Michael Spence (PhD)The recent revelation that more than 50 million Facebook profiles were harvested by app and given to political consultancy Cambridge Analytica has produced a backlash against the platform. But it is just the latest example of the risks associated with the Internet, which forms the core of today’s digital revolution.
Samson BerhaneIs the Youth Fund a viable solution to tackle unemployment?
Youth unemployment has been a pressing issue for the government of Ethiopia for a long time, but at no other time has it become such an issue of national concern. The glut of graduates from rapidly spreading higher education institutions, coupled with the lack of jobs in both rural and urban areas has contributed to the rising political instability in all regions, leading to injury, property destruction and even death. To try and address the problem, the President of Ethiopia, Mulatu Teshome, (PhD) announced an ETB 10 billion revolving youth fund to help youths create their own opportunities. However, the administration and disbursement of the fund has not been as expected in Addis. EBR’s Samson Berhane looks at the reasons behind the underperformance.
Ashenafi EndaleCan Ethiopia Eradicate Malaria By 2030?
Malaria has been a long reaching challenge for Ethiopia. The state of Afar is one of the areas affected by malaria. About 28Pct of the population of Afar is currently infected with a mosquito-borne infectious disease. To avert the situation, a campaign launched by USAID has been streamlining the distribution of bed nets to at-risk areas including Afar. Other campaigns have also been putting a dent in the prevalence and spread of malaria in the country. However, the fight against the disease is still far from over, as EBR’s Ashenafi Endale reports.
The Dilemma Behind Investment Incentives
Many emerging economies like Ethiopia use tax incentives to offset hindrances in the general tax system and as a counterbalance to disadvantages that investors may face. This includes bureaucracies, a weak administration and lack of infrastructure. However, the benefits of such a system have always been questioned by scholars. In Ethiopia’s case, many organizations, including the IMF, have indicated that generous tax exemptions and incentive packages for local and foreign investors present a major challenge to the country’s tax administration system. Just in the first half of the current financial year, over ETB34.2 billion was relinquished to beneficiaries under the duty free scheme, accounting for 37Pct of the nation’s tax revenues. While the figure is mounting year after year, various institutions such as the Federal Ethics and Anti Corruption Commission are signaling incentives’ exposure to misappropriation and corruption. Meanwhile, the government is attempting to enforce proper usage of incentives, and has established a separate office to handle such privileges and prevent abuses, as Ashenafi Endale, EBR’s Staff Writer report.
Sahelu ShegereDemocratic governance is instrumental in delivering economic, social, scientific, technological, and cultural progress. Through generations of political stability the defining hallmark of which is equality, rule of law, and accountability, democratic governance speeds up development even more. No other systems were or could be able to deliver this.
Menna AsratRedevelopment activities damaging historical heritages in Addis Ababa
The rapid redevelopment undertakings of the city of Addis Ababa have caused many to question the steps being taken to preserve cultural heritage sites. The recent demolition of Ras Abebe Aregai’s residences near Adwa Bridge and many others heritages wiped out from the city’s new map are only some of the demonstration for the extent of damage. EBR’s Menna Asrat investigates how the city administration plans to preserve Addis Ababa’s architectural and historical stories.
Otaviano CanutoIn emerging markets, manufacturing has historically been a source of productivity, growth, and jobs. Since the 1950s, industrialization has kept economies in Latin America, Asia, and Eastern Europe on a steady glide toward higher stages of development.
Makeda LeikunThroughout history, it has become apparent that women have been overlooked by society, whether they were considered the possession of their husbands and fathers, or being denied a voice in the society they are part of. In the 19th and early 20th centuries women sought to fight for the rights they deserve. This movement, also referred to as the first wave of feminism, mainly focused on the right to vote. The second wave (1963- 1980’s) movement tackled the issue of patriarchal society. This phase was considered to include only middle income white women.
From traditional small producers who sell their products in shops in Shiro Meda to international fashion designers, the traditions and patterns associated with Ethiopian traditional garments are making their mark all over the world. However, between fluctuating foreign exchange rates, and the unstable cotton market, some producers and sellers are finding themselves crowded out of the market. The age-old techniques of weaving traditional clothing are competing with modern machine woven textiles, cheaper imported fabrics, and a shrinking number of people willing to learn the craft. EBR’s Menna Asrat reports.
Abiy WendifrawDedebits Successful President Aspires EFF Leadership
The story of football in Ethiopia has had many twists and turns. Many people have passed through and left their mark on the sport, including some like Awol Abdurehim (Col.). After establishing and successfully managing Dedebit Football Club, he is now one of the candidates for the leadership of the Ethiopian Football Federation (EFF). The embattled organisation has postponed the election six times since October 2017. EBR’s Abiy Wendifraw explores the career of the sporting giant.
