Blog – Page 47 – Ethiopian Business Review

A Growing Challenge for Ethiopia’s Workforce and Economy

Ethiopia’s rapidly growing economy presents a promising landscape, but beneath the surface lies a critical challenge: a significant mismatch between the aspirations of its young population and the realities of the job market. While the nation strives for economic diversification and job creation, societal pressures often steer students towards prestigious professions like medicine or engineering, regardless of personal interests. This misalignment leads to job dissatisfaction, reduced productivity, and increased turnover rates for companies.

EBR’s Mintesnot Nigusse delves into the stories of individuals grappling with this issue, highlighting the personal and economic consequences. He explores potential solutions, including the importance of career guidance, parental involvement, and fostering a workplace culture that prioritizes employee well-being. Addressing this mismatch is crucial for Ethiopia to harness its full economic potential and create a more fulfilling and productive workforce.

A Beacon of Excellence Driving Ethiopia’s Industrial Transformation

Since its inception in 2008, the Ethiopian Quality Award (EQA) Organization, a collaborative effort of Addis Ababa University and Walta Media and Communications, has been a unique beacon for Ethiopian businesses striving for excellence. Unlike other awards, the EQA doesn’t just hand out trophies; it rigorously evaluates companies based on international quality standards. This unique approach spurs organisations to refine their leadership, customer focus, and internal operations, leading to improved resource management, streamlined processes, and a more competitive Ethiopian business landscape.

The EQA’s impact transcends individual companies. By establishing a national benchmark for quality, it sparks a collective drive for improvement. Furthermore, the EQA plays a pivotal role in fostering a culture of continuous learning, providing a platform for businesses to share best practices and elevate the overall discourse on quality within Ethiopia. The EQA is more than an award; it’s a powerful catalyst for Ethiopian business transformation and industrial competitiveness.

The Need for Balancing Economic Interests With Rule of Law

Ethiopia’s proposed Asset Recovery Bill has sparked controversy. The bill grants broad powers to the government to seize assets suspected of being acquired through illegal activities, even without proven crimes. Critics fear the bill could be used to target political opponents and lacks sufficient due process protections. The retroactive application of the law is another primary concern. Legal experts, opposition parties, and even some public officials have raised concerns about the bill’s constitutionality. The lack of judicial oversight and the potential for abuse are significant risks experts raise. The Ethiopian government should carefully consider these concerns and prioritize upholding the rule of law. While asset forfeiture can be a tool to combat economic crime, strong safeguards are needed to prevent potential abuse. EBR’s Eden Teshome has spoken to experts and explored the experience of other countries to compile this report.

The Foreign Carriers with the Most Flights to & from Addis Ababa

Addis Ababa Bole International Airport (ADD) is the most crucial airport in Ethiopia. It is the gateway for numerous international and domestic flights in the national capital and is vital to the Ethiopian aviation industry and economy.

Ethiopian Airlines, the country’s flag carrier, has the most significant presence at the airport. However, other airlines also have a considerable presence. Plenty of other airlines service ADD from all over the world.

Singapore’s Growth Model Lessons for Ethiopia

Ethiopia’s recent delegation to Singapore has ignited national discussions about the potential for our nation to replicate the Southeast Asian nation’s economic success. While inspiration is crucial, genuine development hinges on a fundamental principle: robust national unity. Here’s how Singapore’s journey offers valuable lessons for Ethiopia’s industrialization and stability, but national unity remains the cornerstone.

Dr.-Solomon-Teferra-Battling-Substance-Use-Disorders.jpg

Substance use disorders are a significant public health concern in Ethiopia, mirroring a global trend. Complexities arising from political, social, and economic factors can push individuals into a cycle of addiction, making it difficult to break free without support. Social stigma and misunderstandings further impede help-seeking behaviour.

Despite the widespread nature of the problem, Ethiopia faces a shortage of rehabilitation facilities and qualified professionals to provide adequate treatment. While there has been a positive increase in mental health professionals in recent years, the gap in services remains substantial.

In a recent visit to Renascent Mental Health and Addiction Rehabilitation Centre, EBR’s Dr Brook Genene had the opportunity to speak with Solomon Teferra (MD,PhD), a leading figure in the field, a professor of addiction psychiatry at Addis Ababa University and the founder of Renascent to shed light on this critical issue.

Telecoms will lead the Charge, Can Banks Keep Up?

Although commercial banks in Ethiopia introduced a digital payment system some time ago, it has made considerable strides over the past few years as telecom operators with far more customer base than banks were allowed to provide the services. The expansion of the digital payment system has been challenging banks at the trial level, as it involves payment services and small credits. Commercial banks have come to a common understanding that they have already lost the retail aspect of their operations to telecoms.

The Psychosocial Impact of Forced Relocation in Addis Ababa

The Addis Ababa City Administration has undertaken several changes in the city in the past few years. Building parks and museums and renovating historical sites like Meskel Square have been part of these citywide renovations. In the past few months, the Corridor Development Project, funded by the city with an expansive 42 billion birr budget, has been taking place. The project is already uplifting the city’s image by renovating the looks of public spaces to be more glamorous. The project will raise the international standard of the town and make Addis Ababa more tourist-friendly.

While the project’s importance is acknowledged, its effect on the displaced residents without due preparations and early notice has been a hot topic. Residents in areas where the city renovation with improved public space occurred complain about needing more time to prepare and relocate. They mentioned they needed to be provided with a suitable home as a replacement. Such a rushed way of relocating residents will have a psychosocial burden on elders and even others. EBR’s Dr. Brook Genene takes a closer look at how the people have been affected.

Ethiopia’s Multifaceted Fight against Inflation

Ethiopia’s recent decline in inflation, from a staggering 33.5% in April 2023 to 23.3% in April 2024, offers a glimmer of hope for the nation’s economic stability. However, the fight against inflation remains far from over. Etsubdink Sileshi (PhD), EBR’s Economic Research & Business Intelligence Unit Director, delves into the factors that contributed to this decline and analyze the complex relationship between inflation, infrastructure development, and Ethiopia’s pursuit of rapid economic growth.

The Inspiring Return of Sports in Tigray

Due to the war in the Tigray region, sports activities were halted, resulting in significant repercussions for individuals whose livelihoods depended on sports. Tragically, some players were compelled to join the war, leading to the loss of lives and severe injuries. However, a new ray of hope has emerged for the region with the Pretoria agreement. As part of the process to return to normalcy, the resumption of sports has been prioritized. The Ethiopian Football Federation has recently announced that Tigray clubs will be able to participate in competitions starting from the following season. In light of this development, EBR’s Dr. Brook Genene examined the factors that influenced this decision and explored the profound significance of sports for the people in the region.

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Older Posts

Career Misalignment

A Growing Challenge for Ethiopia’s Workforce and Economy

Ethiopian Quality Award Organization

A Beacon of Excellence Driving Ethiopia’s Industrial Transformation

Ethiopia’s Proposed Asset Seizure Bill

The Need for Balancing Economic Interests With Rule of Law

Top 10 Foreign Carriers with the Most Flights to & From Addis Ababa

The Foreign Carriers with the Most Flights to & from Addis Ababa

Learning from the Lions

Dr. Solomon Teferra Battling Substance Use Disorders

The future of banking in Ethiopia

Telecoms will lead the Charge, Can Banks Keep Up?

Losing Community, Facing Uncertainty

The Psychosocial Impact of Forced Relocation in Addis Ababa

Beyond the Credit Cap

Ethiopia’s Multifaceted Fight against Inflation

From War to the Pitch

The Inspiring Return of Sports in Tigray