Issue 149: Bytes & Batteries

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The past week kicked off with a bang and lived up to the anticipation.

While much of the coverage around Ethio Telecom’s partnership with Visa focused on remittances, the two companies also introduced a virtual card for telebirr wallets.

There is also talk of manufacturing EV batteries locally. Additionally, this week's Shega Weekly includes an analysis of Alibaba’s entry into Ethiopia as well as insights into the new Personal Data Proclamation.

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Ethio Telecom, in partnership with Visa, has launched the first wallet-based virtual card in Ethiopia. This virtual debit card will enable telebirr users to pay for online transactions Read more. 

Officials are working on a strategy that would see batteries for electric vehicles (EVs) manufactured locally as the administration of Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed (PhD) doubles down on its policy to transition from combustion engines amid rising fuel import costs and climate concerns. Read more.

Ethiopia embraces AliExpress as the Chinese e-commerce giant officially launches, sparking excitement about the country's potential for e-commerce growth amid legislative and logistical hurdles. Read more.  

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With phone ownership hovering over 70 million, a significant portion of which are smartphones, and nearly every public and private service expanding into the digital realm, the need for this proclamation has reached a fever pitch. Read more.

The Ministry of Labor and Skill with Entrepreneurship Development Institute is hosting a two-week intensive bootcamp for 150 national finalists of the Bruh ICT Competition.

The bootcamp, which drew participants from across Ethiopia, aims to identify the top 50 entrepreneurs who will receive a total of $100,000 in prize money, loan services from the Development Bank of Ethiopia, and ongoing business support. Read more.  

With nearly 75% of Addis Ababa's dwindling fish supply coming from lakes hundreds of kilometers away, a continuous supply is never guaranteed for businesses in the capital. Recognizing this unaddressed demand, 32-year-old Aynalem Mulugeta took action. Read more.  

A three-year startup enhancement project by the Ministry of Innovation Technology (MinT) and the Japan International Cooperation Agency Ethiopia (JICA) is set for a January greenlight. Read more. 

The Information Network Security Administration (INSA) and Addis Ababa Science and Technology University have jointly launched the third installment of their national summer camp cyber talent training program. Read more.  

Wegagen Bank has launched its international pre-paid Visa card, which allows customers to make international cashless payments. Read more.