By our staff reporter

Ethiopian Airlines marked International Women’s Day with a vibrant celebration, honoring the invaluable contributions of women in the aviation industry. The highlight of the event was an all-women-functioned flight from Addis Ababa to London-Heathrow, showcasing the airline’s commitment to gender equality and empowering women in aviation.

The celebration, held at the Ethiopian Skylight Hotel, brought together high-ranking government officials, ambassadors, distinguished guests, and women of Ethiopian Airlines. With the theme “Empowering Women: Connecting Africa,” the event aimed to recognize the achievements of women in the airline and inspire future generations of female aviators.

Mesfin Tasew, Group CEO of Ethiopian Airlines, expressed his pride in acknowledging the invaluable role played by women in driving the airline’s success. The airline celebrated these trailblazers who not only shape the legacy of Ethiopian Airlines but also inspire women in the aviation industry. In a symbolic gesture, Ethiopian Airlines announced the launch of an all-women-operated flight to London, underscoring their commitment to gender equality.

The flight from Addis Ababa to London was commanded by Captain Kalkidan Girma, the first Ethiopian female captain of the Airbus A350. This all-women-functioned flight initiative not only empowers women but also sends a powerful message about gender equality in the aviation industry. Captain Kalkidan expressed her enthusiasm for inspiring future generations of female aviators and leading the way in promoting gender equality within the industry.

Zenebework G/Tsadik, Group VP Human Capital Management, emphasized Ethiopian Airlines’ commitment to an inclusive work environment that empowers women to make significant contributions in various roles within the company. The airline strongly believes in promoting equal gender opportunities at every level, ensuring that women have a voice and equal representation in the aviation industry.

Rahel Assefa, Group VP Marketing, highlighted the indispensable role women play in Ethiopian Airlines and the broader aviation industry. She expressed her pride in contributing to this milestone and reiterated the airline’s dedication to ensuring Ethiopian Airlines remains competitive in the global market.

Ethiopian Airlines Group boasts women professionals in various areas of its operations, including traditionally male-dominated roles such as pilots and aircraft technicians. Since 2015, the airline has been operating all-women-functioned flights to different destinations worldwide, showcasing the professionalism and capabilities of women in the field.

By Muluken Yewondwossen

In a move set to reshape the landscape of international logistics, major firms are reportedly turning their attention to the newly established e-commerce handling center at Ethiopian Airlines. The unveiling of the cutting-edge facility at Bole International Airport has sparked interest among industry players, heralding a new era of efficiency and connectivity in global commerce.

The state-of-the-art e-commerce logistics facility, situated within the Ethiopian Cargo and Logistics grounds, was inaugurated a week ago by Ethiopian Airlines Group. According to Ethiopian Airlines, the facility is poised to streamline logistics operations and position Addis Ababa as the premier hub for cross-border e-commerce in Africa and beyond.

Speaking on the significance of the facility, representatives from international logistics firms underscored its potential to revolutionize the courier industry. “It’s a sizable facility that will undoubtedly establish Addis Ababa as the center of the courier industry,” remarked a spokesperson for a global platform operator.

Numerous international operators reportedly attended the opening ceremony on February 29, engaging with Ethiopian Airlines officials to explore opportunities for collaboration and utilization of the facility. With the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) promising to catalyze growth in the express industry, the e-commerce sector is witnessing rapid expansion, further accentuating the strategic importance of the new logistics center.

The facility encompasses four operational units: mail, express, e-commerce, and on-demand services. Dawit Woubishet, CEO of Logix Express plc, expressed satisfaction after visiting the facility, affirming his firm’s intent to leverage its capabilities. “Ethiopian Airlines’ extensive African network coupled with the facility’s immense sorting capacity will greatly enhance the efficiency of delivery services,” Dawit remarked.

Mesfin Tasew, CEO of Ethiopian Airlines Group, hailed the inauguration of the e-commerce logistics facility as a monumental achievement with far-reaching implications for the African economy. “Through this facility, Ethiopian Airlines is spearheading the development of e-commerce services in Ethiopia and across the continent,” Mesfin emphasized.

Spanning an impressive 15,000 square meters, the facility boasts an annual handling capacity of 150,000 tons. Mesfin noted the successful realization of the group’s USD 55 million investment, affirming its alignment with global trends in e-commerce logistics.

Equipped with cutting-edge technology and streamlined processes, the e-commerce logistics center offers a comprehensive range of services including consolidation, sortation, repacking, and labeling. Ethiopian Airlines customers stand to benefit from enhanced tracking capabilities, facilitating seamless shipment monitoring from any location.

By our staff reporter

The Ethiopian Media Council (EMC) convened its annual general meeting at Elilly Hotel on Thursday, March 27, to deliberate on critical issues facing the media landscape in the country. Amidst concerns regarding security and budget constraints, council members underscored the need for enhanced measures to protect journalists and bolster the council’s operational capacity.

Highlighting the challenges impeding the council’s ability to fulfill its objectives, members emphasized the imperative of addressing security concerns and securing adequate funding. Despite facing obstacles, the council remains steadfast in its commitment to advancing press freedom and promoting professional journalism within legal frameworks.

Established in 2016 and officially registered in 2019, the Ethiopian Media Council serves as the umbrella organization for media entities, community media, and journalists across Ethiopia. With a mission to foster democracy, prosperity, social stability, and the rule of law, the council plays a vital role in safeguarding human rights and fundamental freedoms in the country.

Council members, comprising publishers, broadcasters, and media associations, reiterated their dedication to supporting journalists’ capacity building and upholding professional standards. Central to their agenda is the promotion of press freedom and the protection of media outlets from unlawful government interference.

In addition to advocating for journalists’ rights and safety, the council aims to combat illegal practices that undermine press freedom and impede the media’s role as a watchdog in society. By fostering collaboration among media organizations and advocating for regulatory reforms, the council seeks to create an environment conducive to transparent and accountable journalism.

As Ethiopia navigates complex challenges in its media landscape, EMC remains committed to championing the principles of democracy, transparency, and freedom of expression. With concerted efforts and strategic initiatives, the council aims to overcome obstacles and realize its vision of a vibrant and independent media sector that serves the interests of the Ethiopian people.

The BimaLab Ethiopia program, a transformative initiative aimed atwhich aims to drivinge innovation in the insurance sector, celebrated its inaugural Demo Day with the announcement ofby announcing its cohort winners: Ekub, Lersha, Hulucares, and CICO. Each of these innovative startups will receive $10,000 in prize money to further develop their solutions.

Organized by FSD Ethiopia in collaboration with FSD Africa and the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, the Demo Day marked the culminationend of a four-month journey for the cohort, which consistinged of 10 startups and 4 corporates. The program has been instrumental in fostering innovation and positive change in Ethiopia’s insurance sector since its inception.

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FSD Ethiopia, a newly established development agency launched in May 2022, spearhleads the BimaLab Ethiopia program with funding from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, in collaboration with FSD Africa and the National Bank of Ethiopia. The agency serves as a market facilitator, providing technical, financial, and networking support to stakeholders in the financial sector.

Abel Taddele, Director of Financial Inclusion at FSD Ethiopia, emphasized the significance of hosting the inaugural BimaLab Ethiopia Demo Day in fostering innovation and entrepreneurship in the insurance technology landscape. He highlighted the active participation and engagement of each cohort member throughout the program, which contributed to the success of the event.

 event’s success.

Partnering with the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation has enhanced the program’s impact, creating an environment conducive to innovation and entrepreneurship. The National Bank of Ethiopia has also played a crucial role in supporting the program, recognizing the importance of fostering innovation in the insurance sector.

 

TDuring the Demo Day featured presentations from, cohort members, showcasing presented their innovative solutions to investors, industry experts, and stakeholders. The announcement of the winners was a highlight of the event, with cash prizes awarded based on innovation, impact, and potential for growth, supporting their journey towards success.

Overall, FSD Ethiopia aims to support the development of accessible, inclusive, and sustainable financial markets for economic growth and development in Ethiopia.