The Eminence Aug Issue 11
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The Eminence Aug Issue 11
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The Eminence Aug Issue 11
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The Eminence Aug Issue 11
Editor’s Note GTP in Review
It is now August 2015, which means the Ethiopian government’s national Growth and Transformation Plan (GTP) has come to a close. The results are coming in after much analysis, and focus is now being invested in the next phase of strategizing the development of Ethiopia through its successor program, the second GTP (GTP II). In looking at the results and the future goals for the tourism sector there is a lot of work to be done if the government is to reach the very ambitious goals it has set. The initial GTP set up big developmental plans for Ethiopia that focused on attaining extensive foreign investment and developing a number of different sectors, such as industry, agriculture and service, with the hope of accelerating the country’s development in order to reach a middle income country by 2025. With the ambitious goals set in the GTP, little attention was given to what could be generated from the tourism and hospitality sector. Because the government underestimated its potential, low expectations were set for the sector and its target contribution. With that said, it was given little attention and focus that led to the sector falling $1 billion short of the modest goal of collectiong $3 billion from revenue . But, in recent news, Ethiopia was named the World’s Best Tourism Destination for 2015 by the European Council for Tourism and Trade (ECTT). This is a huge accomplishment in getting Ethiopia the recognition it deserves. Receiving this level of acknowledgment worldwide truly highlights the potential of Ethiopia’s tourism sector and emphasizes the significant attention the sector must be given to capitalize on this positive news. Looking through this lens, it is important that the Ethiopian government really invests in what the tourism sector has to offer. For example, when one looks at the most popular travel destinations in Ethiopia such as Lalibella and Aksum, there are very poor facilities and accommodations available in the city. Unlike some of the hotels in Addis Ababa that have set high standards of excellence, the quality of hotels and their access to basic amenities and good service are lacking when traveling outside of the capital to these areas. The award given by the ECTT draws attention to these very cities for all that they have to offer, which is why a lot of provisions need to be put in place in the area of hospitality and service if Ethiopia is going to match the reputation it is building as to why people should travel to the country in the first place. Although a lot is expected from the Ethiopian Tourism Organization and the Tourism Transformation Council led by Prime Minister Haile Mariam Desalegn, who have been working hard to make Ethiopia one of the top 5 tourist destinations in Africa by 2020, this needs the be full cooperation and collaboration of all Ethiopian government and non-government institutions. Only then can they achieve their goal of generating six billion dollars in revenue. With Ethiopia currently not even ranking in the top ten African destination and under performing in tourist inflow and target revenue, it begs the question as to what the government plans on doing to achieve such a huge task. Its target tourism inflow for the next 5 years is what competing countries like Morocco and Algeria have surpassed years ago. What will be done differently to top the exceptional performance of opponents and turn around what was a failure in the last GTP? In the GTP II, there must be a firm focus on developing the quality of the sector to really maximize the outcomes. There must be a new approach or these standards will only be unachievable benchmarks. It is important that the GTP II develops these destinations and builds the country’s capacity to support the growing tourism market, while protecting the integrity and authenticity of what makes Ethiopia so special- the dignity of the people, sacredness of the human landmarks, and preservation of the culture.
The Eminence Aug Issue 11
The Eminence Magazine is published by Eminence plc. It is registered by the Ethiopian Broadcasting Authority Registration No 207/2004. Eminence plc. is registered by the Ministry of Trade Business license No MT/AA/2/0001892/2004. 1st year August 2015 issue No 11
Managing Editor Tsewaye Muluneh tmuluneh@eminence-se.com Editor-in-chief Haewon Asfaw hasfaw@eminence-se.com Deputy Editor-in-chief Elleni Araya earaya@eminence-se.com Bole s.c Woreda 03 H. No 129 Reporter Henok Solomon hsolomon@eminence-se.com New Media Editor Hanna Haile hhaile@eminence-se.com Contributing Editors Frehiwot Gebrewold fgebrewold@eminence-se.com Gonzalo Guajardo gguajardo@eminence-se.com Mandarin Editor Jiaqi Xie Contributors Yibeltal Alemu Samuel Berhanu Graphics and Layout Design Fikru Mengesha Photographer Sentayehu Bekele Sales and Marketing Manager Daniel Benjamin Finance and Administration Zinash Habte Distribution Tariku Tessema Editorial Address Tel. +251- 116-189-591 +251- 118-961-791 P.O.BOX 794 code 1110 contact@eminence-se.com social@eminence-se.com Web: www.eminence-se.com Bole s.c Woreda 03 H.No 085 Cape Verde Street, off Africa Avenue in front of Sidama Lodge. This edition is printed at Central PP Kirkos Subcity, Woreda 03 H.No 414 Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
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Monthly News Highlights US Extends Ethiopia’s AGOA Market Access for 10 Years [July 9 2015]
The Ethiopian Investment Commission Director General Fitsum Arega recently said Ethiopia has been given another 10 years extension to access US market tax and quota free under the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA). AGOA was on the process of phase out in December 2015 until the US government allowed its extension for Ethiopian manufacturers. This opens up a huge opportunity for those companies manufacturing in Ethiopia and supplying to the American market, which the government urges utilizing to the full extent. President Obama Visits Ethiopia [June 19, 2015]
President Obama visited Ethiopia for bilateral meetings with the Government of Ethiopia and leadership of the African Union. This visit, which has followed the President’s travel to Kenya, is thought to build on the success of the August 2014 U.S. Africa Leaders Summit by strengthening ties with African partners and highlighting America’s longstanding commitment to investing in Africa. This is the first visit from a sitting U.S. President to Ethiopia and to the African Union headquarters.
Our Condolences
Minister Ali Siraj Passes Away Trade State Minister Ali Siraj passed away on July 16, 2015. The unexpected death was caused by a cardiac arrest while he was at a meeting in Adama town. He was a member of the House of Peoples’ Representatives (HPR) for the past five years. He has also won the 2007 Ethiopia’s general election in Addis Ababa.
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Ethiopia Hosts International Conference on Finance for Development [--, 2015]
The Third International Conference on Financing for Development was held from July 13-16 in Addis Ababa. This conference gathered high-level political representatives, including Heads of State and Government, and Ministers of Finance, Foreign Affairs and Development Cooperation, as well as all relevant institutional stakeholders, non-governmental organizations and business sector entities. The Conference will result in an inter-governmentally negotiated and agreed outcome and support the implementation of the post-2015 development agenda, which has been constituted as an important contribution. Ethiopian Starts New Flights to Manila and DRC [---, 2015]
Ethiopian Airlines has launched a new service to Manila, Philippines from July 9, 2015 and direct flights to Goma, the Democratic Republic of Congo, as of July 10, 2015. Ethiopian will be offering the flight service thrice weekly to Manila and Goma. Ethiopian will be the first airline to start the scheduled flight to Goma, which will become the airline’s 52nd African and 91stinternational destination. UNWTO Calls for Higher Financing for Tourism in Development Cooperation [July 15, 2015]
On the occasion of the Third International Conference on Finance for Development (Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, 13-16 July), United Nations of World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) calls for higher support for tourism in international finance for development flows to maximize the sector´s contribution to sustainable development across the globe. The Eminence Aug Issue 11
Events for July
Dawn to Dusk a Wildlife Photography Exhibition [July 31 - August 2, 2015]
You can visit the Wildlife Photography Exhibition at Hara Langano Lodge in Langano, Ethiopia. There is also a training led by a professional photographer who offers expert knowledge and guidance on improving and perfecting your photography. The event is organized by Tatu Tours and its going to stay Friday up to Sunday.
Buhe (holiday) [August, 21]
www.flickr.com
Hello Doctor [August 1, 2015, 9:00 am - 11:00 am, ] On Buhe, children go house-to-house asking for fresh ‘buhe’ or dough to bake and do hoya hoye, traditional cultural poetics songs where children give appreciation to the man of the house through melodic poetry.
Attend a session with medical doctors on the use of technology tools using the Hello Doctor platform, which is the leading m-health service provider in Ethiopia. The service allows you to easily access medical services by using your phone. Hello Doctor services are provided through the partnership of leading technology, management, ambulance service and clinical service providers in Ethiopia.
Ethiopia will be hosting its first Ethiopian Diaspora Day From [August 12-16, 2015]
JAMS with Zem Negede Andinet Spoken Word Collective Presents The Ministry of Foreign Affairs is hosting their first Diaspora Day entitled “Diaspora our Renaissance Partner”. The event is expecting to bring out 5,000-10,000 diaspora members and will host a series of field visits, panel discussions, exhibitions, and even a sport contest. The event is an important opportunity for diaspora members to learn connect with one another and learn about the country.
Every other Wednesday night at Jams Addis you can check out their open-mic night from 8:00-9:00 PM. You can catch the performances of spoken word poets, singers, standup comedians, and other talented individuals from Ethiopia and beyond. The performances are dominantly in English with few Amharic spots. The next event will be on August 12th. Location: On Bole Ring Road area, after Hayat Hospital The Eminence Aug Issue 11
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Facilities & Accommodations Review
Stockholm 2.0 Elegance Redefined
The nightlife experience in Addis Ababa is getting more vibrant and diversified. A strong clubbing culture is emerging, and different establishments with new and creative ways of offering services are popping up in response. Stockholm lounge was one of the hotspots in Bole that people knew and liked. Recently, it has opened its second upscale lounge on the ground floor of Berhane Adere Mall, with enhanced and unique services that bring style to a night out on the town. By Henok Solomon Staff Writer
Since it opened in 2008, Stockholm Bar and Restaurant on Africa Avenue has been the choice selection for those who want to enjoy good music and drinks, but avoid the hustle and bustle of clubs. It’s owner Amare Reda, who has lived in Sweden opened the place as a tribute to the European country. Now seven years later, a second lounge under the Stockholm banner has opened on the ground floor of Berhane Adere Mall. The second lounge, established with a 10 million ETB capital under the name Stockholm Elegance, offers the services of the original 8
on a larger scale using wider space.
unique and elegant services.
At Stockholm Elegance special treatment is offered right at the door. Out of the six parking attendants, four are valets that park your car for you. Guests get to walk the proverbial red carpet down the hall before entering the lounge.
There are three sections inside to accommodate different clientele. The section open for the general public features a DJ with speakers at the front offering dynamic sounds. This is where guests can enjoy some music and a little dancing, although vigorous movements like those seen in dance clubs are frowned upon. Neon lights of green, blue as well as red, and low hanging crystal chandeliers give the place a cool feel.
The insides are fairly spacious. According to Gezahegn Tibebe, the manager of Stockholm Elegance, the lounge can accommodate 300 people at a time. Elegance has carried over the relaxed lounge vibe that the original Stockholm is well known for, but it has also brought
Celebrities looking for privacy and guests who want to reserve space ahead of time, The Eminence Aug Issue 11
Those looking to reserve a table must pay a non-refundable 1000 ETB fee in advance. The pay will be deducted from the beverage fee if guests do show up.
Gonzalo Guajardo
For smokers, an outdoor bar is set up on the terrace. Those who want to enjoy the night air can also hang out there. Anybody above 23 years old is welcome at Stockholm although dressing up is required.
Fan Favorite: The tasty Ethiopian dish, Tibs, is a best-seller at Stockholm.
Beverages cost upwards of 50 ETB for beer. The price for shots ranges from 90-150 ETB; cocktails from 106-108 ETB and Vodka bottles from 500-1500 ETB. Guests frequently order Black Label Whiskey, cocktails, and various brands of Vodka including Winter Palace, Absolute and Stolichnaya, according to Gezahegn’s records.
have the V.I.P and V.V.I.P rooms at their disposal respectively. A ten percent markup in price follows the exclusivity however. Guests are required to order bottle service in the V.I.P section, and a minimum order of two bottles is mandatory when hanging out in the V.V.I.P area. These two sections have a calmer vibe with comfortable lounges, earth tones and dim yellow lighting that create a cozy atmosphere.
Like the original Stockholm, Swedish food including meatballs and pasta as well as the popular Ethiopian dish Tibs (Sautéed meat) is also available at Elegance. Prices for local dishes range from 60-150 ETB. Stockholm Elegance employs a staff of 60 to attend to clients. Different themes and special musical selections are scheduled each night, although Saturday nights are the best time to check out the place, according to Gezahegn. Since most people do not
work on Sundays, Saturday nights are ideal for guests to enjoy themselves and stay longer hours. Three professional Disk Jockeys, including DJ Wossen are featured at Stockholm Elegance. The musical selections, which are usually throwbacks to 90’s style hip hop, pop and disco are well liked by clients. Local tracks are also played. The DJ’s are also willing to take requests from guests. Facilities and amenities are more than satisfactory at Stockholm Elegance. There is a separate bathroom for V.I.P and V.V.I.P sections and cleanliness is well maintained by attendants. Long term customers seem to be happy with the new Stockholm. Sawa Abraham has been a customer at Stockholm for the past six years. The music selection, especially house mix songs, draws him in week after week. The opening of Stockholm Elegance was a welcome addition. He especially appreciates the parking assistance when he comes to enjoy drinks, he explains laughing. With such endorsements and upgraded service, Stockholm is a top option for those wanting to spend a night out with friends and enjoy good music
V.V.I.P Section: An area where exclusive guest lounge, drink, and dine during their visit to Stockholm Elegance. The Eminence Aug Issue 11
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Gonzalo Guajardo
Facilities & Accommodations Review
Chocolate Tart
The Pastry around the Corner La Patessiere is a new cafe and pastry shop located across St. Estefanos Church in Meskel Square. Owner and pastry chef, Rahel Yazew, has had a deep passion for baking ever since she was a child, watching family members create desserts, reading classic food magazines and books, and experimenting with different inspired recipes. Though La P is new, it is truly making a name for itself with its imported ingredients, delicious desserts, and treats that are unique to Addis Ababa.
Carrot Cake
Lime Pie
Fruit Tart
Chocolate Mousse Cake
By Haewon Asfaw Staff Writer
La Patessiere is truly a sweet treat in Addis Ababa. The small local pastry shop opened on December 24, 2014 and is located in Meskel Square. This hole-in-the wall is serving up a variety of truly delicious and captivating treats. Owner Rahel Yazew started the business after attending school at Le Cordon Blue in London to study pastries. Even as a child she was very passionate about creating tasty treats and is now living her dream of running her own shop with her family. La Patessiere sets itself apart from other pastry shops in Addis due to its authentic recipes and quality ingredients. Rahel is committed to using local organic ingredients such as eggs, milk, and fresh fruits and vegetables. But with a limited sup10
ply of the finest baking ingredients available in the Addis market, she outsources some of her products from abroad like dark chocolate, cocoa, fresh vanilla sticks, and cream cheese to ensure perfection in taste. La Patessiere’s best sellers include its chocolate mousse cake and chocolate tart, which takes the diner on an adventure of delightful indulgence. The mousse cake serves layers of chocolate decadence, while the chocolate tart serves a thin layer of creamy home-made chocolate on a buttery crust. These treats really epitomizes how chocolate should be made and served. The lemon pie is made from organic limes bought locally and delivers a velvety citrus bang. Anything that serves pie
crust in La Patessiere is sure to be a guaranteed win, like the fruit tart and apple pie. It is baked to perfection and though it is flaky, the imported Belgian butter that the crust is made of ensures that it will melt in your mouth. The carrot cake is the real treat inside La Patessiere. The cake is not too sweet, but soft, moist, and mouth-watering. Rahel’s secret is that she keeps her batter in the fridge for 12 hours before baking it. It has layers of carrot, cinnamon, and cream cheese frosting that offers something new with each bite. La Patessiere is committed to investing in quality ingredients and bringing a real sense of taste to Addis. The beautiful and delicious dessert shop sincerely deserves a visit the next time you are in the area The Eminence Aug Issue 11
Travel & Culture
of this festive event. What makes Fichee Chembelala so special from any other celebration in Ethiopia is that the exact date of the commemoration is not known by the average person, until elders of the community determine and announce when the celebration will occur. These elders are referred to as Ayantos. Ayantos settle on the date of the Fichee Chembelala by reading the stars and sun alignment.
Gonzalo Guajardo
Fichee Chembelala
Fichee Chembelala is a two-day celebration dating back thousands of years, which the Sidama people observe to usher in New Year. This year the festivities took place at the Sidama Cultural Centre, with the usual flair and bang that accompanies this holiday. From the celebrations at the shores of Hawassa to the elderly Ayantos who decide the date of the celebration, there is plenty to see and enjoy during this remarkable longstanding celebration. By Hanna Haile Staff Writer
ke, president of the Southern Nations and Nationalities region, told a packed crowd at the Sidama Cultural Center that Hawassa University graduated the first ever batch of students majoring in Sidama language. With so much excitement engulfing the crowd, the President also added to the celebration by announcing that UNESCO is considering Fichee Chembelala to be registered as one of the intangible world heritages after applying in September 2014.
Fashionista: Lemlem Tsegaye shows off her fashionable, yet traditional Ethiopian outfit, as she participates in the festivities of Fichee Chembelala There was much to celebrate during this year’s Fichee Chembelala Celebration. During Fichee, on July 13th, Desse DalThe Eminence Aug Issue 11
Fichee Chembelala is one of the main events on the calendar of Hawassa city. A multitude of people are visible on the streets to celebrate the Fichee (Eve) and Chembelala (New Year) festivity of the Sidama people. The people seen in droves almost everywhere in the city are a center piece of the Chembelala celebration at Gudumalle, shore of Hawassa lake. This event draws people from every place and age group who are draped in colorful traditional clothes while holding unique cultural items like long spears. This really adds to the vibrancy
Walking through the crowd there were a variety of people attending the event. Fichee Chembelala gathers not only the people of the region, but also the country and world. Lemlem Tsegaye, a native to the area, who has now been living in Addis Ababa for the past two years, shares that she has been back twice so that she doesn’t miss the event. She says, “I love every part of it, especially the clothes. I also really enjoy the dancing. I find all of it very enticing.” As part of the side event for the main celebration, she shares, “We had a Fashion Show program at Meskel Square for this celebration … My friends are here to do a fashion show with me.” Lemlem tells us that as part of the new generation she does her best to promote her culture through fashion and beauty contests in Addis. She wears her own cultural clothing to promote this aspect of the event. Another attendee of the event was an elderly man named Boea Tusra from Melga Wereda. Upon having a conversation about the culture, he informed us that he leaves his home to celebrate in mass rather than stay in his small town. “I have been coming here for the past four years to celebrate,” he explained. “The elders would get their own families ready and prepare something called shako to eat. When they taste that they say “Fichee Fichee”, which means let us be here healthy next year.” These blessings of the elders are a big part of the celebrations being held. Fichee Chembelala is also a moment where people having disputes resolve their differences in order to cross over to the New Year. This celebration keeps going for a week with both the young and old enjoying their time soaking up such rich culture and festivities 11
Sentayehu Bekele
Travel & Culture
Born to Be Wild and Free An Interesting Getaway in the Forest of Menagesha A family friendly weekend excursion spot is available in the thick woods of Menagesha. Ensessakotteh Wildlife Rescue, Conservation & Education Centre accommodates anyone who wants to take a tour of its sprawling grounds, to learn about rehabilitation of rescued wild animals. Solitary visits are also welcome, as long as guests takeaway one important message: Wildlife belongs in the wild. By Elleni Araya Staff Writer
As a weekend gateway spot, Ensessakotteh (meaning ‘animal footprints’ in English) strays from the beaten path. It does not offer raw meat or Tej (honey mead), which lures many Addis Ababans to nearby towns. Nor is it a religious site for weekend pilgrimages. What it provides is the chance to get on a first name basis with wild animals, and a learning opportunity about illegal wildlife trading and captivity. In the sprawling 78 ha en12
closure in Menagesha Forest, 38 km from Addis Ababa, visitors get to learn about Janu and Andrea the orphaned lions, Timkat, Dembel and Avapech the three cheetahs rescued from being smuggled to Yemen in a Jerri Can, Kebri the fragile Hamadryad baboons liberated from captivity in Harar along with a host of other wildlife including seven lions, thirteen cheetahs, seventy tortoises, numerous baboons, deers and hyenas. With Acacia
trees and natural flora, an old military base that has converted to a tree house and outdoor wooden chairs, Ensessakotteh is also ideal for outdoor family picnics or those doing some soul-searching in the wilderness. The center is an additional attraction in Menagesha town, which was previously known to attract visitors that wanted to spend the day in the thick wooded Suba Forest. It is the first wildlife center for the The Eminence Aug Issue 11
Gelta, appeased any group impatience with active and humorous explanations that switched quickly between English to Amharic to accommodate the mixed group of visitors. The sun rays can still filter through the shade the trees provide, ferociously burning the skin. Sunscreen and straw hats are good accessories to bring on the trip. Some of the animals may not be visible through the barbed wire enclosures, as they have strayed far from their cages. This is because animals are not displayed for entertainment. “Ensessakotteh is not a zoo,” the center’s website states. It was established as a center for Wildlife Rescue, Conservation & Education and is operated by Born Free,which is a UK wildlife charity established in 1986 by Virginia McKenna in collaboration with the Ethiopian Wildlife Conservation Authority. The idea for it was born out of a meeting on captive wild animals in Ethiopia in 2006. Another practical dilemma that occurred was that during the same time Janu and Andrea were cubs being cared for by the Deputy Head of Mission of the Italian Embas-
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region as a whole. Those interested in visiting the place can make the 45-minute drive in good traffic or use public transportation. A call ahead is required however as no one is allowed to make the trek without a tour guide. The center doesn’t accept more than 50 guests at a time. Recently, East Africa Tour Operators has started providing planned trips to the site each weekend. Tours are arranged in a minibus complete with a tour guide that walks with the team and talks about the fauna and flora available in the center. The visitors are required to pay 300 ETB (150 ETB for children) for a visit using East Africa Tour Operators, but there are also group discounts available. Turnout varies, according to Sarah Feldman who operates the tour business along with her husband. She says, “Sometimes there is a bus full of people and sometimes there may be just one or two.” The trek is long and visitors might have to walk a considerable distance before reaching the enclosures where the animals are housed. On the day of The Eminence’s visit, the tour guide, Million
sy. Born Free Ethiopia was asked to visit and see if it could provide a sanctuary for them. The Deputy Head of Mission, Marco Tornetta, also approached then Ethiopian president, Girma WoldeGiorgis, to talk about Born Free. The president then provided the space at Menagesha for EnsessaKotteh center. Primarily the center adopts wild animals held captive by private owners or those being illegally traded. Though Ethiopian law forbids ownership or possession of wild animals as pets, many violate this prohibition. The idea is to rehabilitate such animals and return them back to their natural habitat. Those severely injured that cannot survive on their own are looked after in outdoor enclosures that are as close as possible to their natural habitat. During their stay, Born Free feeds the primates who cannot forage for themselves. The lions each get 3 kilos of meat a day. Most of the animals in the enclosure are physically injured. Some of the baboons don’t have proper use of their limbs, one of the deer lost its tail and the cheetahs do not look as fierce. “Wild animals belong in the wild” is the motto of the place. And none believe it further than Stuart Robertson, Born Free’s care manager, who is a passionate advocate for having wild animals live in their natural habitats. “The problem starts when people start treating animals like a pet and start to give them food,” he said. “This disturbs the natural balance of things, and makes the animals unable to survive on their own. In a private viewing from the top of the tree house, animals are not kept in enclosures and can be seen as they come to drink water from the well. The trip was particularly interesting for the kids in the group when The Eminence visited. They incessantly posed questions to their parents who in turn had to seek the help of the tour guide. It serves as a fun and educational field trip for families who like the outdoors, and are interested in observing wild animals as in their natural environment: Wild and Free! 13
Thousand Words
Electric ShockIn the midst of Kiremt Season, heavy rainfalls and winds are accompanied by ferocious thunderstorms and flashes of lightening. A group of travelers at Awash National Park are forced to stop in the middle of the road to lift a hefty electricity pole that has fallen after a storm so they can continue on their way.
Photo By : Daniel Benjamin, Eminence Staff
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The Eminence Aug Issue 11
The Eminence Aug Issue 11
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Art & Literature
An Ode to Paradise Lost For Yared Zeleke, his movie Lamb is a personal elegy to the Ethiopia he knew and loved before he left for the US at a young age. For the professionals at the prestigious Cannes Film Festival, it was a praiseworthy film that deserved to be the first ever selection from Ethiopia to be screened. The movie portrays the experiences of young Ephraim, who had to leave his family behind and live with relatives. His only connection to his past is his lamb, Chuni, who travelled with him. Ahead of the movie’s Ethiopian premier at the National Theater, The Eminence’s Elleni Araya, sat down with Yared to discuss, life, movies, and Ethiopian cinema at the international stage. Exceprts: 16
The Eminence Aug Issue 11
Gonzalo Guajardo
Ethiopia at Cannes Film Festival
Eminence: In your interviews at Cannes film festival you spoke about how Lamb was about loss and how to overcome it. Is that tied to your personal life? Yeah. I left Ethiopia when I was ten years old. I was a baby when my father escaped to the US, after being imprisoned by Derg. So, I was raised by my grandmother like a lot of Ethiopians are. I grew up in Mesalemia neighborhood and I had a pretty happy childhood. So when my family told me I had to leave for America, I didn’t understand why I had to leave behind everyone I loved and everything I knew. I left behind this fairytale of a childhood. And that’s where this film stems from, this very magical childhood I had. Everybody was saying that I was lucky to go to the US, but for me it was a nightmare because I was left alone and my ten-yearold boy heart just broke. I mean who cares about war and political upheaval. You don’t think that as a kid, you just love your family, your community, and your country. And then when I went to the US, it was a very difficult situation because at the time Ethiopia was known for famine and I was really given a hard time. I was not accepted by the kids at school and I didn’t know my father and my stepmother. So the root of this story is about that loss. It’s actually kind of like paradise lost. You know what they say about grandma’s kids here, “Ye Ayat Lij Kebet new” [Grandma’s children are spoiled] [laughs] Molqaqa [spoiled]. Was it some of that as well? The strong bond with your grandmother? You know they used to say that I was like ‘Ye Ayate Chira Neberku’, I used to be her tail you know. I followed her everywhere holding her dress. I was really attached to her because I didn’t know my father or mother. I just knew that she was everything to me, so imagine up until nine all you’ve really ever known was this person. It’s a tragedy but it’s something that happened to so many people in this country, not only when they leave the country, but when they leave the countryside and come to the city, so unfortunately it’s a very real story about Ethiopia. Is your grandma alive? No. She passed away about five years The Eminence Aug Issue 11
ago. I wrote the script [for Lamb] during that mourning process. It comes from those memories. What were some of your favorite things about Ethiopia before you left, aside from your grandma? So many memories, you know. It would have been easier to speak in Amharic because it is more poetic. The holiday festivities, like the bonfire around Meskel, watching soccer at the stadium, Indian movies, the sound of raindrops on tin roof, making coffee and always having people around are some of the special memories I have of Ethiopia.
“Fundamentally who I am is Ethiopian. I was born here and I will be buried here.”
My grandmother was very respected in Mesalemia. Everybody knows Tafesech Zeleke, and our door was always open for the neighborhood, so I grew up never distinguishing between my relatives and neighbors. When nobody came to our house, it used to feel deserted and my grandmother would be cross and go outside. You know, this is the richness of Ethiopia. It’s something that’s beautiful. Even though I grew up in the US, this will never leave me. Fundamentally who I am is Ethiopian. I was born here and I will be buried here. What Amharic word got you in trouble when you came back? Yah. There are many. When I came seven
years ago I needed help and meant to say Erdugn, Erdugn [Help! Help!]. But instead I said Eredugn [slaughter me] Did you have siblings here? Yes, a younger brother. He looks older, though. He remained here. He’s actually a known painter. Ezra Wube. Artistic trait runs in your family? Yes! All of us are artistic. What led you to become a moviemaker? Did you always know you wanted become a storyteller? I think what makes me a filmmaker is my grandmother’s stories. That’s another memory. She is very famous for her stories. So that’s the inspiration. I think I inherited her storytelling ability. How about your education? Did you study filmmaking? I was studying international development in the US. My specialty was agro-economics or natural resource management, because I felt like most of Ethiopians are farmers and I wanted to work with them. But deep down, I have always been interested in cinema, stories and writing. So I was doing my masters in agro-economics in Norway and I said, ‘You know, if Ethiopia was as prosperous and progressive as Norway would I be working with farmers?’ No, I would be telling stories. What better way is there to show the world the richness and complexity of my country of origin than through cinema? So I decided I’m going to go to New York to study film and luckily I got accepted into the world’s best film school at New York University, so I did my masters. I majored in writing and directing and this movie was going to be my short thesis film, but I eventually decided to turn it into a feature with my Ghanaian producer Ama Ampadu. Then, I came to Ethiopia and started to work with my producer Terhas Berhe [she was sitting next to him in an interview]. So instead of working with Ethiopian farmers I made a movie about Ethiopian farmers. What were some of your movie influences while growing up? Growing up here, I remember East German movies and Indian movies. They left a certain impression on me. But of course in the US, I grew up on Hollywood 17
www.liveforfilms.com
Movie Still: Ephriam, played by Rediat Amare, and his lamb Chuni in a scene from like everyone else until I grew older and discovered independent [movies]. There are movies and there’s cinema. So I discovered cinema from around the world and I’ve been inspired by them. I’m influenced by films from all over the world like South Korea, Mexico, Argentina, France, Germany, Iran. I also like independent cinema from India, like Meera Nair who is based in New York. It’s beautiful what she does. What do you think about the movie industry in Ethiopia? Ethiopia has an extraordinary culture. But cinema is behind because people haven’t learnt to respect it yet. It’s not developed like other art forms such as music. And I hope to develop it. I hope contribute. I hope to teach and I hope to open video shop for people to be exposed to film from all over the world. Because there could be 10,000 movies, but they don’t scratch the surface of Ethiopia. I mean this is incredible that we have an amazing country like this and we’re not contributing to cinema. Is there anything Ethiopian filmmakers have to do, to make their movies known on an international scale? 18
Well, for one romantic comedies are very popular here, but that’s not unique to Ethiopia because a romantic comedy is popular all over the world. The problem with comedy is that it’s very culturally specific. So what’s funny in the US is not funny here. What’s funny here is not funny in South Africa. Drama is more universal because we all carry pain. That’s a million dollar question really. How do you make a film everybody wants to see? It requires a lot of hard work Tirhas and I auditioned seven thousand people just for casting alone and it took us six months with very little budget. So if Ethiopians want to have cinema that translates to the rest of the world you have to work hard and spend years. Haile Gerima took some ten years to do Teza. It took us four years to do Lamb. We are actually very lucky. There’s no such thing as a movie in two weeks and four months. That’s not cinema. That’s just homemade video. You also have to believe in yourself, believe in your project and be honest. Have there been other projects before Lamb? I’ve done short films before. I did a movie with no budget before Lamb. One is called Bale Loteriw Lottery Boy in English.
We shot it in Mercato and also in Oromia region. That movie is going to be released after Lamb. And then I’m going to have that be online so people can see it. How did you come up with your characters Ephraim or Chuni in Lamb? For me, the question was how do I deal with this kusel (wound)? How do I deal with my childhood ending so abruptly? So how do you come up with a story about a ten-year-old boy who also leaves his home and everything he’s known and ever loved? And so I decided to use a symbol of the land that he’s raised to connect him to his past [the lamb Chuni], and he holds on to it dearly. And if he lets go, if she leaves him or if she dies then he has nothing. So that came through an organic process. Regarding the setting, I preferred the countryside when travelling back and forth during the last seven years. During my travels I used to observe my setting, you know looking out the window of a car or a bus in Gojam or Gondar or Axum. The previews of the movie depict really gorgeous settings. Where exactly was it shot at? In Bale and Gondar. He moves from the lowlands of Gondar to the highlands of Gondar. We shot in Filwuha, which is like three hours downhill from the highlands of Gondar. So the movie is just like reality. He leaves from the dry lowland to the highlands of Kossoye. How was filming and shooting in that area? Was it easy getting permits? Yeah. Long process. Everything was a challenge. Everything you know makes people believe that this is a project written and directed by an Ethiopian. You know to convince them to believe in us and that this is a positive influence. But the Gondar Bureau of Culture and Tourism, and Gondar region were very supportive. And at the end they were completely very hopeful. The local militia people and residents of Kossoye and Filwuha were incredibly helpful in the end. The Eminence Aug Issue 11
The Eminence Aug Issue 11
Gonzalo Guajardo
How many people were cast and how long did shooting take? 150 people and the shooting took 36 days, which is normal. When did you submit Lamb for consideration at Cannes? Was it before or after you made the movie? So the Cannes had this program where they select scripts that they think if it’s made the way that it’s written and the way that it promised to be they will accept it. I submitted the script before making the movie to access funding. The movie is about Africa and Ethiopia and is made in a non-European language, and it focuses on children and animals. Who wants to fund that? Nobody. It’s too risky. But it comes down to your point of view and what you you’re trying to say. Whether you have kind of a naïve story about a boy and a sheep you know it has to say something complex about your country and/or yourself. I don’t know. But usually you submit your script along with hundreds and thousands of scripts from around the world and you compete. So the only reason we got funding is because the script won in France, in Germany, in Qatar, in Norway, and in Switzerland. It won in all these places. It actually won in the US, but it was too risky for them to invest. So who finally gave the financing? All these countries. It’s a very complicated financing. It’s not one source, it’s many. How much was the budget? I don’t know if I’m allowed to say….but you can finally probably find it if you do research. (In the website it says 1.2 million dollars. Yared commented that it was more than the stated amount) So what was the experience during viewing day at Cannes. How was the reception? It was like a gift. It was really overwhelming you know. I was so nervous. During the whole screening I didn’t enjoy the movie. I hated it because I was just so afraid. Because you’re like exposing yourself. It’s like you’re naked in-front of people and they’re just ready to laugh at you, know? And you don’t know how people are going to react. You do your work and
it’s personal to you and you don’t know how people will receive it, so I was very much afraid. And all the time I was thinking why did I do that. I honestly didn’t know how people were perceiving it. So it’s only when the light came up and the president of Cannes told me to stand up and I turned around with the kids and my producers and I faced a standing ovation in the audience you know for a long time. And they told me that’s very unusual and audiences were crying. So when it comes here it will be viewed in National Theater? Yeah! I hope all of you will be there. So come see. On a personal level whom did you want to see the movie? I guess my grandmother, but she passed away. That’s my wish. I started before she died. You would say this movie was a success if what happens? That’s a good question. There’s nothing more that I need or want from this. But the movie will be successful if we get a big distributor in the US because Americans don’t buy foreign films. They’re not interested in foreign films in general but there’s a market. Now that we’ve gotten to this big North American market, hopefully by the fall Americans could purchase it because that’s where I learnt to be a filmmaker and also made me who I
am. I hope that big ones could see where I’m from and I don’t have to explain that I’m not from the desert. When you found this kid Rediet how did you know that he was your Ephraim? To be really honest we didn’t know the first time. I put him among the good category, but I actually had to try him four times before I knew because it’s a very serious position. Is Chuni still alive? Chuni? Yeah, she’s retired in the Gojam Hills with the rest of her family. Another thing about the movie that critics liked was that it showed complex female characters ? Did that have anything to do with your childhood? Yes. Because I was raised by the women in the family so maybe it’s easier for me to portray the complexity of female characters because that’s who raised me. What did you find changed when you came in Ethiopia? Well, I do miss the old Ethiopia in a way because I think that things were gentler and money mattered less in every way. Did you get a chance to meet with some of the kids you grew up with? Yeah, A few of them. What’s your favorite thing in this world? I don’t know….chewata [hanging out with people and chatting] 19
Lifestyle &Fashion
Hot and Cold
Navigating Addis Kiremt It is that time of the year again when Kiremt season rolls around with the rain falling heavily upon those in the land of thirteen months of sunshine. In true Addis fashion the rain is frequent, but so is the sun, making rainy weather wear in the city unique. The Eminence took to the streets of Addis Ababa, to talk to residents in the city about their outfit, Kiremt Fashion, and style motto. By Sentayehu Bekele Staff Photographer
The Girl in the Purple Dress
Name: Abigia Ayele, Twenty-Something Memorable quote: “I am wearing long sleeves and boots in case it rains, and a short dress because it could be sunny!�
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The Eminence Aug Issue 11
Spinning Fashion Name: Eyuel Alemiye,18 Memorable quote: “I go to high school but I am also a DJ on Saturdays!”
, 19 nok Abebe Name: He ri ge gna a fan of Ha hoes m a “I : te o buy s le qu y prefer to Memorab ll a u s u I s an at they are which me off, I like th t s ir F . y tr ok good.” oun from my c that they lo d n o c e s le and comfortab
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Name: Bilen Kassie, 19 Memorable Quote: “My Kimono is from South Africa, my turtleneck is from New York and so are my pants. And my boots are from Lesotho… I am just trying to keep warm.”
An Outfit of the World
The Eminence Aug Issue 11
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Credit: Canadian Embassy
History & Diplomacy
Years of Friendship: Anniversary of Ethio-Canada Relations
Canada and Ethiopia have a long and historic bilateral relationship and this year the two countries celebrate the 50th anniversary of their diplomatic friendship. Ambassador Taye, the Director General of the Americas, and Ambassador David Usher, Canadian Ambassador to Ethiopia, reflect on this historic relationship, the events happening across the country to commemorate this important year, and what the future holds for the two countries. By Haewon Asfaw Staff Writer
This year marks the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Ethiopia and Canada. The two countries began formal relations on October 13, 1965 with the Canadian Embassy opening the following year in Addis Ababa on April 12, 1966. The length of Canadian presence in Ethiopia makes them a first-hand witness to Ethiopia’s many historic changes—from the rise and fall of Emperor Haile Selassie, the reign of the Derg Regime, to what is now the current Ethiopian government. Through the good and difficult times, Canada has been a strong ally and partner to Ethiopia and its people. David Usher, the Canadian Ambassador to Ethiopia shares, “When Canada decided to be here in Ethiopia, we knew how 22
important Ethiopia was in Africa.” Emperor Haile Selassie was instrumental in laying the foundation for the relationship between the two countries. He was the first African leader to visit Canada and went for three official visits, which included his trip in 1967 to participate in the 100th anniversary of Canada’s independence. It was during that same year that Canada began bilateral development assistance to Ethiopia. Ambassador Taye Atskeselassie, the Director General of the Americas, shared that Canada and Ethiopia’s relationship started off very strong due to Emperor Haile Selassie’s personal relationship to the country rather than one built on a real substantial level. He says, “The relationship can be characterized as a kind of
superficial relationship that doesn’t have any depth.” This relationship continued into the Derg period, where many countries outside of the ex-Soviet Union block had a limited relationship to Ethiopia. Regardless, it was during this period that Canada supported the country through emergency assistance and aid. During the 1984-1985 famine Canada played an important role in providing relief to Ethiopia. The Canadian media covered the issue heavily, leading more than half a million Canadians to donate money towards relief efforts. Canada and non-governmental organizations also played a huge role in the rapid and effective delivery of food aid. During this time, there was even a Canadian song called The Eminence Aug Issue 11
Sentayehu Bekele
David Usher, Canadian Ambassador to Ethiopia, shares the importance of the 50th anniversary.
“Tears Are Not Enough” that was written to contribute to ongoing relief efforts. The song was performed by 50 Canadian singers, which sold over 300,000 copies and generated more than $3.2 million to help provide assistance to the crisis. It was after the fall of the Derg regime that a stronger relationship between the two countries began to form. There was a push to give the relationship more substance and meaning, not just one limited to emergency aid, but the building of a long-term partnership that focused on the holistic development of Ethiopia. “Since the fall of Derg, our relationship had a new breath and we worked hard to transfer the relationship from that of assistance to that of cooperation based on development and support,” states Ambassador Taye. In addition, there have also been a number of important Canadian figures that have contributed to Ethiopian history.
Charles Coller was the Governor of the Bank of Abyssinia from 1913-1936 who helped develop modern banking in Ethiopia. Dr. Lucien Matte was a Jesuit Priest and educator who reorganized the primary and secondary school system in Ethiopia through the personal request of Emperor Haile Selassie in 1945. Father Matte also founded the University College of Addis Ababa in 1954 and in 1961 he became president of what is now Addis Ababa University. Also, Robert Thompson was a Canadian politician and educator that became the Deputy Minister of Education of Ethiopia and helped rebuild Ethiopia’s public school system. From this rich history, there is a lot happening currently to continue building the relationship between Ethiopia and Canada. Presently, the Canadian government is involved in projects in climate change, school feeding programs, agriculture, clean water, and capacity building, which fall in line with Ethiopia’s national
Hanna Haile
Ambassador Taye reflects on the rich history and current relationship of Ethiopia and Canada.
The Eminence Aug Issue 11
programs like the Growth and Transformation Plan. The Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA) has also funded programs that focus on women entrepreneurship, protecting the health of mothers and newborns, youth wellness, nutrition, agriculture, education and food security. Canada is currently the third largest bilateral country donor in Ethiopia, providing nearly 200,000 million dollars a year to Ethiopia for assistance. Canada is also investing in Ethiopia in a number of sectors with important trade relations taking place between the two countries. They are also working closely on education and politics with Canada providing regular bilateral consultations to the Ethiopian government. Ambassador Usher says, “Another important aspect of the relationship between Ethiopia and Canada is the large Ethiopian diaspora in Canada, because they are often the bridge and promote the positive relationship between the two countries.” To commemorate the 50th anniversary there have been a series of events occurring in Ethiopia that will continue throughout the year. This past January, Ambassador David McDonald, the Canadian Ambassador from 1986-1989 during the Derg period, came back to visit Ethiopia for the first time in 20 years making a speech at Addis Ababa University about his experience. There was also a photo exhibit displayed at Tomoca portraying 50 years of Canadian history in Ethiopia that the embassy hopes will travel to other cities in the country. On July 1st, there was a big Canada Day celebration at the African Union. Ambassador Usher said the embassy hopes to do other exhibits and events as the year continues. “It is an important birthday to celebrate,” he says. Reflecting on the state of Ethiopia and Canada relations, Ambassador Taye remarks, “Canada is a very strong country and I would say a very responsible partner.” In thinking about the next 50 years, Ambassador Usher says, “The goal for the future relationship between Ethiopia and Canada is to build a stronger commercial relationship and to continue a positive political relationship.” 23
Credit: The Ministry of Culture & Tourism
Hospitality & Tourism
All Eyes on Ethiopia 2015 world’s Best tourist Destination
Ethiopia has been declared the World’s Best Tourism Destination of 2015 drawing international attention around Ethiopia’s treasures and the historical and cultural sites there are to see. It was a welcome acknowledgment for government officials including premier Hailemariam Desalegn, who have spent the past year trying to boost the previously under looked tourism sector. Ethiopia came on top out of 31 candidate countries, and many positive outcomes are anticipated from receiving this recognition. By Henok Solomon Staff Writer
In recent years, Ethiopia has been mentioned in different reports and international media outlets as a country with immense economical achievements, consistent double-digit economic growth, as well as its mega projects like the Great Renaissance Dam. This is a major shift in image amongst the international community. Even though there are things that have not changed in generations, it is quite a major achievement for the country to reach this level. While the country is stepping into these developmental tracks, there are certain sectors 24
that the government has not focused on that are now being addressed due to the potential source they have towards building the economy. The tourism sector is one of these growing opportunities. According to history and conducted studies, Ethiopia has nine UNESCO world heritage sites. Though this is more than any other country in Africa, Ethiopia is benefiting the least compared to other African countries. It was for this reason that the Ethiopian government decided to give attention to this sector. By uplifting the tourism sector, the
country could also preserve important heritage sites while promoting its culture to the world. To improve this sector the Ethiopian government has been working hard for years and in turn the number of tourists flocking to Ethiopia has increased by 10 pct over the last decade. This has made the hospitality sector grow drastically and contribute around 4.5 pct to the GDP last year, which is very promising. This improvement in the sector has led different international organization to set their eyes on the cultural heritage The Eminence Aug Issue 11
Credit: The Ministry of Culture & Tourism
High officials and elite guests at the National Palace attend the award ceremony recognizing Ethiopia as the world’s best tourist destination.
and historical sites of Ethiopia. The European Council for Tourism and Trade (ECTT) was the first to recognize Ethiopia as the World’s Best Tourism Destination for 2015 and favorite cultural destination for 2015 among several other countries. The Romania-based organization gave this recognition award to Ethiopia because of the country’s tourism potential, acumen reform of the tourism industry, and unforgettable cultural and historical patrimony. ECTT also awarded Prime Minister Hailemariam Desalegn with the Academician-Honorary Member of European Tourism Academy award for his determined leadership role in promoting tourism as a tool for economic development in Ethiopia. The organization awarded Ethiopia for its excellent preservation of human landmarks. It also mentioned some of the sites preserved by the government such as the ruins of the city of Aksum, Fasil Ghebbi, Harar Jugol, Lalibela, Konso Cultural Landscape, the lower valley of the Awash, and the lower valley of the Omo. The award ceremony was conducted on July 11, 2015 at the National Palace, opening with a speech and presentation from Dr. Yohannes Haile Selassie and Dr. Birhane Asfaw. The two made a presentation on the major historical and cultural attractions of Ethiopia and studies conducted about the archaeological heritages, which was followed by a colorful cultural music show. Various government higher officials and invited The Eminence Aug Issue 11
guests attended this award ceremony. Amin Abdulkadir from the Ministry of Culture and Tourism made a speech and congratulated the Prime Minister on his achievements. Dr. Anton Caragea gave the award to Prime Minister Hailemariam Desalegn and stated that the Government of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia recognizes the importance of tourism as a key facilitator for development and the creation of the exemplary institution known as Tourism Transformation Council to properly handle the promotion and management of Ethiopian tourism. During the Prime Minister’s acceptance speech, he stated that the government of Ethiopia is striving to improve the tourism sector and the necessary institutional and legal framework is being put in place at all levels from federal to all administrative structures. He added that the government has a responsibility to protect and preserve Ethiopia’s historical and cultural legacies. In addition, local and foreign investors are being encouraged to invest in various tourism facilities. He ended by inviting investors to Ethiopia to participate in capitalizing on this sector. The European Council on Tourism and Trade is a leading world and regional tourism organization, representing a market of 800 million customers from all around Europe with members and delegations in 28 countries. As a driving force in the international promotion of tourism, it is selecting the
world leaders and countries to become a part of the structure and to raise a unified voice and position on the global tourism agenda. Ethiopia is the eighth country to be nominated by the Council. The Council awarded Turkey in 2007, Syria in 2008, UAE in 2009, South Korea in 2010, UAE in 2011, Trinidad and Tobago in 2012, Laos in 2013, and Zimbabwe in 2014. Its motto is “Offering to European Union tourists special destinations, safe trips, advises and knowledge. Offering fair trade and fair tourism guarantees.” The award is expected to promote Ethiopia’s tourism destination on the European stage and enhance the government’s effort of lifting up the country as one of the top five tourist destination in Africa. In the Second Growth and Transformation Plan (GTP II), the government aspires to collect 6 billion USD from 2 million tourists. In the performance of the first GTP, the number of international tourists arrivals was 770,000 and 2.9 billion USD has been generated in revenue. Other countries who have been awarded as the best tourist destination in the previous years like the Republic of Zimbabwe have also been the most sought after destinations. Zimbabwe has since become the number one country in Africa in terms of tourism growth. Like the previous countries, Ethiopia is expected reap the benefits that come with this award. The policy that is being drafted regarding the tourism sector is expected to play a big role in the growth of the sector 25
Hospitality & Tourism
GTP II
Targets (2015/16-2019/2020)
$ 6 billion
Revenue Collected from Tour-
1.7 million people
Last Minute Sprint GTP II and Tourism Strategies, targets, indicators and update meetings. Currently, that is the world of policy makers in federal ministries and government institutions. The close of the budget for the 2014/2015 year in June also marked the end of the five year Growth & Transformation Plan (GTP), the government’s ambitious road map to reach unprecedented economic heights. As policymakers rush to author it’s sequel, The Eminence looks at what’s in store for tourism in the next five years and whether it will be enough to get Ethiopia to the top.
International Tourist Arrivals By Elleni Araya Staff Writer
500 million ETB To upgrade 15 tourist destinations to international standard
5 pct
Tourism’s targeted contribution to the GDP
26
As far as economic sectors go, tourism was a late bloomer in the GTP world. Unlike other sectors, the government did not have high ambitions for tourism at the outset, limiting the sector’s targeted contribution to the country’s Gross Domestic Product GDP at 1.6 pct.
were unveiled to make Ethiopia a top five tourist destination in Africa by 2020, when GTP II will come to a close. Currently it is not even in the top ten of the list, which is led by Morocco, South Africa, and Egypt, despite having more historical and natural attractions.
But things started rolling at the end of the finish line. In 2014, two customized tourism institutions were established. The Ethiopian Tourism Organization (ETO), which will undertake marketing and destination development and The Tourism Transformation Council headed by Prime Minister Hailemariam Desalegn, which counts all ministers and regional bureau presidents as members. The MoCT also started implementing the long awaited hotel standardization at the end of the GTP period.
Accordingly, the Ministry of Culture & Tourism (MoCT) as well as ETO have been working out the details of how Ethiopia could climb its way to the top in the draft GTP II document for the tourism sector.
With the government throwing its full support behind the sector at last, plans
In the next five years, tourism is expected to bring in 6 billion dollars in revenue, and contribute 5 pct to the national GDP, according to MoCT’s plan. Ethiopia has underperformed in this area during the last GTP, falling a billion short of the 3 billion dollar revenue target. However, the country did outperform in contributions towards the GDP by accounting for 4.5 pct of the 1.6 trillion ETB pie. The Eminence Aug Issue 11
GTP Score Card
The end of the fiscal year also marked the end of the GTP period. Here’s how Ethiopia performed on the most important indicators.
International tourist inflow is expected to increase to a little upwards of 2 million people. The country also fell short in this area during GTP I, by registering a tourist inflow of 750,000 while the target was set at 1 million. On the job creation front nearly 1.7 million people will be employed in the tourism sector, if all goes according to plan. At the end of this fiscal year 700,000 people were employed in the sector. This is one area where the sector has overachieved the target set for it during the GTP I at 500,000. In order to achieve these targets serious marketing and promotion is needed for Ethiopia, according to a policy maker at ETO. In line with this, the ETO has been setting GTP II targets for the past five years concerning destination development, as well as marketing and capacity building for tourism service. The ETO plans to build the capacity of around 20,000 people in governmental, non-governmental The Eminence Aug Issue 11
Indicator
Target
Actual Performance
Revenue Collected from Tourism
3 billion
2 billion
International Tourist Arrival
1 million
750,000
Job Creation
500,000
750,000
Contribution to GDP
1.6 pct
4.5pct
and private sectors that directly or indirectly give services to tourists, the draft document reads. The ETO also plans to upgrade 15 destinations to international standard by ‘diversifying the source of fund and secur[ing] 500 million ETB.’Marketing activities include attracting 50 investors to come to the hospitality and tourism sector; promoting the Ethiopian National Tourism Brand to 250 million people using all promotional mixes and outlets, and ensuring service satisfaction of up to 85 pct for tourists. In looking at the targets set, it is difficult to predict whether Ethiopia will achieve its plans of becoming a top five African destination by 2020. Although the targets are more ambitious than the ones set in GTP I, research reveals that serious competition from other African countries may derail Ethiopia’s bid, even if it achieves all it has set out to do. In the top ten African destination rankings issued by the UNWTO in 2013, Morocco was in
first place with10.2 million international tourist arrivals and Algeria took fifth place with outcome of 2.7 million arrivals. This means the number of tourists Algeria received in 2013 is 600,000 than what Ethiopia aims to get five years from now. But there have also been encouraging signs. Recent attention given to the sector by high-level government officials and the movement to market Ethiopia as a tourist destination is starting to pay off. In mid-July the European Council on Tourism and Trade (ECTT), selected Ethiopia as the world’s top tourism destination, praising the country for its natural beauty and ancient culture. Currently the National Planning Commission, headed by economic heavyweights such as Mekonnen Manyazewal, former Minister of Industry, and Neway Gebreab (PhD), former Economic Advisor to the late Prime Minister Meles Zenawi, is ratifying the sectoral GTP II targets. The official document however has not officially been released 27
Treasure of the South A Sit Down with Hawassa’s Mayor In the past ten years, Hawassa city has seen unprecedented development. As a result, the tourism and hospitality sector is booming. As the city was celebrating the Sidama New Year, The Eminence sat down with Mayor Yonas Yosef, to talk about the Fiche Chembelala celebrations, the city’s rapid development and what the administration is doing to attract tourism to the jewel of the south. The Eminence: Could you explain to us about Fichee Chembelala in relation to Hawassa? What we call the Fichee/Chembelala is a big celebration in Sidama; it is a New Year celebration. This is the transition from the old year to the new. So you see Sidama has its own calendar as well as its own New Year. This is one of the cultural inheritances that have been passed down from generations of Sidama people. Are there things you are doing to develop Chembelala as a tourist attraction? As the city administration, we might be helping with the program, but the owners of the event are the people. During the event there are close to a million people celebrating out on the street. There are cultural heritages at this event, that we want others to learn from. There are people coming from abroad and from here for many reasons. One reason is to enjoy the event, and the other reason is to learn from it. So it is important to have it be organized as well as coordinated. Connected to the Fichee holiday, we are 28
organizing side events like sport competitions, a carnival, music concert, and the like. In addition, there are creative writing pieces and a documentary being done in connection to the Fiche Chembelala event. Moreover, the actual place that the ceremony takes place is called Gudumale. We want Gudumale to serve as another point of interest for tourists. We are working on that. So we want to develop that land, and we are working on establishing a cultural center and other endeavors that depict and create awareness about the Sidama culture and heritage. Tell us if there are strides being taken with UNESCO to register the event. Hawassa is one of the fastest growing cities in Ethiopia. It is a tourist destination as well as an industrial city. So when we talk about tourism, we understand that there have to be events that attract visitors to the town. This is one of the events that has many people flocking here whether they are part of the ethnic group or not. Even foreigners come
from abroad to participate. There is a Tourism Transformation Advisory office, that helps in developing various places as tourist attractions. They take pointers from cities in our country, and abroad that has had good practices and shares their experience in this sector. People used to say that you can finish touring Hawassa in one or two days. Is there anything you are doing to develop the place as a destination where families could come for a week long vacation or more? What makes Hawassa special is the atmosphere, the environment, the weather, the topography, and the greenness of the city. These are all the things that make people pick Hawassa as their destination. Even if there aren’t any tourist attractions, people would still want to come here. People take the time to relax here. What we are trying to do is to give people more to look forward to. We want the people coming here to relax, enjoy, spend their time, interact with local people, and visit the local market. There The Eminence Aug Issue 11
Gonzalo Guajardo
Interview
are natural attractions, what we are trying to do is add to these natural attractions. Beyond the lake there is a tourist area being built near the airport that is fully developed by the Local Development Plan Scheme. There are also plans to develop big resorts. There is a Lover’s Lake that you may have seen. This is a place that most people enjoy, locals as well as foreign tourists, and it would be our responsibility to develop what is already there. This place has created many jobs for young people. We would work on making the place a greener area and develop eco-tourism. There is also a hot spring that is believed to have healing properties. People from all over Ethiopia visit it. It is our plan to develop these sites. There is Wondogenet, which is a nearby town and also Yirgalem. There are other places as well that are nearby that we would be able to develop in the process within Sidama Zone. Our goal is to make these plans and expand on them to make it a tourist destination. Whether it is towards Yirgalem or Arbaminch, travelers go through here [Hawassa] and spend a night here sometimes. We don’t want the travelers to just spend the night and leave, we want them to enjoy their stay. There are many things that we have planned. This is all a part of our next agenda and our GTP II planning process. We are giving it much attention. In the next five years we have plans to develop and build on many sites that would be used by tourists. As of 2008 EC, we would be implementing many of these. As you have mentioned, Hawassa is one of the places in Ethiopia that is frequented by tourists. What makes Hawassa different is that Hawassa is trying to develop the tourist sites. How manageable is it to work on infrastructure and also developing the tourists’ sites? Do they overlap or complement each other? I think it is manageable, in any other country these things have to complement one another because if one part is not doing well, then the whole system would completely struggle. So having these alternatives is good for us. Being confined to one area is not good because it puts businesses at risk. We work on The Eminence Aug Issue 11
tourism, and other sectors. So it is more beneficial to work on both. Otherwise we feel it might have a negative effect, which is also the experience we have gotten from abroad. Especially for a country like ours that is in the developing stages; this is the better route. So it is up to us to do these things together and not let one negatively influence the other. We have to fill the gaps that are created by the environment. We have great concern for the environment as a city and a country. In talking about the environment we have to consider our lake.
“The growth of the city is important when it is connected to the growth of the people” When we try and develop the industry, we have to put into consideration the safety of our lake. We are really strict about our environmental issues. Our industry park has already started working and what we have to critically consider is the environment in terms of waste treatment. If we find that there is no way to conduct this without harming the lake, we would not have the industry at all. This is because the lake comes first So as I have mentioned we have to work on things in a way that complements one another. As the mayor of Hawassa, if you had to choose between building a tourist facility and an industry that would benefit many, which sector would you choose to develop? When a city and country develops, there are social problems that come with it and
one of those issues is unemployment. Of course we would want to keep the beautification of our city, and we would want to develop our tourism sector and make it a tourist attraction. The tourism sector makes people create their own jobs, which is good. We want people not to just have incomes, but create wealth. And from this wealth the people of the city have to benefit. In the same way if the industry that comes is one which brings wealth to the community in terms of good employment opportunities then it is welcome as well. The growth of the city is important when it is connected to the growth of the people, so it would be hard to just choose one sector. We have to look through the value it would add to the community when choosing any project. At this moment, I cannot say that the industry [sector] is dominant. The industry sector is important, but then so is the tourism sector. So it’s better if the two complement each other. We think that if these sectors don’t support one another, then we might face difficulties. It is our responsibility to balance all these sectors. We choose these two sectors because of the contributions they can add. Are there any major events happening in this area for the coming year? One event, like I have mentioned is the Fichee Chembelala event. And another event is the Great Run which happens every year. The date is switched around from May or April and there are also many runs that happen. Previously we had the Abebe Bikila Marathon. There are big events like these. There are even foreigners that come to attend these events. During September or October, there is a cycling event. Invited guests will be coming from Belgium to attend. Some events just pop up, while there are others that are recurrent like the Fichee Chembelala celebrations currently taking place. Are upcoming events posted on your website? Yes, you can find it there 29
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The Eminence Aug Issue 11
The Eminence Aug Issue 11
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Business
Online Business
Offine Transaction
Internet Consumer Goods Market Booms Amidst Regulatory Absence
Want to go shopping and compare prices? Forget Merkato or Piassa. These days you can do that by simply browsing the Internet. Want to order food? That could also be done with just a click. Online websites that sell consumer items are booming. Yet, low Internet penetration, restrictions on foreign businesses, the lack of cyber laws, and absence of a mobile payment system are preventing a full-fledged e-commerce sector from flourishing. By Elleni Araya Staff Writer
It is hard to find anybody older than 30 at the offices of Kaymu Ethiopia, which operates a virtual market place for clothing, accessories, electronics, etc. Perched on the eighth floor of Medhanialem building, the office space has the vibe of a college auditorium buzzing, just before the professor walks in. “This is on purpose,� acknowledges Tesfa Mengistu, the 29-year-old CEO. The Ethiopian section of the international e-commerce business acts out every stereotype of your average tech company. Showing up in T-shirts and sneakers is not frowned upon at Kaymu. No formality is expected and hardly any cubicles separate the open workspace. It is just a group of young people coming up with inspired ideas and working to develop a tech business from the ground-up, according to Tesfa. And Kaymu has made a mark. In the summer of 2014, Ethiopian Facebook users began seeing posts for fashionable shoes 32
and watches with attractive price tags. Just click away, interested users would find the et.kaymu.com site, where they could choose the items of their liking in the right size and color and simply sign up with a phone number to purchase the items of their choice. Soon after, Kaymu would call asking whether the customer would like to go to the shop to pick up the selected items or pay an additional fee to have it delivered to their doorstep. Transaction is off line, which is the only connection Kaymu has to traditional market places. Fast-forward to 2015, Kaymu has now acquired an investment license and has set up an operations office in the posh part of Addis Ababa, near Tele Medhanialem. With a capital of $500,000, and servers in France, it currently enjoys over 60,000 Facebook followers. It displays merchandise from more than 3,500 local shops in Ethiopia, and has plans to raise this number to more than 40,000 across Ethiopia according to Tesfa. It will do so with
the help of the acquisition department, whose job is to convince sellers to post their merchandise and access this new virtual market. With the arrival of Kaymu and other similar businesses, the budding Internet market in Ethiopia is moving from the sale of assets like cars and homes towards consumer goods. Other examples include Sheger.net, which sells electronics and accessories and Zumaya, which offers similar items in addition to clothes. Tolofood, which is currently setting up offices at Dembel Mall, is taking this move towards consumer goods one step further by establishing an Online food ordering business. Quite a big step for a country whose Internet penetration is the second lowest in Sub-Saharan Africa. In 2014, the number of Internet users was estimated to be 1.8 million people, which constitutes only 1.9 pct of the population. In spite of this, entrepreneurs like IT graduate and founder of mekina.net, Araya The Eminence Aug Issue 11
Lakew, started the concept of an Online market place that works as a platform for buyers and sellers to connect in 2010. Prior to this, the e-commerce market was limited to aggregator websites that mainly sold information such as news, vacancies, and tenders for a subscription fee or through a commission from clients that want to post information.
businesses hampers Online marketplaces registered outside of the country. A foreign business cannot be involved in retail or delivery without having an Ethiopian partner. Aware of these restrictions, foreign registered Online businesses are quick to clarify that they only provide a platform and are not involved in the sale of items themselves.
In its own small way, it was a transformation of the traditional market place. Whereas previously, customers would have to window shop to compare prices, now they can simply sit behind a computer screen and browse. Also, the maxim for sellers that stresses the need for “location, location, location!” is no longer relevant in the virtual world. Online presence is now the key. Even brokers in the city have to be members of this virtual market, since those wanting to buy and sell items like cars and homes can bypass them and access websites to get the information they need themselves.
Another challenge is the way Kaymu generates profit. The company currently claims that it is operating without a profit. It does not get revenue from advertisements or take commission from sellers for posting their items Online, although it does push them to give a discount, claims it’s CEO. However, the business deploys large marketing and acquisition teams, and outsources its delivery to individual contractors, which in turn runs up quite a cost.
But certain obstacles limit these businesses from being classified as fullfledged e-commerce, such as lack of reliable Online payment systems, restrictions on foreign businesses and a reliable Online payment system. Though information and booking of items is possible in Ethiopian Online marketplaces, none these sites offer the use of credit cards to make payments. Most of them rely on cash upon delivery service. Mekina.net tried a mobile payment system in partnership with M-Birr, but only for the payment of a 250ETB commission that the seller has to shell out before posting to the site, according to Araya. The website does not process payments and deliveries for buyers that have decided to buy a car. They have to physically meet the seller and carry out the transaction. This can be a problem because there is no guarantee that the buyer will pay the money after the seller or the Online business has delivered the product. The many restrictions placed on foreign The Eminence Aug Issue 11
Much like Facebook, and WhatsApp, which first started out free and sold for billions, Kaymu is focused on to demonstrating the value of its service to both sellers and buyers without rushing to profitability,” Tesfa stated. He added that taking commissions from sellers is a very small-scale way of doing business and Kaymu is meant to be large and draw in big investors that want access to the Ethiopian market. Local operators too have trouble because it takes big investments to set up business ideas that catch on. “It’s very hard because you need time to convince people about this idea,” Araya from Mekina.net says. “Until then you have to provide the services for free.” While foreign businesses can afford to spend money for years before seeing a return, it is harder for locals according to him. In addition, new businesses also have to adjust the way they do business, because of such restrictions. Tolofoods expanded the current e-commerce sphere by launching a trial run of an Online food ordering platform get.tolofood.com for people in offices and condominiums. The idea for it came two years ago by four
investors, according to Makda Hagob, the hired CEO. By enlisting 40 restaurants they deemed popular, they started posting their menus and delivering food to business areas in Bole, Kazanchis, Sar Bet, and Piassa areas. People working in these areas can log on to the Internet between 11-2pm to place their orders. Outside of these hours they can only pre-order. The restaurants assign two waiters to process the orders of users, so that it only takes ten minutes to get it. Initially it was Tolofoods itself that delivered the food with their company car. However they soon made adjustments to vicinities outside of the Bole area. In other places, they only post the menus Online and provide the chance to order. Either the restaurant, or the customer is responsible for delivery, according to Makda Tolofoods is still looking for additional investors to expand its business. However, as a registered US company, it still has to find ways to collect revenue without trespassing commercial laws. In addition to working through Ethiopia’s business laws, there is an absence of cyber laws that leave no defined legalities for Online businesses to operate. “Currently these businesses are working in an unregulated space,” said Balcha Reba from the Ministry of Information and Communications Technology. “There is no way to track if they are paying taxes or abiding by the law.” Though it has been more than three years since the Ministry announced that its drafting cyber laws, no legal document has yet been ratified. Balcha declined to disclose further information about the impending law, saying the bill is currently under advisement at the council of ministers. Regardless, game-changing businesses in Ethiopia like Kaymu and Tolofoods are taking a risk in navigating this unchartered territory with a hope of tapping into the Ethiopian market 33
Architecture & Interior Design
Beyond the Warehouse
Sishu is a hip burger restaurant in Addis Ababa that is reinventing the meaning of interior style and décor within Ethiopia. Though industrial urban design is common when traveling outside of the country, Sishu sets itself apart with its trendy spunk and individuality that is captured in the tiniest of details. With its creative vision, hand-made fixtures and décor, and imaginative owners, Sishu is establishing something new inside Addis Ababa. By Haewon Asfaw Staff Writer
Imagine eating a burger next to a stack of tires? Or sitting on a chair made of cardboard and duct tape as you munch on fries? These are just a few of the many quirks in design that make the burger joint Sishu worth visiting. Selamawit “Sishu” Deneke is a multi-talented entrepreneur born and raised in Ethiopia. She graduated from Addis Ababa University and worked in several NGOs before establishing her popular burger spot “Sishu” with business partner Matthew Teshome. Sishu has been up and running since 2009. After spending its first three years of busi-
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ness near the National Theater it has successfully found a home in Kera on the road to Sar Bet, where it has continued running for another 3 years. It’s not just the delicious food that makes Sishu so special, but the ambiance, interior design, and the ways in which space and imagination are utilized throughout the restaurant. Sishu is located inside a spacious warehouse with high ceilings, cement floors, and bright lighting. It resembles a garage scene with a trendy industrial look. When Sishu and Matthew first saw the space, they did not feel limited by working within a warehouse and instead began to think,
“How can we set this up?” Sishu and Matthew designed the entire layout of Sishu. They started by knocking down the dividing wall to open up the space and began construction with the kitchen and bathroom. Sishu has set up the basic elements of industrial design. The urban-styled warehouse takes a spin on the old with a functional and trendy modern-city style. This type of interior décor is often an ecofriendly design incorporated with urban simplicity. The modern industrial look often takes smooth surfaces and lines and contrasts them with the coarseness of indusThe Eminence Aug Issue 11
Sentayehu Bekele
trial materials. It also uses functional space arranged into ways that are practical yet edgy, exposing architectural pieces like light cords and pipes. Leaving different elements exposed balances the simple and polished look with a stylish flare. There is also the use of vintage furniture and lots of light revealed through large windows and skylights. The interior design of Sishu is truly one of creativity and imagination. The inspiration behind the designs was drawn from movies, the Internet, art, and lots of other research. She says, “This day in age there are a lot of ways to get ideas.” When beginning the design process the initial thought was utilizing the cheapest and most accessible materials in Addis Ababa. In The Eminence Aug Issue 11
looking at Sishu, one can see that there are infinite possibilities when using cardboard, paper recyclable materials, and other things utilized for everyday use. Sishu takes these very simple ideas and materials and adds a spin of originality and vision. The real hidden surprises in Sishu surface when taking a closer look. Above the dining tables are lamps made of water containers covered with metallic spray paint. Sturdy tables and a wall divider that stretches from the floor to ceiling appear to be made of wood planks, yet they are instead made of interlocking pieces of cardboard. One of the hangout waiting areas inside Sishu resembles an old-school library. It has the look of a vintage living room from the 1950’s with a classic radio, dated furniture, and an antiquated vibe. The sink inside the restrooms are made from a metal sheet that was wrapped around and welted into a washtub. Different collage arrangements can be found throughout Sishu like clippings from the New York Times that are plastered on the bathroom stalls or the Amharic and English headlines pasted on the dining seats. This process alone took three to four months. The fixtures and decor of Sishu were made in-house to ensure quality. Before opening the restaurant, Matthew and Sishu spent the first year in each location renovating the space. The process took much longer because the designs were researched, thought up, and executed in-house by the two owners. Sishu says, “Quality takes time, but it is paying off.” The furniture inside Sishu is entirely from Addis Ababa. Sishu explains that six years ago many people would sell old furniture that they didn’t want and that she also used a lot of her mother’s old furniture when decorating the space. There are other random pieces displayed in Sishu that one may find eccentric like chairs covered in masking tape, and pipes around the walls. Sishu doesn’t aim to attract just foreigners, but locals. She wants to build awareness around such businesses and have people who have never had the opportunity to travel see what types of ideas can exist. “Ideas are all over the place, it’s just that someone has to go ahead and do it. If it is not there, people think that it’s impossible to do.” The design of Sishu really exemplifies that anything can be done if you think creatively and execute thoughtfully
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Legal Corner
Know Your Rights F o r e i g n e r s i n R e l a t i o n t o t h e O w n e r s h i p o f M o va b l e a n d Immovable Properties Under Ethiopian Law
The right to property is one of the fundamental rights of persons recognized in Constitutions and the domestic laws of States. The property rights of citizens are usually pronounced in Constitutions while the detailed rights and duties of the right holders, the scope of these rights as well as the applicability of these rights to foreigners are prescribed in more detail under other laws. In this regard, the scope and content of property rights differs from country to country as a result of various considerations including the influence of the economic policy a State follows and the societal value that is attached to properties. The Constitution of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia (Hereinafter FDRE or Ethiopia) recognizes the right to ownership of private property by Ethiopian citizens. The specifics are provided in the Civil Code of 1960. The overall rights and duties of foreigners, including their property rights, is also more generally dealt with under Title II (Capacity of Persons), Chapter 5 (Foreigners) of the Civil Code. Property Rights under Ethiopian Law In order to understand the rights and duties of foreigners with respect to movable and immovable property, it is good to look into the property rights that are granted under the laws of Ethiopia. The various property rights 36
recognized in the laws of Ethiopia include the right of ownership, joint ownership, possession, usufruct and other property rights. The above being the rights a person could exercise over a property, different theories also exist as to how a person could acquire these rights and from where the rights originally came. These theories include the labour theory, the occupation theory and Marxist theory of private property. With respect to foreigners, Article 389 of the Civil Code lays down the principle that all foreigners are fully assimilated with Ethiopian nationals in regards to enjoyment and exercise of civil rights. The Article further defines ‘civil rights’ as all rights which does not imply any participation in the government or administration of the country. Therefore, subject to the expressed restrictions that exist in domestic laws, the exercise of property rights that are provided for under the Civil Code and other relevant legislations are equally applicable to foreigners. This being the principle, Article 390 of the Civil Code has put a restriction regarding the ownership of immovable property by foreigners. The law required an imperial order, the permission of the Emperor, without which a foreigner cannot own an immovable property situate in Ethiopia. In the event that a foreigner, without getting approval, is
found to own an immovable property in good faith, he will be required by the competent authority to sell such immovable property to an Ethiopian. Furthermore, the Civil Code defines immovable property as constituting lands and buildings. Many legal and political changes have come about since the time the Civil Code was promulgated. The primary one is the FDRE Constitution, which establishes a Federal form of Government and a different Government structure. As per the Constitution, the right to ownership of rural and urban land is exclusively vested in the State and in the peoples of Ethiopia. The Constitution expressly states that land is a common property of the Nations, Nationalities and Peoples of Ethiopia and shall not be subject to sale or to other means of exchange. Accordingly, the property right that can be exercised currently over land, which is the prominent immovable property, is limited to the right of use. However, this limitation does not extend to the remaining parts of the immovable property other than the land. The understanding of the provisions of the Civil Code in light of the current Constitution points to two restrictions on the exercise of immovable property rights by foreigners. First, the prior approval through an imperial order subsists to own an immovable property The Eminence Aug Issue 11
Samuel Berhanu is a law graduate from Adama Science and Technology University. He is currently working as a legal officer at the International Legal Affairs Directorate General of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The writer can be reached at samusufruct@gmail.com.
in general and secondly, even after the approval is acquired, the maximum right that can be exercised over a land, which is one of the immovables, is a right of use to be obtained through a lease agreement. This being the prescription of the law, a question arises as to who is currently mandated to give the approval to foreigners to own immovable property? By the time the Civil Code was enacted, Ethiopia was an Empire under the leadership of H.I.M Emperor Haileselassie. The Emperor was vested with legislative, executive and certain judicial powers. Accordingly, the Emperor was the one who gave the said permission, more likely in his capacity as the chief executive. Under the current constitutional framework, the Prime Minister, as the chief executive of the Ethiopian Government, is the person empowered to approve requests by foreigners to ‘own’ an immovable property. Certain exceptions exist with regard to the restriction on foreigners to own immovable property. One such exception is the case of investors who are given the right to own a dwelling house and other immovable property required for their investment. Another exception relates to the right granted to foreign nationals of Ethiopian origin who are excluded from the application of the Civil Code provisions prohibiting The Eminence Aug Issue 11
foreigners from owning immovable property. Apart from an immovable property, foreigners are also free to own or possess a movable property. A movable property, or corporeal chattel, is defined as a thing, which has a material existence and can move itself or be moved by man without losing its individual character. The exercise of property rights by foreigners, particularly with respect to immovable property, should be seen together with their resident status. Pursuant to the relevant immigration laws of Ethiopia , foreigners may be granted either a temporary or permanent resident status. Even though there exists no direct link between the resident status of a person and the property right that he could enjoyed, a person having a permanent residence permit is more likely to get the approval to own an immovable. This is basically because a person who has a permanent residence permit is presumed to the intention to establish his domicile in Ethiopia. Foreigners are expected to observe the rules pertaining to property rights while acquiring, using and disposing of such rights. This is in fact the basic duty that all property right holders need to observe
Endnotes 1
Article 40 of the Constitution of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia; Article 40 of the Constitution of Kenya; 2 Article 43 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria; Article 26 of the Federal Constitution of the Swiss Confederation Book III of the Civil Code 3
Article 389 of the Civil Code of the Empire of Ethiopia, 1960 4 Article 391 of the Civil Code 5 Article 1130 of the Civil Code 6 Article 40 Sub Article 3 of the FDRE Constitution 7 Ibid. 8
The term ‘own’ is put in inverted commas to point to the fact that ownership in respect of immovable property does not extend to the land. 9 Article 24 of the Investment Proclamation No. 769/2012 10 Article 5 Sub Article 4 of the Proclamation to Provide Foreign Nationals of Ethiopian Origin with certain Rights to be exercised in their Country of Origin, Proclamation No. 270/2002. 11 Article 1127 of the Civil Code 12 Immigration Proclamation No. 354/2003; Immigration Council of Ministers Regulations No. 114/2004
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Yibeltal Alemu is a Human Resources Commentary Development Manager and Ex- G/ Manager of the Addis Ababa Hotel Owners Association, Yibeltal has been engaged in the hospitality sector for the last decade. He can be reached at ya_yibe@yahoo.com
Commentary
The Ins and Outs of Hotel Grading Hotel ratings are often used to classify hotels according to their quality and level of comfort. Though their initial purpose was to inform travelers what can be expected from basic facilities, it has now expanded to focusing on the holistic quality of the hotel experience. The terms used today to generally refer to the same concept of categorizing hotels include ‘grading’, ‘rating’, and ‘classification’, A wide variety of rating schemes are used by different organizations around the world. The most popular system involves star grading, where a greater number of stars indicate greater luxury. Forbes Travel Guide, formerly Mobil Travel Guide, launched its star rating system in 1958 and other companies like the AAA and their affiliated bodies use diamonds instead of stars to express hotel and restaurant rating levels. Food services, entertainment, outdoor views, room variations such as size and additional amenities, spas and fitness centers, ease of access and location may be considered in establishing a standard. Hotels are independently assessed in traditional systems and rest heavily on the facilities provided. Some consider this disadvantageous to smaller hotels whose quality of accommodation could fall into one class, but the lack of an item such as an elevator would prevent it from reaching a higher categorization. In recent years hotel rating systems have also been criticized by some who argue that the rating criteria for such systems are overly complex and difficult for laypersons to understand. It has been suggested that the lack of a unified global system for rating hotels may 38
also undermine the usability of such schemes. Actually, up until recently, the hotel rating system in Ethiopia was selfappointed by the hotel owner. However, in collaboration with the UNWTO, the star rating is taking a formal step finally. Established hotels in Addis Ababa are worried about the upcoming hotel star-rating program, which has been in formulation for the past couple of months. They fear a possible downgrading from their previous selfassigned ratings and status of their hospitality services. Experts of the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), an organization that is hired to assist the Ministry of Culture and Tourism (MoCT) to formulate the ratings of 400 hotels in Ethiopia, call it the EthioStar program. To be completed around October 2015, the program will assign internationally accepted star-ratings to all hotels, the ministry said. The program made headway in the rating process by starting physical assessment of the hotel facilities in the capital this past April. The hotel star rating system began with the evaluation of the Sheraton Addis, the Hilton and the Radisson Blue Hotels in Addis Ababa. The World Tourism Organization (WTO) is collaborating in coming up with the ratings of the 400 high-standard hotels operating in the country. Of those hotels to be ranked, it was learned that half are in Addis Ababa. Each hotel would be evaluated based on 12 criteria, including building design, cleanliness, and the educational level of employees, according to Tadelech Dalcho, the state minister for Culture and Tourism.
The program made headway in the rating process in April when it started physically assessing hotel facilities in the capital. Some 40 hotels out of the total 132 which are expected to undergo the rating program in the capital have already been assessed, according to Amin Abdulkadir, Minister of Culture and Tourism. At the three-day workshop at Tommy International Hotel in Bishoftu, he also noted that the facilities will be compelled to undergo the same rigorous assessment programs every three years to keep their assigned star-rating. On the other hand, the official star-rating program will also be incorporated into the country’s compulsory standard system that is observed by the Ethiopian Standards Agency. James Macgregor, team leader of the hotel star-rating program in Ethiopia, told The Reporter that he was surprised to see how hotel owners/general managers in Addis Ababa were terrified when the team of assessors made work visits to their facility. Macgregor said that out of the 40 hotels, some five or six were found to be too below standard to even be in the star-rating program. Most of these hotels failed to fulfill basic safety, hygienic and sanitary standards, so they will not be receiving any star-rating this time around. But 35 out of 40 are not that bad. When the ratings of hotels in Addis Ababa are completed, hotels in the regional states of Oromia, Amhara, Tigray and Southern Nations, Nationalities and Peoples will be next, it was indicated. The rating of hotels guarantee tourists and other customers of the standard and quality of service, said Addis Ababa Hotel Owners Association (AHA) Deputy President Zenawi Mesfin. The hotels will The Eminence Aug Issue 11
Hotel Grading 5-Star Rating: A luxurious hotel, offering the highest degree of personal service. Elegance and style abound, and rooms are equipped with quality linens, entertainment system, cable TV, stereo, jacuzzi tub and in-room video. There are multiple restaurants on site with extensive, gourmet menus, and room service is also available 24-7. A fitness center, valet parking and concierge service round out the experience.
4-Star Rating: Formal, large hotels, with topnotch service. There will usually be other hotels of the same caliber clustered nearby, as well as shopping, dining and entertainment. Above-average service, beautifully furnished rooms, restaurants, room service, valet parking, fitness center and a concierge are some amenities to expect.
3-Star Rating: Usually located near a major expressway, business center and/or shopping area, these hotels offer nice, spacious rooms and decorative lobbies. On-site restaurants may be average in size but will offer breakfast, lunch and dinner. Valet and room service, a small fitness center and a pool are often available.
2-Star Rating: These hotels are generally part of a chain that offers consistent quality and limited amenities. They are small or medium in size and rooms will have a phone and TV. While you will not have the convenience of room service, there should be a small restaurant on site.
1-Star Rating: Expect a small hotel managed and operated by the owner. The atmosphere will be more personal and the accommodations basic. Restaurant service should be within walking distance, as well as nearby public transportation, major intersections and entertainment that is reasonable in price. The Eminence Aug Issue 11
get stars based on the criteria prepared by the WTO and approved by Ethiopian Standards Agency. Following the agreement signed between UNWTO and the MoCT, the starrating program came into effect this year with certain guidelines and requirements in place. Tadesse Endayelalu, director of the tourism services licensing directorate at MoCT, said that there are some 12 major criteria hotels would be measured against. Fire and safety, sanitation and hygiene, exterior and interior design and decoration of the hotel, kitchen, bedroom, bathroom, room service and housekeeping along with employees certified skills are some of the requirements which make up hotels for assessments. Hotels are also required to produce compliance certificates in various areas like safety and security to be considered in the rating program. Officials of agencies that give these pre-star-rating certificates, however, believe that hotels are reluctant to go through screening process to obtain the compliance certificates. The Addis Ababa Fire and Emergency Prevention and Rescue Agency, the Addis Ababa Food, Medicine, Healthcare Administration and Control Authority, The Health Bureau of Addis Ababa, the Addis Ababa Occupational Compliancy Assessment and Certification Center were all vocal about this resistance to be screened by hotels in the capital. Hence, some hotels were nervous about being assessed, complaining that the government has rushed into the task before they could work on making changes in the hotels. “It’s true that they
were terrified,” said the ministry. “But it has to be done. The money was made available by the World Bank. It’s what it is.” The star-rating program was expected to conclude its evaluation of 132 hotels in the capital this past May and disclosed the results. Hotels in regional states are also scheduled to be assessed between August and October. Macgregor, however, declined to disclose if the big three, Sheraton Addis, Hilton and Radisson Blu, actually collected higher star ratings or not. According to Tadesse, a five-star plus deluxe hotel has to earn more than 90 % scores. A five-star-rated hotel has to fall between 80 to 90 percentage scores. One star hotel is required to make marks between 30 to 49%. Those falling to make more than 30% in the total scores will be categorized as basic tourist service providing hospitality enterprises, a category out of the star-rating system. Hotel star ratings are systems that rank hotels according to quality. Star rating systems are intended to serve as guidelines for guests who are making hotel reservations. While star ratings can be helpful when booking hotels rooms, there is no standardized star rating system. In Europe, hotels are usually ranked on a scale from one to four stars, with four stars being the highest rating possible. In the United States, hotels are generally ranked on a scale from one to five stars, sometimes using half star increments. Even though star ratings can seem arbitrary, they can still be beneficial and can help to inform you about a hotel 39
Mandarin
一览在中国学习与生活的埃塞俄比亚学生 A Glimpse of Ethiopian Students in China By Hanna Haile Staff Writer Translated by Jiaqi Xie
自1964年中国领导人周恩来首次访 问埃塞俄比亚后，中国与埃塞的关系 逐步深化。愈加频繁地经济贸易往来 是两国之间敞开了文化交流的大门， 进一步奠定了两国友谊的桥梁。而近 期，两国在文化交流学习的进程中更 跨进了一步，更多的埃塞俄比亚学生 被交换到中国深造学习。中国政府也 在极力推动这一友好举措，提供奖学 金等优惠政策，促使更多的人才流动 于两国之间，更好地促进了两国文化 交流的进程。。 周恩来，中华人民共和国第一任总 理，1964年一月首次来访埃塞俄比 亚，开启了中国访问非洲的第一站。 40
此后，埃塞俄比亚和中国之间的联系 逐渐多样化，自1970年首次建立双方 外交关系以来，中国和埃塞俄比亚便 建立起紧密的友好互助关系，经过了 长期的基础建设阶段，在2003年签署 了全面合作伙伴关系后，双方更是建 立了深厚的中非友谊。双方在人力资 源问题上达成共识，两国表示，人力 资源的互换和交流能更好的促进双方 文化的交换和交流。而更多的埃塞俄 比亚人进入中国，从事商业，教育等 等行业。在过去的一年中，中国为埃 塞俄比亚留学生设立的奖学金数量更 是翻了一番，从40到80的飞跃，更提 供了44个研究生位置和300人以上的
短期培训机会。于此我们采访了两位 埃塞俄比亚留学生来分享他们在中国 学习和生活的故事。 “因为我拿到 了全额奖学金! ”当被问到为什么她 会选择在中国开始学习生活时艾达笑 着说。艾达于19岁顺利完成了高中的 学业，此后她得到了一个去中国留学 的名额，并获得了全额奖学金。她认 为这是一个机遇，一个远离家乡创造 自己新的生活的机会。艾达原本计划 在中国进修一年，然后继续去美国的 另一所大学完成学业。而现在看来她 已经在中国学习生活将近7年的时间 了，她放弃了去美国的想法，在中国 创造了自己的一片天地。艾达现年25 The Eminence Aug Issue 11
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岁，已从法学院毕业，现在任职一名 英语教师。 Nebyat Dubale今年28 岁，曾就读于北京科技大学国际贸易 专业，她也与我们分享了她在中国的 学习生活的经历。“我在中国呆了两 年。”Nebyat说。“在这里我感受到 不同的文化气息，这里有来自世界各 地的人们，欧洲，美洲，澳洲甚至非 洲的人们，在这里你可以感受到不同 的地域文化汇聚在一起。”“刚来到 这里时我很陌生，但落地出境时有很 多埃塞俄比亚的留学生来迎接我，这 让我感到十分亲切。”她回忆着：“ 在这两年的生活中我得到了来自中国 和埃塞学生的很多帮助，我参与更多 的活动让我自己更快的融入这里的生 活。”她笑着。“最让我难忘的是埃 塞俄比亚大使馆驻京办举办的活动， 这让我感觉像回家一样温暖。”在她 看来所有人对她的支持都是她奋斗的 原因，让她对未来充满了希望。 艾 达接着说，中国让她感到很震撼和温 暖，是因为在片安全的国度里让她感 觉很舒适，这里的政策对外国留学生 The Eminence Aug Issue 11
有着很多保护政策。而大学的学习经 历更是让像她一样的留学生积累了大 量的学习和生活经验，国外的生活让 留学生们更加懂得奋斗，自立和互相 帮助的重要性。每一天对她们来说都 是新鲜的，而每一天都有着新的挑 战，从未停止或懈怠。 随后，艾达 还告诉我们，她曾经也去过美国和其 他国家旅行和生活，但她发现中国是 最适合她的国家。没有一个地方像中 国一样让她感觉舒适和自由。在一开 始的生活中，语言成为了最大的问 题，他回忆起第一次在超市里买鸡， 因为不知道如何向售货员表达，她就 模仿鸡的叫声和动作，这种情况很常 见，为了更清楚地表达自己想要说的 东西，在一开始的时候多数时间需要 用到肢体语言。她意识到尽管当时的 课程都是英语教学，但日常生活的用 语更是重要的一部分，于是她慢慢学 起，逐渐让自己掌握中文。“现在我 学会了一些普通话，我甚至能在市场 里讨价还价了。”艾达自豪的说。通 过自己的努力和身边朋友的帮助，
艾达已经顺利从法学院毕业，掌握了 中文，这也让她更好地理解和适应当 地文化。在她7年的留学生活中她还 借着假期，访问了其他亚洲国家如泰 国、印度和菲律宾。这让她拥有了更 多的宝贵的经历。 Nebyat解释说她 要去中国留学的原因是因为这里的经 济飞速发展，这让她能学到更多的宝 贵知识让她在未来能更好的帮助自己 的国家。在中国的学习给她带来了丰 富的经验，在这段留学的过程中她愈 加自信，并勤于搜索，她发现很多事 情都是可以学习和借鉴的。她说：“ 在街上你可以随处看到零售的食物 和干净的摊位，他们现场烹饪这些食 材，卫生而且方便。这些如果可以在 埃塞俄比亚实现，将会给当地人们带 来多大的便利和财富。” Nebyat说 她完成学业后希望能够更好地促进埃 塞俄比亚和中国的关系，为此出一份 力。Nebyat现在还在北京教英语，但 很快她就会投入到埃塞俄比亚在中国 的公司中去。 41
Entertainment
The Eminence Pick of the Month Movie
Book
The Secret Place Minions
Minions Stuart, Kevin and Bob are recruited by Scarlet Overkill, a super-villain who, alongside her inventor husband Herb, hatches a plot to take over the world. Evolving from singlecelled yellow organisms at the dawn of time, Minions live to serve, but find themselves working for a continual series of unsuccessful masters, from T. Rex to Napoleon. Without a master to grovel for, the Minions fall into a deep depression. But one minion, Kevin, has a plan; accompanied by his pals Stuart and Bob, Kevin sets forth to find a new evil boss for his brethren to follow. Their search leads them to Scarlet Overkill, the world’s first-ever super-villainess. Directors: Kyle Balda, Pierre Coffin Writer: Brian Lynch Stars: Sandra Bullock, Jon Hamm, Michael Keaton Sequel: Despicable Me
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Much of the novel takes place at a girls’ boarding school in Dublin. The key characters are eight teenage girls, members of rival cliques. A teenage boy is murdered on the school’s grounds. The initial police investigation is inconclusive. Months later a student at the school, Holly Mackey, volunteers information to detective Stephen Moran. She has discovered a picture of the dead boy along with the statement “I know who killed him” posted on a school bulletin board. Author: Tana French Country: Ireland Language: English Series:Dublin Murder Squad Genre: Mystery Publisher: Viking Penguin Publication date: 2014 Media type: Print (hardcover) Pages: 452
The Eminence Aug Issue 11
Magic Eye Discover the 3D image within Unlike the way you normally see images by directly looking at the surface, aim your lines of sight in the middle, right before the image or aim your lines of sight in parallel direction beyond the picture. See answer on page 45
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Music
The singer and songwriter known as Betty G has released her anxiously awaited LP album, “Manew Fitsum.” The record comprises 13 original songs for an approximate total listening time of one hour, making for a comprehensive introduction to Betty G’s uniquely captivating repertoire. Classy, elegant, and warmly upbeat in both her singing and songwriting, “Manew Fitsum” by Betty G is the most exciting album from the African continent in 2015 so far.
The Eminence Aug Issue 11
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Betty G “Manew Fitsum”
SUDOKU
Place the digits 1-9 exactly once in each horizontal row, each vertical column and each sub grid region. See answer on page 45
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Classified Best Halls in Addis Ababa Economic Commission for Africa (ECA) Available Rooms: 12 Accommodates: From 30 - 500 People African Union (AU) Available Rooms: 40 Accommodates: From 35 -2, 500 People Sheraton Addis Hotel Available Rooms: 9 Accommodates: From 40 -450 People Hilton Addis Ababa Available Rooms: 8 Accommodates: From 20 -650 People Radission Blu Addis Ababa Available Rooms: 2 Accommodates: From 12 -120 People
Hangout Spots! Edna Mall/ Bob and Bongos Things to do: Watch box office movies, Skating, basket ball, cafés, 7D movies Lafto Mall Things to do: Read your favorite books & enjoy hot drinks
“Please let it be noted neither the editorial team nor the company is liable for any errors or mistakes on the sources of information. The list is in no specific order”. Yaya Village Location: Sululeta Things to do: Restaurant & bar, Horse Riding, Rooms & High Attitude training Liesake Resort and Spa Location: Bishoftu (Debrezeit) Things to do: Restuarants, Rooms, Spa Avanti Blue Nile Hotel Location: Bahir Dar Things to do: Bar and Restaurant, Rooms with overall city view, massage
What to see in Addis Ababa? Ethiopian Korean War Veterans Association Location: Afincho Ber The largest open market in Africa Location: Merkato The gold jewelry market Location: Piassa Holy Trinity Cathedral Location: 4 Kilo National Museum Location: 5 Kilo Ethnological Museum Location: 6 Kilo
Balageru Coffee Things to do: Read your favorite books & enjoy hot drinks
Park (Anebesa Gebi) Location: 6 Kilo
Bilos Café Things to do: Some of the best pastries in town
Ethiopian traditional clothes and jewelry market Location: Shiro Meda
Yogurt Inn Things to do: Free Wi-fi while enjoying tasty flavored yogurts
Panoramic view of Addis from Entoto Location: Entoto
Bora Amusement Park Things to do: Merry-go-round, 8D movies, Swings, Slides Ghion Hotel Things to do: Go - carts, swimming, Merry -goround
Places for Retreat
Kurifitu Resort & Spa Location: Bishoftu (Debrezeit) Things to do: Restaurant & Bar, Swimming, Kayaking, Spa, Rooms Kurifitu Resort & Spa Location: Bahir Dar Things to do: Restaurants, Rooms with Lake Tana View, Fireplace, Swimming, Spa Adulala Resort Location: Bishoftu (Debrezeit) Things to do: Restaurants & bar, Spa & Gym, Bungalows, Horse riding, fishing at Babo Gaya Lake & much more African Vacation Club Location: Langanoo Things to do: Restaurant & bar, Swimming, Kayaking, Spa, Rooms, Horse ridding, Game Zone and Different Beach Games
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Immerse yourself in Ethiopian Music and Dance Yod Abyssinia Location: Bole & Sar Bet Time: from 7:00 PM- Mid night 2000 Habesha Location: Bole Time: from 7:00 PM- Mid night
Night Life in Addis Gaslight Night Club Location: Sheraton Addis Club Illusion Location: Next to Ambassador Theater Black Rose Location: On Boston Building Champion Bar Location: On Boston Building Liquid Lounge Location: Next to Intercontinental Addis Hotel
Club H2O Location: On Yolly Building, “Chichiniya” Suba Lounge Location: Wollo Sefer on Ethio-China road Gravity Lounge Location: Next to Bole Medihanialem Church Fendika Club Location: Kasanchis
Your Home Away from Home for Your Extended Stay
Beer Garden Inn (Guest House) Total Rooms: 21 Location: Bole Medhanialem Road near Edna mall GT Guest House (Guest House) Total Rooms: 13 Location: Kirkos kifle ketema, 200m in from Dashen Bank on Sierra Leone Street Yeka Guest House (Guest House) Total Rooms: 14 Location: British Embassy across the street from the Bio-Diversity Institute Tizeze Hotel (Guest House) Total Rooms: 32 Location: In front of Bole Cargo near Amin General Hospital Addis Guest House (Guest House) Total Rooms: 12 Location: Bole road 5 minutes from Bole International Airport
Beautiful Scenic and Wildlife in Ethiopia
Simien Mountains National Park Location: Semien Gondar Zone of the Amhara Region Some of the animals that can be found: Gelada baboon, Simien fox & Walia Ibex Nechisar National Park Location: SNNPR Some of the animals that can be found: Burchell’s Zebra, Grant’s gazelle, Guenther’s Dik-dik, Anubis Baboon & Grey Duiker. Awash National Park Location: Southern part of Afar Region and northeastern of Oromia Region Some of the animals that can be found: Beisa oryx, Hamadryas Swaync’s Hartebeet Omo National Park Location: SNNPR Some of the animals that can be found: Burchell’s Zebra, Gerenuk & Kudu Mago National Park Location: SNNPR Some of the animals that can be found: buffalo, cheetah, elephant, giraffe, hartebeest, leopard, lion and zebra
The Eminence Aug Issue 11
Bale Mountains National Park Location: Oromia Region Some of the animals that can be found: Topi, Lelwel Hartebeest, Bustards, Hornbills, Weavers & Starlings Gambella National Park Location: Gambella Region Some of the animals that can be found: Nile Lechwe,White-Eared Kob, Roan Antelope, and Whale-headed Stork Abijatta-Shalla Lakes National Park Location: Oromia Region Some of the animals that can be found: Great White Pelicans and Flamingo Yangudi Rassa National Park Location: Afar Region Some of the animals that can be found: Beisa Oryx, Dorcas gazelle, gerenuk and Gravy’s zebra
International Cuisines in Addis Al Mendi Location: Meskel Flower Specialty: Arabian Restaurants Bombay Brasserie Location: Near Meridian Hotel Specialty: Indian Restaurants Caribo Resturants Location: Sar Bet Specialty: Caribbean and African cuisine Castelli Location: Piassa Specialty: Italian Restaurant Chez Fasil Restaurant and Bar Location: Meskel Flower Specialty: Specialized in Nouvelle & Fusion Cuisine Gati-Thai Restaurant Location: Rwanda Embassy Specialty: Genuine Thai Cuisine German Restaurant Location: Near Japan Embassy Specialty: German food and beer
Police Stations Police Information Federal Police Commission AA Police Commission
991 916 011 157 21 21
Fire Brigade 1st Station Menilik II square 2nd station Addisu Kera 3rd station Mekanisa 4th station Nifas Silk 5th station Akaki 6th station Megenagna 7th station Bole
011 156 70 40 011 466 34 20 011 276 91 46 011 442 55 63 011 434 00 96 011 663 03 73 011 664 85 80
Phone Service Toll Free Information Service Federal Police Commission National Operator Fault Report Dial Up Internet Pre Paid Mobile Service/Bill Inquiry/Lost Mobile Registration/ Number Change Information Broad Band Customer Service PSTN Service Voice Mail Courier Service DHL EMS(Ethiopia) Federal Express TNT Skypok UPS Trans Express Ethiopia UN United Nations Development Program United Nations Children Education Fund United Nations Economic Commission for Africa Banks Abay Bank Addis International Bank Awash International Bank Bank of Abyssina Berhan International Bank Buna International Bank Commercial Bank of Ethiopia (CBE) Construction and Business Bank Cooperative Bank of Oromia Dashen Bank Debub Global Bank Development Bank of Ethiopia Enat Bank Lion International Bank Nib International Bank Oromia International Bank United Bank Wegagen Bank Zemen Bank
997 916 998 994 900 994 980 980 908 011 662 16 00 011 515 20 72 011 618 63 83 011 551 41 54 011 662 13 09 011 551 41 54 011 663 35 82 011 518 40 00 011 551 72 00
011 552 88 51 011 557 0502 011 557 00 00 011 551 41 30 011 618 57 32 011 158 08 67 011 122 87 55 011 551 23 00 011 552 27 59 011 467 18 03 011 467 40 87 011 551 11 88 011 550 49 48 011 662 60 00 011 550 32 88 011 557 21 13 011 465 52 22 011 552 38 00 011 550 11 11
Answer for The Magic Eye
Airlines British Midland (BMI) Egypt Air Ethiopian Airlines Emirates Kenya Airways K.L.M Royal Dutch Lufthansa Saudi Airline Yemen Airways
011 665 04 94 011 156 44 93 011 665 66 66 011 518 18 18 011 551 42 58 011 552 55 41 011 551 56 66 011 663 81 37 011 551 50 76
Hospitals Private Addis Cardiac Hospital Addis Hiwot Hospital Bete Zata Hospital Landmark Hospital Hayat Hospital Kadisco Hospital Public Black Lion (Tikur Anbessa) Hospital
011 663 47 20 011 618 04 49 011 551 41 41 011 552 62 29 011 662 44 88 011 629 89 04
Library Academy of Ethiopian Languages Addis Ababa Municipality Library Alliance Ethio-Française British Council Economic Commission for Africa library German Cultural Institute Italian Cultural Institute J.F Kennedy (A.A.U) National Libraries & Archives
011 551 59 26 011 155 01 11 011 155 02 13 011 155 00 22 011 551 72 00 011 155 28 88 011 111 34 27 011 111 04 33 011 551 62 47
Art Gallery Asni Gallery Ersas Art Studio Goshu Art Gallery Gigi’s Afro Asian Design& Fine Interiors Makush Gallery
011 123 32 44 0913 66 02 30 011 661 03 97 0912 20 43 37 011 552 68 48
Tour and Travel Eminence Social Entrepreneurs Koreb Tour Operators Kibran Tours Plc Rainbow Car Rental and Tour Services
011 823 71 82 011 662 3179 011 662 62 14 011 371 79 40
Online Classifieds 2 Merkato Latest Ethiopian Tenders and Bids BUY AND SELL (Ethiopia) Gulit online market Mekina online car market Kaymu What’s Happening in Addis Ababa? Pharmacy Abader Pharmacy Bata Pharmacy Ethio German Pharmacy
S u d o ku
011 551 12 11
www.facebook.com www.facebook.com www.facebook.com www.2merkato. com/tenders www.gulit.com www.mekina.net 011 662 43 97 011 655 21 34 0911 20 94 88
S o l u t i o n
Kuriftu Diplomat Restaurant Location: On Boston Building Specialty: “The ultimate global cuisine”
Tomoca Coffee Abissiynia Coffee Alem Bunna
The Eminence Aug Issue 11
magiceye.com
Some of the Best Coffee Houses
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Rainbow Korean Restaurant Location: Near Japan Embassy Specialty: Korean Restaurant
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The Eminence Aug Issue 11
The Eminence Aug Issue 11
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Phone : +251 115 158278 / 507074 Fax : +251 115 151338 / 504948 P.O.Box: 18401, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia Address: Kirkos sub-city, woreda 8, in front of Yordanos Hotel. Email: info@enatbanksc.com SWIFT Code: ENATETAA 48
The Eminence Aug Issue 11