Choices on Wealth, Environment, and Public Goods

What is the role of government in modern economies? Is it possible to create a more equal society without sacrificing economic freedom or wealth? Should we emphasize equal opportunities or equal outcomes? The idea of “inclusive growth” seeks to strike this balance.

Since the term can be open to interpretation, let me offer a definition: Inclusive growth seeks to boost national wealth and well-being while reducing poverty, ensuring equity across generations, and preserving economic freedoms.



Strategies for a Stronger Ethiopian Economy

Devaluating a currency, which makes one’s currency cheaper and foreign currencies dearer, is a crucial policy intervention in the forex market with severe economic consequences. Of course, the type and degree of these effects depend on the magnitude of devaluation, the level of economic development a country is at and the perception of stakeholders about a currency’s future value.

The Ethiopian currency, the Birr, has undergone devaluation many times. For instance, a 17 % devaluation in August 2010 (roughly from 13.5 birr/$ to 16.5 birr/$). Similarly, a 15 % devaluation was implemented in October 2017 (from 23.9 birr/$ to a little above 27 birr/$). There is no evidence that these measures achieved their target- to reduce the trade deficit in the subsequent quarters, if not years.



Ethiopian Banks Brace for New Era of Monetary Policy, Competition

Many Ethiopian banks have enjoyed profit bonanzas for years due to very expansionary monetary policy, which increased the demand for cheap credit loans and advances. However, this has carried negative real lending rates for over a decade. Furthermore, they have been operating in a protected and relatively predictable environment, giving them the easy means to grow and expand.


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Shining A Light on Ethiopia’s Mission to Stop Tuberculosis

Ethiopia faces a significant challenge in combating tuberculosis (TB), a highly infectious disease impacting all age groups nationwide. The burden falls particularly heavily (68.1%) on the nation’s productive population, those aged 15-44. This prevalence not only leads to individual illness but also hinders economic growth.The Ministry of Health collaborates with partner organizations to deliver quality healthcare nationwide. However, a large portion of the Ethiopian healthcare system relies on funding from foreign organizations, creating uncertainties about service continuity if funding is withdrawn.USAID is critical in providing substantial financial support for the health system, including TB control programmes. In collaboration with Addis Ababa University and the US Embassy Public Affairs office, USAID recently organized a week-long field reporting session for health journalists. The journalists visited health facilities in Addis Ababa, Hawassa, and Yirgalem, gaining firsthand insights into the fight against TB. EBR’s Dr Brook Genene, a participant in the trip, provides an assessment of his observations and delves deeper into the current state of TB infection in Ethiopia.


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Africa’s Rise
A Continent of Diversifying Economies

The latest forecasts paint a promising picture of Africa’s economic landscape in 2024. The International Monetary Fund (IMF) reports a shift in the continent’s power rankings, with South Africa taking the lead as the largest economy, surpassing Nigeria and Egypt. While Nigeria faces internal challenges, other countries like Ethiopia demonstrate impressive growth. Ethiopia, now the fifth largest economy, is projected to maintain economic stability until 2030 thanks to ongoing reforms and strategic investments in critical areas. This highlights the crucial role of policy decisions and targeted spending in shaping a nation’s economic future.



Untangling a Multifaceted Challenge for Long-Term Development

Ethiopia, a nation steeped in rich history and ancient tradition, struggles against a multi-headed hydra. This mythical beast embodies the complex and interconnected problems that threaten the nation’s stability and long-term prosperity. Unlike the mythical creature slain by Hercules, Ethiopia’s hydra has three distinct yet intertwined heads, each representing a critical challenge demanding long-term, systematic solutions.

The first head of this formidable tribulation is the relentless surge of exponential population growth. Since the early 1970s, Ethiopia’s population has tripled, transforming it into Africa’s second most populous nation, exceeding 120 million already. Projections paint a sobering picture – by 2030, this figure is expected to reach 145 million, ballooning further to 205 million by 2050 and a staggering 294 million by the year 2100. This rapid expansion within a subsistence economy’s framework creates immense pressure on essential resources.


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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.


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Mulatu Astatke, the “Father of Ethio-Jazz,” is an iconic musician and cultural ambassador whose innovative blend of Ethiopian musical heritage and jazz improvisation has captivated audiences worldwide. While there’s no exact starting date, Mulatu Astatke’s musical interests emerged in the early 1950s and blossomed into active playing in the 1960s. This long career span has allowed Mulatu to leave an indelible mark on the global music scene. His compositions and performances showcase the beauty and complexity of Ethiopian music, fusing traditional scales, rhythms, and instruments with the harmonic structures and improvisational spirit of jazz. Through collaborations with renowned artists and his pioneering album “Mulatu of Ethiopia,” he has brought Ethio-Jazz to the forefront, shaping the cultural narrative and preserving Ethiopia’s artistic legacy. Mulatu’s legacy is one of inspiration, cultural preservation, and global recognition, leaving an enduring impact on the fusion of cultures, creativity, and cross-cultural understanding. In an exclusive interview with EBR’s Eden Teshome, Mulatu, the “Father of Ethio-Jazz,” shares his remarkable musical journey and vision.



The recent findings of the National Bank of Ethiopia (NBE) Financial Stability Report have brought to light a significant trend: the ten largest borrowers hold a substantial portion, 23.5%, of the banking industry’s total loans and advances. This concentration of credit, while potentially beneficial, also poses substantial risks to the stability and health of Ethiopia’s financial system.


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Once lauded as Africa’s rising economic star, Ethiopia faces a persistent challenge: conflict. Over six years, the country has navigated a period of turbulence that has significantly impacted peace and security, posing a formidable obstacle for businesses operating within its borders. This article by EBR’s Samuel Getachew delves into the multifaceted impact of these conflicts, exploring the specific hurdles entrepreneurs face. Through consultations with business leaders and a comparative analysis of other countries’ experiences, the article proposes potential avenues for addressing these issues and fostering a more conducive environment for business growth.




Ethiopian Business Review | EBR is a first-class and high-quality monthly business magazine offering enlightenment to readers and a platform for partners.



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