January 2016 – Page 2 – Ethiopian Business Review

For Addis Ababa residents, it’s not uncommon to witness leaking sewers or waste accumulating in open ditches throughout the city. While these issues contribute to poor aesthetics in the city, they also beget a number of public health concerns. Despite the strides Ethiopia has made in improving access to sanitation, the country fell short of the Millenium Development Goals (MDGs) that were set: improving access to 28Pct instead of the goal of 52Pct. To that end, the government is working to make the situation better, especially in Addis Ababa. EBR’s Meseret Mamo spoke with Addis Ababa residents about their experiences with poor sanitation and city officials to learn more about what’s being done to improve the livelihoods of those most affected by this public health matter.

Last December, the United Nations launched the latest of its annual landmark Human Development Reports. The report focuses on the nature of work: how the way we earn a living is being transformed by economic globalisation, new technologies, and innovations in social organisation. The outlook for developing countries, in particular, is decidedly mixed.

Ground tennis in Ethiopia dates back to the 1930s, when the first club was established in Addis Ababa. Since then, the sport has enjoyed a relatively loyal following, with a number of clubs and tournaments emerging throughout the country. Two years ago, however, the Addis Ababa Tennis Federation was banned from organising tournaments, following charges of human trafficking. After the ban, tennis enthusiasts say more should be done to promote the sport in the country, including increasing financial support. EBR’s Ashenafi Endale spoke with players and other stakeholders to learn more about the efforts to create a more robust tennis culture.

The story of the Laffer curve and three points about Ethiopia’s tax revenue

In economics, the Laffer curve is one possible representation of the relationship between rates of taxation and the resulting levels of government revenue. It postulates that no tax revenue will be raised at the extreme tax rates of 0Pct and 100Pct and that there must be at least one rate that maximises government taxation revenue. The curve is typically represented as a graph (see the figure on the following page), which starts at 0Pct tax with zero revenue, rises to a maximum rate of revenue at an intermediate rate of taxation, and then falls again to zero revenue at a 100Pct tax rate.

The Zoma Contemporary Art Centre has gained international notoriety for its unique design and decorations. But the construction of the facility isn’t the only thing that sets them apart from traditional art museums in Ethiopia – their desire to produce and promote environmentally friendly art is another unique trait that resonates with visitors. EBR’s Meseret Mamo visited the Centre to speak with the owners and hear what visitors think of their unique take on art creation and presentation.

Rising Urban Population Leads to Sanitation Woes

The Evolution of Work

After Controversy, Can Tennis Clubs in Addis Return their Former Glory?

What if Ethiopia is Taxing Too Much and Still Losing Revenue?

The story of the Laffer curve and three points about Ethiopia’s tax revenue

At Zoma Art Centre, Eco-Friendly Art Takes Shape