Eden Teshome – Ethiopian Business Review

As Government Unplugs Support System Too Early

Globally, no other industry has been hit as hard by the COVID pandemic as the hospitality industry has. With severe restrictions on travel, hotels shutting down, and tourist attractions deserted, the world has experienced the first disaster of its kind in decades. In Ethiopia, the hospitality industry experienced a double blow from the pandemic and a series of security challenges nationwide. As if the series of security challenges were not enough, the country plunged into war in 2020, affecting famous tourist attractions such as Lalibela and Al Nejashi Mosque. Even though the government showed a gesture of goodwill to support the industry through tax related incentives, tourism remains too broken to revive after brief painkiller measures, write EBR’s Addisu Deresse and Eden Teshome.

Even though there was a tense environment in the host country, Ethiopia, the heads of state and government of the African Union held their 36th ordinary session on February 18, 2023. The summit followed a period of heavy tension between the government of Abiy Ahmed (PhD) and the Ethiopian Orthodox Church, which even called for a national protest rally a day after the summit, if it were not for a negotiation that brought the confrontation to a resolution. As is customary, African leaders convened at the Union’s headquarters in Addis Ababa’s Lideta District to discuss how to reduce border restrictions and accelerate economic progress, among many other developments in the year 2022. In this article, EBR’s Addisu Deresse and Eden Teshome review the event and its main topic, the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).

Floors in residences, offices and other such places have seen a series of styles through the years. Until recent times, it was a mixture of cement and sand that would be used to coat most indoor floors in urbanite Ethiopia. Such floors would have been covered by other plastic sheets. For the years that followed, tiles and ceramics have dominated the fashion of coating floors in the capital. Recently, however, the use of epoxy to coat floors and kitchen tables seem to have made an entrance into the business and trend. In this article EBR’s Eden Teshome writes about the material, the trend and the business behind epoxy coatings, and its shifting global market.

The National Bank of Ethiopia (NBE) has ordered a ban on issuing letters of credit for the import of close to 40 selected goods. These include all fuel-consuming automobiles, alcoholic drinks, and cosmetics products, among many others. The decision is seen by few as a proactive move to encourage local manufacturing and exports, while others have taken it as a reactive measure in response to the nation’s dire shortage of forex reserves. Some go as far as claiming the move is an official admission of the beginning of the end for the Ethiopian economy. Regardless of which side is right, the impact of the prohibition on consumers has been rough. Prices for the embargoed commodities are only climbing as importers scramble to find new, and more expensive, ways to ship them into the country. EBR’s Eden Teshome looks into the government’s decision and what it means for the consumer.

The Ethiopian Medical Association (EMA) is a membership organization representing medical doctors registered to practice in Ethiopia. The keystone initiative undertaken by the Ethiopian Medical Association, The Annual Medical Conference and International Health Exhibition, held for the 59th consecutive year this year, will be held as a closed live/virtual hybrid event with the theme “Roles and responsibilities of professional associations, physicians, the public, and stakeholders in modern medical practice: opportunities and challenges” from March 17—18, 2023.

Trade and Fairs Group and the German Embassy brings the Made in Germany- Africa trade fair that is set to open its doors from March 2nd to 4th, 2023 in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

The trade fair will provide a platform for key African industries to enhance multilateral trade relationships. Over 2,500 Germans as well as African professionals, investors, diplomats, government personnel are expected to attend, providing a unique opportunity to discuss and refresh these major relationships. “Famous products and services specially prepared for the African market will be offered at the trade fair.” Iskandar Negasi, CEO of the organization.

Organized by Prana Events, Ethio Health Exhibition and Congress, the premier largest and comprehensive healthcare, medical, and pharma technology, inputs, and solutions international trade fair is being held for the 7th time from 23 – 25 February 2023 at the Ethiopian Skylight Hotel, Addis Ababa.

Cleft lip and/or palate (CLP) is the second most common congenital craniofacial defect worldwide, occurring in one in every 600 newborns. The rates are among the highest among countries with low and intermediate levels of income. However, many cleft repairs in these nations are still well behind schedule. Therefore, the psychosocial impacts of CLP are particularly likely to affect children with the condition. Due to social stigma, these children suffer additional obstacles to education, employment, and marriage. Children with CLP are particularly disadvantaged since CLP has negative impacts on social interaction and early learning. As a result, pursuing higher education and finding work as an adult becomes difficult.EBR’s Eden Teshome looks at how CLP affects children in Ethiopia.

The Lucrative Business Taking Workplace Aesthetics to New Heights

Fiberglass has become nearly ubiquitous over the past century as the strong, lightweight material finds use in the manufacture of everything from boats to buildings and pipes. Though a bit late to the scene, businesses in Addis Ababa are catching on to the profitability and demand involved with fiberglass. From importers and processors to schools that teach their students how to fashion versatile material into marketable products, there is a new wave of activity in the fiberglass line of business. In addition to the lucrative profit margins, fiberglass offers fresh aesthetics to homes and offices, writes EBR’s Eden Teshome.

By combining traditional wisdom with cutting-edge technology, Dashen Bank and EagleLion System Technology have reinvented Ethiopia’s traditional deferred payment buying system. The two have joined up to create Dube Ale, Ethiopia’s first “Buy-Now Pay Later” program, as a countermeasure to the infamous stopper, “dube” yelem. The Bank provides Dube Ale, a short-term financing, in association with traders and merchants. It enables society to make purchases now and pay for them in three, six, or a year’s time with or without interest.

Dube Ale is expected to boost customer base of trading partners as it enables them to render a more affordable buy now, pay latter scheme and fuel economic activities that would otherwise be constrained by consumers’ limited ability to pay upfront to buy products and services the moment they need them. With the deferred payment option brought about by Dube Ale consumption and usage will be encouraged that in turn add a boost to merchants’ turnover.

Anyone can download the Dube Ale app from the Play Store or the App Store and sign up for the service thereafter. One must visit a nearby Dashen Bank branch to obtain a spend limit and begin using the service.

The Bank previously has introduced a payment platform called Amole, which now is being used by millions of subscribers. Dashen Bank has also pioneered micro saving and credit products in collaboration with Ethio-Telecom in August, 2022. The Bank also recently unveiled a Tier-III ready data center, the first of its kind in the country’s private banking sector, along with accompanying network and security canters.

Older Posts

Tourism Remains Broken

As Government Unplugs Support System Too Early

The Hope of the African Free Trade Pact

Epoxy Floor Coating Trending as Business

Consumers Real Victims of Import Embargo

Addis Ababa set to host the 59th International Health Fair and Medical Conference

MADE IN GERMANY-AFRICA to be held in Addis Ababa

Ethiopian Health Exhibition and Congress 2023 edition, Indian pavilion

Kids Bullied for Birth Defects

Fiber Glass

The Lucrative Business Taking Workplace Aesthetics to New Heights

Dashen Bank Reinvents Credit Transaction Service Dube Ale

Arki Homes Expo being held at Millennium Hall

Tulu Kapi Signs Umbrella Agreement

Local company Wins Fintech Innovation Award