Buying a car continues to be a daunting task in Ethiopia. Because of its unaffordability, many are forced to become commuters. Although there is hope that it would decline soon following the pledge of the government to reduce taxes on new cars, the price keeps on increasing every day. The local assemblers are also not in a position to fill the existing gap as they sell their cars for a price equal, if not higher, compared to the imported ones. The spike in the price of cars is also worsening the income inequality and implies that the value of the local currency is dwindling against the basket of major foreign currencies. EBR’s Kiya Ali reports.

Taxi-hailing services that use online-enabled platforms to connect passengers and drivers are becoming common in Addis Ababa. With the help of apps, these service providers are enabling customers to hail a cab and allow users to pay flat fare in advance, contrary to the metered taxis. The number of companies that provide such services are now six, an increase from two just three years ago. EBR’s Kiya Ali explores the progress of these companies as well as the challenges facing them.

Construction has boomed in Addis Ababa over the past decade. Shiny new high-rise blocks and shopping centers mushroomed all over the city, and the cranes dotting the skyline hint that more are on the way. Meanwhile, parks and green spaces became victim to urbanization, as private landowners and the state continuously look for space to build. Now, there are only 20 parks in the capital, which has more than four million residents and additional hundreds of thousands who go in and out of the city every day. Only 0.18Pct of Addis Ababa’s land mass is covered by parks and gardens. To improve the situation, the city administration embarked on various projects that targeted building of parks and green spaces. EBR’s Kiya Ali reports.

Excise tax contribution to the total tax revenues has been decreasing in the past decade, but this will be reversed very soon. The government is planning to increase excise tax levied on items including tobacco, alcoholic products, and vehicles. Many worry that this would bring unintended consequences, including paving a way for the illegal market to thrive, on top of exposing consumers to higher prices. EBR’s Kiya Ali delves into the subject to offer this report.

A Town Blessed by Nature Facing Modern Challenges

Located 454km from Addis Ababa in the southern part of Ethiopia, Arba Minch is home to more than quarter a million people. The town is also a habitat for various aquatic and wild animals. Because of the good climatic condition, the area is also conducive for several varieties of fruits and vegetables.
Arbaminch’s natural endowment is a great factor for the growth of tourism in the town. This has contributed for a burgeoning hospitality industry which has grown by leaps and bounds in recent years. However, mainly because of human factors, these natural resources are at risk of perishing. EBR’s Kiya Ali, who visited the naturally endowed town recently, reports.