Ashenafi Endale – Page 28 – Ethiopian Business Review

Daily queues to buy edible oil in Addis

If you rely on palm oil for cooking, you may have noticed that it’s increasingly becoming scarce throughout Ethiopia. This shortage has made the government intervene, by lifting a four-year ban on the importation of edible oils for local companies. However, some critics say that this move isn’t enough to change the situation on the ground – and that it won’t be profitable for local companies. EBR’s Ashenafi Endale spoke with experts and people involved in the industry to learn more about what can and should be done to remedy the edible oil shortfall.

A pain or a promise of a secure future?

Just before the Parliament adjourned for recess, its members approved amendments to laws that govern the collection of pensions for public and private employees. The controversial measures were met with mixed reviews. Some were happy that the government is taking measures to ensure that workers get social security in a more equitable manner. Others, however, say that the payments are burdensome on workers and employers– and that it takes too long for workers to receive their pension payments. EBR’s Ashenafi Endale explores the issue further to learn more about the intricacies of the debate.

Despite the worldwide popularity of yoga, the ancient craft has yet to catch on in Ethiopia. A few entrepreneurs are trying to change this trend. In Addis Ababa, one can find a few yoga studios and gyms that offer classes. There are even a few centers that offer training to become certified as a yoga instructor. Still, yoga practitioners argue that more work needs to be done before yoga becomes a popular activity. EBR’s Ashenafi Endale spoke with yoga instructors to learn more about the potential of its growth in Ethiopia.

Ethanol for Foreign Currency, for Environment

The Ethiopian government will for sure fall short of the goal it set to produce 181.5 million litters of bioethanol fuel by the end of the current fiscal year. So far, the country has only managed to produce 13.5 million litters of the much needed product. However, that isn’t deterring industry insiders from finding ways to produce more ethanol blended fuel, which is a ‘cleaner’ source of energy than normal fossil fuel. Ethanol blended fuel helps reduce carbon emissions from vehicle use. Ethanol is produced as a by-product of sugar cane and, according to EBR’s Ashenafi Endale, Ethiopia’s sugar industry is looking to meet the demands of the government. Still, many roadblocks stand in the way of the nation is trying to achieve its goals of using bioethanol as a means of creating a ‘green economy’.

The number of gymnasiums where people exercise has been growing exponentially in Addis Ababa. In the 200/12 fiscal year, only 29 business licenses we issued for gymnasiums – the following year, that figure rose to 103. Currently, there are 305 gyms operating in the city. Health, general well-being, and stress relief appear to be the main reasons why people decide to frequent gyms. EBR’s Ashenafi Endale spoke with gym goers and owners in order to learn about what appears to be a booming fitness sector that shows no signs of slowing down.

Newer Posts

As scarce as Hen’s Teeth

Daily queues to buy edible oil in Addis

Pension Contributions:

A pain or a promise of a secure future?

Yoga’s Slow Growth in Ethiopia

Two at a Time

Ethanol for Foreign Currency, for Environment

Gym it for Health, for Socializing