The makings of a successful football team begin long before a match– it starts with the development of a talent pipeline. Yet, Ethiopia is lacking programmes committed to developing young footballers. However, that’s changing with the emergence of places like Sewnet Bishaw ena Betesebu Youth Football Training. EBR adjunct staff writer Abiy Wendifraw spoke with football insiders to learn more about the work of the centre and how it is developing future talent.
A country’s broad money supply refers to money in its various forms – be it notes, coins, currency deposits or even credit from banks. When the supply is increased, it can have beneficial or disastrous effects, from spurring economic growth to increasing inflation to astronomical levels, which has a deleterious impact on quality of life, especially in developing countries. As Ethiopia aims to continue its path of double-digit economic growth, EBR’s Samson Hailu spoke with economists and government officials to learn more about the debates surrounding broad money supply and where it fits in to the country’s overall development aims.
Last month, automated teller machines (ATMs) throughout Ethiopia were integrated, meaning a cardholder from any bank could use any ATM to access their accounts and withdraw money. This level of technological integration is a first for Ethiopia’s growing banking sector – and a step towards creating an economy that’s less cash-dependent and one marked by greater financial inclusion.
The company at the centre of this integration is EthSwitch, the industry-owned enterprise that develops innovative, technological banking solutions. EthSwitch’s founding CEO, Bizuneh Bekele, says that integration is central to their operating philosophy – not only integrating banks but also bringing more people into the formal financial sector.
The introduction of integrated automated teller machines (ATMs) means the banking sector is aligning itself with the technological practices of more developed nations. It also represents a logistical quagmire for banks that have established vast ATM networks and now have to share them with newer ones. EBR’s Ashenafi Endale spoke with banking sector insiders to learn more about the nuances of this issue.
Supermarkets are increasing in Ethiopia’s capital. According to the Addis Ababa Trade Bureau, 331 received licenses last fiscal year – that figure is up from 175 four years prior. Market watchers say this trend makes sense, given that changes in the lifestyles of city dwellers prompts them to demand the convenience and reliability that supermarkets provide. But, as EBR’s Tamirat Astatkie reports, there may be added benefits to the proliferation of retail supermarkets in Addis Ababa.
Somaliland, while not recognised as an independent nation, recently celebrated its independence day. The country is looking to not only gain official recognition from the international community but also hopes to become a regional economic player by encouraging trade through its port in Berbera. In fact, the United Arab Emirates has agreed to help develop the port, which may encourage landlocked countries, including Ethiopia, to do business there. As a special contribution to EBR, Elias Meseret visited Hargeisa to speak with government officials about their plans to bring recognition and development to Somaliland’s economy.
Ethiopia’s population has grown by leaps and bounds in recent decades. According to United Nations (UN) estimates, the country’s population was just over 18 million in 1950 – today, that figure is around 90 million. But is this rapid growth good for Ethiopia’s overall economic development? Experts seem to be divided. In honour of the UN’s World Population Day on July 11th, EBR’s Bantayehu Demlie delved deeper into the issue to learn more about it.
Turkish Airlines is one of the biggest success stories in global aviation. In 2005, it was a regional carrier whose annual revenue was around USD2 billion, carrying 14 million passengers yearly. Today, it’s an international powerhouse, with revenues expected to reach USD12 billion this fiscal year, roughly 70 million passengers per year and nearly 300 destinations.
The company’s CEO, Temel Kotil (PhD), has been at the helm for 12 years. He credits this growth to capable employees, privatisation, and continuous expansion into new markets. EBR’s Tinbete Ermyas spoke with the ambitious leader during a trip to Ethiopia to mark the Airlines’ 10th anniversary flight to Addis Ababa. They discussed the company’s growth, plans to expand in Africa, and how the Airlines has managed during the ongoing crises in the region. The following is an excerpt.
Throughout human history, mankind has engaged in business transactions – from bartering simple goods to selling and purchasing sophisticated products and services. Governments have been one of the most visible agents in these processes. Initially, they were entrusted to create an efficient legal and regulatory framework for these exchanges to take place in a safe and fair environment. In turn, they became one of the largest financial beneficiaries of this activity – through levying taxes.
Ethiopia has Africa’s largest livestock population. The pastoralist way of life is one of the oldest socio-economic systems in Ethiopia. Pastoralism is an economic activity practiced among twenty-nine different ethnic groups in the country, constitutes about 12Pct of the total population of Ethiopia and covers 40Pct of Ethiopian land.
Abiy Wendifraw
Samson Hailu
Ashenafi Endale
Tamirat Astatkie
Eyeruse Tesfaye
Bantayehu Demlie
Tilahun Emiru
Sahelu B. Shegere
Wondwosen Michago Seide