Capital

ERA takes on projects worth ETB 35 bln this year alone

By Kirubel Tadesse

Oromia to build TV station

By Muluken Yewondwossen

Severe tremor in CUD

By Our Staff Reporter

The famous faces of the 2005 election who sounded sincere and altogether have nowadays become foes who openly disrespect one another, other week in week out. That move has finally been backed with action this week as Chairman Hailu Shawel suspended five members of the leadership. The executive committee on the other hand, has pledged to get the decision reversed.

Meles promises to help Sudan

By Abiy Demilew

Awash Bank holds election Results to be announced Monday

By Teguest Yilma

House to endorse new proclamation on political parties registration

By Kirubel Tadesse

QSAE set on outsourcing

By Muluken Yewondwossen

EEPCo salaries boosted 20%

By Our Staff Reporter

Eyesuswork Zafu wins second term

By Addis Mulugeta and Kirubel Tadesse

Indian company budgets USD 451mln, potash extraction

By Staff our Reporter

Three dam projects on Tana start this year

By Muluken Yewondwossen

Ethiopia most affected by extreme weather

By Our Staff Reporter

US considers changes in rules on HIV positive immigrants

By Kirubel Tadesse

Land certification - ensuring development in rural areas

By Addis Mulugeta

ICE organizes “Ethiopia - country presentation” in Italy

By Muluken Yewondwossen

People are not born with or without disabilities

By Addis Mulugeta

4.6 billion ETB for emergency seed aid in last 34 years for Ethiopia

By Addis Mulugeta

zebrajobs.com offers over 900,000 jobs

By Addis Mulugeta

Heightened credit, operational risks

By Addis Mulugeta

First NGO voice ‘Loso’ launched

By Kirubel Tadesse

Peace Corps re-enters Ethiopia

By Muluken Yewondwossen

Training on ACCESS for African business women in international trade

By Addis Mulugeta

Christian Blind Mission photo exhibition opens

By Kirubel Tadesse

ERA takes on projects worth ETB 35 bln this year alone

By Kirubel Tadesse

The Ethiopian Roads Authority (ERA) has taken on various projects at a cost of ETB 35 billion this year, it was disclosed.
ERA Director General Zaid Woldegebriel, explained that the federal and regional roads authorities will execute some 130 projects across Ethiopia this year under the five-year Road Sector Development Program. At a press conference held on Friday, December 14, 2007, Zaid told journalists that the implementation of 80 of the projects has already started in different parts of the country.
Zaid explained that 29 billion of the allocated ETB 35 billion budget would be covered by the Ethiopian government. Zaid further mentioned that in 2000 budget year, ERA has allocated 5.6 ETB for the implementation of one hundred seventy two capital projects. According to Zaid, the major projects to be implemented include renovation of 246-km and upgrading of 491-km main roads. Zaid also explained that renovation of 449-km and construction of 509-km feeder roads and seventy two old and new designs, feasibility and environmental factor studies are among the projects.
“The authority will be undertaking regular, periodic, and urgent maintenance of roads and construction of bridges this year at a cost of 500.5 million birr secured from the Road Fund,” Zaid disclosed.
Explaining the achievements registered in the last ten years, ERA stated that the number of rural roads has reached 22,349 kms in 2007 from only ninety one hundred in 1997. Main roads too showed a tremendous amount of growth; from 15,870 to 20,080 kms, ERA stated. Collectively, the number of rural and main roads has been showing eight per cent annual growth in the last ten years, ERA explained.

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Oromia to build TV station

By Muluken Yewondwossen

The Oromia Regional State government has signed a contract agreement with EURO-tel, an Italian telecommunications company, to build a television station and transmitters, on Friday December 14, 2007 at the regional president’s office.
The regional government has set aside 61 mln ETB for the project, including for the studio and the purchase of transmitter equipment, station construction, electric power installation and road construction.
According to the contract document, EURO-tel will be supplying equipment and will install the TV station for 31.5 mln ETB, including a three year parts supply agreement.
“The transmission will cover 10 of 17 zones in Oromia.” Abera Hailu, manager of Oromia Information Bureau, told Capital. “After two years we will cover the whole of our regional state,” he added.
The transmission center and the studio will be built in Adama (Nazaret) and other transmitters will be mounted in selected areas, which are Kulubi, Sululta, Adama, Gujii, Goba, Shashamane, Gimbi, Jima, and Gore.
According to Abera, the equipment is expected to arrive in ninety-one days and the installation work will be completed in three months. “Our transmission will start after eight months,” he stated.
The Information and Urban Development bureaus have completed a construction document for building the transmission center.
When the installation and construction work is completed, the state TV program (STVO) will be transmitting for 28 hours a week. “We have plans to increase the transmission hours but there is a shortage of professionals in the country,” Abera said.
The Ethiopian Broadcast Authority, Ethiopia Radio and Television, Diredewa City Administration and Ethiopian Telecommunications Corporation are collaborating to finalize this project.
In related news, Oromia Information Bureau will start three AM radio transmissions from Nekemt, Bale and Adama (Nazaret) and an FM service from Addis Ababa.
For this project, the Oromia regional government has purchased transmission equipment from Harris (US telecom company) and the installation work is being conducted done by the same company. According to Abera, the Oromia regional government paid four and half mln USD for this project, which is to launch transmission in a few months.
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Severe tremor in CUD

By Our Staff Reporter

In what came out to be the peak of internal problems among the CUD leadership, Chairman Hailu Shawel has suspended five members of the leadership on 11 December, 2007, while the executive committee retaliated the next day by threatening to take what it called an “illegal” measure by the Chairman to the party’s Supreme Council for final verdict.
The five suspended leadership members are Dr. Berhanu Nega, Birtukan Mideksa, Gezachew Shiferaw, Dr. Hailu Araya and Biruck Abebe. Hailu Shawel identified Dr. Berhanu Nega as the ringleader of the ‘conspiring’ team.
The Chairman accused the five suspended people of plotting to overthrow the party leadership and to misdirect the party struggle contrary to the party bylaws. In a detailed description of these accusations, Hailu Shawel also included exposure of party funds for misappropriation and divisive activities of the suspended in the party. According to the Chairman, the team is conspiring to create hatred and suspicion among CUD members, as opposed to striving to have the legal recognition of the party reinstated, working for the release of the imprisoned and reopening of closed offices.
On the other hand, executive committee members, led by party deputy Chairperson Birtukan Mideksa issued a press release explaining the actions of Hailu Shawel as contravening party laws. The press release noted that the Chairman’s decision to suspend the five people is not compatible with the procedures stated in Article 10/3 of the bylaw.
The executive committee accused Hailu Shawel of precluding committee meetings and setting up the party’s international council despite the decision by the majority of the committee members not to do that. The statement went on to describe the Chairman as someone who is not willing to submit to majority rule and alerted people not to take part in efforts to destroy the party.
This week’s rattling measures and activities by what have clearly become the two factions in the CUD, are a culmination of grudges that have been brewing since the release from of the party’s leadership.

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Meles promises to help Sudan

By Abiy Demilew

Prime Minister Meles Zenawi, on Thursday, pledged to help in the re- construction of southern Sudan during talks with Salva Kiir Mayardit, Sudanese First Vice-President and President of the Government of Southern Sudan, who was in Addis on a three day visit this week.
The help focuses on the construction of roads and houses including providing capacity building assistance for the public infrastructure projects in Southern Sudan.
Meles affirmed to Salva Kiir Ethiopia’s readiness to support roads and other development projects in Southern Sudan, based on the bilateral cooperation agreement between Ethiopia and the Sudan.
Salva Kiir, heading a high level delegation including members of the southern Sudan government and SPLM officials, before leaving Addis on Friday, told reporters that the discussion was also focused on cross border security issues and the implementation of the Comprehensive Peace Agreement (CPA) to end the political crisis.
Last week, CPA members announced the end of the first serious political crisis since the Signing of the peace agreement in 2005. It is to be recalled that, during the crisis Southern Sudan’s ruling party, SPLM, requested Ethiopia’s intervention in sighting a resolution, as it is a key ally among in the IGAD member countries.
Salva Kiir said he has reassured Meles that there will never be a return to war and that the people of South Sudan are now talking about the peace options and how to preserve the gains which were achieved by the CPA as well as progressing ahead on the peace road.
Capital learnt that the two parties have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoA) on the provision of the capacity building assistance Ethiopia supports for the region, which suffers a serious shortage of residential houses and bureaus in Juba and other towns in South Sudan, according to reports. The request was made by the Sudanese government.

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Awash Bank holds election Results to be announced Monday

By Teguest Yilma

It is to be recalled that a controversy had erupted over the manner in which the board of directors of Awash Bank were elected by the 12th ordinary general meeting of shareholders held on April 21, 2007.
The National Bank of Ethiopia, which regulates banking in the country, had rejected the elected board, citing procedural issues among others. Accordingly, a public notice for a general meeting was called and convened Saturday December 15, 2007 at the Sheraton Addis.
At least 20% of the Awash Banks shareholders had petitioned for a meeting to be called under the auspices of A.A. Bromhead and Co. Chartered Accountants and Auditors of the bank, but the elected board had the meeting banned by court order.
Subsequently, the court reversed their decision in favor of the petitioners thereby making yesterday’s meeting possible.
The agenda of the Ordinary General Meeting was mainly to reelect a board of directors. In this regard 36 individuals and entities were nominated for the 12 positions on the board during a marathon meeting attended by 75.6% of shareholders. The meeting started at 9:00 am and was still in progress as Capital went to press. However, Capital was able to learn that the identities of the new members of the board will be announced on Monday December 17, 2007.
Among the main points of contention on Saturday’s meeting that required hours of deliberation was the matter of proxy. It was decided by an 86% majority of the assembly that hereafter only one proxy vote can be allowed for one shareholder and this stipulation was decided to be amended into the company’s Memorandum of Association.
Also hotly debated was the issue of whether the old board should continue or be replaced by a new one as only one fifth of all shareholders had petitioned to reject the previous board.
Accordingly 65% of the assembled shareholders opted for a new board to be elected with about 35% voting that the former board remains in place. A very small percentage abstained.
Among the 36 nominees to the new board was Gebru Habtewold who declined the nomination. He had served the bank as board member for six years.
Bekele Nedi, Kebede Borena, Hambissa Wakoya were nominated from the outgoing board.
Mekaneyesus Church, Awash insurance, and Oda sh. Co. were nominated from corporate shareholders.
Leikun Berhanu, Mitiku Abishu, Solomon Aweke, Amergassa Debele, Eng. Abebe Negash, Tesfaye Asfaw, Yakob Like, Terefe Mengesha, Wole Gurumu, Amb. Tesfaye Habisso, Hamsalu Bizuneh, Mulatu Likassa, Kefelegn Sahlu, Hailu Wolde Semayat and Mamo Tiruneh are the individual nominees among others.
This latest shareholders meeting was marked with a calm atmosphere, although there were demands that the plaintiffs should not have sued and should make a public apology, a demand which was later dropped.

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House to endorse new proclamation on political parties registration

By Kirubel Tadesse

The House of Peoples’ Representatives (HPR) has referred an amendment bill on the registration of political parties to the Legal and Administration Affairs Standing Committee. The decision was passed with 294 votes in favor, 2 against and 51 abstentions.
During its 10th regular session on Thursday December 13, 2007, the House discussed the twenty eight page, sixty three article proclamation before voting to refer it to the standing committee. Some opposition Members of Parliament expressed their fear that article 54/2/b of the proclamation, which orders political parties to disclose in reports, the names of persons who give or pledge support, discourages people from helping the opposition. One MP explained that in Ethiopia’s current political reality, if one isn’t supporting the ruling party, he or she rather keeps support of any kind to any opposition party as a secret and this proclamation may cost the opposition that support.
During the session, the House referred the bill providing for the ratification of the African Nuclear-Weapon Free Zone Treaty to the Capacity Building Affairs Standing Committee as well as to the Foreign, Defense, and Legal and Administration Affairs Standing Committees for further assessment. The House also referred the draft proclamation to provide for period of limitation for submission of restitution cleared and for the repossession of public property taken through unlawful restitution, to the Legal and Administrative Affairs Standing Committee.
At the start of session, Minister of Mines and Energy, Alemayehu Tegenu, was present to reply to questions submitted from various MPs. Alemayehu, in his answers pointed that choosing which woredas get priority for power is decided by regional governments and not by his Ministry.
Alemayehu explained to the House that the government is devoting all possible energy and resources to electric power generation knowing that its performance plays a key role in the country’s industrialization process. “Temporary power cuts sometimes occur when people throw tree branches and leaves on the power lines, which results in a short circuit. In some areas, again poles also cause power interruptions when they fall. Although it is not only these factors which cause the problem, it still requires the cooperation of all citizens to safeguard power lines and utility poles,” Alemayehu concluded.

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QSAE set on outsourcing

By Muluken Yewondwossen

The Quality and Standards Authority of Ethiopia (QSAE) is to give licenses to six private companies including Cotecna (a Swiss inspection, security and certification company) to provide inspection and quality certification services. This was stated at a press conference given by QSAE director general, on December 13, 2007.
According to the director general, the Authority is working together with these companies to start operations shortly. “We are supporting them with professional staff,” Mesay Girma said.
“We can not carry out inspection activities through out the whole country and that is why we have opted to license these companies. They will give accreditation certificates to their customers, just as we do now” he added.
In related news, QSAE will start mobile laboratory inspection services. According to Mesay, the Authority is importing two laboratory vehicles from Germany, which will provide mass, length, electric and thermometer calibration services.
Mesay said, “We have the cooperation of the German government to undertake the program and also we have a plan to add other mobile laboratories because every item to doesn’t have to come to the main laboratory for it to be inspected.”
Mesay said that currently, QSAE works with food and agro processing factories to raise quality to American standards and enable them participate in AGOA.

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EEPCo salaries boosted 20%

By Our Staff Reporter

The Ethiopian Electric Power Corporation (EEPCo) has raised salaries by 20% and paid four months back salary starting from the beginning of this Ethiopian fiscal year for all its employees as well as the management.
EEPCo made the payment this week including back salaries, on Tuesday December 11, for permanent employees who have worked for at least a year at the corporation.
The corporation has recently awarded its employees with a two-month salary bonus, costing the corporation around 26 million birr. The Corporation employs a work force of over 10,000.
EEPCo currently supplies power to 22pc of the country.
It has plans to electrify 870 rural towns, while its subscribers which stood at 1.3 million in 2005/06, rose by 270,000 last year. In the 2007/08 budget year, the corporation has envisaged to expand its services by subscribing 1.7 million households.
The corporation is now expanding its horizons to incorporate alternative forms of energy and has begun exporting to neighboring countries.
Huge hydroelectric dam projects are underway in Gibe, Tekeze, Beles and Amertineshi to expand current capacity. Construction works by foreign companies will be launched soon to export 300mw of hydroelectric power to Djibouti per annum.

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Eyesuswork Zafu wins second term

By Addis Mulugeta and Kirubel Tadesse

The Ethiopian Chamber of Commerce and Sectoral Associations has reelected its president, Eyesuswork Zafu, to presidency for the next two years, at an annual meeting held at the Hilton Hotel on December 13, 2007. The chamber has elected 6 other members of the Board of Directors during the same event.
While giving the go ahead for Eyesuswork Zafu to continue for another term, members of the chamber have elected six board members out of 18 contestants. The six board members include: Workineh Bekele, Nigussie Abera, Admasu Adane, Achamyelesh Ashenafi, Alene Belachew and Addisu Haba. Only one candidate was nominated for the presidency.
The candidates presented their work experience and proficiency before the election was held. The only candidate for the presidency also presented a long speech about chamber activities during the event. He also expressed his view that he was not happy to have run for the presidency alone.
In the other Chamber news, the Ethiopian Chamber of Commerce which has been restructured under proclamation 341/2003 as Ethiopian Chamber of Commerce and Sectoral Associations (ECCSA), is to capacitate itself with 18,394,392 ETB.
The capacity building of chambers and sectoral associations’ project is financed by the Development Assistant Group (DAG) and managed by ECCSA.
According to the new structure ECCSA has nine regional chambers and six sectoral associations and one national chamber of sectoral associations. “Almost all except the Addis Ababa Chamber of Commerce and Sectoral Association and Dire Dawa CCSA are under establishment. Most of them do not have their own offices, let alone other facilities,” explains ECCSA. Lack of office facilities and human resources to run the daily activities, shortage of finance, absence of a proper organizational setup and weak membership are some of the problems the capacity building program targets to address.

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Indian company budgets USD 451mln, potash extraction

By Staff our Reporter

The Ministry of Mines and Energy has signed an agreement with Sainik Coal Mining private limited, an Ethiopian registered Indian company, to mine potash in large scale at Musely and Crescent localities of the Afar National Regional State, on December 10, 2007 at Sheraton Addis.
The director of Sainik coal mining private limited company, Mr. Nitin Wagh, and Alemayehu Tegenu, Minister of Mines and Energy signed the agreement between the two parties. During the agreement, Mr. Nitin said that the company has USD 451, 164, 784 investment capital for potash mining in Ethiopia. He further mentioned that the company will not only help Ethiopia strengthen its economic competence, it will also help create 576 job opportunities and use domestic goods and services as long as they are readily available at competitive prices and of comparable quality.
Alemayehu Tegenu described that the potash mineral deposit is located in Afar National Regional state. According to the studies conducted so far, the localities of Musely and crescent are rich in potash mineral with a total proven reserve of more than 140 million metric tones. Alemayehu said, “I hope, sainik coal company will perform its activity in due diligence, in accordance with this agreement and accepted international standards. I also would like to remind you to pay attention to ensuring the development of the surrounding community and the safety of the environment in the course of your mining operations.”
The license provides an exclusive right for a large scale potash mining within the license area for the coming twenty years, and it will be renewed for ten years upon the request of the licensee. The company shall be governed by the mining proclamations, regulations, directives and other Ethiopian laws and it is expected to conduct mining operations in such a manner as to ensure the health and safety of its employees and other persons, and minimize damage or pollution to environment.
The agreement indicated that the conducive investment environment which was created so far has attracted 55 privately owned exploration and mining companies, having 79 licenses, operating all over the country.

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Three dam projects on Tana start this year

By Muluken Yewondwossen

The Ministry of Water Resources is to start three dam projects at a cost of 125.9 million ETB this fiscal year. The three projects are among the five which were planed to be undertaken last year around Lake Tana. For this year’s construction program, the Federal government covers all costs.
According to Sintayehu Asefa, Ministry of Water Resources public relations head, the projects study and designing stages cost 78 mln ETB. At completion, these three dams will have a capacity of accumulating 233.7 m3 of water. The projects are scheduled to be completed in fifteen months time.
According to Sintayehu, the contractor is completing 27 km road construction and other related works to aid the main construction work on the Gumer Ribe and Megech dams.
The design work for remaining two projects, Gilgel Abay and Jema will be completed at the end of this month, with an access road to be built following the study.
Sintayehu added that the study and design of Gumera irrigation and drainage works will be completed this budget year. The Lake Tana area irrigation study and design project covers more than 51 thousand hectares.
“The main reason to build these dams is to provide a better life for farmers who live in the area and support the economy of the country,” Sintayehu told Capital.
The Ministry of Water Resource has budgeted 1.207 bln ETB for projects this year.

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Ethiopia most affected by extreme weather

By Our Staff Reporter

The German environmental NGO Germanwatch has launched a new international climate protection index, saying it offers a better basis for comparing countries’ efforts to combat global warming and puts Ethiopia, home to more than 78 million people, fifth among the world’s nations most affected by extreme weather events due to climate change.
Ethiopia comes after the Philippines, the Democratic Republic of Korea, Indonesia, and Vietnam, where climate change has affected thousands of people, mostly through flooding, a report says.
The report of global climate risk index, by the German-based environment research organization Germanwatch and the world’s largest insurance company Munich Reinsurance, said that the Asia region suffered far more storms, floods and extreme weather than wealthier countries, which contributed most to the greenhouse gas emissions responsible for global warming.
According to Germanwatch, the new Climate Change Performance Index will be an effective weapon in the struggle to reverse the dangerous effects of climate change, because, for the first time, it compares the effects of climate policy in the 53 countries that account for 90 per cent of harmful emissions worldwide.
“We think that, over time, we really can create an enormous amount of pressure with this index,” said Christoph Bals, executive director of Germanwatch. “It will be an incentive for those countries which are the frontrunners, and it will be a strong way of creating pressure on those countries which are at the back of this index to do better in the future.”
The index is the result of calculating three different values: The current trend in a country’s greenhouse gas emissions, in which the emissions of the transport, construction, industry, and energy sectors are measured; the base indicator measuring the amount of carbon dioxide released in the atmosphere per person and per energy unit used; and the country’s climate change policies - the laws and financial incentives implemented to reduce emissions levels and improve energy efficiency.

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US considers changes in rules on HIV positive immigrants

By Kirubel Tadesse

The USA is considering making changes in its immigration rules that make people living with HIV/AIDS ineligible for acquiring Lawful Permanent Residency (LPR), "Green Card", sources told Capital.
The sources added that permanent residency seekers like Diversity Visa Lottery (DV-Lottery) winners have to go through Mandatory HIV testing despite World Heath Organization and other United Nations specialized agencies' call on states not to do so. The Mandatory HIV test result one takes should show that the person is HIV negative to be eligible for LPR, Capital learnt. A spokesperson from US Embassy in Addis Ababa has confirmed that Section 212(a) (1) (A) (i) of the Immigration and Nationality Act prohibits the issuance of an immigrant visa to any person who has a communicable disease of public health significance. "Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), which may lead to Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS), is such a disease," the Embassy spokesperson stated.
The Embassy added "An HIV-positive applicant who is the spouse, unmarried son or daughter (regardless of age), or child of a U.S. citizen or legal permanent resident (green card holder), or who has a son or daughter who is a U.S. citizen or legal permanent resident, may apply for a waiver of ineligibility to overcome this ground of exclusion." Even if the consular officer determines whether a qualifying relationship exists or not and assists the applicant in applying for the waiver, it is only the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) which decides whether a waiver may be granted or not, the spokesperson further explained.
Despite the fact that the US is the number one donor of most anti-HIV/AIDS global projects and owner of the President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR), the largest international health initiative in history by one nation to address a single disease, it still is not in the list which has countries like Denmark, France, Japan, Italy, Luxemburg, and the Netherlands for not imposing HIV-related restriction on the grounds of public health or economic cost justification.
Michele Moloney-Kitts, Assistant Coordinator of PEPFAR, told Capital that even if it can't make or change rules regarding eligibility conditions of LPR, her office is making efforts to improve conditions for HIV positive Green Card seekers. Capital asked if there is any effort by PEPFAR to influence change in the policy and Michele Moloney-Kitts replied in the conference call made from the US Embassy in Addis; "We are in the process of looking at that right now, we have worked for about a year with Homeland Security on this very issue, trying to help to a reform and there is a proposal now that the Department of Homeland Security is working on, it is out for comment. So we have to wait and see."

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Land certification - ensuring development in rural areas

By Addis Mulugeta

The Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (MOARD) and GTZ Ethiopia, in collaboration with the Sector Project “Land Management” (GTZ) and USAID, hosted an international workshop on “Appropriate Means of Land Registration and Distribution of Land Certificates in Asia and Africa” in Addis Ababa, Ambo, Holeta and Ginchi from 3 – 7 December, 2007.
Christan Graefen, Senior Planning Officer of GTZ Sector Project Land Management, contends “Proper implementation of land policy is vital for economic development of a country” says Graefen. Ethiopia is realizing land certification in different parts of the country, he added. However, he says “there is a lot to be done to outreach different parts nation”.
According to Graefen, land certification has multidimensional benefits for one country in general and to the owner in particular. He underscores that farmers who have land certificate take care of their holdings appropriately. They exert their utmost effort to protect their land from erosion; they can invest on, rent it and do other things.
The workshop brought together 50 practitioners working in the field of land policy and land tenure: Ethiopian key stakeholders (ministries and international partners like the World Bank, USAID and SIDA) as well as experts of international development projects and programmes.
Participants from 10 different countries who have acquired skills in land registration and certification, through direct practical work and research in different parts of the world shared their experiences.
With regard to significance of land certification, Amare Worku, Head of Forests, Land Use and Soil Development and Conservation Department with MoARD says “Ethiopia’s second poverty reduction program, PASDEP puts heavy emphasis on increased market orientation and private sector development as well as sustainable utilization of natural resources for growth and poverty alleviation to which I believe enhanced security of tenure will immensely contribute by inducing and encouraging investment by land and natural resources users”.
He explained that the Ministry is planning to upscale land surveying and registration to cover all weredas (districts) of the four regional states (Oromiya, Amhara, SNNPR and Tigray) as well as begin the process in the other four regional states (Afar, Benshangul-Gumuz, Gambela and Somali).
In Oromiya region 849,845 House Holds have received the 1st level holding certificates of which 86,035 are female households, Ato Yadesa Dinsa, and Team leader of Oromya office of rural land tenure disclosed. Two levels of holding certificates are on going in the region (1st level & 2nd level). The 1st level follows traditional and the 2nd level follows cadastral system.
In the region land holding survey and registration was commenced in 2004 in 166 Woredas out of 200 excluding pastoral. About 5000 kebeles land administration and use committees were established at initial_830 Woreda staff and 25,000 committee members are trained on land survey and registration.
As a result the communities have started to protect and utilize their holdings and environments to ensure sustainable development. Farmers are motivated to rehabilitee, develop, and protect natural resources around their environs, he concludes.
Land is a key asset for the rural and urban poor. As such it is the basis of economic activities. The proper administration and utilization of the land plays a critical role in development. International experience shows: security of land tenure encourages investment and initiative, whereas insecurity hampers them. Cognizant of this fact the government of Ethiopia has begun to implement a land certification program.
In Ethiopia land certification started first in Tigray in 1998 and from 2003-2005 in other regions of Ethiopia. Land certification provides safeguard and guarantees the disposal of rights in land. It is confirmed through issuance of holding certificate.

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ICE organizes “Ethiopia - country presentation” in Italy

By Muluken Yewondwossen

The Italian Trade Commission (ICE) will organize an “Ethiopia - country presentation” in Italy in order to present Ethiopian business opportunities to the Italian business community.
In addition, the ICE will open an office in Addis Ababa in order to set up a stable platform to inform Ethiopian companies about business opportunities in Italy, as well as assisting Italian companies in finding economic partners in Ethiopia.
This was stated at a five day seminar aimed at strengthening the relations between Italy and Ethiopia held on Monday December 10, 2007 at the Ethiopian Investment Authority head office.
According to Gianpaolo Gruno, director of ICE for sub Saharan Africa, after the Ethiopia - country presentation, a series of incoming and outgoing missions will be organized in order to promote and intensify bilateral business relations between the entrepreneurs of the two nations. He added through this articulated program of initiatives, the Italian Trade Commission is doubling its efforts to contribute to strengthening bilateral economic relations in order to further enhance cooperation between Italian and Ethiopian business communities.
Raffaele De Lutio, Ambassador of Italy to Ethiopia said in his part, “The Italian Trade Commission has intensified its activities in Ethiopia in the last few years, promoting economic delegations from Italy and participating on the Addis Chamber International Trade Fair in February.

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People are not born with or without disabilities

By Addis Mulugeta

The United Nations Disability Work Group, the Ministry of Labor and Social Affairs and the Ethiopian Federation of People with Disability, jointly organized International Day of Persons with Disability, on December 14, 2007 at Sheraton Addis, with the goal of opening opportunities of decent work for persons with disability.
To celebrate International Day of Persons with Disability in an innovative, appealing and an inclusive manner, the organizers held a first-of-its-kind awards ceremony. The winners were awarded with a nominal check of 5,000 USD in various categories.
Under the business category, Info Mind Solutions was awarded in recognition of its exceptional contribution in providing appropriate technology and opportunities for furthering the training and employment of persons with disabilities in the country. In the category of international disability or development NGO working in Ethiopia; in recognition of its outstanding work in furthering the rights and participation of persons with disabilities in the country, Right to Play Ethiopia was the winner. Cheshire Service Ethiopia won under local based NGO, in recognition of its outstanding work in furthering the rights and full participation of persons with disability in the country.
Fidele Sarassoro, United Nations Residents Coordinator and UNDP Residents Representative stated, “People are not born with or without disabilities. Instead, they are sometimes born with impairments. Impairments only become disabilities when society prevents you from fulfilling your potential. A visual impairment for instance becomes a disability when the society does not allow you to access proper specialized education. A physical impairment becomes a disability when a society around you does not permit you to go from your house to the nearest health clinic. People with disabilities do not exist in nature, it is the society in which they live in that makes them disabled.
He emphasized that there are no disabled people but rather disabled societies that do not allow every citizen equal access to rights and dreams. Every person living with impairment has immense potential and quality.
State Ministry of Trade and Industry, Tadesse Haile, was enthused with happiness during the occasion and expressed his sentiments, “no disabled people in mind; all we have are physically disabled people”. They could show their talent actively and effectively as good as any body else.

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4.6 billion ETB for emergency seed aid in last 34 years for Ethiopia

By Addis Mulugeta

Ethiopia has received emergency seed aid for the past 34 years and every year since 1982, at least 4.6 billion ETB has been spent to help farmers recover quickly from crisis such as droughts or floods, so that they can again produce crops to consume or to sell; according to a report at a workshop held on December 10, 2007, at the Hilton Hotel.
Ethiopian and international experts from agriculture, humanitarian aid, the seed sector, NGOs and donors were on hand to map concrete steps for moving forward.
Dr. Aberra Deressa, Ethiopia’s State Minister for Agriculture and Rural Development, said “most seed aid does not contribute to recovery, and poor seed aid can actually harm farmers by giving them non-adopted crops, or weakening local markets. Making seed aid more effective is a priority, and this needs agricultural expertise and real understanding of the local area.”
He added that the workshop hopes to develop a process at national level that distinguishes seed security from food security, to develop guidelines for better implementation of seed aid, to ensure rigorous assessments of seed aid, and to re-focus and re-energize development responses for chronic stress areas – the target for most emergency aid. The aim of the study is to assess effects of emergency seed aid, promote better implementation practice, long term development in Ethiopia, and shape policy and guidelines for more effective seed aid.
Dr. Solomon Assefa, Director General of the Ethiopian Institute for Agricultural Research, stated “In many places, we should move away from emergency aid altogether. Lasting impact in chronically-stressed areas will need appropriate technologies and development strategies, coming from new partnerships between agricultural research and humanitarian aid.”
According to the report, the aims of this investigation have been practical ones: to asses the effects of seed related assistance, to promote better implementation practice for the acute and chronic stress zones, and to help shape general policy and specific guidelines for targeted and effective seed security support. Conservative estimates suggest 15 mln USD per year of seed aid has been delivered by government and NGOs. Over a 34 year period, this translates to 510,000,000 USD spent for emergency seed-related assistance.
The report indicated that policies articulating an over-all government strategy for achieving seed security are not apparent. In terms of specific thrusts, the government of Ethiopia’s strategy of seed assistance for development is strongly expressed through a number of technology transfer programs, including the national extension improvement program and its successors.

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zebrajobs.com offers over 900,000 jobs

By Addis Mulugeta

US based Danya International Inc and Ethiopia’s Info Mind Center have entered a joint venture project to develop a new website for the African Diaspora and job seekers at large to establish an Africa-wide job board named www.zebrajobs.com and also to feature job related information on the Internet. This was disclosed at a press statement the two companies gave at the Global Hotel on December 10, 2007.
Dr. Jeff Hoffman, CEO and President of Danya International, said during the signing of the agreement that the website will bring opportunities for hundreds of thousands of job seekers and employers to meet in modern and innovative ways. Job seekers would be able to receive up-to-date information on employment opportunities, create and post their résumés as well as receive free career advice while employers will have the benefit to post jobs, receive applications in various formats, and take advantage of an advanced built-in applicant tracking tool.
The CEO applauded that the site has currently aggregated jobs of close to 10,000 for all African countries and it expects to register over one million job seekers worldwide. The site will also be useful for Africans in the Diaspora who wish to return to their homeland, by availing them with a range of employment opportunities in their home countries.
Managing Director of Info Mind Solution, Mr. Yusuf Reja, said on his part that www.zebrajobs.com will be more than a job site as it enhances the capacity building of Africa’s greatest asset, human capital, by providing career information, internship and education opportunities as well as information on skills upgrading trainings. He described that his organization has been involved in providing recruitment services in Ethiopia for the last ten years and is the sole online recruitment provider in Ethiopia.
Dr. Hoffman told Capital that there are plans to develop the website as rapidly as they can and have a team of 25 people here in Addis to search the Internet for jobs across Africa. At the moment the site avails 900,000 jobs and hopes to find 50,000 jobs over the next seven months to become the leading website for finding jobs in Africa.
Dr. Hoffman further described that it has been a bit of experience for Info Mind Solution to build and run www.ethiojobs.net for the past few years very successfully. “The site has become the leading jobsite in Ethiopia and our company is inspired to invest after seeing the successful track record of Info Mind Solution,” he said.

Heightened credit, operational risks

By Addis Mulugeta

A credit and operational risk workshop was conducted on December 10, 2007, at the Sheraton Addis in Dashen Hall, focusing on the highest risks to financial institutions and key contributors in individual and aggregate bank failures.
The workshop has been jointly organized by the Public Enterprises Agency and the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) and attended by Economic Advisor to the Prime Minister Neway Gebreab, Economic Advisor to the UNDP Mrs. Vinetta Robinson, Board Chairman of Construction and Business Bank Taddesse Haile, Presidents of Commercial Bank of Ethiopia (CBE), Development Bank of Ethiopia (DBE), and senior executives and representatives of the National Bank of Ethiopia.
The workshop had its main focus on credit risk management including credit analysis, credit grading and rating, operational risk management including human resource development, internal (fraud, corruption, systems failure) and external (market, environment, legal) governance including organizational structures which support accountability and transparency, as well as board responsibility.
Dr. Eyob Tesfaye, Director General of the Public Financial Enterprises Agency, stated during the opening ceremony that the three government banks are growing by leaps and bounds with total assets of the banks now standing at ETB 50 bln; total deposits have reached ETB 17 bln and aggregate capital is currently registered at ETB 6 bln.
Dr. Eyob also explained that the credit and operational risk situation is actually more difficult in developing countries because systems are immature, information sources are scarce, data has limited integrity, as well as the cultural issues. Dr. Eyob added “We can abdicate responsibility regarding credit and operational risks, leaving us vulnerable to all sorts of risks. We are exposed to even greater danger and therefore, have to address our issues to the greatest extent possible”.

First NGO voice ‘Loso’ launched

By Kirubel Tadesse

Loso, a bi-lingual newspaper with the target of promoting the activities of non-governmental organizations, has launched its first edition this week.
Former president Dr. Negasso Gidada inaugurated the first edition of Loso at a ceremony held at Axum Hotel on Wednesday, December 12, 2007. The inaugural issue consists of sixteen pages, of equal Amharic and English content.
Loso editor-in chief, Mekiyu Ibrahim, on his first editorial wrote that there were no media channels published to promote developmental and relief activities conducted and also underway by NGOs operating in Ethiopia.
Loso, which means development in Sidama, a language in the SNNPRS has the objectives of enhancing a holistic perspective on contemporary Ethiopian realities, which include a deep understanding of key social issues and creation of understanding between the media and NGO’s.
“The relationship between media and all forms of international and developmental organizations requires a significant improvement,” explains Loso, “links between civil society and the media can be described as weak at best.” Loso further states that the mistakes of past donors (NGO’s) have been inefficient training and a lack of coordinating trainings. “Journalists have faced numerous problems including pressure from owners, and financial weakness with interlinked vulnerability to corruption and declining ethics,” states Loso.
Loso is published by Fortnightly Spark Promotions plc and plans to reach both local and international readers.

Peace Corps re-enters Ethiopia

By Muluken Yewondwossen

42 American Peace Corps volunteers have officially launched a two-year service in Ethiopia on Thursday.
The Peace Corps re-entered Ethiopia in partnership with the government of Ethiopia, specifically the Ministry of Health. The new program is in cooperation with the US President’s Emergency Plan for Aids Relief (PEPFAR).
Ron Tschetter, Director of the Peace Corps, swore-in the volunteers at a ceremony hosted by Donald Yamamoto, US Ambassador to Ethiopia, on December 13, 2007. All 42 volunteers will focus on the prevention, care, and treatment of HIV/AIDS in Ethiopia and were in Woliso for two months and half to learn Oromifa and Amharic languages.
“I’ve been looking forward to this day, the day we come back to Ethiopia. All 42 new Peace Corps Volunteers have a life-changing experience ahead of them. I cherish our relationship with the people of Ethiopia and hope to grow this program year by year. I congratulate the Peace Corps staff that has been working hard to re-start our program. Today I have the honor to swear-in 42 people who will serve as un-official American ambassadors, they represent the best of our country,” said Director Tschetter.
Ambassador Yamamoto said at the event, “This partnership between our two countries, our two peoples, unites us in a shared endeavor to create a more peaceful and prosperous place for future generations.”
The group of volunteers includes six experienced volunteers who have served in five other African countries: Burkina Faso, Lesotho, Guinea, Swaziland and Tanzania. The group also includes two 50-plus volunteers, two married couples and an Ethiopian-American.
Ethiopia was one of the first countries to invite Peace Corps to establish its program in 1962, just one year after the Peace Corps was founded. The primary focus of the program was on education, with the goal of training skilled workers and promoting economic development. In addition, volunteers worked in agriculture, basic education, tourism, health, economic development and teaching English as a foreign language.
The Peace Corps remained in Ethiopia until 1977 and returned in 1995 but suspended the program again in 2000 due to security concerns during the border war between Ethiopia and Eritrea. Around three thousand Peace Corps Volunteers served in Ethiopia over those years.
The new program is in cooperation with the U.S. President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR). The volunteers will be developing HIV/AIDS education and prevention through care and treatment; orphan and vulnerable children services; and treatment, including home-based care (palliative care) services.
The Peace Corps is celebrating a 46-year legacy of service at home and abroad. Currently there are more than 8,000 volunteers abroad, a 37-year high for volunteers in the field. Since 1961, more than 190,000 volunteers have helped promote a better understanding between Americans and the people of the 139 countries where Volunteers have served. Peace Corps Volunteers must be U. S. citizens and at least 18 years of age. Peace Corps service is a 27- month commitment.

Training on ACCESS for African business women in international trade

By Addis Mulugeta

Training on Access program for African business women, aimed at promoting them in international trade through the provision of different support services was held on December 10-13, 2007, at the Hilton Hotel, organized by the Center for Africa Women Economic Empowerment (CAWEE). Twenty women and three men, including tour operators, auditors, researchers, accountants, consultants, trainers, marketers, and others attended the training.
The focus of the training was on trade in services to women particularly in international trade. In the Access program, the four main activities include: Organization of training workshops, provision of mentoring services, management of Access web portal and back up support for “Network of Ethiopian Women in Trade in Services”.
Expected accomplishments of the program had been improved export readiness of women entrepreneurs in the service sector and indicators were also set to measure the achievements of the program.
Negist Hailu, CAWEE Executive Director, said that the program was tailored to continue the technical assistance program entitled ‘Access for African business women in international trade’, which started to be operational in Ethiopia since 2005, with back stopping services provided by the international trade center, Geneva and the trade facilitation office in Canada.
Samrawit Moges, from Tour and Travel Ethiopia, was one of the participants and stated that there were a number of trainings which focused on products previously but this is the first time training has been given in trade in service.

Christian Blind Mission photo exhibition opens

By Kirubel Tadesse

A photo exhibition organized to celebrate Christian Blind Mission’s (CBM) 100 years of international and 40 years of presence in Ethiopia opened at Hilton Hotel. The exhibition, entitled “From Prevention of Blindness to Rights-Based Approach for Persons with Disabilities! 100 Years of global experience and 40 years in Ethiopia!” was inaugurated on Saturday December 15, 2007 and will remain open to the public as of today lasting up to December 22, 2007.
According to Solomon Hailemariam,CBM communication officer, the story of CBM goes back to 1908, when the organization was founded by the German Pastor Ernst Jakob Christoffel and added that currently, CBM is supporting 1005 projects in 113 countries.
“In 1908, Christoffel set out for Turkey and founded a home in Malatia for persons with visual impairment and other disabilities, and orphaned children with the support of only a handful of friends”, explained Solomon. He added, “The serious commitment of one pastor laid the foundation for an organization that is today one of the leading international development organizations for persons with disabilities worldwide. Today CBM has expanded into a global organization with member associations in 10 countries including: Germany, U.S.A., Canada, Australia, Switzerland, Belgium, UK, Italy, New Zealand, and Ireland.” Germany was established as a member country in 1908; the other international member associations were founded between 1975 and 2005 and belong to the umbrella organization Christian Blind Mission International (CBMI).
CBM contends that ‘life-changing miracles’ can be achieved through effective medical, educational and rehabilitation services like a 15 minute operation which removes a cataract and seventeen million people who have lost their eyesight because of cataract could see the world around them again.
Christoffel-Blindenmission/Christian Blind Mission (CBM) is an international non-governmental organization, which works through partners, enabling them to provide high quality preventive, curative, educational and rehabilitative services in order to maximize the quality of life of an increasing proportion of people with disabilities and those at risk of disability. CBM emphasizes community and rights focused approaches.