Etenat Awol

Can Blockchain Brew a Fairer Coffee Trade? An Ethiopian Startup Thinks So

Waga Token, an Ethiopian blockchain startup, has launched its MVP on Coinbase’s Base Sepolia testnet. Coffee tokens represent real, verified coffee and are minted only when there’s actual demand.

Wegagen Bank Reports Record Profits but Faces Shareholder Scrutiny Over All-Male Board

Wegagen Bank posts a 73% profit surge to 3.85B birr, surpasses NBE’s paid capital target ahead of schedule. Shareholders call for gender diversity on its all-male board.

Behind Viral TikTok Song Birabiro Is an Ethiopian AI-Powered Children’s Learning App

Birabiro, a 60-second AI song about a caterpillar just went viral in Ethiopia, 4.3M views, 53K dubs. But it’s not just a TikTok trend. It’s part of Aynu Kids, an edtech app using AI to teach children.

EuroCham Backs EUDR Delay, Citing Ethiopia’s Smallholder Coffee Compliance Risks

EuroCham urges EU to delay deforestation rules, citing Ethiopia’s smallholder coffee challenges.

Tony Blair Institute Proposes $100 Billion Debt-Swap Facility to Break Africa’s Debt Spiral

African countries face debt-to-GDP ratios lower than the G7 yet pay 4-5x higher interest. TBI proposes a $100B Debt Swap Facility linking lower-cost refinancing to measurable governance improvement.

A Practical New Year Wishlist: What Ethiopia’s Innovation Leaders Want in 2018

Digital literacy, official accreditation for EdTech, and patient capital Ethiopia’s innovators lay out their wish list for 2018 E.C. Community leaders reflect on the new year with old wisdom.