Council of Ministers endorses several draft bills, enacts strategies and policies

Addis Ababa, June 27, 2024 (FBC) – The Council of Ministers, during its 37^th regular session, has discussed on various draft proclamations and other bills and passed decision to enact the documents accordingly.

The Council deliberated on the draft proclamation for animal health and safety and passed decision to refer the draft bill for further scrutiny and approval by the House of Peoples Representatives. Council said the law is significant to strengthen prevention and control of diseases affecting animals and ensuring economic benefits of those who are engaged in livestock sector.

The Council also endorsed the draft proclamation on the Overseas Employment agreement signed between Ethiopia and Kuwait which is said crucial to protect the rights and safety of Ethiopian domestic workers in Kuwait. The draft bill has been transferred to the parliament for approval.

A draft bill to revise the electronic signature proclamation has also been authorized by the council and sent to parliament for approval.

Ethiopia’s Cyber security draft Policy has been enacted by the council during this regular session.

National Artificial Intelligence Policy of Ethiopia is also among the draft documents that approved by the council today. The council underscored the need to leverage the potential of Artificial Intelligence for social, political and economic benefits. It was stated that the government has given due emphasis for AI and established an institution in charge of the development of the sector.

The Council also endorsed the draft proclamation for health which is said crucial to increase access of health services among the community in line with the current progress of the sector globally. Council referred the bill to the parliament for approval.

Furthermore, the council deliberated on the draft proclamation to establish the Drug Fund and Ethiopian Pharmaceuticals Supply Service, and transferred the bill to parliament for approval.

Finally, the Council has enacted the Ethiopian Health Financing Strategy that will be effective from today onwards.