From April 11, the UK has temporarily removed export tariffs for cut flowers, with the aim of making trade with the UK easier and cheaper for growers in East Africa and beyond. 

Unlimited quantities of flowers can now be exported to the UK at 0% tariff, even if they transit via a third country. This is particularly important for East African flower growers who transport their blooms via third-countries or auction houses before they arrive in the UK. 

The move aims to increase trade and further strengthen the economic relationship between the UK and the region. UK consumers could win big too – on price, seasonality and variety.  The suspension of 8% duty for cut flowers applies across the world but will be a big win for major flower growing regions in Kenya, Ethiopia, Rwanda, Tanzania, and Uganda. The duty suspension will remain in place for two years from 11 April 2024 to 30 June 2026.

The 10th Session of the Africa Regional Forum on Sustainable Development (ARFSD-10) will be held in hybrid format on 23-25 April 2024 at the headquarters of the African Union Commission (AUC) in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

The theme of the forum is “Reinforcing the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and Agenda 2063 and eradicating poverty in times of multiple crises: effective delivery of sustainable, resilient and innovative solutions.”

According to Nassim Oulmane, Acting Director of the Technology Climate Change, and Natural Resource Management Division of the ECA, while African member States are past midway in the implementation of the 2030 Agenda, progress on most SDGs is off-track and is either moving much too slowly or has regressed below the 2015 baseline; Achieving the SDGs by the set deadline of 2030 is contingent on stepping up implementation through ambitious and bold solutions and action.

“ARFSD-10 is a timely opportunity to address shortcomings and capitalize on emerging opportunities to ensure robust, accelerated and timely implementation of the SDGs and Agenda 2063. In addition, participants will play a key role in mobilizing Africa’s inputs for the Summit of the Future to be held in September 2024,” he adds.

Dodai, a pioneering Ethiopian electric mobility startup, conducted a historic launch ceremony, marking a watershed moment in the country’s transport sector. The ceremony was attended by renowned guests such as His Excellency Melaku Alebel, Minister of Industry, His. Excellency. Mr. SHIBATA Hironori, Ambassador-Designate of Japan to Ethiopia, and other dignitaries.

The highly anticipated launch ceremony demonstrated Dodai’s dedication to changing the way Ethiopians travel while also encouraging sustainability and environmental awareness. Dodai’s unique electric mobility solutions seek to address significant urban transportation issues such as congestion, pollution, and reliance on fossil fuels.

Today’s special event is evidence of a catchment basin moment for Ethiopia, clearing the way for a cleaner, more sustainable future, beginning with E-motorbikes in Addis Ababa.  During the event, Dodai presented its cutting-edge electric motorcycles models, each meticulously developed to meet the unique requirements of Ethiopian commuters and enterprises. The featured motorcycles proved the company’s commitment to great performance, dependability, and affordability, resulting in a smooth and joyful travel experience for all.

International accreditation is essential for Ethiopian public universities as they transition to autonomous governance.  Not only does accreditation assure students that their academic programs meet rigorous international standards, but it also opens new educational and economic opportunities for students because their educational backgrounds are recognized by international institutions and employers.  For this reason, the U.S. Embassy in Ethiopia, in collaboration with Ministry of Education and Institute of International Education (IIE.org), held a workshop on April 4 and 5 in Addis Ababa to help public universities understand the process of accrediting their engineering programs.  

As part the U.S. Embassy’s continued support for Ethiopian universities as they transition to autonomy, the Embassy’s Counselor for Public Diplomacy Naomi Fellows opened the workshop alongside Dr. Ebba Mijena, Director General for Academic Affairs.  The workshop was led by Dr. Firew Tegegne, former president of Bahir Dar University, and two former Fulbright and Ambassador’s Distinguished Scholars Program fellows, Dr. Samuel Lakew and Dr. Merone Lekhal.  The workshop highlighted Bahir Dar University’s success in accrediting four of its engineering programs – the first Ethiopian engineering programs to be accredited by the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET).