The Ethiopian Media Council (EMC) has announced plans to introduce a world-class digital identification system for journalists, alongside the launch of the National Media Awards, during a workshop on professional certification and media ethics. The initiatives aim to elevate journalistic standards, ensure accountability, and foster public trust in Ethiopia’s media landscape.

The EMC’s digital ID system will provide journalists with a unified, internationally recognized credential that validates their qualifications, experience, and adherence to ethical standards. Amare Argawi, EMC Chairman, emphasized that the ID will serve as a legal and professional endorsement, enabling journalists to operate with credibility both domestically and globally.

“A system of accreditation is being developed to certify media professionals based on their education, practical experience, and commitment to journalistic ethics,” Amare stated. The ID will integrate digital connectivity, allowing journalists to verify their credentials instantly and access restricted areas during reporting.

The National Media Awards, an annual event, will recognize journalists who uphold ethical standards and contribute to public discourse. Amare highlighted that the awards will incentivize responsible journalism, boost media credibility, and reinforce the sector’s role in shaping societal narratives.

“Rewarding excellence increases public confidence in the media and encourages professionals to adhere to high standards,” he noted.

Dr. Ayele Addis, a journalism lecturer at Bahir Dar University, underscored the need for professional differentiation in an era where social media has blurred the line between journalism and information dissemination. “Anyone with a mobile phone can share content, but a journalist must uphold ethical principles and serve the public interest,” he said.

Ayele cited challenges such as reliance on informants for information and the lack of standardized professional proof of identity. The digital ID, he argued, will resolve these issues by providing a verifiable credential that distinguishes journalists from non-professionals.

Unilever Ethiopia, which has operated in the country since 2015, has urged regulatory bodies to strengthen measures against counterfeit products bearing its trademarks. The company, which markets over 20 brands including Signal toothpaste, Lifebuoy, and OMO, highlighted the issue during a collaboration with the Ethiopian Association of Dentists and the Ministry of Health to mark World Oral Health Day.

Degsew Amanu, Corporate Affairs and Communications Manager at Unilever Ethiopia, confirmed that smuggled and simulated products are circulating in the market without authorization. “While we follow strict standards and trademark protocols, counterfeit items still emerge,” he stated. “We are working with government stakeholders to address this, but challenges persist.”

Unilever has reported cases of products sold under its name without approval, including smuggled items. The company has collaborated with regulatory bodies to remove such products from the market, though enforcement remains uneven.

The announcement coincided with Unilever’s Signal brand initiative to promote oral hygiene through its “Day and Night Teeth Brushing” movement. The program aims to instill sustainable hygiene habits, particularly among children, and has reached millions of students across 288 schools nationwide.

Degsew emphasized Unilever’s commitment to quality and public health: “Our focus is not just on producing advanced products but also on fostering awareness. Oral health is critical, and we are working to make brushing teeth a daily habit.”

With over 120 years of global operations, Unilever manages 400+ brands, including Knorr, Lux, and Geisha. In Ethiopia, its portfolio spans personal care, home care, and food products. The company’s Dukem manufacturing facility, established in 2019, underscores its long-term investment in the country’s economy.

Unilever Ethiopia reiterated its adherence to domestic standards and urged consumers to verify product authenticity by checking trademarks and expiration dates. The company’s efforts align with broader regional campaigns, such as Unilever Pakistan’s partnership with Brand Protection System (BPS) to combat counterfeit goods.

In a landmark development for Ethiopia’s financial sector, the Ethiopian Capital Market Authority (ECMA) has officially granted licenses to five new capital market service providers (CMSPs). This event, held on March 21, marks a significant expansion of the country’s capital market, with the total number of licensed CMSPs increasing from four to nine.

The newly licensed entities include:

1. CBE Capital S.C. – Investment Bank
2. Wegagen Capital Investment Bank S.C. – Investment Bank
3. Ethio-Fidelity Securities S.C. – Securities Dealer
4. HST Investment Advisory Services PLC – Securities Investment Advisor
5. Equation Securities Investment Advisor PLC – Securities Investment Advisor

This expansion is poised to enhance the diversification and robustness of Ethiopia’s capital market, providing essential services such as investment banking, advisory, and securities brokerage. The inclusion of these new service providers reflects the maturing nature of Ethiopia’s capital market, which is increasingly positioned to cater to both local and international investors.

Previously, the capital market was limited to four licensed service providers, all of whom operated solely as investment advisers. The addition of investment banks and a securities dealer represents a transformative shift, promising to improve market efficiency and create better opportunities for capital raising.

The licensing of CBE Capital and Wegagen Capital is particularly noteworthy, as both are substantially owned by major commercial banks—Commercial Bank of Ethiopia (CBE) and Wegagen Bank, respectively. This development aligns with a recent National Bank of Ethiopia directive that allows banks to acquire up to 100% equity in capital market service providers, facilitating further growth and diversification in the financial sector.

Additionally, the new licenses underscore the increasing role of women in Ethiopia’s financial landscape, with two of the licensed entities led by female CEOs. This shift highlights the importance of gender representation in the sector’s evolution.

During the licensing ceremony, the Director General of the ECMA emphasized the responsibility that comes with these new licenses. She called for a commitment to integrity and excellence, stating that the success of these new CMSPs will be crucial for the sustainability of Ethiopia’s financial sector.

Ethiopia has been ranked 132nd out of 147 countries in the 2025 World Happiness Report, underscoring significant challenges in areas such as social support, economic stability, and governance. The annual report, published by the Wellbeing Research Centre at the University of Oxford in partnership with Gallup and the UN Sustainable Development Solutions Network, evaluates global happiness based on factors like income, health, social connections, and perceptions of freedom and corruption.

The report reveals that Finland continues to lead as the happiest country in the world for the eighth consecutive year, followed by Denmark and Iceland. At the other end of the spectrum, countries facing severe socio-economic and political challenges, such as Afghanistan (ranked last), South Sudan, and Lebanon, occupy the bottom positions. Ethiopia’s ranking places it among nations struggling with similar developmental hurdles.

Ethiopia’s position reflects ongoing challenges in improving living standards and fostering social cohesion. While the country has made strides in infrastructure development and economic reforms in recent years, issues such as conflict, inflation, and limited access to basic services have hindered progress.

The report highlights that social support remains a critical factor influencing happiness levels globally. In Ethiopia, limited access to healthcare, education, and employment opportunities has contributed to lower life satisfaction scores. Additionally, perceptions of corruption and governance inefficiencies continue to weigh heavily on public sentiment.

Experts suggest that Ethiopia’s ranking underscores the need for targeted interventions to improve well-being. Investments in healthcare, education, and social safety nets could significantly enhance quality of life for citizens. Moreover, fostering trust in institutions through transparency and inclusive governance could help address public dissatisfaction.

Within Africa, Ethiopia’s ranking places it behind regional peers such as Kenya (ranked 121st) and Ghana (ranked 104th) but ahead of countries like Sudan (ranked 141st). The report notes that African nations generally face lower rankings due to widespread poverty and governance challenges but also highlights pockets of progress driven by community resilience and cultural factors.

The 2025 World Happiness Report emphasizes the importance of social connections, benevolence, and trust in shaping happiness levels worldwide. Despite global economic uncertainties, acts of kindness and community support have remained resilient post-pandemic. The report also calls for increased focus on mental health initiatives and equitable economic policies to bridge happiness gaps across nations.