Abyssinia Business Network ABN SEBTEMBER 2019

Exclusive

Amleset Muchie

“environmental protection

is part of my life”

2nd YEAR NO 21 መስከረም 2012 / September 2019 www. abyssiniabusinessnetwork.com

Ethiopia 40.00 birr , USA 5.00 $ , Europe 5 .00 Euro , Global Link
South Africa 25.00 Rand , Kenya 500 Sh ,UAE 10.00AED
Abyssinia Business Nework
መስከረም 2012 / September 2019

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02 መስከረም 2012 / September 2019

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ALWAYS

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Addi s AbaAbbays,siEniatBhuisoinpessiaNework መስከረም 2012 / September 2019

Editorial Team Changing Commitment, not Calendar

MANAGING DIRECTOR Every end marks a new beginning. The end of the Ethiopian
2011 is the start of a new beginning, a new hope and
Daniel Tiruneh inspiration. Ethiopia saw lots of chaos, upheavals and socio-
MANAGING EDITOR political and economic turmoil in the past year alone. On the
other hand, promising activities were undertaken that need to
Getachew Alemu be further enhanced.
EDITOR IN CHIEF
Obviously the political situation in Ethiopia is tense, and
Aklile Tsige it seems the case that it has a lot to do with ethnic-politics
CONSULTANCY which is given legal, through the constitution and whatnot,
administrative cover.
Zeima Ahmed
STAFF WRITERS Apart from unprecedented violence which led to the
displacement of millions of people in the history of the
Mekonnen Hailu country observed during the ending year, ethnic politics is
also threatening the unity of the country so much so that
Ketema Kebede ethnic nationalist’s groups are now emerging who seek to
divide Ethiopia’s ancient church along ethnic lines.
Chacha
Hiwot Salelew Also, Ethiopian national identity, which is known in history
as a strong one, is weakened because ethnic identity is
Teshome Fantahun pronounced over all other forms of identities. But many
argue that the long-standing societal values, norms and
REPORTER beliefs Ethiopians hold, will maintain the bond among the
Josephine Wawira various ethnic groups across the country.
Kamba Anthony The Ethiopian government is taking measures but too little,
shallow and impressionists, as political pundits claim,
Joseph Oduha rather than strong transformational policy measures. Even
Designer those shallow and impressionist measures which manifest
themselves in the form of events are taking place in the
Daniel Tiruheh capital Addis Ababa rather than in ethnic-based regional
Photo states where radical ethnic nationalism is pursed with a kind
of revolutionary fervor.
Sol Image
Web Admin The leap year-‘Pagumen’ saw different commemorations
such as ‘peace day’ ‘unity day’and, “national pride day”
Rahel Tesfaye which were celebrated in the capital Addis Ababa and some
Distribution other cities in the country. These celebrations are believed
to bear fruits in the overall socio-economic and political
Hailu Abesse climate as the country enters the new year..
Partners
Ethiopia Culture And Tourism Most importantly, the soaring inflation in the country needs
Addis ababa police Commission to be given due attention for it affects businesses and people’s
living condition. The incumbent government of Ethiopia,
Ethio Great Investment Support Service PLC more than ever, is expected to restore and ensure peace,
stability and the rule of law as we ring out the old and ring
Abyssinia Business Network is published by in the new.

EYUDAN MEDIA PLC May this Ethiopian New Year change our direction and not
dates, change our commitments and not the calendar, change
business license no .KK/AA/14/706/661438/2009 our attitude and not the actions, and bring about a change
in our faith, our force and our focus and not the fruit. May
Address we live up to the promises we have made. May we create
conducive business and financial climate, and create for us
Kirkos Subcity ,Wereda 02 , House No 545/B and our loved ones the most Happy New Year ever!

Meskel Flower

Disclaimer:

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case represent the position of the magazine.

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02 Abyssinia Business Nework መስከረም 2012 / September 2019

Abyssinia Business Nework መስከረም 2012 / September 2019 03

Happy New Year

2012

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CONTENTS 44

10 Questions

26 1806 42COMMODITIES
&
DEVELOPMENT
Exclusive “የልጅሽ አባት
የባልሽ ወንድም ነኝ“
Amleset Muchie:

Vital in

Ethiopian

Economy

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Abyssinia Business Nework መስከረም 2012 / September 2019 05

Exclusive Interview

Amleset Muchie: Model Journalist Writer Actress Producer Philanthropist.

“The issue of environmental
protection is not something
that I can leave aside. It’s

part of my life.”

By Aklile Tsige

What would you do with your time if you were famous? Some of us would spend all of our free time
sitting on a beach or a yacht; others would write a book, or produce a play. And there are certainly
more than enough celebrities who do those things. However, there are also some stars that use fame
to improve other people’s lives, instead of their own.

Born and grew up in the African capital, Addis Ababa once a model, a journalist, and later a writer,
an actress, director and producer Amleset Muchie made a name for herself as an actress after taking
on the big role in her own romantic comedy-sileFikir. She appears to be a Jack-of-all-trades while
being a mother of a son and a daughter as well as a wife of the renowned Ethiopian song writer
and vocalist Tewodros Kassahun also known as Tedy Afro. ABN Editor-in-Chief Aklile Tsige talks to
Amleset at her studio, Maya Film Production.

ABN. I think your first profession ABN. Tell us how you managed could hold Miss World Ethiopia tittle
is journalism. How did you get to succeed in beauty pageant in 2006.This profession, in deed,
into it first? and modeling. helped me a lot in my life. It has also
given me the opportunity to travel to
Amleset:I have studied Journalism Amleset:I first took part in Poland and China to partake in beauty
at Unity University College since Miss University beauty pageant contest.But it’s hard to keep going
I have passion for literature, but I while I was a student at Unity with it; it’s very seasonal.
didn’t move further with it. I used University and wonthe title-
to work as a freelance writer for the Miss University in 2004. As far as modeling is concerned,
weekly Amharic newspapers-Addis Then representing Ethiopia, I I didn’t go through meaningful
Admasand the Reporterfor a short participated in a beauty contest modeling practices that I can mention
period of time. at the international level and as an achievement. I have realized
that this profession wouldn’t take

06 Abyssinia Business Nework መስከረም 2012 / September 2019

me a long distance and I had to
switch to another profession that
I’ve been anticipating.

ABN. What about your life in
the film-making profession?
How did all begin?

Amleset: Frankly speaking,
film-making profession is what
I’ve been dreaming of since my
childhood. I have written my first
film script for a romantic comedy
entitled ‘SileFikir’when I was
in high school. It has really
received great admiration from
the audience.Then I appeared in
‘Yifelegal’and other films.

I have also written and produced

a documentary film under

the tittle ‘Green Ethiopia’,

featuring environmental

protection and climate change.I

did this film because as an

individual global warming and

environmental degradation

torments me too much. I feel

satisfied spiritually when I see

green environment, but I feel

depressed and bothered when I

stay in the sun. So there was a

need to do something through a

strong communication tool, and

that’s a documentary film.

The film aimed to create Design by Enku Design
awareness among the general Makeup by Marzel Makeup
public; and in collaboration
with USA embassy the film Photo by johny Video
was premiered to high school
and university students, and catastrophic effects of climate the views of different individuals
also released via social media. change, and the film helped them who have got in-depth insight into
I strongly believe that the raise their level of awareness on climate change and environment
film achieved its objective; the matter. protection like volunteer clean
many people who watched the campaigner, Sileshi Demissie (gash
documentary disclosed that they ‘Green Ethiopia’ includes Aberra Molla), Captain Solomon
didn’t have that understanding
and knowledge about the

Abyssinia Business Nework መስከረም 2012 / September 2019 07

Gizaw, Abyssinia Flight Founder Amleset:It was initially entitled running to pull the nation out of the
and General Manager, former to be ‘Min Alesh Hager’ literally quagmire poverty.
FDRE President Girma Welde means what does a country have?
Georgis, Professor Legesse As human beings what do we have? This has been made real by our
Negash, Dr.Mulualem and the It’s only when you realize what famous athletes such as Haile G/
renowned world-class athlete, you have that you try to search for Sillasie, Kenenisa Bekele and
Haile Gebresilassie. I really something you lack. I embarked on Derartu Tulu who have hoisted
learn a lot from these high-profile forwarding an idea that I believe up our national flag high in the
individuals that environment would bring about attitude change. international sport arenas. So, for
protection is a national obligation me these athletes are symbol of
and a very crucial issue to human The theme of the film centers on victory andachievement; if other
beings; it’s a matter of life and poverty, beauty and athletics. As professionals like medical doctors,
death in general. Ethiopia is well-known for being nurses, and engineers run like our
poor, people’s beauty and athletics, athletes, we can make a difference.
ABN. What do you intend we can integrate all these qualities That’s what the film tries to impart.
to do in strengthening your for good cause. If we don’t accept
contribution to this endeavor? our being poor, we won’t get out ABN. You have recently been
of it. But if we accept that, it’s to Switzerland to premier your
Amleset: Yes, indeed, it’s possible to fight against poverty and film-‘Minalesh’; how was the
deep in my heart; the issue of get over it. The film implies that if reaction of the audience there?
environmental protection is not we do set a clear goal or vision, and
something that I can leave aside. Amleset:The reaction was really
It’s part of my life. If I don’t strive more than I had expected. I usually
for a better environment, I won’t admire the efforts we Ethiopians
live a better life. I strongly feel exert to support each other. I feel
that the issue is my concern. So, honored to see many Ethiopians
I am writing a script for another travelling long distance to watch
documentary film depicting my movie. The film reminds the
environmental protection issues audience of their connection to
in Africa; it demands huge ‘merkato’; it was nostalgic for
amount of budget, and I have to many of them. It was generally
travel and do the video shootings wonderful for it’s one way of
in different parts of the continent. promoting the country.

ABN. Have you taken any ABN. What about the audience
film-making training ? here at home?

Amleset: Yes, I studied film- Amleset:We the filmmakers need
making at New York Film to present the audience standard
Academy, USA for two years and quality films; it’s only then that
after I had produced my first the audience pay whatever money
movie-‘Sile Fikir’, and the he or she is asked for to watch
training included courses such as our movies. The audiences excel
script-writing, directing, acting our understanding of films since
and other related courses. they are exposed to various global
movie channels. Our life by itself is
ABN. Let’s talk about your very a movie, a school.
recent film-“Minalesh”. How
were you motivated to do such
a film?

08 Abyssinia Business Nework መስከረም 2012 / September 2019

ABN. As a mother and jack-of-all-trades how
do you maintain the balance between life and
your job?

Amleset: I love my profession; so I have to
allocate sufficient time for that. I refrain myself
from whiling away my time in vain. I am always
programmed, taking care of my children and
focusing on my job are the major tasks I regularly
carry out. I can say that my job doesn’t affect my
family life at all.

ABN.You are now becoming a philanthropist;
you and your husband, Teddy Afro have
recently adopted some six or seven children.
This is really a wonderful thing; how did the
idea stem from? And how are these children
doing right now?

“My father is my Amleset:I and my children do have the habit
inspiration. He was a
good teacher, of visiting the needy during holidays; I want my
kind-hearted beloved children to know that there are people
lacking basic needs. It was a Muslim holiday
when I and my kids visited a rehabilitation center
headed by sister Zebider. Looking at the situation
the children at the center are in, an idea crossed
my mind: To help ten children get food for the
time being, giving them birr 400 each per month,
and if I get stronger by the help of the Almighty
God, I would also stretch my hands to fulfill
other needs of the children, like helping them get
education and shelter. It is a very simple thing
that everyone could do.

and generous; many ABN. Who is your role model in life?

of his students Amleset:My father is my inspiration. He was a
good teacher, kind-hearted and generous; many of

witness his good his students witness his good personality; he used
to press me to read books so that I could develop

persona”lity my love for literature. He was also telling me his
life experience which I might learn a lot from.

ABN. You are a mother of a beautiful son and
a daughter. How does it feel to be a mother
and a multi-professional woman?

Abyssinia Business Nework መስከረም 2012 / September 2019 09

“ I am dreaming of
establishing modern

and huge film
Production Company
like Paramount and
Universal Pictures. ”

doesn’t make a journey, he won’t be happy.
There is an opportunity to find and develop
one self, to be happy, sad, laugh, and ultimately
enjoy life through the journey we are making.
So I can say I found this. I’m moving forward;
I do have a clear vision. That is what success
means to me.

ABN.What is your vision? Where do you
want yourselfto be in 5, 10 or 15 years’ time?

Amleset:I am dreaming of establishing
modern and huge film Production Company
like Paramount and Universal Pictures. The
other dream I have is to change amazing and
magnificent stories in our country into films.

Design by Enku Design ABN. The company you run-Maya Film
Makeup by Marzel Makeup Production is producing various audio-
Photo by johny Video visuals; does it create job opportunity for
citizens?
Amleset: In life it’s only God giving us all the natural gifts
and we have the choice to pick what we are born for. So it’s Amleset:My Company has created permanent
manageable to perform various tasks at a time as long as job opportunity for six professionals. But
we’re committed. in most cases I team up professionals on
temporary basis when there is a project that
ABN. What is success for you? Do you think you are demands lots of professionals. So the number
successful? of job opportunity depends on the types of the
project.
Amleset: Success for me is realizing what you need, but
not getting what you want. Realizing what you want and the ABN. What is your favorite ….?
journey you make to get what you want is success. If a man
Amleset: Pastime-Sporting at a gymnasium
Meal ? Lentil stew (misir wet)
Drink ? Water with lemon
Music? Teddy Afro’s songs
Country? Ethiopia

10 Abyssinia Business Nework መስከረም 2012 / September 2019

M
A
Y
A
F
I
L
M
P
R
O
D
U
T
I
O
N

Abyssinia Business Nework መስከረም 2012 / September 2019 1131

Ethiopian New

Ethiopia rings in its New Year, people leave the rainy, foggy and
Enkutatash, on 11 September, thunderous months in Ethiopia’s
and not on 1 January, as the rest winter period behind and move
of the world does. The country’s on to better days.
unique calendar considers
September, called Meskerem in the The celebration of
local language of Ethiopia, to be the New Year
the first month of the year. Here is a
look at the history behind the New As a harbinger of the New Year,
Year celebrations. The Ethiopian a song called ‘Abebayehosh’ is
New Year Enkutatash means the performed by groups of Ethiopian
‘gift of jewels’. Legend has it that girls. You could be at home
King Solomon of Jerusalem gave in your PJs, sipping on some
the Queen of Sheba jewels during coffee, or maybe taking a stroll,
her famous visit to Jerusalem as a group of girls approach you
some 3,000 years ago. Her return beating their drums, clapping
to Ethiopia after receiving the and singing the traditional song.
gift coincided with the New Year One of the girls leads the song
celebration in September, and and the rest respond to the lyric,
hence the name Enkutatash came chanting “lemlem”. They carry
to be. bright-yellow flowers called
adey abeba, which grow in
The number of daylight hours and Ethiopia only from September
night time hours happen to be to November. As a token of
exactly equal in every part of the appreciation, people respond to
globe once every September, which the girls’ pleasant songs with a
is one of the reasons Ethiopians, piece of bread prepared for the
celebrate New Year during this holidays, or with money the latter
month. During this time of the year, taking precedence these days.
the Sun and the Moon that are used Then come the heartwarming
to count time each have 12 hours praises from the girls, wishing
before setting. The second reason is the gift giver more riches, more
derived from the Bible, which says children for the coming year and
that the creation of the Heavens and even 30 calves.
the Earth took place in September.
The whole family comes together
Ethiopians believe that the month of to light a bonfire in their backyard
September has different signs that and dance around it in circles
explain why it should be celebrated on the eve of the New Year.
as the beginning of a New Year. For the New Year celebration,
Blooming flowers, sunny days and young boys have a different role.
a generally pleasant weather reign Weaving their creativity into
during this month. It is a time when beautiful paintings that herald
the coming of a bright new day,
12 Abyssinia Business Nework መስከረም 2012 / September 2019

Year (2012 E.C)

the boys go from one house
to another handing out their
works of art on the morning of
the holiday to family members,
neighbours and friends.

Holidays in Ethiopia are bound
to make most people feel a
pinch in their pockets, because
of the feast. Slaughtering
animals is mostly done at
people’s homes, and men
usually assume the traditional
role. The national dish doro
wot (chicken stew), which
takes at least half a day to
prepare, is rarely missed from
the holiday menu, and is served
along with local alcoholic
drinks such as tej (honey
wine) and tela. The doro wot is
served with injera (a flatbread)
on a large platter; everyone
can dine together, and it is
common to see people feeding
each other as a way of showing
affection and love. When
visiting families, neighbours
and friends, savouring every
holiday dish is the order of
the day and may leave some
people overwhelmed.

getting Image There’s no better time than the
holidays for people who would
Abyssinia Business Nework like to relish Ethiopian coffee
in all its glory. Complemented
by popcorn and a pleasant
frankincense aroma, coffee
is served after the extensive
holiday feast is over, and long,
freshly cut green grass called
ketema is spread on the floor.

መስከረም 2012 / September 2019

Exotic “I usually prefer to wear Ethiopian
Timanedless traditional apparels during major
By AklileTsige holidays and special occasions,”
“I have developed Selam continues, “what’s so amazing
As the Ethiopian New Year gets closer passion for here is that year in year out, the designs
it’s common to see people shopping at cultural and the styles of our traditional dress
markets, malls and bazaars, looking for clothing since are changing in an amazing rate.”
different kinds of goods and holiday
items. The famous “Shiro Meda” market my childhood, A country with over eighty nations and
is the one visited by huge number of I used to mimic nationalities, Ethiopia still appears to
traditional apparel lovers; it’s a hot spot the design of be a mosaic of culture; the country’s
where varieties of Ethiopian traditional tiny rags on my varied climate clearly influences
clothing are sold, and highly congested toys, uniquely Ethiopians’ style of dress. Traditional
by holiday shoppers coming from all design my school dresses of Ethiopia vary from one part
corners of the city. of the country to another on the basis
uniform.” of geographical, climatic, ethnic, and
Abigiya and her mother, Selam are cultural differences.
looking for newly designed traditional
cloths for 2012 Ethiopian New Year Cool temperatures in Ethiopia’s
holiday, and “Shiro Meda” has always highlands dictate heavier clothing such
been their choice to find their need of the as wraparound blankets, while the
apparel they love. country’s lowlands residents combat
the heat with light cotton outfits. Yet
while the clothing worn in Ethiopia
reflects the traditions of the different
ethnic groups in various regions of the
country, there are certain similarities.

Over time, factory-made materials are
commonly substituted for those once
produced by hand in the home. Hand
embroidery is reproduced by machine.

14 Abyssinia Business Nework መስከረም 2012 / September 2019

It is also of note that men often adopt
cosmopolitan styles while women, as
carriers of culture, seem more inclined
to retain aspects of traditional dress.

“I have developed passion for cultural
clothing since my childhood, I used
to mimic the design of tiny rags on
my toys, uniquely design my school
uniform.”

Hand picked cotton is separated and
dyed to the desired color and then woven
to create particular pieces. Although
there are now quite a few designs which
are machine manufactured, many of
the designs on the finished garments
are embroidered by hand and these still
remain very popular.

Spinning was learned and practiced
by most social classes in Ethiopia
and was considered a fashionable and
appropriate activity for noble women
well into the 20th century. Clothing
defined rank and status in this complex
hierarchical society throughout
Ethiopia’s history. Guilds of specialist
weavers, embroiderers and tailors
worked for religious and political elites.

One of the most significant garments in
Ethiopia’s cultural history is the white
cotton shamma, a toga-like shawl worn
by both men and women that was made
in several types. A lightweight shawl
worn by women over a kemis (dress)
sometimes had a red border indicating
rank and status. The shamma, made in
two heavier weights, was worn by men,
used as a blanket and even as shrouds
for the dead. The manner of wearing
the shamma could communicate mood,
attitude and intention.

According to various sources,the
tradition of preparing raw Ethiopian
cotton has existed since antiquity and is
still widely practiced. Ginning, bowing
and spinning are the three processes

Abyssinia Business Nework መስከረም 2012 / September 2019 15

Over the past seven years she has been
running ENKU DESIGN which produces
exotic and marvelous cultural dresses with
modern-touch;“I have developed passion
for cultural clothingsince my childhood,
I used to mimic the design of tiny rags
on my toys, uniquely design my school
uniform.” said Enkutatash.

“I have been to Japan and Dubai to
promote our unique traditional clothing
with modern-touch, and received
motivating feedback from people out
there.”

Adding her own creativity and efforts,
Enkutatash has managed to come up with
very mesmerizing designs, and captivate
the hearts and minds of several high-profile
individuals and celebrities, including first
ladies, doctors, ambassadors and artists like
Amlest Muchie, Hannan Tarik, Etsehiwot
Abebe and Rutha Mengisteab. These
clients of Enkutatash have already given
her the mandate to choose suitable designs
for each. “I mostly determine the design
that best suit each of them” she disclosed.
She had initially only four employees who
used to be engaged in limited tasks, but
at present ENKU DESIGN operates with
over thirty employees working on different
detail works.

involved. But this time around Ethiopian traditional clothing designers Entering the global market, she has moved
prefer buying the fabrics, and orders weavers to produce cultural a bit farther to introduce and promote
dresses in line with the designs given to them. Ethiopian cultural apparel; “I have been
to Japan and Dubai to promote our unique
Enkutatash Kibret is one of the many Ethiopian traditional apparel traditional clothing with modern-touch,
designers who have been coming up with beautiful and exotic designs. and received motivating feedback from
Born and brought up in Addis Ababa, Enkutatash has studied Fashion people out there.” Enkutatash noted.
Design at Next Design to achieve her childhood dream.
She doesn’t want to conceal the challenges
being witnessed in the sector; design theft is
one major problem designers are facing this
time. “We don’t really know how designs
which we exert much effort, creativity and
sweaton are stolen.” She lamented.

16 Abyssinia Business Nework መስከረም 2012 / September 2019

According to Enkutatash, Ethiopian
cultural clothing has got great
prospectsahead as it is receiving
incredible acceptance both at home
and overseas; detail works of
ENKU DESIGN has been lauded
by professionals and customers, who
appear to be regular clients of the
company.

ENKU DESIGN

While celebrating the beginning
of a New Year, and other religious
festivities, it’s common to see
Ethiopians wearing terrific and elegant
Ethiopian traditional apparels with
blooming flowers, in sunny days and
a generally pleasant weather reign
during the month of September.
There’s no better time than the holidays
for people who would like to relish
awesome Ethiopian traditional apparel
in all its glory. We shall be proud of
“Made in Ethiopia”, buying and
wearing this uniquely Ethiopian attire.

Abyssinia Business Nework መስከረም 2012 / September 2019 17

Agro Processing: getting Image

Vital in Ethiopian Economy food and agricultural products. Though there is
a huge potential for growth of the agribusiness
By Samuel Tekleyesus in the country, there are some critical constraint
such as weak infrastructure linkage between the
Well-known that Ethiopia is gifted with good climate, producers and processors, limited knowledge on
sufficient arable land and labor, adequate rainfall and a the requirements of processors by the farmers
range of agro-ecological zones that contributes to the wide in terms of quality or agronomic practices and
diversity of commodities which can be produced. And fragmented agricultural system which pose
agriculture plays a critical role in the Ethiopian economy; a challenges for processors to procure the
Ethiopia’s economy is predominantly agriculture-based. appropriate quantity and quality of raw materials.
According to Growth and Transformation Plan Progress Ethiopia’s agro-exports are currently almost
Report, Ethiopian agricultural sector is characterized by entirely limited to primary and unprocessed
the presence of many smallholder farmers which are not products. The share of processed products in total
integrated into commercial value chains with small land agriculture exports constitute only insignificant
holdings and accounts more than 85 per cent of agricultural amount while import for such products remains
production in the country. strong. It is known that there is a favorable market

Ethiopians’ demand for food and agricultural products is
changing in unprecedented ways. Increases in per capita
incomes, higher urbanization and the growing numbers
of women in the workforce engender greater demand for
high-value commodities, processed and ready-prepared
foods.Even though the demand is there, medium- and
large-scale food processing companies in Ethiopia often
cite a lack of raw material inputs as a main constraint
hindering their ability to work at full capacity.Poor quality
inputs and farmers inefficiency are the major reasons for
the supply and demand gap.

The Government has identified increasing productivity of
smallholder farms and expanding large-scale commercial
farms as two of its priority areas. In addition, as part of
the second Growth & Transformation Plan (GTP II), the
government has been looking to the agro-processing sector
as one engine to pushthe economic growth.There are clear
indications that agro- industries are having a significant
global impact on economic development and poverty
reduction, in both urban and rural communities. However,
the full potential of agro processing industries as an engine
for economic development has not yet been realized.

Developing competitive agro processing industries
is crucial for generating employment and income
opportunities.Agro processing industries have the potential
to provide employment for the rural population not only in
farming, but also in off-farm activities such as handling,
packaging, processing, transporting and marketing of

18 Abyssinia Business Nework መስከረም 2012 / September 2019

for exports of processed food in exchange earnings, and small the Ethiopian agricultural production
the global market. and medium-sized enterprise system from its current fragmented
(SME) development over the and supply-driven practices, to
Industrial development coming years. As a vehicle for organized and quality and demand
the structural transformation based system. There will be an open
It is believed thatthe of the economy through the area of production zones,controlled
development of agro processing commercialization of the environment growing, research
industries will help Ethiopia agricultural sector, developing and technology facilities and
to put economic development agroprocessing industrial parks marketinginfrastructure.Poverty
in a fast-track withadvanced is a priority in Ethiopia’s national reduction will be achieved through
industrialization and attainthe development strategy and is a the integration of smallholder farmers,
industrial developmentgoals. center of the second Growth and small-scale processing enterprises and
The Government expects Transformation Plan (GTP II). allied industries in commercial value
the industrial sector to play chains. This, in turn, will increase local
an important role in GDP Agro Processing industrial parks value-addition, create additional jobs
growth, job creation, foreign will drive the development of in rural areas and improve the overall

Abyssinia Business Nework መስከረም 2012 / September 2019 19

getting Image

efficiency of the agricultural value the country’s global repletion pasta and bread, alcoholic and non-
chain. Medium- and large-scale foritsspecial aroma and flavor alcoholic beverages, cooking oil,
firms will also benefit from more wider genetic variety Arabica sugar, meat, eggs are expected to
efficient value chains, through coffee, opportunity for meat increase.
reduced transaction costs, allowing processing as Ethiopia is the first
for additional growth and job in Africa by cattle population In conclusion, Under GTP II,
creation. with well-established meat trade Ethiopia’s future economic growth
global partners and potential in in part depends on the development
There is considerable room for honey production. of the agro-processing sector. Agro-
investment in agro-processing processed productswill help to
as almost all of Ethiopia’s crop To meet its agro-processing satisfy the huge local demand. Some
production is rain fed which shows a objectives, the government of Ethiopia’s cash crops such as
flourishing demand for water supply is building Integrated Agro- coffee, spices, pulses andoilseeds,
and drainage systems, drilling and Industrial Parks (IAIP) in four cut flowers, fruits and vegetables,
water pump equipment. Other than pilot areas: Amhara, Oromia, and honeyare exported to generate
that there is a huge demand for SNNP, and Tigray regional foreign exchange. In addition, the
agricultural and agro-processing states selected based on their government should work with the
equipment and systems such as potential of existing agricultural private sector to process some of
tractors. The Ethiopian Investment resources and allied sectors, these commoditiesin order to add
commission set some Key reasons infrastructure, and facilities. value and capture higher export
to invest in Agro-Processing sector In the coming years, consumer prices through agro processing
in which some of them are plentiful demand for certain types of foods industries which can play a very
agricultural resources, suitable in particular, dairy products, important role in accelerating the
climate condition, cheap labor, wheat-based products such as economic development.

20 Abyssinia Business Nework መስከረም 2012 / September 2019

Innovative App Feature “As an airline continuously adapting What passengers need to do to
‘Feel Addis’ to Elevate our services to the evolving needs enjoy Feel Addis is, enter their
Passengers’ Layover and expectations of passengers, we booking code on ‘Feel Addis’ tab
always look for opportunities to option to check eligibility through
Experience enhance passengers’ end-to-end travel Ethiopian Mobile App after they
experience as they fly Ethiopian,” are done with check-in. Once
‘Feel Addis’ says Mr Tewolde GebreMariam, they check their eligibility for the
Group CEO of Ethiopian Airlines. service, passengers are required to
Passengers flying Ethiopian with “Our digitized layover package, Feel enter their email address in the app
layover between 8 and 24 hours in Addis, is unveiled with customers’ and hit the ‘Get Voucher’ button at
Addis Ababa are set to have their convenience in mind. Thanks to the the bottom of their screen. They
end-to-end layover experience enhanced service, we have digitized will then get their hotel name with
transformed in a whole new way all customer touchpoints avoiding all services on offer; the boarding
with the launch of the airline’s the need to contact airport agents to time for their next flight from
digitized transit package dubbed process hotel voucher and transit visa Addis; pick-up time from their
Feel Addis. of passengers with a layover of 8 hours hotel to the airport; and their visa.
or more in Addis Ababa. The launch of
The enhanced service brings Feel Addis is also part of our efforts It is to be recalled that Ethiopian
convenience to passengers’ to further boost Addis Ababa’s stature has been taking different measures
fingertips allowing them to get as a preferred transit hub into and out to enhance the transit experience
their hotel voucher and transit visa of Africa by facilitating seamless end- of passengers including the launch
card with their mobile devices. to-end experience for the travelling of free transit tour of Addis back in
public.” January.

Abyssinia Business Nework መስከረም 2012 / September 2019 21

Awash Wine: Launching
‘Dankira’
By Staff Writer

Pioneer andlongest established wine maker in Ethiopia, While discussing the consumer research she stated,
Awash Wine Sc. has launched a two-million-dollar “Consumers told us they were looking for a new,
expansion project that will boost its production capacity smooth product with less alcohol. With these
both in 330cc, 11, 000 bottles and 750 cc and 8,500 bottles insights’ product development began. DANKIRA
per hour. delivers on these Consumer requests. “DANKIRA”
is a refreshing Wine Cocktail with 6% alcohol,
According to a press release Awash Wine sent to ABN, made from a blend of wine and natural fruit
the company has announcedits newest alcoholic beverage, flavors, which makes it a light bodied product with
“DANKIR” in line with its new product innovation and refreshing aromas. DANKIRA is available in two
product category “A”. This is Ethiopia’s first ever Wine fascinating flavors: - Strawberry Margarita and
Cocktail that began sales in Addis Ababa on 19th August Peach Vodka.”
2019.
Available in 330ml, DANKIRA is now available in
Speaking on the press conference, Berhan Mengistu, Brand selected outlets such as top butcheries, restaurants
and Innovation Manager with Awash Wine, said that the and hotels across Addis Ababa and the 330ml bottle
company continuously pushes the boundaries to develop retails for a recommended price of ETB 25 to ETB
innovations that meet consumer preference and demand. 30.

22 Abyssinia Business Nework መስከረም 2012 / September 2019

Constructed at Mekanisa Winery Plant, located employees and their families, our business relationships
in Nefas Silk Lafto District, the new bottling line and the community residing in and around our Vineyards
with components imported from Italy, Germany located in Merti Wereda, Arsi Zone of Oromia Region.
and China, uses state –of- the- art- technology. We support communities by providing housing, potable
This includes bottle washers, fillers, and corkers water, health cares, and food subsidies,” said Neil
as well as a capsule sealer and dryer, to achieve Comerford, Commercial Director of Awash Wine
even higher quality control. The new line, which Company.
is highly efficient, andreduces waste in the wine
making process, is operated by a local experienced The Company is very excited to bring DANKIRA
and skilled labor force. to Ethiopian Market and will keep working more on
innovation and diversified offers to satisfy its customers
At the press conference, Neil Comerford, and consumers.
Commercial Director of Awash Wine Sc said,
“We are now proud to have arrived at another Established in 1956, Awash Wine is Ethiopia’s longest
significant milestone in our wineries’ growth established wine maker. Since that time the company has
with the commissioning of the new production grown to be one of the country’s most loved brands- a
line. We will continue to invest in the long-term market leader that is interwoven with the cultural fabric
growth of our brands, our business, our people of the country.
and the communities in which we operate, for the
benefit of all,” he added. According to the press release, in September 2013, 8 Miles
LLP, a private equity fund chaired by Sir Bob Geldof and
“Our Company is expanding its corporate Mulugeta Tesfakiros, an Ethiopian entrepreneur, became
responsibility through strongly promoting owners. Since then, significant investments have been
programs that enhance the wellbeing of our made to upgrade facilities and further improve quality.

Abyssinia Business Nework መስከረም 2012 / September 2019 23

“ The issue of
environmental
protection is not
something that I
can leave aside.
”It’s part of my life

16 08 Abyssinia Business Nework መስከረም 2012 / September 2019

Amleset Muchie

Design by Amleset Muchie
Makeup by Marzel Makeup
Photo by johny Video

Abyssinia Business Nework መስከረም 2012 / September 2019 0197

COMMODITIES
&

DEVELOPMENT

REPORT 2019

By Staff Writer

In today’s era of accelerated climate change, getting Image phenomenon. According
developing countries, particularly commodity to this phenomenon, the
dependent developing countries (CDDCs), In these countries, economic discovery and exploitation of
least developed countries (LDCs) and small cycles are synchronized a major natural resource leads
island developing States (SIDS), are under with commodity price to massive inflows of foreign
multiple pressures. They are faced with cycles, implying that their currency and appreciation of
challenges of diversifying their economies economies grow faster during the domestic currency. This
and achieving sustainable development. In commodity price booms but hampers the competitiveness
addition, they are deeply affected by the direct slow down during commodity of traditional sectors and, in
impacts of climate change, as well as the price slumps. many cases, increases the
impacts of climate mitigation and adaptation concentration of the economy
measures by other countries. In this context, As episodes of commodity around the natural resource.
the Commodities and Development Report price slumps are generally Such an economy becomes
2019 highlights the particular vulnerabilities longer than boom periods, more vulnerable to commodity
of CDDCs, focusing on the main commodity CDDCs experience, on price shocks. Second, the
sectors on which they depend. The average, slower growth than reduction of export revenues
report provides valuable insights into the other countries. during slumps in commodity
climaterelated challenges confronting those Commodity dependence prices creates macroeconomic
sectors, and discusses policies, strategies and affects economic performance challenges such as declining
actions needed to overcome those challenges, through several channels.
both at national and international levels. The first is the Dutch disease

These are crucial if countries are to meet
the central goal of the Paris Agreement to
keep the rise in the earth’s temperature to
well below 2°C above pre-industrial levels
by the year 2100, and pursue efforts to limit
the temperature increase to 1.5°C above
pre-industrial levels.

Most developing countries are commodity
dependent,meaning that they derive at least
60 per cent of their merchandise export
earnings from the commodity sector.

26 Abyssinia Business Nework መስከረም 2012 / September 2019

public investment and spending, Climate change is an additional needs to take into account this
increasing public debt, currency challenge to CDDCs that are relationship. Most particularly,
devaluation and greater sovereign already struggling to manage the call to limit the rise in global
risk. the problems arising from their temperature to well below 2°C
dependence on commodities. above pre-industrial levels and
Third, negative terms of trade and high Given the two-way relationship to pursue efforts to limit the
commodity price volatility create between climate change and temperature increase to 1.5°C
an unfavourable environment for the commodity sector, this above pre-industrial levels
economic growth and development. year’s report, titled Commodity the core objective of the Paris
Fourth, at the microeconomic level, Dependence, Climate Change Agreement will affect the way
low or declining commodity prices and the Paris Agreement, natural resources are managed.
reduce incomes of households attempts to identify the major
that are dependent on agricultural channels through which this The report presents some
commodity exports such as coffee, relationship operates. proposals that would allow
cotton, tea and cocoa. CDDCs to contribute to climate
Moreover, negative macroeconomic Hence, the management of change mitigation efforts while
conditions affect firms’ profitability, natural resources in the current minimizing the negative impacts
and consequently their contribution era characterized by growing of climate change on their
to overall economic performance. concerns over climate change economies.

Abyssinia Business Nework መስከረም 2012 / September 2019 27

INTERACTIONS BETWEEN sectors result from the use of oil, getting Image
COMMODITIES AND natural gas and coal.
CLIMATE CHANGE natural resources in the energy
As a result, more than half of all sector are likely to be stranded.
Commodity dependence implies that anthropogenic GHG emissions New regulations introduced to
the development process in CDDCs can be traced back to the energy combat climate change might
involves converting natural capital into sector. Specifically, electricity result in regulatory stranding.
physical capital, human capital and and heat generation (as well as For example, calls to reduce and
consumer goods and services. industry) are the major sources of ultimately eliminate the use of
carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions, coal as a primary energy source
Managing natural resources in this accounting for 25 per cent and 21 is an illustration of a commodity
context involves trade-offs in balancing per cent, respectively, of GHG that is vulnerable to regulatory
a country’s portfolio of different forms emissions. The transportation stranding.
of capital along its development path. sector, “other energy” category
For example, a developing country and buildings account for 14 per Moreover, as power projects using
might hold a vast stock of natural cent, 9.6 per cent, and 6.4 per cent, renewables such as solar energy
capital but a relatively small stock of respectively. Emissions from the become cheaper, it is likely that
human and physical capital. agriculture, forestry, and other even without regulatory stranding,
land use (AFOLU) category existing coal-fired power stations
This is a common feature of many represent 24 per cent of global will be economically stranded
resource-rich developing countries. GHG emissions, some in the form given their uncompetitive price.
Given the interaction between natural of methane and nitrous oxide. In Indeed, relative price changes
resources and climate change, climate addition, clearance of forests for currently favour green sources
change mitigation and adaptation agricultural expansion or mining of energy. Physical stranding
measures must be made a part of the projects releases CO2 to the might also occur where events
natural resource management process. atmosphere, thus also contributing such as a drought or a flood make
For instance, while some natural to climate change.
resources might be more useful when
converted into other forms of capital, Climate change, in turn, affects
considering the cost this may entail the commodity sector through
in terms of additional greenhouse gas its different manifestations. For
(GHG) emissions suggests that some example, heatwaves, floods,
natural capital may have to be stranded. hurricanes and rising sea levels
and sea temperatures destroy
However, stranding could have far- crops or reduce crop yields and
reaching consequences for CDDCs that fish production. Extreme weather
are dependent on the stranded resource, events also destroy or damage
as they would lose an important source infrastructure in the mining sector,
of revenue from no longer being able to reducing profitability or making
exploit that resource. projects less attractive.
The production and use of fossil fuels
as the major source of energy is the The need to reduce global
leading contributor to anthropogenic warming by keeping the rise in
GHG emissions at the global level. temperature to well below 2°C
above preindustrial levels by the
Most GHG emissions attributed to the year 2100, and pursuing efforts
industrial sector and a significant share to limit the temperature increase
of those attributed to the residential, to 1.5°C above preindustrial
commercial and “other buildings” levels suggests that some

28 Abyssinia Business Nework መስከረም 2012 / September 2019

U By 23 June 2019, 81 of the 88
N CDDCs had communicated their first
NDCs to the UNFCCC secretariat.
These indicate that commodity
sectors feature prominently in these
countries’ climate change mitigation
and adaption commitments.

C Although CDDCs as a group have
contributed only modestly to climate
T change, and notwithstanding their
heterogeneity, they have pledged
A to contribute to global efforts to
mitigate climate change. Indeed, two
D thirds of CDDCs provided economy-
wide quantified emission targets in
Photo credit: cover: © 2007 John Hogg/World Bank, backcover: their first NDCs, even though they
Flore de Preneuf/World Bank were not required to do so. Modest
as they may be, these pledges are
exploitation of a natural resource IMPACTS OF THE PARIS testimony to the willingness of
impossible or too costly. AGREEMENT ON CDDCs to contribute to this global
effort. The major problem with
Stranding natural resources will COMMODITY-DEPENDENT mitigation commitments is the low
negatively affect CDDCs that are DEVELOPING ambition of targets adopted by
highly dependent on those resources COUNTRIES countries, particularly those with
for their development, given that the largest economies. The level of
most of these economies are poorly The Paris Agreement does not ambition reflected in current NDCs
diversified. Should stranding explicitly set differentiated implies that by 2100, the rise in
affect CDDCs development goals and obligations for global temperature would reach
prospects, Article 2 of the Paris commoditydependent and non- 3°C above preindustrial levels. To
Agreement allows those countries commodity-dependent countries. achieve the central objective of the
to be considered differently, in line However, given that many Paris Agreement, the current level
with the principles of equity and Parties to the United Nations of ambition should roughly triple for
countries’ common but differentiated Framework Convention on the 2°C scenario and quadruple for
responsibilities. In the same vein, Climate Change (UNFCCC) the 1.5°C scenario. These objectives
Article 3 of the Paris Agreement submit information on their are achievable but will require more
implies that developing countries, commitments through nationally ambitious commitments and actions;
particularly CDDCs that are forced determined contribution (NDC) countries will also need to involve
to strand their natural resources, will documents by sector, it is possible non-State and subnational actors
need assistance in implementing the to identify the key commodity in the fight against climate change,
mitigation and adaptation measures sectors of CDDCs that will be including academia, the private
required to address climate change. impacted by climate change and sector, civil society organizations
the implementation of the Paris and local governments.
Agreement.
Successful implementation of these
commitments will require strong
political will and greater mobilization
of economic, financial and human
resources. CDDCs’

Abyssinia Business Nework መስከረም 2012 / September 2019 29

The Paris Agreement does not central objective of the human health. A scenario of
explicitly set differentiated Paris Agreement, the current temperature increase under
goals and obligations for level of ambition should roughly unmitigated climate change shows
commoditydependent and non- triple for the 2°C scenario and that the present value of output losses
commodity-dependent countries. quadruple for the 1.5°C scenario. in a typical low-income
However, given that many Parties These objectives are achievable country could amount to 100 per cent
to the United Nations Framework but will require more ambitious of current gross domestic product
Convention on Climate Change commitments and actions; (GDP) by 2100. Hence, CDDCs
(UNFCCC) submit information countries will also need to involve climate-related adaptation agenda
on their commitments through non-State and subnational actors should focus on enhancing their
nationally determined contribution in the fight against climate change, adaptative capacity and resilience to
(NDC) documents by sector, it including academia, the private climate change.
is possible to identify the key sector, civil society organizations
commodity sectors of CDDCs that and local governments. CDDCs are also expected to be
will be impacted by climate change faced with challenges of adapting to
and the implementation of the Paris Successful implementation of negative externalities from the Paris
Agreement. these commitments will require Agreement.
strong political will and greater
By 23 June 2019, 81 of the 88 mobilization of economic, While it is difficult, if not impossible,
CDDCs had communicated their financial and human resources. to quantify and attribute the effects
first NDCs to the UNFCCC CDDCs’ adaptation to climate of third countries’ mitigation policies
secretariat. These indicate that change will have far-reaching on individual CDDCs, the envisaged
commodity sectors feature impacts on their economies. The reductions in global demand for some
prominently in these countries’ challenges are huge, not only commodities, particularly carbon-
climate change mitigation and in seeking to adapt to climate intensive commodities, would
adaption commitments. change, but also in coping with negatively affect the economies of
the effects of mitigation strategies CDDCs dependent on them. For
Although CDDCs as a group have adopted by third countries. example, the world’s largest importer
contributed only modestly to climate of commodities, China, has pledged
change, and notwithstanding their The ten most vulnerable countries to substantially increase the share of
heterogeneity, they have pledged to climate change in 2017 were nonfossil fuels in its primary energy
to contribute to global efforts to CDDCs. And of the 40 most consumption as a climate change
mitigate climate change. Indeed, vulnerable countries, only three mitigation strategy.
two thirds of CDDCs provided were not dependent on commodity
economy-wide quantified emission exports. Consequently, exporters of traditional
targets in their first NDCs, even energy products to China may lose
though they were not required As a result of mitigation measures, an important share of their export
to do so. Modest as they may some CDDCs are expected to lose markets and revenues, and they
be, these pledges are testimony revenue through the stranding will not necessarily find alternative
to the willingness of CDDCs to of their natural resources as the markets for their exports. For instance,
contribute to this global effort. The world transitions to less polluting Angola’s oil exports to China in 2017
major problem with mitigation products. represented 47 per cent of its total
commitments is the low ambition export revenues. For Algeria, oil and
of targets adopted by countries, Moreover, higher temperatures natural gas exports to the European
particularly those with the largest threaten to reduce economic Union
economies. The level of ambition growth by causing a fall in accounted for 56 per cent of its total
reflected in current NDCs implies agricultural output and capital export revenues in 2017, while oil
that by 2100, the rise in global accumulation, depressing labour and natural gas exports
temperature would reach 3°C above productivity, and adversely of the Bolivarian Republic of
preindustrial levels. To achieve the affecting Venezuela to the United States

30 Abyssinia Business Nework መስከረም 2012 / September 2019

accounted for 32 per cent of its medium-term opportunities in the these strategic commodities as
total export revenues. Strong export mining sectors of CDDCs that a result of growing demand.
dependence on countries have large reserves of strategic Climate change may also provide
that are in the process of developing materials embodied in clean localized opportunities in the
alternatives to fossil fuels puts the technologies. agricultural sectors of certain
economic future of many CDDCs at risk, CDDCs.
unless these economies quickly achieve For example, in 2017 the
economic diversification, something Democratic Republic of the Moreover, the Paris Agreement
that has eluded them for most of the last Congo accounted for 58 per cent and other major international
half century. of global cobalt production, a commitments to combat climate
key commodity used in electric change have spurred investments
While climate change and response vehicles and batteries. Chile and in technological innovations
measures by third parties are expected Argentina jointly accounted for such as cost-efficient solar
to create a challenging environment for 71 per cent of global reserves photovoltaic cells that can
CDDCs, there could also be some of lithium in 2018, another key improve energy security and
positive consequences for specific component in battery manufacture. support commodity sectors
sectors and countries. For instance, the in remote areas that are not
global push towards renewable energy These countries have thus connected to national power
and energy efficiency creates short and benefited from high prices of grids.

Photo credit: cover: © 2007 John Hogg/World Bank, backcover: መስከረም 2012 / September 2019 31
Flore de Preneuf/World Bank

Abyssinia Business Nework

Mobile Application:

Promoting Climate-Smart Agriculture (CSA)

By Gedion G. Jalata As SSA countries are heavily Botswana, Ethiopia, Ghana, Kenya,
dependent on agriculture, Malawi, Mauritius, Nigeria, Senegal,
It has been much-trumpeted the sector has a positive South Africa, Tanzania, and Zambia.
that Africa is endowed with relationship to national gross As shown in Figure 1, the agriculture
abundant natural resources. The domestic product (GDP). The sector’s contribution to the 11 African
continent has about 12 percent contribution of agriculture to countries surveyed declined over the
of the world’s arable land, of GDP in SSA, however, varies period (– 37.6 percent, 24.9 percent, and
which 60 percent is uncultivated. widely. Agriculture accounts 22.4 percent in 1960, 1990 and 2010
Moreover, only 7 percent of the for an average of 30 percent respectively), while the productivity of
arable land is irrigated, compared of Africa’s total GDP, while the sector declined from 0.5 in 1960 to
to 40 percent in Asia. In 2013, agriculture contributes less 0.4 in 2010. The sector also lost labour
183 million hectares of land was than 8 percent in Southern incrementally from 72.7 percent to 61.6
under cultivation in Sub-Saharan African countries. percent and then 49.8 percent in 1960,
Africa (SSA), and approximately Moreover, on average, about 1990 and 2010, respectively.
452 million hectares of additional
suitable land was not cultivated.

Source: De Vries, Gaaitzen, Timmer and De Vries. 2003. Structural Transformation in Africa:
Static Gains,Dynamic losses, p.6, 11.

Smallholder farmers account for 65 to 70 percent of Africa’s Agriculture, however, still has the
most of the cultivated land and labour force is employed potential to contribute greatly to
a sizable share of agriculture in the agriculture sector. economic growth and transformation
production. For instance, more Figure 1 below shows GDP, in Africa. It remains the key sector for

than 75 percent of the total employment and the relative food security, employment, growth, and
agriculture output in Kenya, productivity level of the development in most African countries.
Tanzania, Ethiopia, and Uganda agriculture sector for 11 Agriculture can increase incomes in
is produced by smallholder African countries (1960, 1990 rural areas, increase exports and the
farmers with an average farm and 2010). The countries foreign exchange needed to import

size of about 2.5 ha. included in this survey are machinery and inputs for the industry

32 Abyssinia Business Nework መስከረም 2012 / September 2019

as well, by releasing labour from about 65 to 70 The Gambia, Guinea-Bissau,
agriculture to the manufacturing percent of Africa’s Nigeria, Senegal, and Tanzania. The
and other sectors. It can also impressive economic growth and
expand the markets for inputs and labour force is rapid improvement in rural poverty
consumer goods and services for employed in the in Ethiopia, Rwanda, and Ghana
other sectors of the economy. agriculture sector. have been fuelled by growth in the
agriculture sector. Productivity in the
Agriculture-led growth has the Development Goals (SDGs) and sector yet is low in Africa and lags
largest impact on reducing the depth the Agenda 2063 ten-year plan. behind that of other continents.
and breadth of poverty. Growth
in food staples is considered Nonetheless, only 8 African Africa’s rural population seems
generally as pro-poor, as export countries are able to achieve unable to transform its productivity
crops may have higher value and the 6 percent agriculture sector rate significantly, which means the
growth potential. Africa’s big annual growth rate. These are rural population continues to live in
development agenda is to achieve Angola, Ethiopia, Burkina Faso, poverty. This is a major barrier to
an agriculture sector annual growth The Republic of the Congo, development on the continent. Rapid
rate of at least 6 percent and meet agricultural transformation through
the time-bound targets set in the increased productivity, income
previous Millennium Development growth, and competitiveness, with
Goals, the current Sustainable good natural environmental

Selected Farmers Taking Training on How Best to Use the Mobile Application መስከረም 2012 / September 2019 33

Abyssinia Business Nework

It has been much-trumpeted that getting Image
Africa is endowed with abundant
natural resources. The continent agriculture sector’s contribution and other sectors. It can also expand
has about 12 percent of the world’s to the 11 African countries the markets for inputs and consumer
arable land, of which 60 percent surveyed declined over the period goods and services for other sectors
is uncultivated. Moreover, only (– 37.6 percent, 24.9 percent, of the economy.
7 percent of the arable land is and 22.4 percent in 1960, 1990
irrigated, compared to 40 percent in and 2010 respectively), while Agriculture-led growth has the largest
Asia. In 2013, 183 million hectares the productivity of the sector impact on reducing the depth and
of land was under cultivation in declined from 0.5 in 1960 to breadth of poverty. Growth in food
Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), and 0.4 in 2010. The sector also lost staples is considered generally as pro-
approximately 452 million hectares labour incrementally from 72.7 poor, as export crops may have higher
of additional suitable land was not percent to 61.6 percent and then value and growth potential. Africa’s
cultivated. 49.8 percent in 1960, 1990 and big development agenda is to achieve
Smallholder farmers account for 2010, respectively. an agriculture sector annual growth
most of the cultivated land and Agriculture, however, still rate of at least 6 percent and meet the
a sizable share of agriculture has the potential to contribute time-bound targets set in the previous
production. For instance, more than greatly to economic growth Millennium Development Goals, the
75 percent of the total agriculture and transformation in Africa. It current Sustainable Development
output in Kenya, Tanzania, remains the key sector for food Goals (SDGs) and the Agenda 2063
Ethiopia, and Uganda is produced security, employment, growth, ten-year plan.
by smallholder farmers with an and development in most African
average farm size of about 2.5 ha. countries.Agriculture can increase Nonetheless, only 8 African countries
As SSA countries are heavily incomes in rural areas, increase are able to achieve the 6 percent
dependent on agriculture, the exports and the foreign exchange agriculture sector annual growth
sector has a positive relationship needed to import machinery rate. These are Angola, Ethiopia,
to national gross domestic and inputs for the industry as Burkina Faso, The Republic of the
product (GDP). The contribution well, by releasing labour from Congo, The Gambia, Guinea-Bissau,
of agriculture to GDP in SSA, agriculture to the manufacturing
however, varies widely.Agriculture
accounts for an average of 30
percent of Africa’s total GDP,
while agriculture contributes less
than 8 percent in Southern African
countries.
Moreover, on average, about
65 to 70 percent of Africa’s
labour force is employed in the
agriculture sector. Figure 1 below
shows GDP, employment and the
relative productivity level of the
agriculture sector for 11 African
countries (1960, 1990 and 2010).
The countries included in this
survey are Botswana, Ethiopia,
Ghana, Kenya, Malawi, Mauritius,
Nigeria, Senegal, South Africa,
Tanzania, and Zambia.
As shown in Figure 1, the

34 Abyssinia Business Nework መስከረም 2012 / September 2019

Nigeria, Senegal, and Tanzania. to attract significant investment and them to use the information to
The impressive economic growth encourage economic growth and job make decisions in their livelihood
and rapid improvement in rural creation. activities.
poverty in Ethiopia, Rwanda,
and Ghana have been fuelled by The role of climate and market The envisaged Climate Information
growth in the agriculture sector. information within this, in informing
Productivity in the sector yet is interventions aimed at building Dissemination Platform
low in Africa and lags behind the resilience of communities/
that of other continents. households vulnerable to the coordinated climate information
impacts of extremes of climate such
as drought and flooding is gaining producers - National Metrology
popularity worldwide. Availing
and sustaining climate information Agency (NMA), Intermediaries –
that is strong enough to inform
livelihood decisions in context, Media and end-users- Listening
however, requires a mechanism
Africa’s rural population for production, dissemination, groups and woreda exchange
seems unable to transform its application, feedback from users,
productivity rate significantly, and learning in the process. platforms to deliver decision-
which means the rural population
continues to live in poverty.This is In this context, Farm Africa relevant climate information.
a major barrier to development on has embarked a project called
the continent. Rapid agricultural “Accelerating the Uptake of In recognition of the benefits gained
transformation through increased Climate-smart Agriculture for
productivity, income growth, Improved Agricultural Productivity from working in partnership,
and competitiveness, with of Smallholder Farmers in Halaba,
good natural environmental HaderoTuntu and Damot Gale coordination and collaboration to
stewardship for sustainable woredas of the SNNPR of Ethiopia”.
development, is needed to ‘Climate Smart Agriculture’ (CSA) achieve their common objectives of
actualize this economic growth has been developed as an approach
agenda. to attain “triple wins” in agriculture supporting the provision of climate
through increased agricultural
productivity, adaptation (supporting information to inform interventions
crops to grow in changing climate
conditions), and mitigation aimed at building the resilience
(reducing greenhouse gas emissions
where possible). of communities/ households

The project aims to improve vulnerable; the project needs
agricultural productivity and
adaptive capacity to climate to upgrade the service through
uncertainties for smallholder
farmers through accelerated field piloting the climate information
uptake of CSA practices using ICT
tools. Providing these services will with market information by using
enable targeted farmers with area-
specific (woreda level) weather mobile phone as a platform.
forecasts and market information
Furthermore,agriculture is through Mobile App and acquaint

highly dependent on the climate In this context, the Center of
Excellence International Consult
in most African countries. won a bid from Farm Africa
and successfully developed a
Climate changes make it more mobile application as well as
provided successful training for
difficult to consistently grow selected farmers based in Halaba,
HaderoTuntu, and Damot Gale
crops,raise animals and conduct woredas. The Firm is providing
weekly market information and ten
other farming activities.So the days of weather information with
agro-advisory to the farmers.
effect of this climate should be

highly considered along with

other evolving factors that affect

agriculture such as changes in

farming practices and technology.

The Government of Federal The Consultancy Firm is working
Democratic Republic of to replicate this practice to other
Ethiopia (FDRE), in its national regions of Ethiopia including with
development plan, seeks to SMS and local radio programs. Any
accelerate broad-based economic interested farmers associations,
growth and development and government offices, development
is taking various measures to partners and private sector may
minimize the negative impacts contact the Consultancy Firm for
of environmental degradation. It more information.
also sets the scene in the country

Abyssinia Business Nework መስከረም 2012 / September 2019 35

36 Abyssinia Business Nework መስከረም 2012 / September 2019

Happy New Year

2 0 1 2*Heart of Best Design and Craftsmanship *

Address

+251911217287 +251911456505 +251911209106

* Ker Ezhi Ethiopia Leather, Bole behind Edna
Mall - Gulf Aziz Bldg ground floor

* Ker Ezhi Ethiopia Leather, Kazanchis, next to
Jupiter Hotel - Bloom Tower ground floor

Abyssinia Business Nework መስከረም 2012 / September 2019 37

Tearing down of the mobile (now at about primary means by which digital
barriers for 80%), represent a potentially drives inclusion is via providing
the growth of major growth lever as well as a accessible information on products,
significant growth opportunity services and price as well as
African rural for e-commerce to serve connecting buyers and sellers who
e-commerce this otherwise underserved may never have connected through
demographic. With this in traditional channels.” Variety is
Credit: Josephine Wawira mind, it is important for key; and it thus requires breaking
e-commerce players to down your target markets and
The rise and growth of eliminate roadblocks that understanding their consumption
e-commerce in the world and hinder penetration of the rural behaviors to fully meet their needs
primarily in Africa has created economy. and expectations.
a lot of business opportunities, not only
in urban but also in rural areas. The Fulfilling the needs of the rural Truth is, to successfully make
good news is that there is undoubtedly e-commerce consumer requires in-roads in reaching and gaining
increased connectivity, reaching even bespoke approaches, that will the trust of rural consumers,
the previously inaccessible remote especially break the mistrust e-commerce players must
villages across the continent and around online commerce. continuously remain innovative.
connecting them with e-commerce. For instance, e-commerce One such company piloting diverse
Over the past approximately three players need to provide digital strategies to reach and activate rural
years, the market has been noted to literacy programs towards ecommerce consumption is Jumia,
move substantially in the direction of educating users around online operating in 14 African countries.
developing logistics meant to tear down purchase processes. Moreover, 25% of deliveries made by Jumia
barriers for e-commerce penetration platforms should incorporate are in remote areas, in regions
in rural markets. Consequently, online several local languages in the where choices for products are
retailers can now reach customers in markets they operate in; which extremely limited for consumers.
remote cities, while locals have access should also be the case for their
to a variety of products from major customer service departments To achieve this, the Pan-African
urban cities. to drive better conversations e-commerce platform is expanding
and connection with the into rural areas by building agent
While over 50% of the world is now customers. Understanding networks through its JForce
connected to the internet, only 36% local languages will also come program, allowing agents to traverse
of the African population is, and even in handy when carrying out the cities and make purchases for
more poorly served are rural areas. This ground activations for new their clients for a commission.
penetration rate is however increasing customers and vendors looking Besides, it has also set up more
across Africa, and together with that to move their businesses than 380 pick up stations and drop
online. off locations to facilitate deliveries
Consumers with varying for sellers and consumers even in
spending powers require remote areas. Its recent partnership
provision for more diversified with Vivo Energy will enable more
products to choose from. In Jumia customers to place and pay
an article she wrote for the for orders at select retail service
UNCTAD in October 2018, stations, which will also double as
Juliet Anammah, CEO Jumia pick up and drop off points.
Nigeria noted that “the reach Further, Jumia’s digital platform
of digital platforms can no offers diversified services and
longer be contained and products, from home appliances
captured by a small group to to electronics, mobiles, fashion
the exclusion of others. The apparels, fast-moving consumer

38 Abyssinia Business Nework መስከረም 2012 / September 2019

A man rides a bicycle on a market road in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.
Image by Oxford Media Library

goods (FMCGs) and on-demand logistics network includes 100+ agents have also pushed the growth
services at relatively affordable prices. partners ranging from individual of mobile payments in remote
This has allowed them to attract every entrepreneurs to large companies, areas, further facilitating the spread
possible customer and vendor in the enabling the company to handle of e-commerce even in places with
markets they operate. over 13.4 million packages in major unbanked populations.
2018 across Africa. The intrinsic value in African rural
With fulfilment and transport e-commerce cannot be overlooked.
infrastructure being among barriers for Incorporating different payment The progressive success of early
the growth of rural e-commerce, Jumia methods has also enabled the entrants of the market is a clear
comes up as one among companies e-commerce platform to gain indication of the existing huge
working to smoothen out the delivery the trust of more customers in potential of this unexplored rural
processes both in major cities and the continent. Cash on Delivery sector. The rising number of
in remote areas that are otherwise remains the most prefered ecommerce users on platforms like
difficult to access. This is by building method among online consumers, Jumia further cements the need for
a well-established logistics system especially in rural markets that more innovative ways to satiate the
using Machine Learning, relying on are highly-dependent on touch- growing needs of a more diverse
GPS enabled delivery apps. Jumia and-feel. Rural mobile money African consumer.

Abyssinia Business Nework መስከረም 2012 / September 2019 39

Danakil Depression
Dallol in the Danakil Desert is one of the lowest places

on earth at 116 meter below sea level, where lakes
of acid form colorful sulfur formations in the hottest
and deepest part of the Danakil depression where salt is
excavated, cut salt into slabs and loaded on to caravans
of camels. Volcano Erta Ale is globally recognized as
one of the most alluring and yet physically challenging
natural attractions. Its base is 30 kms diameter and 1
km square caldera at its summit. Watching the dramatic
boiling lava erupting from the Volcano is a spectacular
sight.

40 Abyssinia Business Nework መስከረም 2012 / September 2019

Bahir Dar
Bahir Dar means “By the Sea” and is located on the

southern shores of beautiful Lake Tana, Ethiopia’s
largest lake and reservoir for the famous Blue Nile River.
Wide boulevards lined with palm trees and a temperate
climate makes it a popular holiday destination. Cruise
on the Lake to view hippos or endemic birds and visit
Ethiopian Orthodox monasteries, found on some 20 of
Lake Tana’s 37 islands - some dating back to the 16th and
17th centuries. Bahir Dar’s other attraction is the Blue
Nile Falls; hiking through beautiful scenery and crossing
over the famous Portuguese bridge.

Abyssinia Business Nework መስከረም 2012 / September 2019 41

“? ” አማራጭ የሌለው ሃሳብ አድርጋ የህጻናት መጫወቻ ቦታዎች እየወሰደች
ወሰነች። ስለዚህ ለመፍትሄ ታዝናቸዋለች። ባለቤትዋንም ልዩ
በዳንኤል ጥሩነህ እራስዋን አዘጋጀች ብዙም፣ ሳትቆይ በሆነ መልኩ ትንከባከበዋለች። የትዳር
ባሰበችው መሠረት፣ አንድ የተራበ ጣምናውን ወደ እራስዋ አመጣቸው
ሄለን ተወልዳ ያደገችው አዲስ አበባ ላይ አረፈች። ። ቤትዋ ውስጥ ሰላም እና መረጋጋት
ሲሆን፣ በአሁኑ ሰዓት እድሜዋ 26 ሰፈረ። ሁሉም ነገር ያምር ጀመር ።
እና የሁለት ልጆች እናት ሆናለች። ደስ አላት እሱም፣ እንደእሷ ትዳርዋ እየሞቀ መጣ ልጆቿም ደስተኞች
የሁለቱም ልጆች አባት የተለያዩ ናቸው። ባለቤትዋም ነጋዴ ስለሆነ
ናቸው። የመጀመሪያ ልጅዋ አባት የተገፋ ነበር እና ደስተኛ ሆነ። በተለያዩ ግዜያት ወደ ውጭ ይሄዳል።
የተለያት ገና የ4 ወር ነፍሰ ጡር እያለች ብዙም ግን አይቆይም በጣም ቆየ ከተባለ
ነበር። የመጀመሪያ ባልዋ ለሁሉም ሁሉንም በግልፅ ተወያዩ፣ የልብ አንድ ወር ነው። ከሄደበት ሃገር ሲመለስ
ነገር አንደኛዋ ነው። እስከ አሁን ድረስ ስጦታዎችን ማምጣት አስለምዷታል እና
በጣም ትወደዋለች። ሁሉ ነገርዋን የልባቸውንም አወሩ፣ ተዋደዱ፡፡ ሁሌ በጉጉት ነው የምትጠብቀው። እሱም
የወሰደባት እስከሚመስል ድረስ ቀን አንድ ቀንም ተሳስቶ ረስቶ ወይም እሷን
ከሌሊት ትናፍቀዋለች። የት እንደደረሰ የራሱ የሆነ ስራ ስለነበረው መውለድ የማያስደስት ነገር ይዞ አይመጣም። እሷም
ምንም የምታውቀው ነገር የለም። እሱ በሚመጣበት ቀን ለየት ያሉ ነገሮችን
ቀናቶች እየተቆጠሩ በሄዱ ቁጥር እንደሚፈልግ ነገራት። በሃሳቡ አዘጋጅታ ትጠብቀዋለች። ሁለቱም
የልጅዋ አባት እና ህይወቴ የምትለው ባላችው እና በሚችሉት ነገር ለትዳራቸው
የውሃ ሽታ እየሆነባት መጣ ። ተስማማች ልጅዋንም እንደልጁ ይጨነቃሉ፣ ያስባሉ፡፡ ትዳር ሲባል ሁለት
አንድ የሚሆንበት አይደል የሚባለው
እንደናፈቀች እና በሃሳብ ስለሚንከባከበው ውሳኔውን ሁለቱም አንድ ሆኑ።
እንደተዋጠች ከ አራት ዓመት በፊት
ወደ ኋላ ተመለሰች፣ 9 ወር ከብቸኝነት ለማክበር ወሰነች። መልካም ሰው ባለቤትዋ እንተለመደው ወደ ውጭ
ጋር ሞላት። በ ሰላም ካሌብ የሚባል ሃገር ለስራ ሄዷዋል። ሄለንም ልጆቿን
ልጅ ተገላገለች። ልጁን ስታይ ነው ብላ ለራስዋ ሹክ አለችው። ለማዝናናት ወደ መናፈሻ ይዛቸው ሄደች።
በሃሳብዋ ወደ አባቱ ተጓዘች። ቢያየው ሆኖም ግን እንደከዚህ በፊቱ ሙሉ የሆነ
እንዴት ደስ እንደሚለው። ገና ነፍሰ ሄለን የሁለት ልጆች እናት ስትሆን ስሜት እየተሰማት አይደለም። ለወትሮው
ጡር ነኝ ብላ ስትነግረው የተሰማው ለባለቤትዋ ደግሞ የመጀመሪያ ልጅ መናፈሻው ውስጥ ልጆቿን ይዛ ከሄደች፣
ስሜት እንዴት እንደነበረ፤ ታያት ልጁ አባት አደረገችው የደስ ደስ ብሎም ከነሱ ጋር ነው የምትጫወትው ዛሬ ግን
ተወልዶ ሲያቅፍ ደግሞ ምን አይነት የምኪና ቁልፍ አስረከባት። ሁሉም ስለደበራት ልጆቿን መናፈሻው ውስጥ
ስሜት ይሰማው? ለራስዋ ጠየቀች? ነገር ለበጎ ነው ። የመጀመርያ ልጄ ካስገባች በኋላ ተመልሳ መኪናዋ ውስጥ
ጨቅላ ህጻኑን ግንባሩን እየሳመች አባት፣ ፍቅር የሁለተኛ ልጄ አባት፣ ቁጭ አለች። ምንም ምቾት እየተሰማት
አባትህ እጅግ በጣም ይወድሃል። መኪና ከሁለቱ የቱ ይበልጣል? ግራ አይደለም። ወንበሩን ወደ ኋላ ለጠጥ
አንድ ቀን ይመጣል ብላ በሙሉ ተሰፋ ነው የሚያጋባው። ግን የመጀመርያ አድርጋ በጀርባዋ አረፍ አለች። የከፈትችው
እራስዋን አጽናናች ። ልጇን አባት ለሁሉም ነገር ተጠያቂ ሙዚቃ ምንም ለጆሮዋ ሊስማማ
ታደርገዋለች፡፡ ግን፣ ምክንያቱን አልቻለም። ሁሉም ነገር ግራ አጋባት።
ሄለን ከልጅዋ አባት ጋር ከተለያዩ እርግጠኛ አይደለችም ። በመሃል ሳታውቀው ሙዚቃውንም
ድፍን 4 ዓመት ሞላ። ሁሉም ነገር ልጆቿንም ረስታ በሃሳብ ጭልጥ አለች።
መክበድ ጀመረ፣ ተስፋ ቆረጠች አሁን ሁሉንም ነገር ሄለን ረስታ የመጀመርያ ልጇ መቶ የመኪናውን
የልጅዋን አባት መልሳ እንደማታገኘው ለሁለት መከፈሉን ትታ ከራስዋ ጋር በር ለመክፈት፣ ሲታገል እንኳን ከሃሳቧ
እና ሌላ መፍትሄ መፈለግ እንዳለባት ሆናለች። ሃሳብዋ ሁሉ ልጆቿ ላይ አልተመለሰችም፣ ሆኖም ግን ትንሹ ልጇ
ነው። ሙሉ ግዜዋን የምታጠፋው ማሚ ብሎ ሲጣራ ደንግጣ ከሄደችበት
ከልጆቿ ጋር ነው። የመጀመሪያ ሃሳብ ተመለሰች።
ልጅዋ ደስተኛ ሁኖ እየተጫወተ
የከፋው ይመስላታል፣ ልዩ የሆነ ማሚ አለ ትንሹ በሚጥም የህጻን ልጅ
ፍቅር አላት ያሳዝናታል፣ ምንም አጠራር። ትልቁም በተመሳሳይ ከተጣራ
እንዲሰማው አትፈልግም። አሁን 8 በኋላ፣ አንድ ሰውዬ ጁስ ገዛልን ፊቱ ላይ
ዓመት ሞላው። ሁለተኛው ደግሞ 4 እጅግ በጣም የደስታ ስሜት ይታይበታል፡
ዓመት ሞልቶታል። ሲጫወቱ ስታይ ፡ ደንገጠች እና ማነው ስትል ጠየቀችው
ደስ ይላታል ያላቸው የእርስ በእርስ
ፍቅር ያስቀናታል። ልጆቿ መሆናቸው
ሁሉ ያጠራጥራታል። ተመስገን
አምላኬ አንተ ታውቃለህ፣ ብላ
ሃሳብዋን ሁሉ ወደ አንድ መንገድ
ሰበሰበች እና ባልዋን ልጆችዋን
መንከባከብ እንዳለባት ወሰነች ።

ልጆቿን በየሳምንቱ የተለያዩ

42 Abyssinia Business Nework መስከረም 2012 / September 2019

እያፈጠጠች? ድንግጦ አይ. . . . ደልም መልዕክት ይዘው ነው የመጡት፡ ስለመሆኑ ምንም አልተጠራጠረችም
እኮ ማሚ እኛ እኮ፣ አይደለንም እራሱ ፡ በቃ እንሂድ ብላ የመኪናዋን ሞተር ምክንያቱም እሱ ብቻ ነበር ሄላ
ነው የጋበዘን ላንቺም ይሄን ስጣት አስነስታ ጉዟቸውን ወደ ቤት አደጉ። በሎ የሚጠራት። በድንጋጤ ስልኩን
ብሎኛል ብሎ በእጁ የያዘውን ቁራጭ ልጆቹ ግን ጨዋታ አልጠገቡም ነበር እና ዘጋችው እና ዙርያዋን ተመለከትች
ወረቀት ሰጣት፡፡ መነጫነጭ ጀመሩ ። በማባበል መልኩ ማንም የለም። ደስ አላትም።
በቃ፣ ችግር የለውም ነገ እንመጣለን ደነገጠችም። በፍጥነት ወደ መጸዳጃ
ሄለን ወረቀቱን ከልጅዋ ተቀብላ ብላ አባብላቸው ወደ ወረቀቱ ሃሳብዋን ቤት ሄዳ እራስዋን ተመለከተችው
ያየችውን ነገር ማመን አቃታት እና ቁጣ አደረገች። ማን ነው? ምን ፈልጎ በእውንዋ መሆኑን እርግጠኛ ሆነች።
በተቀላቀለበት ማን ነው የሰጠህ? ስትል ነው? በተለያዩ ሃሳቦች ተበታተነች። አሁን ግራ ገባት እውነት መሆኑን
ልጅዋ ላይ አፈጠጠችበት፣ የቁጭትም የመጀመሪያ ልጅዋ አባትን ግን በምንም ስታውቅ። ስልኩ በድጋሜ አቃጨለ
የተዘበራረቀ ስሜት እየተሰማት ደግማ ተዓምር ሊሆን አይችልም። ምክንያቱም ሆኖም ግን ቁጥር የለውም የውጭ
አነበበችው። እሱ በጣም እንደሚወዳት እና ከሱ ጋር ስልክ መሰላት ምክንያቱም የሁለተኛ
ምንም ዓይነት ቅራኔ እንዳልነባራቸው ልጅዋ አባት ለስራ ከሃገር ውጭ ስለሆነ
‘’ የልጄ እናት አሰበች እና ሞቶ ወይም የሆነ ነገር ሆኖ ሲደውል ተመሳሳይ ቁጥር የሌለው
ስለምወደሽ አልረብሽሽም ’’ ይሆናል እንጂ በኔ አይጨክንም ብላ ስለሆነ እሱ ነው ብላ ገመተች።
እሱ ሊሆን እንደማይችል እርግጠኛ ሆና በፍጥነት ስልኩን አነሳች እና ሄሎ
ወረቀቱን በድጋሚ ለሶስተኛ ግዜ ልጆቿ ተሳስተው እንደሆነ እርግጠኛ ስትል ድምጽዋን አሰማች አሁንም
አየችው። ባለቤትዋ ለስራ ውጭ ሆነች ። ደንግጠሽ ስልኩን እንዳትዘጊው።
ነው ያለው እንዴት? ስትል እራስዋን አንዴ አዳምጭኝ።
ከጠየቀች በኋላ፣ ተመልሳ አሁን ግልጽ ከሁለት ሳምንታት በሁላ የስልክ
አደረገችው ባለቤትዋ እንዳልሆነ። ጥሪ ደረሳት ስልኩንም ስታነሳው “ “የልጅሽ አባት
ግን ማን ነው? የመጀመርያ ልጅዋ ሄላ እወድሻለሁ ‘’ እንደዚህ ብሎ የባልሽ ወንድም ነኝ“
አባት ጋር በሃሳብ ሄደች። እሱ ደግሞ የሚጠራት የመጀመሪያ የልጇ አባት
እንደዚህ አያደርግም፡፡ የተሳሳተ

Happy New Year

Abyssinia Business Nework መስከረም 2012 / September 2019 43

ABN

10

Questions

Doctor Senait Mario

“Made in
Ethiopia”

? becomes a
BY AKLILE TSIGE global brand

Born and grew up in Wolaita Soddo, southern Ethiopia, the 36-year-old doctor Senait Mario has been
working as professional fashion designer and model for long period of time. She has also worked with
international brands such as 3D Modeling Agency and Attunda Modelling Agency . ABN Editor-in-
Chief Aklile Tsige meets Senait via email, and presents 10 questions which she reacts with.

ABN Q1. How did you begin the fashion designing and But I took her business card and called the agency a
modeling profession ? week or two later and I was luckily accepted;I did a
photoshoot that I have shown my friends, and their
Senait:My modeling career was the base to start my reactions were all the same: “You were born to be
designing;my talent was discovered in Nairobi kenya , a model” and then I decided to start my modeling
Scouted by Liz ogumbo - an international top model and career; while modeling for various brands I had the
fashion designer who is the owner of Imani Modeling idea of trying and creating something I thought could
Agencey of Nairobi; she simply saw me at the park of be promising. Then I started to teach my self how to
westland andcame over to me and asked if I wanted to design and make simple clothes for my self.That is
model. I was with my friend and we thought it was weird. how I have started to become a professional fashion
designer.
44 Abyssinia Business Nework መስከረም 2012 / September 2019

ABN Q2. Who are the Ialsowork with diffrent Regional ABN Q3. what are your
organizations and people you are and zonal Adminstrators as well as professional achievments ?
working with ? governmental offices in Ethiopia
so as to promote the indiginious Senait:my achievment in fashion
Senait:In my career I have been culture of various communities. industry is to promote our Ethiopian
lucky to work with amazing traditional clothes worldwide and I
people. Right now i am working I like to promote the hidden talents now have a roster of amazingly,and
with various italian designers and or upcommers who didn’t get a extremely talented international
modelling agencies to mention chance to exhibit themselves to models and interested individuals
some Miss Tre’s Chic of Maria the international market because who truly enjoy working with me.
Luisa, Mr. Spose ,3D modelling of luck of access; so no matter how My achievment in a fashion industry
agencey of Cape town (South big or small, I work with all sorts is branding my talent
Africa ) and Attunda Modelling of people. (ONE PEACE FASHION) and
Agency of Lagos- Nigeria. reaching the international community.

Photo file one peace fashion

Abyssinia Business Nework መስከረም 2012 / September 2019 45

My dream was to get access to those “My dream designer are lucky to have all
of top fashion stages like Milan, those materials .
Paris, London and Newyork. I thank is to work
God that i have done it.so these hard till we donot have much modelling
are other achievments too.Being “Made in or fashion schools ,we donot
among one of the top 40 African Ethiopia” have online marketing acces so
woment in toursm industry -Ghana becomes that our products are limited
2017 , I have got honorary doctorate a global and sold only with in a country.
award in tourism in 2018 Nigeria , The other point is that our
Best international fashion designer clothes are 100 % handmade
award in 2019 Ethiopia and several and some of these beautiful
other awards. garments may take months to be
completed; this is not exactly
I’m very happy with what i have following today’s fast-paced
achieved but sometimes I think fashion world too.
I could have been more business
minded earlier in my career. ABN Q6. Tell us what you have
done for Ethiopia’s modeling
ABN Q4. where have you and fashion design sector ?
exhibited your show so far?
Senait: While organizing
Senait:My frist exhibition was in brand fashion events, the obstacles
I got sometimes was very
Arbaminch, then wolayta soddo ,and to see discouraging and would lead
,Addis Abeba Ghana ,Rome, me to block my creativity,
Milan ,Paris and USA. Apart frustration and even depression.
But overcoming these obstacles
from exhibiting my brand I also Ethiopia made me realize how strong I
do organize annual international am.I continued promoting new
face models and the culture of
events like African Day (may 25th ) as fashion Ethiopia to the world. I brought
in Rome, and I’ll be participating in also team work sprit, and
bringing collaborations between
Peace Festival-2nd edition -which the upcomming designers and
professional designers,letting
destinationis going to be held in Lagos. Nigeria them share their experiences.

on December 2019. as Milan, ABN Q7. What are your short
term plan?
ABN Q5. How do you evaluate New York,
the modelling and fashion design Senait: my short term plan isto
keep promoting the various
development in Ethiopia ? Paris, Ethiopian costumes , scouting
the Ethiopian models to an
Senait:Ethiopiasfashion designing international agencies; to let
them have an international
and modelling industry is not yet apportunities and obviously
organizing diferrent promotional
London andexploited;this is due to shortage of

elements which we face in the sector.

other bigMost forign Designers stay up-dated

by reading magazines, browsing the

cities.internet, attending fashion shows,

and studying technical manuals.
They study the history of fashion to
better understand its development
and current tendencies. we Ehiopian

”46 Abyssinia Business Nework መስከረም 2012 / September 2019

fashion events by giving priority for the Senait: Yes, I have Senait:I know in fashion
upcomming designers so as to help them participated in various
penetrate in the market. humaniterian activities like industry “the future
helping the needy ones;
ABN Q8. What about the long-term I have a big plan to do it is handmade” and my country
plan? permanentily in the near
future. Infact, for the very Ethiopia has alot to offer for the
Senait: As my long term plan I would little thing I have done I have
love to brand my work, building up got an award from DDEA rest of the world. So my dream
“ONE PEACE FASHION FACTORY” – Washington DC in 2018
and would like to produce number one and it motivated me to keep is to work hard till “Made in
made in Ethiopia products. I guess I will going.
do this very soon though it is in my long Ethiopia” becomes a global
term plan. ABN Q10.What is your
dream for your country brand ,and to see Ethiopia as
ABN Q9. Have you ever participated in Ethiopia ?
humaniterian activities ? fashion destination as Milan,

New York, Paris, London and

other big cities .

WE
Thank You !

Photo file one peace fashion

Abyssinia Business Nework መስከረም 2012 / September 2019 47

40 Abyssinia Business Nework መስከረም 2012 / September 2019