Ethiopian Airlines Takes Action Over Unauthorized Video Shoot by Artist Piplone

Ethiopian Airlines has taken administrative action regarding an unauthorized video shoot by artist Piplone within its premises. The airline’s legal department is currently reviewing the situation to determine if there are grounds for legal proceedings. According to Ethiopian Airlines’ CEO Mesfin Tasew and Chief Commercial Officer Lemma Yadecha, the incident came to light during a press briefing held at the airline’s headquarters on February 12, 2025. They clarified that while the airline had granted permission for promotional content creation within its premises under formal procedures, the specific video in question did not follow the required process. It was revealed that employees from the Addis Ababa sales office, who were involved in granting permission for the shoot, are facing administrative action. The airline’s executive team was reportedly unaware of the video production until after its release. The officials emphasized that Ethiopian Airlines follows strict procedures for granting access to its premises for photography and videography. Typically, such approvals come through either the public relations or the promotional and marketing departments. However, in this case, the request was directed to the Addis Ababa sales office, bypassing the usual channels. Addressing concerns regarding potential legal repercussions, CEO Mesfin stated:“If our legal team determines that there are legal grounds for pursuing action, we will proceed accordingly.” He also acknowledged internal procedural lapses, stating that necessary corrective measures are being taken, both administratively and operationally, to prevent similar incidents in the future. Ethiopian Airlines has already initiated an internal audit to investigate how the approval was granted and has taken disciplinary action against those involved. The video, filmed in a restricted maintenance area, was allegedly shot with permission obtained through unofficial channels. A request was submitted to the Addis Ababa sales office on December 6, 2024, and approval was granted two days later without involvement from the appropriate departments. Although the request cited “promoting Ethiopian Airlines and Ethiopian tourism,” no official approval was provided for the actual content before it was released. According to internal sources, neither images nor videos were shared with the airline prior to publication. The airline emphasized its commitment to maintaining its operational and security standards. In response to this incident, the management is reinforcing its internal approval procedures to prevent unauthorized content creation within its facilities. CEO Mesfin concluded by stating:“The issue arose due to internal procedural gaps. We have taken and will continue taking administrative actions. Ethiopian Airlines leadership is addressing this matter seriously. Those responsible will face disciplinary measures, and we are working to establish stronger controls to prevent future occurrences.” This incident has highlighted the importance of stringent internal processes and the necessity of clear communication between departments to ensure compliance with Ethiopian Airlines’ policies.

Telebirr Hits 51.5 Million Users, Facilitating 1.03 Trillion ETB in Transactions

Ethio Telecom’s financial performance in the first half of the 2024 fiscal year has been robust, highlighted by an EBITDA of 32.82 billion ETB, reflecting a profitability margin of 55.6%. The company also reported 61.9 billion ETB in total revenue, achieving 90.7% of its target. In addition to solid revenue from its core operations, Ethio Telecom generated $72.6 million in foreign exchange earnings—$67.36 million from international services and $5.24 million from Telebirr’s international remittance services. The company demonstrated fiscal responsibility by paying 23.74 billion ETB in taxes and repaying $15.4 million in foreign loans. As part of its cost optimization strategy, Ethio Telecom’s DO2SAVE initiative saved 3.5 billion ETB, exceeding its target by 44%. The company also made significant strides in cybersecurity, blocking 266,162 attempted cyberattacks through advanced control mechanisms. Its human resource development efforts were notable, with 26,505 employees receiving training, achieving a 93% success rate in training goals—demonstrating its commitment to building a skilled workforce aligned with its growth objectives. On the operations side, Ethio Telecom achieved substantial growth in its subscriber base, reaching 80.5 million users, a 7.9% increase compared to the same period last year. This includes: The company’s telecom density in Ethiopia now stands at 72.2%, signaling progress in expanding connectivity nationwide. Ethio Telecom continued investing in infrastructure to enhance service quality and accessibility. The company deployed 202 new mobile stations, bringing its total mobile network capacity to 90.7 million. Its 4G and 5G networks expanded, with 4G services reaching 67 new cities and 5G connectivity arriving in 10 cities. Additionally, the company established 81 rural mobile network sites across 71 woredas, extending services to underserved areas and bridging the digital divide between urban and rural communities. The company’s optical distribution network (ODN) capacity also grew, adding 133,672 new customer connections, bringing the total to 769,932. As part of its Copper Switch-off Initiative, 18,300 customer connections were migrated from copper to fiber, advancing Ethiopia’s digital transformation. During the reporting period, Ethio Telecom introduced 171 new and revamped products and services, including 62 new offerings and 109 upgrades. These innovations aim to enhance customer experience, simplify enterprise operations, and support Ethiopia’s digital economy. The company also expanded its service network by opening 68 new service centers, bringing the total to 1,000—with 513 franchised and 487 company-owned locations. Its distribution network also strengthened, comprising 64 main distributors, 43 virtual top-up distributors, 12,700 sub-distributors, and 290,600 retailers engaged in sales activities. Ethio Telecom remained committed to corporate social responsibility, contributing 287.2 million ETB to education, healthcare, environmental protection, and national projects. Additionally, it planted 446,000 seedlings as part of its Green Legacy program, reinforcing its commitment to environmental sustainability. The company also earned international certifications, including ISO 27001:2022, PCI DSS, and Cloud Security Alliance (CSA) for its Telebirr and Telecloud services, reaffirming its leadership in digital solutions. Ethio Telecom’s impressive performance in the first half of the fiscal year underscores its pivotal role in Ethiopia’s digital transformation. The company’s continued investment in infrastructure, service expansion, and innovation positions it as a driving force in the country’s journey toward a digital economy. With its ongoing contributions to social and economic development, Ethio Telecom remains a key player in Ethiopia’s progress.

EthioTelecom Inaugurates Ultra-Fast Electric Vehicle Charging Station

Addis Ababa, Ethiopia – EthioTelecom has launched an ultra-fast electric vehicle (EV) charging station at the Bole Road junction, developed in collaboration with various partners. The initiative is part of efforts to support Digital Ethiopia and contribute to the country’s transition toward sustainable transportation. The newly inaugurated station features an ultra-fast charging system capable of providing 1 km of driving range in just one second. This technology is expected to improve the efficiency of EV charging, making it more convenient for users and supporting the adoption of electric vehicles in Ethiopia. The charging station will be accessible 24/7, allowing EV users to charge their vehicles at any time. Payments will be made through Tele Birr, EthioTelecom’s digital financial service, with a set rate of 10 birr per kilowatt. EthioTelecom has also announced that two additional charging stations are currently under construction and will be operational soon. These stations aim to expand access to EV charging infrastructure as part of broader efforts to support the country’s growing electric mobility sector. The launch of this charging station is seen as part of ongoing efforts to enhance digital and energy infrastructure, supporting both technological advancements and environmental sustainability.

Addis Ababa Nears Completion of Its First International Convention Center

Addis Ababa, Ethiopia – The capital city is on the verge of completing the construction of the Addis International Convention Center, the first and largest world-class convention and exhibition hub in Ethiopia. The project, which aims to elevate Addis Ababa’s status as a premier destination for global conferences and exhibitions, is now in its final phase. Mayor Adanech Abebe recently highlighted the significance of the project, stating: “We are in the final stages of completing the construction of the ‘Addis International Convention Center,’ the first, largest, and internationally standardized facility of its kind in our country. This world-class convention and exhibition center is being built to accommodate major regional and international events at a global standard. We are diligently working to swiftly and efficiently complete the remaining finishing tasks with the highest quality.” The Addis International Convention Center is designed to meet international standards and accommodate a diverse range of events. The center will house four large exhibition pavilions, with a total exhibition space of 27,300 m², of which 20,600 m² is indoor and 6,700 m² is outdoor. These pavilions are engineered for flexibility, allowing for easy division and combination to serve multiple events simultaneously. Equipped with state-of-the-art venue facilities, the convention center is expected to be a prime location for large-scale exhibitions, trade fairs, and international conferences. The assembly hall is designed to accommodate large gatherings, featuring a movable stage and soundproof partitions that allow it to be transformed into smaller sub-halls or expanded into a mega-conference venue. High-tech conference facilities, spacious balconies, and pre-function public areas will provide attendees with a seamless event experience. Additionally, meeting rooms and smaller conference rooms are strategically located within the assembly hall complex. These spaces will be available for breakout sessions, syndicate meetings, and independent functions. The Addis International Convention Center is expected to enhance Ethiopia’s ability to host regional summits, business expos, cultural exhibitions, and global conferences, strengthening the country’s diplomatic and economic influence. The new facility will also create job opportunities and boost the hospitality, tourism, and service industries. As the finishing touches are being applied, Addis Ababa is set to welcome a new era in global conferencing and exhibitions, positioning the city as a competitive hub in Africa’s event industry. The grand opening date is expected to be announced soon, marking a milestone in Ethiopia’s journey toward becoming a leading destination for international events.

Ethiopia E-Mobility Sector on the Upswing

In a significant development for Ethiopia’s burgeoning e-mobility sector, the country’s first Electric Motorbike Owners Association has been established, marking a pivotal step toward fostering a supportive ecosystem for electric vehicle (EV) adoption. With over 280 members already onboard, the association aims to streamline licensing processes, provide resources for riders, and promote compliance with city traffic regulations, ensuring a smoother transition to sustainable urban mobility. The formation of the association comes at a critical time as Ethiopia seeks to embrace greener transportation solutions. Hilina Legesse, President of the Addis Ababa E-Mobility Association, highlighted the importance of this initiative, stating, “The launch of Addis Ababa’s first e-mobility association is a crucial step in addressing the challenges faced by riders, particularly in the absence of a dedicated support network. Beyond facilitating better communication among riders, this platform will work toward resolving key sector challenges in the coming years.” The association’s establishment has been spearheaded by Dodai Manufacturing PLC, Ethiopia’s leading electric motorbike (e-motorbike) manufacturer and distributor. Dodai has been at the forefront of the country’s e-mobility revolution, and its latest initiative to cover license plate costs for its first 250 customers further underscores its commitment to making e-motorbike ownership more accessible and affordable. Yuma Sasaki, Founder and CEO of Dodai, emphasized the company’s broader vision: “Today marks a milestone for Dodai and for Ethiopia. By covering license plate costs and supporting the formation of this association, we are not just simplifying ownership—we are accelerating Ethiopia’s electric mobility revolution. Our goal is to make sustainable transportation accessible to all.” Dodai’s efforts extend beyond financial incentives. The company is also investing in critical infrastructure, such as battery swap stations and charging facilities, to support the growing demand for electric vehicles. These initiatives align with Dodai’s mission to transform Ethiopia’s urban transportation landscape through innovative, environmentally friendly solutions. However, challenges remain. Some riders have raised concerns about stringent requirements even after obtaining licensing approvals from relevant authorities. In response, Hilina assured that the association would actively engage with stakeholders to address these issues. “We will engage in further discussions with the concerned bodies to address these challenges and work towards practical solutions,” she said. The establishment of the Electric Motorbike Owners Association and Dodai’s proactive measures signal a promising future for Ethiopia’s e-mobility sector. As the country continues to prioritize sustainable transportation, these efforts are expected to play a crucial role in driving adoption, improving infrastructure, and addressing the evolving needs of electric vehicle users.

IMF Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva Arrives in Ethiopia for Official Visit

Kristalina Georgieva, the Managing Director of the International Monetary Fund (IMF), has arrived in Addis Ababa for a two-day official visit aimed at strengthening economic cooperation between Ethiopia and the global financial institution. During her visit, Ms. Georgieva is scheduled to meet with Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed and senior government officials to discuss Ethiopia’s economic policies, ongoing reforms, and potential areas of collaboration with the IMF. The discussions are expected to cover key financial and structural policies, debt sustainability, and macroeconomic stabilization efforts. Beyond high-level engagements, Ms. Georgieva and her delegation will visit select social development projects, highlighting Ethiopia’s economic progress and challenges. She will also engage with representatives of the private sector, focusing on investment climate improvements and the role of international financial support in fostering sustainable growth. Ethiopia has been working closely with the IMF in recent years to address economic challenges, including inflation, foreign exchange shortages, and debt restructuring efforts. Ms. Georgieva’s visit is seen as a crucial step in strengthening ties and exploring new avenues for financial and technical support. Further updates on the visit, including key agreements and discussions, are expected to be released following the official meetings.

Dashen Bank, CashGo, and M-PESA Partner to Enhance Remittance Services in Ethiopia

By Mignot Tariku Dashen Bank, CashGo, and Safaricom’s M-PESA have signed a strategic partnership to improve remittance services for Ethiopian customers. Under this agreement, Dashen Bank will serve as the exclusive settlement and acquiring bank, processing remittance transactions received via CashGo. CashGo will provide the digital remittance platform facilitating seamless fund transfers, while M-PESA will ensure that recipients can instantly access their funds through their M-PESA mobile wallets. By combining Dashen Bank’s financial expertise, CashGo’s advanced remittance technology, and M-PESA’s mobile money services, the initiative aims to enhance efficiency, accessibility, and convenience for millions of Ethiopians relying on international remittances. Asfaw Alemu, CEO of Dashen Bank, expressed enthusiasm about the collaboration, stating, “By integrating our financial expertise with CashGo’s digital remittance platform and M-PESA’s mobile money services, we are pleased to offer Ethiopians a seamless, instant, and secure way to receive funds from abroad directly into their M-PESA wallets.” Echoing this sentiment, Elsa Muzolini, CEO of M-PESA, highlighted the importance of the partnership, saying, “This collaboration aligns with our mission to drive financial inclusion and provide innovative digital financial solutions.” Elshalom Endrias, M-PESA’s Product Strategic Partner, noted that M-PESA is the first mobile wallet to secure such an exclusive deal through CashGo’s platform. He also announced additional incentives for users: Customers using this platform will receive a 10% fund boost from M-PESA and Dashen Bank, and local recipients will also benefit from a free data package provided by M-PESA. Tewodros Shiferaw, CEO of CashGo, emphasized the platform’s growing impact, stating, “CashGo has processed over USD 60 million in remittances, and we plan to expand further by creating a more user-friendly platform for both international and local customers.”

As Digital Banking Rises, Are Ethiopian Banks Cutting Back on Branches?

Paperless banking has become a global trend, with financial institutions transitioning to digital transactions for greater efficiency, security, and sustainability. Many countries have embraced digital banking, mobile payments, and blockchain technology to reduce reliance on physical paperwork. In Ethiopia, banks are steadily digitizing their operations, paving the way for a fully paperless banking experience. Leading this shift, the Cooperative Bank of Oromia has pioneered the transition by launching over 200 “Smart” branches nationwide. These branches provide seamless, paperless banking services using tablet technology specifically designed for this purpose. Building on this momentum, many Ethiopian banks are now planning their own transitions to paperless banking to enhance cost efficiency, align with global banking trends, and contribute to the success of Ethiopia’s Digital 2025 strategy. “It’s not possible to remain separate from the international business system,” said Yohannes Million, Chief Digital and Information Officer at Dashen Bank. “Paperless banking is the global standard, and adapting to this trend is not optional—it’s a necessity.” He added that traditional banking operations come with significant costs. “Fuel expenses, office rent, staff recruitment, and system purchases often require foreign currency. A digital banking approach eliminates these costs, saves clients’ time, and enhances convenience.” He also noted that an increasing number of clients prefer digital services over visiting physical branches. While the digitalization of banks is commendable, one critical factor must not be overlooked: digital literacy among rural communities. As banks transition to paperless services, many rural customers may struggle to adapt due to limited access to technology and digital education. Without targeted awareness campaigns and user-friendly platforms, the shift toward digital banking could widen the financial inclusion gap rather than bridge it. According to Yohannes, over half of Dashen Bank’s clients now use digital services. “In urban areas, demand is growing rapidly. Rural communities are also adapting, as seen in the Ethiopian Commodities Exchange, where farmers transact digitally,” he noted. He added that Ethiopia’s Digital 2025 initiative will further enhance digital literacy, accelerating the country’s transition toward a fully digital banking ecosystem. Yohannes made these remarks during the launch of M-PESA Safaricom’s partnership with Dashen Bank and CashGo to enhance international remittance services. The collaboration allows Ethiopians to receive money directly into their M-PESA wallets from abroad, offering a seamless and secure way to access funds. This milestone enables instant remittances, which can be used for transactions such as sending money, bill payments, airtime purchases, or cash withdrawals from agents. He stated that this partnership marks a significant step toward digitizing banking services in Ethiopia.

Arat Kilo Plaza Underground Passage and Recreation Area Officially Opens

Addis Ababa, Ethiopia – The Arat Kilo Plaza Underground Passage and Recreation Area has officially been inaugurated and is now open to the public, marking a significant milestone in the city’s urban development. This newly completed infrastructure is part of Addis Ababa’s corridor development projects, designed to enhance the city’s social and economic landscape while providing residents with modern, accessible public spaces. During the inauguration ceremony, Arada Sub-City Chief Executive Officer, Ato Getahun Abera, highlighted the city’s ongoing efforts to improve urban mobility and public amenities. He emphasized that the Arat Kilo Plaza project is a crucial step in making Addis Ababa cleaner, more organized, and more accommodating for its residents. Previously, the area posed challenges for vehicles, pedestrians, and individuals with disabilities. However, the new passageway has been constructed to resolve these issues while incorporating modern design and accessibility features. Notably, an elevator system has been installed to facilitate easy movement for individuals with disabilities. In addition to improving pedestrian flow, the underground space has been transformed into a commercial and recreational hub, featuring: