Ethiopia says it has unblocked 246 websites and TV channels in the latest reform under its new prime minster, whose chief of staff says “freedom of expression is a foundational right.”
Chief of staff Fitsum Arega announced the news on Twitter as Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed continues to open up the East African country after years of anti-government tensions.
The blocked websites included many run overseas in the United States and elsewhere.
Since Abiy took office in April, Ethiopia also has freed almost all jailed journalists and bloggers and dropped charges against activists critical of the government.
Ethiopia unblocks more than 200 websites as reforms continue
Reach for change launches big ideas for children challenge to improve children’s lives
Reach for Change has launched the second phase of this year’s Big Ideas for Children Challenge, an innovation competition that finds and supports Addis Ababa’s top social enterprises with solutions that improve the lives of children.
The non-profit organization and its partner, the IKEA Foundation, will award 29 selected social entrepreneurs a grant of up to Birr 40,000 each and enroll them in an accelerator program, where they will receive coaching in business development, leadership and expansion strategy to build scalable enterprises. The second phase of the challenge will focus on equipping selected applicants with skills to maximise impact.
The Big Ideas for Children Challenge is centered around identifying and supporting social enterprises with solutions for improving early childhood development which includes solution to tackle health, nutrition and hygiene, and cognitive, social, physical and emotional development among children from 0 – 6 years old. It also seeks solution to improving access to and quality of education for all children at pre-primary and primary school levels.
This year’s challenge will include screening and assessment of applications: shortlisted applicants will be invited to partake in a one-day pitch training. They will then pitch their idea to a jury panel, who will select 29 social entrepreneurs to enroll in the Reach for Change accelerator. The selected entrepreneurs will then receive grant support of up to Birr 40,000 each to help them implement their initiatives.
National Bank of Ethiopia gets new governor
Dr Yinager Dessie has been appointed as governor of the National Bank of Ethiopia (NBE), replacing Teklewold Atnafu.
Prior to his current appointment, Dr Yinager was Commissioner of the National Planning Commission of Ethiopia.
Zeynu Jemal becomes Commissioner General of Federal Police Commission
Zeynu Jemal has been appointed as Commissioner General of the Ethiopian Federal Police Commission.
His appointment comes following the resignation of the recently appointed Commissioner General Yared Zerihun due to health issue.
His resignation letter was accepted by Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed.
