• AfrexInsure, Afreximbank’s specialty insurance subsidiary, appointed Lesley Ndlovu as Chief Executive Officer in 2026.  
• Ndlovu succeeds Jonas Mushosho and will lead expansion of specialty insurance for African trade and investment risks.  
• AfrexInsure is a wholly owned Afreximbank subsidiary offering insurance management services for trade-related investments across Africa.  
• The company is incorporated in Mauritius and regulated by the Financial Services Commission with insurance manager and global business licenses.  
• AfrexInsure provides specialty cover including project cargo, construction equipment, energy projects, and alternative risk solutions.  
• The firm says it aims to retain more specialty insurance premiums within Africa and support bankable trade transactions.  

why it matters?

The appointment comes as AfrexInsure expands African-based risk coverage for trade and trade-related investments. That matters for exporters, project sponsors, lenders, and insurers seeking more Africa-focused underwriting capacity. 

• AfrexInsure, Afreximbank’s specialty insurance subsidiary, appointed Lesley Ndlovu as Chief Executive Officer in 2026.  
• Ndlovu succeeds Jonas Mushosho and will lead expansion of specialty insurance for African trade and investment risks.  
• AfrexInsure is a wholly owned Afreximbank subsidiary offering insurance management services for trade-related investments across Africa.  
• The company is incorporated in Mauritius and regulated by the Financial Services Commission with insurance manager and global business licenses.  
• AfrexInsure provides specialty cover including project cargo, construction equipment, energy projects, and alternative risk solutions.  
• The firm says it aims to retain more specialty insurance premiums within Africa and support bankable trade transactions.  

why it matters?

The appointment comes as AfrexInsure expands African-based risk coverage for trade and trade-related investments. That matters for exporters, project sponsors, lenders, and insurers seeking more Africa-focused underwriting capacity. 

• Manufacturers said private banks are restricting loans to industry early in the fiscal year, citing NBE lending limits.  
• NBE raised annual bank credit growth ceilings from 14% to 18%; some banks can expand lending up to 24%.  
• Firms said manufacturing loan rates initially set at 14%–15% were later increased to 23%–24.5%.  
• Manufacturers said financing shortages are limiting raw material purchases and disrupting production planning and cash flow.  
• Industry representatives said a ETB 20 million loan may require collateral worth ETB 50–60 million.  
• The concerns were raised at a March 12, 2026 public-private forum on finance and workspace constraints.  
• The Chamber signed an MoU with EDI Ethiopia, Addis Ababa Trade Goods Enterprise, and Awash Bank to support SMEs.  

Why it matters?

The report points to tighter bank credit, higher borrowing costs, and stricter collateral demands for Ethiopian manufacturers. These constraints can affect working capital access, raw material purchases, and SME expansion. 

Ethiopia Pulses, Oilseeds Export Sector Faces Tax and Logistics Constraints

• Ethiopia exported 707,000 tonnes of pulses, generating USD 575 million during the current fiscal year.
• Oilseeds exports reached 363,000 tonnes, generating about USD 330 million in revenue.
• Pulses exports achieved about 95% of annual targets, according to Ministry of Trade and Regional Integration.
• Oilseeds exports reached 66% of the government’s annual export target.
• Exporters raised concerns over new tax rules, logistics costs, and port clearance delays affecting shipments.
• Meeting between exporters and the Ministry of Trade was held 7 March 2026 to address sector challenges.

Why it matters?

Pulses and oilseeds are among Ethiopia’s major non-coffee agricultural exports. Lower oilseeds export performance and rising logistics and tax costs could affect foreign currency earnings and export competitiveness.

Addis Ababa raises public transport tariffs effective 16 March 2026

• Addis Ababa Transport Bureau revised public transport tariffs after the latest retail fuel price increase.
• New tariffs take effect on 16 March 2026 across minibuses, midibuses, city buses, and Bajaj services.
• Minibus taxi fares remain 10 ETB up to 2.5 kilometers and rise to 55 ETB for 20 kilometers.
• Midibus fares are set at 15 ETB up to 8 kilometers and 45 ETB for 28 kilometers.
• City bus fares start at 10 ETB up to 7.5 kilometers and rise to 70 ETB for 50 kilometers.
• Bajaj services will keep a flat 10 ETB fare across all routes in Addis Ababa.
• The Bureau said operators charging above legal rates face enforcement; violations can be reported via hotline 9417.

why it matters?

The tariff revision raises commuting costs for households and workers in Addis Ababa from 16 March 2026. It also sets updated fare ceilings for transport operators following the recent fuel price increase.

• Ethiopia targets $3 billion in coffee export revenue this fiscal year. 

• Government plans to export 600,000 tonnes of coffee during the fiscal year. 

• First six months exports reached 200,000 tonnes, generating $1.35 billion. 

• Export volume achieved 74% of planned target despite strong revenue performance. 

• Authorities say some exporters withheld stock expecting higher prices or currency gains. 

• Government coordinating with Ethiopian Coffee and Tea Authority and regional bodies to prevent hoarding. 

Why it matters?
Coffee accounts for a major share of Ethiopia’s export earnings. Achieving the $3 billion target is critical for foreign exchange supply, while delayed shipments could affect export volumes and global market reliability. 

• Ministry of Trade and Regional Integration raised petrol price to ETB 132.18 per litre. 

• Diesel price increased to ETB 139.64 per litre under latest national fuel price adjustment.

• Adjustment is part of government policy to gradually remove fuel subsidies. 

• Price revision aims to align domestic fuel prices with international import costs. 

• Retail fuel prices are periodically revised by the Ministry of Trade and Regional Integration. 

Why it matters?
Fuel price adjustments directly affect transportation, logistics, and operating costs across Ethiopia’s economy. Higher pump prices can influence inflation, freight rates, and business expenses.

• Bishoftu International Airport construction workforce projected 50,000 workers in 2026, according to project labor demand estimates.

• Workforce expected 70,000 in 2027, 90,000 in 2028, and 100,000 in 2029 during peak construction period.

• Labor management plan prepared by Dar Al-Handasah Consultants and Ethiopian Engineering Corporation.

• Airport project led by Ethiopian Airlines Group to expand national aviation capacity.

• Airport planned in Bishoftu, 40 km southeast of Addis Ababa.

• Project designed to supplement operations at Addis Ababa Bole International Airport.

why it matters?
The project will employ tens of thousands during construction and expand Ethiopia’s aviation infrastructure. Increased capacity may support aviation, logistics, and related services sectors.

• Ethio-Djibouti Railway Corporation reaffirmed commitment to expand railway infrastructure using domestic expertise.

• CEO Takele Uma made remarks during Adwa anniversary site visit.

• Leadership and staff toured the AMG–Indoode Link Railway Project.

• Project executed by corporation’s engineers, technicians and operational teams.

• Corporation stated it is delivering projects without external contractors.

• State Minister of Transport and Logistics Dhenge Boru highlighted railway expansion priority.

• Government investing in transport corridors and railway connectivity.

• Expansion aims to improve freight efficiency and reduce transport costs.

• Projects expected to enhance network integration and regional logistics role.

why it matters?
Railway expansion using domestic capacity supports freight efficiency and corridor integration. It aligns with Ethiopia’s strategy to strengthen logistics competitiveness and regional trade positioning.

• Geological survey identified 81 million tonnes of coal in Southern Ethiopia.

• Survey conducted by Ethiopian Geological Survey.

• Deposit located in Southern Ethiopia Regional State.

• Coal resource classified based on geological assessment data.

• Findings add to Ethiopia’s domestic mineral resource base.

• Survey forms part of national mineral exploration program.

• Authority indicated potential for industrial and energy sector use.

why it matters?
The 81 million tonne coal discovery increases Ethiopia’s documented mineral reserves. It provides additional domestic resource data for energy and industrial planning.

• Ethiopian Petroleum and Energy Authority implemented a revised fuel market share framework.

• Framework reallocates fuel volumes based on verified sales performance.

• Companies required to submit audited fuel sales and operational data.

• Allocation linked to actual station activity and distribution capacity.

• Authority aims to address fuel diversion and illegal trading practices.

• Revised system applies to oil marketing companies operating nationwide.

• Implementation follows sector compliance monitoring and data verification measures.

• Authority stated the framework supports regulated fuel distribution.

why it matters?
The revised allocation system ties fuel supply to verified sales data. Oil marketing companies must align reporting and operations with compliance requirements. This affects fuel distribution volumes across Ethiopia.

• Tigray Trade and Export Agency said fuel supply to Tigray has been completely cut off since January.

• The agency reported no fuel deliveries have entered the region for over one month.

• fuel inflows decreased from around 5.2 million litres in May to just about 2.09 million litres in June, indicating a sharp contraction. 

• Public and private vehicles face operational disruptions due to supply halt.

• Businesses dependent on fuel report constrained activity.

• Agency called for restoration of fuel distribution to the region.

Why it matters?

• Disrupts trade flows and regional supply chains.

• Increases operating costs for transport and logistics businesses.

• Adds pressure on local markets and essential service delivery.

• M-Pesa Ethiopia and Gebeya Inc launched the “Dala AI Bundle” in Ethiopia.

• The bundle integrates AI-powered digital services with M-Pesa’s mobile money platform.

• Dala AI provides business tools for digital marketing, customer engagement, and analytics.

• The service targets SMEs and digital entrepreneurs using M-Pesa payments.

• The partnership aims to expand digital commerce and AI adoption in Ethiopia.

• Launch supports broader fintech and digital transformation initiatives in the market.

Why it matters?

• Expands AI-enabled services for Ethiopian SMEs.

• Strengthens M-Pesa ecosystem beyond payments into business tools.

• Supports digital economy growth and local tech sector development.