Unveiling Ethiopia’s rich tapestry of Islamic history, the Bilalul Habeshi Museum in Addis Ababa is a testament to the nation’s enduring spiritual connection with the Islamic faith. This pioneering institution transcends the Museum’s role, transforming it into a repository of invaluable relics, manuscripts, and artefacts. Visitors encounter treasures like the revered letter attributed to Prophet Muhammad addressed to King Nejashi, a symbol of the historical bond between Ethiopia and early Islam. Beyond such singular pieces, the Museum boasts a diverse collection of ancient manuscripts and a captivating array of Ethiopian Islamic cultural artefacts. The Bilalul Habeshi Museum sheds light on the long-standing relationship between Ethiopia’s unique cultural identity and the Islamic world through these objects. EBR’s Abiy Hailu visited the Museum and reflects on its significance in preserving and promoting Ethiopia’s deep-rooted connection with Islam.

Ethiopia’s Growing Interest-Free Banking Brings Transformative Change

Ethiopia’s financial sector is undergoing a significant transformation, with Islamic banking emerging as a critical driver of inclusion and economic empowerment. This surge responds directly to the substantial Muslim population’s demand for Sharia-compliant financial instruments.

Previously absent, interest-free banking gained a foothold in 2011 through designated windows within conventional banks. Recognising its immense potential, Ethiopia took a bold step in 2020, permitting full-fledged Islamic financial institutions to be established. This regulatory shift opened doors for a broader range of Sharia-compliant products, fostering financial inclusion for unbanked Ethiopians.

The impact extends beyond individual empowerment. Islamic banking principles, built on profit-sharing and risk-sharing mechanisms, encourage entrepreneurship and business growth. Interest-free banks act as catalysts for job creation and economic diversification by financing ventures based on shared success.

EBR’s Eden Teshome’s exploration delves deeper into this compelling story. Her analysis sheds light on the specific financial products offered, the reach of Islamic banking in different regions, and its measurable contribution to Ethiopia’s economic development. Examining success stories of individuals and businesses that have thrived under this evolving system will further illuminate the transformative power of Islamic banking in Ethiopia.

Expos as Catalysts for  Commerce and Cultural Exchange

As the holy month of Ramadan approaches, the anticipation for vibrant expos and bazaars celebrating this sacred time grows. These events, held in various countries worldwide, provide a unique platform for commerce, cultural exchange, and community engagement. One such event, the Ethio Ed Expo and Bazaar 2024, organized by 3E Events Pvt. Ltd., brought together manufacturers, traders, visitors, and the community at the Millennium Hall in Ethiopia. With over 100 exhibitors and a bustling crowd of more than 100,000 attendees, the expo created a lively and vibrant atmosphere where commerce and culture intertwined. Exhibitors showcased a wide array of products and services, while educational activities, competitions, and shows engaged and captivated attendees. The event served as a networking and knowledge-sharing hub for members of the business community, invited guests, media bodies, and stakeholders from Ethiopia and beyond. Beyond commerce, these expos also fostered cultural diversity and understanding, featuring cultural displays, performances by esteemed mashaikhs and Quran readers, and exhibitions that showcased the traditions, heritage, and artistic expressions of different countries and communities. These expo’s create lasting connections, promote cultural appreciation, and provide valuable insights into the latest trends and innovations. As we enter the holy month of Ramadan, let us recognize the significance of these expos in celebrating the spirit of Ramadan, where culture, commerce, and community converge, creating an unforgettable experience for all writes EBR’s Eden Teshome.

Babul Kheyer, meaning “Gate of Good,” is a charitable organisation that has significantly impacted the lives of thousands of needy individuals. Founded by Hanan Mahmuda, a compassionate and determined woman, Babul Kheyer has become a beacon of hope for the underprivileged. The organisation showcases the transformative power of unity and selfless service through its daily provision of meals, assistance to needy people, and empowerment initiatives. In this article, EBR’s Eden Teshome delve into the origins of Babul Kheyer, its remarkable achievements, and the unwavering dedication of Hanan.

The Al Nejashi Mosque, situated in Ethiopia’s northern town of Negash, holds immense historical and religious importance. Recognized as one of Africa’s earliest mosques and among the oldest globally, it bears the name of King Negash. The mosque is a powerful symbol of compassion and support, a testament to the king’s act of refuge for the early Muslim followers (Sahabah) persecuted by Mecca’s Quraysh tribe. This act led to the establishment of the first Muslim settlement in Negash. The mosque embodies Ethiopia’s warm welcome to these early Muslims and the nation’s deep-rooted historical ties to Islam.

Despite its rich heritage, the Tigray region, where Negash is located, has faced significant challenges in attracting tourists due to the recent devastating civil war and ongoing conflict. Efforts to promote tourism, including the mosque’s restoration by the Turkish government, have been hampered, EBR’s Samuel Getachew, who visited the site to compile this report, highlights.

A Legacy of Powerful Queens and Modern-Era Barriers to Women in Politics

Ethiopia presents a fascinating paradox. Its history boasts a remarkable lineage of mighty queens, exemplified by the visionary leadership of Empress Taytu in securing victory at the battle of Adwa against Italian colonizers. The story of Queen of Sheba and Empress Zewditu further paints a positive history of women as leaders in Ethiopia. Yet, despite this legacy, deep-seated cultural norms and religious beliefs often confine women to domestic roles. This, compounded by the prevalent issue of gender-based violence, creates a formidable barrier to women’s entry and advancement in the political sphere.

While Ethiopia holds a commendable position globally for women’s parliamentary representation, exceeding 40%, a closer look reveals a concerning reality. These seats are primarily filled through quotas rather than a robust system fostering organic advancement based on merit and capability. This crucial distinction exposes a fundamental flaw—quotas, while well-intentioned, often serve as a band-aid solution, failing to address the root causes of women’s underrepresentation. This approach ultimately limits women’s ability to exert genuine influence on policy formulation and decision-making processes.

EBR’s Iliyas Kifle delves into how these entrenched hurdles can be overcome. He proposes initiatives that tackle the immediate symptoms and the underlying factors perpetuating the issue.

Dr lia Tadesse’s Ministerial Legacy

A recent development has seen Dr Lia Tadesse, who has been the minister of Health for the past four years, replaced by Dr Mekedes Daba. This transition comes at a crucial moment in Ethiopia’s health system history. The past four years have seen the health system suffer from the COVID-19 pandemic and the destruction of many health facilities due to ongoing wars in different regions of the country. In what was a difficult time for the Ministry, Dr Lia’s leadership has been applauded by many. While there have been many positive strides from her tenure, there are still questions that remain unanswered. EBR’s Dr Brook Genene closely investigates the problems within the Ethiopian health system and the role the women in the leadership roles have played in navigating them.

The modern workplace, characterized by relentless demands, extended hours, and constant connectivity, is fertile ground for a sinister foe: burnout. This insidious psychosocial affliction transcends specific professions, plaguing individuals across a broad spectrum of fields. Its consequences are far-reaching, impacting not just individual performance and job satisfaction but also physical and mental health, relationships, and overall quality of life.

Burnout’s tentacles reach far and wide, manifesting in impaired job performance, absenteeism, and even presenteeism (working while unproductive). The toll on physical health is equally problematic, with research linking burnout to hypertension, heart disease, and other medical complications.

In the burgeoning landscape of Ethiopian cinema, filmmakers like Haymanot Girmay and Moges Asrat are reshaping the industry’s narrative on YouTube. Girmay, a newcomer, invested her passion and resources into her debut film “Honelgn,” delving into societal issues with a personal touch. Meanwhile, Asrat, a seasoned figure, emphasizes the delicate balance between art and profit, learning from his early challenges. Yet, Ermias Hailemichael, a stalwart in the field, expresses concern over YouTube’s impact, citing potential quality compromises and profit-centric motives. As the debate unfolds, these filmmakers highlight the need for industry criteria, fair compensation, and more significant investment to elevate Ethiopian cinema on local and global platforms. The future, they assert, lies in fostering quality content and incentivizing long-term success over short-lived gains, writes Addisu Deresse.

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.