The Industrial Parks Development Corporation (IPDC) says the government has invested $1.5 billion over the past 10 years to develop industrial parks and fulfill infrastructure requirements.At a discussion forum organized to strengthen the participation of financial institutions within Special Economic Zones (SEZs), Fitsum Ketema, Deputy CEO of the Corporation, stated that the government has allocated significant capital by giving high priority to the construction and infrastructure development of industrial parks.

He noted that the Corporation currently manages 14 Special Economic Zones and industrial parks, which house more than 250 domestic and foreign investors.

Fitsum indicated that more than 60% of the investors operating within these Special Economic Zones and industrial parks are domestic investors.

Emphasizing that these local investors require extensive financial support in addition to infrastructure supply, he urged banks to give proper attention to the sector and support investors.

The Deputy CEO mentioned that the service provision, which was previously restricted to only one bank, has now been resolved; currently, all commercial banks are operating within the Special Economic Zones.

Ethiopia and Italy have engaged on strategic cooperation aimed at strengthening bilateral cooperation and accelerating priority infrastructure projects.

An Ethiopian delegation led by Finance Minister Ahmed Shide has held high level consultations in Rome with Italy’s Mattei Plan Task Force.

The discussions centered on flagship initiatives critical to Ethiopia’s development agenda, including the ongoing Koysha Hydropower Project and the planned Bishoftu International Airport Development Project.

According to Ministry of Finance, the discussion was productive as both show commitment to advancing strategic investments that support sustainable economic growth.

These projects are expected to play a transformative role in enhancing Ethiopia’s energy capacity and aviation infrastructure, while supporting sustainable economic growth.

The Italian side reaffirmed its strong commitment under the Mattei Plan to support strategic partnerships with African countries, including Ethiopia, through innovative financing mechanisms and strengthened public-private collaboration.

The British Council together with Paul Smith’s Foundation and Projekt today announced the launch of the Creative DNA x Studio Smithfield a new international exchange programme bringing together a total of six fashion designers from the UK and Sub-Saharan Africa. The programme kicked off effective from 16 to 23 March 2026 in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia with the aim to collaborate, share expertise, and forge sustainable creative and professional relationships. The programme marks a significant step in positioning London as a genuinely global fashion hub, built on equal partnership rather than one-way knowledge skills transfer.

Farai Ncube, Regional Arts Director, British Council said: ‘This initiative reflects the British Council’s commitment to supporting the creative economy across Africa and the UK by placing creative professionals and their potential at the centre of sustainable growth. Through authentic collaboration, skills exchange, and mutual respect across cultures, we support designers and creative practitioners in building sustainable enterprises and accessing global markets. This cross-continental residency exchange in London and Ethiopia, with an emphasis on craftsmanship and sustainability, will help foster enduring partnerships, facilitate knowledge sharing, and unlock new opportunities for creative talent to thrive and collaborate across borders.’

Unilever Ethiopia, during the celebration of the 13th International Oral Health Day, announced that it contributes over 2 billion Birr in taxes to the government annually.

The event was held under the theme “A Healthy Mouth for a Healthy Life.” In collaboration with the Ethiopian Dental Professionals Association, Unilever launched a national behavioral change campaign titled “Brush Morning and Night with a Smile.” This campaign aims to reach over half a million students and their families across 426 schools to raise awareness about oral and dental health.

Nesibu Temesgen, General Manager of Unilever Ethiopia, stated that beyond providing quality products, the company makes a significant contribution to the country’s economy. Currently, the company’s operations support jobs for over 7,000 citizens while maintaining its annual tax contribution of over 2 billion Birr.

From its factory in Dukem, the company produces and markets international brands such as Signal, Lifebuoy, OMO, and Knorr. It was noted that the company works to meet the health and nutritional needs of citizens by providing 12 million bars of soap monthly and 1.4 billion Knorr cubes annually.