Minasse Haile (1930–2025): Ethiopia’s Scholar-Diplomat Who Bridged Empire and Exile

Minasse Haile (1930–2025): Ethiopia’s Scholar-Diplomat Who Bridged Empire and Exile When Minasse Haile (ምናሴ ኃይሌ) died on September 11, 2025, Ethiopia lost one of the most cosmopolitan figures of its modern history—a man whose life threaded together imperial court politics, Cold War diplomacy, and the quiet rigors of American legal academia. He was ninety-five. For decades, Minasse embodied an ideal rare in any era: a statesman whose authority was grounded not in force or wealth but in learning. From the dusty highlands of Hararghe Province, where he was born on January 2, 1930, to the lecture halls of New York’s Cardozo School of Law, his story mirrors Ethiopia’s own passage from imperial grandeur through revolution and exile into the complexities of the global age. Scholar of Two Worlds The arc of Minasse’s education was remarkable even by the ambitious standards of Ethiopia’s post-war elite. At sixteen he sailed for the United States, enrolling at the University of Wisconsin–Madison, where he earned his undergraduate degree in 1950. Then came a decade of almost relentless scholarship at Columbia University: Juris Doctor, 1954, Columbia Law School M.A., 1957, Columbia University Ph.D., 1961, Columbia University This blend of legal and political training would later allow him to move seamlessly between drafting domestic regulations and negotiating international peace agreements. Classmates recall a man of quiet precision and disarming humility—a mind equally at home with the abstractions of jurisprudence and the pragmatism of diplomacy. Building the Institutions of a Modern State Returning to Ethiopia in the early 1960s, Minasse joined the Ministry of Foreign Affairs as a legal adviser. He quickly left his mark by drafting the country’s first civil service regulations and establishing the Personnel Administrative Agency, which professionalized government hiring and helped stabilize the imperial bureaucracy. His aptitude caught the attention of Emperor Haile Selassie, who in 1961 named him Chief of Political Affairs in the Emperor’s private cabinet. By 1964, Minasse had become Minister of State for Information, and within two years he was Minister of Information and Tourism—posts that required not just public-relations savvy but a shrewd grasp of how a proudly independent African monarchy could present itself to a rapidly decolonizing world. Diplomat of the Cold War Era Minasse’s most visible stage came abroad. In 1968 he was appointed Ambassador to the United States, a post he held until mid-1971. Colleagues in Washington described him as a quiet but formidable envoy who could convey Ethiopia’s interests without bluster, earning respect even among seasoned Cold Warriors. On 19 August 1971, he succeeded Ketema Yifru as Ethiopia’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, becoming the country’s chief diplomat during a volatile period. His tenure was defined by several key achievements and challenges: Addis Ababa Agreement (1972): Minasse played a pivotal role in brokering this accord, which ended the First Sudanese Civil War, a landmark in African peacemaking. Balanced Non-alignment: He continued Ethiopia’s pro-Western but non-aligned stance, carefully maintaining neutrality in the Arab–Israeli conflict—until 1973, when Ethiopia, under intense Arab pressure during the Yom Kippur War, severed diplomatic ties with Israel. Southern Africa Focus: He followed developments in South Africa, South West Africa (Namibia), Rhodesia (Zimbabwe), Angola, and Mozambique, supporting African liberation movements while guarding Ethiopia’s own strategic interests. Minasse was often described as pro-American, but that label barely captures the nuance of a diplomat who understood that Ethiopia’s survival as a sovereign African power depended on balancing superpower rivalries without surrendering independence. Revolution and Exile The 1974 overthrow of Emperor Haile Selassie and the rise of the Derg military junta abruptly ended Minasse’s government career. Facing the perils of the new regime, he chose exile, leaving behind the corridors of power for the quieter, but no less demanding, life of scholarship. A Second Life in American Academia In the United States, Minasse joined the Cardozo School of Law in New York, where he taught international law and comparative legal systems. Over the decades he became a beloved figure, eventually honored as Professor Emeritus of Law. Students remember his lectures as living history lessons: discussions of the law of nations illuminated by stories of tense negotiations in Addis Ababa and Washington. He offered not only the technical mastery of a jurist but the moral perspective of a man who had seen diplomacy at its most fragile. By 2021, long retired from active teaching, he remained a quiet presence on campus—a bridge between the imperial Ethiopia of his youth and the globally connected Ethiopia of today’s diaspora. Legacy of a Bridge-Builder Minasse Haile’s life cannot be reduced to the offices he held or the treaties he helped shape. He stood for something larger: the conviction that law and diplomacy are instruments of national dignity. He brought to every role—from drafter of civil service regulations to foreign minister—the same belief that Ethiopia could engage the world on its own terms, neither colony nor client state. In death, as in life, Minasse resists easy categorization: a modernizer who treasured Ethiopia’s sovereignty, a pro-Western diplomat who advocated African liberation, a scholar who translated the lessons of politics into the classroom. His passing is more than the loss of a statesman; it is the quiet closing of a bridge between eras—between Haile Selassie’s empire and today’s Ethiopia, between the hopes of post-war Africa and the challenges of the twenty-first century. Minasse Haile leaves no monuments of stone, but his legacy endures in the institutions he helped build, the peace he helped broker, and the generations of students and diplomats he inspired. For Ethiopia and for the global community of scholars and practitioners of international law, that legacy will continue to guide the difficult work of marrying principle to power.

Ethiopia Opens Door for Duty-Free Motorboat Imports

Ethiopia Opens Door for Duty-Free Motorboat Imports Ethiopia Opens Door for Duty-Free Motorboat Imports to Boost Tourism and Local Economies Addis Ababa — In a move aimed at unlocking the potential of Ethiopia’s rich network of lakes and stimulating the country’s tourism sector, the Ministry of Finance has issued a new directive allowing motorboats to be imported into the country duty-free for a one-year period. Leveraging Ethiopia’s Vast Water Resources Ethiopia is home to more than 20 major lakes, including the renowned Lake Tana, Lake Ziway, and Lake Langano, which collectively represent a largely untapped resource for economic growth. According to the Ministry of Finance, the careful development of these waterways can generate foreign exchange through tourism and improve the livelihoods of communities living along their shores. By easing the cost of importing motorboats, the government hopes to encourage investment in lake-based tourism, fishing, transport, and research activities. Legal Backing and Tax Exemption The measure is anchored in Article 129 of Customs Proclamation No. 859/2006 (as amended), which authorizes temporary duty-free privileges. From the date the directive was issued, businesses and individuals engaged in tourism and related economic activities will be able to bring various types of motorboats into Ethiopia without paying import duties or taxes for a full year. Range of Eligible Motorboats The directive covers a broad spectrum of watercraft designed for different uses: Small and medium-sized motorboats for short-distance travel, fishing operations, and community transport. Speedboats for tourism services and emergency response operations. Open or partially covered boats tailored for sightseeing tours and leisure cruises. Passenger ferries capable of moving people across lakes and rivers. Research and survey vessels to support scientific and environmental studies. Solar-powered and electric boats, aligning with Ethiopia’s commitment to clean energy and sustainable transport. Motorboats for private use, allowing individuals to invest in recreational boating. Economic and Environmental Impact Officials emphasize that this initiative is more than a short-term tax incentive. By encouraging private operators and investors to acquire modern boats, the government aims to accelerate the growth of Ethiopia’s lake tourism, create jobs, and diversify rural economies. Solar and electric boats, included in the directive, also signal a push for environmentally friendly solutions that protect fragile aquatic ecosystems. Industry observers note that duty-free access to motorboats could catalyze new business opportunities—from guided eco-tours to water sports and improved transportation links between lakeside towns. If coupled with infrastructure development and responsible environmental management, the policy could transform Ethiopia’s lakes into hubs of economic activity and enhance the country’s reputation as a premier eco-tourism destination in Africa.

Ethiopia 2017 Grade 12 Exam: Top Scorers & End of Remedial Pathways

Ethiopia 2017 Grade 12 Exam: Top Scorers & End of Remedial Pathways Ethiopia’s Ministry of Education has unveiled key details ahead of the full release of the 2017 (E.C.) Grade 12 national exam results, spotlighting exceptional high scorers and signaling a major policy shift that will reshape opportunities for students who fall short of the pass mark. Record-Breaking Top Scores This year’s highest achievers have set an impressive benchmark: Natural Science: 591/600, earned by a male student from Dodola Ifa Boru School. Social Science: 562/600, achieved by a male student in the Social Science stream. These results underscore the remarkable performance of a few standout students despite the persistent national challenge of low overall pass rates. The Ministry has confirmed that the full list of results will be published tomorrow at 6:00 AM, allowing all students to check their individual scores. Remedial Opportunities Face Phase-Out In his statement, Education Minister Professor Berhanu Nega highlighted an important policy change: the gradual elimination of “remedial” education opportunities. Traditionally, these programs allowed students scoring below the 50% passing threshold to receive targeted support and a second chance to qualify for university entrance. Professor Berhanu explained that these measures were originally introduced to compensate for disruptions and weaknesses in the national curriculum. However, he stressed that the government intends to phase out these stopgap programs, signaling a return to more rigorous standards. While final figures are not yet confirmed, the minister noted that this year the number of students entering through remedial programs could exceed 40%. Online Examinees Outperform Paper-Based Test-Takers A striking trend emerged from this year’s exam administration: students who sat for the exam online achieved a significantly higher pass rate compared to their peers who used the traditional paper format. Total online candidates: 134,609 Online students who passed: 29,239 This represents a pass rate well above the national average, suggesting that digital exam environments may help reduce errors and create fairer testing conditions. It also reflects Ethiopia’s increasing shift toward technology-driven education and assessment. What’s Next: Full Results at 12:00 PM The full 2017 Grade 12 exam results will be officially released tomorrow at 12:00 PM, when students across the country will be able to view their individual performance. The announcement comes amid national anticipation and ongoing debates about the quality of secondary education and the future of remedial opportunities. Implications for Ethiopia’s Education Landscape These early revelations highlight both progress and challenge: Excellence at the top end—with scores like 591 and 562—demonstrates that Ethiopian students can achieve world-class results. The success of online examinees points to the potential benefits of expanding digital learning and testing infrastructure. The phase-out of remedial programs raises the stakes for students, placing greater responsibility on schools and families to ensure readiness for the high-stakes exam. As Ethiopia prepares to publish the full results, the Ministry’s announcements make it clear that academic standards are tightening. The country’s education system is entering a new era—one that rewards excellence but demands stronger preparation and equity to ensure that all students have a fair chance to succeed.

Only 8.4% of Ethiopian Grade 12 Students Passed 2017 Exam

Only 8.4% of Ethiopian Grade 12 Students Passed 2017 Exam Ethiopia’s Ministry of Education has released the 2017 (Ethiopian calendar) Grade 12 national examination results, painting a complex picture of incremental improvement against a backdrop of systemic hurdles. Education Minister Professor Berhanu Nega detailed the outcomes in an official statement, highlighting both encouraging gains and persistent gaps in the country’s secondary education system. Overall Performance: 8.4% Cross the 50% Threshold Out of 585,882 students who sat for the national exam, only 48,929—or 8.4%—scored 50% or above, the benchmark for passing. Although still alarmingly low, this represents a notable increase from the previous year, when 36,409 students reached the same threshold. By gender, 30,451 male and 18,478 female students passed. The figures reflect a continuing gender gap in performance, but the overall rise in successful candidates suggests some progress in teaching quality and exam preparedness across the country. Regional Highlights: Addis Ababa Leads Three regions stood out for their comparatively high pass rates: Addis Ababa Harari Amhara Region These areas outperformed the national average, reinforcing a long-observed pattern: students in urban centers and more economically developed regions have greater access to quality education and resources. Subject Breakdown: Natural Sciences Outperform Social Sciences Professor Berhanu reported a wider performance gap between disciplines: 11.4% of Natural Science candidates scored 50% or higher. Only 5.2% of Social Science candidates achieved the same benchmark. The stronger results in Natural Sciences could reflect targeted investments in STEM programs, but they also underscore the need to strengthen humanities and social science education. Top Performers: Exceptional Scores Across Disciplines Ethiopia’s brightest students achieved remarkable results: Natural Sciences 591/600 – Male student from Dodola Ifa Boru School. 579/600 – Female student from Basrate Gabriel School. Social Sciences 562/600 – Male student from Ambo Boarding School. 548/600 – Female student from St. Joseph’s School. These exceptional performances showcase individual dedication and the potential of high-achieving schools, even as national averages remain low. Schools’ Pass Rates: Stark Contrasts The minister revealed wide disparities in school performance: 1,249 schools failed to pass a single student. Only 50 schools achieved a 100% pass rate. While 114 schools showed year-over-year improvement, the gulf between top-performing and underperforming schools highlights persistent inequalities in teaching standards, infrastructure, and resource allocation. Boarding and Private Schools Outshine Government Institutions Data on average scores reveal further contrasts: Boarding schools: 71% Government schools: 30.6% Private schools: 51% Boarding schools, which typically provide structured study environments and consistent resources, significantly outperformed public institutions. The figures raise concerns about the quality and equity of Ethiopia’s public education system. A Year of Mixed Signals While the share of students passing has grown from 36,409 last year to 48,929, the fact that over 90% of examinees still failed to meet the 50% benchmark remains a pressing national challenge. Professor Berhanu acknowledged that although “the number of students who took the exam has decreased, the number of students who passed has increased,” systemic reforms must accelerate to close the gap. Looking Ahead: Policy and Reform Imperatives The latest results underscore both progress and persistent weaknesses in Ethiopia’s education sector. Addressing these gaps will require: Equitable resource distribution to rural and underserved schools. Stronger support for social science education to balance academic strengths. Targeted teacher training and infrastructure investment to narrow the performance gap between private and government schools. Ethiopia’s slow but visible improvement in Grade 12 exam outcomes offers cautious optimism. Yet the figures are also a call to action: unless reforms are deepened and education access broadened, the country risks leaving behind hundreds of thousands of students each year.

Ethiopian Airlines to Launch New International Airport by 2030

Ethiopian Airlines to Launch New International Airport by 2030 Addis Ababa’s Ambitious Second International GatewayEthiopia’s rapidly expanding aviation sector is preparing for a major milestone: the launch of the long-awaited Bishoftu International Airport, which is scheduled to begin handling international flights by 2030. Ethiopian Airlines Group CEO Mesfin Tasew revealed the timeline in an interview with the Ethiopian News Agency (ENA) during the celebrations of the Ethiopian New Year (2018 E.C.). The project, one of the largest infrastructure undertakings in the country’s modern history, is expected to redefine the nation’s role as a hub for African and global air transport. Construction Timeline and PreparationsAccording to Mesfin, preparations have already been completed for the start of construction within the 2018 Ethiopian budget year. The airline has finalized preliminary work and is now moving toward securing the necessary financing for the massive project. A key step—relocating local farming communities to make space for the airport—is already underway. Housing construction for relocated farmers is in its final stages, ensuring that the project can advance without delays. Designing a World-Class HubThe upcoming Bishoftu International Airport is planned to be among the largest and most modern airports in the world. Mesfin emphasized that the terminal design will meet the highest international standards, providing state-of-the-art facilities to accommodate Ethiopia’s growing passenger and cargo traffic. The airport is envisioned not just as a national project but as a continental aviation landmark, reinforcing Ethiopian Airlines’ status as one of Africa’s most prestigious carriers and a competitive global player. Boost for Ethiopia’s Aviation IndustryThe addition of Bishoftu International Airport marks a significant expansion for Ethiopian Airlines, which has been rapidly increasing its global flight routes and investing in airport infrastructure. Mesfin highlighted that the new facility will not only ease congestion at Addis Ababa’s Bole International Airport but will also enable the airline to scale up operations to meet future demand. Modernizing Bole for Domestic GrowthWhile Bishoftu International Airport is being built to handle a large share of international traffic, Bole International Airport will undergo a modernization program of its own. Once Bishoftu becomes fully operational, Bole will be upgraded to international service standards but will primarily focus on domestic flights and regional connections. This dual-airport strategy aims to create an integrated aviation network capable of supporting Ethiopia’s economic growth and regional influence. A Message of Optimism for the New YearIn his New Year greeting, Mesfin extended best wishes for peace, love, and prosperity to all Ethiopians, as well as to Ethiopian Airlines’ employees and customers worldwide. He underscored that the Bishoftu project reflects Ethiopia’s commitment to long-term development and its ambition to remain a leading gateway between Africa and the world. The Bishoftu International Airport, once completed, will not only transform Ethiopia’s aviation capacity but also strengthen its role as a critical transit point for international travel and trade—solidifying Addis Ababa’s reputation as the beating heart of Africa’s air transport network.

MIDROC Awards 764 Million Birr Bonus as Five-Year Turnaround Powers Record Growth

MIDROC Awards 764 Million Birr Bonus as Five-Year Turnaround Powers Record Growth Addis Ababa, Ethiopia – MIDROC Investment Group, one of Ethiopia’s largest and most diversified private conglomerates, has announced a sweeping 764 million birr bonus for all employees. The decision, revealed during the company’s annual employee recognition and award program at the Millennium Hall in Addis Ababa, crowns a five-year transformation that has seen MIDROC rise from the risk of collapse to a new era of record profitability and social impact. From Crisis to Recovery Addressing thousands of employees and invited guests, Chief Executive Officer Ato Jamal Ahmed traced the company’s recent journey from turbulence to stability. He explained that five years ago MIDROC was staring down the possibility of serious financial strain at a time when Ethiopia itself was grappling with political instability and economic uncertainty. Instead of retreating, management embarked on a comprehensive reform effort—restructuring operations, modernising internal governance and tightening financial controls. According to Jamal, those reforms have paid off handsomely. The company’s wage bill, a key indicator of both financial health and commitment to employees, has expanded from 1.2 billion birr to 7 billion birr annually. Within the past year alone, salaries grew by 1.83 billion birr. Crucially, MIDROC raised its minimum wage ahead of the government’s own reforms: from 4,000 birr to 5,600 birr last year and again to 6,100 birr this year. “Our salary payment has increased dramatically, showing both our financial strength and our commitment to workers,” Jamal said. “The 764 million birr bonus is a recognition of that effort and the resilience our employees have shown.” Turnaround Stories and Foreign-Exchange Success Perhaps the most striking example of this revival is Moha Industries, a subsidiary that only a year ago was battling a loss of 900 million birr. Through what Jamal called “the combined effort of employees and management,” Moha shifted from heavy losses to a high profit within a single year. Across its diverse portfolio—spanning coffee and tea production, vegetable exports, hotel operations, and mining—MIDROC has become a significant generator of foreign currency. Over the past fiscal year the group earned more than a quarter of a billion U.S. dollars in foreign exchange, which Jamal described as “a national treasure obtained by digging soil and mining stones.” These earnings are particularly valuable in an economy where hard currency remains scarce and highly sought after. Major Projects Nearing Completion Looking ahead, MIDROC has accelerated an ambitious pipeline of projects scheduled for completion by 2026 (European calendar). A high-tech coal mining facility at Arjo Gudeti has already finished construction and is ready for inauguration. In the hospitality sector, the long-anticipated Jimma Palace and Dembidolo Hotel are fully completed and preparing to open their doors. Other signature developments—including a four-star Sheraton Hotel in both Jimma and Hawassa and the first phase of the Muhammadiya Village—are approaching completion. The company is also finalising an antibiotic drug factory, now 90 percent complete, which is expected to strengthen Ethiopia’s pharmaceutical industry and reduce the country’s dependence on imported medicines. A modern hospital project, long in the making, is similarly nearing completion and is expected to become a benchmark for healthcare provision in Ethiopia. Social Responsibility and Community Investment MIDROC’s expansion has been accompanied by a strong emphasis on social responsibility. The group has allocated ten percent of its profits—beyond mandatory government obligations—to projects supporting housing, electricity, and water supply for rural workers. In the past fiscal year alone it spent 1.1 billion birr on social services, including the construction of bread and flour factories, food centres, and the purchase of kidney dialysis machines for hospitals. Ato Jamal emphasised that this dual focus on profitability and social welfare defines the company’s identity. “MIDROC is a national asset,” he said. “It belongs to the public as much as to its owners and workers.” Union Praise and a “Nation Within a Nation” The guest of honour, Ato Kassahun Fole—President of the Confederation of Ethiopian Trade Unions—praised MIDROC’s inclusive ethos. He highlighted the company’s ability to unite employees from different ethnicities, religions and genders without allowing politics to influence the workplace. Calling MIDROC “a reflection of a nation,” Kassahun commended its “people-oriented” management and the culture of resolving labour disputes through peaceful social consultations rather than in court. Kassahun placed MIDROC’s achievements alongside national milestones. He described 2025 as a year of “three great holidays”: the completion of the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD), the celebration of the Ethiopian New Year 2018, and the increase in MIDROC’s minimum wage to 6,100 birr. He credited the company with helping to stabilise domestic markets by voluntarily reducing profit margins on key commodities—such as alfora—in order to limit inflationary pressures. Founder’s Vision: Protecting the Poor and Building a Middle-Income Nation Sheikh Mohammed Hussein Ali Al Amoudi, the Saudi-Ethiopian billionaire founder of MIDROC, sent a message to employees that mixed congratulations with a broader national vision. Calling the workforce his “hero and proud MIDROC army,” Al Amoudi celebrated the completion of the Renaissance Dam as a symbol of Ethiopian progress and pledged to create more jobs through new projects. “My wish is for Ethiopia to have a middle-income society,” he said. “If MIDROC participates widely in this regard, it will benefit all of us. It will also benefit our country. What I wish here is to prevent price inflation and prevent the poor from suffering. Especially if we properly utilise the potential in the agricultural sector of Ethiopia, the Ethiopian people can benefit widely.” He encouraged employees to view the company as their own and to carry forward the unity and determination that have driven the past five years of success. “The next five years are big and difficult,” he warned, “but we are going to be great. I want you, especially from the bottom, to go together with a clear goal and plan, to teach good intentions and support each other.” Record Financial Results The company’s financial performance underscores these sentiments. Presenting the 2017 Ethiopian fiscal year results, Corporate Director of Planning and Reporting Ato Aklilu Mulugeta noted that MIDROC achieved the best performance across all sectors in its history. Production costs were kept to 89.7 percent of plan, a 55 percent improvement from the previous year. The manufacturing sector exceeded its production targets by 102 percent, while the mining sector achieved 51 percent of target due primarily to price adjustments rather than volume. Sales reached 112.8 percent of the annual plan, representing an 86 percent increase compared to the previous year. Profit before tax surged to 167.5 percent above the plan—an extraordinary 134.1 percent jump year-on-year. Foreign-exchange earnings hit $263 million, 136 percent of the plan and 39.6 percent higher than the previous year, with the mining sector alone accounting for 75 percent of the total. In government obligations, MIDROC paid 19.11 billion birr—double the amount of the previous year—while spending 6.9 billion birr on salaries for its 79,701 employees, 37 percent of whom are permanent staff. Challenges and the Road Ahead Despite the triumphs, MIDROC faces familiar headwinds: aging equipment, shortages of spare parts and raw materials, foreign exchange constraints, and market and credit limitations. Aklilu noted that in the coming year the group will focus on increasing productivity and profitability through new technology and operating methods, reducing waste, strengthening internal capacity, and expanding market options. Both CEO Jamal Ahmed and founder Sheikh Al Amoudi underlined that the next five years will be a critical phase—marked by ambitious projects and the need for careful planning. Yet the unprecedented 764 million birr bonus signals that MIDROC is not only rewarding past performance but also investing in the morale and commitment required for the challenges ahead. A Signal for Ethiopia’s Private Sector The scale of MIDROC’s bonus and its wider investment programme highlight the growing importance of the private sector in Ethiopia’s economic future. In a country seeking to transition toward middle-income status and to stabilise its domestic market while earning hard currency, the company’s example offers a model of how profit, social responsibility and national development can reinforce one another. By combining aggressive growth with community investment and wage leadership, MIDROC has shown that a private enterprise can act as both an economic engine and a social stabiliser. The 764 million birr bonus is therefore more than a generous reward: it is a vote of confidence in Ethiopia’s capacity for inclusive and sustainable growth.

OKX Stack ’Em Campaign Goes Live: 110,000 USDT + PS5s and MacBooks Up for Grabs

OKX Stack ’Em Campaign Goes Live: 110,000 USDT + PS5s and MacBooks Up for Grabs Crypto exchange OKX has launched the Stack ’Em Campaign for African traders, offering a prize pool worth more than 110,000 USDT. Running from September 3 to October 3, 2025 (UTC), the campaign targets active traders, referrers, and depositors eager to earn big while competing for top prizes. Rewards include: 5 MacBook Pros (USDT equivalent) 5 PlayStation 5 consoles (USDT equivalent) Tokens such as $PUMP, $SAHARA, and USDT How to Join Deposit funds into OKX. Refer friends to grow your stack. Trade on OKX to climb the leaderboard. Early movers benefit the most—those who join quickly and hit milestones sooner unlock bigger rewards. Note: You must click “Join Now” under Campaign Center before participating, or your activity will not count toward rewards. Why It Matters for African Traders Farm tokens ($PUMP, $SAHARA, USDT) while trading. Compete for premium prizes like PS5s and MacBooks. Use referrals to maximize WLFI rewards. Campaign Dates: September 3–October 3, 2025 (UTC) Jump in now: https://www.okx.com/campaigns/stack-em With limited slots and rewards, the sooner you start, the better your chances of stacking serious prizes.

Ethiopia’s Immigration and Citizenship Service Now Offers Passport Services Mon–Sat Until 10 PM

Ethiopia’s Immigration and Citizenship Service Now Offers Passport Services Mon–Sat Until 10 PM Ethiopia Extends Passport Service Hours to Meet Growing Demand Addis Ababa, September 12, 2025 — In a move aimed at easing the mounting demand for travel documents, Ethiopia’s Immigration and Citizenship Service (ICS) has announced a significant extension of its passport service hours across the country. Beginning September 2, 2018 Ethiopian Calendar (corresponding to September 12, 2025 Gregorian Calendar), ICS branches in Addis Ababa—notably the Gotera and Tikur Anbessa offices—as well as regional cities will now serve applicants for longer hours six days a week and introduce extended evening service on Sundays. New Service Schedule Under the new schedule, passport services will be available Monday through Saturday until 10:00 PM, giving applicants far more time to process their requests beyond the previous closing times. On Sundays, services will continue until 6:00 PM, a rare move among government agencies in Ethiopia, reflecting the urgency to accommodate the surge in demand for passports. The extended hours apply to all passport-related services including: New passport applications Emergency and urgent issuance Passport renewals Lost or damaged passport replacements Applicants can also initiate or track their applications via the institution’s official online portals: www.immigration.gov.et and www.ethiopianpassportservices.gov.et. Responding to Soaring Demand The decision to extend service hours comes amid a noticeable increase in passport applications, driven by Ethiopia’s growing diaspora connections, expanded international business links, and rising outbound travel. Long queues and delays have been common at major branches, prompting public calls for more efficient service. An ICS spokesperson noted that the move is designed to “reduce waiting times, improve customer satisfaction, and ensure that citizens can obtain travel documents without unnecessary delays.” The late-evening operations, in particular, are expected to help applicants who cannot visit offices during standard business hours. Digital and Regional Access Beyond Addis Ababa, regional immigration offices will follow the same extended schedule, making it easier for citizens outside the capital to access timely passport services. The integration of digital services through the official websites allows applicants to book appointments, track progress, and receive updates, reducing the need for multiple in-person visits. Public Reception and Future Plans Travelers and businesses have welcomed the announcement, describing it as a much-needed reform in public service delivery. Travel agents expect smoother planning for clients needing urgent passports, while families with members living or working abroad anticipate fewer bureaucratic delays. The ICS has hinted that this is part of a broader modernization strategy, which may include more automated passport issuance systems, expanded e-passport services, and improved coordination with Ethiopia’s embassies abroad. Key Takeaway The extended working hours—Monday to Saturday until 10:00 PM and Sunday until 6:00 PM—represent a landmark shift in Ethiopia’s public service operations. By embracing longer hours and enhancing digital platforms, the Immigration and Citizenship Service is responding to the realities of an increasingly mobile and globally connected Ethiopian population.

Ethiopian Coffee Hits $1,739 per Kilo in Record-Breaking Auction

Ethiopian Coffee Hits $1,739 per Kilo in Record-Breaking Auction A New High for Ethiopia’s Signature Export Ethiopia’s reputation as the birthplace of coffee reached a stunning new peak this week when Alo Coffee concluded its first private auction, “Echoes of the Peak,” with prices that stunned even seasoned specialty-coffee traders.The headline number—$1,739 per kilogram for the highest-scoring lot—sets a new global benchmark for Ethiopian beans and signals the growing value the world is willing to place on the country’s high-altitude terroir. How the Record Was Set The single-day online auction drew 6,457 bids from roasters and buyers across Asia, Europe, the Middle East, and North America, generating a total of $135,922.50 in sales. Twenty meticulously curated lots were offered, all cultivated at 2,400 to 2,580 meters above sea level and grown from the celebrated 74158 varietal, a line prized for its exceptional cup quality and resilience. Weighted average price: $625/kg Top price: $1,739/kg Standout: Craft Reserves LOT-TWH2, secured by INLIGHT Coffee after 366 competitive bids at $495/kg Each lot was minimally processed to showcase the raw character of the beans—allowing the inherent floral notes, dense sweetness, and vibrant acidity of Ethiopia’s highlands to shine. “A Moment of Recognition for Ethiopian Coffee” For Tamiru Tadesse, CEO of Alo Coffee and the driving force behind the auction, the achievement is as much about national pride as it is about price: “This is not just a win for Alo Coffee,” Tadesse said after the final gavel. “It is a moment of recognition for Ethiopian coffee on the world stage. The results affirm the unmatched quality of our highland origins and the dedication of our farmers.” His words echo the sentiments of an industry that has long considered Ethiopia’s smallholder farms to be the cradle of Arabica excellence. Yet never before has a single Ethiopian coffee fetched such a dramatic price in a private auction. Why This Auction Matters 1. Elevation and Terroir:Coffee grown at 2,400 meters and above matures slowly, producing beans with complex sugars and a depth of flavor that roasters covet. The 74158 variety, developed by Ethiopia’s Jimma Agricultural Research Center, is celebrated for its resistance to disease and its ability to express delicate florals and layered fruit notes when grown at high altitude. 2. Transparency and Sustainability:Alo Coffee structured the sale to ensure farmers receive a significant share of the record prices. The auction model rewards meticulous cultivation and encourages sustainable practices, creating a virtuous cycle of quality and fair compensation. 3. A Signal to the Global Market:For specialty roasters, the auction underscores Ethiopia’s role as a source of some of the world’s most coveted coffees—on par with Panama’s famous Geisha varietals, long considered the pinnacle of premium pricing. Ethiopia’s Coffee Economy Poised for Growth Ethiopia already exports more than 250,000 metric tons of coffee annually and employs millions across the value chain. The “Echoes of the Peak” auction gives the country’s specialty segment a fresh narrative: Ethiopian coffee is not only historically significant; it is now among the most valuable on earth. Industry analysts expect the record to influence future contracts and inspire other producers to launch private auctions, creating new opportunities for Ethiopian farmers and cooperatives to capture higher premiums. What Comes Next for Alo Coffee Buoyed by global attention, Alo Coffee plans to curate more exclusive lots and host future auctions, aiming to strengthen the bridge between Ethiopian farmers and the world’s most discerning coffee communities. For buyers and roasters, this means continued access to rare, high-altitude beans that embody the complexity and elegance for which Ethiopian coffee is renowned. A Toast to the Highlands With a single auction, Alo Coffee has elevated Ethiopia’s standing from the birthplace of coffee to the frontier of its future. The $1,739-per-kilo record is more than a price tag—it is a statement: the world’s best coffees are still born in the Ethiopian highlands, and their value is climbing higher than ever.