The latest World Bank economic analysis shows that Ethiopia seems to have been spared from the worst outcomes and is showing some signs of recovery.
The eighth Ethiopia Economic Update, Ensuring Resilient Recovery from COVID-19, finds that despite the 4.1pct decline in merchandise exports, excluding gold, during the first half of the current fiscal year, most items (except garments) started to recover during October-December, 2020.
Services exports started to recover as well, and remittances rebounded strongly during the first half of the fiscal year, the report says, while foreign direct investment inflows continue to decelerate due to uncertainty.
“These early signs are a good indication that the Ethiopian economy is starting to recover from the COVID-19 crisis,” said Miguel Eduardo Sánchez Martín, World Bank senior country economist and lead author of the report.
World Bank analysis recommends Ethiopia’s policy actions to support resilient recovery
Second round humanitarian assistance addresses over 2.7 million people in Tigray
The Ministry of Peace jointly with the National Disater Risk management Commission (NDRMC) has issued a statement on latest developments in Tigray Region.
The Ministry of Peace stated that it has begun working with NDRMC on the humanitarian issues since the completion of the law enforcement operation.
According to the statement, over the last few months they have focused on rebuilding infrastructure damaged by retreating TPLF forces such as electricity, telephone lines, schools, health and water facilities.
The national political and economic reform agenda encompasses all the regions. Thus, Tigray region along with other parts of the country will accelerate its reform and development activities and transition from aid dependency towards self-reliance and self-sufficiency.
The Ethiopian Government and people have been mobilizing resources and expertise to speed up Tigray region’s recovery process.
Government of Ethiopia provided 70% of the emergency aid to the Region in first and second rounds of emergency assistances. Since the completion of the law enforcement operation the Government of Ethiopia along its national and international partners have carried out wide ranging initiatives including distribution of food and non-food items, rehabilitation of infrastructures and resumption of services.
House Speaker briefs AU observers on preparation for upcoming election
Speaker of the House of People’s Representatives (HPR) Tagesse Chafo said various reform activities were carried out to peacefully conduct the 6th general election.
The Speaker today held discussion with African Union (AU) election observers about the preparations underway for the election scheduled to take place early next month.
On the occasion, Tagese briefed them about the measures taken so far, including the amendment of the electoral law with the involvement of political parties, to make the June poll free, fairs and credible.
Election materials were also distributed to polling station so as to carry out the election as planned and voters registration, which was extended in some parts of the country due to security concern, has been completed, he said.
Ethiopian Naval Force rolls out new uniform and rank insignia
Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia Naval Force unveiled new uniform and insignia of ranks.
Chief of Staff of the Army, General Birhanu Jula also laid a cornerstone for the construction of Naval Training Center tailored for basic instruction in Bishoftu town.
On the occasion, the Chief of Staff of the Army conferred the new navy rank insignias on officers.
On the inaugural ceremony, the General Birhanu called upon Ethiopians to stand together defend wellbeing of the nation from both internal and external enemies that are working to disrupt its peace and security.
The National Defense Force is effectively thwarting conflicts instigated by antagonist forces here and there, the Chief of Staff of the Army said, pledging army’s commitment to preserve law and order.
Ethiopia reestablished its navy in 2020 for the first time since 1991.
