Issue 111: World Bank & Kidus Asfaw

World Bank Document Reveals $350M in Donor Funding for Ethiopia’s National Digital ID

Biometric Update has reported that a planning document for Ethiopia’s National Digital ID submitted to the World Bank reveals that the program has been granted $350 million in funding to supplement its public investment. Read more.

Raxio Ethiopia Inaugurates $30 Million Data Center

Raxio Group, which builds and operates a network of data centers in Africa, has inaugurated its latest facility in Addis Ababa, built at the cost of 30 million dollars. Read more.

Ethio Telecom Launches 4G Network Services Across Key Cities in Tigray Region

Ethio Telecom has inaugurated its 4G LTE network services in six cities within the Tigray region. Despite facing delays caused by the recent conflict in the region over the past two years, the state-owned telecom company has now initiated the deployment of its advanced fourth-generation network, significantly improving connectivity in vital urban centers such as Mekelle, Adigrat, Aksum, Adwa, Shire Endaslasse, Wukro.

Universal Music Group Sings Deal with Ethiopian Streaming Platform Sewasew

Universal Music Group (UMG) is setting foot in Ethiopia with what it describes as a “first-of-its-kind” licensing agreement with Ethiopian streaming platform Sewasew Multimedia. Read more.

EthSwitch Facilitates Over 92 Billion Birr in Interoperable Transactions

EthSwitch, Ethiopia’s national switch operator mandated to create interoperability between financial institutions, has reported facilitating interoperable transactions amounting to 92.4 billion birr in the 2022–23 fiscal year. Read more.

Ethiopia’s Kidus Asfaw Recognized as One of TIME Magazine’s 100 Most Influential Leaders in Climate

TIME Magazine has included Kidus Asfaw, co-founder, and CEO of Kubik, in its list of the 100 Most Influential Leaders in Climate.   Kubik transforms plastic waste into low-carbon construction materials that are cheaper and faster to build with than cement, offering a sustainable and speedy solution to housing shortages as Africa’s population grows. Read more.

Unlocking Innovation: The Untapped Potential of University Spinoffs in Ethiopia

“Imagine you’re a researcher at a university, working tirelessly on a groundbreaking discovery. You’re passionate about your work, and you know it has the potential to make a real difference in the world. But how do you get your invention out of the lab and into the hands of those who need it?” Read more.