Ethiopian Airlines Expands Its Reach to Maun, BotswanaBurkina Faso Government Launches ‘TEX FORCES-BF’ to Produce and Market Military and Civilian Attire

ADDIS ABABA – Ethiopian Airlines Group, the largest carrier in Africa known for its rapid expansion, has announced the introduction of a new flight service to Maun, Botswana, starting June 10, 2024. This addition positions Maun as Ethiopian Airlines’ second destination in Botswana, complementing the existing service to Gaborone initiated in 2016. The announcement came through a press release from Ethiopian Airlines on Tuesday.

According to Ethiopian News Agency, the thrice-weekly flights from Addis Ababa to Maun are set to enhance connectivity for travelers from Ethiopia and other African regions to one of Botswana’s prime tourist locations. Maun serves as the gateway to the Okavango Delta, a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for being one of the largest inland deltas globally, attracting tourists with its vast wildlife and unique ecosystem.

Mesfin Tasew, CEO of Ethiopian Airlines Group, expressed enthusiasm about incorporating Maun into their network, highlighting the city’s significance as Botswana’s tourism capital. “The addition of Maun into our African connectivity enables travelers from Maun to enjoy facilitated connectivity to Ethiopian vast global network that exceeds 135 destinations,” Tasew stated. He emphasized that this new route would offer passengers a chance to discover Botswana’s natural wonders and biodiversity.

The launch of flights to Maun aims not only to bolster tourism and socio-economic relations between Botswana and Ethiopian Airlines’ global destinations but also to contribute to the development of the African aviation sector. The airline boasts the largest network within the continent, serving over 60 African destinations and establishing significant intra-Africa and global connections through its hub in Addis Ababa. This expansion underscores Ethiopian Airlines’ commitment to fostering growth in Africa’s aviation industry.

OUAGADOUGOU — In a significant move to bolster its domestic textile industry and self-sufficiency in professional attire, the government of Burkina Faso has announced the establishment of a mixed economy company named Textile des Forces Armées du Burkina Faso, or ‘TEX FORCES-BF’. The company is tasked with the production and distribution of professional outfits for military, paramilitary, and civilian entities.

According to Burkina Information Agency, ‘TEX FORCES-BF’ is the outcome of a decree aiming to enhance the nation’s capability in creating and distributing specialized apparel. The initiative is part of a broader strategy to support local production and reduce reliance on international suppliers for military and civilian uniforms.

The government’s decision to approve another decree concerning the statutes of ‘TEX FORCES-BF’ underscores its commitment to ensuring that the company operates within the legal framework established for public entities. This step is intended to enable ‘TEX FORCES-BF’ to fulfill its mission effectively, contributing to the security and professional appearance of Burkina Faso’s armed forces and other bodies.

The creation of ‘TEX FORCES-BF’ represents a strategic approach to economic development and national security, emphasizing the importance of local manufacturing capabilities in supporting the country’s needs.