The Addis Ababa Chamber of Commerce and Sectoral Associations (AACCSA) conducted a design study seven years ago to reconstruct the Addis Ababa Exhibition Center, a facility with a history of over 40 years. However, due to a lack of attention from the government, the project has not yet commenced. The AACCSA has recently announced that none of the proposed projects for the exhibition center have been included by the government, despite its many years of service.

The Chamber of Commerce attributes the delay and bureaucratic issues to government fluctuations and problems. They have called for attention to be given to this matter and have expressed frustration with the system. Addis Chamber told capital that the reason for taking the previous debatable case to court trials.

Furthermore, the AACCSA has announced the termination of the exhibition center’s contract, which had been in effect for the past 18 years. The city administration has revoked the Addis Chamber’s control over the center, which they had been managing since 2008. The Chamber had sent multiple letters during the fiscal year regarding delayed dividend payments, but received no response. Consequently, they decided to take the matter to court.

Shibeshi Bettemariam, the Secretary-General of the Chamber, stated in an interview with Capital that the council was responsible for elevating the exhibition center to its current status. However, one year ago, the city administration appointed its own board, allowing for the existence of two boards for a single exhibition center, which is an illegal practice.

Bettemariam explained that the delay in dividend payment was the primary reason for taking the case to court. They had been requesting a response in writing for the past eight months, but had not received any. The contract between the Addis Ababa City Administration and the Addis Ababa Chamber had been renewed for either five or ten years, but the city administration terminated it through a letter.

Although the current administration had previously expressed verbal agreement to develop the exhibition center, no concrete action has been taken. Despite its long history of over 40 years, the Addis Ababa Exhibition Center has not undergone renovation and is considered inadequate to meet international standards for visitors.

Meanwhile, the government is undertaking a major project to construct the New Africa Trade and Fair Convention Center, which is estimated to cost over 4 billion birr. This center aims to provide comprehensive trade fair and related services in Ethiopia. The initial phase involves the construction of two multipurpose trade fair halls, each spanning an area of six thousand square meters, to accommodate various activities.

According to reports, the upcoming implementation of excise stamps is anticipated to help eliminate illegal players in the beverage industry.

In alignment with the Excise Tax Proclamation 1186/2020, the Ministry of Finance (MoF) has recently drafted a directive for the management system of excise stamps, which will be applied to beverage products like bottled water and alcohol.

The preamble of the directive states that its objectives are to safeguard public health and safety, combat illicit trade, and ensure the integrity of excise tax collection systems.

Furthermore, it establishes a comprehensive framework for the management of excise stamps, covering the regulation, administration, and enforcement of excise duty obligations related to excisable goods.

The directive emphasizes the importance of proper affixation and tracking of excise stamps on excisable goods to maintain transparency, accountability, and compliance with the Excise Tax Proclamation.

Around a month ago, the MoF organized a consultation meeting with stakeholders. Experts in attendance indicated that there was generally an agreement reached regarding the proposed law, which is expected to be enacted soon.

As per the draft directive, excise stamps will be required for spirits, tobacco, bottled water, alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, cigarettes, and cigarillos. The ministry reserves the right to include additional goods.

The directive specifies that the excise stamp can be a paper stamp, digital stamp, or any approved mark for affixation or printing on excisable goods. The exact type, content, and manner of affixing the excise stamps will be determined by the tax authority.

The ministry is also required to designate a company responsible for developing and installing the excise stamp system, as well as printing and supplying the excise stamps and related systems.

Ashenafi Merid, the General Manager of the Ethiopian Beverages Manufacturing Industries Association (EBMIA), stated that the new program will put an end to any questionable and illegal bottling activities.

The head of a lobby group representing companies involved in bottled water, juice, and spirits recalled past investigations into illicit water bottling. He mentioned that such activities have significantly decreased and expressed confidence that the introduction of excise stamps will play a vital role in controlling and tracing illegal bottlers.

Ashenafi added that the excise stamp program will contribute to ensuring the safety and legality of the bottling industry. Illegal bottlers, he explained, will no longer be able to obtain stamps that distinguish their products from those produced lawfully.

The implementation of the new program is expected to commence after the technology supplier is selected through the bidding process conducted by the Public Procurement Service.

Experts anticipate that a foreign company with extensive industry experience will be chosen to supply the technology. The excise stamps are likely to be technology-based and easily readable, similar to QR codes.

Ashenafi stated that his organization has requested the inclusion of fruit juice products in the excise stamp program to address concerns about illicit packaging practices that negatively impact the market.

According to the proposed directive, excise stamps for locally manufactured products must be affixed at the manufacturing site immediately after packaging. For imported items, the stamps should be applied at the customs post or a location designated by the Tax Authority within five days of clearing customs.

The directive also allows for the possibility of applying excise stamps on imported excisable goods at the production site of the exporting nation, with certain restrictions imposed by the Tax Authority.

The transshipment business continues to expand despite the unstable conditions in the region, according to the Djibouti Ports and Free Zones Authority (DPFZA), a governmental organization that oversees and operates the Port of Djibouti, as well as several other sizable facilities in the country.

When Aboubaker Omar Hadi, Chairman of DPFZA, met with Dana Purcarescu, the French Ambassador in Djibouti, they discussed the most recent developments in the port industry.

Despite the difficulties caused by the circumstances in the Red Sea region, DPFZA saw a noteworthy 35 percent rise in transshipment activity, according to a statement released after the meeting.

The statement said, “This significant rise is evidence of the DPFZA’s operations’ adaptability and tenacity in the face of challenging geopolitical conditions.”

Since November of last year, the Houthi militia in Yemen, also known as Ansar Allah Movement, has been waging a campaign in sympathy with the Palestinian people and has put nations and their vessels that are affiliated with or support Israel at risk in the Red Sea region.

Attacks by the Yemeni military on ships traversing the Gulf of Aden and the sea have a significant impact on global logistics activity.

According to the statement issued by DPFZA, more ways to strengthen cooperation were discussed, with an emphasis on implementing comprehensive training programs for the environment protection unit, bathymetric survey unit, hazardous cargo IMDG management, ballast water, and contaminated water/oil treatment facility.

It stated that through deliberate investment in skill development programs, DPFZA hopes to enhance the competencies of its personnel, ensuring increased effectiveness and efficiency in its activities.

During the meeting between the Chairman and Ambassador Purcarescu, a thorough conversation regarding the final funding phase of the Bicidley Airport project was held. The airport is located approximately 60 kilometers from the present Ambouli Airport and will accommodate 1.5 million people and 100,000 tons of freight annually.