Ethiopia's Health Minister Acknowledges Cholera Outbreak, Denies Concealment Claims
Ethiopia Launches Coffee Sector Reform Initiative
Ethiopia Pushes for WTO Accession Amid Fifth Working Party Meeting
Ethiopian authorities are actively pushing for the country's accession to the World Trade Organization (WTO) as the Fifth Working Party Meeting on Ethiopia’s WTO accession concluded on Wednesday. The meeting reviewed Ethiopia's economic policies, investment laws, and foreign trade regimes to ensure compliance with international standards. The discussions focused on Ethiopia's strategic initiatives to enhance transparency, improve regulatory frameworks, and foster a more business-friendly environment. Ethiopia aims to join the WTO, a goal that has been pursued since 2018.
Health Minister Acknowledges Cholera Outbreak, Denies Concealment Claims
Ethiopia’s Health Minister, Dr. Mekides Daba, confirmed an outbreak of cholera in major urban centers, including the capital, Addis Ababa. However, she rejected claims that the government had concealed the cholera outbreak in these cities. The minister emphasized that combating cholera remains a public health priority for the government, with efforts including vaccination campaigns and enhanced community engagement. According to Dr. Daba, in 2024, 200 districts were vulnerable, but this number has decreased to 14 in 2025 due to intensified prevention measures. Despite these efforts, cholera continues to pose a health challenge in border areas, particularly in Gambella, due to weak healthcare infrastructure.
Ethiopia Launches Coffee Sector Reform Initiative with Italian Government Support
Ethiopia has launched a significant initiative to bolster its coffee sector, supported by funding from the Italian government. A new credit facility has been introduced to provide affordable financing to coffee enterprises, ranging from smallholder farmers to large processors. State Minister of Finance, Semereta Sewasew, unveiled a comprehensive roadmap for the reform of the coffee sector. The plan aims to modernize coffee production, processing, and marketing, and promote greater private sector involvement in shaping policies and driving investments. The government will also establish a national secretariat to facilitate dialogue between various stakeholders, including coffee growers, cooperatives, processors, exporters, and traders. Minister Sewasew also noted that the coffee sector faces challenges such as limited access to finance, underdeveloped market linkages, and compliance with new international regulations like the European Union Deforestation Regulation (EUDR).
Ethiopian Airlines Expands Network with Etihad Airways Partnership
Ethiopian Airlines Group has signed a Joint Business Agreement with Etihad Airways, aimed at enhancing connectivity between Africa, the Middle East, and Asia. The strategic partnership includes a codeshare agreement and the launch of new flights between Addis Ababa and Abu Dhabi. Ethiopian Airlines will begin direct flights to Abu Dhabi on July 15, while Etihad Airways will start daily flights to Addis Ababa on October 1. In addition to the partnership, Ethiopian Airlines has added a Boeing 737-800 aircraft to its fleet, dedicated to VIP and charter flights, further demonstrating its commitment to providing world-class services to business communities, investors, and travelers seeking premium experiences.
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