July 2016 – Ethiopian Business Review

While private equity is a relatively new concept in Ethiopia, some investors have hit the ground running, providing local companies with capital and capacity building that are otherwise difficult to find. One such firm is Schulze Global Investment. Its CEO, Gabriel Schulze, says his investment philosophy is focused on ‘frontier markets’. According to their website, these provide unique benefits because “their growth is often driven by factors that are intrinsic to the market – such as efficiency gains from the introduction of new technologies or management techniques.” In turn, they provide greater returns and investments have a significant impact on the local economy.

On June 23, 2016, the United Kingdom’s citizens voted to leave the European Union, sparking buzz and market volatility throughout the world. However, the impact the ‘Brexit’ will have on the numerous countries that rely on aid from the UK has remained relatively silent in post-referendum conversations. This is an especially pertinent question for Ethiopia, which received just over USD432 billion in aid from the UK in 2014. EBR’s Samson Hailu explored the issue to learn more about the potential implications of Brexit and what it means for Ethiopia.

A Sector Trapped by ‘Bold’ Individuals with Limited Competence

Companies use advertising to relay messages about their products in an attempt to sell them to the public and increase market share. A study by the World Federation of Advertisers demonstrates that the practice can have a positive impact on economic growth. However, in Ethiopia, industry insiders and regulators say that the sector is plagued by a lack of professionalism and creativity, among other issues. EBR’s Tamirat Astatkie spoke with key stakeholders to learn more about the country’s growing advertising industry.

Local manufacturers face a cavalcade of challenges – foreign currency shortages, import logistics, and frequent power outages, among other things. However, a number of benefits are afforded to those who focus on exporting their goods. The underlying logic is to promote manufacturing and increase export earnings. But is this the best way forward? Some economists and local manufacturers say that a policy that focuses on the local market would benefit Ethiopia’s economy in the long run. EBR’s Ashenafi Endale spoke with industry insiders to learn more about the details of this debate and offers this report.

Food shortages are still a problem affecting millions of people living in Ethiopia. The problem is perhaps felt most acutely among children, who may suffer an inability to attain information in school due to hunger or malnourishment. A number of organisations are working to improve the situation for hundreds of thousands of school-aged children in an effort to increase educational attainment. EBR’s adjunct staff writer Meseret Mamo spoke with educators and those working to quell child hunger to learn more about the efforts to reduce its prevalence and improve educational outcomes.

Ethiopian football matches are often sites of clashes between fans and referees. This dynamic is particularly heightened during high-stakes matches for championship titles or between rival teams. Some argue that officials who preside over matches need to be better trained and equipped to deal with the fast-paced, often dangerous nature of the sport. EBR’s adjunct staff writer Abiy Wendifraw used these clashes as an opportunity to learn more about the challenges of refereeing in Ethiopia and what needs to be done to improve the profession.

The United Kingdom’s Brexit referendum has shaken equity and financial markets around the world. As in prior episodes of contagious financial turmoil, the victory of the “Leave” vote sent skittish global investors toward the usual safe havens. US Treasury bonds rose, and the dollar, Swiss franc, and yen appreciated, most markedly against sterling.

Despite the pivotal role small-scale farmers have in economic transformation, there are critics who question the viability of small farming as a way out of poverty and as a vehicle for achieving sustainable development, including the writer of the article that appeared in EBR’s 37th edition. Tsegaye Tegenu (PhD) outlines the multifaceted challenges that small farmers continue to face that undermine their potential for economic growth.

In the first part of this series, which was published in EBR’s 40th edition, I presented how and why our government fails to effectively support small businesses, especially those that prefer not to be organised under the national micro and small business development plan. In this second part, I will suggest solutions that will help reverse the current unfriendly situation.

A city’s aesthetics refers to the extent to which it is visually pleasing – especially with regard to the unity of its natural and man-made elements as well as harmony in the way buildings and infrastructure are developed. This is especially important for developing countries, many of which are undergoing rapid urbanisation through construction and infrastructure development. Aesthetics are also central to establishing creative industries – especially architecture and design – and can be influential in engendering profitable artistic industries. But is enough being done to consider visual elements in Ethiopia’s urban development? EBR’s adjunct staff writer Meseret Mamo spoke with industry insiders to learn what’s missing from the country’s urban landscape.

‘Ethiopia has come a long way and there is a lot to expect in the future.’

Brexit: What Does it Mean for Ethiopia

Advertising in Ethiopia

A Sector Trapped by ‘Bold’ Individuals with Limited Competence

Should Ethiopia Integrate Import Substitution in its Industrialisation Policy?

Tackling Malnutrition in Schools

Football Referees Face Ridicule Violence at Matches

Brexit’s Blow to Globalization

The Importance of Smallholder Farmers for Sustainable Development

How to Stop 80 Years of Unfriendliness towards Small Businesses in Ethiopia

Sustainable City Life: The Need for Integrating Aesthetic Values in Urban Settings

Arki Homes Expo being held at Millennium Hall

Tulu Kapi Signs Umbrella Agreement

Local company Wins Fintech Innovation Award