Addis Ababa’s Iconic Taxis Face Retirement The faded blue and white car ambled down Churchill Avenue, its engine emitting a basso rumble. Abebe Sheleme glanced in the rearview mirror, checking on his passengers squeezed into the backseat amongst their sacks of vegetables. After 25 years behind the wheel of this Lada, every bump and grind […]
The Slow Fade of the Lada Read More »
Ethiopia’s beverage industry faces rising costs from increased taxation and unpredictable policies. Industry representatives outlined difficulties during a panel, including disrupted expansion plans from sudden tax hikes. Frequent policy changes make planning difficult for new and large companies. Tax compliance is already high but additional costs burden producers. Foreign exchange shortages also inhibit imports. While
Tax Tsunami Threatens Beverage Industry’s Bottom Lines Read More »
Property owners in Addis Ababa traditionally relied on modest rental incomes from small units as their sole livelihood. Annual property taxes previously represented a manageable portion. However, abrupt changes this year resulted in tax bills three times higher with no warning. Owners had budgeted based on prior tax levels assuming no changes, not realizing bills
Burgeoning Tax Burden Strains Residents, Businesses Read More »
Rapid rent hikes threaten viability of small shops across Addis Ababa By Yared Seyoum Beyenech Getahun was working behind the counter of her small store located in the Sheger Grandmall shopping complex in Addis Gebeya. Business had been slow that morning as customers were few and far between. She stared blankly at the shelves stocked
Ethiopia has undertaken a major reform by shifting to a flexible exchange rate system and liberalizing its foreign exchange regime for the first time. On the first day, commercial banks drove the value of the birr down by 30% against the dollar, and volatility continued in subsequent weeks as traders tested the new floated system.
Where will the free Birr flow? Read More »
For decades, Ethiopia maintained a rigidly pegged exchange rate, tethering its currency, the birr, tightly to the dollar. While providing exchange-rate stability, this policy of artificially overvaluing the birr discouraged exports and encouraged imports. The birr’s overvaluation made Ethiopian exports more expensive abroad while making foreign goods cheaper at home. International financial institutions like the
The ongoing Addis Ababa Corridor Development Project has significantly changed the face of Ethiopia’s capital over a short period. New streetlights, refurbished buildings, and expanded road networks are visually transforming Addis Ababa. Supporters rightly praise these tangible upgrades and the extensive collaboration achieving speedy progress. The project involves extensive construction work across the city, from
City Glows but Questions Linger Read More »
Startup targets inefficiencies preventing many artists from thriving Creative Portal is an online platform launched in Ethiopia to connect creatives with work opportunities in film, television, photography and other media industries. Founded by Anteneh Girma and based on challenges he witnessed as a photographer, it aims to streamline talent sourcing and give creatives better access
Can this Platform become the “LinkedIn for Creatives” in Ethiopia? Read More »
Ethiopia’s construction sector faces many challenges that have hampered its growth potential. Issues like corruption and bureaucratic delays in project approvals increase costs for contractors. Security problems in conflict-affected areas also deter investment. Import reliance leaves the industry vulnerable to global price volatility. Meanwhile, long payment delays from the government and restrictive regulations that favor
A Deeper Dive Into the Problems Confronting Builders in Ethiopia Read More »
Experts warn Ethiopia risks damaging diaspora ties with controversial asset recovery expansion Ethiopia’s large diaspora community of millions worldwide provides billions in remittances annually but investment lags due to challenges. Diaspora retain strong ties and most want to contribute through jobs and opportunities in Ethiopia. However, political instability, bureaucratic hurdles, limited rural development, and inadequate
Can Ethiopia Draw its Diaspora Back into Investment? Read More »
