Exclusive Interview Amleset Muchie

Exclusive

Amleset Muchie “environmental protection is part of my life”

2nd YEAR NO 21 መስከረም 2012 / September 2019 Ethiopia 40.00 birr , USA 5.00 $ , Europe 5 .00 Euro , South Africa 25.00 Rand , Kenya 500 Sh ,UAE 10.00AED

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Changing Commitment, not Calendar Every end marks a new beginning. The end of the Ethiopian 2011 is the start of a new beginning, a new hope and inspiration. Ethiopia saw lots of chaos, upheavals and sociopolitical and economic turmoil in the past year alone. On the other hand, promising activities were undertaken that need to be further enhanced.

Obviously the political situation in Ethiopia is tense, and it seems the case that it has a lot to do with ethnic-politics which is given legal, through the constitution and whatnot, administrative cover.

Apart from unprecedented violence which led to the displacement of millions of people in the history of the country observed during the ending year, ethnic politics is also threatening the unity of the country so much so that ethnic nationalist’s groups are now emerging who seek to divide Ethiopia’s ancient church along ethnic lines.

Also, Ethiopian national identity, which is known in history as a strong one, is weakened because ethnic identity is pronounced over all other forms of identities. But many argue that the long-standing societal values, norms and beliefs Ethiopians hold, will maintain the bond among the various ethnic groups across the country.

The Ethiopian government is taking measures but too little, shallow and impressionists, as political pundits claim, rather than strong transformational policy measures. Even those shallow and impressionist measures which manifest themselves in the form of events are taking place in the capital Addis Ababa rather than in ethnic-based regional states where radical ethnic nationalism is pursed with a kind of revolutionary fervor.

The leap year-‘Pagumen’ saw different commemorations such as ‘peace day’ ‘unity day’and, “national pride day” which were celebrated in the capital Addis Ababa and some other cities in the country. These celebrations are believed to bear fruits in the overall socio-economic and political climate as the country enters the new year..

Most importantly, the soaring inflation in the country needs to be given due attention for it affects businesses and people’s living condition. The incumbent government of Ethiopia, more than ever, is expected to restore and ensure peace, stability and the rule of law as we ring out the old and ring in the new.

May this Ethiopian New Year change our direction and not dates, change our commitments and not the calendar, change our attitude and not the actions, and bring about a change in our faith, our force and our focus and not the fruit. May we live up to the promises we have made. May we create conducive business and financial climate, and create for us and our loved ones the most Happy New Year ever!

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CONTENTS

26 COMMODITIES & DEVELOPMENT

10 Questions

42 18 06

Exclusive Amleset Muchie:

Vital in

Ethiopian Economy

“የልጅሽ አባት የባልሽ ወንድም ነኝ“

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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 is journalism. How did you get into it first?

ABN. Tell us how you managed to succeed in beauty pageant and modeling.

Amleset:I have studied Journalism

Amleset:I first took part in

at Unity University College since I have passion for literature, but I didn’t move further with it. I used to work as a freelance writer for the weekly Amharic newspapers-Addis Admasand the Reporterfor a short period of time.

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Miss University beauty pageant while I was a student at Unity University and wonthe titleMiss University in 2004.

Then representing Ethiopia, I participated in a beauty contest at the international level and

መስከረም 2012 / September 2019

could hold Miss World Ethiopia tittle in 2006.This profession, in deed, helped me a lot in my life. It has also given me the opportunity to travel to Poland and China to partake in beauty contest.But it’s hard to keep going with it; it’s very seasonal.

As far as modeling is concerned, I didn’t go through meaningful modeling practices that I can mention as an achievement. I have realized that this profession wouldn’t take

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 awareness among the general public; and in collaboration with USA embassy the film was premiered to high school and university students, and also released via social media.

I strongly believe that the film achieved its objective; many people who watched the documentary disclosed that they didn’t have that understanding and knowledge about the

Design by Enku Design Makeup by Marzel Makeup Photo by johny Video catastrophic effects of climate change, and the film helped them raise their level of awareness on the matter.

‘Green

Ethiopia’

includes

the views of different individuals who have got in-depth insight into climate change and environment protection like volunteer clean campaigner, Sileshi Demissie (gash Aberra Molla), Captain Solomon

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Gizaw, Abyssinia Flight Founder and General Manager, former FDRE President Girma Welde Georgis, Professor Legesse Negash, Dr.Mulualem and the renowned world-class athlete, Haile Gebresilassie. I really learn a lot from these high-profile individuals that environment protection is a national obligation and a very crucial issue to human beings; it’s a matter of life and death in general.

ABN. What do you intend to do in strengthening your contribution to this endeavor?

Amleset:

Yes, indeed, it’s deep in my heart; the issue of environmental protection is not something that I can leave aside.

It’s part of my life. If I don’t strive for a better environment, I won’t live a better life. I strongly feel that the issue is my concern. So, I am writing a script for another documentary film depicting environmental protection issues in Africa; it demands huge amount of budget, and I have to travel and do the video shootings in different parts of the continent.

Amleset:It was initially entitled to be ‘Min Alesh Hager’ literally

means what does a country have?

As human beings what do we have?

It’s only when you realize what you have that you try to search for something you lack. I embarked on forwarding an idea that I believe would bring about attitude change.

The theme of the film centers on poverty, beauty and athletics. As Ethiopia is well-known for being poor, people’s beauty and athletics, we can integrate all these qualities for good cause. If we don’t accept our being poor, we won’t get out of it. But if we accept that, it’s possible to fight against poverty and get over it. The film implies that if we do set a clear goal or vision, and

ABN. Have you taken any film-making training ?

Amleset: Yes, I studied filmmaking at New York Film Academy, USA for two years after I had produced my first movie-‘Sile Fikir’, and the training included courses such as script-writing, directing, acting and other related courses.

ABN. Let’s talk about your very recent film-“Minalesh”. How were you motivated to do such a film?

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running to pull the nation out of the quagmire poverty.

This has been made real by our famous athletes such as Haile G/ Sillasie, Kenenisa Bekele and Derartu Tulu who have hoisted up our national flag high in the international sport arenas. So, for me these athletes are symbol of victory andachievement; if other professionals like medical doctors, nurses, and engineers run like our athletes, we can make a difference.

That’s what the film tries to impart.

ABN. You have recently been to Switzerland to premier your film-‘Minalesh’; how was the reaction of the audience there?

Amleset:The reaction was really

more than I had expected. I usually admire the efforts we Ethiopians exert to support each other. I feel honored to see many Ethiopians travelling long distance to watch my movie. The film reminds the audience of their connection to ‘merkato’; it was nostalgic for many of them. It was generally wonderful for it’s one way of promoting the country.

ABN. What about the audience here at home?

Amleset:We the filmmakers need

to present the audience standard and quality films; it’s only then that the audience pay whatever money he or she is asked for to watch our movies. The audiences excel our understanding of films since they are exposed to various global movie channels. Our life by itself is a movie, a school.

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?

“

Amleset:I and my children do have the habit

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

”

of visiting the needy during holidays; I want my 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.

ABN. Who is your role model in life?

Amleset:My father is my inspiration. He was a good teacher, kind-hearted and generous; many of his students witness his good personality; he used to press me to read books so that I could develop 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?

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“ 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.

ABN. The company you run-Maya Film Production is producing various audiovisuals; does it create job opportunity for citizens?

Design by Enku Design Makeup by Marzel Makeup Photo by johny Video

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 manageable to perform various tasks at a time as long as we’re committed.

ABN. What is success for you? Do you think you are successful?

Amleset: Success for me is realizing what you need, but

not getting what you want. Realizing what you want and the journey you make to get what you want is success. If a man 10

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Amleset:My Company has created permanent

job opportunity for six professionals. But in most cases I team up professionals on temporary basis when there is a project that demands lots of professionals. So the number of job opportunity depends on the types of the project.

ABN. What is your favorite ….?

Amleset: Pastime-Sporting at a gymnasium Meal ? Lentil stew (misir wet) Drink ? Water with lemon Music? Teddy Afro’s songs Country? Ethiopia

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

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Ethiopian New Ethiopia rings in its New Year, Enkutatash, on 11 September, and not on 1 January, as the rest of the world does. The country’s unique calendar considers September, called Meskerem in the local language of Ethiopia, to be the first month of the year. Here is a look at the history behind the New Year celebrations. The Ethiopian New Year Enkutatash means the ‘gift of jewels’. Legend has it that King Solomon of Jerusalem gave the Queen of Sheba jewels during her famous visit to Jerusalem some 3,000 years ago. Her return to Ethiopia after receiving the gift coincided with the New Year celebration in September, and hence the name Enkutatash came to be.

The number of daylight hours and night time hours happen to be exactly equal in every part of the globe once every September, which is one of the reasons Ethiopians, celebrate New Year during this month. During this time of the year, the Sun and the Moon that are used to count time each have 12 hours before setting. The second reason is derived from the Bible, which says that the creation of the Heavens and the Earth took place in September.

Ethiopians believe that the month of September has different signs that explain why it should be celebrated as the beginning of a New Year.

Blooming flowers, sunny days and a generally pleasant weather reign during this month. It is a time when 12

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people leave the rainy, foggy and thunderous months in Ethiopia’s winter period behind and move on to better days.

The celebration of the New Year As a harbinger of the New Year, a song called ‘Abebayehosh’ is performed by groups of Ethiopian girls. You could be at home in your PJs, sipping on some coffee, or maybe taking a stroll, as a group of girls approach you beating their drums, clapping and singing the traditional song.

One of the girls leads the song and the rest respond to the lyric, chanting “lemlem”. They carry bright-yellow flowers called adey abeba, which grow in Ethiopia only from September to November. As a token of appreciation, people respond to the girls’ pleasant songs with a piece of bread prepared for the holidays, or with money the latter taking precedence these days.

Then come the heartwarming praises from the girls, wishing the gift giver more riches, more children for the coming year and even 30 calves.

The whole family comes together to light a bonfire in their backyard and dance around it in circles on the eve of the New Year.

For the New Year celebration, young boys have a different role.

Weaving their creativity into beautiful paintings that herald the coming of a bright new day,

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.

There’s no better time than the holidays for people who would 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.

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Exotic and Timeless

By AklileTsige

As the Ethiopian New Year gets closer it’s common to see people shopping at markets, malls and bazaars, looking for different kinds of goods and holiday items. The famous “Shiro Meda” market is the one visited by huge number of traditional apparel lovers; it’s a hot spot where varieties of Ethiopian traditional clothing are sold, and highly congested by holiday shoppers coming from all corners of the city.

Abigiya and her mother, Selam are looking for newly designed traditional cloths for 2012 Ethiopian New Year holiday, and “Shiro Meda” has always been their choice to find their need of the apparel they love.

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“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.”

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“I usually prefer to wear Ethiopian traditional apparels during major holidays and special occasions,” Selam continues, “what’s so amazing here is that year in year out, the designs and the styles of our traditional dress are changing in an amazing rate.”

A country with over eighty nations and nationalities, Ethiopia still appears to be a mosaic of culture; the country’s varied climate clearly influences Ethiopians’ style of dress. Traditional dresses of Ethiopia vary from one part of the country to another on the basis of geographical, climatic, ethnic, and cultural differences.

Cool temperatures in Ethiopia’s highlands dictate heavier clothing such as wraparound blankets, while the 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.

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

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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 prefer buying the fabrics, and orders weavers to produce cultural dresses in line with the designs given to them.

Enkutatash Kibret is one of the many Ethiopian traditional apparel designers who have been coming up with beautiful and exotic designs.

Born and brought up in Addis Ababa, Enkutatash has studied Fashion Design at Next Design to achieve her childhood dream.

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Entering the global market, she has moved a bit farther to introduce and promote Ethiopian cultural apparel; “I have been to Japan and Dubai to promote our unique traditional clothing with modern-touch, and received motivating feedback from people out there.” Enkutatash noted.

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.

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.

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Agro Processing: Vital in Ethiopian Economy

By Samuel Tekleyesus Well-known that Ethiopia is gifted with good climate, sufficient arable land and labor, adequate rainfall and a range of agro-ecological zones that contributes to the wide diversity of commodities which can be produced. And agriculture plays a critical role in the Ethiopian economy; Ethiopia’s economy is predominantly agriculture-based.

According to Growth and Transformation Plan Progress Report, Ethiopian agricultural sector is characterized by the presence of many smallholder farmers which are not integrated into commercial value chains with small land holdings and accounts more than 85 per cent of agricultural production in the country.

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

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food and agricultural products. Though there is a huge potential for growth of the agribusiness in the country, there are some critical constraint such as weak infrastructure linkage between the producers and processors, limited knowledge on the requirements of processors by the farmers in terms of quality or agronomic practices and fragmented agricultural system which pose a challenges for processors to procure the appropriate quantity and quality of raw materials.

Ethiopia’s agro-exports are currently almost entirely limited to primary and unprocessed products. The share of processed products in total agriculture exports constitute only insignificant amount while import for such products remains strong. It is known that there is a favorable market

for exports of processed food in the global market.

Industrial development It is believed thatthe development of agro processing industries will help Ethiopia to put economic development in a fast-track withadvanced industrialization and attainthe industrial developmentgoals.

The Government expects the industrial sector to play an important role in GDP growth, job creation, foreign

exchange earnings, and small and medium-sized enterprise (SME) development over the coming years. As a vehicle for the structural transformation of the economy through the commercialization of the agricultural sector, developing agroprocessing industrial parks is a priority in Ethiopia’s national development strategy and is a center of the second Growth and Transformation Plan (GTP II).

Agro Processing industrial parks will drive the development of

the Ethiopian agricultural production system from its current fragmented and supply-driven practices, to organized and quality and demand based system. There will be an open area of production zones,controlled environment growing, research and technology facilities and marketinginfrastructure.Poverty reduction will be achieved through the integration of smallholder farmers, small-scale processing enterprises and allied industries in commercial value chains. This, in turn, will increase local value-addition, create additional jobs in rural areas and improve the overall

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efficiency of the agricultural value chain. Medium- and large-scale firms will also benefit from more efficient value chains, through reduced transaction costs, allowing for additional growth and job creation.

There is considerable room for investment in agro-processing as almost all of Ethiopia’s crop production is rain fed which shows a flourishing demand for water supply and drainage systems, drilling and water pump equipment. Other than that there is a huge demand for agricultural and agro-processing equipment and systems such as tractors. The Ethiopian Investment commission set some Key reasons to invest in Agro-Processing sector in which some of them are plentiful agricultural resources, suitable climate condition, cheap labor, 20

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the country’s global repletion foritsspecial aroma and flavor wider genetic variety Arabica coffee, opportunity for meat processing as Ethiopia is the first in Africa by cattle population with well-established meat trade global partners and potential in honey production.

To meet its agro-processing objectives, the government is building Integrated AgroIndustrial Parks (IAIP) in four pilot areas: Amhara, Oromia, SNNP, and Tigray regional states selected based on their potential of existing agricultural resources and allied sectors, infrastructure, and facilities.

In the coming years, consumer demand for certain types of foods in particular, dairy products, wheat-based products such as

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pasta and bread, alcoholic and nonalcoholic beverages, cooking oil, sugar, meat, eggs are expected to increase.

In conclusion, Under GTP II, Ethiopia’s future economic growth in part depends on the development of the agro-processing sector. Agroprocessed productswill help to satisfy the huge local demand. Some of Ethiopia’s cash crops such as coffee, spices, pulses andoilseeds, cut flowers, fruits and vegetables, and honeyare exported to generate foreign exchange. In addition, the government should work with the private sector to process some of these commoditiesin order to add value and capture higher export prices through agro processing industries which can play a very important role in accelerating the economic development.

Innovative App Feature ‘Feel Addis’ to Elevate Passengers’ Layover Experience

‘Feel Addis’ Passengers flying Ethiopian with layover between 8 and 24 hours in Addis Ababa are set to have their end-to-end layover experience transformed in a whole new way with the launch of the airline’s digitized transit package dubbed Feel Addis.

The enhanced service brings convenience to passengers’ fingertips allowing them to get their hotel voucher and transit visa card with their mobile devices.

“As an airline continuously adapting our services to the evolving needs and expectations of passengers, we always look for opportunities to enhance passengers’ end-to-end travel experience as they fly Ethiopian,” says Mr Tewolde GebreMariam, Group CEO of Ethiopian Airlines.

“Our digitized layover package, Feel Addis, is unveiled with customers’ convenience in mind. Thanks to the enhanced service, we have digitized all customer touchpoints avoiding the need to contact airport agents to process hotel voucher and transit visa of passengers with a layover of 8 hours or more in Addis Ababa. The launch of Feel Addis is also part of our efforts to further boost Addis Ababa’s stature as a preferred transit hub into and out of Africa by facilitating seamless endto-end experience for the travelling public.”

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What passengers need to do to enjoy Feel Addis is, enter their booking code on ‘Feel Addis’ tab option to check eligibility through Ethiopian Mobile App after they are done with check-in. Once they check their eligibility for the service, passengers are required to enter their email address in the app and hit the ‘Get Voucher’ button at the bottom of their screen. They will then get their hotel name with all services on offer; the boarding time for their next flight from Addis; pick-up time from their hotel to the airport; and their visa.

It is to be recalled that Ethiopian has been taking different measures to enhance the transit experience of passengers including the launch of free transit tour of Addis back in January.

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Awash Wine: Launching ‘Dankira’

By Staff Writer

Pioneer andlongest established wine maker in Ethiopia, Awash Wine Sc. has launched a two-million-dollar expansion project that will boost its production capacity both in 330cc, 11, 000 bottles and 750 cc and 8,500 bottles per hour.

According to a press release Awash Wine sent to ABN, the company has announcedits newest alcoholic beverage, “DANKIR” in line with its new product innovation and product category “A”. This is Ethiopia’s first ever Wine Cocktail that began sales in Addis Ababa on 19th August 2019.

Speaking on the press conference, Berhan Mengistu, Brand and Innovation Manager with Awash Wine, said that the company continuously pushes the boundaries to develop innovations that meet consumer preference and demand.

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While discussing the consumer research she stated, “Consumers told us they were looking for a new, smooth product with less alcohol. With these insights’ product development began. DANKIRA delivers on these Consumer requests. “DANKIRA” is a refreshing Wine Cocktail with 6% alcohol, made from a blend of wine and natural fruit flavors, which makes it a light bodied product with refreshing aromas. DANKIRA is available in two fascinating flavors: - Strawberry Margarita and Peach Vodka.”

Available in 330ml, DANKIRA is now available in selected outlets such as top butcheries, restaurants and hotels across Addis Ababa and the 330ml bottle retails for a recommended price of ETB 25 to ETB 30.

Constructed at Mekanisa Winery Plant, located in Nefas Silk Lafto District, the new bottling line with components imported from Italy, Germany and China, uses state –of- the- art- technology.

This includes bottle washers, fillers, and corkers as well as a capsule sealer and dryer, to achieve even higher quality control. The new line, which is highly efficient, andreduces waste in the wine making process, is operated by a local experienced and skilled labor force.

At the press conference, Neil Comerford, Commercial Director of Awash Wine Sc said, “We are now proud to have arrived at another significant milestone in our wineries’ growth with the commissioning of the new production line. We will continue to invest in the long-term growth of our brands, our business, our people and the communities in which we operate, for the benefit of all,” he added.

“Our Company is expanding its corporate responsibility through strongly promoting programs that enhance the wellbeing of our

employees and their families, our business relationships and the community residing in and around our Vineyards located in Merti Wereda, Arsi Zone of Oromia Region.

We support communities by providing housing, potable water, health cares, and food subsidies,” said Neil Comerford, Commercial Director of Awash Wine Company.

The Company is very excited to bring DANKIRA to Ethiopian Market and will keep working more on innovation and diversified offers to satisfy its customers and consumers.

Established in 1956, Awash Wine is Ethiopia’s longest established wine maker. Since that time the company has grown to be one of the country’s most loved brands- a market leader that is interwoven with the cultural fabric of the country.

According to the press release, in September 2013, 8 Miles LLP, a private equity fund chaired by Sir Bob Geldof and Mulugeta Tesfakiros, an Ethiopian entrepreneur, became owners. Since then, significant investments have been made to upgrade facilities and further improve quality.

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“

The issue of environmental protection is not something that I can leave aside.

It’s part of my life

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”

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

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COMMODITIES & DEVELOPMENT REPORT 2019

By Staff Writer In today’s era of accelerated climate change, developing countries, particularly commodity dependent developing countries (CDDCs), least developed countries (LDCs) and small island developing States (SIDS), are under multiple pressures. They are faced with challenges of diversifying their economies and achieving sustainable development. In addition, they are deeply affected by the direct impacts of climate change, as well as the impacts of climate mitigation and adaptation measures by other countries. In this context, the Commodities and Development Report 2019 highlights the particular vulnerabilities of CDDCs, focusing on the main commodity sectors on which they depend. The report provides valuable insights into the climaterelated challenges confronting those sectors, and discusses policies, strategies and actions needed to overcome those challenges, both at national and international levels.

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.

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In these countries, economic cycles are synchronized with commodity price cycles, implying that their economies grow faster during commodity price booms but slow down during commodity price slumps.

As episodes of commodity price slumps are generally longer than boom periods, CDDCs experience, on average, slower growth than other countries.

Commodity dependence affects economic performance through several channels.

The first is the Dutch disease

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phenomenon.

According to this phenomenon, the discovery and exploitation of a major natural resource leads to massive inflows of foreign currency and appreciation of the domestic currency. This hampers the competitiveness of traditional sectors and, in many cases, increases the concentration of the economy around the natural resource.

Such an economy becomes more vulnerable to commodity price shocks. Second, the reduction of export revenues during slumps in commodity prices creates macroeconomic challenges such as declining

public investment and spending, increasing public debt, currency devaluation and greater sovereign risk.

Third, negative terms of trade and high commodity price volatility create an unfavourable environment for economic growth and development.

Fourth, at the microeconomic level, low or declining commodity prices reduce incomes of households that are dependent on agricultural commodity exports such as coffee, cotton, tea and cocoa.

Moreover, negative macroeconomic conditions affect firms’ profitability, and consequently their contribution to overall economic performance.

Climate change is an additional challenge to CDDCs that are already struggling to manage the problems arising from their dependence on commodities.

Given the two-way relationship between climate change and the commodity sector, this year’s report, titled Commodity Dependence, Climate Change and the Paris Agreement, attempts to identify the major channels through which this relationship operates.

Hence, the management of natural resources in the current era characterized by growing concerns over climate change Abyssinia Business Nework

needs to take into account this relationship. Most particularly, the call to limit the rise in global temperature to well below 2°C above pre-industrial levels and to pursue efforts to limit the temperature increase to 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels the core objective of the Paris Agreement will affect the way natural resources are managed.

The report presents some proposals that would allow CDDCs to contribute to climate change mitigation efforts while minimizing the negative impacts of climate change on their economies. መስከረም 2012 / September 2019

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INTERACTIONS BETWEEN COMMODITIES AND CLIMATE CHANGE Commodity dependence implies that the development process in CDDCs involves converting natural capital into physical capital, human capital and consumer goods and services.

Managing natural resources in this context involves trade-offs in balancing a country’s portfolio of different forms of capital along its development path.

For example, a developing country might hold a vast stock of natural capital but a relatively small stock of human and physical capital.

This is a common feature of many resource-rich developing countries.

Given the interaction between natural resources and climate change, climate change mitigation and adaptation measures must be made a part of the natural resource management process.

For instance, while some natural resources might be more useful when converted into other forms of capital, considering the cost this may entail in terms of additional greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions suggests that some natural capital may have to be stranded.

However, stranding could have farreaching consequences for CDDCs that are dependent on the stranded resource, as they would lose an important source of revenue from no longer being able to exploit that resource.

The production and use of fossil fuels as the major source of energy is the leading contributor to anthropogenic GHG emissions at the global level.

Most GHG emissions attributed to the industrial sector and a significant share of those attributed to the residential, commercial and “other buildings” 28

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sectors result from the use of oil, natural gas and coal.

As a result, more than half of all anthropogenic GHG emissions can be traced back to the energy sector. Specifically, electricity and heat generation (as well as industry) are the major sources of carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions, accounting for 25 per cent and 21 per cent, respectively, of GHG emissions. The transportation sector, “other energy” category and buildings account for 14 per cent, 9.6 per cent, and 6.4 per cent, respectively. Emissions from the agriculture, forestry, and other land use (AFOLU) category represent 24 per cent of global GHG emissions, some in the form of methane and nitrous oxide. In addition, clearance of forests for agricultural expansion or mining projects releases CO2 to the atmosphere, thus also contributing to climate change.

Climate change, in turn, affects the commodity sector through its different manifestations. For example, heatwaves, floods, hurricanes and rising sea levels and sea temperatures destroy crops or reduce crop yields and fish production. Extreme weather events also destroy or damage infrastructure in the mining sector, reducing profitability or making projects less attractive.

The need to reduce global warming by keeping the rise in temperature to well below 2°C above preindustrial levels by the year 2100, and pursuing efforts to limit the temperature increase to 1.5°C above preindustrial levels suggests that some

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natural resources in the energy sector are likely to be stranded.

New regulations introduced to combat climate change might result in regulatory stranding.

For example, calls to reduce and ultimately eliminate the use of coal as a primary energy source is an illustration of a commodity that is vulnerable to regulatory stranding.

Moreover, as power projects using renewables such as solar energy become cheaper, it is likely that even without regulatory stranding, existing coal-fired power stations will be economically stranded given their uncompetitive price.

Indeed, relative price changes currently favour green sources of energy. Physical stranding might also occur where events such as a drought or a flood make

Photo credit: cover: © 2007 John Hogg/World Bank, backcover: Flore de Preneuf/World Bank

exploitation of a natural resource impossible or too costly.

Stranding natural resources will negatively affect CDDCs that are highly dependent on those resources for their development, given that most of these economies are poorly diversified.

Should stranding affect CDDCs development prospects, Article 2 of the Paris Agreement allows those countries to be considered differently, in line with the principles of equity and countries’ common but differentiated responsibilities. In the same vein, Article 3 of the Paris Agreement implies that developing countries, particularly CDDCs that are forced to strand their natural resources, will need assistance in implementing the mitigation and adaptation measures required to address climate change.

U N C T A D

IMPACTS OF THE PARIS AGREEMENT ON COMMODITY-DEPENDENT DEVELOPING COUNTRIES The Paris Agreement does not explicitly set differentiated goals and obligations for commoditydependent and noncommodity-dependent countries.

However, given that many Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) submit information on their commitments through nationally determined contribution (NDC) documents by sector, it is possible to identify the key commodity sectors of CDDCs that will be impacted by climate change and the implementation of the Paris Agreement.

By 23 June 2019, 81 of the 88 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.

Although CDDCs as a group have contributed only modestly to climate change, and notwithstanding their heterogeneity, they have pledged to contribute to global efforts to mitigate climate change. Indeed, two thirds of CDDCs provided economywide quantified emission targets in their first NDCs, even though they were not required to do so. Modest as they may be, these pledges are testimony to the willingness of CDDCs to contribute to this global effort. The major problem with mitigation commitments is the low ambition of targets adopted by countries, particularly those with the largest economies. The level of ambition reflected in current NDCs implies that by 2100, the rise in global temperature would reach 3°C above preindustrial levels. To achieve the central objective of the Paris Agreement, the current level of ambition should roughly triple for the 2°C scenario and quadruple for the 1.5°C scenario. These objectives are achievable but will require more ambitious commitments and actions; countries will also need to involve non-State and subnational actors in the fight against climate change, including academia, the private sector, civil society organizations and local governments.

Successful implementation of these commitments will require strong political will and greater mobilization of economic, financial and human resources. CDDCs’

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The Paris Agreement does not explicitly set differentiated goals and obligations for commoditydependent and noncommodity-dependent countries.

However, given that many Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) submit information on their commitments through nationally determined contribution (NDC) documents by sector, it is possible to identify the key commodity sectors of CDDCs that will be impacted by climate change and the implementation of the Paris Agreement.

By 23 June 2019, 81 of the 88 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.

Although CDDCs as a group have contributed only modestly to climate change, and notwithstanding their heterogeneity, they have pledged to contribute to global efforts to mitigate climate change. Indeed, two thirds of CDDCs provided economy-wide quantified emission targets in their first NDCs, even though they were not required to do so. Modest as they may be, these pledges are testimony to the willingness of CDDCs to contribute to this global effort. The major problem with mitigation commitments is the low ambition of targets adopted by countries, particularly those with the largest economies. The level of ambition reflected in current NDCs implies that by 2100, the rise in global temperature would reach 3°C above preindustrial levels. To achieve the 30

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central objective of the Paris Agreement, the current level of ambition should roughly triple for the 2°C scenario and quadruple for the 1.5°C scenario.

These objectives are achievable but will require more ambitious commitments and actions; countries will also need to involve non-State and subnational actors in the fight against climate change, including academia, the private sector, civil society organizations and local governments.

Successful implementation of these commitments will require strong political will and greater mobilization of economic, financial and human resources.

CDDCs’ adaptation to climate change will have far-reaching impacts on their economies. The challenges are huge, not only in seeking to adapt to climate change, but also in coping with the effects of mitigation strategies adopted by third countries.

The ten most vulnerable countries to climate change in 2017 were CDDCs. And of the 40 most vulnerable countries, only three were not dependent on commodity exports.

As a result of mitigation measures, some CDDCs are expected to lose revenue through the stranding of their natural resources as the world transitions to less polluting products.

Moreover, higher temperatures threaten to reduce economic growth by causing a fall in agricultural output and capital accumulation, depressing labour productivity, and adversely affecting

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human health. A scenario of temperature increase under unmitigated climate change shows that the present value of output losses in a typical low-income country could amount to 100 per cent of current gross domestic product (GDP) by 2100. Hence, CDDCs climate-related adaptation agenda should focus on enhancing their adaptative capacity and resilience to climate change.

CDDCs are also expected to be faced with challenges of adapting to negative externalities from the Paris Agreement.

While it is difficult, if not impossible, to quantify and attribute the effects of third countries’ mitigation policies on individual CDDCs, the envisaged reductions in global demand for some commodities, particularly carbonintensive commodities, would negatively affect the economies of CDDCs dependent on them. For example, the world’s largest importer of commodities, China, has pledged to substantially increase the share of nonfossil fuels in its primary energy consumption as a climate change mitigation strategy.

Consequently, exporters of traditional energy products to China may lose an important share of their export markets and revenues, and they will not necessarily find alternative markets for their exports. For instance, Angola’s oil exports to China in 2017 represented 47 per cent of its total export revenues. For Algeria, oil and natural gas exports to the European Union accounted for 56 per cent of its total export revenues in 2017, while oil and natural gas exports of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela to the United States

accounted for 32 per cent of its total export revenues. Strong export dependence on countries that are in the process of developing alternatives to fossil fuels puts the economic future of many CDDCs at risk, unless these economies quickly achieve economic diversification, something that has eluded them for most of the last half century.

While climate change and response measures by third parties are expected to create a challenging environment for CDDCs, there could also be some positive consequences for specific sectors and countries. For instance, the global push towards renewable energy and energy efficiency creates short and

medium-term opportunities in the mining sectors of CDDCs that have large reserves of strategic materials embodied in clean technologies.

For example, in 2017 the Democratic Republic of the Congo accounted for 58 per cent of global cobalt production, a key commodity used in electric vehicles and batteries. Chile and Argentina jointly accounted for 71 per cent of global reserves of lithium in 2018, another key component in battery manufacture.

These countries have thus benefited from high prices of

these strategic commodities as a result of growing demand.

Climate change may also provide localized opportunities in the agricultural sectors of certain CDDCs. Moreover, the Paris Agreement and other major international commitments to combat climate change have spurred investments in technological innovations such as cost-efficient solar photovoltaic cells that can improve energy security and support commodity sectors in remote areas that are not connected to national power grids.

Photo credit: cover: © 2007 John Hogg/World Bank, backcover: Flore de Preneuf/World Bank Abyssinia Business Nework

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Mobile Application:

Promoting Climate-Smart Agriculture (CSA)

By Gedion G. Jalata It has been much-trumpeted that Africa is endowed with abundant natural resources. The continent has about 12 percent of the world’s arable land, of which 60 percent is uncultivated.

Moreover, only 7 percent of the arable land is irrigated, compared to 40 percent in Asia. In 2013, 183 million hectares of land was under cultivation in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), and approximately 452 million hectares of additional suitable land was not cultivated.

As SSA countries are heavily dependent on agriculture, the sector has a positive relationship to national gross domestic product (GDP). The contribution of agriculture to GDP in SSA, 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

Botswana, Ethiopia, Ghana, Kenya, Malawi, Mauritius, Nigeria, Senegal, South Africa, Tanzania, and Zambia.

As shown in Figure 1, the agriculture sector’s contribution to the 11 African countries surveyed declined over the period (– 37.6 percent, 24.9 percent, and 22.4 percent in 1960, 1990 and 2010 respectively), while the productivity of the sector declined from 0.5 in 1960 to 0.4 in 2010. The sector also lost labour incrementally from 72.7 percent to 61.6 percent and then 49.8 percent in 1960, 1990 and 2010, respectively.

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

Smallholder farmers account for most of the cultivated land and a sizable share of agriculture production. For instance, more than 75 percent of the total agriculture output in Kenya, Tanzania, Ethiopia, and Uganda is produced by smallholder farmers with an average farm size of about 2.5 ha.

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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

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Agriculture, however, still has the potential to contribute greatly to economic growth and transformation in Africa. It remains the key sector for food security, employment, growth, and development in most African countries.

Agriculture can increase incomes in rural areas, increase exports and the foreign exchange needed to import machinery and inputs for the industry

as well, by releasing labour from agriculture to the manufacturing and other sectors. It can also expand the markets for inputs and consumer goods and services for other sectors of the economy.

Agriculture-led growth has the largest impact on reducing the depth and breadth of poverty. Growth in food staples is considered generally as pro-poor, as export crops may have higher value and growth potential. Africa’s big development agenda is to achieve an agriculture sector annual growth rate of at least 6 percent and meet the time-bound targets set in the previous Millennium Development Goals, the current Sustainable

about 65 to 70 percent of Africa’s labour force is employed in the agriculture sector.

The Gambia, Guinea-Bissau, Nigeria, Senegal, and Tanzania. The impressive economic growth and rapid improvement in rural poverty in Ethiopia, Rwanda, and Ghana have been fuelled by growth in the agriculture sector. Productivity in the sector yet is low in Africa and lags behind that of other continents.

Africa’s rural population seems Development Goals (SDGs) and unable to transform its productivity the Agenda 2063 ten-year plan. rate significantly, which means the rural population continues to live in Nonetheless, only 8 African poverty. This is a major barrier to countries are able to achieve development on the continent. Rapid the 6 percent agriculture sector agricultural transformation through annual growth rate. These are increased productivity, income Angola, Ethiopia, Burkina Faso, growth, and competitiveness, with The Republic of the Congo, good natural environmental

Selected Farmers Taking Training on How Best to Use the Mobile Application Abyssinia Business Nework

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It has been much-trumpeted that Africa is endowed with abundant natural resources. The continent has about 12 percent of the world’s arable land, of which 60 percent is uncultivated. Moreover, only 7 percent of the arable land is irrigated, compared to 40 percent in Asia. In 2013, 183 million hectares of land was under cultivation in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), and approximately 452 million hectares of additional suitable land was not cultivated.

Smallholder farmers account for most of the cultivated land and a sizable share of agriculture production. For instance, more than 75 percent of the total agriculture output in Kenya, Tanzania, Ethiopia, and Uganda is produced by smallholder farmers with an average farm size of about 2.5 ha.

As SSA countries are heavily dependent on agriculture, the sector has a positive relationship to national gross domestic product (GDP). The contribution of agriculture to GDP in SSA, 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

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agriculture sector’s contribution to the 11 African countries surveyed declined over the period (– 37.6 percent, 24.9 percent, and 22.4 percent in 1960, 1990 and 2010 respectively), while the productivity of the sector declined from 0.5 in 1960 to 0.4 in 2010. The sector also lost labour incrementally from 72.7 percent to 61.6 percent and then 49.8 percent in 1960, 1990 and 2010, respectively.

Agriculture, however, still has the potential to contribute greatly to economic growth and transformation in Africa. It remains the key sector for food security, employment, growth, and development in most African countries. Agriculture can increase incomes in rural areas, increase exports and the foreign exchange needed to import machinery and inputs for the industry as well, by releasing labour from agriculture to the manufacturing

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and other sectors. It can also expand the markets for inputs and consumer goods and services for other sectors of the economy.

Agriculture-led growth has the largest impact on reducing the depth and breadth of poverty. Growth in food staples is considered generally as propoor, as export crops may have higher value and growth potential. Africa’s big development agenda is to achieve an agriculture sector annual growth rate of at least 6 percent and meet the time-bound targets set in the previous Millennium Development Goals, the current Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the Agenda 2063 ten-year plan.

Nonetheless, only 8 African countries are able to achieve the 6 percent agriculture sector annual growth rate. These are Angola, Ethiopia, Burkina Faso, The Republic of the Congo, The Gambia, Guinea-Bissau,

Nigeria, Senegal, and Tanzania.

The impressive economic growth and rapid improvement in rural poverty in Ethiopia, Rwanda, and Ghana have been fuelled by growth in the agriculture sector.

Productivity in the sector yet is low in Africa and lags behind that of other continents.

Africa’s rural population seems unable to transform its productivity rate significantly, which means the rural population continues to live in poverty. This is a major barrier to development on the continent. Rapid agricultural transformation through increased productivity, income growth, and competitiveness, with good natural environmental stewardship for sustainable development, is needed to actualize this economic growth agenda.

Furthermore,agriculture is highly dependent on the climate in most African countries.

Climate changes make it more difficult to consistently grow crops,raise animals and conduct other farming activities.So the 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 Democratic Republic of Ethiopia (FDRE), in its national development plan, seeks to accelerate broad-based economic growth and development and is taking various measures to minimize the negative impacts of environmental degradation. It also sets the scene in the country

to attract significant investment and encourage economic growth and job creation.

them to use the information to make decisions in their livelihood activities.

The role of climate and market information within this, in informing interventions aimed at building the resilience of communities/ households vulnerable to the impacts of extremes of climate such as drought and flooding is gaining popularity worldwide. Availing and sustaining climate information that is strong enough to inform livelihood decisions in context, however, requires a mechanism for production, dissemination, application, feedback from users, and learning in the process.

The envisaged Climate Information Dissemination Platform coordinated climate information producers - National Metrology Agency (NMA), Intermediaries – Media and end-users- Listening groups and woreda exchange platforms to deliver decisionrelevant climate information.

In recognition of the benefits gained from working in partnership, coordination and collaboration to achieve their common objectives of supporting the provision of climate information to inform interventions aimed at building the resilience of communities/ households vulnerable; the project needs to upgrade the service through piloting the climate information with market information by using mobile phone as a platform.

In this context, Farm Africa has embarked a project called “Accelerating the Uptake of Climate-smart Agriculture for Improved Agricultural Productivity of Smallholder Farmers in Halaba, HaderoTuntu and Damot Gale woredas of the SNNPR of Ethiopia”.

‘Climate Smart Agriculture’ (CSA) has been developed as an approach to attain “triple wins” in agriculture through increased agricultural productivity, adaptation (supporting crops to grow in changing climate conditions), and mitigation (reducing greenhouse gas emissions where possible).

The project aims to improve agricultural productivity and adaptive capacity to climate uncertainties for smallholder farmers through accelerated field uptake of CSA practices using ICT tools. Providing these services will enable targeted farmers with areaspecific (woreda level) weather forecasts and market information through Mobile App and acquaint Abyssinia Business Nework

In this context, the Center of Excellence International Consult won a bid from Farm Africa and successfully developed a mobile application as well as provided successful training for selected farmers based in Halaba, HaderoTuntu, and Damot Gale woredas. The Firm is providing weekly market information and ten days of weather information with agro-advisory to the farmers.

The Consultancy Firm is working to replicate this practice to other regions of Ethiopia including with SMS and local radio programs. Any interested farmers associations, government offices, development partners and private sector may contact the Consultancy Firm for more information. መስከረም 2012 / September 2019

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Happy New Year

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Address

+251911217287 +251911456505 +251911209106 Ezhi Ethiopia Leather, Bole behind Edna * Ker Mall - Gulf Aziz Bldg ground floor Ker Ezhi Ethiopia Leather, Kazanchis, next to * Jupiter Hotel - Bloom Tower ground floor

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Tearing down barriers for the growth of

African rural e-commerce

Credit: Josephine Wawira

T

he rise and growth of e-commerce in the world and primarily in Africa has created a lot of business opportunities, not only in urban but also in rural areas. The good news is that there is undoubtedly increased connectivity, reaching even the previously inaccessible remote villages across the continent and connecting them with e-commerce.

Over the past approximately three years, the market has been noted to move substantially in the direction of developing logistics meant to tear down barriers for e-commerce penetration in rural markets. Consequently, online retailers can now reach customers in remote cities, while locals have access to a variety of products from major urban cities.

While over 50% of the world is now connected to the internet, only 36% of the African population is, and even more poorly served are rural areas. This penetration rate is however increasing across Africa, and together with that 38

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of the mobile (now at about 80%), represent a potentially major growth lever as well as a significant growth opportunity for e-commerce to serve this otherwise underserved demographic. With this in mind, it is important for e-commerce players to eliminate roadblocks that hinder penetration of the rural economy.

primary means by which digital drives inclusion is via providing accessible information on products, services and price as well as connecting buyers and sellers who may never have connected through traditional channels.” Variety is key; and it thus requires breaking down your target markets and understanding their consumption behaviors to fully meet their needs and expectations.

Fulfilling the needs of the rural e-commerce consumer requires bespoke approaches, that will especially break the mistrust around online commerce.

For instance, e-commerce players need to provide digital literacy programs towards educating users around online purchase processes. Moreover, platforms should incorporate several local languages in the markets they operate in; which should also be the case for their customer service departments to drive better conversations and connection with the customers.

Understanding local languages will also come in handy when carrying out ground activations for new customers and vendors looking to move their businesses online.

Consumers with varying spending powers require provision for more diversified products to choose from. In an article she wrote for the UNCTAD in October 2018, Juliet Anammah, CEO Jumia Nigeria noted that “the reach of digital platforms can no longer be contained and captured by a small group to the exclusion of others. The

Truth is, to successfully make in-roads in reaching and gaining the trust of rural consumers, e-commerce players must continuously remain innovative.

One such company piloting diverse strategies to reach and activate rural ecommerce consumption is Jumia, operating in 14 African countries.

25% of deliveries made by Jumia are in remote areas, in regions where choices for products are extremely limited for consumers.

መስከረም 2012 / September 2019

To achieve this, the Pan-African e-commerce platform is expanding into rural areas by building agent networks through its JForce program, allowing agents to traverse the cities and make purchases for their clients for a commission.

Besides, it has also set up more than 380 pick up stations and drop off locations to facilitate deliveries for sellers and consumers even in remote areas. Its recent partnership with Vivo Energy will enable more Jumia customers to place and pay for orders at select retail service stations, which will also double as pick up and drop off points.

Further, Jumia’s digital platform offers diversified services and products, from home appliances to electronics, mobiles, fashion apparels, fast-moving consumer

A man rides a bicycle on a market road in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.

Image by Oxford Media Library goods (FMCGs) and on-demand services at relatively affordable prices.

This has allowed them to attract every possible customer and vendor in the markets they operate.

With fulfilment and transport infrastructure being among barriers for the growth of rural e-commerce, Jumia comes up as one among companies working to smoothen out the delivery processes both in major cities and in remote areas that are otherwise difficult to access. This is by building a well-established logistics system using Machine Learning, relying on GPS enabled delivery apps. Jumia

logistics network includes 100+ partners ranging from individual entrepreneurs to large companies, enabling the company to handle over 13.4 million packages in 2018 across Africa.

Incorporating different payment methods has also enabled the e-commerce platform to gain the trust of more customers in the continent. Cash on Delivery remains the most prefered method among online consumers, especially in rural markets that are highly-dependent on touchand-feel. Rural mobile money Abyssinia Business Nework

agents have also pushed the growth of mobile payments in remote areas, further facilitating the spread of e-commerce even in places with major unbanked populations.

The intrinsic value in African rural e-commerce cannot be overlooked.

The progressive success of early entrants of the market is a clear indication of the existing huge potential of this unexplored rural sector. The rising number of ecommerce users on platforms like Jumia further cements the need for more innovative ways to satiate the growing needs of a more diverse African consumer. መስከረም 2012 / September 2019

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Danakil Depression D allol 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.

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Abyssinia Business Nework

መስከረም 2012 / September 2019

Bahir Dar B

ahir 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

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በዳንኤል ጥሩነህ

አማራጭ የሌለው ሃሳብ አድርጋ ወሰነች። ስለዚህ ለመፍትሄ እራስዋን አዘጋጀች ብዙም፣ ሳትቆይ ባሰበችው መሠረት፣ አንድ የተራበ ላይ አረፈች።

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ሄለን ተወልዳ ያደገችው አዲስ አበባ ሲሆን፣ በአሁኑ ሰዓት እድሜዋ 26 እና የሁለት ልጆች እናት ሆናለች። የሁለቱም ልጆች አባት የተለያዩ ናቸው። የመጀመሪያ ልጅዋ አባት የተለያት ገና የ4 ወር ነፍሰ ጡር እያለች ነበር። የመጀመሪያ ባልዋ ለሁሉም ነገር አንደኛዋ ነው። እስከ አሁን ድረስ በጣም ትወደዋለች። ሁሉ ነገርዋን የወሰደባት እስከሚመስል ድረስ ቀን ከሌሊት ትናፍቀዋለች። የት እንደደረሰ ምንም የምታውቀው ነገር የለም። ቀናቶች እየተቆጠሩ በሄዱ ቁጥር የልጅዋ አባት እና ህይወቴ የምትለው የውሃ ሽታ እየሆነባት መጣ ። እንደናፈቀች እና በሃሳብ እንደተዋጠች ከ አራት ዓመት በፊት ወደ ኋላ ተመለሰች፣ 9 ወር ከብቸኝነት ጋር ሞላት። በ ሰላም ካሌብ የሚባል ልጅ ተገላገለች። ልጁን ስታይ በሃሳብዋ ወደ አባቱ ተጓዘች። ቢያየው እንዴት ደስ እንደሚለው። ገና ነፍሰ ጡር ነኝ ብላ ስትነግረው የተሰማው ስሜት እንዴት እንደነበረ፤ ታያት ልጁ ተወልዶ ሲያቅፍ ደግሞ ምን አይነት ስሜት ይሰማው? ለራስዋ ጠየቀች? ጨቅላ ህጻኑን ግንባሩን እየሳመች አባትህ እጅግ በጣም ይወድሃል። አንድ ቀን ይመጣል ብላ በሙሉ ተሰፋ እራስዋን አጽናናች ። ሄለን ከልጅዋ አባት ጋር ከተለያዩ ድፍን 4 ዓመት ሞላ። ሁሉም ነገር መክበድ ጀመረ፣ ተስፋ ቆረጠች የልጅዋን አባት መልሳ እንደማታገኘው እና ሌላ መፍትሄ መፈለግ እንዳለባት 42

Abyssinia Business Nework

ደስ አላት እሱም፣ እንደእሷ የተገፋ ነበር እና ደስተኛ ሆነ። ሁሉንም በግልፅ ተወያዩ፣ የልብ የልባቸውንም አወሩ፣ ተዋደዱ፡፡ የራሱ የሆነ ስራ ስለነበረው መውለድ እንደሚፈልግ ነገራት። በሃሳቡ ተስማማች ልጅዋንም እንደልጁ ስለሚንከባከበው ውሳኔውን ለማክበር ወሰነች። መልካም ሰው ነው ብላ ለራስዋ ሹክ አለችው። ሄለን የሁለት ልጆች እናት ስትሆን ለባለቤትዋ ደግሞ የመጀመሪያ ልጅ አባት አደረገችው የደስ ደስ ብሎም የምኪና ቁልፍ አስረከባት። ሁሉም ነገር ለበጎ ነው ። የመጀመርያ ልጄ አባት፣ ፍቅር የሁለተኛ ልጄ አባት፣ መኪና ከሁለቱ የቱ ይበልጣል? ግራ ነው የሚያጋባው። ግን የመጀመርያ ልጇን አባት ለሁሉም ነገር ተጠያቂ ታደርገዋለች፡፡ ግን፣ ምክንያቱን እርግጠኛ አይደለችም ። አሁን ሁሉንም ነገር ሄለን ረስታ ለሁለት መከፈሉን ትታ ከራስዋ ጋር ሆናለች። ሃሳብዋ ሁሉ ልጆቿ ላይ ነው። ሙሉ ግዜዋን የምታጠፋው ከልጆቿ ጋር ነው። የመጀመሪያ ልጅዋ ደስተኛ ሁኖ እየተጫወተ የከፋው ይመስላታል፣ ልዩ የሆነ ፍቅር አላት ያሳዝናታል፣ ምንም እንዲሰማው አትፈልግም። አሁን 8 ዓመት ሞላው። ሁለተኛው ደግሞ 4 ዓመት ሞልቶታል። ሲጫወቱ ስታይ 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

መስከረም 2012 / September 2019

የህጻናት መጫወቻ ቦታዎች እየወሰደች ታዝናቸዋለች። ባለቤትዋንም ልዩ በሆነ መልኩ ትንከባከበዋለች። የትዳር ጣምናውን ወደ እራስዋ አመጣቸው ። ቤትዋ ውስጥ ሰላም እና መረጋጋት ሰፈረ። ሁሉም ነገር ያምር ጀመር ። ትዳርዋ እየሞቀ መጣ ልጆቿም ደስተኞች ናቸው። ባለቤትዋም ነጋዴ ስለሆነ በተለያዩ ግዜያት ወደ ውጭ ይሄዳል። ብዙም ግን አይቆይም በጣም ቆየ ከተባለ አንድ ወር ነው። ከሄደበት ሃገር ሲመለስ ስጦታዎችን ማምጣት አስለምዷታል እና ሁሌ በጉጉት ነው የምትጠብቀው። እሱም አንድ ቀንም ተሳስቶ ረስቶ ወይም እሷን የማያስደስት ነገር ይዞ አይመጣም። እሷም እሱ በሚመጣበት ቀን ለየት ያሉ ነገሮችን አዘጋጅታ ትጠብቀዋለች። ሁለቱም ባላችው እና በሚችሉት ነገር ለትዳራቸው ይጨነቃሉ፣ ያስባሉ፡፡ ትዳር ሲባል ሁለት አንድ የሚሆንበት አይደል የሚባለው ሁለቱም አንድ ሆኑ። ባለቤትዋ እንተለመደው ወደ ውጭ ሃገር ለስራ ሄዷዋል። ሄለንም ልጆቿን ለማዝናናት ወደ መናፈሻ ይዛቸው ሄደች። ሆኖም ግን እንደከዚህ በፊቱ ሙሉ የሆነ ስሜት እየተሰማት አይደለም። ለወትሮው መናፈሻው ውስጥ ልጆቿን ይዛ ከሄደች፣ ከነሱ ጋር ነው የምትጫወትው ዛሬ ግን ስለደበራት ልጆቿን መናፈሻው ውስጥ ካስገባች በኋላ ተመልሳ መኪናዋ ውስጥ ቁጭ አለች። ምንም ምቾት እየተሰማት አይደለም። ወንበሩን ወደ ኋላ ለጠጥ አድርጋ በጀርባዋ አረፍ አለች። የከፈትችው ሙዚቃ ምንም ለጆሮዋ ሊስማማ አልቻለም። ሁሉም ነገር ግራ አጋባት። በመሃል ሳታውቀው ሙዚቃውንም ልጆቿንም ረስታ በሃሳብ ጭልጥ አለች። የመጀመርያ ልጇ መቶ የመኪናውን በር ለመክፈት፣ ሲታገል እንኳን ከሃሳቧ አልተመለሰችም፣ ሆኖም ግን ትንሹ ልጇ ማሚ ብሎ ሲጣራ ደንግጣ ከሄደችበት ሃሳብ ተመለሰች። ማሚ አለ ትንሹ በሚጥም የህጻን ልጅ አጠራር። ትልቁም በተመሳሳይ ከተጣራ በኋላ፣ አንድ ሰውዬ ጁስ ገዛልን ፊቱ ላይ እጅግ በጣም የደስታ ስሜት ይታይበታል፡ ፡ ደንገጠች እና ማነው ስትል ጠየቀችው

እያፈጠጠች? ድንግጦ አይ. . . . ደልም እኮ ማሚ እኛ እኮ፣ አይደለንም እራሱ ነው የጋበዘን ላንቺም ይሄን ስጣት ብሎኛል ብሎ በእጁ የያዘውን ቁራጭ ወረቀት ሰጣት፡፡ ሄለን ወረቀቱን ከልጅዋ ተቀብላ ያየችውን ነገር ማመን አቃታት እና ቁጣ በተቀላቀለበት ማን ነው የሰጠህ? ስትል ልጅዋ ላይ አፈጠጠችበት፣ የቁጭትም የተዘበራረቀ ስሜት እየተሰማት ደግማ አነበበችው። ‘’ የልጄ እናት ስለምወደሽ አልረብሽሽም ’’ ወረቀቱን በድጋሚ ለሶስተኛ ግዜ አየችው። ባለቤትዋ ለስራ ውጭ ነው ያለው እንዴት? ስትል እራስዋን ከጠየቀች በኋላ፣ ተመልሳ አሁን ግልጽ አደረገችው ባለቤትዋ እንዳልሆነ። ግን ማን ነው? የመጀመርያ ልጅዋ አባት ጋር በሃሳብ ሄደች። እሱ ደግሞ እንደዚህ አያደርግም፡፡ የተሳሳተ

መልዕክት ይዘው ነው የመጡት፡ ፡ በቃ እንሂድ ብላ የመኪናዋን ሞተር አስነስታ ጉዟቸውን ወደ ቤት አደጉ። ልጆቹ ግን ጨዋታ አልጠገቡም ነበር እና መነጫነጭ ጀመሩ ። በማባበል መልኩ በቃ፣ ችግር የለውም ነገ እንመጣለን ብላ አባብላቸው ወደ ወረቀቱ ሃሳብዋን አደረገች። ማን ነው? ምን ፈልጎ ነው? በተለያዩ ሃሳቦች ተበታተነች። የመጀመሪያ ልጅዋ አባትን ግን በምንም ተዓምር ሊሆን አይችልም። ምክንያቱም እሱ በጣም እንደሚወዳት እና ከሱ ጋር ምንም ዓይነት ቅራኔ እንዳልነባራቸው አሰበች እና ሞቶ ወይም የሆነ ነገር ሆኖ ይሆናል እንጂ በኔ አይጨክንም ብላ እሱ ሊሆን እንደማይችል እርግጠኛ ሆና ልጆቿ ተሳስተው እንደሆነ እርግጠኛ ሆነች ። ከሁለት ሳምንታት በሁላ የስልክ ጥሪ ደረሳት ስልኩንም ስታነሳው “ ሄላ እወድሻለሁ ‘’ እንደዚህ ብሎ የሚጠራት የመጀመሪያ የልጇ አባት

ስለመሆኑ ምንም አልተጠራጠረችም ምክንያቱም እሱ ብቻ ነበር ሄላ በሎ የሚጠራት። በድንጋጤ ስልኩን ዘጋችው እና ዙርያዋን ተመለከትች ማንም የለም። ደስ አላትም። ደነገጠችም። በፍጥነት ወደ መጸዳጃ ቤት ሄዳ እራስዋን ተመለከተችው በእውንዋ መሆኑን እርግጠኛ ሆነች። አሁን ግራ ገባት እውነት መሆኑን ስታውቅ። ስልኩ በድጋሜ አቃጨለ ሆኖም ግን ቁጥር የለውም የውጭ ስልክ መሰላት ምክንያቱም የሁለተኛ ልጅዋ አባት ለስራ ከሃገር ውጭ ስለሆነ ሲደውል ተመሳሳይ ቁጥር የሌለው ስለሆነ እሱ ነው ብላ ገመተች። በፍጥነት ስልኩን አነሳች እና ሄሎ ስትል ድምጽዋን አሰማች አሁንም ደንግጠሽ ስልኩን እንዳትዘጊው። አንዴ አዳምጭኝ።

“የልጅሽ አባት የባልሽ ወንድም ነኝ“

Happy New Year Abyssinia Business Nework

መስከረም 2012 / September 2019

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ABN

10

Questions

?

BY AKLILE TSIGE

Doctor Senait Mario

“Made in Ethiopia” becomes a 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-inChief Aklile Tsige meets Senait via email, and presents 10 questions which she reacts with.

ABN Q1. How did you begin the fashion designing and modeling profession ?

Senait:My modeling career was the base to start my designing;my talent was discovered in Nairobi kenya , Scouted by Liz ogumbo - an international top model and fashion designer who is the owner of Imani Modeling Agencey of Nairobi; she simply saw me at the park of westland andcame over to me and asked if I wanted to model. I was with my friend and we thought it was weird.

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መስከረም 2012 / September 2019

But I took her business card and called the agency a week or two later and I was luckily accepted;I did a photoshoot that I have shown my friends, and their reactions were all the same: “You were born to be a model” and then I decided to start my modeling career; while modeling for various brands I had the idea of trying and creating something I thought could be promising. Then I started to teach my self how to design and make simple clothes for my self.That is how I have started to become a professional fashion designer.

ABN Q2. Who are the organizations and people you are working with ?

Senait:In my career I have been lucky to work with amazing people. Right now i am working with various italian designers and modelling agencies to mention some Miss Tre’s Chic of Maria Luisa, Mr. Spose ,3D modelling agencey of Cape town (South Africa ) and Attunda Modelling Agency of Lagos- Nigeria.

Ialsowork with diffrent Regional and zonal Adminstrators as well as governmental offices in Ethiopia so as to promote the indiginious culture of various communities.

I like to promote the hidden talents or upcommers who didn’t get a chance to exhibit themselves to the international market because of luck of access; so no matter how big or small, I work with all sorts of people.

ABN Q3. what are professional achievments ?

your

Senait:my achievment in fashion industry is to promote our Ethiopian traditional clothes worldwide and I now have a roster of amazingly,and extremely talented international models and interested individuals who truly enjoy working with me.

My achievment in a fashion industry is branding my talent (ONE PEACE FASHION) and reaching the international community.

Photo file one peace fashion Abyssinia Business Nework

መስከረም 2012 / September 2019

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My dream was to get access to those of top fashion stages like Milan, Paris, London and Newyork. I thank God that i have done it.so these are other achievments too.Being among one of the top 40 African woment in toursm industry -Ghana 2017 , I have got honorary doctorate award in tourism in 2018 Nigeria , Best international fashion designer award in 2019 Ethiopia and several other awards.

I’m very happy with what i have achieved but sometimes I think I could have been more business minded earlier in my career.

ABN Q4. where have exhibited your show so far?

you

Senait:My frist exhibition was in Arbaminch, then wolayta soddo ,Addis Abeba Ghana ,Rome, Milan ,Paris and USA. Apart from exhibiting my brand I also do organize annual international events like African Day (may 25th ) in Rome, and I’ll be participating in Peace Festival-2nd edition -which is going to be held in Lagos. Nigeria on December 2019.

ABN Q5. How do you evaluate the modelling and fashion design development in Ethiopia ?

Senait:Ethiopiasfashion designing and modelling industry is not yet exploited;this is due to shortage of elements which we face in the sector.

Most forign Designers stay up-dated by reading magazines, browsing the 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

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designer are lucky to have all those materials .

My dream is to work hard till “Made in Ethiopia” becomes a global brand ,and to see Ethiopia as fashion destination as Milan, New York, Paris, London and other big cities.

መስከረም 2012 / September 2019

”

we donot have much modelling or fashion schools ,we donot have online marketing acces so that our products are limited and sold only with in a country.

The other point is that our clothes are 100 % handmade and some of these beautiful garments may take months to be completed; this is not exactly following today’s fast-paced fashion world too.

ABN Q6. Tell us what you have done for Ethiopia’s modeling and fashion design sector ?

Senait: While organizing fashion events, the obstacles I got sometimes was very discouraging and would lead me to block my creativity, frustration and even depression.

But overcoming these obstacles made me realize how strong I am.I continued promoting new face models and the culture of Ethiopia to the world. I brought also team work sprit, and bringing collaborations between the upcomming designers and professional designers,letting them share their experiences.

ABN Q7. What are your short term plan?

Senait: my short term plan isto keep promoting the various Ethiopian costumes , scouting the Ethiopian models to an international agencies; to let them have an international apportunities and obviously organizing diferrent promotional

fashion events by giving priority for the upcomming designers so as to help them penetrate in the market.

ABN Q8. What about the long-term plan?

Senait: As my long term plan I would love to brand my work, building up “ONE PEACE FASHION FACTORY” and would like to produce number one made in Ethiopia products. I guess I will do this very soon though it is in my long term plan.

ABN Q9. Have you ever participated in humaniterian activities ?

Senait: Yes, I have participated in various humaniterian activities like helping the needy ones; I have a big plan to do it permanentily in the near future. Infact, for the very little thing I have done I have got an award from DDEA – Washington DC in 2018 and it motivated me to keep going.

ABN Q10.What is your dream for your country Ethiopia ?

Senait:I know in fashion industry “the future is handmade” and my country Ethiopia has alot to offer for the rest of the world. So my dream is to work hard till “Made in Ethiopia” becomes a global brand ,and to see Ethiopia as 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

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መስከረም 2012 / September 2019

Happy New Year

BERHAN BANK Abyssinia Business Nework

መስከረም 2012 / September 2019

ploto realstate AD

Abyssinia Business Nework

መስከረም 2012 / September 2019