staff writer

Ethiopia’s MSMEs Strained by Input Costs and Financing Woes By Yared Seyoum Abraham Tewedaj sighed as he surveyed his small poultry farm at Ferensay Legasion, Addis Ababa. When he had started this business three years ago with a microloan, there was optimism for expansion. But now, with limited space and no access to more financing,

By Yared Seyoum The introduction of Islamic banking services in Ethiopia can be traced back over a decade, beginning as a solution to the financial needs of the country’s sizable Muslim population. As early as 2007, community delegates raised the issue with government officials, requesting permission to establish interest-free options conforming to Shariah principles. A

By Yared Seyoum Blind Pedestrians Face Threat on Addis Ababa’s Roads Hailemariam Tsegaye sighed heavily as he woke up for another day. The 37-year-old was born blind, and navigating the busy streets of Addis Ababa on his own was a daily struggle. Without a cane or guide, it was difficult to cross roads or know

By Yared Seyoum How Affordable EVs Took Off in an Unlikely Market It was a hot, dusty day in Addis Ababa as Senay Berihun made his way through the crowded streets. As a lifelong commuter, he was used to the smells and sounds of combustion engines. Lately, he had heard rumors of changes coming –

By Yared Seyoum As negotiations draw to a close on launching the highly anticipated African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), doubts are mounting in Ethiopia over whether this grand vision of regional economic unity will become reality or remain a dream. While authorities talk optimistically of positioning the nation as East Africa’s gateway to a