The House of Peoples Representatives of Ethiopia (HPR) approved the anti-terrorism draft bill.
It endorsed the bill, which was drafted by the Attorney General and forwarded to it by the Council of Ministers, in majority vote with one abstention.
It was noted that the law would help prevent and control terrorism, protect the country from threats of terrorism and fill the gaps in the previous law.
The House will deliberate and refer to pertinent Standing Committee the bill drafted to approve the deal signed between Ethiopian and Qatar for investment promotion and protection.
It will also review and send to relevant bodies the draft bill to approve the Marrakesh Treaty to facilitate access to published works for persons who are blind, visually impaired and print disabled.
Moreover, the House will discuss on Protocol to the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights on the Rights of Older Persons and the African Union Convention for the Protection and Assistance of Internally Displaced Persons in Africa (Kampala Convention).
House approves anti-terrorism draft bill
Premier visits Addis Ababa Riverside Green Dev’t Project
Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed visited the Addis Ababa riverside green development project section being built around Sheraton Addis hotel.
The project is part of the 56km ‘Beautifying Sheger Project’ that runs from Entoto to Akaki river.
Initiated by the Prime Minister, the project aims to lift the image of the capital city, create jobs and increase urban tourism.
The first phase of the project runs from Entoto to Bambis Bridge and will be built by the China Communications Construction Company (CCCC).
It features open space for recreation, artificial lake, and wedding venue on 42 square meters of area in front of Sheraton Addis hotel.
The total cost of the Beautifying Sheger Project is estimated at $1 billion and completion of the first phase, which is now at 45%, is scheduled for May 2020.
The first phase has created about 1,300 job opportunities, with a potential to reach more than 3,800 in construction peak.
Once completed, it will generate more than 5000 jobs.
Ethiopian Diaspora Trust Fund approves 22 shortlisted project proposals
The Board of Directors of the Ethiopian Diaspora Trust Fund (EDTF) said it has completed project proposal reviews.
EDTF announced the first ‘call for project proposals’ under the theme ‘Ethiopian Diaspora-Partnership to Improve Social and Economic Wellbeing of Ethiopians in Need,’ last September.
The Ethiopian Diaspora Trust Fund Secretariat coordinated the project review process following receipt of over 300 project proposals in mid-September 2019, said the Fund in a statement.
The 22 shortlisted projects will undergo a final implementation capacity assessment and budget review focusing on organizational resources, management and effectiveness to deliver on proposed project outcomes.
Project proposals were reviewed by volunteer Ethiopian experts in a variety of fields recruited from Ethiopia and the global Ethiopian Diaspora community.
Among the key proposal evaluation criteria included are sustainability of the proposed project, potential impact, relevance, scalability, innovation and creativity, cost efficiency, accountability, transparency and communication.
Regional equity was also taken into consideration in deciding the short-listed applicants.
Zafu Eyesuswork Zafu, Chairman of EDTF Board of Directors said, “the donated funds will be fairly allocated among projects selected through a transparent and comprehensive review process for its critical need, project design, practicality of implementation and financial soundness.”
A total of $4 million is allocated to finance projects in the first round of funding.
The minimum and maximum amount that will be granted per project is approximately $200,000 and $350,000, respectively.
Final project awards will be announced following the signing of project implementation contracts with grantees on the 30th of January 2020.
Ethiopian, Boeing partners to deliver aid supplies to orgs in Ethiopia
Ethiopian Airlines (Ethiopian) and Boeing are partnering to deliver much-needed aid supplies to organizations across Ethiopia.
The airline took delivery of a new 787 Dreamliner from North Charleston, South Carolina in December and loaded the jet with 34,000 pounds of books and 5,800 pounds of school supplies, clothing and medical supplies for the flight home to Addis Ababa.
“We are happy to partner with Boeing to carry humanitarian goods on our delivery flights from the U.S.,” said Ethiopian Airlines Group CEO Tewolde Gebremariam.
“As a responsible corporate citizen, we take our responsibility to society seriously and always endeavor to contribute our share to the socioeconomic development of countries around the globe.”
According to a joint statement issued by the airlines and Boeing, the organization Ethiopia Reads will send the books and school supplies to its libraries across Ethiopia which serves 100,000 children each year.
Medical supplies, clothing and hygiene products will be delivered to the Mary Joy Development association, which helps women and youth gain the skills they need to rise out of poverty.
The December flight follows another flight in November when an Ethiopian Airlines 787 Dreamliner carried more than 11,000 pounds of clothing, personal hygiene items and medical supplies from South Carolina bound for the Mekedonia Home for the Elderly and Mentally Disabled and St. Paul’s Hospital.
The flights are part of Boeing’s Humanitarian Delivery Flight Program, collaboration between Boeing, its customers and nongovernmental organizations, which delivers humanitarian aid around the world.
The program has delivered more than 1.6 million pounds of humanitarian supplies on more than 200 flights worldwide since the inaugural flight in 1992.
To date, Boeing has partnered with Ethiopian Airlines on 39 humanitarian delivery flights, delivering more than 266,000 pounds of supplies to organizations in Ethiopia.
“Through Boeing’s Humanitarian Delivery Flight Program, and in close collaboration with customers like Ethiopian Airlines and charitable organizations around the world, we are providing important and oftentimes lifesaving resources to those in need,” said Cheri Carter, vice president of Boeing Global Engagement.
“We can do so much more when we work together, and Boeing is committed to continuing partnerships like this.”
