Thursday, October 2, 2025
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Digital modernization key to avoiding EU ban on Ethiopian flowers

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Ethiopia’s horticulture sector, particularly its flower industry, faces a significant challenge as a potential European Union (EU) ban looms due to quality issues. The sector must modernize digitally to address these problems and maintain its major market destination.

The National Bank of Ethiopia (NBE) reported that Ethiopia’s cut flower exports generated nearly $600 million in revenue for the 2022/23 fiscal year, making it the second-highest-valued export product after coffee. More than 85% of these cut flowers are exported to Europe, and floriculture accounts for 8% of the country’s export revenue. Despite this impressive growth, quality issues on some farms continue to affect the industry.

To tackle these challenges, the Ethiopian Horticulture Producer Exporters Association (EHPEA) recently signed a joint agreement to establish comprehensive e-learning and knowledge management systems tailored to the needs of Ethiopia’s horticulture sector. The agreement, signed at the Sky Light Hotel, includes a €139,000 grant from TradeMark Africa.

The EHPEA, which has more than 126 members, aims to enhance its capabilities in knowledge management and provide e-learning opportunities. The new platform will offer access to valuable resources and training materials through linked modules designed to improve skills and knowledge sharing in horticultural production and export practices.

Tewodros Zewdie, Executive Director of EHPEA, emphasized the importance of this investment, stating, “We will invest not only in technology but also in the future of Ethiopia’s horticulture sector. Our partnership with TradeMark Africa allows us to access the resources necessary for our members to thrive in an increasingly digital marketplace.”

This agreement will also provide data analysis insights into consumer preferences, market conditions, and supply chain dynamics. Such data will enable stakeholders in the horticulture sector to optimize their strategies and offerings, ensuring that they meet the needs of both the Ethiopian market and the growing global market sustainably.

According to information obtained from EHPEA, Ethiopia exported more than 215,800 tons of horticultural products to the international market, generating revenues of over $514 million in the first nine months of the 2023 fiscal year. Flower exports accounted for nearly $444 million, while fruit and vegetable exports generated $57 million and $13.3 million, respectively.

By embracing digital technology and improving quality standards, Ethiopia’s horticulture sector aims to avoid the EU ban and secure its position in the global market.

Government intervention prevents debt-induced import shortage

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In a move that averted a potentially catastrophic fuel crisis, the Ethiopian government has taken corrective action to address the country’s mounting fuel-related debt. The crisis was looming large as the lack of fuel price revisions over the past few years had depleted the funds in the price stabilization program, leading the Ethiopian Petroleum and Energy Authority (EEA) to accumulate over 197 billion birr in debt.

“If the government had not taken immediate corrective action, the country would have reached a point where it would not be able to import fuel due to debt,” said Bekelech Kuma, the Public Relations and Communications Director of the EEA.

The price stabilization fund, which is meant to cushion the impact of global oil price fluctuations, had run dry, recording losses of up to 15 billion birr per month as the debt began to mount. This posed a grave threat to the country’s fuel supply, as the EEA had exhausted its deposits for fuel purchases and was drowning in debt.

To address the crisis, the government implemented a fuel reform program in July 2022, which excluded over 1 million vehicles in urban hubs and cross-country public transport from the fuel subsidy package. This measure reduced the debt burden on the stabilization fund from 197 billion birr to 89 billion birr, with the debt set to continue decreasing as the government revises fuel prices.

“As fuel prices did not recover, the reserve on the fuel stabilization fund ran out and debt began to register,” Kuma explained. “By changing this practice, the price stabilization fund has been able to reduce its debt burden, and the debt will continue to decrease as it is revised.”

The fuel reform has also seen the integration of digital payment systems, with 1,580 petrol stations registering 1,535 Telebirr accounts and 1,453 starting transactions.

The government’s decisive action has not only prevented a fuel import crisis but also set the stage for a more sustainable and efficient fuel management system in the country. As Ethiopia looks to the future, the lessons learned from this experience will undoubtedly inform its energy policies and ensure the country’s energy security.

Springboks, Kolisi honoured by African Union for Rugby World Cup (RWC) triumph

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The Springboks added prestigious continental awards to their impressive list of accolades following their back-to-back Rugby World Cup titles last year, when they received the Team of the Year and Sportsman of the Year awards at the African Union Sports Council Region 5 Sports Awards in Lusaka, Zambia on Saturday.

The glittering awards ceremony, to celebrate the pinnacle of sporting excellence, was attended by athletes, sports luminaries, and government dignitaries from across the ten countries that make up Region: Angola, Botswana, Lesotho, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, South Africa, Swaziland, Zambia, and Zimbabwe.

The awards add a continental flavour to the accolades received by the world champions, with the Springboks most recently being crowned the Team of the Year at the SA Sports Awards and SA Rugby Awards, while Kolisi received the People’s Choice and Sports Star of the Year Awards.

SA Rugby President Mr Mark Alexander congratulated the team and Kolisi for being honoured in such a prestigious manner: “This award underlines the continental significance of the Springboks’ consecutive Rugby World Cup victories and the key role Siya played in guiding the team both on and off the field.

“They deserve all the recognition for their hard work and sacrifices over several years to lift the Webb Ellis Cup in France last year and Japan in 2019, and we are delighted to see how far and wide their achievements have reached.

“The team and Kolisi have been critical in showing what unity, teamwork, and overcoming numerous barriers on and off the field can achieve in nation-building and building winning teams, and we hope this inspires teams across Africa to follow in their footsteps and achieve similar success.”

The competition for these awards was stiff, with the Springboks going up against the Malawian Scorchers – the national women’s football team – and Botswana’s senior men’s 4x400m relay team, while Kolisi triumphed in a highly competitive category, edging out notable athletes such as Bayapo Ndori from Botswana, and Mancoba Mahlatsi from Swaziland.

The ceremony’s keynote address was delivered by Her Excellency Mutale Nalumango, Vice President of Zambia. The African Union Sports Council Region 5 is committed to the development and promotion of sports within the Southern African region. The council, through various programmes and events, aims to foster unity, enhance athletic performance, and support athletes in achieving their highest potential.

Issued by SA Rugby Communications

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of South African Rugby.

For further information, please contact:
Andy Colquhoun
GM: Communications and Commercial
+27 (0) 21 928 7010
+27 (0) 82 926 0789
andyc@sarugby.co.za

De Jongh Borchardt
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dejonghb@sarugby.co.za

Rayaan Adriaanse
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Sindiswa Ximba
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Zeena Isaacs
Springbok Media Manager
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+27 (0) 82 357 3112
ZeenaI@sarugby.co.za

JJ Harmse
Sevens and Women’s Rugby Media Manager
+27 (0) 21 928 7014
+27 (0) 71 480 4570
jjharmse@sarugby.co.za

International African Energy, Oil and Gas Summit (IAEOG) Namibia 2024

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We bring you compliments from the Chairman Hon. Justice Suleiman Galadima JSC, CFR, OFR (Rtd.) and the Management of African Peace Magazine UK (https://AfricanPeace.org/).

African Peace Magazine UK, has been publishing for well over 14 years, and we are committed to promoting Peace, business networking, good governance and improved condition of living for Africans. 

We are pleased to invite you to the 2024 International African Energy, Oil and Gas Summit, an event pivotal for those eager to stay abreast the latest trends, innovations and opportunities in the oil and gas industry. 

The International African Energy, Oil&Gas Summit&Awards/Exhibition (IAEOG) is 4 months away, kicking off on 24-29 of October 2024 with the pre-conference on the 24th October and site visits on 25th of October. This premier event continues to grow remarkably each year, with over 2500 attendees expected to converge from more than 50 countries under one roof.

This event, a proactive endeavor supporting the AfCTA’s mission to forge regional value chains in Africa, aims at stimulating investment and job creation across the continent. 

AfCFTA ultimate goal is to unify approximately 1.3 billion people across Africa, with a collective GDP of nearing US$ 3.4 trillion.

The African Peace Organization UK, in conjunction with the Government of Namibia, and other strategic partners is set to organize the 3rd Edition of the International African Energy, Oil and Gas Summit Namibia 2024 with the Theme: A Symphony of Progress – Harnessing Africa’s Natural Resource Development, scheduled to hold on the 24th -29th of October 2024 Venue: Hilton Windhoek, Rev. Michael Scott St. Windhoek Namibia, It would feature panel discussions, presentations, exhibitions, dinners, golf tournament, award presentations, tours and a host of others. The venue for Golf Tournament; is the 18th Hole Championship Golf Course of the prestigious Windhoek Golf&Country Club.

The two previous editions of the event were held in Angola in 2022 and 2023 respectively. https://AfricanOilAndGasSummit.com/

In 10 years, Namibia is predicted to be the biggest oil producer in Sub-Saharan Africa after Nigeria and Angola.  If the numbers are correct, Namibia would be sitting on the second-largest oil reserves in sub-Saharan Africa, It’s touted by some as possibly the world’s biggest-ever deep-water oil find.

The event seeks to promote further business corporation between Nigeria – Namibia and other African Countries as a follow up to the African Continental Free Trade Agreement.

 The summit will bring together high level top executives, CEOs, Managers, investors, the business community, government agencies, exporters and importers from oil and gas sectors from across Africa and the world.  To deliberate on the challenges and opportunities of the energy transition and the future of oil and gas in Africa

Further the purpose of the summit is to facilitate trade amongst African countries and the world by providing a physical networking platform for participants to interface with their potential clients and partners, as well as to attract investment opportunities for business growth across Africa particularly in the oil and gas sector.

Join 540+ downstream trailblazers across reliability&maintenance, shutdown&turnarounds and capital projects at the Namibian oil and Gas summit 2024 sharing exclusive lessons learned and new best practices during 2-days of interactive, peer-led discussions and explore 50+ booths showcasing the latest innovation driving efficiency and safety.

Green Energy International Ltd (GEIL), an indigenous Nigeria oil and gas producing company and operator of the Otakikpo Marginal Field in OML-11, will attend and participate as a Bronze sponsor at this year’s edition of the conference. The company is one of Nigeria’s most vibrant service companies driving investment and infrastructure development for economic growth.

Noah Ajare the Editor in Chief noted that “We have been advancing the course of peace for more than 14 years now, and we have come to the conclusion that we need to do more than talking, we need to address the core trigger of conflict which includes inequality, poverty and a host of others. Providing business opportunities and job creation are vital to achieving peace in the long run. In the wake of the African Continental Free Trade Agreement, we need to do more to open up each country within the continent, to do more networking and business this collaboration would go a long way in addressing the challenges faced by African countries.”

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Peace Magazine.

For sponsorship, participation, partnership, exhibition and speaking opportunities and all other enquiries please contact:
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International Affairs
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About African Peace: 
African Peace Organization is an international organization for peace promotion, cultural relations, good governance and educational opportunities.

We build connections, understanding and trust between Africans and world. APM is also the organizer of the prestigious African Peace Awards.

APM is a brand which includes African Peace Television, African Peace Radio and African Peace Magazines. APM has been publishing for well over 14 years, and we are committed to promoting Peace, business networking, good governance and improved condition of living for Africans.

APM condemns violence and acknowledges those who strive to make the strife disappear. It features pieces, articles and write-ups which go a long way in promoting this noble cause of peace. We at African Peace Magazine believe that every sector of a nation contributes in the collective journey of a peace country.

African Peace is a voluntary, non-religious, non-political and non-governmental firm born out of desire and passion to promote a peace continent through all the elements of lifestyle, culture, Art, Fashion, leisure and cuisine. The Magazine is published in the United Arab Emirate (Dubai) by African Peace Magazine Ltd is registered in England and Wales, in Nigeria, Angola and South Africa with partners globally. We support and build disaster management capabilities in Africa, we also monitor elections in African Countries and organizes various trainings, seminars and conferences.  

With over 550 million target readers across our portfolio in more than 100 countries through our online, broadcasts and publications

The IAEOG 2024 Summit in October will unveil investment prospects and connect global players to the growing Namibian oil and gas market.

Secure Your Exclusive Group Rate&Network with Global Oil&Gas Leaders in Namibia.

We would like to present an exclusive group booking rate for your attendance at IAEOG, buy 4 early bird delegate passes, and receive 1 complimentary pass. By joining us at the event, your team will gain market insights, forge essential connections, and meet our sponsors, partners, and speakers.