EBR130 – Ethiopian Business Review

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.

Afewerk Mengesha Captures Ethiopia’s Essence through Art

Afewerk Mengesha is a renowned Ethiopian artist who has significantly contributed to the country’s art scene. Born in 1943 in Addis Ababa, Afewerk was one of the first Addis Ababa Fine Arts School graduates in 1963. Despite facing challenges due to his hearing impairment, he pursued his passion for art and has since become known for his works exploring Ethiopian history, culture, and modern life themes. Afework’s artistic journey has been marked by perseverance, as he overcame obstacles to establish himself as a professional artist, working in various roles before focusing on his studio practice after retirement. His paintings, often executed in oil on canvas, have been exhibited at prestigious venues in Ethiopia, showcasing his ability to capture the essence of his homeland through his distinctive artistic vision, writes EBR’s Eden Teshome.

Beyond-BMI-Unveiling-the-Best-Tools-for-Healthy-Weight-Management.jpg

One of the most concerning health challenges facing modern society is obesity. Obesity increases a person’s risk of developing many health problems. Studies show that people with obesity die younger than people who have a healthy weight. The studies also show that the risk of death goes up the heavier a person is. The degree of increased risk depends on how long the person has had obesity and what other medical problems they have. People with “central obesity,” those carrying extra weight in the belly area, might also be at risk of dying younger. EBR’s Dr. Brook Genene takes a closer look at this health issue and how it affects Ethiopians.

Ethiopia’s Import Substitution Strategy Fuels Economic Growth

Ethiopia has long grappled with a reliance on imported construction materials, stifling the growth of its domestic industries. However, a renewed push towards local production is poised to transform the country’s construction and telecom landscapes. The government’s import substitution strategy has identified over 90 products, including telecom equipment and construction materials, to be produced domestically within the next decade. Companies like Woda Metal Industry have established local manufacturing facilities, providing network operators with telecom towers and other critical infrastructure. This shift towards domestic production is a significant catalyst for Ethiopia’s industrialization and economic development, unlocking cost savings, job creation, and export opportunities. By reducing reliance on imported materials, Ethiopia aims to build a more self-reliant, globally competitive economy bolstered by technological innovation and a thriving ecosystem of local suppliers and manufacturers, writes EBR’s Eden Teshome.

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

Finding Inspiration in Heritage

Afewerk Mengesha Captures Ethiopia’s Essence through Art

Beyond BMI Unveiling the Best Tools for Healthy Weight Management

From Reliance to Resilience

Ethiopia’s Import Substitution Strategy Fuels Economic Growth