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The document argues that ethanol has high potential as a cooking fuel in Ethiopia, particularly in urban areas, but requires regulatory reform and stronger government commitment to attract private sector investment and overcome barriers like kerosene subsidies.

The document reports that mean annual temperatures in Ethiopia have risen by 0.5 to 1.3°C since the 1960s, with a significant decrease in the frequency of cold nights. While national data is limited, trends from 1981-2000 indicate a decline in short rains (February to April) and slight increases in long rains (June to August) and late-year precipitation (October and November), posing risks to rain-fed agriculture and food security. Additionally, flood events are becoming more frequent, with major disruptions noted in 1997 and 2006.

The report examines the intersection of climate variability and development in Ethiopia, specifically focusing on how farmers and pastoralists are affected by drought and floods. It draws on research conducted by Haramaya University and government officials in the Oromiya, Afar, and Amhara Regional States to argue that climate adaptation efforts must be aligned with broader development plans to be effective.

The document argues that climate change planning in Ethiopia is under-invested and requires an approach that manages prediction uncertainty by fostering adaptive capacity. It draws on 2010-11 research conducted by Haramaya University and government officials across three Ethiopian sites to evaluate how existing interventions in social protection, sustainable livelihoods, and disaster risk management can be improved to better support vulnerable rural communities.

The document examines the multifaceted relationship between China and Ethiopia, highlighting China's significant role in infrastructure development and trade while noting the potential negative effects of outdated technology transfers and poor labour standards. It argues that while Ethiopia benefits from China's 'no-strings-attached' economic support, this approach may entrench the authoritarian nature of the Ethiopian government by providing an alternative to Western donors who condition aid on human rights and democratic progress.

Saglan Wajee General Hospital, located in Holeta Town, Oromia, is transitioning from a healthcare provider to Ethiopia's first full-fledged health insurance company after participating in FSD Africa's BimaLab Insurtech Accelerator Program. The hospital developed 'Efoy', a micro-health insurance product targeting low and middle-income families. Efoy 1.0 attracted over 1,200 customers in its first year, and the subsequent Efoy 2.0 expanded coverage for chronic patients and families, adding approximately 900 more patients. Through BimaLab, the hospital established a relationship with the National Bank of Ethiopia, leading to the issuance of a license that had been frozen for 14 years. The hospital plans to launch 'Family Medical Network' as its insurance company, expand into Addis Ababa, and integrate 130 health facilities into its network.

The document outlines systemic financing barriers in Africa, noting that climate tech start-ups, nature-based enterprises, and women entrepreneurs—particularly in Francophone West Africa—struggle to access necessary investment. It highlights that Africa receives only 6% of global biodiversity funding and that in Senegal, only 3.5% of women entrepreneurs access formal finance. A specific case study focuses on Saglan Wajee General Hospital in Ethiopia, which, supported by FSD Africa's BimaLab, launched 'Efoy', a micro-health insurance product. Efoy 1.0 attracted over 1,200 customers in its first year, and the subsequent Efoy 2.0 has reached 900 new clients, providing affordable coverage for low- and middle-income families.

The report examines Ethiopia's water-poverty nexus, highlighting that while the country has significant water resources, service provision for water supply and sanitation remains among the lowest globally. It argues that poverty reduction depends on improving rural water access, expanding small-scale irrigation, and enhancing rainwater harvesting to ensure food security. The document evaluates the Government of Ethiopia's Universal Access Programme (UAP) and the challenges of meeting Millennium Development Goals (MDGs), noting a critical need for better operation and maintenance of existing infrastructure and increased private sector involvement.