New figures from the International Air Transport Association (IATA) show that African airlines experienceda 17.9 percent year on year increase in passenger demand in January. Airline capacity across the continent rose by 16.3 percent, while load factors reached 77 percent, signaling improved aircraft utilization as travel demand rebounds.

The rise in passenger traffic is also boosting air cargo capacity across the continent. Passenger aircraft carry freight in their belly holds, providing exporters with additional cargo space without the need for dedicated freighter planes.

This channel has become increasingly important for high-value exports, including flowers, fresh produce, pharmaceuticals, and fast-growing e-commerce shipments, moving between Africa and global markets.

Globally, aviation demand also strengthened. Airlines recorded an average load factor of 82 percent in January, the highest level ever reported for that month. International travel was the main driver of growth, with passenger demand increasing by 5.9 percent compared with the same period last year, closely matched by a 5.8 percent rise in available seat capacity. (BIA)

Ethio telecom and ZTE Corporation have finalized a major network expansion and modernization agreement on the sidelines of the Mobile World Congress (MWC) 2026 in Barcelona.

The move is expected to significantly strengthen connectivity and accelerate digital inclusion across Ethiopia.

The agreement will expand and modernize infrastructure across the ZTE operational circle, covering 647 network sites, including 115 in rural areas.

According to Ethio telecom, the initiative will considerably boost nationwide connectivity while extending high speed digital services to communities that have remained underserved.

Ethio telecom Chief Executive Officer Frehiwot Tamru, along with members of the company’s executive leadership, held a series of strategic discussions with senior executives of ZTE during the engagement.

Once completed, the expansion and modernization program is expected to enhance network capacity, coverage and service quality across the operational area managed by ZTE.

The project will raise 4G population coverage to 95.5 percent, enabling millions more citizens, businesses and public institutions to access reliable high speed mobile connectivity.

Similar agreement has been sealed with Ericson. (ENA)

Senior officials from the Ethiopian government, private sector leaders, and international development partners convened in Addis Ababa on Tuesday for a high-level Public–Private Dialogue (PPD).

The gathering aimed at reviewing progress on economic reforms and strengthening the country’s investment climate.

The meeting, held at the Ethiopian Skylight Hotel, was organized by the Ethiopian Investment Commission in partnership with the Ministry of Finance of Ethiopia and the Development Partners Group.

Discussions focused on tracking reform implementation, addressing operational challenges, and identifying practical follow-up actions to support investment and economic growth.

In opening remarks, Finance State Minister Semereta Sewasew stressed that sustained economic transformation depends on effective collaboration between government and the private sector. (ENA)

is a Latin phrase meaning “all else being equal” or “holding other things constant,” used in economics to isolate the impact of one variable on another by assuming all other factors remain unchanged. It simplifies complex market analyses—such as supply and demand or price changes—by removing external variables.