Party rental companies are those that rent items like decorations, utensils and cookware to individuals who are planning events like weddings, funerals, and meetings. Although a relatively new concept in Ethiopia, data demonstrates that the presence of these companies is growing rapidly. According to data from the Addis Ababa Trade Bureau, 208 rental companies were issued to business licenses within the last four years, generating ETB373 million in investment capital. Despite the growth potential in the sector, industry insiders say that difficulties accessing investment capital is hindering their growth prospects. EBR’s Fasika Tadesse spoke with those involved in the sector to learn more about this nascent industry.

With the Finalisation of Soil Fertility Mapping, Ethiopia Anticipates Increased Agricultural Productivity

For years, policy makers have been keen to improve the performance of Ethiopia’s agricultural sector in an attempt to help feed the country’s population and create surpluses that can be used as raw materials for industries. Now, leaders are looking to fertilisers to help the shortfalls facing the sector. In particular, they are creating a comprehensive map of different soil types throughout the country in an effort to identify the essential nutrients that are lacking. This information will then be used to create an atlas that can help in improving the performance of soil and thus create better crop yields. Experts say this is a step in the right direction to help Ethiopia move forward. Others, however, argue that more needs to be done in order to deal with the larger structural problems that plague farmers in the country, so that the sector can realise its full potential. EBR’s Ashenafi Endale spoke with government representatives and agricultural experts about the nuances of this issue.

Ethiopia’s film industry is quickly growing: last fiscal year the industry produced 107 films. This statistic, along with the upwardly mobile Ethiopians that are increasingly looking for leisure activities, demonstrates that there’s a great deal of growth potential for Ethiopia’s film industry. This growth is contributing to another phenomenon: the rapid construction of cinema houses. Just three years ago, there were only 11 cinemas in Addis Ababa; now, that figure is 28. Industry insiders say that these establishments are great because they provide spaces for filmmakers to showcase their works. Others, however, point to the poor quality of these facilities and are calling on the government to take more strict action in regulating them. EBR’s Meseret Mamo spoke with cinema owners, filmmakers and government representatives to learn more about the issue and offers this report.

Ethiopia has been lauded for its Productive Safety Net Programme, which was established to help alleviate economic hardships faced by families in rural areas. A new programme, the Urban Safety Net Programme, has a similar goal: to mitigate the effects of poverty in urban areas. The underlying logic of the strategy is that poverty in urban areas needs to be eradicated in order to ensure that citizens contribute more to the local economy. The measure is part of a larger effort in Ethiopia to help cities achieve their full potential – a lesson that is key for a developing country looking to move from an agrarian to a manufacturing- and service- based economy. EBR’s Ashenafi Endale takes a closer look at the government’s efforts and offers this report.

Though mobile technology has been relatively slow to come to Africa, data demonstrates that reality is quickly changing. A report by Political Feature Consultancy states that 90Pct of Africans will use mobile phones by 2017. In Ethiopia, the number of mobile phone subscribers has reached 32 million and that figure is likely to change fast, as on-going network coverage keeps growing. This has inspired several mobile phone manufacturers to establish operations in the country. The government says that this segment of the manufacturing sector is important to create jobs and save foreign currency. That is why it provides numerous incentives for companies engaged in the sector. Industry insiders, however, say foreign currency shortages and the illegal smuggling of mobile apparatuses – which controls 65Pct of the market – are threatening their operations. EBR’s Fasika Tadesse spoke with the involved parties about the promise and difficulties facing the sector.

Holiday Bazaar Organizing Fees Push Companies to Look for Alternative Venues

Ethiopian holidays are often a time when Addis Ababa’s Exhibition Centre sees much activity. The Centre often hosts large bazaars in which vendors showcase their products and other items in an attempt to promote and sell their goods. In recent years, the price of organizing such events has skyrocketed – up to ETB12.6 million for a single holiday, which is significantly up from around ETB2 million in previous years. The increased costs for such events are attributed to the large influx of companies bidding to organise such events. Five years ago, around 10 companies used to bid to organise holiday bazaars; now that number has grown to 250. Equally, the fee vendors and pay has grown for more than tenfold. Industry insiders say that the growing demand for space at these bazaars warrants the price increase, while business owners say that the increased prices are taking a toll on companies looking to showcase their goods. EBR’s Fasika Tadesse spoke with both sides to understand the debate and offers this report.

A pain or a promise of a secure future?

Just before the Parliament adjourned for recess, its members approved amendments to laws that govern the collection of pensions for public and private employees. The controversial measures were met with mixed reviews. Some were happy that the government is taking measures to ensure that workers get social security in a more equitable manner. Others, however, say that the payments are burdensome on workers and employers– and that it takes too long for workers to receive their pension payments. EBR’s Ashenafi Endale explores the issue further to learn more about the intricacies of the debate.

The Trend of Product Placement in the Ethiopian Cinema

Product placement refers to the strategic placement of a particular good, service or location in a film or television show for the purpose of advertising. The phenomenon is common in the American film industry and appears to be taking root in Ethiopia. There’s evidence to suggest that product placement, when done correctly, can prove a fruitful method for a company to advertise its products or services. However, there is also a downside to this advertising method, as it may turn away potential customers from a particular product if done in a haphazard manner. EBR’s Meseret Mamo spoke with filmmakers and advertisers about the growing trend of product placement in Ethiopia.

As Wedding Prices Rise, Couples Search for Alternatives

The inflated cost for wedding ceremonies can be intimidating for couples who may be burdened by spending large amounts of money on a one- or two-day ceremony, especially for younger couples who may not have established careers.. Some couples, however, are looking for alternatives: ways to save money but also preserve memories of their union. As a result, some couples decide to only have their photographs taken in studios and in front of outdoor landscape in traditional wedding attire in order to memorialize their marriage. EBR’s Fasika Tadesse spoke with brides and grooms who considered studio photos as a replacement of a wedding party as well as photographers about a trend that seems to be on the rise in Ethiopia.