Ideally, the rainy season in Ethiopia begins in June and lingers through August or mid-September. Known locally as keremt, it is during these three months that Ethiopia obtains the chief portion of its total annual rainfall – and serves as a key determinant in the country’s ability to feed its populace and prepare certain items for export.
With some minor amendments, the Income Tax Law (proclamation no 286/2002) has been operational for the last 14 years, complemented by the proclamation regulating Ethiopia’s Value Added Tax. Both proclamations were the result of measures the government took to expand the tax base and modernise the system. The purpose was to mobilise resources to fund development projects and government expenditures from domestic sources. The results have been noticeable, as the federal tax authority was able to increase tax collection drastically, with the annual amount reaching more than ETB100 billion in the just-ended budget year.
Around the world, labour markets are in disarray. Unemployment is high in many countries, especially among the young. At the same time, many companies report having trouble finding qualified workers. Record numbers of people are going into retirement, but many would prefer to work, at least part-time. Information technology has displaced workers even as it has created new jobs.
