ISnuTchceeSsksy
CAPT. SOLOMON GIZAW
Founder and Managing Director of AFS
2nd YEAR NO 23 ጥር ወር 2012 January 2020 www. abyssiniabusinessnetwork.com
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Editorial Team Editorial
MANAGING DIRECTOR Making Use of the Sky
Daniel Tiruneh Over the past few years, the growth of aviation
MANAGING EDITOR industry is simply astounding and its future is very
scintillating. IATA estimates that total passenger
Getachew Alemu numbers will double in less than 20 years and reach
EDITOR IN CHIEF a staggering 7.3 billion people by the end of 2034.
To cope with the rising demand, airlines are offering
Aklile Tsige more flights and also upgrading their aircraft. Not
CONSULTANCY only that, the number of destinations will also
continue to grow every year. Analysts said that
Zeima Ahmed 2020 will witness a stronger growth in the aviation
STAFF WRITERS industry because airlines are adding more routes and
are ameliorating their products and services.
Mekonnen Hailu
Though growth is huge, still there are some challenges
Ketema Kebede that the very few private airlines in Ethiopia are
facing. Lack of aviation policy, government’s little
Chacha attention to the sector and some intricate directives
Hiwot Salelew and regulations are believed to be some of the
challenges that hamper the operation of the general
Teshome Fantahun aviation.
REPORTER Major stakeholders in the sector are still forwarding
Josephine Wawira their complaints and requests to concerned
Kamba Anthony government bodies, but they have not yet received the
desired response. Unauthorized or contraband-kind-
Joseph Oduha of flight operation by some foreign private airlines in
Designer Ethiopian sky, and lack of small airfields reserved for
the general aviation are worth mentioning.
Daniel Tiruheh
Photo Added to this, the long-pending drone’s law and
regulation seems to be very annoying for the fact that
Sol Image the emerging drone technology would have benefited
Web Admin the country a lot to speed up development in various
socio-economic sectors.
Rahel Tesfaye
Distribution The aviation industry is a very big sector and hence,
there are huge opportunities. In future, more people
Hailu Abesse will earn more money and will be able to fly to
Partners more places. So, if aviation industry can find out the
Ethiopia Culture And Tourism fruitful solutions for the present issues, then it will
Addis ababa police Commission support more in a country’s GDP and growth.
Ethio Great Investment Support Service PLC
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36
CONTENTS 4410 Questions
06Success in the Sky
18Exclusive 30MODERATE 40
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Celebrating
Success in the Sky
History of aviation in Ethiopia goes back to 1929 when French made airplane, Potez 25 flown by a French
pilot Andre Milet landed North West of Addis Ababa after flying in from. This was 26 years after the first
attempted flight by the Wright Brothers and two years after the famous flight across the Atlantic by Charles
Lindburgh. Although Millet piloted the first aircraft which marked the history of aviation in Ethiopia, there
were others who followed in his footsteps soon after having successfully landed in Addis a month later., soon
came with his successors with other types of airplane after one month time- in the month of September.
The 75-year-old Aviation in Ethiopia has not leapfrogged as it should have been. Although the national
carrier continues to grow and expand at an incredible in areas of human capital, logistics and flying to
different destinations around the world, there is still a long way to go in order to meet the ever growing air
transportation demand and various unanswered quests of the few private operators.
Over the past 25 years, small private air operators began to emerge in Ethiopia, operating small aircraft with
a capacity of carrying less than 50 passengers, (a regulatory maximum for private operators). These private
charter air operators usually provide local flight services, mostly chartered flights, to remote locations for
the diplomatic community, private entities and humanitarian non-governmental organizations. Abyssinian
Flight Services is one of these few private air operators in Ethiopia pioneering new services in the industry and
showing a consistent growth over the past 20 years. ABN Editor-in-Chief Aklile Tsige speaks to Abyssinian
Flight Services CEO/Owner, Capt. Solomon Gizaw on the company’s 20 years of journey over Ethiopian
skies.
06 Abyssinia Business Nework ጥር ወር 2012 January 2020
”
CAPT. SOLOMON GIZAW
Founder and Managing Director of AFS
Abyssinia Business Nework ጥር ወር 2012 January 2020 07
Wheels Up! “ April 1999. The first certified air Charter
Company in Ethiopia, Abyssinian
Born in a rural village called Ketto (he Flight Services was formally launched.
calls it ‘paradise on earth’) in Ellu Aba During the last couple of decades the
Borra zone of the Oromia Regional
State, South West Ethiopia, the young
and industrious boy Solomon Gizaw company has witnessed the significant
grew up and studied in several towns, Why do impact it could make in the nation’s
including Masha, Getcha, Mizan socio-economic advancement through
Teferi, Gore and Jimma; and finally Emirates, making areas accessible that otherwise
completed his secondary education at had no ground mode of transport let
Shashemane. Fly Dubai, alone air service.
It was during the “Red Terror” season Etihad and For years its service has proved to be a
of the Military Dergue Regime that lifeline in response to drought situation
Solomon had left for USA with the other airlines in the country, transporting hundreds
help of a missionary friend he was worldwide of aid workers and relief personnel
working for. While attending college in to many parts of the affected areas
the U.S.A, Solomon took on different across the country. It has also been
jobs to earn enough money to pursue instrumental in transporting several
his aviation carrier and to make his prefer to potential investors to many parts of the
dreams come true. country, representatives of companies
Captain Solomon had to also study employ engaged in oil exploration, geophysical
survey and aerial photography.
Aircraft Maintenance and earned Ethiopian “What’s so amazing and wonderful
his instructor’s license in order to be
employed by a missionary aviation pilots? was that aircraft manufacturers
organization operating in different It’s simply have begun to provide us with credit
parts of the world after graduating from opportunity to buy aircrafts after
college and earning all the required they have witnessed our promising
aviation licenses he joined missionary move and the trustworthiness we’ve
aviation fellowship for his first flying because developed through time. That is
job in Haiti, Uganda (East Africa) and why the company currently owns
eventually returning home to Ethiopia 18 aircrafts and a helicopter.” Capt.
Solomon said.
Ethiopians arewith the same organization in 1996.
highly capableWhen this missionary organization Solomon, however, believes that
was told to leave Ethiopia in 1998, and gifted Abyssinian Flight Service Plc. has
Solomon decided to remain in the not shown progress as it should have
country he loves, and ventured to been. This attributes to public attitude
establish “Abyssinian Flight Services” toward the use of air transportation
which is viewed as luxury, and also the
pilots..Solomon noted that he was lucky to bureaucratic and rent-seeking behavior
being observed in the public service
have been given red-carpet treatment sector.
from officials of the Federal Investment
Commission and the Ethiopian Civil Abyssinian Flight Service CEO
Aviation Authority as he struggled to strongly argues that Ethiopians are
establish Abyssinian flight services and incredibly blessed with aviation
started his flying business with a single
lease-purchased Cessna caravan.
”08 Abyssinia Business Nework ጥር ወር 2012 January 2020
Sol Image
potential that leads the country to other airlines worldwide prefer indeed, plays a crucial role in
train a number of pilots, hostesses, to employ Ethiopian pilots? It’s producing young and talented pilots
aircraft technicians and related simply because Ethiopians are who could work for the national
professionals, and supply to the very capable and highly gifted carrier-Ethiopian. This in turn would
ever increasing international pilots.” Capt. Solomon said in help the airline save significant
market in the sector. subdued voice. amount in training costs to produce
skilled aviation personnel.
Solomon quoted Boeing
Company’s recent report as “You know err….. instead of With regards to challenges the
saying that over 800,000 pilots are sending our young women as general aviation is facing, the CEO
required worldwide over the next housemaids abroad for 150 indicated that series of consultative
20 years; this implies that over USD per month we could export meetings of stakeholders have not yet
40,000 pilots are needed annually. pilots for 10,000 to 15,000 brought about measurable solutions
In this regard, the company USD; the sector could help the for the problems private operators
envisions having a very huge nation generate as much foreign have been raising., one example of
and globally recognized aviation currency as it generates from such painful issue is the issue of
academy that could significantly coffee and other export items.” the intentional denial by Ethiopian
benefit the country and other He added. airports Enterprise (currently merged
nations on the continent. “Why do with ET) to permit private operators
Emirates, Fly Dubai, Ethihad and Abyssinian Flight Services, from building aircraft maintenance
Abyssinia Business Nework ጥር ወር 2012 January 2020 09
hangar although they have been and Custom Authority and other body whose aim is addressing
pleading for more than 18 years. governmental authorities. challenges of the general aviation
Currently private air operators in needs to be established at the Prime
Ethiopia are forced to commute to Ethiopia, more than ever, needs Minister’s Office level.
Nairobi, Kenya to get maintenance urgent support in the aviation
service they could easily perform sector; the country could use two He, furthermore, reiterated
here in Addis Ababa should they or three more flight schools in order the attention that the Federal
have had access to a maintenance to mitigate scarcity of aviation Government has to pay to the
facility. personnel. Moreover, as compared Ethiopian Civil Aviation Authority.
to other African nations, the The Authority needs to fully and
Furthermore, Solomon revealed that country is lagging behind in terms properly exercise its powers and
private operators from neighboring of general aviation development responsibilities bestowed upon it
countries are ridiculously playing and contribution to the national by the International Civil Aviation
in the Ethiopian air space. He economy. Authority (ICAO).
claims that these foreign operators
are making hundreds and thousands Forwarding his recommendations Both the national carrier and
of dollars without the consent of to alleviate those bottlenecks in the the general aviation could be in
concerned government bodies general aviation, Solomon pointed jeopardy unless the Ethiopian Civil
such as the Ethiopian Revenue out that an independent advisory Aviation Authority puts in place
10 Abyssinia Business Nework ጥር ወር 2012 January 2020
all its duties and responsibilities as
per the standards and quality set by
the global institution-ICAO, and
operates without any interventions
of local and international players in
the sector.
Regarding social responsibility, “It’s not our Cessna Caravans to utilizing the
Solomon stated, “I take pride in latest safety technology, to the
what we do with regards to social culture to tell superior training of their pilots;
responsibility our company has about what we AFS makes no compromise
discharged. It’s not our culture to do for others when it comes to securing clients’
tell about what we do for others in safety and accepts no excuses
need. In addition, I did it for my in need. In when it comes to ensuring peace
own joy; but I could only say that I addition, I did it of mind.
have not done 75% of what I would for my own joy;
have liked to do.” Nevertheless, but I could only The company has extensive
Solomon didn’t decline to tell that say that I have
the company has plan to upgrade not done 75% experience flying for
and enhance its capacity, and to
provide training opportunity to international news documentary
young and talented Ethiopians who
couldn’t afford to join the aviation film makers over vast and diverse
academy due to low economic
status. Ethiopian highlands, active
The company’s humble beginning volcanic landscapes, rivers such
which is founded in safety,
reliability and integrity has enabled as the Nile River and for many
it to make a steady growth over the
past 20 years. It has also managed types of survey projects and
to increase its fleet of aircraft from
one Cessna Caravan, to additional 6 documentaries. Its customers
factory new Cessna Caravan/Grand
Caravans, 4 Thielert engine Cessna find the Cessna Caravans a very
172 aircraft, 4 Diamond DA40NG
and 2 Diamond DA42NG Twin stable, comfortable and safe
engine aircrafts and one bell 407
helicopter. The four Cessna 172s platform for such projects over
and the six Diamond aircraft are
dedicated for pilot training school, seemingly unreachable land
but occasionally used for ad hoc
charter flights. mass while appreciating the low
Abyssinian Flight Services strives to per hour cost even as they enjoy
deliver quality, consistency and the
highest level of professionalism to the peace of mind of flying in
our ITS’ customers. From the state-
of-the-art Garmin G1000 equipped one of the safest airplanes flying
today.
of what I would With so much to explore in
all aspects of the Ethiopian
have liked to Investment arena, be it in large
scale farming, road construction,
”do. oil and mineral explorations,
or any investment possibility
requiring aerial flight assessment,
Abyssinian Flight Service (AFS)
Plc. is always ready to make
flight in the sky.
Abyssinia Business Nework ጥር ወር 2012 January 2020 11
Since it began operations 20
years ago, AFS has rescued
many patients with all kinds of
injuries and flown them for better
medical attention within and
outside Ethiopia. It’s committed
to providing this unique service
with our Cessna Caravan/Grand
Caravans equipped with multiple
stretchers.
AFS has also been at the fore front Abyssinian Aviation Academy
of humanitarian services since
its operation commencement. The services that Abyssinian Flight also from other African countries
It’s the first Ethiopian air charter Service Plc. has been rendering including Sudan, South Sudan,
company to fly Non-Government helped establish and develop a Kenya, Nigeria and Senegal. The
aid organizations to the affected much-needed private pilot training academy has also been training
drought areas of Ethiopia in 1999 school. Established in 2006, the even students from non-African
having transported thousands of school now upgraded into an countries such as from Europe.
air aid workers and tons of food aviation academy by incorporating
and medical supplies. other aviation trainings, is licensed Abyssinian Flight Services Pilot
to offer Private Pilot, Commercial Training School(AFS - PTS) which
Regarding his experience of Pilot License, Instrument Rating, is the only privately owned flying
the past 20 years of operation, Multi-Engine Rating and Instructor school in Ethiopia established
Solomon says, “Looking back, Ratings. in 2006, is authorized by the
I am addicted to work; I just do Ethiopian Civil Aviation Authority
my job, not to focus on being As the first private air service (ECAA).
profitable. My biggest reward is to providers in Ethiopia and also
see many aviation professionals the first to establish a private And so far it has trained and
working in the company as one pilot training school, the aviation graduated several pilots with
family. I am grateful for being a academy accepts candidate pilots both PPL (Private Pilot License)
reason for many to work in such
an inspiring field considering that
i used to work as a daily laborer
and taxi driver in Addis” Capt.
Solomon said, heaving a sigh of
relief.
12 Abyssinia Business Nework ጥር ወር 2012 January 2020
and CPL (Commercial Pilot License) “I, as an Ethiopian
with MR(Multi-Engine Ratings). aviation enthusiast and
As far as private license eligibility is student pilot, would like
concerned, applicants must be at least 18 to see more opportunity
years of age, be able to read, write and
understand English, or pass IELPT given presented for young
at the Ethiopian Civil Aviation Authority Ethiopians/ Africans
(ECAA), pass the written examination with dreams of flying.”
given by ECAA on required knowledge
areas, pass an oral and flight test given by
a Designated Flight Examiner and hold a
current class II medical certificate.
“I would like to thank the Almighty God
very much for supporting me throughout
my life and professional path. I’m not
unique to others, but I believe I am where
I am today because of his plans. The
company is not my gift from God, but
Abyssinia Business Nework ጥር ወር 2012 January 2020 13
it’s also my responsibility with which I didn’t really encourage her to Instructors are very dedicated
hope to contribute to build my country’s follow the path of life laid in professional pilots who are
image and to serve those in prominent front of her. She decided to join always open and ready to equip
position and other higher officials as Abyssinian Aviation Academy trainee pilots with tools needed
well as local and international renowned in 2018, chasing her childhood to become professional pilots
personalities, business tycoons and dream. they all aspire to be. They not
movie stars” said Capt. Solomon. only teach trainees how to fly but
“As far back as I could also inspire them to love flying.
It’s obvious that Abyssinian Aviation remember, I’ve been the kind
Academy is providing several young of person who would run out All AFS-PTS staff works as one
pilots with opportunity to achieve their whenever I hear an aircraft big family in a liberating fun filled
objective in life. The Academy, in addition roaring overhead, just to get environment. And it is filled with
to the flight service being provided by the glimpse of it flying. I loved pilots with years of experience,
the company, is contributing its share to aviation and wanted to become who share their inspiring life
bridge gaps in the production of highly a pilot. Abyssinian Flight time aviation adventure. The
skilled manpower in the aviation industry. Services and Pilot Training technicians of our training
Born and raised in the capitalAddisAbaba, School provided the training aircrafts are very humble and
the 24-year old, Fikir Kahsay,earned opportunity I needed to achieve helpful and always ready to share
her BSC in Electrical and Computer my goals,” said Fikir. their knowledge. Even though
Engineering from Addis Ababa Institute at times some problems arise
of Technology (AAiT ) in 2018.But that She further noted that AFS-PTS in daily operations, AFS-PTS
14 Abyssinia Business Nework ጥር ወር 2012 January 2020
“I, as an Ethiopian
aviation enthusiast and
student pilot, would like
to see more opportunity
presented for young
Ethiopians/ Africans
with dreams of flying.”
staffs are always devoted to tackle
any problem and take appropriate
actions.
“The overall training has been
extremely interesting. Every
challenge was a learning
opportunity which sharpened and
shaped every corner of my life and
led me to the ongoing development
of discipline and skill I needed to
acquire. I enjoyed it very much.”
Fikir explained.
In mid 2018, the new government Fikir Kahsay
of Prime Minister Dr. Abiy Ahmed
announced that Ethiopia would open Ethiopia, to the best of her Abyssinian Flight services’ success
its state-owned Ethiopian Airlines
to private domestic and foreign abilities. story of the past 20 years over the
investment. That is a major policy
shift. This presents an opportunity Ethiopian skies is an inspiration
to the fast growing Ethiopian
aviation sector with its needs yet Transforming the company from that could benefit us all even as
to be explored further to meet the
greater demand of transportation a single aircraft to 17 aircrafts each vie to contribute to Ethiopia’s
and innovation. “I, as an Ethiopian
aviation enthusiast and student and a helicopter and from one socio-economic transformation. As
pilot, would like to see more
opportunity presented for young founder/owner and six employees captain Solomon puts it in his closing
Ethiopians/ Africans with dreams
of flying.” Fikir stated. to currently employing over 100 remarks, “we have the moral and
As training progresses, she is coming professionals over a couple of ethical obligation to leave a better
to understand the competitive field
she is going to embark upon and decades, it’s really a magnificent and prosperous Ethiopia than we
she’s open to any opportunities and
challenges in the aviation industry. breakthrough for all. have inherited for our children, just
She would like to serve her country,
Inspiteofthemanychallengesand as our fathers have tried to do the
discouragements it encountered, same for us.”
Abyssinia Business Nework ጥር ወር 2012 January 2020 15
16 Abyssinia Business Nework ጥር ወር 2012 January 2020
Abyssinia Business Nework ጥር ወር 2012 January 2020 17
Exclusive
Interview with
Legesse Nega
This edition’s guest is Mr. Legesse Nega, managing /ABN/ Thank you for accepting our request.
Director at Lucy Technologies. He has more than 15 Let’s start with when and where Lucy
years of experience in Information technology mostly Technologies established and what is its core
emphasis on data, data analytics and mining. He has values as a company?
depth experience in data transitions and transformation,
automationand E-commerce management and complex Lucy Technologies; Lucy Technologies
business and technology-led change programs.He holds established on 2008 in US with its office in
bachelor degree in Computer Science and Engineering Denver, CO. When we started back then, US was
and master’s Degree in Database technologies from hit by the global financial crisis. While the rest of
University of Colorado and Regis University in US the U.S. economy reeled from devastating losses,
respectively. the tech industry was not suffered that much
partly because the industry was well insulated
His software development firm here in Addis Ababa, from the financial meltdown real-estatefocused
involves on multiple verticals ranging from government epicenter. Also,the tech industry had already
to private sector. Currently Legesse is serving as a Senior experienced its own bust at the start of the
Advisor for PBM (pharmacy benefit management) decade, leaving the industry with more solid
ITat CVS Health, one of the biggest pharmacy and growth and less hot air. But this phenomenon has
prescription drug providers for the US consumer. We created an environment that tech companies has
sat down with him to discuss topics ranging from his IT to embrace efficiency both in human capital as
outlook for Ethiopia to challenges and opportunities for well as technology to avoid another bust. That’s
the tech industry. when outsourcing came into the picture. Myself
and a couple of colleagues from India are started
the conversation on how we can address those
needs by providing technology outsourcing
(ITO) to the US market and beyond.So, we have
established Lucy Technologies that same year.
18 Abyssinia Business Nework ጥር ወር 2012 January 2020
After establishing the firm, the next step them to understand how tasks in development. This approach
was to split the work load among us and projects are implemented helps the team in Addis to learn
and open a sister company in India and through standard tools and different aspects of the project
Ethiopia in a short term. I’ve managed methodologies. Italsoprovides cycle and accept more roles in the
our US clients while my partners moved people in developing countries development phase.Through this
to India in 2009 and open an office to with well-paid jobs relative collaboration, both teams are now
service our US customers. After two to what the job market pays. able to handle any phase of the
years, I handover and decommission our Knowledge transfer is another project cycle without interruptions.
services in US and moved to Ethiopia. one. When we accept projects, We have also built an internal
That is how Lucy started in a nut shell. the current configuration is to knowledge base transfer portal
collaborate with our partners where developers, analysts as
/ABN/ What is Lucy Technologies in India and split the work load well as project managers use as a
strategy to bring value add to the between Addis and Mumbai. problem-solvingtool when they
country? Our methodology allows the face challenges during software
entire team to manage tasks development. Let’s not forget that
Lucy Technologies; We tried to bring a and workflows across the board the knowledge transfer approach is
couple of value-add proposition to the allowing everyone to monitor two-way traffic flow I haveworked
Ethiopian IT arena,i.e. Outsourcing and progresses and current stage with some of the best application
knowledge transfer. As you know India
and some of Southeast Asia countries are
still dominates the landscape for western
companies to outsource their services. As
their IT service sectors mature, Western
firms are rightly looking to Africa as
their next source of outsourcing partners.
In recent years countries in Africa are
leaping through the global outsourcing
landscape and areprogressively
evolving into this competitive market
for information technology outsourcing
(ITO) services.We’ve worked to align
ourselves to this new phenomenon
and making sure that Ethiopia will
benefit from this trend.There are many
advantages that outsourcing brings
to the developing nations but we are
focused on a couple of points that we
believe Ethiopia benefit from.The first
one is developing a well-trained and
qualified work force through the process.
Outsourcing companies are not merely
looking for cheap labor; they are seeking
professional and skilled individuals who
can support mission-critical aspects
of the business. ITO will help young
IT professionals to develop their skill
set through their day to day interaction
with their counter parts as well as helps
Abyssinia Business Nework ጥር ወር 2012 January 2020 19
core IT processes to Africa by
providing cost effective services.
These vendors are reach out for
their clients to outsource non-core
business process IT functions to
the region. Their approach isto
differentiate themselves among
their competitors bymoving up the
value chain and providing more
cost-effective services.
Time zone is the other factor.
Major cities in Africa, such
as Addis Ababa, Nairobi or
Johannesburg,are either on same
time zones or within 2-hour
difference to Europe. It makes it far
more convenient for international
businesses looking to outsource
without losing any business hours
to the time difference.
developers and analyst here in Ethiopia. the world is among the reasons. The other benefit of time zone
Their skill set match and even excel Most of these regional countries is able to work around the clock
in some cases to the resources I have are increasing their IT spending and reduce turnaround time.
worked with in the western world. to attract multinationals in US and This works especially for US
Europe. On return, multinationals customers. Work sent to offshore
/ABN/ Why is ITO will succeed in show a keen interest to explore resource in Addis Ababa by the
Ethiopia, Africa as a whole? If so, what those opportunities in Africa. end of the day in the US will be
are the driving forces behind this? worked on during daytime inAddis
From the vertical that I involved, Ababa and send back to the client
Lucy Technologies; If we look at the healthcare, ITO vendors such on timely matter. This difference
current market research, ITO in Africa as Cognizant and Accenture are in time zones has worked perfect
looks promising and competitive. exploring opportunities for their for most companies where team
Having the fast-growing economies in clients to outsource their non- collaboration is not required but
rather keep their system up and
running all the time with minimal
downtime.Here it is worth to
mention that these opportunities
come with considerable amount
of responsibilities. When you
go out and seek for companies
to purchase your outsourcing
products, infrastructures such
as uninterrupted electricity and
connectivity is crucial. Fail
to deliver those expectations
20 Abyssinia Business Nework ጥር ወር 2012 January 2020
getting Image
and cause any disruption on but mention a couple which has to be done.
operationswill bring a hefty service been up close and personal. Foreign The ICTvillage consider as a right
level agreement (SLA) penalties that exchange. This probably the case for move. But in the past couple of
cause organization to pay high price many industries as well. As an ITO years, we have encountered some
even prompt them to terminate their company, our job is currency intensive hitches on getting a spot at the
contracts.So, compliance with those so deliverables are highly impacted village and there is a long waiting
agreements must be ad here. and creating negative pulse with our list to get office spaces currently. I
clients.Custom and tax issues - some believe this issue has to be address
/ABN/ What companies did you of the tax codes are complicated on a timely manner by putting more
provide your outsourcing services with severe penalties to go with it. buildings and catch up with the
so far? I believe we have to make our tax demand.
code simple and investor friendly
Lucy Technologies; I can’t give if we need to bring more FDI to the Provide incentives for companies
you specifics as we have to protect country. Connectivity, things were a who plan to outsourcing by creating
our customers privacy but we have lot different what used to be nine years a ‘free zone’ and offering them tax
involved in health care, manufacturing ago when we started. There is a huge breaks for some years and adjust
and tourism industries so far. progress made. Still need to improve gradually through time based on
if we’d like to bring more ITO. their sustainability and profit. I
/ABN / What are some of the hurdles believe MinT is working towards
you have faced during those times /ABN / What should the government those goals but I don’t have a current
in Ethiopia? have to do to promote ITO? data to support my account.So
basically, simplify and streamline
Lucy Technologies; With our Lucy Technologies; There are processes and cut bureaucratic red
nine-year tenure at Lucy, we have some steps taken already towards tapes. This needs to apply for any
encountered some chronic problems improving the tech environment to government institutions that IT
that hinder the tech community as a make Ethiopia an ITO destination, organizations interact on frequent
whole. I can’t go throughall of them but they are not enough and a lot has basis such as Custom Authority.
Abyssinia Business Nework ጥር ወር 2012 January 2020 21
/ABN/ Your company is highly country. So Yes, the larger population payment system has to be resolved
involved on the e-commerce is ready to embrace e-commerce. so customers make payment off of
space. Do you think Ethiopia their mobile phone or a computer.
is ready to embrace this I would say nowhenwe analyses Also, itbecomes a cliché to call
phenomenon? the bear facts on the ground. There it “e-commerce” if it loosens the
are multiple reasons why we as a end-to-end capabilities, which
Lucy Technologies; Yes and country need to do a lot to make this includes real time payments. These
No. The younger generation is a reality. I would like to mention arecertainlypolicy-related issue
very receptive to technology and a couple of key points here.The that need to be addressed by the
the internet has become part of first one is Policy, regulatory and government. There has been talks
theirethos. We have conducted legal Framework for governing to one of the credit card providers to
a survey a couple of years back e-commerce.As far as I know, there integrate the payment gateway with
during the “ICT Ethiopia” is a policy still under review. Those some of the private banks but never
exhibition asking visitors to rank policies need to create a favorable been integrated with their banking
a technology or services they and institutional environment to system to accept payments.
would like to get on their mobile accommodate e-commerce by the
phones. Their response was clear, government and not to over regulate /ABN/ What is your takeaway on
E-commerce. 75% of the poll it so e-commerce enthusiastic can the recent interest of e-commerce
showed they’d like to purchase grow and be productive along giants such as amazon and
products or services from the tip the way. We are also behind on Alibaba to the African market?
of their fingers. Some even took ensuring the infrastructure such Including recent visit to Addis
it a step further and asking how as connectivity and uninterrupted Ababa by Jack Ma.
they can get involved either as a power supply to the greater public to
service provider or building their run their business smoothly. Other is Lucy Technologies; Well, Jack Ma’s
own fulfillment center off of their Payment system. Wehave seen cash eWTPinitiative is a good approach in
backyard. I have also got a chance on delivery services here in Addis my opinion. As the goal ismaking it
to sat down with some passionate Ababa such as “Deliver Addis”. This easier for SMEs to take part in global
tech gigs and shared both their approach become problematic if your cross-border trade via e-commerce
enthusiasm as well as concerns business grows and you’re forced to by simplifying regulations, lowering
on how we can leapfrog and catch have your delivery personnel to carry barriers to entry to new markets
up with the rest of the world as a more cash. So, the issue with the and providing small businesses
22 Abyssinia Business Nework ጥር ወር 2012 January 2020
with easier access to financing. relevant courses to students which
This will allow Alibaba to open
a fulfillment center (warehouse) helps them to align themselves
here and help the local businesses
to sell good to the China market. when they join the workforce. The
Eventhough I don’t have the details
of the agreement, achieving this private sector is highly involved Legesse Nega Teffera
goal would require thegovernment and making significant efforts
to reduce in tariffs and streamlining
of customsclearance procedures.But through multiple engagements
I believe the government also has
to encourage local entrepreneurs to ranging from policy advising to
bring their own creative approach to
develop a home-grown e-commerce setting up internship programs
solution as well. It is certain that
e-commerce boom in Africa will to fresh graduates. I’d like to
drive a future growth but it is at
a very infancy stage and lots of recognize the effort put-in by ICT-
room to grow. Jumia, the biggest
e-commerce service provider in ET, a private association, who Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
Africa, last year sales were less than
2 percent of the overall transaction works tirelessly to engage the www.Lucytechnology.com
in the countries it operates. This
shows us there are some hurdles private sector and narrowing the P: 251-911248501
along the way including the one I
mentioned earlier. So, I’d like to see gap between government and ICT E: Legesse.teffera@lucytechnology.com
the government to be committed to
this digital paradigm and work with community as a whole.
the local ICT firms and develop
somesort of proof of concept within
the scope and attainable goals to
engage the IT community for a
better outcome.
/ABN/ Finally, what is your overall
overlook of the IT in Ethiopia.
Lucy Technologies; I am very Sol Image
much optimistic about the future
of IT in Ethiopia. Like we
discussed, there are factors that
help us leapfrog in the industry
and hopeful the government should
engage all stake holders to bring
reachablegoals to the industry.
Wealso need to amplifyour human
capital by working in conjunction
with higher institutions to bring
Abyssinia Business Nework ጥር ወር 2012 January 2020 23
GONDAR
24 Abyssinia Business Nework ጥር ወር 2012 January 2020
TOWN
Abyssinia Business Nework ጥር ወር 2012 January 2020
Sino-Ethiopia:
New Partnership
By Gedion Jalata
Ethiopia and China come up entrepreneurship, technology, getting Image
with a new Partnership along and skills transfer as well as
Addis-Ababa Djibouti Railway improving the livelihoods However, the Addis-Djibouti railway
economic belt, boosting the of the people. Even though, is not bereft of challenges. These most
trade relations between the two the relationship is not free of prominent ones are lack of a sound
states. challenges; if properly harnessed, legal system for railways, frequent
the opportunities brought by power failure; insufficient facilities
Situated in East Africa, in the China can be a powerful force for or equipment for the railway; limited
sub-region known as the Horn of economic development and have funding for the sustainability of the
Africa. Ethiopia is the second- a great role to play in promoting railway; lack of clear understanding
most populous country in Sub- inclusive and sustainable of the benefits of the railway; slow
Saharan Africa (SSA), with a economic growth in Ethiopia. policy decisions on the management
population of over 100 million, of finished linkage lines and the
next to Nigeria. Ethiopia has Addis Ababa-Djibouti Standard construction of the newly-planned
created international standing for Guage railway plays a significant one.
its surprising double-digit growth role in the development and
for the last decade. The natural overall growth of an economy
resource bases of the country, and often regarded as a wheel
government’s commitment to of economic activity due to the
change the livelihoods of its crucial role it plays upon which
people, economic collaborations production and distribution
with other countries such as China, stand. Furthermore, the new
South Korea, and European Union railway has the potential to boost
and international development regional integration between
agents, relative security and the the two countries through the
aspiration of the people to growth enhancement of trade and social
have contributed to the economic interaction. The railway would
development in the country. also enhance the tourism sector
as a cheaper and modern way of
The economic cooperation transport. Especially, the railway
between Ethiopia and China is has the potential to serve as an
found to be essential for both economic belt by providing
countries in various aspects as it outlets to industrial products
creates more investment milieu coming from different industrial
for Chinese investors while parks such as Hawassa, Adama,
benefiting Ethiopia through job Kilinto, and Eastern as well as
creation, efficient use of resources, Jimma.
26 Abyssinia Business Nework ጥር ወር 2012 January 2020
“The Addis-Djibouti Ethiopia considers Industrial in Dukem was the only industrial
Railway has Park Development (IPD) as park in the country.
one of the major policy tools
created a suitable towards industrialization. In This and other immense
transportation this regard, the country has
taken important measures achievements regarding
corridor for Ethiopia’s including the formulation of IP
import-export, with 9 proclamation and establishing industrial park development
industrial parks out of regulatory and implementing
15 are situated along organs. The government’s policy have been achieved due to the
measures to use industrial park
the railway line.” development as an instrument following major opportunities
for industrialization has started
to give fruitful achievements. such as diverse agro-ecological
Prior to the policy measure, the
Eastern Industrial Park located conditions, Ethiopia’s
endowment structure like it’s
cheap and abundant labor
resources, strategic geographical
location for the international
market, young and trainable
labor force, and wide market.
Abyssinia Business Nework ጥር ወር 2012 January 2020 27
Ethiopia’s development strategy is also “In order to provide a estate development. From 2015-
an opportunity for Chinese investment mode of the railway that 2017, approximately 200,000
in Ethiopia, and the adoption and promotes an economic tons of emergency provisions
formulation of clear Industrial Park belt,the railway system (grains) were transported through
(IP) development proclamation offers plays a significant role Addis Ababa-Djibouti Railway
a comprehensive set of fiscal and in the development and for drought-stricken regions of the
non-fiscal incentives to encourage country.
investment into priority areas as well overall growth of any Furthermore, the new railway has
as improved economic infrastructure economy.” the potential to boost regional
are prominently mentioned. integration between the two
In addition, the Addis-Djibouti countries through the enhancement
Even though Ethiopia has huge Railways has contributed to the of trade and social interaction. The
potential that creates big opportunities creation of local jobs in both railway would also enhance the
for industrial development, there are countries. During the construction tourism sector as a cheaper and
potential problems facing Ethiopia’s around 60,000 local jobs were modern way of transport.
IP development. Some of them are created and presently around
regulation related challenges, poor 3,900 jobs are created. The Beyond reflecting on the current
service provision from local public creation of a job also resulted rail transport and its economic
utilities, problems related to tax in many in gaining skills and contribution, major underpinning
administration, shortage of sources of technics to operate sophisticated issues/challenges can be identified.
finance, and poor efficiency in logistics. railway machinery. Moreover, a These are lack of a sound legal
Furthermore, additional challenges gradual handover of the railways’ system for railways development,
witnessed in relation to labor relations, management staff training is frequent power failure; insufficient
a skilled and qualified workforce to ongoing in Ethiopia and several facilities or equipment for the
be fostered and lack of capacity in employees of Ethiopian Railway railway; limited funding for the
domestic firms to supply quality and Corporation had the opportunity sustainability of the railway; lack
sufficient inputs. to go to China to study railway of clear understanding of the
engineering, train driving, as benefits of the railway; slow policy
The Addis-Djibouti Railway has well as maintenance and repair decisions on the management
created a suitable transportation at universities or technical of finished linkage lines and the
corridor for Ethiopia’s import-export, secondary schools. construction of the newly-planned
with 9 industrial parks out of 15 are one.
situated along the railway line. The Likewise, during the construction In order to provide a mode of the
Addis-Djibouti railway has reduced the period of the new railway, railway that promotes an economic
travel time for freight and passenger. China has contributed to the belt,the railway system plays a
For freight transport, it has reduced the development of the rural areas significant role in the development
journey time between Djibouti and the through the construction of roads, and overall growth of any economy.
Ethiopian dry port of Mojo from 84 which represents around 400km, It is often regarded as the wheels
hours to 10–15 hours . According to dug 50 wells in more than twenty of economic activity because
the ERC, it uses to take 100 trucks and water supply points, and laid out of the crucial role it plays in
three days to transport 212 containers, more than 2000 m2of school providing the bulwark upon which
at present; this can be handled in one grounds. At the same time, the production and distribution stand.
11-hour trip with two freight trains . railway also indirectly brought It opens up regions, hinterlands,
The Addis-Djibouti railway has also about 25,000-30,000 employment and rural areas by facilitating
achieved to reduce transport costs. opportunities in areas such as agricultural development as well
retailing, short-distance freight as the growth of small and large-
transport, passenger transport, scale industries.
bulk cargo undertakings, and real
28 Abyssinia Business Nework ጥር ወር 2012 January 2020
It also attracts residential, commercial, expanding the export sector. They depot infrastructure are to be fully
educational and recreational are staging a comeback around realized, logistics systems must
settlements and developments around the world as governments are also be established that will allow
its corridor. Due to the role it performs changing policies and strategies to users to maximize the facilities’
in the growth and development process, address sustainable development potential.
rail transport is seen as the mainframe goals.
around which an integrated national The successful integration of
transportation system is built. Its Moreover, the economies of rail and development requires
capacity, which is further accentuated Ethiopia and Djibouti depend on conscious decisions about
by its safety and security factors, imports into and exports out of trade-offs and thus relies on
coupled with its ability to travel long Ethiopia. These depend, in turn, on coherent, cross-sectoral planning.
distances with ease and lower unit an efficient logistics system along Ethiopia’s recent experiences
costs, places it in good stead to serve the entire length of the Djibouti- demonstrate these aspirations.
as the hub of the transport system of Ethiopia transport and transit Although there is no unique form
any nation. corridor. Both countries have made of rail regulation and optimization
significant investments in trade for railway operations to face the
Rail transport has made varying and transport/transit infrastructure, challenges, the general behavioral
degrees of impact on the development and the results of these investments rule and main advice from this
of the countries where they exist. are impressive. However, high- report is to maintain flexibility,
Many studies described rail transport quality rail infrastructure, while simplicity, and pragmatic policy
as historically the most powerful necessary, is not sufficient for actions whenever possible at any
single initiators of economic takeoff, achieving efficient logistics. If given time.
being the main force in the widening the benefits of the upgraded port,
of markets and a prerequisite to rail, road, and internal container
getting Image
Abyssinia Business Nework ጥር ወር 2012 January 2020 29
GLOBAL FDI FLOWS FLAT IN 2019
MODERATE INCREASE EXPECTED IN 2020
By Staff Writer
Global foreign direct investment (FDI) the United States and China.
remained flat in 2019, at $1.39 trillion, a ° Brazil up 26% at the start of
1% decline from a revised $1.41 trillion in a privatization programme.
2018. This is against the backdrop of weaker ° German inflows triple as MNEs
macroeconomic performance and policy extend loans to foreign affiliates
uncertainty for investors, including trade in a year of slow growth.
tensions.
Looking ahead, UNCTAD expects FDI
The underlying FDI trend, which removes flows to rise marginally in 2020 on the
the volatility caused by one-off transactions back of further modest growth of the world
Europeanand intra-firm financial flows, was up economy. Corporate profits are expected
to remain high and signs of waning trade
5% (in line with projections in the World
Investment Report 2019) a marginal change tensions emerge. However, the decrease of
representing a continuation of the stagnation Union announced green field projects by 22% an
observed over the decade. (EU) indicator of future trends, high geopolitical
risks and concerns about a further shift
FDI flows to developed countries remained fell towards protectionist policies temper
at a historically low level, decreasing by a expectations.
further 6% to an estimated $ 643 billion.
FDI to the European Union (EU) fell by 15% by Global FDI flows1 remained flat in 2019,
to $305 billion, while flows to the United at an estimated $1.39 trillion, down 1%
States remained stable at $251 billion. 15% from a revised $1.41 trillion in 2018. Flows
declined in Europe and developing Asia,
toFlows to developing economies remained remained unchanged in North America and
increased in Africa, Latin America and the
unchanged at an estimated $695 billion.
FDI increased by 16% in Latin America and Caribbean and transition economies. The
the Caribbean and 3% in Africa. Despite $305 impact of the 2017 US tax reform which
a decline of 6%, flows to developing Asia billion reduced US outward FDI flows and global
continued to account for one-third of global FDI in 2018 appear to have diminished in
FDI in 2019. Flows to transition economies 2019.
rose by two thirds to $57 billion.
Developing economies continue to absorb
• Trends in selected economies: more than half of global FDI flows and half
° FDI in the United Kingdom down of the top 10 largest recipients of FDI fall in
6% as Brexit unfolds. this category . The United States remained
° Hong Kong, China divestments cause the largest recipient of FDI, attracting $251
a 48% FDI decline among turbulence. billion in inflows, followed by China with
° Singapore up 42% in a flows of $140 billion and Singapore with
buoyant ASEAN region. $110 billion.
° Zero-growth of flows to both
30 Abyssinia Business Nework ጥር ወር 2012 January 2020
Significant variations among Flows to the United Kingdom FDI inflows by 42% to $39 billion.
developed economies declined by 6% to an estimated Flows to Israel declined also, by 28%
$61 billion, mainly due to a to an estimated $15 billion, while FDI
FDI flows to developed economies lack of large deals targeting the to Japan rose moderately by 9% to $11
fell by 6% to an estimated $643 country. The value of cross- billion.
billion from their revised $683 border M&As halved in 2019
billion in 2018. FDI remained at a from the high level of 2018. FDI flows to developing
historically low-level, at half of their Inflows to Spain declined from economies remained stable
peak in 2007. Equity investment $45 billion to $6 billion, partly
flows exhibit sluggishness. Cross- due to debt restructuring in FDI flows to developing economies
border M&As targeting the region foreign affiliates. In contrast, FDI remained stable at an estimated
registered a sharp decrease in value flows to France and Germany $695 billion. Latin America and the
(40% to $411 billion). The falling rose to $52 billion and $40 Caribbean saw an increase of 16%,
value of announced green field billion respectively, from $37 with growth concentrated in South
projects (-12% to $329 billion) also billion and $12 billion in 2018, America. Africa continued to register
points to weakness in (planned) mainly due to an increase in a modest rise (+3%) while flows to
capital expenditures of affiliates of intra-company loans to foreign developing Asia fell by 6%. FDI
multinational enterprises (MNEs) affiliates. flows into developing Asia reached
in these markets. an estimated $473 billion in 2019.
FDI flows to North America The overall decline was driven mostly
The trend for developed economies remained flat at $298 billion. by a 21% drop in investment in East
was conditioned by FDI dynamics Flows to the United States Asia. Investment to Hong Kong,
in the European Union, where decreased by only 1% to an China almost halved to $55 billion
inflows declined by 15% to an estimated $251 billion. While as divestments continued through the
estimated $305 billion. During investment in the United year. Flows to the Republic of Korea
2019, a number of EU countries States from Canada and the also saw a decline of 46% to $7.8
experienced strong volatility in FDI EU declined by 24% and 6% billion, attributed to trade tensions and
flows compared to the previous year. respectively, there was increase investment policy changes. Inflows to
FDI to the Netherlands fell by 98% of investment from Japan and China remained stable at $140 billion.
(from $114 billion to $1.9 billion), Australia. Germany, Japan and South-East Asia continued to be the
in part due to a large divestment the Netherlands were the largest region’s growth engine; FDI rose
(a $36 billion IPO of a foreign investors in the United States. to an estimated $177 billion, a 19%
affiliate of Nasper (South Africa)). In Canada, flows increased by increase from 2018. Singapore, the
In contrast, flows to Ireland rose 8% to $47 billion mainly due to biggest FDI host country in the region,
to $37 billion from -$28 billion intra-company loans. continued to grow in 2019 by 42%
in 2018, mainly due to the largest to $110 billion, driven by deals in
cross-border deal recorded in 2019 FDI flows to other developed the information and communication
(Takeda Pharmaceutical Co Ltd of countries fell by 30% to $70 sector. Investments into Indonesia rose
Japan acquired the share capital of billion. The decline of cross- 12% to $24 billion with significant
Shire PLC for $61 billion). border M&A sales in Australia flows going into wholesale and retail
contributed to the decrease of trade (including the digital economy)
and manufacturing.
Abyssinia Business Nework ጥር ወር 2012 January 2020 31
UNCTAD
South Asia recorded a 10% increase of State companies are expected to in the Dominican Republic where
in FDI to $60 billion. The growth
was driven by India, with a 16% gain pace; the privatization of large FDI reached an estimated $2.7
increase in inflows to an estimated
$49 billion. The majority went companies like Electrobras, Latin billion and in Trinidad and Tobago
into services industries, including
information technology. Inflows into America’s largest power utility, where inflows turned positive to an
Bangladesh and Pakistan declined by
6% and 20%, respectively, to $3.4 and Telebras is likely to attract estimated $600 million.
billion and $1.9 billion.
further FDI. Preliminary data on
In West Asia, FDI flows declined
by 16% to an estimated $25 billion, announced green field investments FDI flows to Africa amounted
from $30 billion in 2018. Flows to
Turkey cooled off from $13 billion in the country support this outlook to an estimated $49 billion – an
in 2018 to $8.3 billion due to
economic headwinds. Investment with the value of projects more increase of 3%. Persistent global
in Saudi Arabia increased by 9% to
an estimated $4.6 billion with some than doubling compared to 2018, economic uncertainty and the
deals outside the oil and gas sector.
For example, the largest M&A deal especially in the renewable energy slow pace of reforms seeking to
in the country was in metals, with
Tronox Ltd (United States) acquiring and the automotive industries. In address structural productivity
part of National Titanium (Saudi
Arabia) for $2.2 billion. Argentina, a deepening currency bottlenecks in many economies
FDI to Latin America and the crisis and the application of continue to hamper investment in
Caribbean increased by 16% in 2019,
reaching an estimated $170 billion. In restrictivemeasuresoninternational the continent. Egypt remained the
South America, flows grew by 20%
to an estimated $119 billion, with operations have led to a halving largest FDI recipient in Africa with
decreases in Argentina and Ecuador
offset by growing flows to Brazil, of inflows (to $6.3 billion). FDI a 5% increase in inflows to $8.5
Chile, Peru and Colombia. Brazil
registered a 26% increase to $75 to Chile, Peru and Colombia all billion. The country’s efforts to
billion, partly driven by the country’s
privatization program launched in increased significantly, supported implement economic reforms have
July as part of the administration’s
efforts to jumpstart the economy. by economic growth above the resulted in strengthened investor
The first of these privatizations
involved a gas distribution company regional average and new public confidence. While FDI to the
Transportadora Associada de Gas
bought by a consortium of investors investments into infrastructure and country was still driven by the oil
led by
mining (Peru and Chile). Social and gas sector, major investments
Engie (France) for almost $8.7 billion.
In 2020, divestments of subsidiaries un rest and political turmoil late in the non-oil economy emerged,
in 2019 dampen expectations for notably in telecommunications,
inflows in 2020. real estate and tourism. Despite the
increase in Egypt, FDI to North
Flows to Central America grew Africa declined by 11% to $14
by 4% to an estimated $46 billion. billion, due to a significant (45%)
FDI to Mexico increased by 3% to slowdown in flows to Morocco ($2
an estimated $35 billion; the new billion from $3.6 billion in 2018).
trade agreement USMCA lifted
expectations for easier economic In contrast, FDI to Southern Africa
relations. Flows to Panama and increased by 37% to $5.5 billion
Costa Rica, the two other main mainly due to the slowdown in net
destinations in the region, grew to divestment from Angola. South
$6.5 and $2.3 billion respectively. Africa consolidated last year’s
In Panama, most of the increase recovery with inflows remaining
can be attributed to increased intra- almost constant at a little more
company loans. In Costa Rica more than $5 billion. In addition to intra-
than half of flows went into the free company transfers by existing
trade zones. investors, investment to the country
was led by M&A deals in business
In the Caribbean (excluding services and petroleum refining.
offshore financial centres), inflows FDI flows to East Africa remained
grew by 49% to an estimated $4.2 steady totaling $8.8 billion.
billion led by growing investments Flows to Ethiopia, Africa’s fastest
32 Abyssinia Business Nework ጥር ወር 2012 January 2020
getting Image fell sharply. The decline in M&A
values was driven also by a lower
number of megadeals. In 2019, there
were 30 megadeals above $5 billion
compared to 39 in 2018.
growing economy, slowed down by billion, 82% up from 2018. Flows The decline of cross-border M&As
a quarter to $2.5 billion. China was to South-East Europe remained in 2019 (-40%) was much stronger
the largest investor in Ethiopia in unchanged at $7.4 billion. Flows to than the 14% decrease in total M&A
2019, accounting for 60% of newly Serbia grew by 6%, to $4.4 billion. activity (including domestic deals)
approved FDI projects. Inflows to In contrast with buoyant FDI worldwide, continuing the trend of the
Uganda increased by almost 50% to inflows, the cross-border M&A last few years of relative impopularity
$2 billion due to the continuation of sales of transition economies fell of cross-border expansions and
the development of major oil fields by 46%, to $1.4 billion only, their consolidations through deals.
and an international oil pipeline. lowest level since 2015.
Flows to West Africa increased by Looking ahead: growth with
17% to an estimated $11 billion FDI prospects for transition significant risks
as investment surged in Nigeria economies in 2020 remain
by 71% to $3.4 billion. FDI to the subdued, as suggested by the FDI flows are still expected to rise
continent’s largest economy was decline in the value of announced moderately in 2020, as current
buoyed by resource seeking inflows green field projects in 2019 which projections show the global economy
in the oil and gas sector. However, dropped by 14%, to $44 billion. In to improve somewhat from its
the development of a $600 million addition, uncertainties remain high weakest performance since the
steel plant in Nigeria’s Kaduna state in terms of the policy environment global financial crisis in 2009. GDP
offers some evidence of investment for FDI in various key economies growth, gross fixed capital formation
diversification, a long-standing of the region, including the Russian and trade are projected to rise, both
policy objective. FDI to Central Federation. at the global level and, especially, in
Africa rose by 6% to $9.3 billion, several large emerging markets. Such
with the resource-oriented profile of Cross-border M&As almost an improvement in macroeconomic
investment persisting. halved conditions could prompt MNEs to
resume investments in productive
After two years of low inflows, FDI Cross-border M&As decreased by assets, given also their easy access to
to the transition economies started a 40% in 2019 to $490 billion the cheap money, the fact that corporate
rebound in 2019, growing by 65%, to lowest level since 2014 . Slowed profits are expected to remain solid
an estimated $57 billion. The pick-up down by sluggish Euro zone in 2020, and hopes for waning trade
was driven partly by an expectation growth and Brexit, European M&A tensions between the United States
of higher economic growth in the sales halved to $190 billion. Deals and China.
region in 2020 and more stable targeting United States companies
prices for natural resources. In the remained significant accounting However, significant risks persist,
Russian Federation, inflows more for 31% of total M&As. The fall including high debt accumulation
than doubled to $33 billion. Both in global cross-border M&As sales among emerging and developing
equity investment and reinvested was deepest in the services sector economies, geopolitical risks and
earnings rose substantially as (-56% to $207 billion), followed concerns about a further shift
investors’ confidence increased. As a by manufacturing (-19%, to $249 towards protectionist policies. In
result of the doubling of FDI into the billion) and primary sector (-14%, addition, in 2019, green field project
Russian Federation, the inflows of to $34 billion). In particular, sales announcements an indicator of future
the Commonwealth of Independent of assets related to financial and trends have slowed down.
States (CIS) and Georgia reached $49 insurance activities and chemicals
Abyssinia Business Nework ጥር ወር 2012 January 2020 33
How fintechs are making
Africa a leading global
Innovation Hub
By Josephine Wawira
In a continent where over 60% of the adult
population is unbanked and the financial
sector is considerably underdeveloped,
fintech has been a welcomed revolution
that is seen to be boosting Africa’s financial
infrastructure.
With a growing population, an increasing Image by i_am_zews platforms among consumers
rate of mobile and internet penetration, and merchants; and to fast-track
combined with a substantial need for A case in point is Africa’s financial inclusion in Africa.
financial inclusion, Africa is fecund leading e-commerce platform JumiaPay also providesJumia
ground for the growth of fintechs and tech Jumia, whose in-house Lending, a service that gives
giants. There exist endless possibilities, as payment solution JumiaPay quick and affordable short-
entrepreneurs seek to use technological has been reported as the term working capital financing
advancements to create a range of more company’s fastest-growing for Jumia sellers seeking to
reliable and customer friendly solutions to category, accounting for over expand and grow their online
real-world problems. A sizeable number of 30% of all the online platform’s businesses. In a recent interview
fintech startups in the continent are closing transactions. The service has with Reuters in Lagos Nigeria,
existing gaps in various industries including partnered extensively with co-founder/co-CEO Jeremy
healthcare, agriculture, transportation, different financial institutions Hodara noted that “as a key part
e-commerce, and mobile money services. like Mastercard and various of the company’s growth plan
local banks, with an aim in 2020, Jumia is interested in
Delivering more than just improved to accelerate the adoption
banking services of electronic payment
In Africa, the fintech industry delivers more
than just improved banking services. For
instance, its high reliance on innovation
has also created new job opportunities,
especially for young talent.
Furthermore, financial technology is also
facilitating the growth of mobile payments,
from accelerating e-commerce to credit
lending, factors that have enabled the
growth of small and medium enterprises
across Africa.
34 Abyssinia Business Nework ጥር ወር 2012 January 2020
2020, published by a fintech research
firm, Findexable, shows that 60% of the
global GDP will be digitized by 2022,
with growth in every industry driven by
digitally enhanced offerings, operations,
and relationships. The report further notes
that progressive, digital-first financial
services are the key to “offer the best
chance to drive global trade in 2020,
improve access to financial services,
and open opportunities for marginalized
citizens, poorer communities and small
businesses and entrepreneurs alike”.
South Africa, Kenya & Nigeria are
fueling fintech in Africa
The number of fintechs in Sub-Saharan
Africa has recorded a 24% Compound
Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) over the
past decade, with local fintech companies
taking up the larger share of the sector at
80%, while international players at account
for 20% according to Ernst & Young.
making its Pay platform and contributing to the growth and South Africa, Kenya, and Nigeria are
its logistics network available development of the African fueling fintech in the continent, and 2020
to third-parties, even those economy. is no exception. The countries are ranked
not selling on its e-commerce 37th, 42nd, and 52nd respectively in the
platform”. He further told On this basis, it is coherent that Global Fintech Ranking by Findexable,
Reuters that “Jumia is an startups in the fintech sector followed by Ghana, Egypt and Uganda
e-commerce ecosystem, with have raised significant capital in in positions 58, 60, and 64 respectively.
a strong marketplace and very the last few years, as compared Digital banks, Cryptocurrency, SME
strong logistics and payment to other sectors. In 2019 for financing, payments, enabling processes
platforms, that complement instance, fintech topped African & technology, banking & lending,
each other.” tech sub-sectors with most VC remittances, personal finance, and equity
(Venture Capital) investments, funding have been identified as some of
This, being a single pick from with a record of $285 Million. the fintech strengths in these countries.
among tens of other fintech
players in the continent, all The Global Fintech Index There is a significantly impressive push
to grow the fintech industry in Africa in
2020 and beyond, both from the private
sector and governments. For instance, the
Africa Fintech Network (AFN) is expected
to greatly contribute to making Africa a
leading global Innovation Hub in 2020
and beyond, among others by promoting
the region as a preferred investment
destination.
Abyssinia Business Nework ጥር ወር 2012 January 2020 35
GONDAR
The Camelot of Africa,
Epiphany / Timket / Site
By Sileshi Girma MBA,MSc,PGD
Engdu Gebrewold /Asst.Prof
Ashenafi Tafesse /Asst.Prof
ondar, ancient historical
Gcity of Ethiopia is located
at 731km from the nation’s
capital Addis Ababa, 174km
from Bahir Dar, the Amhara
region’s capital. Gondar
previously served as the capital of
both the Ethiopian Empire and the
subsequent Begemder Province.
Gondar has become the permanent
capital of Ethiopia in 1636 during
Emperor Fasilades and ended the
moving empire rules and mobile
royal camps that existed for long
after the end of the Zaguwe dynasty.
In its day, the city was an important
administrative, commercial, religious,
and cultural centre. It was famous for
its sophisticated aristocratic life, its
church scholarship, and its extensive
trade.
During the Gonderian period different getting Image
emperors had built different buildings
at the seven hectare enclosure with
12 gates. This enclosure is termed as
the Royal Enclosure or Fasil Ghebbi.
Consequently, Gondar has become the
city with a large number of different
palaces and 3 churches and support
buildings. As a result, it is referred
36 Abyssinia Business Nework ጥር ወር 2012 January 2020
to as “the African Camelot”. Camelot is the
name given to the entire complex of castles and
palaces in the same area. The Royal Enclosure
had served as the residence of Ethiopia’s
government from seventeenth to the first half
of the nineteenth centuries.
The castles in the royal compound, Fasilides’
Bath and the Qusquam Enclosure with
Mentewab’s Palace and St. Mary Church, the
DebreBerhan Selassie Church, Saint Yohannes
church; the Sosinios palace, also known as
Maryam Ghemb, the Gorgora Church and the
Palace of Guzara are now are registered as
UNESCO World Heritage Site.
During the occupation by the Italians from 1936
- 1943, the Italians used the Royal Enclosure,
Fasil Ghebbi, as their headquarters, while
developing some parts of the city for officials
and colonists, which can still be recognized by
the Italian design.
After decline of the Gonderian period in the 19th
century, the city continued to be a commercial
and transport hub for northwest Ethiopia.
Gondar is still also a centre of ecclesiastical
learning for the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo
Church. Gondar is growing rapidly due to fast
urbanization, like all other cities in Ethiopia,
and has now become one of the metropolitan
cities in Ethiopia.
Abyssinia Business Nework ጥር ወር 2012 January 2020 37
Timket
Tourism has become the back bone of of alcoholic beverages like Tej (Honey
the economy in the city. The number wine) and Tella.
of arrivals and receipt is showing Though Gondar has rich history
increment in the last 15 years. Last year and culture, the existence of other
alone the city had received hundreds popular features nearby give the city
of thousands of domestic and above another competitive advantage. The
10,000 foreign visitors. Simien Mountains national park,
the only natural world heritage site
Besides the beautiful palaces, Ethiopian of the country, is only 100 km away
Epiphany, locally called Timket from the city. Being located along the
celebration is adding value for the historic route, Gondar holds places,
historic and cultural significance of the sites, monuments, people, and culture
city. Timket is Ethiopia’s most colourful which exhibit the past history, society,
and exciting religious festival, while religion, and political environment of
Gondar is the best place to be. the country.
During the celebration (Jan 20-22), Ethiopian church paintings are the getting Image
attended by hundreds of thousands, leading figures in the Ethiopian art
the city of Gondar has an authentic history. Among this artistic traditions, The city’s heritages and tourism
spiritual context at the Timket place the Gondarian painting style represent services has a tremendous
and churches. Indeed the city at large the peak of church painting tradition in contribution serving as a source of
also has a festival environment; peoples Ethiopia with its own unique features, employment and foreign exchange.
dress in cultural costumes, colourful themes and representation. The major services offered by
church umbrellas, flags and white robes key tourism service providers
lined the streets of Gondar. Though, The city of Gondar is a popular tourist for visitors consists; visitor
tourism in Gondar is dominated by destination for its many picturesque information, entry access to the
international visitors, Timket is one of ruins of castles, palaces, and other heritages, guided tours, transport,
the moments domestic tourists prefer to century old buildings. The city’s most lodging, meal, entertainment and
visit. famous buildings are in the Fasil related touristic services.
Ghebbi, including Fasilides’ Castle,
Doro wat is one such stew, made from Iyasu’s Palace, Dawit’s Hall, Empress In order to offer the tourist
chicken and sometimes hard-boiled Mentewab’s Castle, a chancellery, services, local investors have got
eggs is the most popular traditional library and three churches. Other
food in Ethiopia, often eaten as part of a attractions include Fasilides’ Bath,
group who share a communal bowl and the Qusquam complex, Ras Mikael
basket of Injera. Doro wat is perhaps Sehul’s Palace, and the DebreBerhan
the best known food from Ethiopia and Selassie Church.
is often referred to as that country’s Both the private and public sector
national dish. Historically, Gondar is striving in the development of
is referred as the source of this spicy the required tourism infrastructure
dish and still it is one of the places in including accommodation, transport,
Ethiopia one can find the best Doro catering, tourist information services,
Wat. In addition to Doro Wat, Gondar and conservation of the unique
is also well known for the production heritages.
38 Abyssinia Business Nework ጥር ወር 2012 January 2020
the opportunity to have established Also, tourism in the city is There have been remarkable
tourist standard hotels, lodges, cultural promoting micro and small-scale interventions efforts from the
restaurants, traditional night clubs, enterprises such as handicraft University of Gondar (UoG) in
and souvenir & gift shops. Besides, centers and coffee houses. Hence, building the capacity of tourism
in Gondar city there are community the benefits of tourism in Gondar stakeholders through formal
association and private businesses is rising and creating jobs for education, trainings, research and
launched and currently offering both the community, profits for local consultations. Yet, regular skill-
transportation (car rent) and guiding tourism businesses and tax for the based trainings are required for the
services for visitors. On top of this, government. Thus, it is important tourism and hospitality industry
there are few local travel agencies to appreciate tourism in the city as employees to play pivotal roles in
who are experts in organizing city a tool to strengthen the growth of terms of conservation of heritages,
tours, selling trekking packages to the local, regional as well as national delivery of quality tourism services
spectacular Semien Mountains and employment and sustainable and ensure customer satisfaction.
booking of local flights. economic development efforts.
Abyssinia Business Nework ጥር ወር 2012 January 2020 39
ምንጭ -
(በቅርቡ ለህትመት ከሚበቃ የተወዳጁ ጋዜጠኛ ጌጡ ተመስገን የጉዞ
ማስታወሻ መጽሐፍ የተወሰደ)
ኳስ ጠቢባንን፤ ከ ሀ እስከ ፐ እያነሱ እግር ኳስ ክለብ አሰልጣኝ ሆዜ ሞሪኒዮ
ስማቸውን፤ ዝናቸውን፤ ክብራቸውን ከኢትዮጵያዊው ማርቆስ በቀለ አንዳንድ
ከትላልቅ ክለቦች እስከ ብሔራዊ ቡድን ስታይሎች የኮረጁ ይመስለኛል፡፡ ሆዜ ሞሪኖ
ድረስ መዘከር ይቻላል፡፡ ከእነማን ይጀመር? በዚያን ጊዜ የቄራ ልጆች፤ (የአልማዝዬ
… አብዶ ከድር፣ ሀይሉ ወ/መድህን፣ ሲራክ ልጆች) ጨዋታ ተመልካች ስለነበሩ በእግር
ወልዴ፣ ዮሐንስ አስፋው፣ መስፍን አሰፋ ኳሱ ዓለም እምብዛም አይታወቁም ነበር
(ቻይና)፣ ጌታቸው ካሣ (ቡቡ)፣ ግርማ ፡፡ አሰልጣኞቹ ማርቆስ በቀለና ጎሳዬ ደበበ
በርሄ፣ ሀብታሙ ባርጊቾ፣ አሥራት መገርሳ፣ (ማሙሽ ራምቦ) በዘመኑ ከሞሪኖ በላይ
መሱዑድ መሐመድ፣ ሙሴ ገ/ኪዳን፣ ታዋቂዎች ነበሩ፡፡
አስናቀ ደጀኔ …መጥቀስ ይቻላል፡፡
አልማዝዬ ሜዳና ‹‹የቄራ ልጆች›› ከሌላ ሠፈር ሜዳቸውን ጥለው በአልማዝዬ የሾላ ቡድን ሜዳ ውስጥ ሲታዩ 11
ሜዳ ፍቅር ከወደቁ፤ በአልማዝዬ ሜዳ ናቸው፡፡ ግን 12 ሆነው ነው የሚጫወቱት
ጌጡ ተመስገን ከተጫወቱ ሥመ ጥሩ የሀገራችን የእግር ኳስ ማለት ይቻላል፡፡ ‹‹እንዴት?›› ማለት ጥሩ
( የጉዞ ማስታወሻ ) ጠቢባን መካከል ሀይሌ ካሴ፣ ካሳዬ አራጌ፣ ነው፡፡ አሥልጣኙ ማርቆስ በቀለ ሜዳ
በለጠ ወዳጆ፣ ተስፊቲ፣ ናይጄሪያ (ነፍሱን ውስጥ አይገባም፡፡ ይሁንና 90 ደቂቃውን
የቄራ ልጆች ከአልማዝዬ ሜዳ ጋ ብዙ ትዝታ ይማረውና) አሰግድ ተስፋዬ … ልባችን ጨዋታውን እያነበበ የማጥቃት ወረራውን
አለን፡፡ አርቲስት ሰለሞን ቦጋለ፣ ሳምሶን ታደሰ በክብር ያስታውሳቸዋል፡፡ አስደማሚው ይቀምራል፡፡ 12ኛ ተጫዋች ሆኖ ከጎል
(ቤቢ)፣ ፍቃዱ ከበደ፣ ሲሳይ በቀለ … ወዘተ ነገር፤ ኢትዮጵያ ውስጥ ለመጫወት፤ እስከ ጎል በአዕምሮው ይጫወታል ፡፡ ይህ
፡፡ እኒህ ስብስቦች የቢኒያም ወርቁ ልጆች ለመመረጥ ከአፍሪካ ምድር የመጡ አጨዋወቱ፤ (የቴክኒክና ታክቲክ እውቀቱ)
በሚል ይታወቃሉ፡፡ ቢኒያም ወርቁ ነው ወደ የናይጄሪያ፣ ካሜሮን፣ ኮትዲቯር ተጫዋቾች እንዲሁም ተፈጥሯዊው ክህሎቱ ተደምሮ
ኪነጥበብ መንደር ኮትኩቶ ያመጣቸው፡፡ የቄራ በአልማዝዬ ሜዳ የክብር መዝገብ ላይ ለተጋጣሚ ቡድን ከባድ ፈተና ነበር፡፡
ልጆች፤ የኢትዮጵያ የኪነ ጥበብ ልጆች ናቸው፡ ሥማቸው ተጽፏል ፡፡
፡ እነርሱ ስለ አልማዝዬ ሜዳ፤ ስለ ቄራ ልጆች ማርቆስ፤ ለተጋጣሚ ቡድን ፈተና መሆኑን
አውርተው አይጠግቡም፡፡ እኔም እንዲሁ፡፡ ማርቆስ በቀለ የከፍተኛ 20 ቀበሌ ያወቀ ጊዜ … ኩራቱን ፤ ትዕቢቱን ፤
42 (የወረዳ 05) - የሾላ እግር ኳስ አሸናፊነቱን በአልማዝዬ ሜዳ ፤ በተመልካች
ከአቶ ዳንኤል አሰፋ ጋር ወግ ያዝን፡፡ ቡድን አሰልጣኝ ነው፡፡ የእኛ ቀበሌ ፊት፤ በተጋጣሚ እግር ሥር ይነሰንሰዋል
እየተብሰከሰኩ ታሪካዊ ፈትል ማዳወር ጀመሩ፤ 43 (የቄራ አንበሳ የእግር ኳስ ቡድን) ፡፡ ከዚህ ስሜት የሚናጠበው ድንገት
‹‹የቄራ አንበሳ ቡድን፣ እግር ኳስ በሚወዱ አሰልጣኝ ደግሞ ጎሳዬ ደበበ (ማሙሽ ‹‹ቀጥ›› የምታደርገው የልብ ሕመሙ
የቄራ ልጆች በ1960ዎቹ መጨረሻ የተመሰረተ ራምቦ) ነበር፡፡ ማሙሽ ራምቦ አካል ስትነሳበት ብቻ ነበር፡፡
ነው፡፡ መሥራቾቹ በአቶ ካሳ እፎይ አስተባባሪነት፣ ጉዳተኛ ስለነበር ሲያሰለጥን በእጁ
እነ ጌታቸው ከበደ (ማጄ)፣ በላቸው መተኪያ፣ ሁሉ እየተጠቀመ ነበር፡፡ ይሁንና የሾላ ቡድንና የቄራ አንበሳ ቡድን
ብርሃኔ ጎይቶም፣ ፀጋዬ ወ/ሰንበት፣ ፍቅረ ወ/ ሁላችንም በአሰለጣጠኑ እንወደዋለን፤ ሲገናኙ፣ እንዳአሁኑ የእንግሊዙ ማንችስተር
ሰንበት፣ ነጋ ደያስና ጓደኞቻቸውን ያካተተ ነበር፡ እናከብረዋለን፤ እንፈራዋለንም፡፡ ዩናይትድና የማንችስተር ሲቲ ጨዋታን
፡ …›› አቶ ዳንኤል እጆቻቸውን እያፍተለተሉ ይመስላል፡፡ የያኔውን የቄራ አንበሳ ቡድንና
የአልማዝዬ ሜዳን ታሪካዊ ዳራን መተረክ የማሙሽ ራምቦ ቡድን የቺስታ የሾላ ቡድን የውጤት ሰንጠረዥ ስመለከት፣
ቀጠሉ … ‹‹ይሄ ሜዳ ስያሜውን ያገኘው ቡድን ነው፡፡ ማሊያችን ቁምጣችን፣ የሾላ ቡድን በገዛ ሜዳችን በሰፋ የጎል
ወ/ሮ ደስታ ከሚባሉ እናት ነው፡፡ እርሳቸው ጫማችን ጉራማይሌ ነበር፡፡ የእነ ልዩነት ሦስት ጊዜ አሸንፈውናል ፡፡
ቆነጃጅት ልጃገረዶችን፣ ወይዛዝርትን ሲመለከቱ ማርቆስ የሾላ ቡድን ግን ቢጫ አንድ ጊዜ አቶ ገብረኢየሱስ ቤቢሶና
‹‹አልማዝዬ›› ብለው በክብር ይጠሩ ነበር፡፡ በዚህ ቀለም ማሊያ፤ ሸራ ጫማ ነበራቸው፡፡ ባለቤታቸው ወ/ሮ ታየች በቀለ ‹‹ለአሸናፊው
የተነሳ ወ/ሮ ደስታ የሚለው ስማቸው ተረስቶ ከጨዋታ በፊት ሲያሟሙቁ፣ እንኳን ቡድን ሙሉ የስፖርት ትጥቅ እንሸልማለን
‹‹ አልማዝዬ ›› በሚል ሥም ይጠሩ ጀመር፡ የተመልካቹን የእኛን የተጋጣሚዎቹን - የብር ዋንጫ እናበረክታለን፣ የገንዘብ
፡ አስደማሚው ነገር፤ የአንድ ባለጠጋ መሬት ቀልብ ሳይቀር ይስባሉ፡፡ ድጋፍ እናደርጋለን›› በማለታቸው አሥር
ጠባቂ ነበሩ፡፡ ሜዳው በእርሳቸው ቅጥያ ስም ቡድኖች ለሳምንታት ስንፋለጥ ሰነበትን፡፡
የ‹‹አልማዝዬ ሜዳ›› ተብሎ እስካሁን ይጠራል፡፡ የሾላ ቡድን ተጫዋቾች አሰልጣኙ በመጨረሻም የሾላና የቄራ አንበሳ ልጆች
ልጅ አልወለዱም፤ ይሁንና ‹ሳይወልዱ መክበድ› ማርቆስ እንደ ፈረንጅ ይቃጣው ነበር፡፡ ለዋንጫ ተገናኘን፡፡
ማለት እንዲህ ነው ፡፡ የአልማዝዬ ሜዳ ልጆች ከድፍረት ይቆጠርብኝና … የእንግሊዝ
እልፍ ናቸው›› አሉ ፡፡
የቄራ ልጆች (የአልማዝዬ ልጆች)፤ የእግር
40 Abyssinia Business Nework ጥር ወር 2012 January 2020
አልማዝዬ ሜዳ እንኳን በዋንጫ ግጥሚያ
ቀርቶ በመደበኛ ጨዋታም በተመልካቾች
ይደምቃል፡፡ እንደ ልደታው ቢሪሞ ሜዳ
፡፡ …
የቄራ አንበሳ የእግር ኳስ ቡድን ክብ ኢትዮጵያ ውስጥ ለመጫወት፤ ለመመረጥ ከአፍሪካ ምድር የመጡ
ሰርተን፤ ትከሻ ለትከሻ - እጅ ለእጅ የናይጄሪያ፣ ካሜሮን፣ ኮትዲቯር ተጫዋቾች በአልማዝዬ ሜዳ
- አንገት ለአንገት ተያያዝን፡፡ ለ90 የክብር መዝገብ ላይ ሥማቸው ተጽፏል
ደቂቃዎች በሙሉ ትንፋሽና በሙሉ
ኃይላችን መጫወት እንዳለብን በጋራ
ድምጽ አሰማን፡፡ ‹‹ምንጊዜም የቄራ
አንበሳ!›› ስንል በአሸናፊነት ስሜት ፎከርን፡
፡ እኛ ‹‹እንደ አንበሳ እናሸንፋለን!›› ብለን
ስንጮህ፣ ደጋፊያችን ‹‹ታሸንፋላችሁ!››
እያለ አስተጋባ፤ አውካካ አጨበጨበ፡፡
በእጅጉ ተ - ነ - ቃ - ቃ - ን ፡፡
ጨዋታው ተጀመረ ፡፡
ቅዳሜ ለጉሊት ገበያ የመጡ ቅርጫትና ለቄራ አንበሳ ቡድን ተጫዋቾች፣ ከዕይታ ዓይኖቻችን እናሸሻለን፡፡ …
ዘንቢል የያዙ እናቶች ሳይቀሩ ለኛ ቡድን ደጋፊዎች ጀላቲ - ብርቱኳን - ሙዝ ትርጉሙ ግን ዛሬም ድረስ አልገባኝም፡፡
ድጋፋቸውን መስጠት ይዘዋል፡፡ - ማስቲካ - ውሃ - ሳንቡሳ - ጮርናቄ
- ቆሎ አቀረቡልን፡፡ በነገራችን ላይ የቄራ ሽታ እያወደን እኔ ሁለት ሳንቡሳ
የአፄ ዘርዓ ያዕቆብ የመጀመሪያ ደረጃ የነጻነት የቆሎ አሰፋፈር ለቄራ ልጆች በሚጥሚጣ ቃሪያ በላሁ፡፡ ቃጠሎውን
ትምህርት ቤት የክፍል ጓደኞቼ፤ እነ ተጫዋቾችና ለደጋፊዎች ይለያያል - በጀላቲ አወራረድኩት፡፡ ካሸነፍን ከፍተኛ
ቡቺ፣ ሳንቴ፣ መቅዲ … በደጋፊነት ለየቅል ነው፡፡ ነፃነት የቆሎ ቁናዋን ግብዣ እንደሚጠብቀኝ እያሰብኩ በሃሴት
ታድመዋል፡፡ መሬት ላይ አስቀምጣ ለቡድናችን ድጋፍ ጮቤ ረገጥኩ፡፡ አለምዬ ነጻነት ጮራ
ስትሰጥ ከሜዳ ውስጥ ሆኜ ይሰማኛል፡ አንደኛ ደረጃ ትምህርት ቤት አጥር ሥር
ብርሃኔ ስንዱ (ከቤ እንላታለን) የቤታቸውን ፡ የቱጃሩ ልጅ የምወዳት፤ የማፈቅራት እነ ‹‹ገለቱ ሻይ ቤት›› ድንች፣ በብስኩትና
የጠጅ ሂሳብ መቀበል ትታ፣ የቄራ አንበሳ እታለም ከአባቷ ጋር ብትመጣም ስለኔ በሻይ እንደሚጋብዘኝ ቃል ገብቶኛል፡
የእግር ኳስ ቡድን - ጠበቃ፤ የጉልበት አጨዋወት ግድ እንደሌላት አሳምሬ ፡ እኔም ለመጋበዝ ሜዳ ውስጥ አብዶ
መከታ ለመሆን ተገኝታለች፡፡ እሷ ካለች አውቃለሁ፡፡ ቆሎ ሻጭዋ ነጻነት ‹‹አንተ መስራት ነበረብኝ፡፡ ለድንቿ - ለብስኩቷ!
እነ ከተማ ጉልቤውም አይደፍሩንም፡፡ አፈር! .. አሻሮ!›› እያለች ድጋፍ ስትሰጥ ከእረፍት መልስ የቄራ አንበሳ ልጆች ኳስ
ጠቧ ሁሌም ከወንዶች ጋር ነው፡፡ ግን እርሷንም፤ እኔንም በግልምጫ ከመረብ ለማገናኘት አልቻልንም፡፡ በተለይ
ታነሳናለች፡፡ እኔ ብዙ ኳሶችን አበላሸሁ፡፡
ጠብ ከተነሳ በአጭር ቁመቷ - ሰቅስቃ
ገብታ ከመሬት የመደባለቅ ፍጥነቷ ‹‹ወይ ቆሎ ሻጯ ነጻነትና የባለጠጋው ልጅ የእታለም በሜዳው መገኘት ሳይሆን
ብርሃኔ ስንዱ! … ወይ ከቤ! …. ›› እታለም እኔን ሜዳ ላይ አስተኝተው እንደማይቀር ጠርጥሬአለሁ፡፡ እታለም
ያስብልላታል፡፡ እርሷም ይህንን ጀግንነቷን ማዶ ለማዶ ይተያያሉ፡፡ የስፖንሰራችን - የዲታው ልጅ!
ለማሳየት ይሁነኝ ብላ ጠብ መጫሯ ከእታለም ጋር ቅርርብ አልነበረንም፡፡ ግን
አይቀርም፡፡ የእታለም ነገረ-ሥራ የቅናት ይሁን እሷን ማየት ሁሌም ነፍሴ ነበር፡፡ በዚህ
ቢጤህን ፈልግ ማለቷ አይገባኝም ነበር ጨዋታ እሷን ለመማረክ ያልፈነቀልኩት
ፊሽካ ተነፋ፡፡ ፡፡ የልጅነት የዋህ ልቤ ይህን ለማገናዘብ ድንጋይ የለም፡፡ ሸርተቴ በማይገባበት ሁሉ
ብቁ አልነበረም፡፡ ግን በተደጋጋሚ ዓይን ሸርተቴ ገብቻለሁ፡፡ እታለም ግን ወደ እኔ
ጎል ሳናስቆጥር ለእረፍት ወጣን፡፡ ለዓይን እንጋጫለን፡፡ በዚያች ቅፅበት እያየች አልነበረም፡፡
Abyssinia Business Nework ጥር ወር 2012 January 2020 41
እርሷ እቴ … ሥራ አልፈታችም፡፡ ‹‹ሰውየው ኳስ - አለምሰገድ በግንባር ገጭቶ ሩቅ ነው’ንዴ?›› አልኩት፡፡
ሚስትህ ወለደች ወይ ቢሉት፣ ማንን ወንድ ለአለምዬ ሰጠው - አለምዬ አታሎ - … ከተማ ሲቆጣ ያስፈራል፣ ሲስቅ
ብላ››አለ - አሉ ፡፡ ለጌታቸው ደበበ (ሚሚ) ቀደደለት ወተት የመሰሉ፤ እንደ ሃጫ በረዶ የነጡ
- ሚሚ ሁለት ተከላካዮችን ጥርሶቹ ብርሃን ይፈነጥቃሉ፡፡ ከተማ
ድንገት ከፍተኛ የተቃውሞ ድምጽ ወገብ ቆርጦ በረኛውን አጋድሞ ምህረት አድርጎልኝ … በማስፈራራት
በደጋፊዎቻችን ዘንድ ይሰማ ጀመር፡ ኳስ ከመረብ አገናኘ፡፡ ጨዋታው ብቻ ትቶኝ ሄደ፡፡ (ሳይደግመኝ ማለቴ
፡ እታለምን ሳይ አንዱ አጥቂ ኳስ ይዞ ተጠናቀቀ፡፡ ነው) እዛው በተንበረከኩበት፤ ከከተማ
በአጠገቤ አፈተለከ፡፡ አሰልጣኛችን ጎሳዬ ደበበ በትር ያዳነኝን አምላክ አመሰገንኩ፡፡
(ማሙሽ ራምቦ) ጥርሴን እንደሚነቅለው ሁለት ለአንድ አሸነፍን! ‹‹ሃምሳ ቢወለድ ሃምሳ ነው ጉዱ፣
ን በምልክት አስጠነቀቀኝ፡፡ ማሙሽን
አውቀዋለሁ፡፡ ያለውን ከማድረግ ፈጽሞ የቄራ አንበሳ ልጆች በታሪካችን የቄራ ልጅ ይበቃል አንዱ›› …
ወደ ኋላ አይልም፡፡አሥር ደቂቃ ሲቀረን ለመጀመሪያ ጊዜ የዋንጫ ባለቤት የተባለው ለእነ ከተማ ደምሴ መሆኑን
አንድ አገባንና አቻ ሆንን፡፡ እፎይ ብዬ ወደ ሆንን ፡፡ ከበረኪና ዋንጫ ወደ ብር አልረሳሁም፡፡
ፈጣሪ ለምስጋና አንጋጠጥኩ፡፡ ‹‹የጎፋው ዋንጫ ተ-ሸ-ጋ-ገ-ር-ን ፡፡
ቅዱስ ገብርኤል የእናቴን ጸሎት ስማ! … ከተማ እግሬ ላይ ባደረሰብኝ ጉዳት
አደራ!››ስል ተማጸንኩ፡፡ የቄራ አንበሳ ልጆች የደስታ ሆታ ‹‹ገለቱ ሻይ ቤት›› መሄድ አልቻልኩም፡፡
ድምፅ ፤ ከአልማዝዬ ሜዳ - የአለምዬ የድንች፣ ብስኩትና ሻይ ግብዣ
ከጥቂት ደቂቃዎች በኋላ አንድ የእኛ ከአዲሱ ቄራ ተነስቶ በቂርቆስ - ስለቀረብኝ ተናደድኩ፡፡ እግሬን እየጎተትኩ
ተጫዋች ጉዳት ደረሰበት፡፡ ሜዳ ውስጥ በለገሃር አልፎ አዲስ አበባ ስታዲየም - እንደ ጎበጥኩ ወደ ቤት እየሄድኩ
ሕክምና እየተደረገለት ነበር፡፡ ያስተጋባ ነበር፡፡ ዋንጫውን ሳለሁ፣ ጎረቤታችንና የሠፈራችን ቆንጆ
እየሳምን በደስታ አለቀስን፡፡ አነባን … ያቺ የምወዳት እታለም … ከኋላዬ
በዚህች ቅፅበት ማርቆስ በቀለና ማሙሻ ፡፡ ተነፋረቅን፡፡ … አንዳንድ ሰዎች ከች አለች፡፡ በድንጋጤ አረማመዴን
ራምቦ ቡድናቸውን በመምከር ተጠመዱ፡፡ የምናለቅሰው የሆነ ሀዘን ደርሶብን ለማቃናት …ለማስተካከል ሞከርኩ፡፡
ማርቆስ በቀለ ምን እንደነገራቸው እንጃ … እንጂ የብር ዋንጫ ለመጀመሪያ ጊዜ ግን አልተሳካም ፡፡ እታለም - ፍ - ር-
የሾላ ቡድን የእግር ኳስ ጥበበኞች አስናቀ በማሸነፋችን አልመሰላቸውም ነበር፡፡ ፍ - ር ብላ ከልቧ ሳቀች፡፡ ፍ - ር- ፍ
በቀለ፣ ታደሰ አድማሱ፣ መሱድ አህመድ፣ -ር...
መስፍን አሰፋ (ቻይና) እንደ ንብ ተመሙ ከዋንጫው ሥነ ስርዓት በኋላ
፡፡ የአልማዝዬ ሜዳ በሆታ ቀለጠ ፡፡ ኳስ አልማዝዬ ሜዳ ተበጠበጠ፡፡ ስፖርታዊ ከእነ ጉዳቴ ተሸኮረመምኩኝ !
ከመረብ ለማገናኘት እየተመላለሱ ወረሩን ፡፡ ጨዋነት ገደል ገባ፡፡ ‹‹ስፖርት
ለጤንነት - ስፖርት ለወንድማማችነት ‹‹ ምድር ከሰማይ እንዲህ ሩቅ ነው’ንዴ
በጋራ ማጥቃት በጋራ መከላከል አጨዋወት - ስፖርት ለወዳጅነት›› የሚለው ቂ-ቂ-ቂ ›› ስትል አሾፈችብኝ ፡፡
እንድንቀይር ማሙሻ ራንቦ አዘዘን፡፡ የቱንም መርህ ተጣሰ፡፡ የሾላ ልጆች መከታ -
ያህል ብንዳክርም ግብ ጋ መድረስ አልቻልንም ጉልቤው - ከተማ ደምሴ (ባሪያው) በንዴት ጨስኩኝ፡፡ እታለም ለካ ከተማን
፡፡ ደረስን ከተባለም ኳስ ከሾላ ቡድን በረኛ ቀወጠው፡፡ ተንበርክኬ ስለማመጠው አይታኝ ነበር፡፡
ከተምትም ቱሉ እጅ አታመልጥም፡፡ ወይ ነዶ ! ‹‹በል ቻው የኔ ጅብ እግር!››
ከተማ እየተንደረደረ ወደኔ ሲመጣ ብላኝ ጥላኝ ሄደች - ያቺ የምወዳት
ጨዋታው ሊጠናቀቅ ሦስት ደቂቃ ቀረው፡፡ አለቀልኝ አልኩ፤ ‹‹አንተ የድሃ ልጅ! የኔ ቆንጆ፡፡
የአንሸነፍም ግብግብ ያዝን፡፡ የሜዳ ውስጥ ሜዳ ውስጥ ፋውል አብዝተሃል! …
ሹክቻው ፤ የፊሽካ ድምጽ በረከተ ፡፡ ዳኛው ቀይ አልሰጠህም! … እኔ ከእታለም ንግግር እኔ ውስጥ የቀረው
የዳኛ ማስጠንቀቂያ በዛ ፡፡ ውጪ ነፍስ ፣ ከ … ተ … ማ ግን አሁን ቀይ ‹‹የኔ›› የሚለው ብቻ ነው፡፡ ‹‹ጅብ
ግቢ ነፍስ ሆነ ፡፡ ቢጫ ካርዶች እንደ ጉድ እሰጥሃለሁ!›› አለና በጠረባ መሬት እግር›› ያለችውን ጭንቅላቴ በራሱ
ተመዘዙ ፡፡ ላይ ዘረረኝ፡፡ ሊደግመኝ ሲል ትዕዛዝ ‹ዲሊት› አድርጐታል፡፡
የማውቀውን ሁሉ ታቦት እየጣራሁ
ከአጥቂያቸው ኳስ አስጣልኩና ወደፊት ተለማመጥኩት ‹‹ከተማ፤ … አይ አልማዝዬ ሜዳ … አይ የቄራ
መግፋት ጀመርኩ፡፡ ከቀኝ ክንፍ ያሻማሁትን ከትዬ፤ … ምድር ከሰማይ እንዲህ ልጆች … ወይ እታ’ለም!!
42 Abyssinia Business Nework ጥር ወር 2012 January 2020
Towards Halting Contraband
By Teshome Fantahun
The FDRE Customs Commission ways continue to renovate their Even though National Tobacco
in collaboration with Spotlight Enterprise is the only company
Communications and Marketing held nature every time. The Deputy with the monopoly rights to
a discussion on January 16, 2020, with produce and distribute tobacco in
governmental agencies and stakeholders reaffirmed Government’s Ethiopia; Tobacco remains one
regarding the impact and havoc from of the major illegally imported
contraband as well as challenges in the commitment to prevent this products in the country. Mr.
combat against illegal trade in Ethiopia. Solomon Haile, head of the anti-
Representatives from the Federal problem ; “Other than the day- illicit-tobacco-trade function in
Customs Commission; Customs branch the organization says: “About 40
offices of Harar and Dire Dawa, Bureau to-day task of the Commission percent of the country’s tobacco
of Trade and Industry, Health Bureau, trade is illicit.”
Revenue Bureau, law enforcement to combat illegal trade, the
agents from Police and the Defense force In the Eastern part of Ethiopia,
along with stakeholders from the private government is more determined 90 percent of the market share is
sector participated in the discussion that contraband. Hence, this weakens
was held at the Wonderland Hotel. than ever and has established the investment of the taxpaying
organization that was privatized
Opening the Conference Mr. Dineer and commenced operation of a two years ago to foreign investors
Ahmed, Head of Harar City Peace & and also reduces the amount of
security office, Deputy Officer explained National Tasks Force that is led revenue the government should
the challenges witnessed in relation have collected in the form of tax
to contraband saying that smuggled by the Deputy Prime Minister from the legitimate business.
goods are threats to the growth and
development of the country. “Every day of the Country” said Mulugeta. After thorough discussions on
we are victimizing children, mothers and resolutions to combat illicit
the society with poor quality products” Deputy Commissioner Mulugeta trade, the half-day meeting ended
He said. He adds; “this is not solely the up with a six-point position
government’s problem; we should all be also reiterated on the need for a statement presented by Federal
doing our part in defining the depth and Customs Commission Deputy
breadth of the disaster and preventing concerted effort saying “if we Commissioner Mr. Mulugeta
the issue. We are also happy because Beyene and Mr. Bekri Abiyala
the discussion started from the city of all fight together in all areas Harar city Attorney General
Harar”. Office.
of the problem, we can reduce
« We can protect our families and
our siblings from products that have illegal trade significantly”.
no ingredient or expiry information
such as packed foods, medicines, The Deputy adds “we can stand
ointments, cosmetics and illicit against illicit trade doing what
cigarettes. » is expected from us ; that is
by bringing contrabandists
Deputy Commissioner of the FDRE to justice, by refusing to buy
Customs Commission, Mr. Mulugeta illicit products, and as law
Beyene on his part said that illegal trade enforcement agencies by
is growing from time to time and its pushing with our combat
against illicit trade ; we can
protect our families and our
siblings from products that
have no ingredient or expiry
information such as packed
foods, medicines, ointments,
cosmetics and illicit cigarettes”.
Abyssinia Business Nework ጥር ወር 2012 January 2020 43
ABN
10
Questions
By Aklile Tsige ? Michael Solomon
Artist
To some people, art appears very impractical. They don’t understand its purpose and while they may feel
a given work is “interesting” or “pretty,” they fail to grasp why it moves people. Regardless of its exact
form, however, art serves as vital nourishment to the human spirit, using it to explore our world and the
truth’s that more practical endeavors can sometimes obscure.
Beauty in and of itself serves as indelible testament to the importance of art. A beautiful painting or song
creates a sense of happiness in the viewer, filling his soul with wonder and contentment. Furthermore,
such beauty may inspire the observer to have a more positive effect on the world around him, or to seek
out similar scenes in the real world to further enrich his life. Picasso once said that “art is a lie that
reveals the truth.” A skilled artist can bring out hidden or obscure truths.
Our Editor-in-Chief Aklile Tsige sat with vise-president of Ethiopian Visual Artists Association, Michael
Solomon /Miki Ertale/, who is doing significant jobs with his experimental art specialization, and
discussed his experience in the field.
44 Abyssinia Business Nework ጥር ወር 2012 January 2020
ABN: Tell us a little bit about you my higher education in the field of happy with that. I think he is one of
self, please? arts. Having successfully passed my inspirations. The other one could
the entrance, I joined Ale School be World Laureate Artist Afework
Michael: I was born and raised of Fine Arts at Addis Ababa Tekle and my arts teacher at Assela,
in Assela town of the Oromia University and studied for four Bizuayehu Girma.
Regional State. As a child I was years, majoring Art Education and
highly inspired by societal culture earned my BA degree. ABN: What is your specialization in
especially those rural women the field of visual arts?
coming to Assela from various “I have received certificate
parts of the rural Arsi Zone in the and financial awards from Michael: Although I majored Art
region. Education, I am more interested in
several governmental experimental arts that aims to increase
ABN: How could you get into and non-governmental awareness in our communities that
visual arts? institutions for winning all art forms matter. Audiences may
have difficulty in understanding
Michael: While I was a student at posters and logo or engaging with experimental
my birth place, Assela, I had the competitions.” arts. Artists may have difficulty
opportunity to attend trainings on finding an environment in which to
the basics of arts or paintings. This ABN: Who is / are your source be understood and engaged. It’s a
indeed paved ways to develop my of inspiration for your current kind of artistic work that promotes
inner potential in arts. Thus, I tried professional career? enjoyment, art therapy and awareness
to do various kinds of paintings, raising activity. For instance, I have
sculptures and other modes of arts. Michael: My older brother used to managed to participate in awareness
After completing my secondary do some arts at home when I was a creation campaign on road safety
education I came to Addis Ababa child although my parents were not and traffic accident prevention
to take entrance exam to pursue events and the like. This trend of arts
Miki Ertale
Abyssinia Business Nework ጥር ወር 2012 January 2020 45
“I dream to Miki Ertale
establish a
very popular
and globally
recognized
helps different sections of a society branding to me. Therefore, I had to quit
get positive energy in their lives. company teaching, and have begun working
So, I mostly spend my time doing that aims at my own art studio.
experimental arts. to promote
Ethiopian ABN: What do you think are your
ABN: What have you done after greatest achievement so far?
completing your study at Ale
School of Fine Arts, AAU? Michael: I couldn’t say that I have
achieved a lot in my life so far.
Michael: As I graduated in Arts unique But since I began this profession
I have made attempts to do my
Education I had to experience what best and to help people get enough
arts Education mean. Thus, I had cultural value of my ability. I have received
to teach at some schools in Addis different recognition and awards
from various organizations for my
and generateAbaba. So I was first employed by magnificent artistic works since I
Norwegian School as an art teacher. was in high school. Moreover, I have
I worked for a short period of time foreign received certificate and financial
awards from several governmental
there, and again I was employed at and non-governmental institutions
for winning posters and logo
currency toGibson School for only a month. competitions. I have managed
to produce logos of Government
I did stay for very short times in
the country.both schools just to see into the
school environments. You know art
requires freedom, but these school
environments didn’t give freedom
”46 Abyssinia Business Nework ጥር ወር 2012 January 2020
University Sport Association arts therapy which eases and Michael: Frankly speaking, I don’t
and Association for Peoples with relieves different psychological have pastime activities. What impresses
Disability. and physical disorders or and amuses me is only my job: painting
discomforts. Moreover, I have or sculpture. Whenever I get sufficient
“I dream to establish a very also organized art contest among time I sometimes enjoy visiting the
popular and globally recognized elementary school students in needy, and the elderly people in
branding company that aims line with the construction of the churches and monasteries. I like to help
to promote Ethiopian unique Great Ethiopian Renaissance such disadvantaged people in different
cultural value and generate Dam. I will keep on doing this. parts of the country.
foreign currency to the country.”
ABN: What group or solo art ABN: What’s your vision in life?
ABN: You know artists are said exhibitions have you so far Michael: Getting stronger and stronger
to be very close to the society. displayed? in my profession, I have plans to unveil
What social responsibility have and rediscover a lot of artifacts and gift
you discharged so far? Michael: Actually I have not articles that are uniquely Ethiopian.
conducted a solo exhibition so You know, ..eee… we are losing our
Michael: I’m always ready to far. But I had group exhibitions own cultural heritages knowingly or
help individuals and institutions with different young and veteran unknowingly; we don’t add value to
that are working on humanitarian artists at different venues like our artifacts, and even we don’t try to
and social development. I tried to the Sheraton Addis and Goethe keep it contemporary. I want to work
help humanitarian organizations Cultural Institute of Germany, on this. Thus I dream to establish a
such as “Mekedonia” and Niya and also an exhibition in Qatar. very popular and globally recognized
Foundation which is a center for branding company that aims to
helping autistic children. My aim ABN: What are your favorite promote Ethiopian unique cultural
is to support these organization pastimes? value and generate foreign currency to
and the people out there though the country.
Miki Ertale
Abyssinia Business Nework ጥር ወር 2012 January 2020 47
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40 Abyssinia Business Nework ጥር ወር 2012 January 2020