Minister of Innovation and Technology, Belete Molla underscored that Ethiopia’s ongoing endeavors in the spheres of space science and geospatial have been contributing to the growth of the national economy.

Senior leaders of the Ministry of Innovation and Technology and other relevant institutions visited the Space Science and Geospatial Institute (SSG) and the Entoto Observatory Center today.

Currently, Ethiopia has beenleadinginspace endeavors in the Horn of Africa by building an astronomical observatory and creating a fully-fledged national space agency.

Through its own space programs, the East African nation is employing the programs to accelerate development in various sectors such as in agriculture, industries, and health, it was indicated.

Following the visit, Minister Belete stressed the need for Ethiopia exploiting all its capabilities to develop and utilize technology, adding that that would create opportunities for the country to use and control resources not only on Earth but also in space in the future.

Ethiopia has secured over 1 billion USD from gold exports in the last five months, a development attributed to the recent macroeconomic reforms, according to the Ministry of Trade and Regional Integration.

The third National Anti-Illicit Trade Summit, organized by the Ethiopian Chamber of Commerce and Sectoral Associations, was held in Addis Ababa today.

Opening the summit, Minister of Trade and Regional Integration Kassahun Gofe highlighted the significant endeavors which are being undertaken by the government to control contraband and illicit trading.

During the past five months especially following the execution of the macroeconomic reform, massive regulatory measures have been undertaken in collaboration with regional states and trade structures at all levels, the minister affirmed.

For the minister, due to the collaborative works among pertinent stakeholders, encouraging achievements registered during the stated period

Accordingly, the inflation rate of food-related goods reduced to 19.2 percent from 29.2 percent before the reforms, as a result the measures taken by the government.

Ethiopia’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Gedion Timothewos has extended his heartfelt condolences to the Government and People of the Republic of India on the passing of former Prime Minister of India, Manmohan Singh.

Gedion signed the Book of Condolence in honor of the former Prime Minister at the Indian Embassy in Addis Ababa today.

The Minister said Singh will be remembered as a visionary leader, a remarkable statesman, and an advocate for global progress whose contributions enriched India’s standing in the world.

He mentioned that Singh was a true friend of Ethiopia, noting that the late Prime Minister strengthened the bonds between the two countries.

On behalf of the People and Government of Ethiopia, Gedion extended his heartfelt condolences to the Government and People of India.

“In this moment of sorrow, we stand in solidarity with the bereaved family, the People, and the Government of India,” the Minister added.

The African Union Commission is organizing the Extraordinary Summit on the Post Malabo Comprehensive Africa Agriculture Development Programme (CAADP).

The Extraordinary Summit is anticipated to be held in Kampala, Uganda from 9 to 11 January 2025, it was learned.

The summit will also bring together the African heads of state and government.

The summit will focus on adopting the Comprehensive Africa Agriculture Development Programme (CAADP) Strategy and Action Plan for 2026-2035.

This will set in motion a 10-year agenda for building strong and resilient Africa’s Agri-Food Systems on the continent for agricultural growth, transformation and improved livelihood across the continent.

The proposed summit program will include meetings of Ministers in Charge of Agriculture Rural Development, water and Environment (ARDWE) and a Joint meeting of the Ministers of Foreign Affairs and Ministers of Agriculture, followed by the Summit of African Heads of State and Government.

The Comprehensive CAADP has been crucial in driving agricultural transformation across Africa since its inception in 2003.