In March 2021, right after the COVID-19 lockdown and restrictive public activities ended, Canal +, a French premium television channel, announced the launch of its services in Ethiopia. The channel, launched in November 1984 and broadcasts to Metropolitan France, decided to open its office in Ethiopia. The large French TV company already had operations in Francophone countries in West Africa and identified Ethiopia as a unique market with a large, youthful population passionate about football and eager for entertainment options. However, after over three years of broadcasting, CANAL+ Ethiopia has announced that it will shut down its services. EBR’s Dr. Brook Genene takes a closer look at the operations of CANAL+ Ethiopia and the challenges faced along the way that ultimately brought its service down.

Farewell to Ethiopia’s Football Legend

Asrat Haile is one of the most prominent personalities in Ethiopian football. In a career that spanned half-century, Asrat acquired several roles as a footballer, head coach, and senior official in the Ethiopian Football Federation. Known for his sharp words and confident demeanour, Asrat has played an immense role in elevating Ethiopia’s football to the next level. He was admired by his former players and adored by the public. After spending the last couple of years struggling with an illness, Asrat sadly passed away on October 25, 2024. EBR’s Dr. Brook Genene pays tribute to one of Ethiopia’s biggest footballing heroes.

Despite boasting a majority youth population passionate about football, Ethiopia is yet to reach the heights the fans demand. Recent results of the national team are once again a reminder of how far behind the country is in its football development. One of the biggest challenges for football in Ethiopia is nurturing young talent. There needs to be more modern academies to develop youth and equip them for life as an international player. EBR’s Dr. Brook Genene looks at the challenges of youth football in Ethiopia and one academy trying to change the trend.

Mensur Abdulkeni is a renowned Ethiopian football journalist, producer, and radio host. He is the producer and football analyst of a daily radio show called Bisrat Sport on Bisrat FM 101.1, which airs daily except Saturdays. Mensur also serves as a match-day analyst for live football games on the same station alongside popular commentator Messle Mengistu. In a career spanning more than two decades, Mensur has served as the founder and editor of Ethio Sports newspaper and, more recently, as the editor-in-chief of the French TV channel Canal+ Sport Ethiopia. EBR’s Dr. Brook Genene recently spoke with one of the best football journalists in the country.

Ethiopia’s Athletic Legacy at Stake

Ethiopia’s Olympic history is a tapestry woven with threads of triumph and adversity. From the legendary barefoot run of Abebe Bikila to the iconic unity displayed by Derartu Tulu and South African Elana Meyer in 1992 Barcelona Olympics, the nation has produced some of the greatest athletes of all time. However, the recent shadow of controversy has influenced the once-golden era. Internal strife, athlete dissatisfaction, and leadership disputes jeopardise Ethiopia’s Olympic dream.

This in-depth analysis By EBR’s Brook Genene delves into the heart of Ethiopian athletics, exploring the factors that have contributed to its past glories and the challenges that threaten its future. From the inspiring stories of Olympic champions to the current turmoil within the Ethiopian Olympic Committee and Athletics Federation, this article comprehensively looks at a nation grappling with its sporting identity.

Yohanes Zewdu’s Journey to Unlock Ethiopia’s Potential on the Global Stage

Yohanes Zewdu, popularly known as Johnny Vegas, is the CEO of a consulting and lifestyle management brand called Kloudout. The company has offices in Las Vegas to cater to the South, North American, and Caribbean markets and expand into Europe, the Middle East, and Africa. He is also serving as the International Liaison and strategic advisor for the Ethiopian Football Federation (EFF). EBR’s Dr. Brook Genene sat down with Yohanes to discuss his journey to success, what he is doing to help football grow in his home country, and his plans for the future.

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.

Deal Boosts League but Challenges Remain

For the past few years, the Ethiopian Premier League has received coverage on Africa’s largest direct broadcast satellite service, DSTV. This coverage has been instrumental in helping Ethiopian players gain attention and exposure on the international stage. Additionally, fans have had the opportunity to follow their favourite teams closely. The coverage has also provided journalists with valuable experience in covering live games. However, despite this deal’s numerous benefits, some believe the league company needed to fully capitalize on the opportunities presented. In a detailed analysis, EBR’s Dr. Brook Genene examines the impact of DSTV’s coverage of the Ethiopian Premier League and the challenges faced by the league company.

Ethiopian Clubs Turn Kit Struggles into Profits with Local Manufacturers

One of the problems Ethiopian football has faced for many years is the need for quality kits. Despite football being a popular sport attracting many people to stadiums and keeping plenty of others glued to their TV screens to follow the action, clubs have needed help to get the standard kits for themselves and their fans. Because of this, it wasn’t uncommon to see errors in player numbers, jerseys that don’t have names, and, worst of all, kit clashes due to lack of away and alternate kits. However, this problem has been solved recently. With the emergence of local kit manufacturing brands like Gofere and Wanaw, football clubs have now managed to turn a problem into a profit. EBR’s Dr. Brook Genene assesses how these sports brands have changed the Ethiopian football scene and the atmosphere around the games for the better.

Naomi Girma, a rising star born to Ethiopian parents in America, is taking the football world by storm with her extraordinary performances on both the club and international stages. In a groundbreaking achievement, she was crowned the best women’s national team player in the USA in 2023, becoming the first defender ever to claim this prestigious award in its 39-year history. What’s more, Naomi’s triumph also marked a significant milestone as she became only the second black player to achieve this remarkable feat.

Naomi’s profound love for the beautiful game can be traced back to her father, who instilled a deep passion for football from a tender age. For Naomi, football has always been more than just a childhood pastime. It has been a powerful conduit through which she stays connected to her Ethiopian heritage. The vibrant Ethiopian community in the United States frequently gathers around the sport. Naomi found solace and a sense of belonging on the field, strengthening her bond with her roots. EBR’s Dr. Brook Genene delves into Naomi Girma’s mesmerizing journey as she ascends to the pinnacle of stardom.