Experts underline the necessity of comprehensive consumer protection regulations and robust institutions for the success of government’s ambition of a sturdy digital economy.
On June 1, FSD Ethiopia held a knowledge series on consumer protection with practitioners in digital finance, regulation, and service providers who discussed policy frameworks, dispute resolution, and fraud prevention systems needed in digital finance.
“There are several gaps identified in Ethiopian consumer protection including limitation in scope as it only covers goods and services traded for money, leaving out bartered goods and services. There is also lack of resources and expertise in enforcing consumer protection laws in Ethiopia, which results in low efficacy,” highlighted MesfinTafesse, CEO of MesfinTafesse and Associates Law Office while speaking at the event.
Mesfin also indicated that consumer protection law was an important area of law that aims to protect the rights of consumers and ensure that they are not mistreated or deceived by businesses.
In retrospect, Ethiopia has a Consumer Protection Proclamation that was enacted in 2013. The law was designed to protect consumers’ rights, ensure fair competition, and prevent deceptive business practices. The proclamation includes provisions such as requirements for product labeling, protections against misleading advertising, regulations for product safety standards, and procedures for consumer complaints and remedies. However, the implementation of the law does not provide enough level of protection for consumers in the country.
“In Ethiopia, there are several laws and regulations that aim to protect consumers, including the Ethiopian Trade Practices and Consumer Protection Proclamation, which was enacted in 2018. But they lack integration,” stated Mesfin.
As he explains, inadequate redress mechanisms, weakness in product liability, and incomplete disclosure are some of the gaps of consumer protection law when it comes to practice.
In similar lines, the country also established an independent trade competition and Consumer Protection Authority to oversee and enforce consumer protection laws following the ratification of the consumer protection law
However, Proclamation No. 1263/2021, transfers the powers and liabilities of the TCCPA to the Ministry of Trade and Regional Integration. The TCCPA in practice, ceased to be an independent authority, and has replaced its name with that of the Ministry of Trade and Regional Integration.
To this end, in the event, Mesfin described this as a lack of strong institution with regards to identifiable challenges plaguing the rights of consumers.
“Consumer protection in the digital economy refers to the measures in place to ensure that consumers are protected while buying goods and services online. This includes; laws, regulations, and policies that are designed to safeguard consumers’ interests, prevent fraudulent practices, and preserve their privacy and data security,” elaborated Wangombe Kariuki, former Director General of Kenya competition commission whilst speaking at the event.

“As our lives become increasingly digital and online transactions become more common, consumer protection in the digital economy is becoming even more important. It is therefore essential for individuals, businesses, and policymakers to work together to create a safe, secure, and fair digital marketplace,” he sensitized.
As indicated in the series, some ways in which consumer protection is ensured in the digital economy include; having secure payment platforms, clearly stated terms and conditions, transparent pricing, refund policies, and protection against identity theft and fraud.
Experts suggested for government regulatory bodies and watchdog organizations to also play a key role in protecting consumers by monitoring digital commerce practices and in ensuring that they comply with relevant laws and regulations.
“The digital economy is an increasingly important part of the global economy, and similarly, in Ethiopia, the government is working towards developing a digital economy. This includes the promotion of e-commerce and online transactions, and the establishment of regulatory frameworks to support digital businesses,” stated Muhidin Shifa, Principal Financial Inclusion, Consumer Protection and Financial Education Officer at the National Bank of Ethiopia.
“It is worth noting that the Ethiopian Government is taking steps to address these gaps. Additionally, there are efforts to promote cybersecurity and protect consumers from fraud and other digital crimes as Ethiopia is still developing its digital economy and consumer protection laws,” Muhidin elaborated on steps taken by government.
As indicated on the stage, in terms of consumer protection in the context of the digital economy, the Ethiopian government has to make efforts to protect consumers by requiring e-commerce businesses to provide clear information about their products and services, as well as their policies on returns, refunds, and warranties.

Chinese mobile phone manufacturer, TECNO mobile, has unveiled its high-end Phantom V Fold model in Ethiopia in an event held at the science museum.
TECNO’s latest model was exhibited in the presence of representatives from various local industries and sectors, including tech enthusiasts, influencers, and gadget lovers.
The company during the unveiling ceremony marked the move as an important milestone in bringing its innovative new product to one of Africa’s fastest growing economies, with a population of over 110 million and a rapidly growing consumer base.
The tech firm signaled that the development of PHANTOM V Fold reflected TECNO’s intensive efforts to bring desirable, high-end technologies to frontier markets through its PHANTOM sub-brand.
Speaking at the event, Alick Huang, TECNO Mobile Brand Manager Ethiopia, said, “We’re thrilled to be showcasing the Phantom V Fold model in Ethiopia with this event. This is a significant moment for TECNO Mobile and the mobile industry in Africa as a whole.”
“We believe that the Phantom V Fold will offer something truly unique to consumers, and we’re excited to see the reaction to this innovative new product,” Alick added.

As indicated on the event, the Phantom V Fold is the perfect blend of functionality and style, ideal for those looking to make a statement with their mobile device. It boasts a 120 Hz golden-size flagship foldable 7.85-inch LED display with an aerospace-grade hinge for an ultra-flat main screen, an innovative reverse snap structure that significantly improves the phone’s structural stability, a 6.42 – inch cover screen, and an ultra-HD 5-lens photography system that creates an unprecedented image-making experience.
It is also equipped with a powerful Media Tek Dimensity 9000 processor and 256 GB memory capacity + 12GB RAM, ensuring that users can multitask without any lag. In addition, the Phantom V Fold comes with a versatile 5000mAh battery that supports 45W fast charging, enabling users to go all day without worrying about running out of power.
TECNO Mobile has been in the Ethiopian market since 2006, providing smartphones with cutting-edge features tailored.

UN Secretary-General’s Special Envoy for Road Safety, Jean Todt, has visited Ethiopia as part of his visit to East and Southern Africa aimed to advocate the effective implementation of the Global Plan for the Decade of Action for Road Safety 2021-2030, which aims to halve the number of victims on the road by 2030.
In his three day visit from May 29-31, the special envoy met with senior government officials and representatives of the public, private sector and the civil society with visits made to health and training centers.

According to the World Bank, the mortality rate due to car accident in Ethiopia is 28 per 100,000 inhabitants. The ageing of the vehicle fleet and public transport, false licenses, lack of enforcement of penalties and the lack of seriousness of technical inspections are also major causes of road crashes. Used cars constitute over 85% of the vehicle fleet in Ethiopia, many of which are not equipped with basic safety features. In addition to the human tragedy, road crashes trap countries into a vicious circle of poverty. According to the World Bank, the cost of road crashes represents 8,8% of Ethiopia’s annual GDP.
The purpose of the mission is also said to assess progress after the United Nations Road Safety Performance Reviews (RSPR) of Ethiopia (2020) which are strongly supported by the Special Envoy to assist the government in identifying the most fundamental road safety priority needs and to offer recommendations to strengthen road safety management capacities.
“The majority of road traffic deaths occur in Africa and the first victims are young people. As projections say that by 2050, at least one in every three births will be in Africa, accelerated and strategic action by stakeholders and governments is essential,” cited the Special Envoy.
Globally, Africa accounts for about 25% of the number of road crash victims, while the continent has barely 2% of the world’s vehicle fleet. Sub-Saharan Africa is the region most affected, with a fatality rate of 27/100,000 inhabitants, three times higher than the European average of 9/100,000 while the world average is 18/100,000.
As indicated, the core solutions to address road safety at the country level fall under the safe systems approach, which considers improved management, safer roads, vehicles and road users, as well as better post-crash response.
The Special Envoy is also said to visit Kenya on June 1-5 and Zimbabwe on June 6-8.

The rise of AI and its revolutionary impact on African business, society, and culture led discussions on the final day (2 June) of GITEX Africa 2023 in Morocco, as experts from across the globe gathered to debate and advance the transformational new tech that’s now the focal point of worldwide debate.
While dozens, including the heads of OpenAI and Google Deepmind, have backed statements warning about potential disaster scenarios around AI – even the extinction of humanity others in the field have said AI fears are overblown.
One thing is certain: AI is on track to be the next big global technology shift, while in Africa, it has the ability to transform the way businesses are run and societies function. More importantly, according to Mustapha Zaouini, the Chairman of AI in Africa, the continent is now exploring AI to solve pressing issues including poverty, unemployment, and inequality.
“While Africa has unique challenges, such as disparity in internet access, it’s steadily embracing AI,” said Zaouni, a panellist at the GITEX Africa AI Summit on the topic of Responsible Generative AI.
“Readiness varies across countries, and there’s a need to invest in infrastructure, education, and policy-making to fully harness AI. Ensuring equitable access to technology and bridging the digital divide are crucial steps to prepare for AI’s impact in Africa.”
Simon See, the Global Head of Nvidia AI Technology Centre in Singapore, and another speaker today, said with the right investments and policies, AI can help Africa to achieve its development goals and improve the lives of its people.
“In Africa, the demand for AI skills is expected to grow by 36 percent between 2020 and 2025,” said See, whose American-headquartered Nvidia makes specialist AI chips, with a market value that briefly surpassed US$1 trillion this week.
“This growth is driven by the continent’s young population, as well as its investments in start-ups and innovation. The growth of AI is creating new jobs in Africa, as companies look to hire experts to help them develop and implement AI-powered products and services.”
Elevating African talent to the forefront of a new global workforce
Mr. See said Africa is still in the early stages of AI adoption, but there’s a growing interest in the technology across the continent: “Several African countries have developed national AI strategies, and there’re a number of start-ups and research institutions working on AI-related projects,” he said.
Adel Alsharji, the COO of Presight, a UAE-based AI-powered big data analytics company, delivered the keynote address on the Societal Impact of Artificial Intelligence at the GITEX Africa AI Summit, one of ten conference tracks at the inaugural GITEX Africa, the continent’s largest tech and start-up exhibition taking place in Marrakech.
Alsharji said Africa is the second-fastest growing region globally in AI adoption: “Africa’s AI journey is gaining momentum, and this progress highlights the continent’s readiness to explore and harness the potential of AI for driving economic growth and addressing local challenges, ultimately benefiting the greater good of its people,” said Alsharji, adding that demand for AI-related jobs will increase two-fold over the next three years.
“A study by McKinsey Global Institute predicts that AI could add US$13 trillion to the global economy by 2030, while the number of AI-related jobs in Africa alone is expected to grow by 200 percent by 2025.”
Zaouini, whose AI in Africa is a non-profit organisation aimed at empowering African youth for an inclusive AI future, concluded that in Africa, AI should be seen as a tool to leapfrog traditional stages of development while elevating African talent to the forefront of a new global workforce.
“The African societal impact of AI is immense, as it revolutionises the way we work and live,” concluded Zaouini. “After the internet, the second revolution was probably the social dilemma, but AI is an even bigger revolution than all of them.”
AI-powered health-tech solution transforms African blood donations
GITEX Africa, which concludes on 2 June in the Red City of Marrakech, gathered thousands of attendees from 120 countries over its three-day run, all looking to network and develop meaningful business connections with the 900 exhibiting companies and start-ups across 10 halls and 45,000sqm of exhibition expanse.
AI and it’s far-reaching multisectoral impact were also evident on the exhibition floor, with many exhibitors showcasing how the AI boom is turbocharging waves of innovation across industries, from education and agriculture, to transport, retail, energy, or logistics.
BetaLife, an award-winning Nigerian start-up epitomised this movement in the healthcare sector. The cloud-based AI-powered platform connects hospitals and blood banks using advanced algorithms, ensuring the efficient flow of lifesaving blood products to patients in need.
Mubarak Ayanniyi, the 21-year old founder and CEO, said the greatest advantage of Betalife is its ability to analyse copious data via an AI-powered algorithm that accurately predicts when, where, and in what amounts blood donations are required, thereby directing resources and allocating donations when needed, ultimately saving countless lives.
“BetaLife has revolutionised the way that blood donations are managed in Africa”, said Ayanniyi. “Instead of relying on manual processes, hospitals and blood banks are now using BetaLife to predict when and where blood donations are needed most. This has led to more efficient distribution of blood products, reducing waste and ensuring that those who need it most receive the lifesaving treatment they require.”