Lycée Guébré-Mariam, one of Ethiopia’s French international schools, celebrated a significant milestone on Saturday as it commemorated its 75th year of establishment. The grand event witnessed the presence of distinguished guests, including President Sahlework Zewdie, Minister of Education Berhanu Nega, and French Ambassador to Ethiopia Rémi Maréchaux.

Founded in 1947, Lycée Guébré-Mariam has been an emblem of excellence in education, serving as a beacon of multiculturalism and academic prowess in Ethiopia. The school’s integration into the Mission laïque française in its inaugural year marked a pivotal moment in its history, cementing its commitment to delivering quality French education in the heart of Addis Ababa.

The 75th-anniversary celebration was a momentous occasion, steeped in nostalgia and reverence for the institution’s rich heritage. Former students of Lycée Guébré-Mariam, who have gone on to make significant contributions in various fields, were honored during the ceremony, showcasing the school’s enduring legacy of shaping future leaders and trailblazers.

President Sahlework Zewdie, in her address to the gathering, lauded the school’s role in nurturing generations of students and fostering cultural exchange between Ethiopia and France. She emphasized the importance of education as a cornerstone of national development and commended Lycée Guébré-Mariam for its unwavering commitment to academic excellence.

Minister of Education Berhanu Nega echoed similar sentiments, emphasizing the government’s dedication to supporting educational institutions that promote international cooperation and cultural diversity. He reaffirmed the ministry’s commitment to providing quality education for all Ethiopians, regardless of background or nationality.

French Ambassador Rémi Maréchaux expressed his pride in Lycée Guébré-Mariam’s contribution to strengthening Franco-Ethiopian ties and fostering a deeper understanding of French language and culture in Ethiopia.

An estimated 4.4 million individuals are displaced within various regions of Ethiopia, particularly in areas like Amhara, Oromia, Tigray, Afar, and Benshangul Gumuz. However , approximately 8,000 individuals from this displaced population received a pilot Digital ID.

To mitigate this issue, a pilot initiative in collaboration with humanitarian organizations has been launched to register and provide identification to these vulnerable populations. Despite this effort, the number of displaced individuals who have received digital IDs remains relatively low.

Gebrela Abraham, Policy Advisor of the National ID program, highlighted the ongoing efforts, stating that around 8,000 displaced individuals in West Wolega have been successfully registered and provided with IDs. However, she acknowledged that more work needs to be done to address the broader issue of providing digital IDs to internally displaced persons (IDPs) across the country.

Since the nationwide introduction of the national identification program, approximately 3.8 million people have been registered. Registration centers are operational at nine banks and 69 branches in Addis Ababa, as well as at revenue offices and document registration and verification services throughout Ethiopia.

Efforts are underway in collaboration with UNICEF and WFP to trial the creation of digital identity cards, known as “Fayda” cards, equipped with a unique 12-digit identification number for displaced populations. Biometric technology is being utilized to enhance the accuracy and security of the identification process.

In addition to addressing the needs of IDPs, the Ethiopian government, in partnership with UNHCR, is extending digital identification services to refugees and asylum seekers in the country. This initiative aims to ensure that all individuals, regardless of their displacement status, have access to essential services and support.

However, challenges persist, as many refugees and returnees displaced by drought and conflict struggle to obtain the necessary identification documents to access basic services. It is crucial that identification systems are effectively utilized to verify individuals’ identities and facilitate their access to vital services.

The comprehensive digital identification program, supported by a $350 million investment from the World Bank, is expected to enroll 90 million people by 2028. Through continued collaboration and innovation, Ethiopia seeks to bridge the digital ID gap and provide equitable access to essential services for all its citizens, including those displaced within its borders.

Ethiopian Airlines has unveiled plans to initiate the construction of Africa’s largest airport, a monumental project estimated to cost USD 7.8 billion. This ambitious endeavor marks a significant milestone for the national carrier as it ventures into the realm of infrastructure development.

Mesfin Tasew, CEO of Ethiopian Airlines Group, disclosed that extensive research and deliberation have culminated in the commencement of this groundbreaking initiative, named the “Mega Airport City.” Mesfin emphasized the collaborative efforts between the Oromia region and the federal government to facilitate the project, aiming to uplift local communities and create employment opportunities for farmers in the area.

Spanning across 35 square kilometers in the picturesque locale of Obosirraa, near Bishoftu city in the Oromia region, the expansive airport city is set to redefine air travel infrastructure in Africa. The grand design includes provisions for 300 aircraft parking spaces and four air runways, poised to accommodate the burgeoning demand for air travel.

Notably, the existing terminal, operating at full capacity, can cater to approximately 25 million passengers. However, with the advent of the new airport, passenger capacity is projected to quadruple, ensuring enhanced operational efficiency and seamless travel experiences for millions of passengers annually.

The construction timeline spans five years, divided into two distinct phases, with meticulous planning to ensure optimal utilization of resources and adherence to stringent quality standards. Additionally, plans are underway to construct an expressway linking the airport city to the bustling Bole International Airport, facilitating seamless connectivity and streamlined logistics.

With passenger numbers steadily on the rise, Ethiopian Airlines recognizes the imperative of expanding infrastructure to meet growing demands. The new airport complex is envisioned to feature state-of-the-art amenities, including modern hotels, duty-free shopping zones, and a cutting-edge cargo logistics center, further bolstering Ethiopia’s position as a key aviation hub in Africa.

Initiated in 2019, the project has progressed significantly, with land acquisition and feasibility studies completed, paving the way for the commencement of construction. Ethiopian Airlines, with over seven decades of illustrious service, remains at the forefront of Africa’s aviation sector, with robust growth projections and a steadfast commitment to excellence in air travel services.