Alemayehu Gelagay’s books are known for highlighting the least visible members of society: the poor, the elderly, criminals; lifestyles he himself witnessed growing up. Now, with the release of his book “Meleyayet Mot New,” Alemayehu is turning his attention to the national level, encouraging people to look to what unites them, instead of what divides. EBR’s Ashenafi Endale sat down with the author to discuss his views on art, life, and unity.
The Confederation of African Football unanimously decided in 2017 that Ethiopia would host the CHAN (African Nations Championship) tournament, set to take place in two years. Although Ethiopia is investing a considerable amount of money in the construction of stadiums, insiders indicate that more work is needed to meet the requirements set by the CAF and to have the stadiums ready by 2020. EBR adjunct writer Abiy Wondifraw looks into the amount of headway Ethiopia has made in regards to this matter, and tries to decipher whether or not the outlook for CHAN Ethiopia, is good.
Thousands of children have been adopted from Ethiopia to various countries around the world. However, revelations from advocacy groups and adoptees themselves have sparked debate over whether inter-country adoptions should be allowed to continue. In the beginning of 2018, after a period of suspension, the government made the decision to completely close international adoptions. But the issue of whether the systems inside the country will be able to handle the care of these children has been a point of contention among those who work in child welfare and services. EBR’s Menna Asrat looks at the way forward for Ethiopia’s vulnerable children.
Hailemariam Desalegn’s political history is filled with surprises. In many ways, his journey from being born in a family of 11 in Boloso Sore in Wolayita Zone, to Prime Minister, is a story of the possibilities that Ethiopia affords. Nonetheless, his triumphs have not been short of challenges; his term was characterized by humanitarian, political and security crises. So much so that he gave up his post as the chairperson of the ruling party and Prime Minister. Yet his resignation has left a mixed legacy of achievements and failures. EBR staff writer Samson Berhane, examines.
For a long time in the history of the world, discrimination has existed against black people. In recent years, the level of discrimination seemed to ratchet up in western countries. Politics in many western nations, especially the campaign and election of Donald Trump to the US presidency, have seen a rise in racially charged rhetoric. Prejudiced speech, and controversial decisions seem to have unmasked the once-veiled racism present in nations that present themselves as tolerant and democratic.
Patients with critical illnesses are finding themselves in serious predicaments after the recurring foreign currency shortage began to affect the manufacture and import of medicines. Families are being increasingly forced to turn to unregulated informal market sources to find life-saving medicine now, even as importers and health institutions look for solutions to the problem. However, it may be easier said than done. EBR’s Ashenafi Endale explores the causes of the shortage and what awaits patients in the future.
One of the maladies the Ethiopian economy has battled over the past decade has been inflation. This economic ailment has created noticeable changes in the purchasing power of consumers. And though it was kept below double digits between July 2012 and June 2017, the past seven months has seen inflation hit the economy with renewed vigour. Headline inflation for January 2017 and February 2018 increased to 13.4Pct and 15.6Pct, respectively. To make matters worse, food price inflation soared to 18Pct in January 2017 and 20.9Pct in February 2018.
Over the past few years, leaks of documents such as the “Panama Papers” and the “Paradise Papers” have exposed the dark underbelly of globalization, and provoked indignant denunciations of tax avoidance from people around the world. Ordinary workers have no choice but to pay their taxes. But, apparently, multinational corporations and wealthy individuals can get away with paying hardly anything.
Semera, the capital city of Afar regional state is a microcosm of the region. Growing construction and rising populations are propelling the young capital into the modern age. Investment potential, natural history and other assets are pushing people towards Semera. However, there are still roadblocks ahead for the young city. The reluctance of investors, lack of foreign currency and (growth notwithstanding) a small population, threaten to slow the massive potential that the city, and the regional state as a whole, have. EBR’s Ashenafi Endale was on the scene to explore this growing hub.
The beer market is at a turning point. Its value has grown significantly to reach USD620 million during a time when consumption grew by 16Pct annually. Recently, sustained success and the changing demographics of brewery ownership have led to acquisitions and big transactions involving billions of birr in investments. BGI’s recent announcement of a record ETB4.5 billion deal to takeover Raya, the fastest growing brand in the northern parts of the country is just the latest indicator of intensified acquisition activity in the brewery industry. EBR’s Samson Berhane talked to executives, experts, officials and industry insiders, in order to shed some light on the matter.
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