Issue 113: Voice Calls & Digital Billboards

Hi, Here are the latest highlights from Ethiopia's vibrant technology and innovative ecosystem.

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Ethio Telecom Unveils VoLTE, Other New Value-Added ServicesEtho Telecom has officially launched VoLTE service for 4G/5G users, allowing high-quality HD video and voice calls. Read More.

Institute to Unveil Ethiopia’s First Digital Addressing SystemThe Space Science & Geospatial Institute (SSGI) is gearing up to launch a Digital Addressing System (DAS) that will enable door-to-door services in Bishoftu City, with the feasibility study for similar efforts in Addis Ababa already completed. Read More.

City’s Decision to Abolish Billboards Faces OppositionAccording to The Reporter, Addis Ababa City Administration’s recent move to replace billboard advertisements with digital ones is facing strong opposition from the Ethiopian Advertising Association. Read more.

World Bank Backs Ethiopia’s National ID Project with $350M The National ID Office of Ethiopia has revealed that it has secured a substantial funding package of $350 million from the World Bank for the implementation of the country's national ID system. Read more.

Survey: Ethiopian E-Commerce Ecosystem ReportThe Ethiopian Ministry of Innovation & Technology and iceaddis have partnered with Shega to survey the Ethiopian e-commerce ecosystem.As part of this initiative, a questionnaire has been created to gather data from e-commerce businesses operating in Ethiopia. If you own an e-commerce business, we would greatly appreciate it if you could take 5 minutes to complete this questionnaire. Survey for Ethiopian E-Commerce Ecosystem Report 

Ethiopia to Print Newly Designed Biometric Passports Locally Ethiopia's Immigration and Citizenship Services (ICS) is partnering with Toppan Gravity Ethiopia (TGE) to establish a local passport printing facility that will produce e-passports with enhanced security measures. Read More

The Mastercard Foundation, Partners Enable 1.27 million Young Ethiopians to Access Employment Opportunities The Mastercard Foundation has announced that it has enabled 1.27 million young people to access employment opportunities in Ethiopia since the launch of the country’s Young Africa Works strategy in 2019. Read More

Ethio Telecom, Ministry of Labor Sign MOU to Streamline Work Systems Ethio Telecom and the Ministry of Labor and Skills have signed an MoU to drive positive change in Ethiopia's workforce. The focus will be on streamlining working systems, providing tech solutions, and fulfilling social responsibility to create economic opportunities for Ethiopians. Read More

Here is what we've been reading:

Why Nigerian filmmakers are skipping Netflix to go straight to YouTubeJumia shuts down food delivery segment in race to profitabilityRewind 2023: From chatbots to deepfakes, AI was THE defining tech. How will it shape up in 2024?If you are here because someone forwarded you this email, you can subscribe here to get future newsletters.