Mohammed Al-Jadaan said that Riyadh was working with partners to support Ghana and other African countries toward easing their debt.

Ghana, in the throes of an economic crisis, is the African state most indebted to the International Monetary Fund. The Ghanaian government is currently in talks with external creditors for debt relief to the tune of $10.5 billion.

Saudi Investment Minister Khalid Al-Falih later said at the Riyadh event that the kingdom’s sovereign wealth fund, the Public Investment Fund, will make some “game changing” investments in Africa. The fund is worth more than $700 billion, according to the latest estimates.

Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman, the Saudi energy minister, signed agreements with #Chad, #Ethiopia, #Nigeria, #Rwanda and #Senegal at the conference.

The memorandum of understanding signed with Rwanda is to increase economic and environmental efficiency involving oil and gas and the focus on innovation and sustainability.

https://www.al-monitor.com/originals/2023/11/saudi-arabia-sign-more-500m-deals-african-countries

#Ethiopia: #Fincha Sugar Factory faces prolonged delay in resuming operations, impacting employees and economy

The Fincha Sugar Factory, a prominent and historically significant sugar factory in Western #Oromia, has yet to resume operations after closing down five months ago. The factory's closure for maintenance purposes has led to severe consequences for both employees and the economy.

Damage to vital equipment and a scarcity of foreign currency have hindered the factory's ability to produce sugar. Additionally, the factory has suffered from significant damage to vehicles and agriculture machinery, resulting in a considerable financial loss. Previous suspensions of production were also caused by conflicts in the region.

While plans are in place to restart operations soon, challenges and security concerns persist, impacting employees and their livelihoods.

https://addisstandard.com/news-fincha-sugar-factory-faces-prolonged-delay-in-resuming-operations-impacting-employees-and-economy/

News: #UK, #Ethiopia launch peace program to mitigate instability along Ethiopia-Kenya-Somalia borders

The British Embassy in #Addis_Abeba, along with Ethiopian and Somali officials, has introduced a peace and security initiative called 'Deris Wanaag.' The program aims to strengthen resilience against extremism in border regions of Ethiopia, #Kenya, and #Somalia.

The UK will contribute £10 million over the next three years to support this effort, focusing on policy, resilience-building, and addressing community needs.

Cross-border cooperation and alignment of development and peace building activities across the three countries will be emphasized.

https://addisstandard.com/news-uk-ethiopia-launch-peace-program-to-mitigate-instability-along-ethiopia-kenya-somalia-borders/