2merkato

The Ethiopian Ministry of Communications and Information Technology is considering a new bill to certify the competence of exporters, importers, wholesalers and retailers in the IT and electronic sector in Ethiopia.

The bill has been sent to the Ethiopian Information and Communications Technology group for review.

The new will bill require industry operators to hire a range of professionals from various fields including technicians to maintain and service electronic and IT equipment to receive accreditation.

Diageo plc plans to increase its share of Ethiopia’s beer market from 15% to 50% as it finalizes its takeover of Meta Ambo Brewery, Ethiopia. The international liquor manufacturer would like to develop the business and overcome the competition in Ethiopia said Ekwunife Okoli, Head of African regional markets for Diageo.

Diageo will invest in enhancing capacity to increase supply according to Nick Blazquez, President for Diageo Africa. The producer expects to introduce other of its products to Ethiopia he noted.

Annual inflation rate in Ethiopia fell to 35.9% in December following a decline in some food costs reported the Ethiopian Central Statistical Agency.

Prices increased by 1.7% during December with food prices climbing by just 0.2% due to a decrease in the price of some pulses and cereals said the Agency.

Ethiopian Airlines, Ethiopia’s flag carrier, accepted the bid submitted by the Aviation Industry Corporation of China to construct a 100 million dollar maintenance hanger.  

The AVIC and Ethiopian Airlines are discussing financing for the project said Tewolde Gebremariam, Chief Executive of Ethiopian Airlines.

It is expected that the construction project for the maintenance hanger will commence in the first quarter of 2012 to be completed within 900 days from when construction begins according to Tewolde.