By Eyasu Zekarias

Ethiopia’s financial sector is in urgent need of professionals with specialized expertise to ensure the successful development of its capital market. Bruh Finance has recently celebrated the graduation of its first cohort of Level 3 Chartered Institute for Securities & Investment (CISI) Capital Markets – Securities students, marking a significant achievement for both the graduates and the emerging capital market in Ethiopia.

The graduates represent a new wave of professionals poised to influence the future of Ethiopia’s economy. Getachew Beshahwred, CEO of Bruh Finance, emphasized that this graduation is merely the beginning of their journey. He highlighted that obtaining the CISI Level 3 Securities qualification is just the first step, urging graduates to pursue advanced qualifications to build a skilled workforce essential for driving the success of Ethiopia’s capital markets.

Getachew noted that Ethiopia’s financial sector requires more professionals with specialized knowledge to effectively navigate and develop its capital markets. Bruh Finance, based in Addis Ababa, is dedicated to providing ongoing training and development opportunities to ensure that these new professionals are equipped with the necessary skills.

As a leading financial services firm specializing in training and consultancy in capital markets, asset management, insurance, and financial development, Bruh Finance is committed to fostering a culture of continuous learning. The organization aims to support the professional growth of its graduates as they embark on their careers in Ethiopia’s evolving financial landscape.

By Eyasu Zekarias

The Addis Ababa City Administration has decided to proceed with the construction of the Gerbi Drinking Water Dam using its own budget, following delays in loan disbursement from China Exim Bank. Originally planned for development in 2016, the project faced setbacks due to the non-release of funds, prompting city officials to take matters into their own hands.

The Gerbi Dam is expected to be the third component of the city’s drinking water supply system, with a planned capacity to produce over 73,000 cubic meters of water per day. A prior study indicated that successful implementation of this project would meet the city’s water needs for up to 20 years without issues.

However, the project, which is estimated to cost around 3 billion birr, has not yet been initiated due to various challenges. City officials noted that a revision of the initial study was necessary, and a new procedural framework has been established to facilitate the project’s implementation.

During a recent meeting attended by Chen Hai, China’s Ambassador to Ethiopia, and representatives from CGCOC Group, Addis Ababa Mayor Adanech Abiebie discussed strategies for accelerating the construction of the Gerbi dam. “We have reached an agreement with the Chinese Embassy and CGCOC Group to fund this project through the city administration’s budget,” she stated. This collaboration aims to harmonize water demand and supply within the city.

The project will be overseen by the Addis Ababa Water and Sewerage Authority Project Office and includes not only the construction of the dam but also a treatment plant and water distribution lines, ensuring improved access to drinking water for residents.

By our staff reporter

Ethiopia is facing one of the most severe humanitarian crises in its history, exacerbated by ongoing conflicts, climate change, and economic instability. With millions in desperate need of assistance, the situation demands urgent attention from the international community.

According to the Emergency Watchlist report by the International Rescue Committee’s (IRC) that asses 20 countries at greatest risk of new humanitarian emergencies each year, over 15 million Ethiopians are currently experiencing acute food insecurity. The conflict in the northern Tigray region, which began in 2020, has led to widespread displacement and destruction of livelihoods. Many families, once self-sufficient, now rely on humanitarian aid to survive.

The country is also grappling with the effects of climate change, which has intensified droughts and floods, further complicating the already dire situation. In 2024 alone, nearly 5 million people were displaced due to climate-related disasters, and agricultural productivity has plummeted, leaving communities vulnerable to famine.

Women and children are particularly affected by the crisis. The report indicate a surge in gender-based violence, as conflicts disrupt social structures and leave women and girls exposed to further risks. Access to education has also been compromised, with many schools destroyed or repurposed for military use, leaving children without a safe place to learn.

Despite the overwhelming need, humanitarian funding remains insufficient. IRC has warned that Ethiopia accounts for a significant portion of global humanitarian needs, yet it receives only a fraction of the necessary support. In 2025, the IRC aims to expand its efforts in Ethiopia, focusing on delivering food, health services, and protection for the most vulnerable.

Sudan is similarly facing a catastrophic humanitarian crisis, with over 11 million people in need of assistance. The ongoing conflict that erupted in 2023 has resulted in widespread violence, displacement, and a breakdown of essential services. The report indicate that Sudan accounts for approximately 10% of all people globally in humanitarian need, despite having less than 1% of the world’s population.

The conflict has led to severe food shortages, with millions facing acute malnutrition. The situation is compounded by economic instability and the impact of climate change, as floods and droughts disrupt agricultural production.

Other countries in Africa are also topping the humanitarian crisis list. South Sudan, with ongoing violence and economic collapse, has over 8 million people in need of assistance. In Somalia, persistent drought and conflict have pushed 7 million people into crisis-level food insecurity. The humanitarian situation in the Central African Republic and the Democratic Republic of the Congo remains dire, with millions facing displacement and violence.

By our staff reporter

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) states that a debt service moratorium can help maintain a stable budget deficit, and that Ethiopia’s faster-than-expected development would positively impact Djibouti’s economy. One key factor driving this strong economic growth is the expansion of the transshipment business.

During a visit to Djibouti from December 8 to 12, 2024, an IMF team led by Esther Pérez Ruiz discussed the country’s economic prospects in light of disruptions in the Red Sea, as well as important policy initiatives aimed at enhancing macroeconomic sustainability and policy credibility.

Pérez Ruiz noted that Djibouti’s sea-dependent economy has demonstrated resilience in the face of regional conflicts.

The head of the IMF team projected a robust growth rate of 6.5 percent for the fiscal year 2024, primarily driven by an increase in transshipments as maritime companies navigate the tensions in the Red Sea.

“Djibouti’s economic outlook faces several risks. Limited job creation or the recurrence of droughts could disproportionately impact the poor. However, stronger-than-expected growth in Ethiopia and a swift resolution of the Red Sea disruptions could improve Djibouti’s overall outlook,” she stated.

Inflation remains moderate, as authorities have stabilized energy and food prices to alleviate the effects of rising import costs.

For the 2024 fiscal year, the fiscal deficit is projected to stabilize at around 3.5 percent of GDP, as reduced interest payments from the debt service moratorium with a major creditor—lasting through 2028—offset weaker tax revenues and grants.

International reserves have been declining over the past two years, standing at just over three months of imports as of September 2023, which raises concerns given the substantial outstanding external obligations.

Pérez Ruiz expressed her appreciation for the authorities’ commitment to initiatives that promote macroeconomic sustainability and enhance the legitimacy of the policy framework.

These initiatives include expediting debt negotiations with key creditors, revising military base agreements, enhancing revenue mobilization by shifting from customs duties to inland revenues, and leveraging dividends from profitable state-owned enterprises.

“These efforts will also contribute to supporting the Central Bank’s independence from the fiscal authority under the currency board, thereby sustaining reserves, exchange rate stability, and controlling inflation,” she added.