Ethiopian Council of Ministers Adopts Multiple Regulations and Refers Bills to Parliament
ADDIS ABABA, Ethiopia — In its 27th regular session held today, the Ethiopian Council of Ministers passed several decisions on a wide range of issues.
According to Ethiopian News Agency, The session was marked by discussions on draft regulations, financial support agreements, and international cooperation, highlighting the government’s focus on development, environmental protection, and digital transformation.
The Council first addressed the draft regulation on forest development, protection, and utilization, aimed at fostering the sustainable use of Ethiopia’s forest resources. The draft regulation, seen as a step towards building a climate-resilient economy and introducing carbon trading in the international market, received unanimous approval for implementation upon its publication in the Negarit Newspaper.
Financial support agreements with the International Development Association (IDA) were also on the agenda. These included a $300 million loan for the digital identification card inclusion and service delivery project, $200 million for education and training, and $90 million for a business logistics improvement program. The Council confirmed that these loans are interest-free, with a 1.25 percent service fee, a six-year grace period, and a 38-year repayment term, aligning with the country’s credit management policy. Consequently, the draft bill was referred to the House of Peoples’ Representatives for approval.
Additionally, two financial support agreements signed with the Italian government were discussed. These comprised a €6.5 million loan for the Boye Lake sustainable development project and an €83.5 million loan for the energy sector project. Confirming the loans’ interest-free status and favorable repayment terms, the Council referred the drafts to parliament for approval.
The session also included discussions on amending the regulations for the National Animal Health Protection Institute, raising its authorized capital to 2.6 billion Birr, and making the amendment effective upon publication in the Negarit Gazette. Draft regulations concerning service fees for the Ethiopian Standards Institute and Federal Documents Authentication and Registration Service were approved, aiming to improve service provision while considering community affordability.
The Council cleared a draft policy on disaster risk management for implementation, effective February 24, 2024. Moreover, it deliberated on a bill to approve the amended establishment agreement of the Inter-Governmental Development Authority (IGAD), emphasizing the need for strengthened cooperation among member countries for sustainable development. The bill, following the Council’s approval, was referred to the House of Peoples’ Representative.
A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Ethiopia and Jordan, concerning the protection of Ethiopian nationals working in Jordan, was also discussed and referred to parliament for approval. Finally, the Council reviewed four draft agreements for the development of bromine, granite, coal, and alluvial gold mines, directing the Ministry of Mines to sign and implement these agreements, underscoring their significance for industrial input, foreign currency earnings, employment opportunities, and environmental and community benefits.