Hornpost
Addis Ababa, (Hornpost) – The Council of Ministers of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia held its 50th regular meeting under the chairmanship of Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed. During the session, the council reviewed and passed decisions on several strategic national initiatives, financial agreements, regulatory frameworks, and bilateral treaties.
Key Resolutions:
Digital Ethiopia 2030 Strategy:
The council extensively discussed the Digital Ethiopia 2030 strategy, which aims to create new opportunities for citizens, enhance technological capacity, expand infrastructure, promote good governance, and accelerate economic growth. The strategy was unanimously approved for implementation from the date of the council’s approval.
Financial Support Agreements with the World Bank Group:
Two loan agreements were reviewed and endorsed for submission to the House of Representatives:
Sustainable and Clean Energy Project – USD 294.9 million, to accelerate access to sustainable and clean energy. The loan has a repayment period of 38 years, including a six-year grace period.
East African Skills Transformation and Regional Integration Project – USD 20 million, to support skills development and regional integration. The loan has a repayment period of 31 years, including a six-year grace period.
Both loans are interest-free, subject to a 0.75% service charge, and are aligned with Ethiopia’s national debt management strategy.
Service Fee Regulations:
Draft regulations proposed by the Environmental Protection Authority and the Ethiopian National Theater were approved to establish fees for services they provide. The regulations aim to cover operational costs, increase institutional revenue, enhance service quality, and improve customer satisfaction. The regulations will be implemented upon publication in the Federal Negarit newspaper.
Bilateral Agreements:
The council discussed four bilateral agreements:
Legal cooperation with the People’s Republic of China in criminal matters.
Judicial cooperation agreements with China and the Federal Republic of Brazil.
A bilateral agreement with South Africa.
All draft agreements were approved for submission to the House of Representatives, with the expectation that, once ratified, Ethiopia will strengthen bilateral cooperation to prevent crime and establish legal frameworks.
Electronic Signature Regulation
The council approved the draft regulation implementing the Electronic Signature Proclamation No. 1072/2010 and its amendment No. 1358/2017, designed to ensure transparent and accountable electronic signature systems. The regulation will take effect upon publication in the Federal Negarit newspaper.
Amendment of Immigration Council Regulation:
The council also approved the regulation amending Council of Immigration Ministers Regulation No. 114/1997, enabling the institution to effectively carry out its mandated duties. The regulation will also take effect upon publication in the Federal Negarit newspaper.
Hornpost staff Reporter
