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A digital training initiative is helping young Ethiopians turn freelancing into a viable career, opening up new opportunities for income, independence and access to global work.

Ethiopia is emerging as a strong contender in the global freelance economy. With more than 200,000 science graduates each year, expanding internet access, and some of the most competitive labour costs in Africa, the country has the conditions to scale remote work. Supported by digital payment reforms and a national taskforce focused on freelancing, the country is working to turn its digital talent into a driver of economic growth.

Until recently, however, few young people had access to structured support or training to help them enter the freelance market. That’s starting to change. A recent Digital Freelancing Training Programme trained 353 participants – 186 women and 167 men – in how to build sustainable careers as freelancers and access the global gig economy. The training covered everything from financial planning and personal branding to project management and securing online clients. The training was supported by the Netherlands Trust Fund V (NTF V) Ethiopia Tech project at the International Trade Centre (ITC).

From employment to independence

Nardos Seifu, a design and research strategist based in Addis Ababa, joined the programme after seeing a post on social media. Her work focuses on human-centred design, innovation, and facilitating learning experiences. She had long been interested in consulting but didn’t know how to position herself as a freelancer.

‘I had the skills, but I didn’t know how to offer them as a service,’ she said. ‘The training explained how freelancing works, including how to price your time, promote yourself, and manage your work professionally.’

Since completing the course, she has formalized a tutoring side job and is applying for remote design consulting roles. She credits the financial planning sessions for helping her organise her income and time and is using platforms like LinkedIn and Facebook to grow her visibility.

‘I’ve always wanted to open a design studio that trains young people in design thinking. Now I feel like that’s possible.’

Adapting to local realities

The training was delivered online through weekly webinars, practical guides and interactive sessions. Internet access was a challenge for some participants, particularly outside Addis Ababa, so the team used multiple channels, including Telegram, SMS and email, to keep learners engaged.

A key resource was the Become a Freelancer Checklist, a step-by-step guide to setting goals, building online profiles, and managing client work. Enquanhone also authored a companion eBook, Become an Online Freelancer, which covers everything from branding and pricing to productivity and digital tools.

Turning lessons into action

Participants were encouraged to apply what they learnt immediately. For Seifu, that meant tracking tutoring hours, setting a consistent hourly rate, and using scheduling tools to stay on top of her workload.

‘We were taught to treat freelancing like a business,’ she said. ‘That means knowing your value, being organised, and communicating clearly.’

The programme also introduced tools for building an online presence. Nardos, previously hesitant about platforms like TikTok, is now using it to share insights and reach new audiences. ‘There are a lot of tools out there. The programme helped me figure out which ones matter and how to use them.’

Following the training, many participants began applying their new skills immediately. A total of 148 entrepreneurs – including 63 women and 137 young people – have enhanced their ability to work as freelancers as a result of gaining practical tools to manage clients, projects and income streams. Of those trained, 87 participants (35 women and 81 youth) secured new jobs, demonstrating the programme’s early success in improving employability and access to income-generating opportunities.

Growing a freelance community

Participants came from diverse sectors – including marketing, development, and tech – and peer learning was a core part of the experience.

‘We were learning from each other,’ said Seifu. ‘We talked about our goals and shared what was working.’

Still, Ethiopia’s freelance ecosystem is young. Seifu noted the lack of local networks or co-working spaces for freelancers. A Telegram group created through the programme helps alumni stay in touch and share opportunities, but participants see the need for more structured, long-term support.

A model for future growth

The early results are promising. Graduates are putting their new skills into practice and exploring new income streams. But to sustain progress, Ethiopia will need to invest in ongoing mentorship, stronger digital infrastructure and formal recognition of the freelance sector.

‘This training was a starting point,’ said Enquanhone. ‘Now we need to expand access, build networks and make freelancing a respected path to employment.’

With the right support, Ethiopia’s freelancers could help shape the country’s digital economy and become a model for others across the continent.

A model for future growth

The early results are promising. Graduates are putting their new skills into practice and exploring new income streams. But to sustain progress, Ethiopia will need to invest in ongoing mentorship, stronger digital infrastructure and formal recognition of the freelance sector.

‘This training was a starting point,’ said Enquanhone. ‘Now we need to expand access, build networks and make freelancing a respected path to employment.’

With the right support, Ethiopia’s freelancers could help shape the country’s digital economy and become a model for others across the continent.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of International Trade Centre.

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The Ministry of Finance Planning and Economic Development has unveiled a Shs72.136 trillion national budget for the 2025/2026 financial year, setting its sights on transforming every corner of the country into a hub of commercial activity.

Presented by Finance Minister Matia Kasaija at the Kololo Ceremonial Grounds on Thursday, 12 June, 2025, the budget signals a strong shift towards full monetisation of Uganda’s economy, underpinned by commercial agriculture, industrialisation, digital transformation, and expanded access to markets.

Speaking against the backdrop of a rapidly growing economy, Kasaija painted a picture of a Uganda ready to transition from resilience to acceleration.

“The budget for next financial year, and over the medium term, is focused on people and wealth creation,” he said.

Consequently, the theme of the financial year 2025/26 is: “Full Monetisation of Uganda’s Economy through Commercial Agriculture, Industrialisation, Expanding and Broadening Services, Digital Transformation and Market Access.’”

The Shs72.3 trillion resource envelope represents one of the largest in Uganda’s history, with domestic revenue expected to contribute Shs37.2 trillion, roughly 60 percent of the total. The rest will be financed through borrowing and grants. The budget deficit is estimated at 7.6 percent of GDP.

But Kasaija reassured Ugandans, stating that the government had a clear strategy to enhance domestic revenue mobilisation, widen the tax base, and strengthen tax administration.

“Government plans to collect Shs37.2 trillion in domestic revenue next financial year,” he said, adding that focus would be placed on tackling smuggling, corruption at Uganda Revenue Authority (URA), and leveraging digital tools like the Electronic Fiscal Receipting and Invoicing System to plug leakages.

Priority sectors such as health, education, agriculture, infrastructure, and tourism received large shares of the allocation.

Healthcare emerged as a major beneficiary, with Shs5.87 trillion earmarked for next year. Kasaija detailed plans to functionalise Health Centre IVs, scale up e-health systems, and expand emergency medical services. He said the government had already delivered 20 digital X-ray machines and installed CT scanners in 14 out of 16 regional referral hospitals.

“We are strengthening the National Ambulance and Emergency Care System,” he added.

In education, the Minister allocated Shs5.04 trillion to support Universal Primary and Secondary Education, student loans, the construction of new seed schools, and improvements in teacher recruitment and digital inspections.

Kasaija also confirmed the upcoming operationalisation of Bunyoro and Busoga universities, as well as continued investment in sports infrastructure ahead of African Champions Cup (CHAN) and African Cup of Nation (AFCON 2027).

“In order to improve compliance with quality standards, Government digitised school inspections in all public schools and TVET institutions,” he said.

Wealth creation programmes, a lifeline for millions of Ugandans received renewed commitment, with Shs2.43 trillion directed towards the Parish Development Model (PDM), Emyooga, the Uganda Development Bank (UDB), and other grassroots economic empowerment initiatives.

Kasaija said the PDM alone would receive Shs .059 trillion in FY2025/2026, ensuring every parish continues to receive Shs100 million annually.

“These investments are changing the lives of Ugandans by boosting household incomes, enhancing food security and creating employment opportunities,” he noted.

He revealed that over 2.6 million Ugandans have already benefited from PDM funds, with investments spanning food crops, livestock, poultry, and microenterprises. To enhance efficiency and eliminate corruption, PDM operations have been fully digitised, using systems such as the WENDI and ZAIDI apps.

On the industrial and agricultural front, the government committed Shs1.86 trillion to agro-industrialisation. This includes funding for agricultural research, irrigation schemes, fertilisers, extension services, and value addition. Kasaija highlighted the completion of 145 solar-powered irrigation schemes and the ongoing construction of 157 more.

He singled out the Agricultural Credit Facility, now worth over Shs1 trillion in disbursements, as a key driver of agricultural transformation.

“I have provided additional capital of Shs50 billion to the Agricultural Credit Facility next financial year, in addition to insurance that benefits all farmers including PDM beneficiaries.”

Uganda’s industrial and energy ambitions were also prominently featured, with Kasaija announcing an allocation of Shs875.8 billion for mineral-based industrial development and oil and gas. The East African Crude Oil Pipeline is now 58 percent complete, and an agreement has been signed for the construction of a 60,000-barrel-per-day oil refinery. Once oil production starts in 2026, government expects annual revenues of US$1 to 2.5 billion.

“Uganda currently saves up to US$72.8 million annually on fuel imports,” Kasaija said, citing the impact of the Uganda National Oil Company’s direct importation of petroleum products, which eliminated middlemen and reduced speculative pricing.

Tourism, another pillar of the economy, was allocated Shs430 billion, with an additional Shs2.2 trillion indirectly supporting tourism infrastructure such as roads, ICT, and security.

The government aims to position Uganda as a competitive MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) destination in Africa, following recent successes. “Uganda now ranks 7th in Africa in MICE tourism,” Kasaija stated.

Even as he celebrated Uganda’s achievements, such as coffee exports surging past US$1.83 billion and tourism earnings reaching US$1.52 billion, Kasaija called on Ugandans to embrace value addition and export diversification.

“While it took the country more than a century to reach US$1 billion in annual coffee export earnings, it has taken just one year to double these earnings,” he said. “I therefore implore Ugandans to grow more coffee and, most importantly, add value to our coffee before we export it.”

AUDIO: Minister Kasaija

Kasaija expressed confidence in the direction the country is taking. With projected economic growth of 7 percent in FY2025/2026 and a GDP per capita increase to US$1,324, Uganda is moving steadily towards middle-income status.

“The necessary foundation has already been established, the speed of economic transformation is destined to be faster in the medium term.” Kasaija concluded.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Parliament of the Republic of Uganda.

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The Select Committee on Education, Sciences and the Creative Industries has called on the provincial Department of Education in the Eastern Cape to proactively determine infrastructure damage and the number of learners affected by the weekend floods.

The Chairperson of the committee, Mr Makhi Feni, said the floods happened just when mid-year exams were in full swing and children should be allowed access once schools have been thoroughly cleaned.

The committee sends its heartfelt condolences to families and friends of the deceased. “It hurts to realise that no circuit or district decision was made with regards to closure of schools on Monday when warning of two cold fronts across the country had been issued by SA Weather Service. This calls for proper and proactive leadership from circuit level right up to the province.”

The provincial government revised the number of the deceased due to floods to be around 49. A number of young learners were affected when their school transport was swept away by the floods.

Mr Feni said the Department of Education must attend to school infrastructure and the cleaning of affected schools. “Parents should be bold and refuse with their children when these kinds of warnings are issued. We want empowered parents who are aware of their surroundings and the debates around such matters as the climate change and its impact. But young children cannot make these decisions.”

Mr Feni said if children writing exams were from the impacted schools they should be provided with all the support they need, including catching up of the lost day. “But before children are allowed back in schools those should be allowed only once the schools had been thoroughly cleaned and are conducive to learning.”

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Republic of South Africa: The Parliament.

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The Portfolio Committee on Planning Monitoring and Evaluation adopted its budget vote for the Department of Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation (DPME), Statistics South Africa (Stats SA), and Brand South Africa for the 2025/26 financial year.

The Chairperson of the committee, Ms Teliswa Mgweba, said the committee focussed on the alignment of the budgets with the government’s strategic priorities as outlined in the State of the Nation Address and the Medium-Term Development Plan (MTDP) 2024-2029.

The DPME has been allocated R509.1 million for the 2025/26 financial year. The budget supports five key outcomes, including improved governance, better utilisation of evidence in decision-making and increased stakeholder engagement.

Ms Mgweba said the committee is concerned about the absence of a legislative framework clearly defining the DPME’s mandate. The committee urged the department to develop this framework to clarify its functions and improve intergovernmental relations. Furthermore, the committee highlighted the need for a robust oversight model to ensure compliance among national departments. The DPME must establish clear criteria for assessing the viability of action plans submitted by other departments.

In the case of STATS SA, the department has been allocated a budget of R2.77 billion for the 2025/26 financial year. The department aims to protect the quality of statistical information, implement a continuous population survey and modernise its business operating model. The committee recognises the importance of leveraging technology and alternative data sources to enhance statistical outputs.

The committee expressed its discomfort with the high vacancy rate within Stats SA which is a challenge. The committee calls for a strategic plan to address staffing needs to ensure inclusivity and representation of individuals with disabilities and women. Furthermore, the committee is concerned about the adequacy of data collection methods and emphasised the need for improved accuracy and granularity in the data produced, particularly concerning marginalised groups.

Brand South Africa has been allocated a budget of R235.2 million for the 2025/26 financial year. This budget is vital for managing South Africa’s national brand and improving the country’s global reputation. The committee has emphasised the need for collaboration with public and private sectors to ensure a unified message about South Africa’s identity and values.

The implementation of a digital transformation strategy is crucial for enhancing data-driven decision-making and operational efficiencies. The committee encourages Brand South Africa to leverage research and analytics to inform communication strategies.

The committee will continue to monitor the implementation of these budgets closely and engage with relevant stakeholders to ensure alignment with national priorities. The three reports were adopted with recommendations and amendments.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Republic of South Africa: The Parliament.

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The Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs, Dr Zweli Mkhize, has noted with sadness the severe flooding that has left 49 people dead so far and others without homes as flood waters washed away houses and destroyed road infrastructure in the Eastern Cape.

According to media reports, the disruptive rains, strong winds and snowfall that have hit the province hard started on Monday. Schooling has been suspended in the affected areas and some 58 schools have been damaged in the OR Tambo coastal area, Amathole East and Alfred Nzo West, the most affected areas in the province.

The bodies of four children, a driver and a conductor who were on a bus that was carried away in flood waters as it was crossing a bridge near Mthatha on Tuesday morning are among those that have been recovered.

Dr Mkhize said the committee calls for assistance from all those who are able to assist the families affected by floods in the Eastern Cape, particularly in the worst affected districts. Dr Mkhize said disasters of this nature are not new, they come and go, even this one is certainly going to pass. “We note its catastrophic consequences with broken hearts, however,” emphasised Dr Mkhize.

He said the committee extends its heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families and relatives of those who passed away as a result of the floods. “We are with you in this very difficult and heavy time of loss of the loved ones. May their souls rest in eternal peace.” As floods continue, according to media reports, the number of victims may rise.

KwaZulu-Natal also experienced flooding and at least 68 schools across nine districts in KZN have been damaged, although no fatalities have been recorded according to media reports. The committee has noted reports of injuries arising from damage to houses and other infrastructure in parts of KZN in the past few days as a result of adverse weather conditions.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Republic of South Africa: The Parliament.

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At cabinet meeting on June 13, 2025, the Government of Japan decided to revise the Implementation Plan for the International Peace Cooperation Assignments in South Sudan to extend its period, in light of the significance of continuing contribution toward the international peace and security.

1. Japan has dispatched JGSDF personnel as staff officers to the headquarters of the United Nations Mission in the Republic of South Sudan (UNMISS) since November 2011 and 4 staff officers are currently in charge of planning and coordination in areas of logistics, information, engineering, and air operations at UNMISS HQs in Juba.
   Regarding Deputy Chief of Staff (jurisdiction over Personnel, Training, Evaluation) and his Personal Assistant who had been additionally dispatched since May 2024, they recently returned home after completion of their one-year mission tour, based on the United Nations Secretariat’s policy to rotate the dispatching country every year through selection.
   Also, regarding Information Officer who is originally tasked to data collection and database maintenance, we have decided to add information analysis as his duty responsibility based on the request from UNMISS.

   On May 8, 2025, the United Nations Security Council adopted resolution 2779 (2025), which extended the mandate of UNMISS until April 30, 2026, following the adoption of resolution 2778(2025) on April 30 this year which had extended its mandate till May 9.

   UNMISS is the only UN peacekeeping operation to which Japan currently deploys its personnel. And the dispatch of staff officers to UNMISS is intended to support the progress of the peace process in South Sudan together with the international community. From the perspective of maintaining and strengthening close engagement with the United Nations, cooperation with African countries in the vicinity of South Sudan and ensuring opportunities for human resource development, the dispatch is meaningful.

2. The main point of revision is as follows.
   1. Period of the Implementation Plan
      ・Current: till 30 June 2025
      ・After Revision: till 30 June 2026
   2. Change in number of dispatching officers and modifications to their duties

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan.

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The Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Basic Education, Ms Joy Maimela, has expressed her profound sadness and concern following the devastating floods in the Eastern Cape province, which have led to significant loss of life, displacement and widespread damage to infrastructure, including critical school facilities and scholar transport.

The committee is particularly heartbroken by the tragic incident in which a scholar transport minibus, carrying learners, was swept away by raging floodwaters near Mthatha. “We extend our deepest condolences to the families and communities who have lost their loved ones in this unimaginable tragedy. Our thoughts are with those who are still searching for missing children and adults,” said Ms Maimela.

“This is a national tragedy that has deeply impacted our education sector. The reports of learners being caught in these devastating floods underscore the urgent need for robust disaster preparedness and response mechanisms, particularly as they relate to the safety and wellbeing of our children. This disruption to schooling, coupled with the tragic loss of life, presents an immense challenge to the provincial education system.”

Ms Maimela said the committee calls on the authorities to prioritise search and rescue operations and to ensure all available resources are deployed to continue the search for missing individuals, to provide psycho-social support to learners, educators and families impacted by this disaster and to assess and repair school infrastructure to minimise disruption to learning.

On Tuesday, a 22-seater scholar transport minibus was swept off the R61, carrying 13 learners, two other passengers and the driver. Search and rescue operation are ongoing and several learners are still unaccounted for.

“We pray with you that our young learners and all those impacted by the floods will be found safe and sound. Furthermore, we call on all to take extra precautions with our precious cargo during this rainy season,” emphasised Ms Maimela.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Republic of South Africa: The Parliament.

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Eye surgery was successfully conducted on over 200 patients at Assab Hospital in the Southern Red Sea Region from 4 to 10 June. The program was conducted in collaboration between the Ministry of Health’s regional branch and Birhan Aini Hospital in Asmara.

Dr. Eyob Beyene, an eye surgery expert and program coordinator, stated that this initiative was a continuation of similar surgeries previously held in the Northern Red Sea Region. He added that surgery performed on 10 children was particularly successful and unique.

Nurse Gebre Hailemicael, head of eye treatment at Assab Hospital, explained that a survey had been conducted on 3,000 citizens across four sub-zones and 52 villages prior to the surgeries. He highlighted that the program was successfully implemented and noted that other patients received medicines and eyeglasses.

The beneficiaries expressed their gratitude for the opportunity provided.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Ministry of Information, Eritrea.

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The warning comes amidst increased violence and a worsening food security condition which has 11 out of 13 counties in the state facing emergency levels of hunger and 32,000 of these inhabitants facing catastrophic level hunger conditions, almost three times previous estimates.

“We are seeing the devastating impact conflict has on food security in South Sudan,” said Mary-Ellen McGroarty, Country Director for the World Food Programme (WFP) in South Sudan.

“Conflict doesn’t just destroy homes and livelihoods, it tears communities apart, cuts off access to markets, and sends food prices spiralling upward,” Ms. McGroarty said.

Country-wide hunger

In total, 7.7 million people across South Sudan will face acute food insecurity, accounting for over half of the entire population. Additionally, 2.3 million children in South Sudan face malnutrition, a rise from 2.1 million at the beginning of the year. 

FAO expects these numbers to increase as the country prepares to enter the lean and wet season which will further diminish food supplies and potentially worsen displacement.

The agency did note that counties in which violence has been largely absent have seen improvements in food insecurity as a result of increased crop production and humanitarian efforts. However, hunger continues.

Despite such ongoing challenges, Meshack Malo, the country representative of FAO in South Sudan, said that these results are proof of the “dividends of peace.”

Descent into conflict

South Sudan, the world’s youngest country, gained independence in 2011 and immediately fell into a brutal and devastating civil war which ultimately ended in 2018 thanks to a peace agreement between political rivals which has largely held.

However, recent political tensions and increased violent attacks, especially in the Upper Nile State, threaten to unravel the peace agreement and plunge the nation back into conflict.

“South Sudan cannot afford to sink into conflict at this point in time. It will plunge already vulnerable communities into severe food insecurity, leading to widespread hunger,” said Meshack Malo, Country Representative of FAO in South Sudan.

Humanitarian difficulties

FAO said that humanitarian access must be improved in order to address the worsening hunger situation.

The FAO report also emphasized that peace and capacity building is the only sustainable solution for food insecurity in South Sudan.

“Long-term peace is essential, but right now, it is critical our teams are able to access and safely distribute food to families caught in conflict in Upper Nile, to bring them back from the brink and prevent famine,” said Ms. McGroarty.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of UN News.

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World Food Safety Day is a global event observed annually on June 7. This year’s national celebration was held at Adi-Hawesha Resort in the Central Region under the theme “Food Safety: Science in Action.” The event aimed to explore the latest advancements in food safety and promote responsible food handling practices. It was attended by more than 85 participants, including the Minister of Health, senior officials from the Ministries of Agriculture and Health, representatives of the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and World Health Organization (WHO), experts from various relevant Government and non-governmental organizations, academia, food processors, and representatives of farmers.

Mr. Tekleab Mesghena, in his keynote speech, emphasized the importance of science in ensuring the safety and quality of food products. He highlighted the critical role of research and development in advancing food safety. Mr. Tekleab stated that the Ministry of Agriculture is working diligently to modernize its food-related regulatory services by establishing quarantine stations at various entry points, reinforcing inspection services, and promoting public awareness, particularly among food processors, through good manufacturing and agricultural practices. In his concluding remarks, Mr. Tekleab stressed on the need for a national food control system and policy to integrate the efforts of various ministries and institutions.

Mr. Sium Teame, representing the FAO, underscored that food is not a luxury but a fundamental human right. He noted that every year, 600 million people fall ill due to contaminated food, and emphasized the role of science not merely as an academic pursuit but as a practical, powerful tool. Scientific research and innovation, he said, are essential for identifying and controlling foodborne hazards, improving hygiene and safety practices throughout the food chain, establishing international standards based on risk assessments, and responding swiftly to emerging threats.

Dr. Nonso Ejiofor, representing the WHO, added that this year’s theme highlights the essential role of scientific knowledge in guiding effective food safety practices. He stressed the importance of research, innovation, data, and appropriate technologies in identifying risks, reducing illness, saving lives, and cutting costs along the entire food chain.

A panel discussion was also held under the theme of the day, featuring experts and representatives from food processing industries. The panelists discussed recent advancements in food safety research, including the use of precision agriculture to improve health outcomes and reduce food waste.

During the event,six papers regarding Food Handling and Hygiene Practices; Food Expiration: Administrative, Regulatory, and Safety Implications;Effect of Processing on Heavy Metal Content in Selected Leaf Vegetables Cultivated in Asmara; Environmental Safety of Food Safety; The Role of Science in Food Safety were presented by representatives from Ministry of Agriculture, Ministry of Health, Ministry of Land, water and Environment, Hamelmalo College of Agricultural and Mai-Nefhi College of Science.

Participants engaged in extensive discussions on the papers and adopted various recommendations. These included the need for collaboration among all relevant stakeholders, the integration of scientific methods in food safety, improved identification of food sources, and enhanced public awareness on food preparation and safety.

Short videos highlighting national and international efforts related to food safety were also screened during the event.

World Food Safety Day is being marked for the 7th time globally and the 3rd time at the national level.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Ministry of Information, Eritrea.