Ethiopian Business Review – Page 7 – Ethiopian Business Review

Global Innovation Initiative Group (GIIG). Africa, a catalyst for innovation across the African continent, is at the forefront of driving transformative initiatives such as the Global Startup Awards Africa, the GIIG Africa Foundation, and the GIIG Africa Fund. In an interview with EBR, the co-founder of GIIG Africa, Jo Griffiths, shares valuable insights on fostering collaboration between startups, investors, and government stakeholders, shedding light on the journey of GIIG Africa in empowering emerging startup nations and shaping a global Africa driven by innovation. EBR had the privilege of interviewing Jo Griffiths, the co-founder of GIIG Africa, to explore the organization’s impactful initiatives and gain insights into fostering collaboration among startups, investors, and government stakeholders.

Catering to Growing Demands, Values

Ethiopia, known for its diverse cultural and religious tapestry, has recently experienced a significant surge in demand for Halal products and services. This trend reflects a growing awareness of Halal principles, particularly within the country’s substantial Muslim population, estimated at around 34%, according to various studies.

This heightened awareness presents a significant market opportunity. Businesses increasingly recognise the demand for Halal-certified products, primarily focusing on food. However, the need for Halal-certified cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, and other goods is also emerging. This rise in Halal businesses presents exciting new avenues to boost exports, paving the way for increased investment and job creation.

However, the expansion of the Halal business sector needs some help. Ethiopia needs a robust national Halal certification system and a well-defined policy and legal framework. The infrastructure and logistics to create a truly enabling environment have yet to be fully established. These shortcomings hinder export performance and erode consumer trust.

Despite these hurdles, Ethiopia’s burgeoning Halal market holds immense potential. By addressing certification limitations and fostering adherence to Halal standards, Ethiopia can strategically position itself as a significant player in the global Halal industry. This article explores the proliferation of Halal businesses in Ethiopia, examining the driving forces behind this growth, the opportunities it presents, and the challenges it faces.

The Story of Ethiopia’s Historic Mosques in Focus

Africa’s rich tapestry boasts a vibrant history and diverse cultures. Within its vast landscapes lie ancient mosques, silent sentinels whispering tales of devotion and the spread of Islam. Among these, Ethiopia holds a place of remarkable significance.

The Ethiopian Journey Towards a Truly Inclusive Economy

Over the past few decades, Ethiopia has embarked on a commendable journey towards creating a more inclusive economy. One noteworthy policy initiative has been the introduction of interest-free banking, initially offered through windows within conventional banks and later evolving into full-fledged institutions in 2020. This move has had a significant impact on the vast unbanked Muslim population in Ethiopia, fostering financial inclusion and empowering citizens who were previously excluded from the formal financial system. The impact extends far beyond the economic sphere, playing a crucial role in social empowerment and paving the way for a more equitable society.

The 2018 political shift in Ethiopia initially sparked optimism for the advancement of women’s rights. Under Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, the Ethiopian government implemented reforms that garnered global attention. Women’s representation in leadership saw a dramatic increase, with half of the ministerial positions being filled by women and women taking the helm of the presidency, the Supreme Court, and the national election board. These reforms extended to regional and local levels, fostering hope of a genuinely inclusive future for Ethiopian women.

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Africa is home to a remarkable group of top female business leaders making significant contributions and breaking barriers in various industries. These women are reshaping the continent’s economic landscape and inspiring countless others to pursue their entrepreneurial dreams. From Kenya’s Njeri Rionge, a pioneer in the IT sector, to Angola’s Isabel do Santos, the wealthiest woman in Africa, and Nigeria’s Folorunsho Alakija, a successful businesswoman in the oil and fashion industries, and Ethiopia’s Bethlehem Tilahun Alemu, a prominent entrepreneur, has emerged as one of the top female business leaders in Africa.

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Globally, women still earn an average of 23% less than men, according to the International Labour Organization. This translates to significant financial losses for women throughout their careers, impacting their ability to save for retirement, purchase homes, and support their families. In Ethiopia, the situation is even starker, with women earning only around 63 cents for every birr (37% less than) men earn for similar works in urban and worse in rural. This disparity not only limits the economic security of women but also represents a missed opportunity for the nation’s economic development. Women constitute a significant portion of the workforce and their full economic potential remains unrealized due to this imbalance. EBR delves into the reasons why closing the gender pay gap is an urgent necessity, exploring its economic and social impacts, and outlining potential solutions to achieve a more equitable future.

Arecent analysis of cost of living data by Numbeo, a renowned data and research platform, paints a concerning picture for major African cities. The report reveals the intense pressures countries across the continent face due to a surge in living expenses. Addis Ababa, Ethiopia’s central city, emerges as the most expensive city, followed by others like Harare, Johannesburg, and Cape Town.

The victory at Adwa is a significant achievement that represents Ethiopian unity. However, the virtues that historic battle — unity, freedom, equality and justice — seem to be eroding. Guzo Adwa, a movement that started in 2013, aims to bring a unique way to commemorate the sacrifice paid for freedom by our brave forefathers as they set out to defend their motherland from the yok of colonial aggression, is trying to reinvigorate the Ethiopian public through an annual journey to the battle site. EBR reprints an updated version of content published in edition 58 by an adjunct writer, Meseret Mamo, who explored how the annual service inspires Ethiopian youth to learn from the heroes of Adwa.

Ethiopia’s landlocked status has long constrained its economic growth and regional influence. While direct access to the sea offers undeniable benefits, achieving it remains a complex geopolitical puzzle. Direct access to the seaport brings enormous economic benefits for Ethiopia. It strengthens a nation’s regional and international standing, granting it a voice in maritime affairs and potentially boosting cooperation with other coastal countries and superpowers.

GIIG Africa Building Startup Nations and Shaping Africa’s Innovative Future

Proliferation of Halal Business in Ethiopia

Catering to Growing Demands, Values

Top 10 Unveiling Africa’s Islamic Legacy

The Story of Ethiopia’s Historic Mosques in Focus

Building on Progress

The Ethiopian Journey Towards a Truly Inclusive Economy

Enough is Enough Ending the Conflict is Essential for the Nation’s Very Survival

Top 10 Female Entrepreneurs (Business Leaders) in Africa

Empowerment Through Equity Closing the Gender Pay Gap

Top 10 African Cities with the highest Cost of Living

Guzo Adwa Creating a Historical Awakening

Ethiopia’s path to the sea balancing opportunity, reality