Vita Food Industry, a Turkish company that began production in Ethiopia in 2018, has expressed concerns regarding the negative impact of unregulated candy products entering the Ethiopian market. Known for its high-quality Thai candies and lollipops produced in compliance with health and safety standards, VITA has recently observed an influx of similar products that do not meet these rigorous standards.

Eyuel Tibebu, Director of Operations and Marketing at VITA Food Industry, highlighted the potential risks posed by these unauthorized products, stating that they not only compromise health and safety but also threaten legitimate investors in the sector. “The emergence of these substandard products could deter further investments from companies like ours, ultimately putting the industry at risk,” he warned.

VITA Food Industry prides itself on manufacturing its products in a fully certified and licensed facility, ensuring that all items are made from high-quality ingredients. The company has emphasized the importance of consumer awareness regarding illegal candy products that may be circulating in the market.

In a recent press release, VITA urged both the business community and consumers to remain vigilant and support legitimate products to ensure their safety and quality. The company aims to maintain its commitment to high standards while navigating the challenges posed by unregulated competition.

Ethiotelecom has officially launched its 5G services in Hawassa, marking a significant milestone in the country’s digital transformation efforts. The announcement comes after the successful completion of the construction of 5th generation mobile network service stations in the city, positioning Ethiopia among the few countries globally to implement this advanced technology.

Frehiwot Tamiru, CEO of Ethio Telecom, emphasized the importance of this launch, stating, “We are committed to delivering the fifth-generation mobile service, which is the world’s ultimate technology. This initiative aligns with our vision of digital transformation and enhances our capacity to provide modern digital solutions.”

Previously, Ethio Telecom introduced 5G services in major cities such as Addis Ababa, Adama, Jigjiga, Dire Dawa, Harar, and Bahir Dar. The recent rollout in Hawassa expands the reach of this cutting-edge technology to various areas in the South region.

The 5G network offers remarkable capabilities, including data speeds of up to 10 Gbps and ultra-low latency of just 1 millisecond. This advanced infrastructure will enable up to one million multi-technology devices to connect within a single square kilometer, significantly enhancing data transfer capabilities and meeting the growing demand for internet services.

According to Frehiwot, the implementation of the 5G network will alleviate network congestion and provide customers with high-quality communication and digital finance services. Ethio Telecom’s expansion into 5G aims to create smart infrastructure that supports various sectors, including health services, agriculture, education, mining, manufacturing, transportation, and entertainment.

In addition to modernizing telecommunications infrastructure, Ethio Telecom believes that this initiative will bolster competitiveness and foster Ethiopia’s digital economy by facilitating data-driven decision-making and ensuring reliable real-time data flow.

Ethiopia has emerged as the 7th largest country in Africa for social media users, boasting approximately 24.83 million active accounts. This growth is part of a broader trend across the continent fueled by rapid smartphone penetration, which has transformed how people connect, communicate, and conduct business.

As social media platforms become increasingly central to digital business opportunities, they are democratizing access to the global economy. Young, educated, and digitally-savvy Africans are discovering unprecedented opportunities that encourage them to remain in their home countries rather than seek prospects abroad.

Leading the continent is Nigeria, with a staggering 103 million social media users. The country’s digital landscape is dominated by platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter, where a youth-driven culture has played a pivotal role in shaping politics and activism, notably during the #EndSARS movement.

Following Nigeria is Egypt, with 82.01 million social media users. Egypt’s platforms serve as vital spaces for political discourse and activism while also fostering trends in fashion and e-commerce.

South Africa ranks third with 45.34 million users, where social media has become essential for connectivity and marketing. Instagram and Twitter are particularly popular for customer service and brand interaction.

Morocco comes next with 34.47 million users, showcasing a blend of Arabic, French, and Berber influences in its content creation. The country’s social media ecosystem is rapidly growing, particularly among young Moroccans interested in tourism and cultural promotion.

Algeria follows closely with 33.49 million users despite government restrictions on internet usage. The young population actively engages on platforms like Facebook and Instagram to discuss fashion, music, and political issues.

The Democratic Republic of Congo has 28.31 million social media users who primarily use platforms like Facebook and WhatsApp for communication and entrepreneurship.

In this rapidly evolving digital landscape, Ethiopia’s significant social media growth reflects broader trends across Africa where connectivity is reshaping economies and empowering young people to drive change within their communities. As the digital revolution continues to unfold, Ethiopia’s youth are increasingly leveraging social media for activism and content creation, contributing to the nation’s growing digital economy.

Ethiopia has made a significant contribution to global food security by depositing 1,750 seed samples into the Svalbard Global Seed Vault, a crucial facility for preserving genetic diversity in crops. This deposit includes 447 species and subspecies, many of which had not been previously stored in the Seed Vault, highlighting Ethiopia’s commitment to safeguarding its agricultural heritage.

The Svalbard Global Seed Vault, located in Norway, recently received over 30,000 new seed samples from 23 depositors across 21 countries, marking one of the largest deposit events in its history. This initiative underscores the urgent need to conserve crop diversity in the face of escalating climate change and other global crises.

Stefan Schmitz, executive director of the Crop Trust, emphasized the importance of these efforts, stating, “Climate change and conflict threaten infrastructure and impact food security for over 700 million people in more than 75 countries worldwide.” The recent deposits from Ethiopia and other countries are part of a broader strategy to back up seed collections and ensure that vital genetic resources are available for future generations.

Ethiopia’s contribution is particularly significant given that women perform 75% of farm labor in the country and play a crucial role in producing high-value crops. The seeds deposited include varieties that are essential for developing resilient agricultural practices amid changing climatic conditions.

Nicholas Obare, country program lead of AGRA (Sustainable Growing Africa’s Food Systems), noted that the VALUE4HER initiative aims to empower women farmers by providing them with access to resources and training. This initiative complements Ethiopia’s efforts to enhance food security through sustainable agricultural practices.

As the world faces unprecedented challenges related to food production and climate resilience, Ethiopia’s proactive approach in contributing to the Svalbard Global Seed Vault reflects its commitment to preserving agricultural biodiversity. This effort not only supports local farmers but also contributes to global initiatives aimed at ensuring food security for all.

With ongoing support from international organizations and a focus on empowering women in agriculture, Ethiopia is poised to play a vital role in shaping resilient food systems both locally and globally.