Some 40 foreign companies from countries including China, Turkey, Germany, Italy and Japan are showcasing their latest products and achievements in the printing and packaging industry to the public view. Also, representatives from leading countries in the printing and packaging industry, including Indonesia, Switzerland, Italy, England, India, Germany, Turkey, and Japan, are also present in the exhibition. Iraq, the Republic of Azerbaijan, Armenia, Afghanistan, Turkey, and Turkmenistan, are scheduled to attend the exhibition. In the inaugural ceremony of the exhibition, CEO of Iran International Exhibitions Company (IIEC) Sodeyf Beikzadeh said that promoting trade and exports is one of the main missions of the company, emphasizing that packaging and printing are considered as the most key components of marketing in exports. Turning to the leading role of packaging industry, the chief executive noted that reducing products’ waste, increasing the lifetime of product supply, and employing modern technologies in this industry pave the way for the development of downstream industries.

As a result, six Ethiopian banks were included in the recent African Business Top 100 African Banks table, up from five last year and just two in 2022. However, access is im- proving, including through some inter- esting innovations devised by Ethiopian banks. Banking sector opens upIn December, the Ethiopian parliament finally passed long-heralded legisla- tion to allow foreign banks to operate in the country. Foreign banks can now set up their own subsidiaries for the first time since they were banned in 1974 and can take stakes of up to 40% in established local banks. Another attraction for both domestic and foreign banks is the sheer size of the country’s enormous potential market.

Addis Ababa, December 23, 2025 (FMC) — The Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia and the Government of the United States signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) worth 1.616 billion United States dollars on Tuesday, formalizing expanded cooperation in Ethiopia’s health sector. The MoU reaffirms the long-standing partnership between the two governments through a five-year grant framework aimed at enhancing disease prevention, strengthening public health systems, and improving the resilience of Ethiopia’s health sector. Under the agreement, the United States Government committed up to 1.016 billion USD in grant financing, alongside an additional 150 million USD in performance-based grants. The agreement reflects the shared resolve of Ethiopia and the United States to further deepen collaboration in the health sector and jointly address existing and emerging health challenges for the benefit of the Ethiopian people. The MoU was signed by Ahmed Shide, Minister of Finance, Mekdes Daba, Minister of Health, and Ervin Massinga, Ambassador of the United States of America.

Brazil Joins Costa Rica, Peru, Ethiopia, Mexico, and Colombia in Revolutionizing Travel with Epic, Life-Changing Sustainable Brew AdventuresBrazil Joins Costa Rica, Peru, Ethiopia, Mexico, and Colombia in Revolutionizing Travel with Epic, Life-Changing Sustainable Brew Adventures. Coffee Tourism in BrazilBrazil’s coffee tourism offers visitors a full experience of coffee’s journey — from planting and harvesting to processing and brewing. Coffee Tourism in EthiopiaEthiopia’s coffee tourism is unlike any other destination. Impact of Coffee Tourism in VietnamVietnam’s coffee tourism has been pivotal in promoting the quality of Robusta coffee on the global stage. Coffee Tourism in MexicoMexico’s coffee tourism offers an immersive experience, where travellers can visit organic coffee farms nestled in the picturesque mountain ranges of Chiapas, Veracruz, and Oaxaca.

Last Wednesday, Aukje de Vries, State Secretary for Foreign Trade and Development Cooperation, paid a working visit to the Dutch grower AQ Roses, part of Rosa Plaza, in Bishoftu. © Rosa PlazaThe visit focused on international entrepreneurship and the interplay between trade and development cooperation. During a luncheon, an in-depth discussion took place between the State Secretary, the delegation, and representatives from various Dutch companies active in Ethiopia. Particular attention was given to how trade policy and development cooperation can mutually reinforce each other to create a more sustainable and positive impact in Ethiopia. AQ Roses PLC looks back on a valuable and constructive visit, characterized by open dialogue and cooperation between government and business.

“On a personal level, I don’t want the word ‘detty’ associated with anything Ghana,” he told the BBC on the sidelines of the Ghana Diaspora Summit in Accra. “That’s something I’m not very comfortable with.”The phrase “Detty December”, commonly used in Ghana and Nigeria, refers to the intense party season at the end of the year. The word “detty” comes from West African Pidgin and literally means “dirty”, but is widely used to describe carefree fun and excess. Government pushes ‘December in Ghana’ brandingDespite the popularity of the phrase among young people, the Ghanaian government avoids using it in official campaigns. Many of those arriving are from the African diaspora, particularly from the United States and Europe, with visitors ranging from their early 20s to mid-40s.

The organization has so far reached more than six million people in the country with WASH services. The project has improved access to WASH services for more than 32,000 people while also incorporating climate resilience into WASH systems. The project has improved access to WASH services for more than 32,000 people while also incorporating climate resilience into WASH systems. WaterAid recently completed a watershed management project in Kurt Bahir Kebele of North Mecha Woreda. ‘From Taps to Policy’ aligns closely with the government’s safe water strategy, which focuses on community ownership, capacity building, and sustainable water management practices.

This New Year, grab upto 50% Discount on all Online courses, Pendrive courses & Test series. The offer is valid from 25th to 29th December only. This New Year, grab upto 50% Discount on all Online courses, Pendrive courses & Test series. The offer is valid from 25th to 29th December only.

Parents in Maryland's Crofton community appeal Anne Arundel County school redistricting decision Parents in Maryland’s Crofton community formally appealed an Anne Arundel County school redistricting decision.

© Copyright – 2025 – Athletics IllustratedEthiopian Jemila Wortesa and Ugandan Mercyline Chelangat were suspended for doping by the Athletics Integrity Unit (AIU) in two separate announcements today. It was also announced on December 20th by World Athletics that Kenyan Emmanuel Kipruto Kiprop has been suspended for alleged disclosure issues related to money earned in a private deal in Japan. Her marathon best is from the 2023 Enschede, NED marathon, where she finished in 2:24:12. Emmanuel Kipruto KipropInterestingly, World Athletics has announced the suspension of Emmanuel Kipruto Kiprop. A decision made by the Athletes’ Representatives Panel.

Ethiopia's horticulture sector could be poised for a major leap forward if the Ministry of Agriculture adopts a geospatial planning tool similar to the country's recently developed Manufacturing Industry Resource Atlas. "The Manufacturing Industry Resource Atlas has shown us how powerful spatial data can be in guiding smart, evidence-based investment," he said. "In the highlands and valleys of Ethiopia, we already have the natural foundations for a globally competitive horticulture sector," Mekonnen noted. The Manufacturing Industry Resource Atlas, launched in draft form in July 2025, provides a model. In his view, adopting a Horticultural Resource Atlas is not optional but essential.

More than 122 million Americans expected to travel during end-of-year holidays More than 122 million Americans are expected to travel between now and New Year’s Day, according to AAA.

Awash Wine Share Company, Ethiopia’s oldest wine producer, will acquire Ethiopian beverage manufacturer Komari Beverages, producer of the Arada brand of malt-based beverages (hard seltzers). This agreement replaces a previous takeover bid by Heineken, which was initially agreed in October 2024. Awash enters the fast growing “ready-to-drink” alcohol market through Komari’s “Arada” line, known for its fruit-flavoured malt beverages. Heineken’s brands in Ethiopia include Walia, Harar, Bedele, Heineken and malt-based energy drink Bertat. It continues to hold the largest market share against rival Castel (BGI Ethiopia).

Through this agreement, the ECA commits to mobilizing its technical expertise, public policy analysis capacities and convening power to support the organization of COP32. The stated objective is clear: to help elevate Africa’s priorities in international climate negotiations and strengthen the impact of the expected outcomes in terms of climate action, according to a statement by the UN institution. The ECA specifies that the partnership will cover the entire process, from the preparation phase through implementation and follow-up of commitments. For Ethiopia, the prospective host country of COP32, the agreement represents a strategic lever to ensure the success of the conference and to assert its role as an African diplomatic platform on major global issues. Beyond logistical considerations, this partnership forms part of a broader dynamic aimed at better integrating the realities and priorities of the African continent into the international climate agenda.

Based on testing various products, Pirg said that there was room for considerable improvement when it comes to making AI toys safer and easier for parents to control. “AI toys should be neither designed nor marketed as emotional companions for children,” Pirg's analysis said. However, a few weeks later, after an outcry from child safety advocates and interest groups, the company said it would delay those plans. She said toys with AI and AI chatbots have the potential to invade family privacy, displace “key learning activities” and disrupt children's relationships. “AI toys ... resemble an experiment on our kids – one with minimal oversight,” Pirg's report said.