By our staff reporter

Ryan McInerney, CEO of Visa, recently met with the Prime Minister to discuss Visa’s initiatives and its dedication to supporting Ethiopia’s digital transformation efforts.

During the meeting, McInerney reaffirmed Visa’s resolve to aid in Ethiopia’s digitization journey. The discussions centered on fostering digital payments, enhancing financial inclusion, and providing robust support to small and medium enterprises, as well as to women and youth.

“We are fully committed to digitizing payments in Ethiopia and across Africa,” stated Ryan McInerney. “We firmly believe that digital transformation can fuel economic growth, and we are eager to collaborate with the Ethiopian government as it moves towards becoming a digital-first economy. Africa holds immense growth potential, and we see facilitating access to digital payments as a crucial step in this process,” he emphasized.

Visa unveiled several initiatives and programs aimed at bolstering Ethiopia’s payment ecosystem, including the establishment of local operations to bolster the country’s financial landscape. This move marks one of Visa’s ten offices across Africa.

Through partnerships with the National Identification Board (NIDP) and the Cooperative Bank of Oromia, Visa intends to develop a mobile application integrated with the FAYDA ID Platform. This application will provide users with a digital ID and financial wallet, enabling every Ethiopian with a digital ID to utilize Visa credentials to access social bank accounts.

Visa is also introducing and expanding innovative technologies in collaboration with financial institutions and fintechs like the National Identification Board (NIDP), Commercial Bank of Ethiopia, Bank of Abyssinian, and Cooperative Bank of Oromia. These partnerships encompass digital card issuance, tap-to-phone services enabling merchants to use NFC-enabled smartphones as Point-of-Sale devices, and Visa Direct, facilitating fast, secure, and convenient money transfers.

In line with its commitment to fostering Ethiopia’s burgeoning fintech ecosystem, Visa announced plans to collaborate with partners to promote sustainable economic growth in the country.

By our staff reporter

Komari Beverage, a recent entrant into the beverage industry, announced its production capacity of 216 thousand bottles within an impressive 8-hour span. Introducing hard seltzer for the first time in Ethiopia, Komari Beverage revealed its ability to produce 27 thousand bottles per hour.

Kifflè Yohannes Abebe, CEO of Komari, spearheaded the establishment of the factory in Addis Ababa back in 2017 among a group of friends. Highlighting the involvement of Ethiopians in every aspect, from factory construction to machine installation and control, he emphasized the company’s commitment to local participation.

Operating with modern technology, the factory not only churns out 27 thousand bottles per hour but also prioritizes environmental sustainability. Effluent treatment measures are in place to prevent harm to the environment and local communities. Additionally, the company supports local farmers by providing water supply, enabling them to sustain production even during the dry season.

Founded entirely by Ethiopians, Komari Beverage has rapidly gained acceptance in the market since its inception three years ago. The production site, situated on a vast 4-hectare plot in the high-altitude area of Cheki, located 96 kilometers away in the Amhara region’s North Shewa Zone, boasts a fully Ethiopian workforce.

With a workforce of over 208 permanent and 500 temporary employees, Komari Beverage has significantly contributed to job creation. The construction of the factory, which amounted to over 29 million dollars, underscores the company’s commitment to growth and development.

Komari Beverage Plc has made waves in the Ethiopian market with its flagship product “Arada.” Launched in 2021, Arada comes in three enticing flavors: lemon, apple, and pineapple, catering to diverse consumer preferences and solidifying Komari’s position as an innovative player in the industry.

By our staff reporter

The Gode Ugaas Miraad Airport Terminal expansion project, which cost over 12.3 million euros, has officially opened for service.
The inauguration was attended by senior officials, including Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed and the president of the Somali region, Mustafe Mohammed.

The project, located in the center of the Somali region, took three years to complete and includes a new 3,500 square meter terminal building, an apron capable of accommodating four De Havilland Q400 or B737 aircraft simultaneously, additional parking spaces, a new runway, and improved road networks. Ethiopian Airlines Group, the continent’s leading aviation company, has announced similar initiatives at four other airports. CEO Mesfin Tasew expressed satisfaction with the Gode Airport project, emphasizing its positive impact on passenger experience and the airline’s commitment to enhancing domestic airport infrastructure. The state-of-the-art terminal is equipped with modern amenities, including a solar system, to ensure a seamless travel experience.

Ethiopian Airlines operates daily flights to and from Gode, which is the third airport in the Somali region. With over 22 domestic destinations, the airline plays a significant role in regional connectivity. Following the acquisition of Ethiopian Airports Enterprise, Ethiopian Airlines Group has taken on the responsibility of managing the nation’s airport construction and renovation projects.

Upholding International Humanitarian Law in a Polarized World

By our staff reporter

In an era marked by escalating conflicts that seem to transcend conventional boundaries, the imperative of safeguarding International Humanitarian Law (IHL) takes center stage. This crucial topic took precedence at the recent ‘Chocolate and Coffee Talks’ series, a thought-provoking event organized by the Embassy of Belgium on Thursday, February 15th.

The event featured insights from Romaric Ferraro, Legal Advisor of the ICRC Delegation in Ethiopia, and Fiona Terry, Head of the Center for Operational Research and Experience at the ICRC in Geneva.

The challenges to enforcing IHL are intricate and constantly evolving. Urbanization of armed conflict poses a significant hurdle, exposing civilian populations to the perils of urban warfare. The advent of new technologies in warfare further complicates matters, blurring the distinctions between combatants and non-combatants, and sparking ethical debates about the deployment of autonomous weapons.

Compounding these challenges are the prolonged nature of conflicts, leaving civilians in precarious situations for extended periods. Effectively addressing the needs of civilians in protracted conflicts demands a united effort to ensure that humanitarian aid reaches those most in need.

Armed conflict dynamics have also shifted with the rise of non-state armed groups and acts of terrorism. Navigating the complexities of counter-terrorism measures while adhering to IHL principles necessitates a delicate balancing act that demands thoughtful consideration.

Adding another layer of complexity is climate change, exacerbating vulnerabilities and triggering resource-based conflicts. Safeguarding the natural environment during times of war is imperative for the long-term well-being of affected communities.

Given these challenges, there is a pressing need to reinforce respect for International Humanitarian Law. This involves not only bolstering legal frameworks but also cultivating a culture of compliance among both state and non-state actors. Educating military personnel, policymakers, and the general public about IHL principles is crucial for fostering accountability and minimizing the impact of armed conflict on civilian populations.

As conflicts continue to evolve, so must our unwavering commitment to upholding the principles of humanity, impartiality, neutrality, and independence embedded in International Humanitarian Law. Through collective action and steadfast dedication, we can alleviate the human cost of war and forge a more just and peaceful world for future generations.

During the event Belgian Ambassador to Ethiopia, Stefaan Thijs emphasizing the role of the ICRC as the guardian of IHL, called on everyone to persist in advocating for the continued vitality and respect of these crucial instruments. Respect for IHL remains a cornerstone for achieving sustainable and peaceful conflict resolutions.