Ethiopian Business Review | EBR

New Edition: EBR Volume 135! 📈 A Taxing Time: Discover how Ethiopia's Ministry of Revenue balances aggressive tax pursuits with citizens' concerns amid a widening budget deficit. 💸 Cloying Birr Impact: Learn about the Floating Ethiopian birr's effects on remittance flows and family economies. 🏢 State-Owned Enterprises: Explore the transformation of Ethiopia's state-owned enterprises and its future implications. 🌟 Visit Oromia : Meet Commissioner Lelise Duga in an exclusive interview on regional initiatives. 🎤 Art and Life: Enjoy an exclusive chat with Dawit Tsige, the man with the golden voice. ⚽️ Sports Page: Honor the legacy of Asrat Haile, Ethiopia's football legend. 📖 Now available at leading stores! 📞 Call +251 96 141 4141 for more info.

Experts Say Trump's Tariff Warning Will Likely Have Minimal Impact on Ethiopia In January, Ethiopia officially joined the BRICS group of emerging economies, which includes Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa. This development has sparked optimism, as it promises new opportunities for economic growth, stronger international partnerships, and a more prominent voice on the world stage. Read more: https://lnkd.in/efPACDG9

SantimPay Completes 44 Million Transactions Valued at ETB 16 Billion in Annual Report SantimPay Financial Solution held its 2nd annual ordinary general meeting of shareholders, where it reported processing over 44 million online transactions valued at ETB 16 billion, with a total merchant transaction volume of ETB 20,040. Read more: https://lnkd.in/eB9YPpgX

Africa's Electric Vehicle Revolution Top 10 African Nations Pioneering Electric Vehicle Adoption Government policies are crucial in driving the growth of electric vehicles in Africa. Ethiopia, for instance, is emerging as a critical player in the continent’s electric vehicle landscape, with an estimated 5,000 to 7,000 electric vehicles on the roads. This growth is largely driven by favourable government policies that promote sustainable transport and attract investment. Ethiopia’s abundant renewable energy resources, mainly hydroelectric power, further support its commitment to electric mobility. Read more: https://lnkd.in/e29c2JzN

Powering Ethiopia's Future Balancing Growth with Equity Ethiopia’s recent announcement of a 10% quarterly electricity tariff adjustment is a significant step towards ensuring the sustainability of its power sector. This move, aimed at bridging the revenue gap and funding expansion projects, has the potential to bring about positive changes. However, it’s crucial to address the potential negative impacts on low-income citizens and small businesses to ensure a balanced outcome. Read more: https://lnkd.in/egBvupiJ

Ethiopia's Electric Shock A Balancing Act? Ethiopia’s recent policy to increase electricity tariffs, while essential for long-term energy sustainability, might become a double-edged sword. While the reform aims to attract investment and improve infrastructure, it also threatens to exacerbate economic hardships for many low-income households and businesses. However, it’s important to note that these reforms also hold the potential to significantly improve the country’s energy sector, paving the way for a more sustainable and efficient future. A careful navigation of this delicate balancing act is urgent, as the benefits of increased tariffs to improve investment needs to outweigh the opportunity costs to consumers. EBR’s Munir Shemsu navigates the intricate issue and offers this report, urging stakeholders to understand and support these crucial reforms. Read more: https://lnkd.in/e3Su6TeF

Transparency, Accountability The Missing Pieces in Addis Ababa’s Urban Transformation In February 2024, Addis Ababa embarked on an ambitious urban transformation: the Corridor Development Project. With a staggering budget of 43 billion Birr, this initiative was intended to reshape Ethiopia’s capital, creating a dynamic, modern metropolis that would appeal to residents and tourists. The project aims to redesign the cityscape with new roads, pedestrian walkways, bike lanes, and green spaces, all part of a broader vision for a socially and economically thriving urban environment. Read more: https://lnkd.in/gusYvxTF

Freelancing Has Changed the Labour Market Since the COVID-19 pandemic, there has been a visible shift in how work is done globally. Indeed, the definition and form of work have changed over the years, even before. Across the world, many people have chosen to work from home. They prefer to freelance to avoid long commute times and offer themselves the flexibility freelancing offers. Freelancing and remote working have benefited many people in terms of financial gain and maintaining social responsibilities. The flexible hours have also made this route intriguing for employees. The rise of freelancing as a viable career path, particularly among young people, is a global phenomenon. Many consider it as an opportunity that can empower individuals to build their careers on their terms. Some companies also see the advantages of hiring freelancers because of cost-effectiveness, flexibility, and access to diverse talent. While freelancing offers many benefits, it may only be suitable for some, as it requires self-discipline, adaptability, and a willingness to take risks, reports EBR’s Dr. Brook Genene. Read more: https://lnkd.in/eCp3r2NV

The Rise of AI Models, the Impact on Advertising In the heart of Addis Ababa, a digital revolution is underway. AI-generated images rapidly replace human models in Ethiopian advertising, offering cost-effective solutions and unlimited creative potential. This transformation is not just a trend but a significant shift reshaping how brands communicate. However, it raises a profound question: What does the future hold for the human faces that were once the industry’s hallmark? EBR’s Mintesinot Nigussie delves into the thoughts of models and advertisers on the rise of AI, the challenges it poses to their craft, and the uncertain road ahead as creativity and employment intersect in this rapidly evolving landscape. Read more: https://lnkd.in/e-JNfa-h

Ethiopia’s Youth Football Academy Works to Break Barriers, Seeks International Recognition Despite boasting a majority youth population passionate about football, Ethiopia is yet to reach the heights the fans demand. Recent results of the national team are once again a reminder of how far behind the country is in its football development. One of the biggest challenges for football in Ethiopia is nurturing young talent. There needs to be more modern academies to develop youth and equip them for life as an international player. EBR’s Dr. Brook Genene looks at the challenges of youth football in Ethiopia and one academy trying to change the trend. Read more: https://lnkd.in/edYhRaBD