The National Lottery Service (NLS), a state owned enterprise under the Ethiopian Investment Holdings (EIH), a sovereign wealth fund (SWF), targets to automate its games under the leadership of a new board that was assigned a couple of weeks ago.
The restructuring comes in light of the reorganization process through the ‘powers and duties of the executive organs’ proclamation that was ratified in October 2021, where the Ministry of Revenue (MoR) was set as the regulator but had not fully committed to lead its role.
In the past, the lottery entity had been responsible as a civil service and at the same time was involved in the business operation wing, which had taken a toll on the lottery operator.
However, as per the 2021 proclamation, the regulatory service had been reserved to MoR, which was the higher body for the former Ethiopian National Lottery Administration for the past several years. The lottery service that is currently controlled by NLS was then transferred as a separate enterprise under the Public Enterprises Holding and Administration.
The new enterprise is now part of the EIH as one of the 26 public enterprises selected to be administered under the SWF, which was formed about a year and half ago.
According to Tewodros Neway, Public Relation Head at NLS, the separation of the regulation and the game was significant decision which allowed the NLS to focus on the lottery game portfolio rather than the experience in the past of balancing both operation and the game.
He said that currently the board of directors has been assigned by EIH to overlook the operation it handles that would help enhance the commercialization of services.
Tewodros however declined to give further details about the future strategy when asked by Capital.
“Lottery was not a commercial entity; it was the national lottery administration that was undertaking the regulation and the game. It has just now got through the license as a business body that will be a new environment for it to render its support,” Abdurahman Eid, CEO of EIH, told Capital recently.
The information that Capital secured from sources show that in this new juncture, the body will focus on transforming the games through a digital scheme, an upgrade from the current paper based system.
A year ago, NLS partnered with ethio telecom launching ‘Admas’ digital lottery with the state telecom operator’s mobile money platform, telebirr.
As per sources, NSL is in the process to fully shift to digital based games.
On her latest meeting with media, Frehiwot Tamiru, CEO of ethio telecom, disclosed that her enterprise, which is one of the enterprises under EIH, will be involved on the lottery business aggressively, starting from the current budget year.
As the power sharing proclamation no. 1263/2021indicates, MoR is the responsible body to give a green light for any entities that wants to do any form of lottery business.
However, Capital learnt from sources that the ministry is yet to exercise its power. Due to that NSL is still carrying out the giving of license and permission for those who want to be involved on the activity.
Capital’s effort to get further information from MoR and ethio telecom were however unfruitful.
Under proclamation no. 1263/2021 that was ratified when the newly elected parliament was assigned about 20 months ago, gives power to MoR to issue permit to undertake lottery activity, supervise, suspend and revoke the same; as well as determine the type and specifications of equipment required to perform lottery games; issue permit and supervise the importation of the same; and control illegal lottery activities.
Lottery services prepare to usher a new dawn
DMP pairs with CEALT to share expertise in transport, logistics management
The African Center of Excellence for Logistics and Transport (CEALT) and the Doraleh Multipurpose Port (DMP) sign a partnership agreement to pave the way forward for the transportation sector in the region.
The duo cemented their cooperation on July 24, 2023 at the Port of Doraleh premises to which DMP through its MoU announced that the collaboration was a common quest to strengthen the logistics and transport sector in Africa.
“This agreement is structured around several main axes that reflect our commitment to promote the exchange of knowledge, the development of skills and research in the field,” DMP disclosed.
As per the deal, the two parties envisage a regular exchange of information, technical experience and good practices in transport and logistics management.
“This cooperation will allow our institutions to continuously maintain a development impact and promote the emergence of sustainable and effective solutions,” the document read.
By working closely together, the two institutions will be able to offer high quality training and research programs, adapted to the specific needs of the industry and to market developments according to demand.
Co-supervision of students and internships has also been stated as important components of the partnership.
“By offering students the opportunity to work directly with professionals at DMP, we promote hands-on experience that complements their academic training,” DMP pointed out.
This approach also promotes the emergence of strong professional relationships, which can translate into long-term employment and collaboration opportunities.
In addition, the two entities are committed to developing joint research projects that meet the needs of the DMP, within the framework of the research departments existing within the University of Djibouti and the Ministry of Higher Education and Research.
“Research and innovation are essential drivers of progress, and by joining forces, we can explore new solutions, meet the challenges of the sector and contribute to its sustainable development,” it added.
The agreement provides for the construction of a common response to any specific training request from an operator in the logistics and transport sector or from a body linked to the field.
“This flexibility demonstrates our willingness to adapt to market needs and our desire to play an active role in solving the challenges facing the sector. The signing of this agreement marks the beginning of a fruitful collaboration between our institutions,” the statement concluded.
DMP beats the odds to deliver fertilizer
Cognizant of the dire need of fertilizer in the current rainy season, the biggest port facility in Djibouti, Doraleh Multipurpose Port (DMP), comes in clutch to achieve two consecutive unloading records.
As the modern facility disclosed, on July 21 and 23, courtesy of the 24 hours relentless efforts of the parties involved, dispatch from PSDA/DMP was able to record an untouchable and record performance in the history of bulk cargo.
According to the statement that DMP sent to Capital, the new standards that were set for the unloading and delivery of bulk goods were an unprecedented feat, given the temperature highs of 46Degree Celsius and severe heat wave conditions.
“The port’s operations achieved two records back to back: on Friday July 21, 2023, a record unloading record of 20,284 metric tons (MT) of fertilizer cargo; while on Sunday July 23 a record tonnage of 20,411 MT was unloaded and delivered, making it a first for our facility,” the statement read in-part.
“This feat testifies to the perseverance, competence, competitiveness and exceptional professionalism of DMP’s employees,” it added.
Over the years, the port of DMP has established itself as a flagship of the Djiboutian economy. Its state-of-the-art unloading infrastructure, which enables it to unload ships at a breathtaking speed of 3,000 tons per hour, has placed it as the best performing facility in the region.
The port also boasts bagging lines which are specially designed for grains and fertilizers, facilitating the cargo loading process.
The logistics facility stated that the coordination of operations between DMP and Ethiopian Shipping and Logistics (ESL) has played an instrumental role in increasing port productivity.
Currently, about 454 truckloads of fertilizer are delivered to Ethiopia every day. To optimize transport, 2 trains carry a load equivalent to 74 trucks each, per individual trip, enabling a continuous and rapid flow of goods to Ethiopia by rail.
Following the record breaking performance, the Ethiopian delegation expressed its admiration for the exemplary professionalism of the port’s employees. To this send, the DMP’s leadership disclosed that, “It was delighted with the outstanding results achieved, and expressed its gratitude to the port’s management and employees.”
“This remarkable result would not have been possible without the combined efforts of the port’s labour service on operations and maintenance, SDTV, which is handling the packaging at the port facility, ESL and the contribution of Djibouti Customs,” the DMP management further applauded whilst underlying that, “The success of the Doraleh Multipurpose Port has greatly contributed to Djibouti’s reputation at regional and even international level.”
“The port’s impressive achievements in terms of productivity and unloading performance have attracted the attention of economic players in the region, consolidating Djibouti’s position as an essential hub for maritime trade in Africa,” the statement concluded.
The Port which was inaugurated in May 2017 has the capacity to accommodate vessels with up to 100,000 DWT and boasts state-of-the-art facilities, making it one of the most advanced ports in Africa.
The port features various terminals, including bulk, break, container, and RoRo (Roll-on/Roll-off), and its impressive quay line stretches 1,200 meters, accommodating six berths with a depth of 15.3 meters.
The port also has direct connection to the Djibouti-Addis Ababa railway and is similarly undertaking massive changes and upgrades frequently. For instance, it expanded the port activity with additional equipment worth USD 7 million which allows the port to hand vessels with huge cargo.
Global logistics players converge in Addis to level air freight playing field
Global logistics players gather in Addis Ababa to come up with feasible ways towards a comprehensive global air cargo program.
The event that started yesterday July 29 with continued sessions today at the Ethiopian Skylight Hotel is hosted by the International Federation of Freight Forwarders Associations’ (FIATA), and Airfreight Institute Chair, Dawit Woubishet of the Ethiopian Freight Federation Forwarders and Shipping Agents Association (EFFSAA).
According to the statement of FIATA, the meeting that includes senior FIATA representatives to the International Air Transport Association (IATA)-FIATA Consultative Council (IFCC) and other logistics sector leaders aims to identify tangible solutions that are fit-for-purpose to address the rapidly evolving airfreight market environment in all regions around the world by building upon the considerable achievements of the previous IATA Cargo Agency Modernisation Programme (CAMP) and the IATA-FIATA Air Cargo Programme (IFACP).
“It is expected that Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, as a strategic location in the region for airfreight operations, will provide an opportunity for FIATA to better understand the needs of the African region towards such global air cargo programme,” it added.
The FIATA Global Air Cargo Programme has been making significant strides, and this meeting sought to drive its progress forward with ongoing consultations with various stakeholders at the multinational and regional levels.
A key focus at the event was ensuring joint governance that reflects the current commercial standing for both freight forwarders and airline carriers.
The objective is to foster a level-playing field for companies of all sizes globally, while streamlining and harmonising the complex web of overlapping rules around the world that many freight forwarders currently navigate, in the interests of facilitating the effective operation of global supply chain actors.
Dawit told Capital that in connection with the global event those who accomplished the FIATA Training of Trainers (ToT) course will be awarded.
As is well known, EFFSAA is an active FIATA Association Member in the Africa and Middle East region, and one of its strong points is facilitating of the FIATA diploma in freight forwarding, with more than 180 certificates awarded.
The Association has also been validating FIATA training programmes since 2011. In spring 2023, it completed a ToT course with around forty participants.
As indicated in the meeting, the FIATA Director General, Stéphane Graber will join the ToT award ceremony, hosted by the EFFSAA, following an allocution he did a few months ago at the FIATA Diploma in Freight Forwarding graduation ceremony.
“Africa is one of the most fast-moving continents worldwide, with a large young workforce. FIATA is honoured to collaborate with EFFSAA, who have been working hard on improving training standards and growing their training services.” said FIATA’s Director General Stéphane Graber, adding, “Capacity building and digitalisation are key priorities for FIATA for Region Africa and Middle East, to create a strong and more resilient supply chain for all in the region.”
In addition to the award ceremony, the FIATA DG will engage in meetings with key supply chain stakeholders, including local and national authorities, to discuss critical topics such as the FIATA Digital FBL, digital transformation, capacity building, and trade facilitation.
Dawit added that the event was not only the first for Ethiopia but also the first to discuss on the issue jointly with IATA to harmonise the logistics sector will be a good occasion for the Ethiopia to show its position to host the biggest ever global logistics event.
He said that the delegation from FIATA have met with relevant government officials from the Addis Ababa City administration and the central government to evaluate the capacity of the city to host the global logistics association that formed about 97 years ago big event.
EFFSAA was also a finalist in the bid for the 2025 FIATA World Congress, which was awarded to Vietnam, and is still looking to continue its bid to be the third African country, after South Africa and Egypt, to host the world’s biggest global logistics event.
As Dawit indicates, his association is working to host the 2026 FIATA Congress in Addis Ababa, “It is a good opportunity for us to lobby and get the opportunity to host the event after three years, which is the year that FIATA will celebrate its 100 year anniversary.”
At the current stage there are three countries including Ethiopia which are finalist on the bid to get the 2026 event.
