A new World Bank report revealed Safaricom Ethiopia incurred USD 325 million in losses in 2024. The study accused Ethio Telecom of unfair pricing and blocking rival apps like M-Pesa, urging market reforms. Safaricom, which invested USD 1.6 billion, faces high infrastructure and license costs. The Bank called for regulatory action and satellite competition to improve market access and connectivity.

Aliko Dangote launched a $2.5 billion fertilizer complex in Ethiopia in partnership with Ethiopian Investment Holdings. The facility will produce three million tonnes of urea annually, aiming to make Ethiopia a regional fertilizer hub. Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed praised the project for fostering industrial growth. Dangote said the complex will create jobs, enhance food security, and position Ethiopia as a leading agricultural nation in Africa within five years.

Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed announced a nationwide ban on importing diesel-powered trucks starting October 2, as Ethiopia shifts to a gas-fueled transport system. He said 2,000 buses in Addis Ababa and on inter-regional routes will convert to gas, reducing transport costs by 50% next year. The announcement coincides with the launch of the Ogaden LNG project, part of a broader industrial reform plan that includes new fertilizer and oil refinery plants in the Somali Region.

Ethiopia’s health sector attracted significant national investment, with over 70,000 community health centers built and 80% of citizens covered by community-based health insurance. Health Minister Dr. Mekdes Daba stated that the reforms aim to reduce donor dependence and enhance local manufacturing, workforce skills, and digital healthcare capabilities. The International Conference on Primary Health Care in Addis Ababa praised Ethiopia’s community-led model as a driver of sustainable growth and a foundation for Africa’s future health economy.