Ethiopian farmers adopt biogas systems to improve yields and household energy
via The Reporter Ethiopia6 min read
Farmers in Ethiopia's Oromia Region, including Abebe Shewa and Shambel Semboka, are adopting biogas systems and regenerative agriculture practices to convert organic waste into fuel and fertilizer. This shift has led to improved crop yields, particularly for vegetables, and enhanced livestock production through the use of bioslurry. The initiative, which integrates waste management, energy production, and agriculture, reduces reliance on chemical fertilizers and traditional cooking methods like firewood and charcoal, thereby decreasing indoor air pollution and saving time for women. The national biogas program, launched on April 21, 2026, by Sistema.bio in partnership with SNV, aims to expand access to clean cooking energy and support sustainable agricultural practices. To date, approximately 150 biodigester systems have been installed, benefiting an estimated 600 people and resulting in an estimated reduction of 3,300 tons of carbon dioxide emissions. The program also generates local employment through installation and maintenance services. Sistema.bio, which has installed about 150,000 units globally, plans to add 30,000 more systems in Africa over the next five years. Peter Simiyau, commercial director at Sistema.bio, highlighted the use of carbon financing mechanisms and digital monitoring to support affordability and track emissions reductions. Marcus Dreng, project manager at Bridge Plus, described biodigesters as a productive input for smallholder farming, creating a c
Free daily or weekly digest of the most important stories from across 18 African countries. No spam, unsubscribe any time.
This summary was AI-generated from a story originally published by The Reporter Ethiopia.
The National Bank of Ethiopia NBE has reconfirmed its prohibition on the use, trading, and transfer of virtual assets, including cryptocurrencies, unless explicitly authorized by the NBE. The central bank issued a public notice defining virtual assets as digital representations of value that can be electronically traded, transferred, exchanged, or used for payments, investment, or similar purposes. The ban covers the purchase, sale, exchange, transfer, trading, settlement, and facilitation of transactions involving these assets without specific approval under Ethiopia's legal framework. The NBE clarified that the prohibition extends beyond just cryptocurrencies to all virtual assets. Prohibited activities include exchanging virtual assets for fiat currencies or other virtual assets, transferring them, providing custody or administrative services, and offering financial services related to their issuance or sale. The NBE warned the public against engaging in such transactions due to legal and financial risks, including fraud, scams, cyberattacks, market manipulation, and significant financial losses. This statement reiterates existing legal restrictions and does not announce new regulations or enforcement measures.
Must ReadMadagascar's capital, Antananarivo, has been gripped by a crime wave involving missing children and discovered bodies, leading to public anger. The National Police Directorate-General reported 172 disappearances since January 1, 2026, with 164 still missing and eight children found dead, 119 of these cases in the Analamanga region. This crisis has led to vigilante justice, including the lynching of a woman suspected of attempted abduction. Colonel Randrianirina, leader of the junta, has labeled the murders "terrorism" and alleged a political conspiracy without presenting evidence. His Prime Minister declared a "war" against those seeking to "undermine the Refoundation." The regime deployed 400 security personnel and blocked websites, but the conspiracy narrative lacks verifiable evidence. Civil society, trade unions, and the Catholic Church have criticized the government's response. Legal scholar Omar Abderman Ramadany warned against speculation, while the Union of Lecturers and Researchers urged authorities to take concrete action beyond declarations. The Catholic Bishops' Conference of Madagascar, through Vice-President Bishop Jean Pascal Andriantsoavina, stated they could no longer remain silent about homicides with unknown perpetrators, directly contradicting the government's claims of political conspirators. This religious opposition is part of a broader trend of disillusionment with the junta, which has seen arrests of political dissidents and a focus on consolidating p
Must ReadArtificial intelligence could boost Sub-Saharan Africa's economic output by approximately four percent over the next decade, provided governments invest significantly in electricity, internet connectivity, and digital skills, according to a recent report from the International Monetary Fund. Without these reforms, the region would see only marginal gains, with productivity increasing by as little as 0.2 percent. The IMF notes that Sub-Saharan Africa is one of the least prepared regions for widespread AI adoption, trailing every part of the world except South Asia in AI readiness. This gap is attributed to weak digital infrastructure, shortages of technical skills, and limited regulatory capacity. Reliable electricity, with about half the region lacking dependable access, and internet access, with only 38 percent of Africans using the internet in 2024, are major obstacles. The region also has limited computing infrastructure, hosting only about 160 data centers globally. Kenya and Rwanda lead East Africa in AI readiness due to strong private technology sectors and coordinated government policies, respectively. Ethiopia, however, ranks lower, despite expanding its telecommunications network. The IMF emphasizes that strengthening digital infrastructure, expanding reliable electricity access, and investing in technical education are crucial for the region to benefit economically from AI.